Who's to blame for the un-American ban on tailgating at the World Cup?



Parking lots may be a no-go zone for fans in World Cup host cities in the U.S. this summer.

The FIFA 2026 World Cup will see 11 U.S. cities host games, utilizing the plethora of professional-tier stadiums across the country. Several of these stadiums, however, will have a ban on the American tradition of tailgating.

'Site-specific restrictions may be imposed.'

Of the 11 cities, four are reportedly banning the pregame festivities that often enhance the fan experience ahead of events. Boston's host city committee has announced a ban at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and a ban at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium was confirmed by local outlets.

Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field and Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, will enforce bans, too, according to Bleacher Report and the Big Lead.

In response to the bans, a FIFA spokesman told Blaze News that the soccer organization has no formal prohibition on tailgating.

"FIFA does not have a formal policy that restricts tailgating (eating and drinking around parked cars in stadium areas)," the spokesman said.

"However, site-specific restrictions may be imposed in alignment with host city public safety authorities in certain venues based on local regulations," he added. "Additional fan information for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be communicated in advance of the tournament."

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With seven other U.S. venues up in the air, FIFA did not respond to requests for an exhaustive list of which stadiums are enforcing a tailgate ban.

At the same time, the White House provided the following response when asked about the bans on the American tradition:

"The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America," White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Blaze News.

"This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump administration, FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history."

Parking restrictions

Not only has tailgating been banned at Gillette Stadium, dubbed "Boston Stadium" for the purpose of the tournament, but parking will be severely limited. Radio station WRKO reported that stadium parking will be reduced to just 25% capacity at 5,000, while WBZ radio noted that round-trip train tickets to Foxborough will be $80, four times the typical $20 for NFL games.

The story is the same for MetLife Stadium, where the New Jersey hosting committee says parking will be prohibited. According to NJ.com, nearby parking is already sold out at $225 per space.

Understanding the parking restrictions appears to be a case of reading between the lines.

When asked about tailgating and parking enforcement around BC Place in Vancouver, Canada — one of two Canadian World Cup venues — a committee spokesman revealed that typical stadium parking will be taken up by FIFA.

"Many parking lots immediately adjacent to BC Place Vancouver will be occupied by FIFA for stadium-specific activities for the duration of the tournament," communications manager David Harrison told Blaze News.

Similarly, a New Jersey host committee spokeswoman told NJ.com that parking would be limited at MetLife because the lots will be in use for other functions, like enhanced security and portions "dedicated to fan engagement."

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Tailgating policy remains up in the air for the following U.S. venues: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta; AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; NRG Stadium in Houston; SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles; Hard Rock Stadium in Miami; Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California; and Lumen Field in Seattle.

Vancouver police told Blaze News that tailgating is not typical for their stadium, as it exists in their downtown area, but there is no designated place for fans to do so either.

Estadio Azteca, a host venue in Mexico City, did not respond to requests for comment.

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WNBA commissioner accuses reporter of sexist question — and no one is buying it



WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert managed to steal the focus away from her league on draft night.

The WNBA received premium treatment by airing on ESPN's flagship channel in prime time on Monday night, but it was actually the pre-draft press conference that has made a lasting impression with viewers online.

'As women, we get asked different questions than men do.'

With just one simple question from New York Post reporter Madeline Kenney, Engelbert went viral for her odd response.

"How much longer do you anticipate to be in this role?" Kenney asked.

Engelbert immediately attacked the premise:

"I do crack up how everybody's focused on me," the commissioner began. "And you should be focused on the hundreds of amazing women and thousands of women who run this league outside of myself ... my whole team of, you know, diverse women and men who are working hard every day to get the 30th season tipped off by May 8," she went on.

Bizarrely, Engelbert then asked if the reporter would dare question a male commissioner the same way.

"I wonder whether you would ask that of a man, by the way. But I realize, as women, we get asked different questions than men do."

"I would," the reporter quickly affirmed.

However, those siding with Engelbert were few and far between online, with fans and reporters alike pointing out how often major sports commissioners do receive questions about their tenure and even face calls for resignation.

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- YouTube

"Its [sic] always asked of men. Like, all the time," one fan responded on X.

"Has she not seen people calling for the heads of every commissioner of every sport?" a Brooklyn Nets fan wrote.

A New York Yankees fan replied, "There is literally nothing wrong with asking that. Give me a break."

Sports journalists did not offer much solace for the commissioner either. Even Jemele Hill, a reporter from the Athletic known for her frequent political commentary from the left, chimed in:

"If a man had her track record, absolutely" he would be asked, Hill wrote.

There was really no shortage of sports reporters who disagreed with the WNBA boss, including female reporters.

"This would be asked of a man and has," wrote Front Row Sports' Annie Costabile. "Her response was a failed attempt at diverting from the discussions about her job security."

