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Volume 78, No. 185B ©SS 2020 CONTINGENCY EDITION SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 2020 stripes.com Free to Deployed Areas

IRAQ Rockets fall near US troops

Civilian injuries reported; security tightened after killing of Iranian general

BY CHAD GARLAND Stars and Stripes IRBIL, Iraq — Several rockets struck areas in Baghdad and an air base used by American troops Saturday, the Iraqi government said. Five civilians were reported injured in the capital’s Jadriya neighborhood. No casualties were reported at two other impact sites, Grand Celebrations Square in the Green Zone, and Balad Air Base, about 55 miles north of Baghdad. The attacks came hours after the U.S.- led coalition in Iraq bolstered security at bases and suspended training with gov- ernment security forces in the wake of a deadly strike that killed Iran’s Gen. Qas- sem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leaders, a military official said. “Our command places protection of U.S. forces, as well as our allies and se- curity partners in the coalition as the top priority,” a coalition military official said on condition of anonymity. “We re- main vigilant and resolute.” ALEX BRANDON/AP SEE ROCKETS ON PAGE 7 An Army carry team moves a transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Goble, at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Dec. 25. Goble was the last of 22 U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan in 2019. RELATED How Trump decided to kill an Iranian general Page 6 Iranian cyberattacks Profiles of the 22 US service members killed in Afghanistan in 2019 feared after killing Pages 3-5 of Soleimani Page 7 PAGE 2 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, January 5, 2020 BUSINESS/WEATHER EXCHANGE RATES Stocks fall, oil prices surge after strike on general Military rates Switzerland (Franc)...... 0.9713 Euro costs (Jan. 6) ...... $1.1425 Thailand (Baht) ...... 30.15 Dollar buys (Jan. 6) ...... €0.8753 Turkey (Lira) ...... 5.9771 Associated Press sending their yields lower. The the killing of the senior military British pound (Jan. 6) ...... $1.36 (Military exchange rates are those Japanese yen (Jan. 6) ...... 107.00 available to customers at military banking price of gold rose. leader. South Korean won (Jan. 6) ...... 1,130.00 Stocks fell broadly on Wall Commercial rates facilities in the country of issuance for Japan, South Korea, Germany, the Technology, financial and The S&P 500 dropped 23 Bahrain (Dinar) ...... 0.3770 Street and oil prices surged Fri- Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For British pound ...... $1.3080 health care stocks accounted for points, or 0.7%, to 3,234.85. The nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., day after a U.S. strike killed a top Canada (Dollar) ...... 1.2989 much of the selling. index ended with a 0.2% loss for purchasing British pounds in Germany), Iranian general in Iraq, raising China (Yuan) ...... 6.9662 check with your local military banking Companies that rely on con- the week. Denmark (Krone) ...... 6.6929 tensions in the Middle East. facility. Commercial rates are interbank Egypt (Pound) ...... 16.0403 sumer spending also fell, along The Dow Jones Industrial Av- rates provided for reference when buying The selling, which lost some Euro ...... $1.1166/0.8956 momentum toward the end of the with airlines. Several energy erage fell 233.92 points, or 0.8%, Hong Kong (Dollar) ...... 7.7780 currency. All figures are foreign currencies stocks got a boost from higher oil to 28,634.88. The index briefly Hungary (Forint) ...... 295.73 to one dollar, except for the British pound, day, ended a five-week winning Israel (Shekel) ...... 3.4757 which is represented in dollars-to-pound, streak for the S&P 500 a day after prices. Defense contractors also dropped 368 points. Japan (Yen) ...... 108.21 and the euro, which is dollars-to-euro.) the benchmark index hit its latest notched gains. The Nasdaq lost 71.42 points, Kuwait (Dinar) ...... 0.3031 INTEREST RATES Norway (Krone) ...... 8.8199 record high. The strike marks a major es- or 0.8%, to 9,020.77. The Russell Philippines (Peso)...... 51.09 Prime rate ...... 4.75 The price of U.S. crude oil calation in the conflict between 2000 index of smaller company Poland (Zloty) ...... 3.80 Discount rate ...... 2.25 Saudi Arabia (Riyal) ...... 3.7521 Federal funds market rate ...... 1.55 climbed 3.1%. Investors sought Washington and Tehran, as Iran stocks gave up 5.90 points, or Singapore (Dollar) ...... 1.3493 3-month bill ...... 1.50 safety in U.S. government bonds, vowed “harsh retaliation” for 0.4%, to 1,660.87. South Korea (Won) ...... 1,165.34 30-year bond ...... 2.34 WEATHER OUTLOOK SUNDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY IN EUROPE MONDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 36/30 Kabul 30/25 Seoul 36/29 Baghdad 60/44 Kandahar 49/44 Osan Tokyo Mildenhall/ Drawsko 42/29 46/30 Lakenheath Pomorskie Busan 44/39 34/30 49/34 Iwakuni 48/45 Kuwait Bahrain Zagan Sasebo City 69/65 Brussels 33/30 Guam 65/54 42/39 Ramstein 55/42 81/78 Lajes, 41/33 Riyadh Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 61/58 73/68 64/61 39/36 37/33 Aviano/ Vicenza 45/33

Naples 54/40 Okinawa Morón 71/67 58/43 Sigonella Rota 55/30 The weather is provided by the Djibouti Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 83/73 64/42 57/53 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

T O D A Y IN STRIPES American Roundup ..... 15 Comics ...... 14 Crossword ...... 14 Opinion ...... 16 Music ...... 12-13 Sports ...... 17-24 Sunday, January 5, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 3 MILITARY

BY PHILLIP WALTER WELLMAN Stars and Stripes wenty-two American service members were killed in Afghanistan in 2019, the highest number since NATO combat operations in the country ended at the end of 2014. Since then, the United States has continued a separate counterterrorism mission. All but four of the military fatalities in Afghanistan in 2019 were combat-related. The deaths came as Washington held direct peace talks with the Taliban aimed at the ending the war, the U.S.’s longest, throughout most of the year. The talks are ongoing. Roughly 13,000 American troops were deployed to Afghanistan at the start of 2020. TSince the war began in 2001, some 2,400 U.S. service members have been killed in the country, while more than 20,000 have been wounded.

Cameron A. Joshua Z. Will D. Joseph P. Robert A. Benjamin S. Meddock Beale Lindsay Collette Hendriks Hines Army Sgt. Cameron Army Sgt. 1st Class Army Sgt. 1st Class Army Sgt. Joseph P. Marine Sgt. Robert Marine Staff Sgt. Ben- A. Meddock, 26, died Joshua “Zach” Beale, Will D. Lindsay, 33, Collette, 29, of Lancast- A. Hendriks, 25, was jamin S. Hines, 31, of Jan. 17 at Landstuhl 32, was killed by small- of Cortez, Colo., died er, Ohio, died March one of three Marines York, Pa., died April 8 Regional Medical Cen- arms fire in southern March 22 after being 22 of wounds sustained killed April 8 by a car in a car bomb explo- ter in Germany from Uruzgan province on wounded during com- in combat operations bomb outside Bagram sion outside Bagram small-arms fire wounds Jan. 22. bat in northern Kunduz in northern Kunduz Airfield. Airfield. he received in Badghis Beale, from Carroll- province. province. Originally from He was assigned province in northwest ton, Va., was assigned He was assigned to He was assigned to Locust Valley, N.Y., to the 25th Marine Afghanistan. to 1st Battalion, 3rd 2nd Battalion, 10th the 242nd Ordnance Hendriks was assigned Regiment, 4th Marine The Texas native was Special Forces Group, Special Forces Group Battalion, 71st Explo- to the 25th Marine Division and was on assigned to Company A at Fort Bragg, N.C. (Airborne), Fort Car- sive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, 4th Marine his second overseas of 2nd Battalion, 75th He enlisted in the son, Colo., and died Group, out of Fort Car- Division, and served deployment. He was Ranger Regiment, and Army in 2011, after alongside Spc. Joseph son, Colo., and post- as an infantry machine posthumously promot- served as a fire team graduating from Old P. Collette. humously promoted to gunner. ed to staff sergeant. leader. Dominion University in Lindsay is survived sergeant. Hendriks joined He was one of three Meddock is survived 2008 with a bachelor’s by his wife, Sarah Collette had married the Marines in Octo- Marines killed by the by his wife, Stevie, who degree in criminal Unger Lindsay, and his wife, Caela Marie ber 2012. His awards blast just days before was pregnant with their justice. four daughters. Collette, in December include the Selected they were to return to first child at the time of He is survived by his His awards and 2018 before his first Marine Corps Reserve the United States. his death. wife. Lindsey Christine decorations include the overseas deployment to Medal and the National Hines’ awards and His awards and Beale, and two daugh- Bronze Star with four Afghanistan. Defense Service Medal. decorations include decorations include the ters, Leah and Grace. oak leaf clusters, the He was “the most He was posthumously a Navy and Marine Purple Heart, Joint Beale was posthu- Purple Heart and the genuine person you’ll promoted to sergeant. Corps Achievement Service Commendation mously promoted to Meritorious Service ever meet,” she said. He was “the perfect Medal, two Iraq Cam- for Combat and Army sergeant first class and Medal with one oak leaf Joseph Collette’s son,” Erik Hendriks, paign Medals and a Achievement Medal posthumously awarded cluster. awards and decora- his father, told the New Meritorious Mast. with two oak leaf the Bronze Star — his “Will was one of tions include the Purple York Post. “I am the Hines’ sister Meghan clusters. third — as well as the the best in our forma- Heart, the Combat proudest dad on Earth.” told the York Daily “Sgt. Cameron Purple Heart and a tion, with more than a Action Badge and the Record that her brother Meddock is one of Meritorious Service decade of service in the Senior Explosive Ord- was “always the first America’s most pre- Medal. “Joshua was Regiment at all levels nance Disposal Badge. person to step up when cious sons,” said Col. a smart, talented and of noncommissioned he knew something was Brandon Tegtmeier, dedicated member of officer leadership,” wrong,” and that he commander of the 75th 3rd [Special Forces Col. Lawrence Fergu- was her hero, regard- Ranger Regiment. Group] and the special son, the 10th SFG (A) less of whether he wore “The entire nation operations commu- commander, said in a a uniform. should strive to emulate nity,” said Col. Nathan statement. the warrior, patriot and Prussian, commander husband that Cameron of 3rd SFG. “He will was.” be greatly missed by everyone who had the fortunate opportunity to know him.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 PAGE 4 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, January 5, 2020 MILITARY

FROM PAGE 3

James G. Elliott J. Jose J. Luis F. Brandon Jay Johnston Robbins Gonzalez DeLeon-Figueroa Kreischer Christopher K.A. Army Sgt. James G. Army Sgt. 1st Class Army Master Sgt. Jose Army Master Sgt. Luis Army Pfc. Brandon Slutman Johnston, 24, was killed Elliott J. Robbins, 31, J. Gonzalez, 35, of La F. DeLeon-Figueroa, Jay Kreischer, 20, died June 25 by small-arms a Green Beret medical Puente, Calif., was 31, was one of two July 29 after an Afghan Marine Staff Sgt. fire in southern Uruz- sergeant from Utah, killed during a raid Green Berets killed solider opened fire at a Christopher K.A. gan province . died June 30 from alongside Afghan spe- Aug. 21 in northern base in southern Uruz- Slutman, 43, was From Trumansburg, non combat injuries cial forces in southern Faryab province by gan province. killed April 8 by a car N.Y., Johnston was in southern Helmand Faryab province on small-arms fire. The Ohio native was bomb outside Bagram assigned to the 79th province. Aug. 21. DeLeon-Figueroa assigned to the 505th Airfield. Ordnance Battalion, Robbins was born in He was assigned to was assigned to the 7th Parachute Infantry The infantry rifle- 71st Ordnance Group, San Diego and enlisted the 7th Special Forces Special Forces Group Regiment, 3rd Brigade man was assigned to at Fort Hood, Texas. as an infantryman out Group (Airborne) at and posthumously Combat Team, 82nd the 25th Marine Regi- He entered active-duty of high school. He was Eglin Air Force Base, promoted to master Airborne Division, at ment, 4th Marine Divi- military service in July assigned to the 10th Fla., and died with sergeant. Fort Bragg, N.C. sion, and was a fireman 2013 as an explosive Special Forces Group, fellow Green Beret His awards and Kreischer is survived in his civilian career. ordnance disposal Fort Carson, Colo. Master Sgt. Luis F. decorations include by his wife, Grace, He is survived by his specialist. Robbins is survived DeLeon-Figueroa. the Bronze Star, Army whom he married in wife, Shannon Metcalf His awards and deco- by his wife, Vickie, and Gonzalez spent 17 Commendation Medal January 2019, and was Slutman, and three rates include a Bronze son, Elliott. years in the U.S. mili- with “V” device for pregnant with his son daughters. Star , a Purple Heart, an His awards and tary. He was a Marine valor and Army Com- at the time of his death. Slutman’s awards Army Commendation decorations include the before joining the mendation Medal with “If I die in the com- and decorations include Medal and the Combat Army Commendation Army and eventually two oak leaf clusters. bat zone for America, I two Iraq Campaign Action Badge. Medal with combat serving as a Special He was posthumously do not call it a tragedy, Medals, a Military Johnston and his device and one oak leaf Forces engineer. awarded the Bronze I call it glory,” Kreisch- Outstanding Volunteer wife, Krista Johnston, cluster. He had been pre- Star and Purple Heart. er wrote two years Service Medal and were expecting a baby “A skilled soldier viously wounded in Luis is survived by before his death. four certificates of girl at the time of his with three combat combat. three daughters, ac- commendation. death. deployments, Rob- Gonzalez was post- cording to a GoFundMe Slutman was “truly “I love you husband, bins will always be humously promoted to page set up after his one of New York City’s forever and always; remembered,” said Col. master sergeant and death. bravest” and was you better watch over Lawrence G. Ferguson, awarded a Bronze Star “Luis was a father, decorated for bravery me and our baby girl,” 10th Group commander and Purple Heart. His son, grandson, brother in 2014 after rescuing his wife wrote on at the time. other awards include and best friend to an unconscious woman Facebook. two Bronze Stars with many,” the page said. from a burning build- “V” device for valor ing in the South Bronx, and three Army Com- Mayor Bill de Blasio mendation Medals. said in a statement. He is survived by his wife, Brenda, and two children. Dustin B. Ard Army Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Ard, 31, died of wounds received in combat in southern James G. Zabul province on Aug. Micheal B. Sartor Elis A. 29. Riley Barreto Ortiz The Idaho native Army Sgt. Maj. James was assigned to 2nd Army Master Sgt. “Ryan” Sartor, 40, died Army Sgt. 1st Class Battalion, 1st Special Miguel L. Micheal B. Riley, 32, July 13 from injuries Elis A. Barreto Ortiz, Forces (Airborne), at Holmes was killed by small- sustained by enemy 34, from Morovis, Washington’s Joint arms fire in southern fire in northern Faryab Michael Isaiah Puerto Rico, died in a Base Lewis-McChord, Army Spc. Miguel L. Uruzgan province on province. Nance Sept. 5 suicide blast in and was a communica- Holmes, 22, died in June 25. The Texas native was Kabul. tions sergeant. eastern Nangarhar Riley, born in Heil- assigned to 2nd Battal- Army Spc. Michael He was assigned Ard left behind a bronn, Germany, while ion, 10th Special Forces province from wounds Isaiah Nance, 24, of to the 82nd Brigade pregnant wife, Mary, his father served there, Group (Airborne), out sustained in a noncom- Chicago, died July 29 Support Battalion, 3rd and a 3-year-old daugh- was assigned to 2nd of Fort Carson, Colo. bat incident May 6. after being shot by an Brigade Combat Team, ter, Reagan. Holmes, from Hines- Battalion, 10th Special He is survived by Afghan soldier at a 82nd Airborne Divi- “My heart has a hole ville, Ga., was assigned Forces Group, at Fort his wife, Deanna, and military camp in south- sion, out of Fort Bragg, so big, I can hardly to 1st Battalion, 118th Carson, Colo. children Stryder, Grace ern Uruzgan province. N.C. stand it,” Bruce Ard, Field Artillery Regi- He was on his sixth and Garrett. Dustin’s father, said. Sartor’s awards and He was assigned to President Donald ment, 48th Infantry overseas deployment “He was the finest decorations include the the 505th Parachute Trump cited Ortiz’s Brigade Combat Team, and died alongside Sgt. young man I have ever Bronze Star with three Infantry Regiment, death when he halted Savannah, Ga. James Johnston. known. Not because His awards and oak leaf clusters, the peace negotiations with The 118th is a unit 3rd Brigade Combat he was my son, but decorations include the Defense Meritorious the Taliban that had of the Georgia Army Team, 82nd Airborne because of the person National Guard. Bronze Star, five Army Service Medal and the Division, at Fort Bragg, spanned much of 2019. Ortiz is survived he is.” Holmes is survived Commendation Medals, Joint Service Commen- N.C. Nance was killed by his wife, Legana by three sisters, two the Special Forces tab, dation Medal. alongside Pfc. Brandon Aponte, two sons and a brothers, two grand- the Ranger tab and the “Ryan was a beloved Jay Kreischer. warrior who epitomized daughter. parents and a large Combat Infantryman Nance had only been Badge. the quiet professional,” “He was always extended family. in Afghanistan two “He was doing what said Col. Brian R. happy, a tremendous he loved to do. He Rauen, 10th Group weeks before he died. friend; he never said died for our country,” commander. “He led “He died protecting no,” said Miguel Otero, Riley’s cousin, Janeal his soldiers from the our freedoms. He died who had been friends Murchison, told Fox 2 front and his pres- a hero,” Nance’s cousin with Ortiz for over 30 St. Louis. ence will be terribly Trevor Harris said at years. missed.” his funeral. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Sunday, January 5, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 5 MILITARY/MIDEAST FROM PAGE 4 Thousands in Iraq mourn death of Iranian general

