MLB removes DEI references and programs from website, triggering journalists who prefer race-based hiring practices



Major League Baseball removed references to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as well as its DEI-centric hiring pipeline program.

MLB no longer refers to diversity on its careers homepage and has removed links to its Diversity Pipeline Program, which was aimed at increasing the hiring pool of non-white (male) baseball operations employees.

"The Diversity Pipeline Program will serve as our game’s key initiative towards attracting top talent, hiring qualified candidates, and developing careers," Commissioner Rob Manfred said in 2016.

In February, Manfred even told reporters at the annual owners' meetings that MLB's "values on diversity remain unchanged," but "another value that is pretty important to us is we always try to comply with what the law is."

"There seems to be an evolution going on here. We're following that very carefully," Manfred continued, per OutKick. "When things get a little more settled, we'll examine each of our programs and make sure that, while the values remain the same, that we're also consistent with what the law requires."


In 2023, America First Legal filed a federal civil rights complaint against MLB, directly citing the Diversity Pipeline Program with a specific job listing that asked only for "qualified minority and female candidates."

The complaint also noted a Diversity Fellowship Program for "people of color and female candidates" and a diversity in ticket sales training program to "grow the visibility of people of color and women within the industry."

Blaze News reached out to America First Legal to inquire whether or not the complaint directly affected MLB's decision, to the best of the organization's knowledge. This article will updated with any applicable responses.

'As the commissioner stated, our values on diversity remain unchanged.'

Multiple writers from the Athletic were in defense of the program, citing 400 hirings made by MLB through its practice of preferring immutable characteristics.

The outlet spoke to an MLB spokesman on the matter, who claimed the league stance on diversity has not changed.

"As the commissioner stated, our values on diversity remain unchanged. We are in the process of evaluating our programs for any modifications to eligibility criteria that are needed to ensure our programs are compliant with federal law as they continue forward."

The outlet also spoke to a game preparation specialist for the Milwaukee Brewers who was hired through one of the race-based programs and called it "literally the greatest experience ever for my career."

The same man then unironically recalled the joy of "sharing things that I have gone through as a black male in this industry that maybe only another black male is able to relate to."

The MLB employee called race-based conversations a "huge bonus" of the diversity program.

The Athletic credited baseball writer Craig Calcaterra as the first to notice the changes on the MLB website; he subsequently called MLB "cowards" who threw away their "much-lauded and respected" diversity in order to please President Trump.

The writer hoped MLB could still achieve a "truly diverse workforce" and further accused the league, saying it "takes credit" for Jackie Robinson's achievements while not sharing the late baseball legend's values.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Democrat Jasmine Crockett says men invading women's sports is not an issue: 'Since when?!'



Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) says the idea of males participating in female sports is a distraction and was an election issue that "allowed" Americans to be "divided."

Speaking with Errin Haines, editor at large for outlet the 19th, Crockett talked about "getting back to basics" and focusing on what is impacting the populace while ignoring distractions.

The first issue Crockett brought up was why there was so much focus on transgender athletes during the 2024 election cycle: "What are we doing?!" Crockett asked.

"In this election, we allowed ourselves to be divided. We allowed them to distract us, and we allowed them to talk about the trans folk," the Democrat began. "According to them, the trans kids, they want to play sports. That is the biggest issue that we've had. Since when? Since when?! Find the little trans child that is ruining your life. I mean, I'm just like, what are we doing?! Like, what are we doing?!"

Interestingly, the interview with Crockett was recorded just days before several international stories broke regarding transgender athletes, in addition to the plethora of stories that led up to, and continued through, election season.

A former NCAA hurdler recently spoke out about her championships being taken by a male athlete and asked for the results of her races against the male to be overturned. Days later, a high school male won two gold medals in girls' track and field in Portland, Oregon, for the second straight year. This prompted a federal investigation from the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

At the same time, World Athletics announced it would begin mandatory gender testing for female athletes in order to protect the integrity of women's sports.