As well, NBC Sports' Nicole Auerbach noted that "male pro sports commissioners get asked questions about their future all the time." Auerbach called it a "totally valid question" that garnered a "fascinating, super-defensive response."

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Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer at ESPN, wrote on X that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman "gets asked this question so often that he's taken to preemptively answering it before it’s asked."

Less than a month ago, Bettman was asked directly whether he had plans to step down.

"Absolutely not," Bettman said, per Sports Illustrated. "You keep trying to get rid of me. No such luck."

In February, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver faced calls to be fired, while NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is routinely asked if he will step down, typically following an embarrassing incident in his league.

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Bible Study by Rick Burgess | LIVE | 4/8/26
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Bible Study by Rick Burgess | LIVE | 4/8/26

Legendary coaches praise Trump's new college sports EO as president vows to protect women's, Olympic sports



President Donald Trump laid out new ground rules for college-level sports and athletes in a new executive order being praised by some of the biggest names in collegiate sports.

However, some of the president's proposed limitations are sure to bother some, especially top-earning college athletes.

'I urge Congress to pass bipartisan legislation and SAVE COLLEGE SPORTS!'

Following a college sports roundtable at the White House in March, the president signed an executive order on Friday to implement "Urgent National Action to Save College Sports."

The order puts a theoretical cap on student-athlete pay, sets a five-year window for athlete eligibility, and even limits transfers to one per student-athlete in a five-year period.

At the same time, the order — and subsequent fact sheet — make clear and repeated mention of the president's intention to boost women's and Olympic sports at the college level. This includes "implementing revenue-sharing in a manner that protects and expands opportunities in women's and Olympic sports."

In response, legendary college football coach Nick Saban said the directives allow universities to "preserve opportunities for all sports, including women's and Olympic sports, not just football and basketball."

Saban, who coached Alabama from 2007 to 2023, told Fox News that he wanted to "thank the president" for helping "manage and fund all sports."

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Similarly, Arkansas men's basketball coach John Calipari came out in defense of the president against any criticisms surrounding the limitation on student-athlete revenue.

"I've spent my entire life focusing on the success and well being of student athletes," Calipari wrote on X Saturday. "Their success in both sports and academics is paramount. I have no problem with Athletes making money and I have had that stance for many years. But what we have been dealing with the last few years is harmful not only to their total success but also the longevity of College Sports as we know it."

Calipari added: "Yesterday, President Trump took bold action to preserve and protect Collegiate Athletics. I urge Congress to pass bipartisan legislation and SAVE COLLEGE SPORTS!"

Trump's executive order made specific mention of an alleged "fraudulent name, image, likeness (NIL) scheme" where student-athletes were being paid above "actual fair market value" to play for certain programs.

The idea behind the regulation is to prevent "pay-for-play or player eligibility" in which large schools would essentially pay student-athletes large sums of money through collectives or sponsorships to entice them to their program.

Otherwise, the order states, "fair competition cannot occur."

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Trump's executive order defines the fair market value compensation cap around how much a student-athlete can be paid by a third party that is not affiliated with a school's athletic department.

Henceforth, the student-athlete would have to be paid at rates commensurate with that of non-student-athletes of similar notoriety or fame.

Trump has called on Congress to pass the SCORE Act, which, aside from the above, would prevent schools from restricting students from entering NIL agreements and require schools that generate more than $20 million annually to provide medical benefits to student-athletes, while maintaining at least 16 varsity sports teams.

Trump's executive order is currently set to take effect August 1.

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Faith, 'divine journey,' and Trump will ensure unforgettable World Cup, island nation's soccer president says



The soccer president from the tiny island nation of Curaçao says divine intervention has brought his team to the World Cup and, in turn, to the United States and in front of President Trump.

The executive's faith is also what has him confidently saying that everyone involved will lead with love, including the president.

'President Trump will make sure that this will be a World Cup that will not be [forgotten].'

Gilbert Martina, president of the Curaçao Football Federation, humbly avoided bragging about his hard work that turned his nation's soccer program around. Instead, he credited a long but fruitful "divine journey."

In an interview with Blaze News, Martina spoke in detail about his many run-ins with divine intervention, including his trip to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., in December.

There, at the World Cup draw, he sat just a few yards away from Trump and came to believe that Trump will act with love and grace to make it the biggest World Cup in history.

"We are all spiritual beings, and we have to take care of each other, and we have to globalize love," Martina passionately decreed. "And football unites. That's the slogan of FIFA. So I'm sure all stakeholders and even President Trump will make sure that this will be a World Cup that will not be [forgotten], ever, because it's the biggest on this planet."