Associated Press Jeremy W. Kirk T. BAGHDAD — Thousands of Griffin Fuchigami Jr. mourners chanting “America is Army Sgt. 1st Class Army Chief Warrant the Great Satan” marched in a fu- Jeremy W. Griffin, 40, Officer 2 Kirk Fuchi- neral procession Saturday through was killed Sept. 16 by gami Jr., 25, was killed Baghdad for Iran’s top general and small-arms fire in cen- in a helicopter crash Iraqi militant leaders, who were tral Wardak province. Nov. 20. The incident killed in a U.S. airstrike. The Special Forces happened in eastern Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the communications ser- Logar province. head of Iran’s elite Quds force and geant was assigned to Fuchigami was as- mastermind of its regional secu- 3rd Battalion, 1st Spe- signed to 1st Battalion, rity strategy, was killed in an air- cial Forces Group (Air- 227th Aviation Regi- strike early Friday near the Iraqi borne), at Joint Base ment, 1st Air Cavalry capital’s international airport. The Lewis-McChord, Wash., Brigade at Fort Hood, attack has caused regional tensions and was on his fourth Texas. He was posthu- to soar. combat deployment. mously awarded the Iran has vowed harsh retalia- NASSER NASSER/AP Griffin was born in Bronze Star. tion, raising fears of an all-out war. Panama and enlisted He and Chief War- U.S. President Donald Trump says Iraqi militiamen march and chant anti-U.S. slogans while carrying a in the Army in 2004, rant Officer 2 David C. he ordered the strike to prevent a picture of Sen. Qassem Soleimani, left, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in when he was 25. Knadle were provid- conflict. His administration says Baghdad, Iraq, on Saturday. They will killed by a drone strike Friday. He was posthumous- ing security to ground Soleimani was plotting a series of ly awarded the Bronze troops when the inci- attacks that endangered American Two helicopters hovered over the sy in Baghdad, where Iran-backed Star and Purple Heart, dent occurred. Knadle troops and officials, without pro- procession, which was attended by militiamen and their supporters adding to a previous also died. viding evidence. Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi staged two days of protests earlier Bronze Star and Army Fuchigami, who Soleimani was the architect of and leaders of Iran-backed militias. this week in which they breached Commendation Medal . was born in Hawaii, is Iran’s regional policy of mobiliz- The procession later made its way the compound. “He was a father, he survived by his wife, ing militias across Iraq, Syria and to the Shiite holy city of Karbala, in On Saturday, billboards ap- was a husband, he was McKenzie Norman, Lebanon, including in the war central Iraq. peared on major streets in Iran a son, he was a Green who he married shortly against the Islamic State . He was The gates to Baghdad’s Green showing Soleimani and carrying Beret and he was an before his deployment. also blamed for attacks on U.S. Zone, which houses government the warning from Supreme Lead- American hero,” Army troops and American allies going offices and foreign embassies, in- er Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that Chief of Staff Gen. back to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. cluding the U.S. Embassy, were “harsh revenge” awaits the US. James McConville said The mourners, mostly men in closed. On the streets of Tehran, many of Griffin. black military fatigues, carried Iraq, which is closely allied with said they mourned Soleimani and Iraqi flags and the flags of Iran- both Washington and Tehran, con- some demanded revenge. backed militias that are fiercely demned the airstrike that killed “I don’t think there will be a war, loyal to Soleimani. They were Soleimani and called it an attack but we must get his revenge,” said also mourning Abu Mahdi al-Mu- on its national sovereignty. Parlia- Hojjat Sanieefar. America “can’t handis, a senior Iraqi militia com- ment is to meet for an emergency hit and run anymore,” he added. mander who was killed in the same session on Sunday, and the govern- A man, who only identified him- strike. ment has come under mounting self as Amir, was worried. The mourners, many of them in pressure to expel the 5,200 Ameri- “If there is a war, I am 100% sure tears, chanted: “No, No, America,” can troops based in the country . it will not be to our betterment. The Michael J. and “Death to America, death to The U.S. has ordered all citizens situation will certainly get worse,” Goble Israel.” to leave Iraq and closed its embas- he said. Sgt. 1st Class Michael David C. J. Goble, 33, was killed Knadle in a roadside bombing US avoided strike on Soleimani for in northern Kunduz Army Chief Warrant province on Dec. 23. Officer 2 David C. The New Jersey years, feared risk of repercussions Knadle, 33, was killed native was assigned in a helicopter crash to 1st Battalion, 7th Nov. 20, while provid- Special Forces Group Associated Press throughout the administrations of risk. ing security to ground (Airborne) at Eglin Air President George W. Bush, a Re- “Previous presidents have had troops in eastern Logar Force Base, Fla. WASHINGTON — In 2007, U.S. publican, and President Barack the opportunity to take measures province. Goble is survived commandos watched as a convoy Obama, a Democrat, according to like what we saw last night but The Texas native by his daughter, Zoey, carrying a powerful Iranian mili- officials who served under both. have held back because of the risks was assigned to 1st and partner, Jennifer tary leader made its way to north- Soleimani, they calculated, was Battalion, 227th Avia- Albuquerque. ern Iraq. entailed and the questions that just as dangerous dead and mar- were there about where this would tion Regiment, 1st Air His awards and It was a prime opportunity to tyred as he was alive and plotting decorations include the all lead,” said Derek Chollet, an as- Cavalry Brigade at Fort take out Gen. Qassem Soleimani, against Americans. Hood, Texas, and was Bronze Star. sistant secretary of defense during who had been accused of aiding That approach came to an end posthumously awarded “Sgt. 1st Class the Obama administration. “Un- Shiite forces that killed thousands this week when President Donald the Bronze Star. Michael Goble repre- fortunately, those questions are not of American troops in Iraq. But Trump authorized an airstrike Knadle is survived sented the best values any clearer today.” ultimately, military leaders passed against Soleimani. He was killed by his wife, Silkey of our Armed Forces Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. on a strike, deferring to deep con- after his plane landed at the Bagh- Knadle, his 5-year-old and of New Jersey cerns about the potential fallout of dad airport. Mark Milley said officials were daughter Starling and — dedication, fearless- such a provocative attack. Trump heralded the attack on well aware of the prospect of retal- his 15-year-old stepson ness and excellence,” “To avoid a firefight, and the con- Twitter, declaring that Soleimani iation but believed “the risk of in- Eason Bertone. New Jersey Gov. Phil tentious politics that would follow, I action exceeded the risk of action.” Murphy and Lt. Gov. “should have been taken out many decided that we should monitor the He cited “compelling, clear, unam- Sheila Oliver said in a years ago!” caravan, not strike immediately,” biguous intelligence indicating that joint statement. But some former administration retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal officials argued that despite Solei- Soleimani was planning a signifi- wrote last year in Foreign Policy. mani’s role in orchestrating deadly cant campaign of violence against Fears about the repercussions attacks on U.S. troops, Trump’s de- the U.S. in the coming days, weeks, and reverberations of a targeted cision may ultimately put Ameri- months.” He would not provide any killing of Soleimani persisted cans in the region at heightened specifics on the intelligence. PAGE 6 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, January 5, 2020 MIDEAST How Trump decided to kill an Iranian general

BY MISSY RYAN, ‘Tough business’ JOSH DAWSEY, DAN LAMOTHE AND JOHN HUDSON At his resort in Florida, the The Washington Post president was told the Iranian leader was going to be coming to Last Sunday, President Donald Baghdad; senior officials felt he Trump’s most senior national se- was taunting the United States by curity advisers joined him at his showing up in the Iraqi capital, Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, implying he could move around where Trump was beginning with impunity. the second week of his holiday Calls between the national se- vacation. curity principals were convened The officials told reporters that by the vice president throughout U.S. F-15 Strike Eagles had just the week after initial discussions attacked Iran-sponsored militia on Sunday to kill Soleimani, a se- groups at their bases in Iraq and nior administration official said. Syria, in response to a series of Officials reminded Trump that rocket attacks that had culminat- after the Iranians mined ships, ed in the death of an American downed the U.S. drone and alleg- contractor two days earlier. edly attacked a Saudi oil facility, But privately, a different topic he hadn’t responded. Acting now, had come AP they said, would send a message: up with an “The argument is, if you don’t A burning vehicle is seen at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike early Friday. agitated ever respond to them, they think president: they can get by with anything,” whether to himself,” said Jon Bateman, who old conflict has reached a fever depots in Bu Kamal, Syria, and one White House official said. kill Iranian served as a senior intelligence pitch. al-Qaim, Iraq, border outposts Trump was also motivated to Gen. Qassem analyst for Iran at the Defense on either side of the Iraq-Syria act by what he felt was negative Soleimani, Intelligence Agency. “Killing The roots of a crisis border. Speaking later that day coverage after his 2019 decision him would be neither necessary after meeting with Trump at to call off the airstrike after Iran who mili- The immediate roots of the nor sufficient to disrupt the op- Mar-a-Lago, Defense Secretary downed the U.S. surveillance tary leaders current crisis can be traced to the described erational progression of an im- Mark Esper said the attack was drone, officials said. Trump was minent plot. What it might do Friday after Christmas, when a successful but also hinted at dis- also frustrated that the details as respon- barrage of missile fire exploded Soleimani sible for the instead is shock Iran’s decision cussion of “other options” being of his internal deliberations had calculus” and deter future attack at K-1, a joint U.S.-Iraqi base on considered. leaked out and felt he looked attack of an the southern edge of the northern American citizen and likely to plans, Bateman said. “We will take additional ac- weak, the officials said. In a conference call with re- Iraqi city of Kirkuk. Of about 30 tions as necessary to ensure that The United States tracked So- kill more. rockets that American officials Why Trump chose this mo- porters, national security adviser we act in our own self-defense leimani’s movements for several Robert O’Brien said Friday eve- said were fired at the air base and we deter further bad behav- days, keeping Trump apprised, ment to authorize the operation several hours after sundown, against the leader of Iran’s Quds ning that the strike on Soleimani ior,” he said. and decided that their best oppor- happened after he recently vis- nine landed within the sprawling The strikes created an im- tunity to kill him would be near Force, after tolerating Iranian facility. aggression in the Persian Gulf for ited Damascus and was plotting mediate political crisis in Bagh- the Baghdad airport, the senior to target U.S. military and diplo- American officials quickly dad, where officials were given administration official said. months, was a matter of debate blamed Kataeb Hezbollah, a within his own administration. Of- matic personnel. little notice of the plans by their Trump also had history on his “This strike was aimed at dis- powerful militia group they say chief Western ally to attack mi- mind. The president has long fix- ficials gave differing and incom- receives funding and arms from rupting ongoing attacks that were litias linked to their powerful ated on Benghazi and the Obama plete accounts of the intelligence Iran. In addition to wounding being planned by Soleimani and neighbor. administration’s response to it, they said prompted Trump to act. three U.S. soldiers and two Iraqi deterring future Iranian attacks The backlash was particularly say lawmakers and aides who Some said they were stunned by federal police, officials said the through their proxies or through fierce from militia leaders. have spoken to him, and felt the his decision, which could lead to attack killed an American inter- the … Quds Force directly against “The response will be harsh response to this week’s attack on war with one of America’s oldest preter, whose identity has not adversaries in the Middle East. Americans,” O’Brien said. for the American forces in Iraq,” the embassy and the killing of an been made public. That person American contractor would make “It was tremendously bold and Defense officials described warned Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, had been working alongside a him look stronger compared to even surprised many of us,” said Soleimani’s planning as part of deputy head of the Popular Mo- force of about 100 U.S. personnel his predecessor. a senior administration official a continuation of earlier Iranian bilization Forces, better known on the base as part of the cam- “Benghazi has loomed large in with knowledge of high-level dis- provocations, including the min- as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. paign against the Islamic State. his mind,” said Sen. Lindsey Gra- cussions among Trump and his ing of ships in the Persian Gulf in (Also the founder of the Kataib While the attack evoked the ham, R-S.C., in an interview, ex- advisers, who like others spoke May. A month later, Trump called Hezbollah militia, al-Muhandis frequent rocket fire that rained plaining the response this week. on the condition of anonymity to off an airstrike at practically the down on U.S. troops in Baghdad was killed in the U.S. strike on last minute — an attack that had Soleimani.) Graham was at Mar-a-Lago on discuss internal deliberations. and other locations in the years Monday and said the president On Friday, hours after a U.S. been intended to retaliate for following the 2003 invasion, they Two days later, on Tuesday, Iran downing a U.S. surveillance thousands of militia supporters told him he was concerned they drone killed Soleimani and an have been uncommon in recent “were going to hit us again” and drone. converged on the U.S. Embassy Iraqi militia leader at the Bagh- years. The United States has that he was considering hitting Army Gen. Mark Milley, the in Baghdad, throwing molotov dad airport, senior State Depart- found itself in the odd position of the Iranians. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of cocktails and breaching the se- ment officials told reporters that fighting on the same side as Irani- No specific plan was ready to Staff, said in a meeting with re- cure compound’s walls before Iran had been plotting “imminent an-backed militias against the Is- kill him, but it was on Trump’s porters on Friday that Soleimani setting up a protest camp outside. attacks directed at killing hun- lamic State. But the rocket attacks mind, Graham said. dreds of Americans” but declined was killed after U.S. officials re- resumed in recent months as the As militiamen set fire to a recep- “He was more thinking out to offer specifics. Secretary of cently became aware of intelli- Trump administration has con- tion area, smoke billowed out of loud, but he was determined to do State Mike Pompeo told CNN gence that showed that the “size, tinued its “maximum pressure” the facility that had once symbol- something to protect Americans. on Friday that Soleimani “was scale, scope” of what he was plan- campaign of economic sanctions ized U.S. influence and might in Killing the contractor really actively plotting in the region to ning led them to conclude there against Iran, growing in intensity Iraq. Inside the compound, staff changed the equation,” Graham take actions, the big action as he was a greater risk in not taking until the Kirkuk attack. hunkered down in safe rooms. said. described it, that would have put action than in doing so. “Thirty-one rockets aren’t de- Military leaders immediately “He was saying, ‘This guy is a dozens if not hundreds of Ameri- “Is there risk? Damn right signed as a warning shot. That’s dispatched about 100 Marines to bad guy, he’s up to no good, we can lives at risk. We know it was there’s risk,” Milley said of pos- designed to inflict damage and Baghdad, then sent another 750 have to do something,’ ” Graham imminent.” sible Iranian reactions to the kill,” Milley told reporters before troops to remain on standby in said. On Capitol Hill, officials briefed killing one of the nation’s most the Soleimani strike. Kuwait. After the attack, U.S. officials lawmakers and staff but didn’t prominent leaders. “But we’re U.S. officials were disappointed Tensions appeared to subside in Iraq braced themselves for a provide any details about the al- mitigating, and we think we’re Iraq had not publicly condemned the following day, when militia range of possible responses, from leged Iranian targets or what taking appropriate mitigations.” the Kirkuk attack and questioned leaders issued instructions for direct attacks by Iran to an Iraqi made them imminent, according “The ball is in the Iranian the government’s willingness to the demonstrators to depart and order that U.S. forces and person- to people who were present. court,” Milley said. “It is their check militias loyal to their pow- the government appealed for nel leave the country. Some analysts were skeptical choice what the next steps are.” erful neighbor. calm. American officials, how- On Friday, Graham said the about the need to kill Soleimani. It may be days or weeks before Almost exactly 48 hours after ever, were exasperated that Iraqi president described the job as “a “There may well have been an U.S. officials know how Iran will the Kirkuk attack, American F- leaders had responded slowly and tough business.” ongoing plot as Pompeo claims, respond. But the rapid sequence 15 jets unleashed bombs on five government security forces stood “I said, ‘Yeah, it’s a tough busi- but Soleimani was a decision- of events that led to Soleimani’s militia sites. The targets included by while the militiamen laid siege ness, Mr. President,’ ” Graham maker, not an operational asset death made clear that a decades- command nodes and weapons to the embassy. said. Sunday, January 5, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 7 MIDEAST US warns of retaliatory cyberattacks from Iran

Associated Press are going to go back to the way they China or Russia. State-backed Russian were being attacked at least hourly — and were before the agreement,” said John hackers have proven most adept at sabo- that nearly the same percentage said they BOSTON — Iran’s retaliation for the Hultquist, director of intelligence analysis taging critical infrastructure, witnessed in didn’t even know how frequently they were United States’ targeted killing of its top at the cybersecurity firm FireEye. “There attacks on Ukraine’s power grid and elec- being attacked. Although the study was general is likely to include cyberattacks, are opportunities for them to cause real tions, experts agree. done in 2016, the authors at the University security experts warned Friday. Iran’s state-backed hackers are already among disruption and destruction.” And while the U.S. power grid is among of Maryland-Baltimore County don’t be- the world’s most aggressive and could in- Iran has been doing a lot of probing of the most secure and resilient in the world, lieve the situation has improved since. ject malware that triggers major disrup- critical U.S. industrial systems in recent plenty of private companies and local gov- The top cybersecurity official at the tions to the U.S. public and private sector. years — trying to gain access — but has ernments haven’t made adequate invest- Department of Homeland Security, Potential targets include manufacturing limited its destructive attacks to targets in ments in cybersecurity and are highly Christopher Krebs, urged companies facilities, oil and gas plants and transit sys- the Middle East, experts say. vulnerable, experts say. and government agencies to refresh their tems. A top U.S. cybersecurity official is It’s not known whether Iranian cyber- “My worst-case scenario is a munici- knowledge of Iranian state-backed hack- warning businesses and government agen- agents have planted destructive payloads pality or a cooperative-type attack where ers’ past exploits and methods after Solei- cies to be extra vigilant. in U.S. infrastructure that could now be power is lost to a city or a couple of neigh- mani’s death was announced. In 2012 and 2013, in response to U.S. triggered. borhoods,” Lee said. In June, Krebs warned of a rise in ma- sanctions, Iranian state-backed hackers “It’s certainly possible,” Hultquist said. Consider the havoc an epidemic of ran- licious Iranian cyberactivity, particularly carried out a series of disruptive denial- “But we haven’t actually seen it.” somware attacks has caused U.S. local attacks using common methods like spear- of-service attacks that knocked offline the Robert M. Lee, chief executive of Dragos governments, crippling services as vital as phishing that could erase entire networks: websites of major U.S. banks including Inc., which specializes in industrial control tax collection. While there’s no evidence of “What might start as an account compro- Bank of America as well as the New York system security, said Iranian hackers have coordinated Iranian involvement, imagine mise, where you think you might just lose Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. Two years been very aggressive in trying to gain ac- if the aggressor — instead of scrambling data, can quickly become a situation where later, they wiped servers at the Sands Ca- cess to utilities, factories, and oil and gas data and demanding ransoms — simply you’ve lost your whole network.” sino in Las Vegas, crippling hotel and gam- facilities. That doesn’t mean they’ve suc- wiped hard drives clean, said Hultquist. Wysopal said the Iranians are apt to have bling operations. ceeded, however. In one case in 2013 where “You could see many cities and hospitals learned a lot from the 2017 NotPetya attack, The destructive attacks on U.S. targets they did break into the control system of a targeted at once with ransomware that en- which the U.S. and Britain have attributed ebbed when Tehran reached a nuclear deal U.S. dam — garnering significant media crypts data to make it unusable, but there to state-backed Russian hackers and which with the Obama administration in 2015. attention — Lee said they probably didn’t is no way to decrypt it by paying a ransom,” caused at least $10 billion in damage glob- The killing early Friday in Iraq of Quds know the compromised target was a small said cybersecurity veteran Chris Wysopal, ally. The worst cyberattack to date, it ex- Force commander Gen. Qassam Soleimani flood control structure 20 miles north of the chief technical officer of Veracode. ploited unpatched software after being — long after Trump scrapped the nuclear New York City. The only known cybersecurity survey delivered through an unwitting Ukrainian deal — completely alters the equation. Iran has been increasing its cyber ca- of U.S. local governments, county and mu- tax software provider and spread on net- “Our concern is essentially that things pabilities but is not in the same league as nicipal, found that the networks of 28% works without human intervention. Rockets: Initial reports indicated no casualties at Balad