Crockett, and Democrats as a whole, seemingly ignoring this large wedge issue has massively benefited Republicans; polling has showed an increasing swing across political lines in favor of protecting women's spaces.

A New York Times/Ipsos survey of 2,128 people showed that 79% of respondents believed males who identify as female should not be allowed to participate in women's sports. This included over 1,000 Democrats who agreed at a rate of 67%.

A national exit poll from the Concerned Women for America found 70% of moderate voters saw the issue as important to them, as well.

"Truth matters. Men aren't women," Jennifer Sey, CEO of XX-XY Athletics, told Blaze News. "This is bigger than trans-identified men playing women's sports. We're defending truth and women’s right to fairness and privacy."

'Undocumented folk contribute billions ...'

Crockett's diatribe continued by downplaying the issue of illegal immigrants lowering wages and not paying taxes.

The congresswoman justified illegal labor by rhetorically asking the audience, "How many of you are raising kids to go and work on the farms?"

She then asked, "How many of you are looking to send your kids into hospitality after this college education so that they can go and make the beds at the hotels?"

Crockett then claimed illegal immigrants contribute "billions" to tax revenue but do not receive Social Security benefits and therefore are a net benefit to the country.

"They're not talking about the fact that undocumented folk contribute billions in, I think it was a hundred billion dollars in tax revenue that we got."

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

'Nose wipe' and finger guns listed on NFL's new list of banned 'violent' gestures



The NFL updated its list of banned gestures in a report sent to every team that has many fans confused over the included "nose wipe" celebration.

The league sent the new rules to all 32 teams and, as ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak reported, included the "prohibited acts" list under the unsportsmanlike conduct section.

"According to the full rules report sent to NFL teams this week, the 'nose wipe' celebration is now a 15 yard penalty for being a 'violent gesture,'" Solak wrote on X, with a screenshot from the rulebook.

In addition to stating that players are to follow the "generally understood principles of sportsmanship," the league included other specific acts that are considered "violent" gestures.

"Throat slash, simulating firing or brandishing a gun, or using the 'nose wipe' gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive" are all fineable offenses, the league wrote.

The NFL has famously fined players for celebrations like the "crotch grab," an ode to former player Marshawn Lynch, as well as for using finger guns, a harmless act performed even by top stars like Patrick Mahomes, who received a fine for the gesture last season.

The inclusion of the "nose wipe" gesture had fans scratching their heads, especially considering it has become somewhat of a signature celebration for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Lamb even shared Solak's report and added that he certainly had "plenty" other celebrations in mind for what could be considered a violent gesture. The Cowboy then shared a clip of him doing the celebration after a catch.

— (@)

What does it mean?

Several reports indicate the gesture does not have the harmless origins that finger guns, or perhaps wearing different colored shoes (another fineable offense), may have.

According to NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk, the nose wipe is a gang sign associated with the Bloods, which indicates someone is untrustworthy.

The Baltimore Sun reported similarly in 2019 and said someone who wipes the tip of his nose with his index finger could mean "I don't trust him" if a member of the Bloods.

As well, a Virginia State Police intelligence report on the Bloods from 2008 listed the rubbing of one's nose as a sign that he doesn't have a weapon and wiping the face to identify police, but there is nothing specifically about a nose wipe.

The term has been used by rappers for at least a decade, several of whom have alleged gang affiliations. However, it is impossible to tell Lamb's specific meaning behind the celebration, which he has reportedly used since he entered the NFL in 2020.

This wouldn't be the first time the league handed out fines for seemingly inexplicable reasons; the NFL has flip-flopped numerous times on what it deems to be inappropriate.

Specifically, giant red kettles, which are novelty Christmas decorations from charity organization the Salvation Army, have spawned occasional fines when players have jumped into them. Other times, no fines were handed out to players who did the same celebratory jump.

The mixed messaging confused Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown, who accused the league of baiting players into fine-worthy acts.