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Divine intervention

The former insurance director and CEO of a medical center attributed most of his accomplishments to his divine journey with spirituality and faith. This starts with daily gratefulness, prayer, and meditation before preparing for what is ahead, Martina said.

Persistently pointing to this divine journey, he said he always believed his country would qualify for the World Cup. He offered no other explanation as to how such a small nation could unite in under a year for "a greater purpose."

"With the universe, with God, with the cosmos, whatever name we want to give it," his team started "co-creating beauty," he explained. "Then the magic happens."

Martina also said there were too many instances and overlapping themes to ignore. On the very day he got the job as president of Curaçao Football Federation in April 2025, he predicted to his wife that his team would make the World Cup.

"There is no coincidence," Martina declared.

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ANGEL BATTA/AFP/Getty Images

Putting in the work

What the executive also explained — without giving himself the proper credit — was how he brought his country out of the Stone Age in terms of organization and formalities.

Before his election as president of Curaçao's soccer federation, the tiny country of about 150,000 had a program that was in shambles. Hotels and travel were not organized, players were not paid on time, and soccer teams within the country were at odds.

"Too much distraction," Martina said, expressing the stress of the job. "There's so much things that we had to professionalize, and so that was the focus."

He continued, "Because if they're not focused [on qualifying] ... you will have too much distraction."

After Martina became president, Curaçao went undefeated in eight matches (five wins, three ties) and qualified for the World Cup. There, the team will share Group E with Germany, the Ivory Coast, and Ecuador, with its first game against Germany on June 14.

Message for others

Martina compared his approach to life, and to a successful nation, with a hummingbird.

"A hummingbird isn't going to a garbage nest at KFC or Pizza Hut. A hummingbird always goes for the best nectar, the best flowers, because that's the best of the best," he said, mirroring advice he gives in his book, "Healthy Minds, Healthy Nation."

Martina insisted that people should strive for the best, whether it is in performance, organization, or even nutrition.

"That's a powerful message. ... When we are able to convert that into our daily life, purpose, and intention, beautiful things happen."

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Video: Dallas Stars fans accused of performing 'Nazi salutes' as goal celebration



A ticketholder at a Dallas Stars hockey game has said she called a fan misbehavior hotline on a group of men for doing what she describes as "Nazi salutes."

The Stars' home arena and the hockey team are investigating the incident that has gone viral online due to a fan video.

'It was every goal they were doing it.'

The viral video was taken by Courtney Ripley, a Stars fan who was near the four men in question when they were making the alleged hand gestures during the game.

Typically, fans at American Airlines Center make a fist pump motion while chanting the "Dallas Stars" team name repeatedly. However, Ripley told WFAA-TV that "this group of men were doing Nazi salutes instead."

"It was shocking," she said. "It was every goal they were doing it."

Ripley also said she reported the group of fans to the arena's fan misbehavior hotline and was told that the organization sent a staff member to speak with the men. However, despite allegedly providing her video and their seat numbers, Ripley said not only was she told the men could not be located but that she never saw staff approach them at all.

"Kind of disappointing on that front too, a little bit," she told WFAA.

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Ripley told the local outlet that the video only recently went viral, despite it being filmed during a December 21 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Now, the American Airlines Center is coordinating with the Stars for an investigation.

"American Airlines Arena (AAC) has zero tolerance for any acts of hate and/or discrimination, and we aim to ensure an environment for our guests that is free from disruptive behaviors, including foul/abusive language and obscene gestures," the arena said in a statement, per ESPN.

"As such, we strongly denounce the actions that appear to be depicted in the video footage and are conducting an internal investigation."

A spokesperson for the Stars told ESPN on Thursday that the franchise is "fully aligned with the arena's statement" and is working with the team to "find out exactly what happened."

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Glenn James/NHLI/Getty Images

American Airlines Center has a plethora of prohibited behaviors they list as "disturbances," which can result in an ejection from the arena. They include standing on chairs, "mooning," interfering with the game, and lighting a fire.

Obvious infractions also include drunk and disorderly conduct, fighting, throwing objects, or violating laws.

While profanity and offensive words are also prohibited, the arena's rules do not appear to include anything about gestures unless they are part of "taunting" players, employees, referees, or performers.

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NBA Doubles Down On Woke By Punishing Jaden Ivey For His Christianity

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'We want to be inclusive': After Christian player posts Bible verses, Patriots coach says team needs to be 'educated'



New England Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel says there is "a fine line" between personal expression and not being inclusive enough.

The coach and former Patriots player spoke to media in a formal setting on Tuesday and fielded questions about one of the team's star running backs.

'We're trying to educate them.'

Particularly, Vrabel was asked about TreVeyon Henderson, who responded to the falling-out a Chicago Bulls player had with his team this week. The Bulls released player Jaden Ivey after he expressed disagreement with gay pride celebrations in the NBA while stating his support for Christianity.