FROM FRONT PAGE operations. Just before 8 p.m. Saturday, “As always, we stand ready and Army Maj. Charlie Dietz, spokes- prepared to support any contin- man for the U.S.-led coalition’s gency should we be called upon,” Task Force Iraq, tweeted that he said Friday. the U.S. Embassy, in the capital’s Meanwhile, an exercise with heavily-fortified international Morocco including the 26th Ma- zone, had not been struck. About rine Expeditionary Unit has been an hour later, he tweeted that “all canceled, U.S. Africa Command clear” had been sounded at Union said Saturday. The contingent of 4,500 sail- III, a base inside the zone that ors and Marines aboard the USS houses coalition troops.. Bataan is instead moving closer Initial reports from Balad in- to the Middle East, an unnamed dicated there were no casualties, defense official told USNI News said a coalition military official, on Friday. who was not authorized to speak In justifying the strike on Solei- and asked not to be named. The mani, U.S. officials have said he strike at Celebrations Square left was plotting imminent attacks on no one hurt, reported regional U.S. diplomats and troops, includ- news site Al Arabiya, which post- ing possibly in Lebanon or Syria, ed photos of cars damaged by the where the Iranian general had blast in the Green Zone. But the reportedly visited before arriving incident in the Jadriya neighbor- in Baghdad. hood wounded at least five civil- Iran has become increasingly ians, the outlet said. bellicose since President Don- Some 5,000 American troops ald Trump began a strategy of are deployed to Iraq to help its “maximum pressure” to try to forces battle Islamic State. More convince its leaders into renego- than 3,000 U.S. civilian contrac- tiating an international agree- tors were also taking part in the ment, signed by former President mission in Iraq and Syria, the Barack Obama, that was meant to latest U.S. Central Command fig- CHRIS SEWARD/AP halt the country’s nuclear weap- ures from October show. ons development. The U.S.-led coalition also in- U.S. Army soldiers prepare to deploy to the Middle East on Saturday at Fort Bragg, N.C. The Pentagon has blamed Iran cludes a few thousand troops from proxy groups for rocket attacks on NATO allies and others working mourners chanting “America is swarmed the U.S. Embassy in cials began blaming Tehran or its U.S.-occupied installations since to build up the Iraqi forces. the Great Satan” marched in a fu- Baghdad on Tuesday following a proxies for a series of attacks in May, which had wounded mostly “NATO’s mission is continuing, neral procession through Bagh- funeral procession for victims of the Middle East. Iraqis until Dec. 27, when a bar- but training activities are cur- dad on Saturday for Soleimani, the earlier strike. In recent days, the Army has rage of rockets at a coalition base rently suspended,” acting NATO commander of Iran’s elite Quds A contingent of about 100 Ma- put elements of the 173rd Air- in Kirkuk killed an American spokesman Dylan White said in a Force, and Iran-backed Iraqi mi- rines was quickly called in to help borne Brigade on alert in Vi- contractor and wounded four U.S. statement Saturday. litia fighters killed in a U.S. air- defend the diplomatic facility, and cenza, Italy, unnamed defense troops. The U.S. responded with The alliance is closely monitor- strike early Friday. Defense Secretary Mark Esper officials told ABC News and other airstrikes that killed about two ing the situation, White said, and The second U.S. attack on Iran- subsequently ordered about 3,500 media outlets. dozen Shiite militia members. is in regular contact with U.S. linked groups in a week, the drone soldiers from the 82nd Airborne The unit was “monitoring the Stars and Stripes reporters John officials. strike has ratcheted up tensions Division to Kuwait in response to situation carefully,” said brigade Vandiver in Stuttgart, Germany, and The increased defensive mea- in the country. It could provoke increasing threats. spokesman Maj. Chris Bradley, Nancy Montgomery in Vicenza, Italy, contributed to this report. sures come as The Associated a retaliatory move by Tehran or That’s on top of some 14,000 who did not confirm its alert sta- [email protected] Press reported that thousands of its proxies, some of whom had sent since May, after U.S. offi- tus and declined to discuss future Twitter: @chadgarland PAGE 8 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, January 5, 2020 NATION Congress at impasse in impeachment trial

BY LISA MASCARO “Their turn is over,” McCon- structed Congress in his dealings can decide the scope. Acquittal er Biden, who worked for an en- Associated Press nell said about the Democratic- with Ukraine. Trump withheld seems likely in the Senate because ergy company in Ukraine while led House. “It’s the Senate’s turn nearly $400 million in military Republicans hold a 53-47 seat his father was vice president. WASHINGTON — Congress now to render sober judgment as aid for Ukraine, an Eastern Eu- majority, and it takes two thirds McConnell showed no signs of opened the new year with the the framers intended.” ropean ally that depends on U.S. of the Senate to convict. But Mc- deviating from his opening stance. Senate deadlocked over President Pelosi responded that McCon- support to counter Russia, after Connell’s leverage is limited dur- He defended his earlier remarks Donald Trump’s impeachment nell’s stance “made clear that he asking President Volodymyr Zel- ing the trial. Either side needs to in which he said he would not be trial, leaving the proceedings will feebly comply with President enskiy to publicly announce an reach just a 51-vote threshold to an ‘’impartial juror” in the trial deeply in flux as Republicans Trump’s cover-up of his abuses investigation into Trump rival call witnesses or seek documents, and stuck with his plan to follow refuse to bend to Democratic de- of power and be an accomplice to Joe Biden. The aid was ultimately which could politically test some the process used during Bill Clin- mands for new witnesses. Senate Majority Leader Mitch that cover-up.” released after Congress objected. senators. ton’s impeachment, in which the McConnell showed no signs Fri- The House and Senate gaveled Democrats believe their de- The witnesses that Senate trial was convened and then votes day of negotiating with the Dem- in for brief sessions Friday with mands for witnesses are bolstered Democrats want to call refused were taken to decide if additional ocrats as he aims for Trump’s the sudden crisis in the Middle by new reports about Trump’s de- to testify in the House proceed- witnesses were needed. swift acquittal. At the same time, East, prompted by U.S. airstrikes cision to withhold the aid and un- ings under orders from the White The GOP leader suggested the the Republican leader acknowl- in Iraq that killed a top Iranian ease among some GOP senators House. They are Trump’s former Senate will carry on with its other edged the Senate cannot begin general, only adding to the un- over the situation. national security adviser John business while it waits for the the historic undertaking until certainty about how lawmakers “The American people deserve Bolton, acting chief of staff Mick House to act. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will proceed with the impeach- the truth,” Pelosi said in a state- Mulvaney and two other officials “We can’t hold a trial without delivers the articles of impeach- ment trial, only the third in U.S. ment. “Every Senator now faces a who were directly involved with the articles ,” McConnell said. “So ment — which she is refusing to history. choice: to be loyal to the President Trump’s decision to withhold the for now, we are content to con- do until he provides details on the Trump was impeached last or the Constitution.” military assistance for Ukraine. tinue the ordinary business of the trial’s scope. Neither seems will- month by the House on charges McConnell has said the trial Republicans, in turn, could try to Senate while House Democrats ing to budge. that he abused power and ob- should start, and then senators hear from Biden or his son, Hunt- continue to flounder. ” President energizes evangelical base ‘A ff luenza

BY JONATHAN LEMIRE teen’ to be AND ELANA SCHOR Associated Press released MIAMI — Highlighting his record on religious liberty, Presi- dent Donald Trump on Friday from jail worked to energize a group of evangelical supporters who make up an influential piece of his po- BY JAKE BLEIBERG litical base that could prove vital Associated Press in battleground states. Trump spoke to more than DALLAS — A man who be- 5,000 Christians, including a came known as the “affluenza large group of Latinos, at a Miami teen” for his unusual defense at megachurch, just days after he a 2013 manslaughter trial was was the subject of a scathing set to be released from a Fort editorial in Christianity Today Worth, Texas, jail after pros- magazine that called for his re- ecutors raised questions Friday moval from office. Thousands of about a drug test that triggered the faithful lifted their hands and an alleged probation violation. prayed over Trump as he began Ethan Couch, 22, avoided speaking and portrayed himself prison following his initial con- as a defender of faith. viction for killing four people “We’re defending religion itself. while driving drunk. He was A society without religion cannot instead sentenced to 10 years prosper. A nation without faith of probation after a trial in can not endure, ” said Trump, who which a psychologist testified also tried to paint his Democratic WILFREDO LEE/AP that Couch — 16 at the time of rivals for the 2020 election as the crash — was affected by threats to religious liberty. “We Trump supporters cheer as they watch President Donald Trump on a large screen in an overflow area outside the King Jesus International Ministry, during a rally with the president Friday in Miami. “affluenza,” or irresponsibility can’t let one of our radical left caused by family wealth. friends come in here because ev- vide inroads with Latino voters, brush off Mr. Trump’s immoral with voters of faith, even evan- Couch was arrested Thurs- erything we’ve done will be gone day after probation officers who have largely steered clear words and behavior in the cause gelicals whom Trump is often as- in short order.” reported that a drug monitor- of supporting the president over of political expediency.” sumed to have locked down. And “The day I was sworn in, the ing patch he wears returned a federal government war’s on re- issues like immigration. Deep Campaign officials said the some religious leaders believe “weak positive” result for THC, ligion came to an abrupt end,” into his speech, Trump touched Miami event was in the works people of faith may be turned off the psychoactive substance Trump declared. He later added: on the issue by praising his bor- well before the op-ed, and they by Trump’s personal conduct or found in marijuana, District At- “We can smile because we’re der wall. His aides believe even trotted out a number of high-pro- record. torney Sharen Wilson said in a winning by so much.” a slight uptick with faith-focused file evangelical pastors to defend “Friday’s rally is Trump’s des- Although some of his address Latinos could help Trump carry the president. statement. But it is possible the resembled his standard cam- Florida again and provide some “I think his record in the past perate response to the realiza- patch was set off by legal CBD paign speech, Trump cited his needed breathing room in states three years is rock-solid in things tion that he is losing his primary oil and it will take further test- support for Israel, installation like Texas. that the faith community cares voting bloc — faith voters. He ing to be sure, she said. of federal judges, prison reform The president made no men- about him,” said Jentezen Frank- knows he needs every last vote if Couch’s lawyers said they are and a push to put prayer in pub- tion of the editorial, which ran in lin, a pastor at a megachurch in he wants a shot at reelection, as optimistic the tests will verify lic school. Those are issues his a magazine founded by the late Georgia. “We used to see politi- losing just 5% of the faith voters he did not use a prohibited substance. Republican reelection campaign Rev. Billy Graham. cians once every four years, but ends his chances,” said the Rev. “Remember who you are and this one is totally different in “Ethan is committed to his believes could further jolt evan- Doug Pagitt, the executive direc- gelical turnout that could help whom you serve,” the editorial constantly reaching out to the sobriety and to remaining com- tor of Vote Common Good. “In them secure wins in states like states. “Consider how your justi- faith community, and we even pliant with all of the terms Michigan, Florida, Pennsylvania, fication of Mr. Trump influences get a chance to tell him when we addition, he is trying to use this and conditions imposed by the North Carolina and Georgia. your witness to your Lord and Sav- disagree. ” part of his base to give cover for court, ” attorneys Scott Brown Advisers believe that emphasiz- ior. Consider what an unbelieving But Democrats have shown his broken promises and immoral and Reagan Wynn said in a ing religious issues may also pro- world will say if you continue to strong interest in connecting policies. statement. Sunday, January 5, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 9 NATION Methodists propose split in LGBTQ impasse

BY TRAVIS LOLLER Bickerton, who heads 438 Methodist AND GARY FIELDS ‘ I’m actually really sad that we couldn’t build a bridge churches in New York, said while he thinks Associated Press it is an amicable solution, “there is a degree that could have provided a witness to the world of of heartbreak within me because I never NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Method- what unity ... could look like. thought we would reach this point. Howev- ist Church leaders from around the world ’ er, we are at this point. The differences are Karen Oliveto and across ideological divides unveiled a irreconcilable. This is inevitable.” first openly gay Methodist bishop plan Friday for a new conservative denom- The Rev. Keith Boyette, president of the ination that would split from the church in Wesleyan Covenant Association and one of an attempt to resolve a decades-long dis- 16 people on the mediation team that de- pute over gay marriage and gay clergy. unity amid diversity and disagreement for a proposal called the Traditional Plan, veloped and signed the separation propos- The proposal, called “A Protocol of Rec- could look like.” which affirmed bans on LGBTQ-inclu- al, said he is “very hopeful” the plan will onciliation & Grace Through Separation,” Oliveto was challenged by the denomina- sive practices. A majority of U.S.-based be approved. envisions an amicable separation in which tion’s highest court, the Judicial Council, delegates opposed that plan but were out- This is the first time that “respected conservative churches forming a new de- in 2017 when it declared that the bishop’s voted by U.S. conservatives teamed with leaders of groups from every constituen- nomination would retain their assets. The consecration “was incompatible with delegates from Methodist strongholds in cy” have come together to form a plan, he new denomination also would receive $25 church law.” Africa and the Philippines. said. “And this is the first time that bishops million. However, Oliveto was allowed to remain Methodists in favor of allowing gay cler- The proposal was signed in December as the resident bishop of the Mountain Sky gy and gay marriage vowed to continue of the church have signed on to an agree- by a 16-member panel, who worked with Conference, which includes United Meth- fighting. Meanwhile, the Wesleyan Cove- ment like this.” a mediator and began meeting in Octo- odist churches in Colorado, Montana, Utah, nant Association, representing traditional While other mainline Protestant denom- ber. The panel was formed after it became Wyoming and a section of Idaho. Asked Methodist practice, had already been pre- inations have embraced gay-friendly prac- clear the impasse over LGBTQ issues was what a post-separation world looks like for paring for a possible separation. tices, the United Methodist Church has irreconcilable. The next step could come at the church to move forward, Oliveto said, Concern over the future of the church not, though acts of defiance by pro-LGBTQ the church’s General Conference in May. “We are no longer using LGBTQ people as pushed members, led by Bishop John clergy have multiplied. Many have per- Methodist Bishop Karen Oliveto, the scapegoats.” Yambasu of Sierra Leone, to convene a formed same-sex weddings; others have denomination’s first openly gay bishop, Members of the 13-million-person de- group to share ideas across the theological come out as gay or lesbian from the pulpit. said the United Methodist Church leader- nomination have been at odds for years spectrum. Texas Bishop Scott J. Jones praised the ship “was clearly at a point in which we over the issue, with members in the United New York Bishop Thomas Bickerton said panel for its contribution to the ongoing couldn’t agree to disagree” over same-sex States leading the call for full inclusion for that turned into the final panel, made up of discussions about human sexuality but “it relationships. “I’m actually really sad that LGBTQ people. moderates, progressives and traditional- should be emphasized that a statement by we couldn’t build a bridge that could have The rift widened last year when del- ists from Africa, Europe, the Philippines 16 leaders does not necessarily mean that provided a witness to the world of what egates meeting in St. Louis voted 438-384 and the United States. its provisions will be adopted.” More sexual assaults seen on airliners; no policy to combat issue

BY KALEY JOHNSON ported to the FBI. In the 2017 fis- Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas) cal year, that number increased to 63. Reported assaults dropped FORT WORTH, Texas — Au- to 39 in the 2018 fiscal year, the brey Lane was flying from Phoe- New York Times reported. nix to New York when the man In October 2018, the White next to her started ordering mul- House signed off on the creation tiple drinks at once. of a 14-member task force to study As he became intoxicated, he sexual misconduct on airplanes. started to make inappropriate The task force’s report was meant comments to Lane, according to to come out a federal lawsuit she filed against on Oct. 5. In American Airlines in October ‘ If there December, a 2018. At one point, he grabbed aren’t Department her face and kissed her, a witness of Transpor- LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS said in an email to the airline. reforms, tation spokes- “She would push him off and I think woman said An airliner takes off over the tower at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank. According to the FBI, in-flight say that ‘couldn’t happen,’” the it’ll get the report sexual assaults rose from 2014 to 2017. witness said. was expected After ordering four vodkas worse. ’ before the He also said the FBI does not gation,” Hudson said. “In most Unlike most industries, airlines and two beers, the man was vis- Paul Hudson end of 2019. prioritize the assaults. cases, nothing occurs. Through do not have a legal mandate to ibly drunk. He got up to go to the president of As of Jan. 2, “They’re organized to deal with those steps, the plane has landed, report criminal activity, such as bathroom. Lane, taking the op- Flyers Rights the report still white-collar, organized crime, people have left and the possibil- sexual assault. portunity to also get up, went to had not been terrorism, things of that nature,” ity for proper investigation, much Cruise lines, for example, be- the women’s bathroom. published. he said. less prosecution, is gone.” came required to report crimes The man forced himself into the When asked about the Oct. 5 Every day, 44,000 flights carry In one case, a Houston woman to the FBI with the passage of the bathroom with Lane and raped deadline, the DOT spokeswoman 2.7 million airline passengers was flying to Paris when she Cruise Vessel Security and Safety her, she said in the lawsuit. did not respond. across the world, according to the took a prescribed pain killer to Act of 2010. Sexual assault on airplanes is The FBI is the leading agency Federal Aviation Administration. fall asleep. She woke up to the But for airplanes, “there is a growing problem, according for investigating misconduct in If one of those passengers is man next to her sexually assault- no singular definition of sexual to data from the FBI. But no one the air. assaulted or harassed, they have ing her. She tried to remove his misconduct, there is no federal seems to know how much of a In June 2018, the FBI said the no official avenue to report the hand, but he made a threatening or national definition, there is problem it is. number of sexual assaults re- incident. A passenger might tell gesture to silence her, according no mandate for reporting,” said “It’s definitely not getting bet- ported during commercial airline a flight attendant what happened, to the woman’s lawsuit against Sunitha Menon, chief of consult- ter,” said Paul Hudson, president flights was increasing, and the who may report it to the captain, American Airlines. ing services operations at the of Flyers Rights, an organization number of actual cases could be who might tell a ground supervi- She said in the suit that she told Rape, Abuse and Incest National that represents airline passen- higher than those reported. sor, who then may or may not re- crew members, but they told her Network. gers. “If there aren’t reforms, I Hudson said the increase in port it to the police department nothing could be done. A lack of a reporting process think it’ll get worse.” overnight flights, long-distance where the plane is landed. In response to that suit, Ameri- also means a lack of data, and no According to the FBI, in-flight flights and flight attendants And then maybe the FBI will can Airlines said its policy re- comprehensive way to track the sexual assaults rose from 2014 to over-serving passengers alcohol look into it. quires a crew member to contact issue, Menon said. 2017. In fiscal year 2014, 38 cases increase the likelihood of sexual “You have a four- or five-step law enforcement if misconduct is Menon and 13 others are work- of in-flight sexual assault were re- misconduct in the air. process to get a proper investi- reported on an aircraft. ing to change that. PAGE 10 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, January 5, 2020 Sunday, January 5, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 11 WORLD Australian fires intensify