In total, the NFL fined players nearly $12.5 million in 2024, a sum significantly more than in 2021 ($7.1 million) but significantly less than in 2019 ($27.8 million).

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Portland school district under federal investigation for allowing teen boy to dominate girls' track and field



The Department of Education announced it has notified the Portland Public Schools district that it has opened an investigation for possible Title IX violations.

The federal agency said it sent a letter to Superintendent Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong notifying her of an investigation by the Office for Civil Rights after a male high school student was allowed to compete in a girls' track and field competition and use the female locker room while female athletes were changing.

A male competing with and changing in front of females would be a violation of President Trump's executive order to keep males out of women's sports.

'OCR will use every lawful means to ensure that no female athlete is denied equal athletic opportunities ...'

On March 19, a male athlete who identifies as a girl was able to win the girls' 400-meter varsity race and even finished more than seven seconds ahead of the competition. Aayden "Ada" Gallagher, an 11th-grade sprinter from McDaniel High School in Portland, also won the girls' 200-meter race, marking the second straight year he dominated the two girls' categories at the regional level. Gallagher also won the girls' 200-meter sprint at the Oregon state finals in 2024.

"We will not allow the Portland Public Schools District or any other educational entity that receives federal funds to trample on the antidiscrimination protections that women and girls are guaranteed under law," Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said in a press release. "President Trump and Secretary McMahon have been steadfast in their commitment to protect the rights of women and girls. OCR will use every lawful means to ensure that no female athlete is denied equal athletic opportunities or robbed of her rightful accolades."

The Department of Education cited the Gender Participation Policy of the Oregon School Activities Association, which is followed by the Portland school district and allows student athletes to compete under their "consistently asserted gender identity."

The state entity said it bases its rules on the understanding of gender identity and expression, "evolving law, and societal norms."

The policy has also determined that once a transgender student has notified a school of the student's gender identity, the student shall be "consistently treated as that gender for purposes of eligibility for athletics and activities."

However, "nonbinary or intersex" students are to be treated as "either gender."

The governing body even described "sexual orientation" in the document, despite this having no effect on athletic activities.

The Office for Civil Rights said it had previously made it clear that federal discrimination law pre-empts state law and that Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

LeBron James compares Stephen A. Smith to Taylor Swift for going on a complaint 'tour' about their altercation



NBA star LeBron James said analyst Stephen A. Smith needs to "relax" regarding their personal feud that James said Smith has talked about far too much.

The feud stems from a March 6 altercation in which James confronted Smith courtside at a Los Angeles Lakers game against the New York Knicks. James was upset at Smith's remarks that LeBron "Bronny" James Jr. was pushed into the NBA by his father before he was ready.

According to Smith, James told him "stop f**king with my son!"

Smith then characterized the confrontation as "weak" and "bulls**t," later saying that if James had put his hands on him, he would have "immediately swung" a punch at him.

On Wednesday's episode of "The Pat McAfee Show," James mocked Smith for going on a "tour" about his complaints stemming from the ordeal and compared him to Taylor Swift.

"He's, like, on a Taylor Swift tour run right now," James joked. "It started off with, 'I didn't wanna address it. I didn't wanna address it. I wasn't going to address it. But since the video came out, I feel the need to address it.' Are you are you kidding me?"

McAfee then said the subject only came up on his show because a video of the altercation went viral. James made fun of the host for that comment and said McAfee "couldn't wait till the video had dropped" so he could address it.

'He's gonna get home and grab some ice cream.'

On top of saying that Smith had "completely missed the whole point" of his complaints, James explained he did not have any issue with on-the-court criticisms of his son. He added that he would never "not allow people to talk about the sport" or "criticize players about what they do on the court."

"That is your job," James affirmed.

However, the 40-year-old said he drew the line at getting "personal" and stated that he felt it was his job to not only "protect my damn household," but to "protect the players" on his team, as well.

The star forward further mocked Smith, saying that he knew the host would be happy to hear James talk about him.