In response to the story, Henderson, who describes himself as a "follower of Jesus Christ," posted a series of Bible verses on his X account and only one time provided his own commentary.

"What path will you choose?" Henderson wrote, alongside images of Bible verses.

Vrabel was asked by a reporter how he differentiates between conduct that is detrimental to a team — the Bulls' official reason for releasing Ivey — and a player's right to personal expression.

"I think there is a fine line. I'm gonna tell you, I love TreVeyon," Vrabel quickly replied. "I love the person. He cares deeply about our team. He cares deeply about his faith. He cares deeply about his family, his wife, the people in our building, and so I want [the players] to be able to express what they believe in their heart and in their mind."

That was Vrabel's setup before pivoting toward progressive ideology.

"But I also want to make sure that they're educated, and we want to be inclusive," he said firmly.

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Henderson's posts hardly amounted to anything other than a copy and paste of Scripture. However, Coach Vrabel implied the posts could make others feel uncomfortable or possibly harm the team.

He also suggested that everyone with the Patriots "wants to provide an environment for people to, one, feel comfortable, but also to share their personal beliefs. And then also we represent the team, and we represent the organization."

Vrabel continued, saying that while his players cannot have their phones taken away from them, they certainly need to be educated, a term he repeatedly used.

"We just want to educate them to — never going to tell them how to feel. Certainly want to make sure that they understand that their actions represent something more than just themselves."

He concluded, "So I do think there's a fine line. We're always talking about those kinds of things. We're trying to educate them."

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Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Henderson was his team's top running back last season, garnering 911 yards on 180 carries in his rookie season. Carries were split with now-sixth-year player Rhamondre Stephenson, who had 603 yards on 130 carries.

Despite Henderson leading the team, he is listed as New England's second-string for the upcoming season by ESPN, likely because Stevenson had double the number of carries in the NFL playoffs.

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Female ex-referee accuses NFL of sexism, sues after she was allegedly made to perform 'an utterly humiliating' act



The NFL's third-ever female referee has filed a lawsuit against the league, citing gender-based scrutiny and multiple "humiliating" instances.

Robin DeLorenzo of New Jersey was hired by the NFL in 2022 after working in college football's Big Ten Conference. After three years on the job, DeLorenzo now says her tenure with the league included "unchecked harassment" and gender bias.

'A male power play that served its purpose of humiliating plaintiff, shattering her confidence.'

DeLorenzo's lawsuit signaled that her experience in the NFL was immediately non-satisfactory upon receiving male-sized clothing before she reported for duty.

According to the Associated Press, one of DeLorenzo's worst experiences allegedly came during a Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. Teams routinely bring in officials to referee their practice games.

The lawsuit claims that an NFL officials' crew chief allegedly told then-Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin that DeLorenzo should have to sing in front of everyone at the training camp. The alleged reason was that because she was a new referee, she should be treated like a rookie football player.

DeLorenzo reportedly obliged and sang in front of the Steelers players, the male officiating crew, and her boss. This was described by the female ex-ref as having to "put on an utterly humiliating singing performance."

To make matters worse, DeLorenzo claims her boss promised he would not record her but did so anyway.

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Chris Gardner/Getty Images

Other claims made in the lawsuit include repeated shaming, harassment, and trash-talk by her crew chief, who one year allegedly refused to speak to DeLorenzo by the end of the season.

The lawsuit also reportedly takes issue with the fact that DeLorenzo was forced to attend "an alleged training opportunity" that turned out to involve lower-level college officials.

The legal filing called the instance "a male power play that served its purpose of humiliating plaintiff, shattering her confidence, and significantly hindering her NFL career."

The NFL sees it differently, however. Spokesman Brian McCarthy told the Associated Press that DeLorenzo's firing was due to documented underperformance.

"The allegations in this lawsuit are baseless, and we will vigorously defend against them in court," McCarthy said.

Not only does DeLorenzo's lawsuit include statements that she endured "systemic inequality," it also claimed the NFL "exposed her to unchecked harassment, denied her the resources given to men, manipulated her training and grading opportunities, and ultimately ended her career" through "tainted" evaluations by people who "discriminated against her."

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DeLorenzo was fired from the NFL in February 2025 and reassigned to college football along with two male referees. All three of the officials had three or fewer years in the NFL.

The NFL describes its officiating review process as including one or two in-person reviews of an NFL game, each week, by officiating supervisors. These reviews are coupled with weekly training videos, conference calls, and an end-of-season evaluation that determines which referees will officiate in the playoffs.

"A subpar season-long performance could mean remediation, or even a demotion," the league writes. "NFL officials serve on a year-to-year contract, and they have to prove their mettle every year. There is no guarantee that they will return the next season."

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