Associated Press Dick Lang, a 78-year-old ac- F in Penrith, in Sydney’s western claimed bush pilot and outback suburbs. SYDNEY — A father and son safari operator, and his 43-year- Video and images shared on so- who were battling flames for two old son, Clayton, were identified cial media showed blood red skies days are the latest victims of the by Australian authorities after taking over Mallacoota, a coastal worst wildfire season in Austra- their bodies were found Saturday town in Victoria where as many lian history, and the path of de- on a highway on Kangaroo Island. as 4,000 residents and tourists struction widened in at least three Their family said their losses left were forced to shelter on beaches states Saturday due to strong them “heartbroken and reeling as the navy tried to evacuate as winds and high temperatures. from this double tragedy.” many people as possible. The death toll in the wildfire Lang, known as “Desert Dick,” By Saturday evening, 3,600 crisis is now up to 23 people, led tours for travelers throughout firefighters were battling blazes Prime Minister Scott Morrison Australia and other countries. across New South Wales state. said after calling up about 3,000 “He loved the bush, he loved ad- Power was lost in some areas as RICK RYCROFT/AP reservists to battle the escalat- venture and he loved Kangaroo fires downed transmissions lines, ing fires, which are expected to Island,” his family said. and residents were warned that A man uses a hose to battle a fire near Moruya, Australia, on be particularly fierce throughout Clayton Lang, one of Dick’s the worst may be yet to come. Saturday. the weekend. four sons, was a renowned plastic “We are now in a position “We are facing another ex- surgeon who specialized in hand where we are saying to people it’s general had signed off on the call- this way in living memory and, in tremely difficult next 24 hours,” surgery. not safe to move, it’s not safe to ing up of reserves “to search and fact, I believe for the first time in Morrison said at a televised news The fire danger increased as leave these areas,” state Premier bring every possible capability to our nation’s history.” conference. “In recent times, temperatures rose Saturday to Gladys Berejiklian told reporters. bear by deploying army brigades The deadly wildfires, which particularly over the course of record levels across Australia, “We are in for a long night and I to fire-affected communities.” have been raging since Septem- the balance of this week, we have surpassing 109 degrees Fahr- make no bones about that. We are Defense Minister Linda Reyn- ber, have already burned about seen this disaster escalate to an enheit in Canberra, the capital, still yet to hit the worst of it.” olds said it was the first time that 12.35 million acres of land and de- entirely new level.” and reaching a record-high 120 Morrison said the governor reservists had been called up “in stroyed more than 1,500 homes. Indonesia hit with flooding, landslides

Associated Press Wibowo said. The number of fatalities was JAKARTA, Indonesia — Land- expected to increase, with rescu- slides and floods triggered by ers and villagers also searching torrential downpours have left at for at least three people believed least 53 people dead in and around Indonesia’s capital, as rescuers to be buried in another landslide struggled to search for people in Cigudeg village in Bogor dis- apparently buried under tons of trict, said Ridwan, the village’s mud, officials said Saturday. secretary, who goes by a single Monsoon rains and rising riv- name. ers submerged a dozen districts Ridwan said bad weather, in the greater Jakarta area and blackouts and mudslides were caused landslides that buried at hampering rescue efforts. He least a dozen people. said rescuers on Saturday man- National Disaster Mitigation aged to reach eight hamlets that Agency spokesman Agus Wibowo had been isolated for days by cut- said the fatalities included those off roads and mudslides and res- who had drowned or been elec- cued more than 1,700 villagers in trocuted since rivers broke their weak condition. banks early Wednesday after ex- Four days after the region of treme torrential rains hit on New 30 million people was struck by Year’s Eve. Three elderly people flash floods, waters have receded RANGGA/AP died of hypothermia. in many middle-class districts, It’s the worst flooding in the but conditions remained grim in Rescuers search for missing people at a village hit by landslide in Cigudeg, West Java, Indonesia, on area since 2007, when 80 people narrow riverside alleys where the Saturday. Monsoon rains and rising rivers submerged parts of the capital city of Jakarta. were killed over 10 days. city’s poor live. Rescuers recovered more bod- Government data showed that ing to the disaster agency. vast archipelago nation. The gov- capital of Southeast Asia’s larg- ies as flash floods and mudslides some 173,000 people were still Indonesia’s Meteorology, Cli- ernment on Friday started cloud est economy, is not immune. But destroyed Sukamulia village in unable to return home and were matology and Geophysics Agency seeding in an attempt to divert this year’s have been particularly Bogor district. crammed at damp emergency said that more downpours were rain clouds from reaching greater bad, with about 397,000 people They were searching for a shelters, mostly in the hardest-hit forecast for the capital in the Jakarta to prevent possible flood- seeking refuge in shelters across villager who was missing in a area of Bekasi. Much of the city coming days, and that the poten- ing, the agency said. the greater metropolitan area as landslide in Lebak, a district in was still submerged in muddy tial for extreme rainfall will con- Indonesia is hit by deadly floodwaters reached up to 19 feet neighboring Banten province, waters up to 6.5 feet high, accord- tinue until next month across the floods each year, and Jakarta, the in some places. Weirdos wanted: Top adviser to UK’s Boris Johnson seeks help

Associated Press government posts. of a screed against Britain’s elites, even Cummings’ strategy helped Johnson “We need some true wild cards, artists, though Johnson was educated at Britain’s win an impressive victory in the Dec. 12 LONDON — Britain is looking for a few people who never went to university and uppermost educational institutions. election. He said in the blog that the gov- good weirdos. fought their way out of an appalling hell “If you want to figure out what charac- ernment’s strength in Parliament means it That’s the word from one of Prime Min- hole, weirdos,” said Cummings, who has ters around Putin might do, or how inter- can concentrate on vital matters. ister Boris Johnson’s top advisers, who in been a lightning rod for controversy dur- national criminal gangs might exploit holes He described it as “a new government a lengthy blog post Friday appealed for a ing his tenure at 10 Downing Street. in our border security, you don’t want more with a significant majority and little need wide range of applicants for government He is a former director of the campaign Oxbridge English graduates,” he blogged. to worry about short-term unpopularity positions. to lead Britain out of the European Union He said change is needed because there while trying to make rapid progress with Dominic Cummings said one of his goals who has helped shape many of Johnson’s are “some profound problems at the core of long-term problems” and urged people to is to attract “super-talented weirdos” to policies. Cummings’ blog post is something how the British state makes decisions.” apply for positions. PAGE 12 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, January 5, 2020 MUSIC TOP 2. Rihanna, ‘Anti’ 7. SZA, ‘Ctrl’ Something was in the water in 2016: SZA is masterful and introspective on ALBUMS Beyonce delivered “Lemonade” and her confessional debut album, which Rihanna gave us the best album of follows a young woman going through OF THE her career with “Anti.” Rihanna had life and the turbulent experiences that 2010s been moving like the Energizer Bunny come with it, from dating dusty boys to since releasing her first album in 2005. dealing with self-doubt. She also put out albums in 2006, 2007, BY MESFIN 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 — showing 8. Janelle Monae, FEKADU that she was a singer who knew how to ‘The ArchAndroid’ Associated Press pick a hit, record it and make it sound According to contemporary pop folk- better than any other artist could. But lore, Janelle Monae arrived on the pop she took four years to create “Anti,” landscape from another planet, and and the time was used wisely. No need boy do we need more artists from that to hit the skip button on this album as sphere to land here now. On the beauti- Rihanna shows her sultry side on “Kiss fully theatrical “The ArchAndroid,” It Better,” her twerk side on “Work” she brilliantly paints the picture of and her vocal chops on “Love on the an android, Cindi Mayweather, who Brain.” Her hard work, work, work, finds out she is the chosen one and is work, work, work has truly paid off. trying to figure out how to handle her newfound mission. The versatile album 3. Beyonce, ‘Beyonce’ has so many high points, including the See earlier entry. Fela-flavored “Dance or Die,” the play- ful “Tightrope,” the groovy “Locked 4. Adele, ‘21’ Inside” and the addictive “Faster.” Back in my day — well in 2010 — re- 9. Katy Perry, cord labels sent albums months in 1. Beyonce, ‘Lemonade’ advance, and in November 2010 I ‘Teenage Dream’ At the beginning of this decade, Beyonce was already the received Adele’s “21.” Everything I’ll quote the opening line of my 2010 greatest singer of her generation. She won a record six else around had to be turned off. I was “Teenage Dream” review, which came Grammys in a single night, had women AND MEN “oh-oh- sucked in. Months later, so was the before the album matched the record world. THE ENTIRE WORLD. Adele Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” set by oh’ing” to the fun sound of “Single Ladies” and continued launching five No. 1 hits: “Katy Perry’s to be a beast of a performer. But somehow Superwoman was impressive on her 2008 debut, especially on “Hometown Glory,” but new CD is like a magical slot machine: — shoot, she’s Superman, too! — found a way to do more: Select any song and you’ll hear a hit.” Like a boss she launched her own company, Parkwood with “21” she went deep, too deep, she was rolling in the deep! Literally. Each Entertainment, and really took the bull by the horns of song made you feel something — sad, 10. Bruno Mars, her career. In 2011, she released the R&B adventure lonely, bouncy, fired up, calm, angry, ‘24K Magic’ “4,” featuring classics like “Countdown,” “Love on Top,” lost. And nine years later, each song Bruno Mars released three epic “Party,” “End of Time,” “I Care” and “I Miss You.” Three sounds as classic as they did at first lis- albums this decade, but “24K Magic” years later — in surprise form — came “Beyonce,” her ten, especially “Turning Tables,” “Set was a whole mood. bold, audacious and daring album that showcased a new Fire to the Rain” and the incomparable side of Beyonce: Goodbye was the girl who cared about “Someone Like You.” 11. Solange, topping the charts, and born was an artist, a true story- ‘A Seat at the Table’ teller, a grown woman. Somehow, she topped herself again 5. Kendrick Lamar, Solange’s art-piece of an album will with “Lemonade,” which still tastes as good as it did when ‘good kid, m.A.A.d city’ move you to think, and sing along, at it was released in 2016. The usually All of Kendrick Lamar’s albums the same time. private Beyonce bares her soul released this decade have been mas- on the album, singing about a terpieces, including the 2011 indepen- 12. Sam Smith, troubled relationship, black pride dent release “Section.80” as well as ‘In the Lonely Hour’ and motherhood in a brave way. the major-label projects “To Pimp a Unrequited love ruled Sam Smith’s Lyrically, she’s on point and Butterfly” and “DAMN.,” which won debut album, introducing the world to a honest over beats and sounds him the Pulitzer Prize for music as he piercing voice that is brave and honest. that range from rap to rock made history as the first non-classi- to country and pop. “Who cal or jazz artist to win the prestigious 13. Nas, ‘Life Is Good’ the (expletive) do you think prize. Lamar has profoundly mixed his Nas is still the best rapper alive. Don’t I am,” she brashly asks on poetry with hip-hop, jazz, soul, funk at me. “Don’t Hurt Yourself,” and African music to create songs that which co-stars Jack White. tackle blackness, street life, police 14. Taylor Swift, ‘1989’ The answer: the greatest brutality, survival and self-worth. And After dabbling in it on “Red,” former of all time. with 2012’s “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” country singer Taylor Swift hopped, this great kid immediately raised the skipped and jumped into the pop music bar not only in hip-hop, but in music world with “1989,” an adventurous It was a great period, forcing his peers to do better album full of hits, hits and more hits. decade for and try harder. Beyonce, who 15. Kacey Musgraves, also holds the 6. HAIM, ‘Golden Hour’ No. 3 spot ‘Days Are Gone’ on this list. With timeless songs like “Space Cow- The sister trio HAIM reached perfec- boy,” “Butterflies,” “Slow Burn” and AP tion on their debut album. Hit play. And “Lonely Weekend,” Kacey Musgraves that is all. proved to not just be golden, but grand.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Sunday, January 5, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 13 MUSIC TOP Robyn Jay-Z and Beyonce Diplo, Miley Cyrus ‘Dancing 1 Kanye West 6 ‘Run the 10 Skrillex and 14 ‘Wrecking Ball’ 19 SONGS on My Own’ ‘(Expletive) World (Girls)’ Justin Bieber Remember when We’ve all been there In Paris’ No explanation ‘Where Are U Now’ Miley was putting OF THE — the one you want is needed. out good music? The Kanye we miss, and The song that helped 2010s dancing with someone Jay-Z we’ve always loved. else. For that exact mo- Bieber gain adult male fans, even if they all didn’t ment, Robyn created Lady Gaga BY MESFIN “Dancing on My Own,” want to admit it at first. FEKADU so instead of awkwardly ‘Alejandro’ 11 Associated Press checking your phone, just Gaga’s “The Fame dance to this tune. Monster” EP, Nio Garcia, released a year after she Darell and 15 put out her multi-hit debut “The Fame,” was a piece Casper Magico AP of art, as Gaga elevated featuring Bad Bunny, her radio-ready sound to Nicky Jam and Ozuna newer, darker dimensions, Adele ‘Te Bote Remix’ especially on “Alejandro.” ‘Someone 7 Close to seven minutes Like You’ long, “Te Bote” is an This song induces addictive track featuring tears of sadness (break- some of the best perform- ups are hard!) and tears ers on the contemporary AP of joy (this song is just too Latin music scene. good). AP La Roux H.E.R. and ‘I’m Not Your Toy’ 20 Daniel Caesar 16 You may not know this song, but I ‘Best Part’ AP promise you, it’s like TNS Much like Ed Sheeran’s a good piece of candy “Thinking Out Loud,” — short, sweet and will “Best Part” is going to be leave you craving more. Kelly Rowland played at weddings for featuring 2 years to come. Lil Wayne Sufjan Stevens 21 ‘Motivation’ SZA ‘Mystery of Love’ Don’t ever sleep on Kelly Stevens’ vocals Ro. ‘The Weekend’ 17 are dreamy and This is the his lyrics are soft and definition of a direct. Alabama situationship. Shakes 3 CeeLo Green Charlie Andra Day ‘Gimme All Your ‘(Expletive) 8 Wilson 12 ‘Rise Up’ 22 Love’ You’ ‘I’m Blessed’ Press play and be Brittany Howard’s bluesy With Bruno Mars great. vocals plus psychedelic in the writer’s chair and A feel-good jam that’s also guitar-playing equals CeeLo in the vocal booth, a reminder to be humble, OMG. a classic song with a few grateful and kind. curse words was born. AP

AP

RCA Records Warner AP Records

Frank Ocean DaVido Gotye ‘Thinkin About 18 ‘Fall’ 23 You’ featuring 9 An Afrobeat Kimbra Ocean’s straight- adventure. Justin forward lyrics and vocal ‘Somebody That performance — especially I Used to Know’ Timberlake 13 that falsetto — make this Jessie Ware Drake Gotye is somebody that ‘Strawberry song unforgettable. ‘Passionfruit’ 4 we used to know. Like, for Bubblegum’ ‘Champagne 24 Kisses’ Drake can do real. Where has he been? The best song Timberlake so many things We’re thankful he had a put out this decade wasn’t This song is luscious and — rap, sing, sing-rap, rap mainstream run because even a single: this sexy rich. in accents, and more. his Grammy-winning number is so good it could But my favorite perfor- “Somebody That I Used to almost make you forget mance of his this decade? Know” is a timeless track. Timberlake fumbled the His groovy nature on ball with his last album. the dance-floor anthem “Passionfruit.” Here’s to hoping he finally releases a full-length R&B album AP of his singing.

Disclosure AP featuring 5 Universal Music Group Sam Smith ‘Latch’ Willow Smith Speaking of dance-floor anthems, “Latch” was, ‘Whip My Hair’ 25 and still is, the jam! AP Whip it real good. PAGE 14 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, January 5, 2020 CROSSWORD AND COMICS NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

DOWN FOR THE COUNT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 BY LAURA TAYLOR KINNEL / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Laura Taylor Kinnel, of Newtown, Pa., teaches math and is the director of studies at a Friends boarding school near Philadelphia. She got her interest in crosswords at a young age through her grandmother, who used to solve the Sunday Times puzzle and ask for 20 21 22 23 Laura’s ‘‘help.’’ The first crossword Laura made was a year-in-review puzzle for a 2018 Christmas letter. This puzzle is her debut in The Times. — W.S. 24 25 26 ACROSS 48 Where fans are often 96 College town of 11 The 1 in (1,2), in math 27 28 29 30 1 TV-screen inits. placed on high? George Washington 12 Work times, typically Carver 4 Steinful 50 Org. whose 14 Phaser setting 31 32 33 34 35 36 academy’s motto in 98 Hither’s partner 7 Cut (off) 15 Admiral Graf ____ English is “The sea 99 “Absolutely!” (German W.W. II 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 yields to knowledge” 10 “Nope” 101 ship) Little Richard hit 45 46 47 48 49 52 One who might give with “the most 16 Leaf (through) 13 Lucky strikes? you a shot inspired rock lyric 17 Bearing 15 Massage target 53 Miss 50 51 52 53 ever recorded,” per 18 One might be taken in 17 Capital of Belarus 54 Food that Marge Rolling Stone protest 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 Simpson once served 104 Sea eagle 19 Spa amenity with “a whisper of 19 Longtime NPR host 105 Many-time N.H.L. 63 64 65 66 67 MSG” Diane 20 1/x, for x All-Star Jagr 58 Big name in denim 21 Satellite inhabited 68 69 70 71 72 73 24 Top type 107 Sheepish continuously since 59 Collected $200, say 25 Hay-fever irritant 108 Fashionable 2000: Abbr. 74 75 76 77 78 79 63 “Te ____” 26 Online payment 110 Nonbinary identity 22 Complement of 64 Former superstore turtledoves in a option 111 Focus of an egoist’s 80 81 82 chain selling Christmas song gaze 27 Record holder for the diapers and 23 Obsolescent TV 83 84 85 86 most Indianapolis strollers 112 Magazine with companion 500 laps led (644) 67 “Egads!” annual Women of 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 the Year Awards 28 Paris’s ____ La 29 Lowly workers 68 Quite a tale Fayette 113 President Ford and 94 95 96 97 98 70 Spirit 30 Disfigure 30 Mythical being others 71 Charitable offering depicted in bronze in 114 Traditional, if bulky, 33 ____ sleep 99 100 101 102 103 104 Copenhagen Harbor 73 Film character who presents in Santa’s 35 Perturb says, “Kiss me as if 105 106 107 108 109 31 Followers of dos bag 38 “The Caine Mutiny” it were the last time” author 115 Opening words? 110 111 112 32 Home of the 74 It postulates a space- 39 End of some school N.C.A.A.’s Rhody the time fabric names, for short Ram, for short DOWN 113 114 115 80 Congressional budget 40 Orbicularis ____ 34 Director DuVernay directives 1 Super Bowl trophy (eyelid-closing 81 San Francisco’s ____ eponym muscle) 36 Govt. org. often Valley 2 Deep-fried doughy 41 “We ____ Kings” 55 1935 Triple Crown 69 Universal self, in 84 Famed Chicago 100 Prefix for a polygon impersonated on treats winner Hinduism steakhouse with 140° interior 82 Radio medium 42 What fools might scam calls 70 angles 83 Renaissance-themed 3 Picked nits make of themselves 56 Top-ranked Preserves 85 A couple of Bible something? 37 Picked a card festival 4 ____ tear (athlete’s professional tennis books 101 Headed for overtime 43 “Je ne ____ quoi” player for a record 72 Houston A.L.’ers 39 Abstainers … 84 Tears to pieces injury) 87 Completely 102 A short rest, so to 44 Joint winner of 237 consecutive speak or the central 5 Thieves’ place 73 Trump who wrote unrestrained 86 Who once had all 10 of FIFA’s Player of the weeks 2017’s “Raising column’s answers the top 10 Billboard Century award in 103 He: Lat. 6 Yosemite attraction 57 Ark contents Trump” 88 Tribute vis-à-vis 20-, 39-, hits simultaneously 2000 104 Top female baby 74- and 101-Across, 7 Hides one’s true nature 59 75 Tiny margin of victory 89 Swollen, as a lip 87 “The Gift of the Magi” 46 Top-level foreign- ____ fast one name of 2014-18 respectively 8 Group with the 2012 60 Labor-day setting? 76 When one usually 90 Drain, as blood 106 Year that author chart-topping album policy grp. goes through 44 One in a pocketful 89 “Seriously?” 49 Monopoly quartet: 61 “Beau ____” 92 Swiss dish Michelangelo’s “Up All Night,” to customs “The Crucifixion Abbr. 62 Signs off on 93 Derisive expressions 45 Has finished 91 Gobbles (down) fans 77 Purple pool ball of St. Peter” was 95 Runs smoothly 47 Speed that would 94 Doze (off) 9 It’s pitchfork-shaped 51 Fold 65 “I tell ya!” 78 Brushed up on completed enable a 23-minute 95 Mr. Incredible’s actual 10 “Why do you ask?” 53 Fuel line 66 Charlotte of “The 79 Lucky-ticket-holder’s 97 They can’t do without 109 Things the Energizer D.C.-to-L.A. flight surname response 54 Wallop Facts of Life” cry does bunny may need