"I know that he's gonna be happy as hell. ... He's gonna get home and grab some ice cream out of the f**king freezer and sit in his chair and his tighty whities on the couch."

Smith responded to James' remarks on Thursday's episode of ESPN's "First Take," described many personal stories regarding James, and noted that he declined to bring them up in the past out of respect. Smith cited James not appearing at Kobe Bryant's memorial or Dwyane Wade's Hall of Fame induction.

Smith then claimed James has been "pouting" and has tried to "ostracize" him from the sports world and NBA community though he has poured heaps of praise on the athlete throughout his career.

"I applaud them when they win. I criticize them when they're messing up," Smith concluded.

The host also warned James and his detractors that since he signed a new ESPN contract, "it's going to be a little while" before he and his commentary go away.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Irish government considering charging Conor McGregor for inciting hate with 2023 social media posts



Irish government entities are considering charging former UFC champion Conor McGregor with hate speech-related violations over social media posts from November 2023.

The Irish Independent said it confirmed that specialist officers within the Irish National Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted an inquiry and sent a file to Ireland's director of public prosecutions. The DPP conducts criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state and is comparable to the U.S. attorney general.

The file outlined a case against McGregor in relation to statements he made online in 2023. The night before riots in Dublin, McGregor reportedly posted, "Ireland, we are at war," on X, then Twitter.

The Irish Independent characterized McGregor's remarks as being in response to Ukrainians being permitted to vote in local Irish elections.

However, CNN reported the riots followed a stabbing of five people in Dublin, including three children. The attacker was later revealed to be 50-year-old Algerian Riad Bouchaker.

'May our truth never be silenced!'

McGregor has pressed hard against the Irish government over its immigration policies amid a bid to become president of Ireland.

The fighter even gave his current government a 12-day limit to create a plan surrounding "mass deportations" of criminals and illegal immigrants. If the government failed to adhere to the timeline, which concludes at the end of March, McGregor said he would be sending over his plan written on White House stationery.

McGregor later responded to the news report and said he would stand his ground.

"May our truth never be silenced! The fact is, if there is 7 years of zero resistance inside [the president's office] towards government, Ireland is done for. Magnify where we are right now today, x7000!" the 36-year-old wrote. "I would prefer to sail my yachts than have to approach the soulless, colourless gombeens of [Parliament] everyday, but if I do not, I am well aware Ireland’s faith [sic]. AND I WILL NEVER LET THAT HAPPEN!! Vote McGregor! The future of our country depends on it!"

— (@)

McGregor does meet the prerequisites to become Irish president if properly nominated, despite an online sentiment that he is ineligible. An Irish presidential candidate must be at least 35 years old, be an Irish citizen, and be nominated by at least 20 members of Irish Parliament or at least four county councils.

The public then votes on the presidential candidates.

Presidential powers, which are largely ceremonial unless aggressively applied, include appointing the prime minister, members of government, and judges. The Irish president can also dissolve or summon the Parliament.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Ivanka Trump appears in promo video for martial arts gym, revealing she has a blue belt in Brazilian jujitsu



Ivanka Trump appeared in a promotional video for Valente Brothers jujitsu and demonstrated a series of martial arts and self-defense techniques.

The video showed the president's daughter performing chokes, armbars, throws, and even defense against a knife-wielding attacker.

Appearing in the video were instructors Joaquim, Pedro, and Gui Valente, operators of the North Miami Beach gym that Trump has talked about for at least a year.

"Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art. Rooted in tradition and guided by the 753 Code, it builds physical confidence, mental clarity, and emotional balance," the business wrote with the accompanied video.

The 753 Code is a philosophy promoted by the gym owners that reflects their own Samurai-like code, which they believe promotes a balanced life, "physically, emotionally and mentally."

The 14-point philosophy is as follows: rectitude, courage, benevolence, awareness, respect, balance, honesty, exercise, flow, honor, nutrition, loyalty, rest, hygiene, and positivity.

Ivanka Trump with her children outside their jujitsu class in 2024. Photo by MEGA/GC Images

Trump has discussed the philosophy publicly before, particularly on the "Lex Fridman Podcast" in a video promoted by the jujitsu gym.

"It's the mind, body, and soul, effectively," Trump said about the code. "The kids can only advance and get their stripes if they internalize this."

The 43-year-old said her children have memorized the code and often position their life events against it in terms of whether or not their actions have adhered to the philosophy.

"It's a framework, much like religion is, in our house ... it's a framework to discuss things that happen in their life, large and small. It has been beautiful."

Athletics have been in the spotlight under the Trump administration in addition to the president's connection with the UFC through its CEO Dana White.

In fact, it was widely reported that FBI Director Kash Patel suggested cross training with UFC entities to promote physical fitness and self-defense among FBI agents. UFC fan favorite Justin Gaethje actually took the director up on his offer and put his name in the hat to be one of the fighters who could help train agents.

As well, the president's granddaughter Kai Trump has become popular in the golf world and has committed to the University of Miami this year on an athletic scholarship. Kai Trump has been seen on the golf course with top-ranked golfers like Scottie Scheffler, while President Trump has continued his ongoing relationship with golf legend Tiger Woods.

Woods recently went public with the information that he is dating Vanessa Trump, Donald Trump Jr.'s ex-wife.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

World Athletics federation announces mandatory gender testing for female athletes: 'Absolutely the way to go'



World Athletics announced it will begin mandatory gender testing for female athletes in order to protect the integrity of women's sports.

The organization formerly known as the International Association of Athletics Federations revealed at a press conference that after a comprehensive review, it was ready to move forward with gender tests in order to ensure female athletes at their events are indeed female.

World Athletics holds a plethora of annual events in track and field, covering sports like indoor/outdoor running, decathlons, and racewalking.

'The process is very straightforward.'

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said during the press conference that "over 70 individual groups" were involved in an "exhaustive review" that determined administering the tests was "absolutely the way to go."

"The process is very straightforward, frankly, very clear, and it's an important one," Coe explained to reporters.

The executive was directly asked if swab tests would be the testing method used to determine gender, which Coe confirmed, along with a "dry blood test."

The latter involves the simple analysis of a blood sample or "dried blood spot," which can be used as an alternative to a swab test to find endocrine, genetic, and/or epigenetic markers, according to Science Direct.

World Athletics announced genetic testing days after its Indoor Championships in Nanjing. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Coe revealed that the tests were not only not invasive but also "necessary."

"They will be done to absolutely international medical standards," he continued.

Coe remarked that the most difficult part of the endeavor will be to find an international provider that has the capacity to deliver large-scale tests, given that World Athletics holds events all over the world.

The governing body also said the testing would be a "once-in-the-career" type of test for a female athlete.

A reporter asked Coe if the parameters around differences of sexual development — which deals with the classification of gender — would be updated to reflect the new rules. Coe appeared to agree that the parameters should be changed.

"It's important to do it because it maintains everything that we've been talking about and particularly recently, about not just talking about the integrity of female, women's sport, but actually guaranteeing it," Coe replied. "And this, we feel, is a really important way of providing confidence, and maintaining that absolute focus on the integrity of competition."

When asked if he was prepared for any legal or media resistance, Coe said he indeed is ready to take on criticisms and that he would not have set down the path to "protect the female category in sport" almost a decade ago if he were not prepared.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Wisconsin star scores likely the best women's hockey goal of all time before scoring OT winner to secure NCAA championship



Kirsten Simms delivered what could be the greatest women's hockey goal ever scored before winning Wisconsin its eighth national title in overtime.

The Wisconsin Badgers faced the Ohio State Buckeyes for the third-straight year in the Division I NCAA finals for women's ice hockey on Sunday. Ohio has appeared in the last four championship games, winning in 2022 and 2024 but losing to Wisconsin in 2023.