GUNSTON STREET RESULTS FOR ABOVE PUZZLE

“Gunston Street” is drawn by Basil Zaviski. Email him at [email protected], and visit gunstonstreet.com. Sunday, January 5, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 15 AMERICAN ROUNDUP Cars get trapped in giant tumbleweeds

WEST RICHLAND WA — Some people spent part of their New Year’s Eve trapped on a Washington state highway after tumbleweeds blocked their route, authorities said. YakTriNews reported that the Washington State Patrol an- nounced via Twitter that State Route 240 was closed in both di- rections near West Richland. Trooper Sarah Clasen told KAPP-KVEW that vehicles were trapped in a pile of tumbleweeds that stood up to 15 feet tall. The state Department of Transportation used snow plows to clear the scene. Thorson said five cars and one 18-wheel semi truck where trapped in the tumbleweeds. Amazon delivery driver steals UPS package

WILKES-BARRE PA — An Amazon deliv- ery driver stole a package that was delivered earlier by UPS at a Pennsylvania home, police said. A woman in Wilkes-Barre re- ported a package being stolen from her home. Surveillance footage showed a UPS driver dropping off a pack- age at the house. Later that after- noon, an Amazon driver dropped off two packages and took the

UPS package as he was leaving. RUSS DILLINGHAM, SUN JOURNAL (LEWISTON, MAINE)/AP Man charged with using samurai sword in fight Dashing through the snow

MILLINOCKET — A Annabelle Holmes and her brother Zachary scream in delight as they rocket down the hill at Chestnut Park in Auburn, Maine, on Wednesday. ME Maine man who police said cut another man’s arm with a young children illegally staying THE CENSUS the canine to heaven. samurai sword during a fight was in a state park cabin, sheriff’s of- The Daily Times reported ficials confirmed. Tuesday that Joseph Cryer charged with aggravated assault The number of Maine newspapers to discontinue Monday print edi- Park rangers at Meeman-Shel- pleaded guilty in late December and possession of a dangerous tions starting March 2. The cost-cutting move will preserve newsroom by Forest State Park went to the weapon. jobs, said Lisa DeSisto, CEO of Masthead Maine, which publishes to aggravated animal cruelty. cabin over the weekend to pre- Jeremy Rideout, 35, of Milli- 4 the newspapers, the Portland Press Herald, Sun Journal of Lewiston, The Ocean City man had already pare it for a renter’s upcoming nocket, turned himself in , police Morning Sentinel in Waterville, and Kennebec Journal in Augusta. The served 104 days in jail before he said. stay, the Shelby County Sheriff’s newspapers will continue to produce a digital edition on Mondays, along with received his sentence. Police were called to a high Office told WMC-TV. But rangers digital and print editions on the six other days, she said. Police said they came to his school parking lot in Millinocket instead found recently slept-in house after a woman heard where they found the injured beds and clothes strewn about the screaming from Cryer’s home. man. He was treated and released cabin that was supposed to be un- the safe return of his dog after Police said an officer noticed a from the hospital, police said. occupied, news outlets reported. 48-year-old elephant someone stole his truck with the significant amount of blood out- Rangers later found Shawn and euthanized at zoo pet inside. side Cryer’s house and that Cryer Man crashes after live Leah Hyde there, as well as a 4- The dog named Bella was in- told the officer that he was Jesus streaming while driving year-old and a 6-year-old. SAN DIEGO — Tembo, side Ben Brengle’s truck when Christ. CA a 48-year-old elephant, it was stolen last week from out- GROTON — A man Drunk driver says GPS was euthanized at the San Diego side a home improvement store Ice crashed through CT who was live stream- led him onto railroad Zoo after a sudden change in her in North Charleston, news outlets windshield, hurt driver ing while driving over 100 mph health following longtime treat- reported. ment for age-related ailments, crashed his car in Connecticut, It was cold and rainy that Sun- WEST PALM BEACH the zoo announced . BURLINGTON — A according to state police. day before Christmas, so Brengle FL — A Florida man facing The female African bush el- Connecticut State Police posted left the 2-year-old yellow Labra- MA man was seriously in- a DUI charge told police officers ephant died Dec. 29. jured on Thursday when ice on a the driver’s video of the crash. he drove onto an unused portion Tembo had lived at the zoo dor mix in the truck with the en- Kenneth Hofler, 23, of Middle- gine running, he said. commercial truck apparently dis- of train track and was sideswiped since 1983. Before that she was lodged and went crashing through town, was using his phone to re- by a passing commuter train By the time he returned min- privately owned and had been an the windshield of the pickup truck cord himself driving over the while following GPS directions. animal actor, the zoo said. utes later, Bella and his white he was driving, Massachusetts Gold Star Memorial Bridge , of- Luis Daniel Lopez Rojas, 19, “On Saturday, animal care Chevy Silverado were gone, he State Police said. ficials said. He was reportedly escaped injury, and West Palm staff noted a sudden change in said. A woman and two children also driving with a suspended license. Beach police officers found him Tembo’s condition, including be- He’s set up social media ac- in the pickup went to the hospital Hofler’s video shows him film- asleep behind the wheel, an ar- haviors that indicated severe dis- counts in the hopes of spreading with what are thought to be minor ing the road ahead of him and his rest report said. comfort,” the zoo tweeted. “After the message. injuries. speedometer before losing con- After police woke him up, evaluating quality of life options, trol on the off-ramp and dropping they said he denied being on the staff made the difficult decision to Man who killed dog said The driver of the pickup was his phone. tracks, then told officers he had compassionately euthanize her.” he was Jesus Christ taken to Massachusetts General been following GPS directions, Hospital in Boston. A trooper stopped a commer- Rangers discover family the report said. Man offers $10K for OCEAN CITY — A illegally staying in cabin An officer said he detected the return of stolen dog MD Maryland man has cial truck with New Hampshire smell of alcohol on him. The re- been sentenced to more than five registration thought to be respon- MILLINGTON — Au- port said he told officers he drank NORTH CHARLES- months in jail for killing his dog. sible for the injuries several min- TN thorities in Tennessee six beers while at home alone that SC TON — A South Caro- Police said the man had claimed utes later. discovered two adults and two night. lina man is offering $10,000 for he was Jesus Christ and had sent From wire reports PAGE 16 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, January 5, 2020 OPINION Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Sean Klimek, Europe commander Why Australians are hot under the collar Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations Joshua M. Lashbrook, Pacific Chief of Staff BY DANIEL MOSS AND TIM CULPAN risks crowding out serious policy discus- Fires aren’t usually this early in summer Bloomberg Opinion sion. The opposition Labor Party, worried or this close to the coast. They tend to be about losing the support of mining unions, further inland and later, around February EDITORIAL arge tracts of the Australian con- wishes climate change would just go away, and March, when the scrub has been bak- tinent are ablaze. Beyond the toll Editor having blamed defeat in May’s national ing for months. But with record-breaking Terry Leonard, in lives and property, the most [email protected] election on being too pro-environment. temperatures, things can get dangerous remarkable thing about this bush- Morrison, who staked his candidacy on very quickly. , Senior Managing Editor L Robert H. Reid fire season is that people can see it, taste it One of your columnists recalls devastat- [email protected] support for the coal industry, has played and feel it. down the impact of climate change on the ing fires in the rural northern outskirts Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content While fires have long been a product fires, recently asking Australians to “be of Melbourne nearly two generations ago. [email protected] of the country’s hot, dry climate, they re- patient.” His administration has been in The view from his classroom window was Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation mained a remote idea for most Austra- emergency-response mode; but the crisis of the Australian bush. Lush and green in [email protected] lians — something you caught for a few will be wasted if Australia’s political class winter, dry and brown in summer. Kooka- minutes on the evening news. Now more can’t force a deeper reckoning about how burras laughed and cockatoos chattered Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital than 20 people have died and scores are to address climate change. from the trees, kangaroos and wallabies [email protected] missing . Areas larger than Denmark have Voters should make this decision easy. were spotted bounding between the trees, been razed. As recently as late last month, Contrary to its “Crocodile Dundee” image always eliciting excitement from kids BUREAU STAFF temperature warnings for parts of Sydney abroad, Australia is one of the most urban- young and old. climbed to 113 degrees Farenheit. When ized societies on earth. The majority of its Then Ash Wednesday came. Late in the Europe/Mideast haze blanketed the city in early December, 25 million people live close to the coast- summer of 1983, after the school year had Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief [email protected] our Bloomberg Opinion colleague David line in the southeastern corner of the land already commenced and while the bush +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 Fickling wrote of sleepless nights and mass. Much of the action the past week has remained dried out, the skies started turn- bronchial coughs, amazed at the apathy of been in that region, on the coast of New ing dark. Parents were summoned to pick Pacific the political class. up their kids. Everyone knew the dangers. Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief South Wales. This area is frequented by [email protected] Politicians are feeling pressure now. vacationers from Canberra, the federal Local scrub fires seemed like an annual +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 While visiting fire victims last week in Co- capital and where one of your columnists event, usually under control the same day bargo, just inland from the coast, conserva- grew up. Childhood vacation spots, such and rarely causing much harm. Washington tive Prime Minister Scott Morrison faced as Batemans Bay, Malua Bay, Surf Beach, Just a few kilometers from the fire front, Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief the flames couldn’t easily be seen. The [email protected] an irate crowd. Some refused to shake his Mollymook and Ulladulla, have been (+1)(202)886-0033 hand; others called for more resources singed, or are close to it. (To New Yorkers, thickness of the smoke signaled that this Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News to fight the flames. This angry reception these towns are analogous to the Jersey time was different, though — black like a [email protected] came after he enjoyed an ill-timed vaca- Shore.) thunder cloud but more silent, more dead- tion to Hawaii shortly before Christmas. One longtime friend described a scene as ly. More than 70 people died. CIRCULATION It’s always risky to travel far from home resembling Dunkirk, with evacuees wait- For more and more Australians, this Mideast during a crisis, but this jaunt was espe- ing on beaches for help, sometimes from won’t be a once-in-a-generation event. Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager cially ham-handed: Morrison’s office ini- the decks of their boats. Another said his What a pity if the only lesson is that poli- [email protected] tially denied he was away, all while photos brothers returned home to find the back ticians cross Hawaii from their vacation [email protected] lists. DSN (314)583-9111 of him wearing board shorts and throwing fence had burned to the ground, the house up a surfer sign circulated on social media. possibly seconds from engulfing flames. Daniel Moss is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist Europe A contrite Morrison was forced to return Photos taken driving north toward Sydney, covering Asian economies. Tim Culpan is a Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager early. fleeing the inferno, resemble the surface of Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering [email protected] technology. He previously covered technology [email protected] This tabloid-worthy distraction now the moon. for Bloomberg News. +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 Pacific Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 Senators now risk indecent exposure of their minds CONTACT US BY GEORGE F. WILL not sitting as senators” but as jurors. But been frequent and frequently valid, but Washington Washington Post Writers Group not as jurors are usually understood. beware of them becoming articles of im- tel: (+1)202.886.0003 In theory, for the trial’s duration the peachment whenever opposite parties con- 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 WASHINGTON Senate is, in Tulis’ words, “a new institu- trol the House and White House. residential impeachments are tion with new rules, new norms and new Today’s impeachment has had benefits Reader letters inevitably fueled by reciprocal responsibilities.” In fact, the theory is [email protected] and will have more. Attentive Americans political furies, so the Senate’s incompatible with the political dynamic already have learned much about the dif- role, although called a trial, is Additional contacts P Hamilton foresaw, and with new norms re- ficulty and potential perils of lassoing a imperfectly analogous to one. Senate ju- stripes.com/contactus flecting the dominance of presidents and runaway president with a lariat woven of rors are, by profession, partisans; none is parties. concepts such as “abuse of power” (which disinterested. Most of today’s Republican senators OMBUDSMAN presidents were innocent?) and “obstruc- Alexander Hamilton warned (Federalist will think of themselves only as senators Ernie Gates 65) that impeachments would divide the and, worse, as modern senators: passive tion of Congress” (how defined, and by nation into “parties more or less friendly passengers on a minor planet, the Senate, whom?). Soon Americans will learn much, The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow or inimical to the accused” and that the orbiting the presidential sun. 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Sam Rayburn, D-Texas, who Republican senators can conclude that 202.886.0003. a fair juror,” he is flamboyantly coarse, as was speaker for 17 of his 48 years in the because America is riven by recrimina- is his wont, but within the parameters of House, was asked “You served under eight tions hurled by irreconcilable factions, and expected behavior. presidents, didn’t you?” Rayburn replied, Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- because institutions are indiscriminately days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday Jeffrey Tulis of the University of Texas “I did not serve under any presidents. I distrusted, it is imprudent to remove the through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and says the Framers assumed that the Senate worked with eight presidents.” This consti- president 10 months before voters can neu- Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. 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But this assumption became anachronistic phen Griffin, the House’s articles of im- and in frustrating congressional investiga- This newspaper is authorized by the Department of with the emergence of political parties, di- Defense for members of the military services overseas. peachment are arguably the first “not to tion thereof, are execrable but insufficient However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, rect election of senators and the eclipse of be grounded ultimately in allegations that to justify truncating a presidential term and are not to be considered as the official views of, or Congress by the modern presidency. the president committed a federal crime that is almost 75% percent over. endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspaper, Under today’s degenerate norms, party or other violation of law.” The president’s Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official chan- Or blinkered Republican senators can nels and use appropriated funds for distribution to remote loyalties extinguish legislators’ concerns misdeeds are clear and gross but, says locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. for their institutions’ duties and residual Josh Blackman of South Texas College of affirm the president’s self-assessment as The appearance of advertising in this publication does perfect yet persecuted. And incandescent not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense dignity. 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Senators must now risk indecent expo- © Stars and Stripes 2020 now pending, I will do impartial justice ac- And Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., wisely sure of their minds. In 10 months, voters cording to the Constitution and laws.” This, warns: Throughout U.S. history, accusa- will decide what to do about the president’s stripes.com Tulis says, reminds senators “that they are tions of presidential abuse of power have malignant frivolousness. Sunday, January 5, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 17 SCOREBOARD/COLLEGE FOOTBALL Briefl y Sports College basketball College football on AFN Friday’s men’s scores Bowl schedule EAST Friday, Dec. 20 Drexel 61, Delaware 55 Bahamas Bowl Mississippi State fires Manhattan 71, Canisius 67 Buffalo 31, Charlotte 9 Niagara 75, Fairfield 66 Frisco (Texas) Bowl Go to the American Forces Quinnipiac 63, Marist 58 Kent State 51, Utah State 41 Seton Hall 78, Georgetown 62 Saturday, Dec. 21 Network website for the most Siena 75, Monmouth (NJ) 72 Celebration Bowl up-to-date TV schedules. St. Peter’s 75, Iona 74 NC A&T 64, Alcorn State 44 SOUTH New Mexico Bowl coach after 2 seasons myafn.net NC A&T 123, Mid-Atlantic Christian 61 San Diego State 48, Central Michigan 11 MIDWEST Cure Bowl Ball St. 61, Toledo 57 Liberty 23, Georgia Southern 16 Detroit 66, N. Kentucky 58 Boca Raton (Fla.) Bowl Associated Press Deals Green Bay 85, Ill.-Chicago 71 FAU 52, SMU 28 Kent St. 79, Bowling Green 61 Camellia Bowl Milwaukee 78, IUPUI 74 Arkansas State 34, FIU 26 Mississippi State fired Joe Rutgers 79, Nebraska 62 Las Vegas Bowl Moorhead after two seasons Fri- Friday’s transactions Wisconsin 61, Ohio St. 57 Washington 38, Boise State 7 BASEBALL Wright St. 96, Oakland 69 New Orleans Bowl day, making the unusual decision National League SOUTHWEST Appalachian State 31, UAB 17 to dismiss a coach after a bowl WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Agreed Houston 78, UCF 63 Monday, Dec. 23 to terms with RHP Will Harris on a three- Tulsa 70, Temple 44 Gasparilla Bowl game. year contract. FAR WEST UCF 48, Marshall 25 The Bulldogs went 14-12 under International League Cal Poly 85, Vanguard 82 Tuesday, Dec. 24 SYRACUSE METS — Named Brian Sch- Cal St.-Fullerton 103, Saint Katherine 52 Moorhead, who was previously UC Davis 101, Holy Names 41 Hawaii Bowl neider manager. Hawaii 38, BYU 34 the offensive coordinator at Penn Frontier League Thursday, Dec. 26 FLORENCE FREEDOM — Signed SS Aus- Friday’s women’s scores Independence Bowl State. He was hired after the 2017 tin Wobrock. Louisiana Tech 14, Miami 0 season when Dan Mullen left NEW YORK BOULDERS — Signed 1B Friday, Jan. 3 Quick Lane Bowl Christopher Salvey. EAST Mississippi State for Florida. DePaul 80, Providence 67 Pittsburgh 34, Eastern Michigan 30 WINDY CITY THUNDERBOLTS — Signed Friday, Dec. 27 INF Jamey Smart. Elon 74, Towson 61 This season, Mississippi State St. John’s 71, Georgetown 54 Military Bowl BASKETBALL North Carolina 55, Temple 13 (6-7) made it to the postseason National Basketball Association Villanova 61, Seton Hall 55 SOUTH Pinstripe Bowl with a one-point victory against BROOKLYN NETS — Waived G-F David Michigan State 27, Wake Forest 21 Nwaba. Coll. of Charleston 73, Drexel 59 rival Mississippi in the regular- James Madison 84, William & Mary 70 Texas Bowl FOOTBALL Texas A&M 24, Oklahoma State 21 National Football League UNC-Wilmington 71, Delaware 65 season finale. The Bulldogs then MIDWEST Holiday Bowl MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed CB Rashard Iowa 49, Southern Cal 24 lost 38-28 to Louisville in the Causey to a futures contract. Bradley 82, Evansville 51 Creighton 72, Marquette 62 Cheez-It Bowl Music City Bowl. MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Signed CB Air Force 31, Washington State 21 Marcus Sherels. Placed CB Mike Hughes Drake 104, N. Iowa 87 “In this case, it goes a little bit Illinois St. 83, Indiana St. 69 Saturday, Dec. 28 on IR. Camping World Bowl beyond just wins and losses, al- Canadian Football League Missouri St. 74, Loyola of Chicago 72 MARK HUMPHREY/AP S. Illinois 67, Valparaiso 51 Orlando, Fla. MONTREAL ALOUETTES — Fired presi- Notre Dame 33, Iowa State 9 though I want to state for sure that dent and chief executive officer Patrick SOUTHWEST Boivin. Named CFL COO David Goldstein Iowa St. 96, Texas Tech 66 Cotton Bowl Classic wins and losses matter,” athletic Joe Moorhead was fired despite the interim president and chief execu- TCU 65, Texas 63 Arlington, Texas director John Cohen said during becoming only the second tive officer. FAR WEST Penn State 53, Memphis 39 HOCKEY Arizona 65, Southern Cal 57 Peach Bowl a news conference. “There were Mississippi State coach to lead National Hockey League Oregon 104, Colorado 46 Atlanta some other issues at stake that we the Bulldogs to bowl games in NHL — Suspended Dallas Stars F Co- Oregon St. 77, Utah 48 LSU 63, Oklahoma 28 rey Perry for five games, without pay, Stanford 77, Washington St. 58 Fiesta Bowl had to consider.” his first two seasons. for elbowing Nashville Predators D Ryan UCLA 68, Arizona St. 66 Glendale, Ariz. The firing comes four days Ellis on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Suspended Washington 67, California 64 Clemson 29, Ohio State 23 Los Angeles Kings D Kurtis MacDermid Monday, Dec. 30 after the Music City Bowl loss. rill accomplished in 1991-92. for two games without pay for an illegal SERVPRO First Responder Bowl Leading up to that game, there check to the head on Jan. 2. Dallas ANAHEIM DUCKS — Reassigned C Sam Golf Western Kentucky 23, Western Michi- were reports of a post-practice Wisconsin RB Taylor Carrick, RW Daniel Sprong and D Chris gan 20 fight between freshman quarter- Wideman to San Diego (AHL). Music City Bowl to enter NFL Draft BUFFALO SABRES — Recalled F Scott Tournament of Champions Nashville, Tenn. back Garrett Shrader and start- Wilson the Rochester (AHL). Louisville 38, Mississippi State 28 ing linebacker Willie Gay that left MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin MONTREAL CANADIENS — Signed F Friday Redbox Bowl Ilya Kovalchuk to a one-year contract. At Plantation Course at Kapalua Santa Clara, Calif. Shrader injured. running back Jonathan Taylor is NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Recalled D Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii California 35, Illinois 20 Moorhead didn’t confirm a Alexandre Carrier from Milwaukee (AHL), Purse: $6.7 million Orange Bowl headed to the NFL. The record- D Adam Smith from Florida (ECHL) and D Yardage: 7,596; Par 73 Miami Gardens, Fla. fight or details about Shrader’s setting junior announced Friday Scott Savage from Maine (ECHL). Second Round Florida 36, Virginia 28 injury, but said before the bowl Tuesday, Dec. 31 on Twitter and Instagram that he NEW YORK ISLANDERS — Recalled D Xander Schauffele 69-68—137 -9 game that the players had spoken Sebastian Aho from Bridgeport (AHL). Patrick Reed 72-66—138 -8 Belk Bowl will forgo his senior season with SOCCER Joaquin Niemann 66-72—138 -8 Charlotte, N.C. to each other and the issue was Major League Soccer Rickie Fowler 68-71—139 -7 Kentucky 37, Virginia Tech 30 the Badgers and enter the draft. Announced the Sun Bowl addressed internally. Shrader ATLANTA UNITED — Patrick Cantlay 69-71—140 -6 Taylor finished his college ca- resignation of goalkeeper coach Aron Justin Thomas 67-73—140 -6 El Paso, Texas was slated to start, but did not Hyde to become goalkeeper coach with Arizona State 20, Florida State 14 J.T. Poston 70-71—141 -5 reer with 6,174 yards rushing, the the U.S. Men’s National Team. Liberty Bowl play against Louisville. THOROUGHBRED RACING Matthew Wolff 69-72—141 -5 Memphis, Tenn. “Is it the (only) factor? No,” most by any player in FBS history BREEDERS’ CUP — Named John Keitt Gary Woodland 73-69—142 -4 Navy 20, Kansas State 17 chief operating officer and Rogers Bea- Nate Lashley 71-71—142 -4 Arizona Bowl Cohen said regarding how much through their junior season. Tay- sley chief strategy officer. Collin Morikawa 71-71—142 -4 Tucson, Ariz. of an impact the reports of a fight lor also had 55 total TDs. COLLEGE Lanto Griffin 71-71—142 -4 Wyoming 38, Georgia State 17 CALIFORNIA — Named Bill Musgrave Jon Rahm 69-73—142 -4 Alamo Bowl had on his decision. “But it is a Also declaring for the draft: offensive coordinator. Matt Kuchar 68-74—142 -4 San Antonio factor, one of several factors.” GEORGIA — RB D’Andre Swift an- Graeme McDowell 74-69—143 -3 Texas 38, Utah 10 Ohio State defensive end nounced he will enter the NFL Draft. Corey Conners 73-70—143 -3 Wednesday, Jan. 1 Cohen said associate head Chase Young, a junior who was a MICHIGAN — C Cesar Ruiz announced Dustin Johnson 72-71—143 -3 Citrus Bowl coach Tony Hughes will serve he will enter the NFL Draft. Heisman Trophy finalist. Ryan Palmer 71-72—143 -3 Orlando, Fla. as interim head coach while the MINNESOTA — Announced wide re- Kevin Kisner 72-72—144 -2 Alabama 35, Michigan 16 Running back D’Andre Swift, ceivers coach Matt Simon will also Chez Reavie 74-71—145 -1 Outback Bowl school searches for Moorhead’s assume the duties as co-offensive co- Adam Long 74-71—145 -1 Tampa, Fla. a junior who was Georgia’s lead- ordinator. Named Mike Sanford Jr. co- successor. Sung Kang 72-73—145 -1 Minnesota 31, Auburn 24 ing rusher the past two seasons. offensive coordinator and quarterbacks Brendon Todd 71-74—145 -1 Rose Bowl Moorhead was fired despite coach. Paul Casey 74-72—146 E Pasadena, Calif. Washington junior running NEBRSKA — Dismissed RB Maurice Oregon 28, Wisconsin 27 being just the second Mississippi Washington. Jim Herman 73-73—146 E Max Homa 75-72—147 +1 Sugar Bowl State coach to reach bowl games back Salvon Ahmed, who rushed NEW JERSEY CITY — Promoted Dani- New Orleans elle Beam to associate director of athlet- Cameron Champ 73-74—147 +1 in each of his first two seasons, for 1,020 yards and 11 TDs this Sebastian Munoz 72-75—147 +1 Georgia 26, Baylor 14 ics for student development/SWA. Thursday, Jan. 2 matching a feat that Jackie Sher- season. OHIO STATE — DE Chase Young an- Tyler Duncan 69-78—147 +1 Keith Mitchell 76-72—148 +2 Birmingham (Ala.) Bowl nounced he will enter the NFL Draft. Cincinnati 38, Boston College 6 WAKE FOREST — Suspended men’s J.B. Holmes 78-71—149 +3 Gator Bowl sophomore basketball Sharone Wright Dylan Frittelli 72-77—149 +3 Jacksonville, Fla. Rourke-led Ohio tops Nevada Jr. and Michael Wynn one game each for Kevin Na 76-74—150 +4 Tennessee 23, Indiana 22 “failing to uphold the standards of Wake Martin Trainer 74-77—151 +5 Forest Basketball.” Friday, Jan. 3 WASHINGTON — Announced RB Sal- Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Boise in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl von Ahmed will enter the NFL Draft. Ohio 30, Nevada 21 College hockey Saturday, Jan. 4 Armed Forces Bowl Associated Press coach received a two-year con- Boxing Fort Worth, Texas tract extension last week. Friday’s scores Southern Miss (7-5) vs. Tulane (6-6) BOISE, Idaho — Ohio quarter- EAST Monday, Jan. 6 Nevada (7-6), which dismissed Lendingtree Bowl back Nathan Rourke is projected Fight schedule Canisius 1, RIT 1, 2OT Mobile, Ala. defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel Holy Cross 4, Mercyhurst 0 Miami (Ohio) (8-5) vs. Louisiana- to be the top quarterback taken Jan. 10 Penn St. 3, Niagara 2 and two other defensive position At Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City, Lafayette (10-3) in the Canadian Football League Union 5, St. Lawrence 4, OT Monday, Jan. 13 coaches at the end of the regular N.J., Shohjahon Ergashev vs. Keith Hunt- Dartmouth 4, Princeton 3 draft this spring. He’s pretty good er, 10, super lightweights; Jaron Ennis vs. College Football Championship New Hampshire 4, Yale 1 season, didn’t find much of an an- Bakhtiyar Eyubov, 10, welterweights. New Orleans at the American collegiate ver- RPI 3, Clarkson 1 Clemson (14-0) vs. LSU (14-0) Jan. 11 sion of football, too. swer for Ohio’s high-powered of- At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic Quinnipiac 6, Harvard 1 Saturday, Jan. 18 Northeastern 5, UConn 2 East-West Shrine Classic Rourke, from Oakville, On- fense until the fourth quarter. City, N.J. Jesse Hart vs Joe Smith Jr., 10, At St. Petersburg, Fla. light heavyweights. Omaha 2, Maine 2, OT The Wolfpack also were miss- MIDWEST East vs. West tario, accounted for 231 yards of At Alamodome, San Antonio, Jaime NFLPA Collegiate Bowl ing three key defensive starters, Munguia vs. Gary O’Sullivan, 12, middle- W. Michigan 1, Notre Dame 1, OT offense and ran for a touchdown North Dakota 5, Ala. Huntsville 2 At Pasadena, Calif. weights; Travell Mazion vs. Fernando American vs. National to help Ohio beat Nevada 30-21 on suspended for their participation Castaneda, 10, junior middleweights; N. Michigan 5, Bowling Green 2 in a fight in a loss to rival UNLV Hector Tanajara vs. Juan Carlos Burgos, Bemidji St. 5, Ferris St. 2 Friday in the Famous Idaho Po- 10, lightweights. Minnesota St. 4, Alaska 0 NCAA FCS playoffs tato Bowl. in the regular-season finale. Jan. 17 FAR WEST Championship Ohio (7-6) rebounded from a 1-3 Rourke, who finished with 144 At WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Air Force 4, American International 1 Saturday, Jan. 11 Sloan, Iowa, Vladimir Shishkin vs. Ulises Providence 3, Army 1 At Toyota Stadium start for its fifth straight winning yards passing and 87 yards rush- Sierra, 10, super middleweights; Shohja- Denver 4, UMass 2 Frisco, Texas ing along with one touchdown, hon Ergashev vs. Adrian Estrella, 10, su- EXHIBITION North Dakota State (15-0) vs. James season under coach Frank Solich. per lightweights. Boston U. 3, USA Under-18 3, OT Madison (14-1) The 75-year-old former Nebraska garnered MVP honors. PAGE 18 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, January 5, 2020 COLLEGE BASKETBALL/NHL Ex-Stars coach calls firing ‘appropriate,’ enters rehab

Associated Press “We are supportive of this decision by Jim and we hope that by pursuing this help, he and his family DALLAS — Former Dallas Stars coach Jim will be stronger for it,” Nill said in a statement is- Montgomery said Friday his abrupt dismissal by sued by the team. “Out of respect for him and his the NHL club was “appropriate“ and he has entered family, we will not be commenting on this situation alcohol rehab. further.” Montgomery made his first public comment since Montgomery, 50, was in his second season with he was fired Dec. 10 for unspecified unprofessional Dallas after making the rare conduct. He said the firing was “a wake-up call.” jump from college coaching at “It was also the appropriate call,” Montgomery said. “I let the team’s front office, staff and players the University of Denver. The down. Stars made the second round “More importantly, I let my wife and my family of the playoffs with their rookie down. The team’s decision to end my role forced me coach, losing in seven games in to look into the mirror and decide whether I wanted the second round to eventual to continue living a damaging lifestyle or get help. I champion St. Louis. decided to get help.” Montgomery had two years Montgomery said he entered a rehab facility Fri- left on his contract at $1.6 mil- day, adding he “turned to professionals in the field lion per season. of alcohol abuse for their guidance and counseling. The Stars were 17-11-3 when It has been an overwhelming and a very humbling Montgomery was fired, having experience knowing that I am not alone.” Montgomery recovered from a dismal 1-7-1 General manager Jim Nill wouldn’t get into spe- start by going 14-1-1. They have cifics when he announced the firing of the third since gone 7-3-1 under interim coach Rick Bowness coach he has hired since taking over in April 2013. and are in third place in the Central Division. NHL scoreboard NHL roundup