In the third period, Wisconsin was down 3-2 when one of their star forwards, Kirsten Simms, took a penalty shot with just 18.9 seconds remaining.

The right-handed skater slowly approached the puck before she dangled Ohio State's goalie out of position and scored what must be one of the best women's hockey goals of all time, if not the best.

Simms was not finished there.

Just 2:49 into overtime, Wisconsin's Lacey Eden fired a shot from the right wing that was stopped but bounced directly into Simms' path on the left side, where she slid a shot through a defenseman's legs for the championship goal. The crowd erupted as the team celebrated and threw their equipment into their air over the 4-3 victory.

'It hasn't sunk in yet, it doesn't feel real.'

Simms finished the game with two goals and an assist, while Eden had two assists of her own.

"It hasn't sunk in yet, it doesn't feel real," Simms told ESPN reporter Blake Bolden. "This team went to bat all game, we fought through a ton of adversity and to come out on top is just exactly what we wanted."

"I was so nervous," Simms said about the penalty shot. "Couldn't think while I was going, just had to try to be confident with it, but it worked out."

Wisconsin Badgers forward Kirsten Simms after winning the NCAA title. Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Simms remarked on the tough battle her team went through and how pleased she was that Wisconsin managed to stick together in crunch time.

"I couldn't be happy enough for us," she added.

Simms was 10th in league scoring with 25 goals in 41 games. Wisconsin's Casey O'Brien scored 26 this season, while teammate Laila Edwards scored a league-leading 35 goals.

Simms had an even more impressive season in her 2023-2024 campaign, when she scored 33 goals and 42 assists in just 39 games.

She is a First-Team All-American, WCHA Player of the Year, WCHA Forward of the Year, and made the 2023 NCAA All-Tournament Team.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Joe Rogan says he refuses to go to Canada for UFC events due to its 'terrible government'



UFC commentator and comedian Joe Rogan said Canada remains a personal no-go zone due to its policies.

Rogan was hosting an episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience" with professional martial artists Brendan Schaub, Eddie Bravo, and Gordon Ryan when he discussed his lack of desire to visit the northerly neighbor.

The foursome watched a UFC event live on the podcast and discussed U.S. relations with governments like France and Canada. The group noted Canada's free fall into far-left policies that culminated during the trucker convoy.

"I think it's stupid that we hate Canada, too, I don't get that," Rogan remarked.

"Canada needs to get their s**t together, though," Schaub replied.

Rogan responded that while he loves the Canadian people for their kindness and politeness, "They have terrible government."

He added that despite former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation, the new Prime Minister Mark Carney is "more of the same."

'I don't go to Canada anymore.'

Near the end of the show, Rogan asked when and where UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will be defending his title. When Rogan's producer revealed the answer to be UFC 315 in May at the Bell Centre in Montreal, the comedian immediately said he would not be attending.

"Wow ... I won't be there. I don't go to Canada anymore," Rogan revealed. "I don't."

"Nor should you," Schaub replied.

Fans typically rejoice when Rogan is an announcer for UFC events as the occasions are few and far between. Having been with the company for over 25 years, the 57-year-old is quite selective about his appearances on broadcasts. Rogan only lends his talents for UFC pay-per-view events, and only in the continental United States, unless the fights are of particular interest to him. He has ventured to Australia a few times, for example.

"Discipline," Rogan said about his decision to not go to Canada. "I'd rather go to Russia," he laughed.

After saying Canada would "never" be absorbed by the United States, the podcaster revealed he had a conversation with President Trump about the great white north.

"I had a conversation with Trump about it. He goes, 'I started calling him Governor Trudeau just for fun, and a lot of people were saying it's a good idea, like maybe it is a good idea, a lot of people say it,'" Rogan joked.

Rogan was last heard on a UFC broadcast during UFC 313 in early March at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and, if he remains true to his usual schedule, he would likely return June 7 for UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey, at the Prudential Center.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!