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Samsonov, Capitals GP W L OT Pts GF GA PAUL VERNON/AP Boston 42 24 7 11 59 139 107 Toronto 42 23 14 5 51 152 135 Tampa Bay 39 22 13 4 48 139 121 Ohio State guard Luther Muhammad, left, is defended by Wisconsin Florida 40 21 14 5 47 145 137 hold off Hurricanes guard Brad Davidson during the first half Friday in Columbus, Ohio. Buffalo 42 18 17 7 43 124 133 Montreal 41 18 17 6 42 132 133 Wisconsin beat Ohio State 61-57. Ottawa 41 16 20 5 37 114 138 Detroit 42 10 29 3 23 90 161 Associated Press Metropolitan Division Washington 42 28 9 5 61 150 125 RALEIGH, N.C. — Ilya Sam- N.Y. Islanders 39 25 11 3 53 115 102 Pittsburgh 40 24 11 5 53 138 107 sonov isn’t playing like a rookie. Carolina 41 24 15 2 50 139 116 He isn’t playing like a backup, Wisconsin rallies, Philadelphia 41 22 14 5 49 131 123 Columbus 41 19 14 8 46 107 113 either. N.Y. Rangers 40 19 17 4 42 132 136 New Jersey 40 15 19 6 36 104 139 Samsonov made 18 of his 38 saves in the first period as the Western Conference Washington Capitals edged the Central Division Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 on Fri- GP W L OT Pts GF GA upsets Ohio State St. Louis 42 26 10 6 58 131 114 day night. Colorado 41 24 13 4 52 151 122 “We allowed them to get the Dallas 42 24 14 4 52 115 104 Winnipeg 41 22 16 3 47 128 126 momentum, and he was really, Minnesota 41 19 17 5 43 126 137 really sharp, definitely the differ- BY MITCH STACY shot and my teammates found Nashville 39 18 15 6 42 134 131 ence-maker tonight,” Washington Associated Press me,” Wesson said of the critical Chicago 42 18 18 6 42 123 139 Pacific Division coach Todd Reirden said. miss. “We thought that was our Vegas 44 23 15 6 52 139 129 Evgeny Kuznetsov and Lars COLUMBUS, Ohio — Nate best shot of that possession.” Arizona 43 23 16 4 50 122 110 Vancouver 41 22 15 4 48 139 124 Eller each had a goal and an assist Reuver’s jumper finally wrested Both teams started slowly and Edmonton 43 21 17 5 47 127 137 Calgary 43 21 17 5 47 118 130 for the Capitals, who had dropped /AP the lead away from Ohio State struggled from the field through- KARL B DEBLAKER with 1:54 left in the game, and San Jose 42 18 21 3 39 112 141 two in a row. out. Wisconsin missed its first five Los Angeles 42 17 21 4 38 109 132 Washington’s backup goaltender, the Wisconsin forward hit four Anaheim 41 16 20 5 37 105 128 Richard Panik and Jakub shots and finished at 38% from Note: Two points for a win, one point rookie Ilya Samsonov, made 38 free throws in the last 14 seconds Vrana also scored. the field. Ohio State shot 40%. for overtime loss. Top three teams in saves Friday as the Capitals beat to seal a road upset of the No. 5 each division and two wild cards per Washington led 4-1 early in Wisconsin led by four at half- conference advance to playoffs. the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in Buckeyes. Friday’s gmes the third period before Carolina time of a sloppy, slow game, but Raleigh, N.C. Reuvers scored 17 points and Washington 4, Carolina 3 rallied on power-play goals by Ohio State ripped off back-to-back Dallas 4, Detroit 1 keyed the late rally in a 61-57 Saturday’s games Teuvo Teravainen and Ryan Dz- three-pointers early in the second break through against the Hur- victory Friday night in front of Edmonton at Boston ingel. Samsonov stopped Warren half to start a 13-2 run. Wisconsin Florida at Buffalo ricanes. He is the Capitals’ No. 2 a sellout crowd that opened the San Jose at Columbus Foegele late in the game to pre- tied it at 47 with 6:51 to play but Winnipeg at Minnesota goaltender behind Braden Holtby, grueling Big Ten stretch for both serve the victory. wouldn’t grab the lead until Re- St. Louis at Vegas who is an NHL All-Star for the teams. Pittsburgh at Montreal Jordan Staal also scored for uvers took charge late. Colorado at New Jersey fifth consecutive season. “I think we’ve just gotten a lot Tampa Bay at Ottawa Carolina (24-15-2). better since November,” Reuvers Kobe King, who added 13 points N.Y. Islanders at Toronto “It seems like every time we Samsonov entered as the first for Wisconsin (9-5, 2-1), said his Philadelphia at Arizona goalie in NHL history to open his said. “As coach (Greg) Gard has N.Y. Rangers at Vancouver play them that is pretty much said, we’ve matured a lot more. team would not have been able to Nashville at Los Angeles how the games go, pretty tight, career with wins in his first seven stay with Ohio State a month ago Sunday’s games road games in the same season. You can especially see that in San Jose at Washington lots of scoring chances,” Hur- in a one- or two-possession game. Tampa Bay at Carolina ricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour He is 11-2-1 overall. the defensive end of the floor. I Florida at Pittsburgh think we did a really good job hit- “They’re one of the best teams Calgary at Minnesota said. “But ... we just didn’t find a “Both of our goalies play unbe- in the country, and we watched Detroit at Chicago way to pull it out.” lievable hockey,” Kuznetsov said. ting the offensive glass, too. That Nashville at Anaheim was huge, especially down the their games,” King said. “They Monday’s games The NHL-leading Capitals (28- “It’s not easy to be behind Holts, came out 7-0 and another run at Winnipeg at Montreal but I think at the same time he stretch.” Colorado at N.Y. Islanders 9-5) had dropped their past four Ohio State (11-3, 1-2) lost a sec- halftime, and just knowing we Edmonton at Toronto games against the Hurricanes has learned a lot from Holts.” could fight back and claw back Columbus at Los Angeles Stars 4, Red Wings 1: Joe Pav- ond consecutive game. The Buck- Tuesday’s games dating to Games 6 and 7 of the eyes got a terrific performance and make it more of a dogfight Philadelphia at Carolina Eastern Conference semifinals elski had a goal and an assist as Arizona at Florida from Kaleb Wesson, who had 22 rather than let them get into N.Y. Islanders at New Jersey last season. host Dallas earned its fourth suc- points and 13 rebounds. But Wes- rhythm.” Vancouver at Tampa Bay After Carolina beat the Capi- cessive come-from-behind win. Ottawa at Washington son missed a three-pointer with Ohio State became the second Montreal at Detroit tals 6-4 on Dec. 28, Foegele con- Pavelski was honored before 19 seconds left that would have top-5 team in the AP Top 25 to Colorado at N.Y. Rangers firmed the series had developed the game for playing in his 1,000th Boston at Nashville tied the score at 57. After that, lose this week after No. 4 Ore- San Jose at St. Louis into a rivalry, saying: “We don’t NHL game last month, and then Calgary at Chicago Ohio State had to start fouling. gon fell at Colorado on Thursday Columbus at Anaheim like them. They don’t like us.” showed why he has lasted so long “We were looking for the best night. Pittsburgh at Vegas Samsonov helped Washington in the league. Sunday, January 5, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 19 NBA Scoreboard Harden’s 44-point triple-double leads Rockets Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Boston 24 8 .750 — 76ers’ skid reaches four games Toronto 23 12 .657 2A Philadelphia 23 14 .622 3A Brooklyn 16 17 .485 8A BY JORDAN GODWIN New York 10 25 .286 15A Southeast Division Associated Press Miami 25 10 .714 — Orlando 16 19 .457 9 HOUSTON — Houston Rockets coach Mike Charlotte 14 23 .378 12 Washington 10 24 .294 14A D’Antoni is convinced James Harden operates Atlanta 7 28 .200 18 on a different level than most players, espe- Central Division Milwaukee 31 5 .861 — cially after his latest dazzling performance. Indiana 22 13 .629 8A Chicago 13 22 .371 17A Harden had 44 points, 11 rebounds and 11 Detroit 12 23 .343 18A assists to lead the Rockets to a 118-108 win Cleveland 10 24 .294 20 over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Western Conference “He just understands the game, sees it and Southwest Division knows where he wants them,” D’Antoni said. W L Pct GB Houston 24 11 .686 — “They stay out, he throws a lob. They come in, Dallas 22 12 .647 1A he throws that. He’s got that little runner, his San Antonio 14 19 .424 9 Memphis 13 22 .371 11 threes are all over the place. I mean, he’s re- New Orleans 11 24 .314 13 ally good. He’s one of the best ever.” Northwest Division Denver 24 10 .706 — On a “Flashback Friday” night in which the Utah 22 12 .647 2 Oklahoma City 19 15 .559 5 Rockets wore their retro ketchup-and-mus- Portland 15 21 .417 10 tard uniforms from their back-to-back NBA Minnesota 13 21 .382 11 Pacific Division title days in the mid-’90s, Harden sported a L.A. Lakers 28 7 .800 — retro look of his own, with a white headband L.A. Clippers 25 11 .694 3A Phoenix 14 21 .400 14 and cornrows. Sacramento 13 22 .371 15 With Philadelphia threatening late, Harden Golden State 9 27 .250 19A Thursday’s games knocked down a deep step-back three-point- Charlotte 109, Cleveland 106 Denver 124, Indiana 116 er over Josh Richardson with 1:17 left in the Miami 84, Toronto 76 game that put Houston up 10. On the next pos- Minnesota 99, Golden State 84 ERIC CHRISTIAN SMITH/AP Utah 102, Chicago 98 session, he found Clint Capela with an alley- Dallas 123, Brooklyn 111 oop for a thunderous dunk. Philadelphia 76ers center Al Horford, right, looks to pass as Rockets guard James Harden Oklahoma City 109, San Antonio 103 Sacramento 128, Memphis 123 Harden’s triple-double was his first of the defends during the first half of Friday’s game in Houston. Harden led the Rockets with 44 L.A. Clippers 126, Detroit 112 season and 43rd of his career, tying Fat Lever points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in a 118-108 victory. Friday’s games Boston 109, Atlanta 106 for eighth-most in NBA history. Orlando 105, Miami 85 The 76ers have lost four straight, their lon- After missing Philadelphia’s 115-97 loss Portland 122, Washington 103 Capela was a point shy of his career high in Houston 118, Philadelphia 108 scoring, finishing with a season-best 30 points gest skid since dropping five in a row in Dec. with a sore left knee on Tuesday, Joel Embiid Phoenix 120, New York 112 L.A. Lakers 123, New Orleans 113 and 14 rebounds. 2017. added 20 points and 12 rebounds. Saturday’s games “You never feel comfortable,” 76ers coach Ben Simmons led Philadelphia with 29 “If it’s not taking a toll on anybody, I care Memphis at L.A. Clippers Toronto at Brooklyn Brett Brown said. “He dribbles two feet over points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists and four blocks, about winning, and it’s taking a toll on me,” Utah at Orlando half-court and you still don’t feel like you’re which matched a career-high. It was his 25th Embiid said. “All I care about is winning. ... Indiana at Atlanta Oklahoma City at Cleveland close enough. Then, you try to get close and career triple-double and third this season. To- We’ve got to find a way. We’ve got to keep Boston at Chicago Denver at Washington he’s strong enough and good enough to go by bias Harris scored 24 points. fighting.” Charlotte at Dallas you, and then, Capela gets behind your head “We can never let the highs get too high or The Rockets improved to 13-4 at home this Detroit at Golden State San Antonio at Milwaukee for the lobs. The package is lethal. They’re the lows get too low,” Simmons said. “We’ve season and have won their last four games at New Orleans at Sacramento hard to beat.” got to get better.” the Toyota Center. Sunday’s games New York at L.A. Clippers Portland at Miami Minnesota at Cleveland Roundup Memphis at Phoenix Detroit at L.A. Lakers Monday’s games Boston at Washington Brooklyn at Orlando Indiana at Charlotte Davis, Lakers top Pelicans, win fourth straight Oklahoma City at Philadelphia Denver at Atlanta Utah at New Orleans Associated Press Chicago at Dallas 24 in Portland’s victory over host Milwaukee at San Antonio Washington. Golden State at Sacramento LOS ANGELES — Anthony Hassan Whiteside added 23 Calendar Davis scored 46 points against his former team, Danny Green added points, 21 rebounds and five Jan. 10 — All contracts guaranteed for rest of season. 25 and Los Angeles rolled to a blocks to help Portland snap a Feb. 6 — Trade deadline (3 p.m. EST) 123-113 win over New Orleans. five-game losing streak. Feb. 14-16 — All-Star weekend, Chi- cago. It was Davis’ second straight Jordan McRae scored a sea- April 15 — Regular season ends. April 18 — Playoffs begin. 40-point game against the team son-high 35 points, for Wash- May 19 — Draft lottery, Chicago. he played seven seasons for after ington. Wizards guard Isaiah May 21-24 — Draft combine, Chicago. June 4 — NBA Finals begin. he was the top overall pick in Thomas was ejected less than 1½ June 25 — NBA Draft. 2012. He also had 13 rebounds minutes into the game for making Leaders for his 16th double-double of the contact with an official. Thomas season. Scoring was tied up along the sideline by G FG FT PTS AVG LeBron James had 17 points Portland’s Carmelo Anthony. As Harden, HOU 34 383 362 1305 38.4 and 15 assists for the Lakers, who Antetokounmpo, MIL 33 373 200 1002 30.4 Thomas broke away from Antho- Doncic, DAL 30 279 224 872 29.1 have won four straight after a Young, ATL 32 297 206 911 28.5 ny, he made contact with referee Davis, LAL 33 321 240 919 27.8 season-high, four-game skid. Beal, WAS 31 293 197 862 27.8 Former Lakers Lonzo Ball and Marat Kogut, who stumbled into Assists the crowd. G AST AVG Brandon Ingram led New Or- James, LAL 34 374 11.0 leans in their return to Staples Suns 120, Knicks 112: Devin Rubio, PHX 29 270 9.3 Center. Ball scored a team-high Booker scored 38 points, Kelly Doncic, DAL 30 266 8.9 MARK J. TERRILL/AP Simmons, PHI 35 301 8.6 23 points and Ingram added 22 as Oubre Jr. added 29 and Phoenix Young, ATL 32 267 8.3 Rebounds the Pelicans had their four-game The Lakers’ Anthony Davis reacts after scoring on Friday against the rallied in the fourth quarter to G OFF DEF TOT AVG New Orleans Pelicans in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 123-113. Drummond, DET 33 142 378 520 15.8 winning streak snapped. beat visiting New York. Capela, HOU 29 114 298 412 14.2 Magic 105, Heat 85: Terrence Phoenix won for the third Gobert, UTA 32 113 340 453 14.2 Whiteside, POR 33 133 322 455 13.8 Ross scored 25 points, Nikola from three-point range in a vic- and scored 15 points, adding nine time in four games. Aron Baynes Sabonis, IND 33 108 325 433 13.1 Vucevic had 20 points and 11 tory in Miami, the Heat shot 7- assists and hitting a three-pointer added 20 points and 12 rebounds, Steals rebounds and host Orlando shut for-37 from long range and 37.5% that gave Boston a four-point lead G STL AVG and Deandre Ayton had 15 points Simmons, PHI 35 77 2.2 down Miami down the stretch. overall. with 43 seconds left. Butler, MIA 31 63 2.03 and 13 rebounds. Drummond, DET 33 66 2.0 Miami scored only six points in Celtics 109, Hawks 106: Jay- Trae Young scored 28 points Dunn, CHI 35 70 2.0 the fourth quarter, going 3-for-19 len Brown had 24 points and 10 with 10 assists for the Hawks. Booker scored at least 30 points VanVleet, TOR 30 59 1.97 for the fifth straight game, the lon- Blocks from the field. Jimmy Butler had rebounds as Boston overcome They beat Orlando on Monday to G STL AVG 23 points and 10 rebounds for the an 18-point, first-quarter deficit snap a 10-game losing streak. gest streak of his career and tying Whiteside, POR 33 93 2.82 Lopez, MIL 34 85 2.5 Heat. against visiting Atlanta. Trail Blazers 122, Wizards a franchise high. Oubre shot 11 of Isaac, ORL 32 78 2.44 16 from the field, including five of Davis, LAL 33 80 2.42 One day after holding the To- Marcus Smart started in place 103: Damian Lillard scored 35 Porzingis, DAL 31 66 2.13 ronto Raptors to 6-of-42 shooting of the flu-ridden Kemba Walker points and CJ McCollum added seven from three-point range. PAGE 20 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, January 5, 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW PLAYS OF THE YEAR 2019 had flair for the dramatic

BY TIM REYNOLDS scamper got them near midfield — good enough Stanley Cup. for them to try the Hail Mary game-winner. Associated Press 5. Buzzer-beaters housands of pro games, hundreds 8. Goalie swagger This is where these lists get difficult. Choosing of thousands of college games, Penalty kicks are an inhumane way to decide one game-winning shot is impossible. millions of high school games anything, especially a national championship. Senior Annie Giannone of Ithaca College scored Tand billions of youth-league, rec- Katie Meyer didn’t mind. 10 of her team’s final 11 points, including a sharp- league, bar-league and whatever other sort The Stanford goalie was the star of the Women’s angled runner with six seconds left to give her of league games you can think of were con- College Cup, leading the Cardinal to the national team — which was down by eight before her late tested in 2019. title after stopping two penalty kicks from North closing surge — a 76-75 win over Desales and a That means there were probably tril- Carolina in the game-deciding shootout. She set berth in the NCAA Division III quarterfinals. lions of plays. the tone with a dive to her right to stop the first of- Don’t forget Nathan Bain, whose layup as time Of those, we’re picking 10 as the best of fering from the Tar Heels, then stoned them again expired gave Stephen F. Austin a shocking win the year. in the sixth round with a dive to the left. over then-No. 1 Duke 85-83. The shot put Bain It’s a thankless task. Spoiler alert: Yes, we Meyer got up, found the nearest camera, flexed, — and his story — in the limelight. Over the next are missing some good ones. We’re miss- shouted and emphatically pointed to the “Stan- few days, over $150,000 was raised for his fam- ing some very — very — good ones. Dwy- ford” across her chest after putting her team on ily, who endured hardship when Hurricane Dorian ane Wade’s buzzer-beater to beat Golden the brink of the title. Kiki Pickett then won it for slammed the Bahamas. State. Gary Woodland using his wedge on Stanford with the deciding penalty kick. But the best of the buzzer-beating bunch in the 17th green to just about clinch the U.S. 2019 was Kawhi Leonard, whose jumper from Open. Notre Dame’s Arike Ogunbowale 7. Another Yaz the deep right corner bounced, then bounced throwing a no-look behind-the-back pass Carl Yastrzemski won seven Gold Gloves for the again, then bounced yet again, then bounced for an assist. An outfielder for Liberty Boston Red Sox. His grandson Mike Yastrzemski ONE MORE TIME before finally going in to give front-flipping over a wall to make a catch. is pretty good with the leather as well. Toronto a 92-90 win over Philadelphia in Game They were all fantastic. So were count- The younger Yaz had some unforgettable mo- 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. You know CHUCK BURTON/AP less others. ments in 2019 — homering at Fenway Park the rest: Toronto beat Milwaukee for the East title, Team Giannis’ Stephen Curry, of the But let’s get to the ones that made the among them — but he turned in arguably the then topped Golden State in six games for the Golden State Warriors, celebrates a list. baseball play of the year with his game-end- NBA title. basket against Team LeBron during the 10. From way downtown ing catch for San Francisco in a game against first half of an NBA All-Star game on Feb. Milwaukee. 4. Golden Rose 17 in Charlotte, N.C. Curry pulled off the Aldahir Cazun is the goalie for the men’s soc- Yasmani Grandal represented the tying run This is how you finish a World Cup bounce oop to set up Antetokounmpo for cer team at New Jersey City University. He’d just for the Brewers and he hit a sharp liner into left- championship. a dunk. made a diving save to protect a 2-0 second-half center field. Yastrzemski got a good jump, dove Rose Lavelle of the U.S. took a pass just inside lead against Purchase College, then casually and snared the ball to end the game just before it of the midfield stripe in the 69th minute of the brook and anyone else in the NBA, the triple- walked with the ball up the top of the penalty box would have hit the grass. Women’s World Cup final against the Netherlands, double of the year was turned in by someone who before punting it away. “What a catch by Yastrzemski,” then-Giants a game the Americans were already leading 1-0. stands 4-foot-8. And then he got a bounce he’ll never forget. manager Bruce Bochy said. And she sealed the title in style, dribbling about Simone Biles, take a bow. Cazun’s punt was a bit wind-aided. The ball Wasn’t the first time those words were said in 40 yards downfield as three Dutch defenders at- If we’re going to get technical, her triple-double carried about 80 yards in the air, hit the grass on baseball. tempted to thwart her path and a fourth was just is actually called a triple-twisting double backflip the other end with some serious topspin, bounced a couple steps behind. — which Biles pulled off during her floor routine over Purchase goalie Mario Olmedo and found its 6. Colorful goal Lavelle waited until the last possible second multiple times this year. The rule in gymnastics way into the net. The St. Louis Blues had a comeback story for before taking a left-footed strike, threading the is if you’re the first one to execute a move, it gets all time — going from being the worst team in the ball between the outstretched legs of two Neth- named on your behalf. The triple-double in gym- 9. Tulane trickery NHL midway through this past season to winning erlands players before it skipped past a helpless nastics is the Biles II; the plain old double-double Imagine: Tulane beat Houston on a 53-yard the Stanley Cup. — and ordinarily fantastic — Dutch goalie Sari ... well, that’s the Biles, since she was the first to touchdown pass with three seconds left — and To get there, the Blues needed some Maroon van Veenendaal. do that, too. that wasn’t the one making this list. magic first. The outcome was never in doubt from there, The play before did. Patrick Maroon’s goal in double overtime gave and the Americans won the World Cup for the 2. ‘Kick’ play Tie game, 18 seconds left, Tulane lined up as St. Louis a win in Game 7 of its Western Con- fourth time. The 2019 season for the Miami Dolphins was if it was going to kneel down and send the game ference semifinal series against Dallas. The Blues largely forgettable, except for one play where a to overtime. Except the Green Wave decided to went on to beat San Jose in six games, then need- 3. The triple double punter found a kicker for a touchdown. employ some trickery, and Amare Jones’ 18-yard ed another Game 7 to defeat Boston and win the Due respect to James Harden, Russell West- It happened against Philadelphia, a play where the Dolphins sent five players out to the left, four others to the right and had Daniel Kilgore snap- ping the ball to punter Matt Haack — who was basically in a shotgun quarterback stance. Haack darted to his left and just as the Eagles were about to bring him down, he shovel-passed to Jason Sanders, the Dolphins’ kicker, who had slipped behind the defense. Sanders caught it, the Dolphins went on to win, and it was the first time a kicker and punter com- bined for an NFL touchdown since 1964. 1. Bounce oop Just about anyone can throw a lob for a dunk in the NBA, particularly in the All-Star Game. Golden State’s Stephen Curry raised the bar a little bit this year. Curry took a pass from Joel Embiid on a fast break and — in less than a second — decided to set up Giannis Antetokounmpo for a dunk. Except a lob would be too boring. Instead, Curry ham- mered a pass off the court, then watched the ball ricochet several feet above the rim as it made its way toward the Milwaukee star. Antetokounmpo handled it as if they’d been practicing the play for years, timing his jump per- fectly to corral the ball and slam the dunk home. “Timing was unreal,” Curry said. “His length, finishing it and getting it before it came down ... a pretty bang-bang play.” CLAUDE PARIS/AP The pass — and the play — just was a little The United States’ Rose Lavelle, right, celebrates with teammate Alex Morgan after scoring the American’s second goal during the better than the rest, in a year that had countless Women’s World Cup final match on July 7 against the Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France. unforgettable moments. Sunday, January 5, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 21 NFL PLAYOFFS Cook, Kamara could play pivotal roles

Big-play backs pose matchup challenges for Saints, Vikings

B Y BRETT MARTEL Associated Press NEW ORLEANS — The Dal- vin and Alvin show is coming to the Superdome. And the stakes are a lot higher than the last time they shared the stage as NFL debutants three seasons ago. Vikings running back Dalvin Cook and Saints rusher Alvin Ka- mara look primed to play pivotal roles when New Orleans (13-3) hosts Minnesota (10-6) on Sun- day in the wild-card round of the NFC playoffs. They are two of the most dy- namic running backs in the league capable of breaking off big gains as runners or receivers. Saints coach Sean Payton said Cook, who is returning from a shoulder injury that sidelined him the last two weeks of the regular season, has a “substantial” influ- ence on Minnesota’s offense. “He has extremely good bal- ance. He’s a strong runner and BRUCE KLUCKHOHN/AP GERRY BROOME/AP has outstanding speed,” Payton said. “You watch countless 15- to Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is making his playoff New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara struggled with knee 25-yard gains by him and that’s debut this year. Cook rushed for 1,135 yards and 13 TDs in 14 and ankle injuries this season, but the playoff veteran is regaining hard to do.” regular-season games. He also had 53 receptions. his form with four touchdowns in the past two weeks. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer sounds as if he could be talking Cook had the better NFL debut, games. But Kamara increasingly for 519 yards. about Cook when he is in fact dis- gashing the Saints for 127 yards regained form as the playoffs ap- “You’ve seen the kind of foot- cussing the challenge Kamara rushing in a 29-19 Vikings vic- proached, rushing for four touch- ball that we play with him,” Vi- presents to Minnesota’s defense. tory to open the 2017 season. downs in the past two weeks. kings receiver Stefon Diggs said “He’s extremely shifty in the But while Cook’s rookie cam- Kamara also is a playoff veter- of Cook. “He definitely changed way he runs, but he’s a physical paign was ended prematurely by an, having played four postseason the game.” runner as well,” Zimmer said. a major knee injury, Kamara blos- games. Cook said he feels “refreshed” “Catches the ball out of the back- Minnesota Vikings (10-6) somed into the offensive rookie of Cook is making his playoff and that the Vikings’ relative field, runs good routes. The thing at New Orleans Saints (13-3) the year, with 1,554 yards and 13 debut after fulfilling the prom- good health puts them in position that impresses me is that not very AFN-Sports TDs from scrimmage in 2017. ise he showed before tearing up to compete with a Saints squad often does one guy bring him 7 p.m. Sunday CET This season was Kamara’s least his knee in October of 2017. In that tied for the top record in the down. He slips and steps up out of productive because of nagging 14 games this season, he gained NFC, but missed out on a bye in tackles. ... He can go the distance 3 a.m. Monday JKT knee and ankle ailments that side- 1,135 yards and scored 13 TDs a three-way tiebreaker with San at any time.” lined him for a couple midseason rushing while catching 53 passes Francisco and Green Bay. TV ratings up for second consecutive year By the numbers

BY JOE REEDY The NFL said in a release that female view- Sunday games, a 7% increase. The “Ameri- Associated Press ers were up 5% from last season and that ca’s Game of the Week” continues to be the women have accounted for at least 35% of the top window, averaging 24.36 million. Fox had 16.5M The NFL goes into the playoffs with its audience for each of the past three years. this season’s most watched Sunday afternoon regular-season ratings having gone up for the Digital streaming continues to see signifi- game as the Nov. 24 matchup between Dallas second straight year, the first time the league cant gains with a 51% jump. The league re- and New England drew 29.9 million. Average number of viewers has seen back-to-back increases since 2010. ported an average of 487,000 online viewers NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” had its best for a televised NFL game The league’s 100th season was its most via different packages. season since 2015, averaging 20.5 million (5% this regular season a viewed in four years as games averaged 16.5 One constant is that Dallas continues to be increase). The Sept. 29 game between Dallas 5% increase over 2018, million viewers on television. That is a 5% in- a big draw. The Cowboys had three of the five and New Orleans led the way at 24.2 million. crease over 2018, according to Nielsen. most-watched games . Last week’s matchup between San Francisco according to Nielsen. Neal Pilson, the former president of CBS Dallas’ Thanksgiving Day game against and Seattle averaged 22.8 million, making it Sports who now runs his own sports TV con- Buffalo on CBS was the top game at 32.6 the most viewed game in the package’s 14- sulting company, attributes the increases to million. year history between a pair of West Coast the emergence of younger players and the ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” once teams. 32.6M league becoming year-around programming. again saw the biggest gains with an 8% in- CBS and the Fox/NFL Network Thursday “The league is quite fortunate with young crease for the second straight year. The 17- night package each had 4% increases. The players who have had tremendous publicity game package over 16 weeks averaged 12.57 Thursday night package averaged 15.4 mil- Number of viewers for the in college doing quite well. They’ve also had million viewers. lion with Dallas vs. Chicago on Dec. 5 being Dallas Cowboys’ game some good games and have largely avoided The most-watched Monday night game was the most-viewed game (18.8 million). off-field controversy,” he said. “The NFL has Seattle’s overtime victory over San Francisco CBS averaged 17.22 million for its best reg- against the Buffalo Bills on also learned from the NBA’s playbook of stay- on Nov. 11 (16.73 million). That also was the ular season since 2016. Thanksgiving; it was the ing on the sports page and being relevant dur- highest viewership for a Monday night game The league’s packages don’t begin to expire most-watched game. ing the offseason with the combine and draft since Dallas vs. Detroit in 2016. until after the 2021 season, but negotiations keeping them on the front pages for several Fox Sports — which has this year’s Super on extensions with all of the league’s broad- months.” Bowl — averaged 19.24 million viewers for its cast partners could begin soon. SOURCE: Associated Press PAGE 22 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, January 5, 2020 NFL PLAYOFFS Critical juncture

Vikings quarterback Cousins still seeking first postseason victory

BY DAVE CAMPBELL has increased this week, but by how much should it Associated Press ramp up? “On one hand you say, ‘Shame on us if we haven’t EAGAN, Minn. been giving our all every week, every day, all season Minnesota’s investment in Kirk Cousins has yet long.’ You can also talk on the other side and say, to yield a postseason victory. The hyper-scrutinized ‘Don’t leave anything on the table. Bring everything quarterback’s first opportunity to get one with the you’ve got.’ I don’t think that means you haven’t Vikings has arrived this week, on the heels of his been doing that. I think it just means there’s a sense career-best season. of urgency in the playoffs,” said Cousins, whose Traveling to the Superdome to take on New Or- touchdown rate (5.9 percent), interception rate (1.4 leans in the first round isn’t exactly a soft launch. percent) and average yards per attempt (8.1) in 2019 “I think there’s just more juice and excitement,” were the best marks of his career since he became a Cousins said. “There always is, but certainly in the full-time starter in 2015. VERA NIEUWENHUIS/AP playoffs it brings an intensity that makes it kind of Cousins is only under contract through the 2020 fun.” season, with a whopping salary cap hit of $31 mil- Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott takes a handoff from Cousins has little experience with this, having lion. The Vikings don’t have to do anything with his quarterback Carson Wentz against the New York Giants on Dec. been to the postseason only twice in his previous deal this winter, but if they’re not convinced he’s 29. Scott was promoted from the practice squad in October after seven years in the league. He was the backup for worth an extension then they’d be wise to strongly injuries to Corey Clement and Darren Sproles. Washington as a rookie in 2012, when he replaced consider using this draft to find a potential replace- an injured Robert Griffin III in the fourth quarter ment. Either way, his performance at New Orleans against Seattle in a 24-14 defeat. Cousins went just on Sunday will go a long way toward shaping his 3-for-10 for 31 yards in relief. Then in 2015, his first legacy in purple. Who are these guys? season as the full-time starter, Cousins went 29-for- Although Cousins is the most scrutinized of the 46 for 329 yards and a touchdown against Green bunch, he’s far from the only member of the Vi- Bay, taking six sacks in a 35-18 loss. kings facing a crossroad game this weekend. Gen- Philly counting on All the Vikings needed to do to make the playoffs eral manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike in his debut in 2018 was beat Chicago at home on Zimmer each have only one more year on their con- the final week of the schedule, but they lost 24-10 tracts, too. Despite all of the strides made and sta- its no-name offense in what was essentially a postseason game to finish bility established under their leadership in the front 8-7-1 and miss the cut. This year, with the offense office and on the field, the Vikings have won just one BY ROB MAADDI much improved save for that poor performance in postseason game in the past 10 years. That was, fit- Perkins signed with Atlanta defeat on Dec. 23 against the Packers, the Vikings tingly, against the Saints two years ago on the “Min- Associated Press in 2016 after going undrafted. (10-6) had their spot secured with two games to He caught a touchdown pass neapolis Miracle” touchdown pass on PHILADELPHIA — Carson go in the regular season. from Matt Ryan that season and the final play. Wentz began the season playing They have to play against the Saints (13- played in the Super Bowl loss to “Every little thing becomes a with DeSean Jackson, Alshon 3), however, in a venue as daunting for lot more magnified because New England. The Eagles signed Jeffery, Nelson Agholor, Zach him in January 2018 and he has a visitor as any in the NFL. The last of the consequences of win- Ertz and Darren Sproles and fin- time the Vikings had a postseason ning and losing,“ Zimmer spent time on the active roster ished it with a group of unknown and practice squad over the past game away from home, two years said, “so everybody has players helping the injury-rav- two seasons. He was promoted ago, they were blown out 38-7 in the to do a little bit extra in aged Philadelphia Eagles reach after a slew of injuries and had NFC championship game at Phila- preparation so we don’t the playoffs. nine catches for 87 yards in the delphia. Cousins has never taken make those mistakes, Running back Boston Scott, two wins over the Giants, includ- snaps on the road in the playoffs. we line up and play tight end Josh Perkins and wide ing a 24-yard TD catch. Naturally, the intensity and focus hard and play fast.” receivers Greg Ward, Deontay Ward’s journey began as a Burnett and Robert Davis have Kirk Cousins could be playing for quarterback at the University been cut a combined 18 times by his future in Minnesota when the of Houston. He converted to re- seven teams in their careers. But Vikings take on the Saints. ceiver after going undrafted. The the Eagles relied on them in an Eagles signed him in 2017 and he AP elimination game in Week 17. was on the practice squad when The group combined for 279 the team won the Super Bowl scrimmage yards and four touch- two seasons ago. Ward has been downs in a 34-17 victory over the cut six times but finally got his Giants that clinched the NFC chance in November. He caught a East title for Philadelphia (9-7). 4-yard TD pass in the final minute They’ll be counted on again when of a comeback win at Washington the Eagles host Seattle (11-5) in a on Dec. 15 and has 21 catches for wild-card game Sunday. 209 yards during Philadelphia’s Who are these guys? four-game winning streak. Scott, only 5-foot-6 but power- “I always believed in myself ful, was a sixth-round pick by and always believed in what I can New Orleans in 2018. The Eagles do,” Ward said. “It’s a blessing to signed him off the Saints’ prac- be here.“ tice squad in December 2018 and Burnett signed as a rookie free he returned kickoffs in the play- agent with Tennessee in 2018, offs last season. made 10 catches for the Jets last Scott was among the final cuts year, briefly spent time with the in training camp, re-signed to the 49ers this season and came to practice squad and was promoted Philadelphia in December. He in October after injuries to Corey was promoted to the active roster Clement and Darren Sproles. last week and had a 41-yard catch With Miles Sanders on the side- against the Giants. line and Jordan Howard only get- “We’ve had new playmakers ting one snap, Scott ran for three every week, different guys step- TDs against the Giants and led ping up because guys are getting the team in yards rushing (54) hurt and banged up,“ Wentz said. and receiving (84). “It’s just fun to see guys step in big “The fact that I’ve had oppor- moments like that, guys who were tunities, Doug Pederson has had on the practice squad. For them to confidence in me, the coaching step up in the way they have and staff has had confidence in me, for guys to make plays, it’s been I’m really grateful to be out there so cool to see. I think that’s what because I have definitely made makes it that much more fun to do mistakes, but it’s been cool,” Scott what we did and then hopefully said. we can go do something special.” Sunday, January 5, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 23 NFL PLAYOFFS Carroll savoring another playoff trip with Seattle

Seahawks’ coach ‘never dreamed’ ‘ I thought you guys would he’d last 10 years with franchise have me for a couple years and then kick me out of here. BY TIM BOOTH Pete Carroll’ Associated Press Seattle Seahawks head coach RENTON, Wash. — When Pete Carroll was informed that nearly 10 years to the day had passed since he was announced ing that time, none more than the goal-line as the Seattle Seahawks head coach, the pass in Super Bowl 49 that was intercepted normally effusive coach was momentarily and cost Seattle a second straight title. stunned. But Carroll’s commitment to the job and Partly because it hasn’t felt like a decade. doing it his way has remained consistent. Partly because he’s never been anywhere “He’s the same. He’s consistent. I’ve for this long in his career. never seen him not happy or not enjoying “It seems like it just flashed by, really,” ball,” said linebacker K.J. Wright, the lon- Carroll said. gest tenured Seattle player having been It’s been nearly 10 years exactly — Jan. drafted in 2011. “We could be winning. We 11, 2010 is when he was officially hired could be losing. He’s pretty consistent.” — since Carroll left behind his reign over Carroll’s excitement and longevity for Southern California and embarked on a re- the job was put into perspective last month turn to the NFL. His decision to come to Seattle was essentially a science experi- when just a few miles away, Washington ment to see if the lessons learned and pro- coach Chris Petersen suddenly resigned. gram created in Carroll’s time in college While he said it wasn’t burn out, it was could be transferred with success to the clear Petersen wanted to do something professional game. more than just be a college football coach. That’s never seemed to be the case with What seemed destined to be either a /AP raving success or complete disaster has ELAINE THOMPSON Carroll. Throughout his decade in Seattle, turned out to be the former. When the Se- Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll gives autographs to fans in Seattle. Carroll has Carroll’s been able to mix off-field interests ahawks face Philadelphia on Sunday in the been the Seahawks’ head coach for nearly a decade, leading the franchise to two NFC while staying grounded in his responsibil- opening round of the playoffs, it will mark championships and its first Super Bowl title. ity in being a coach. Seattle’s eighth postseason appearance in “He’s always been full of energy. Every Carroll’s 10 seasons. “I thought you guys would have me for careers and they’re on to the rest of their day he’s always playing games and doing Seattle had just 10 playoff appearances a couple years and then kick me out of life. That’s an amazing thing to see hap- things,” said his son Nate Carroll, Seattle’s in its history before Carroll’s arrival. He’s here,” Carroll said. “I never dreamed that pen. It’s been an amazing 10 years. It’s wide receivers coach. “I’ve not seen him the winningest coach in team history, we would be here 10 years because I’ve been a blast.” really waver other than probably the year picking up his 100th regular season vic- never been anywhere 10 years. This was a While he may be the oldest coach in the after we lost the Super Bowl when it be- tory with the Seahawks in Week 15 against first. It really has been a flash. The amaz- league at age 68, Carroll still has the same came more challenging. Guys started to Carolina. He’s brought the franchise to ing thing to me is that we’ve been through youthful enthusiasm that he brought from challenge a little bit more in terms of his two NFC championships and its first Super a generation of players. Guys have come college a decade ago. Some of his coaching coaching style. That was his most chal- Bowl title. through the program, played their whole decisions can be rightfully debated dur- lenging year.” Debut: Eagles QB Wentz silencing critics with clutch performances

FROM BACK PAGE But Wentz is the franchise “I’m grateful to be healthy and quarterback and Foles went off be in this moment with these to Jacksonville. Wentz got a huge guys, to be on the field,“ Wentz contract extension in the offsea- said. “I’m just excited for the son and heard plenty of criticism challenge. I’ve been on the side- from doubters throughout the lines the last few years for these season. games, so I’m pretty pumped for Seattle Seahawks (11-5) He played his worst game in a the opportunity.” at Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) 17-9 loss to Seattle in Philadelphia Wentz started all 16 games for on Nov. 24. He threw two picks AFN-Sports and lost two fumbles in that one. the second time in his four sea- 10:30 p.m. Sunday CET That can’t happen this time sons. He set single-season team around. records with 4,039 yards passing 6:30 a.m. Monday JKT “Everyone kind of feels the and 388 completions. sense of urgency, but I don’t think Wentz became the first quar- anyone presses or feels they need leader of this team,” coach Doug terback in NFL history to throw to do anything different,” Wentz Pederson said. “He’s really just for 4,000 yards without a single said. “We know what we have to put the team on his back and wide receiver reaching 500. Tight do. Offensively, we know we’ve end Zach Ertz led the team with said, ‘Hey, follow me,’ and I think got to take care of the football, 916. that’s a sign of growth and a sign we have to stay on the field, we The Eagles lost starting receiv- of maturity. I spent eight years in have to put some points up on the ers DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jef- Green Bay with Brett Favre and board, and we’re excited for the fery and Nelson Agholor, released that’s what Brett did. Brett just challenge.” Mack Hollins, signed and released put the team on his back when the Though this will be Wentz’s Jordan Matthews and finished chips were against us and he said, first playoff game, the last four with five players off the practice ‘Hey, follow me,’ and that’s what games had similar pressure be- squad making valuable contribu- Carson can do. ANDREW MILLS, NJ ADVANCE MEDIA/AP cause one loss would’ve knocked tions at the skill positions. “The guys really, and I have so the Eagles out of contention. The constant was Wentz, who much faith and trust in him that I Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz runs off the field after the “He doesn’t have to focus on silenced most critics with his can call almost any play and he’s Eagles beat the New York Giants 34-17 last Sunday. The victory anything more than just continu- clutch performance in must-win either going to make that one work clinched the NFC East division title for Philadelphia. ing to lead this team and doing the games. The Eagles had to win or he’s going to get us into a better things that have made him suc- their last four games to secure a play, and so he’s really grown up Eagles to an 11-2 record and set New England in the Super Bowl, cessful down the stretch here,” playoff berth. Wentz led them to that way and really matured that a franchise record with 33 touch- earning MVP honors. Pederson said. “I don’t want to consecutive comeback victories way in this league and just really down passes that season, includ- Foles got a statue outside the add any more stress or pressure to start the winning streak and turned into a pro.” ing his final one after he tore two stadium and will forever be re- on him. Just the game itself, it’s completed 67.6% of his passes for Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick in ligaments in his knee. vered in the city. His popular- a one-and-done mentality and 1,199 yards, seven TDs and no in- 2016, had a breakout sophomore He missed the rest of the sea- ity only grew last season when I want him to play free and not terceptions in those four games. season when he finished third son while Foles stepped in and led he went 4-1 in December and have to worry about things in the “I think he’s grown up as a in NFL MVP voting. He led the the Eagles to a 41-33 victory over January. past that are out of our control.” S TARS AND STRIPES Sunday, January 5, 2020 Plays of the year Biles’ triple-double among SPORTS 2019’s top feats » Page 20

NFL PLAYOFFS Wentz steps into spotlight Eagles quarterback making long-awaited postseason debut

BY ROB MAADDI Wentz was a spectator again last sea- everyone around him went down, set fran- Associated Press son when Foles rallied the Eagles to three chise passing records and led the Eagles PHILADELPHIA straight wins, an unlikely playoff berth and (9-7) to four consecutive wins down the arson Wentz was forced to watch a wild-card victory. stretch and their second NFC East title in from the sideline as Nick Foles It’s Wentz’s time now. three seasons. became a local legend, leading Wentz avoided injuries while seemingly He’ll make his first career playoff start the Philadelphia Eagles to the Sunday when the Eagles host the Seattle C Seahawks (11-5). franchise’s first Super Bowl title two years ago. SEE DEBUT ON PAGE 23

After watching from the sidelines the last two postseasons, Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz is finally healthy and ready to make his playoff debut when the red-hot Eagles host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

MICHAEL PEREZ / AP

Former Stars coach enters rehab after ‘wake-up call’ » NHL, Page 18