World Series champion John Smoltz warns baseball 'will suffer' if ABS system is applied to all pitches A month into the MLB season, the implementation of the Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system has sparked debate among players and analysts. World Series champion John Smoltz, a Hall of Famer and eight-time All-Star, has expressed concerns that expanding the system to cover all pitches could fundamentally alter the game. While Smoltz praised the current challenge system as a "big success," he emphasized his hope that it remains limited to its current format, where teams are allowed two challenges per game. Smoltz, 59, told Fox News Digital that the system has already changed the dynamics of baseball. He argued that the current setup allows for strategic use of challenges without overcomplicating the game. "I like it with two challenges only," he said. "Baseball will suffer and not be the same if it goes to a full-time system. It'll be impossible to hit." His comments reflect broader concerns among players about the potential for the ABS system to reduce human judgment in critical moments, such as determining whether a pitch is a ball or strike. The ABS system, introduced to minimize subjective calls by umpires, has already influenced player behavior. According to Fangraphs, hitters are swinging at 46.9% of pitches this season, down from 47.5% last year, while walk rates have increased to 9.2% from 8.4%. Smoltz attributed these shifts to the system’s impact on both pitchers and batters. He noted that pitchers are struggling to command the ball consistently, leading to more walks and fewer swings. "The swing rate has gone down, the walk rates gone through the roof," he said. "That's a problem, but it's a byproduct of pitchers not being able to command the baseball.#atlanta_braves #mlb #fox_news_digital #john_smoltz #automatic_ball_strike
WNBA Player Lexie Brown Condemns Klay Thompson and Megan The Stallion for Failing to Dispute Affair Rumors Lexie Brown, a veteran player for the Seattle Storm, has publicly criticized NBA star Klay Thompson and rapper Megan The Stallion for not addressing rumors that she was involved in an affair with Thompson. The allegations emerged amid Thompson’s recent breakup with The Stallion, and Brown expressed frustration that neither party took steps to clarify the situation, leaving her to face the fallout alone. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Brown stated that she would have preferred either Thompson or The Stallion to publicly refute the rumors, as they were the ones directly involved in the relationship. “I wouldn’t have minded if either one of them came out and said it because at the end of the day, they’re the ones that are in the relationship, they’re the ones that are dealing with this, and they’re the ones who are communicating with each other,” she said. Brown emphasized that the truth lay with them, adding that their silence allowed the rumors to persist and damage her reputation. The situation escalated to a concerning level for Brown, who claimed she received death threats and faced intense scrutiny. She described the experience as deeply distressing, particularly given the lack of support from media outlets and the public. “The truth is over there somewhere, and I was expecting it to reveal itself from that side of it… for them to just allow me to get dragged, for a lot of people to allow me to get dragged through the mud… it was just really disappointing,” she said. Brown also addressed her past interactions with Thompson and The Stallion, clarifying that she did not consider Thompson a close friend and had no prior connection with The Stallion.#fox_news_digital #klay_thompson #lexie_brown #megan_the_stallion #dees_brown
Country singer Tanner Usrey faces felony fentanyl charge after DWI arrest Country singer Tanner Usrey was arrested in Collin County, Texas, earlier this week on charges that include driving while intoxicated (DWI) and felony drug possession involving fentanyl. According to the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, Usrey, 32, was taken into custody on Monday, March 30. Court records obtained by Fox News Digital show he is facing three charges in total. One charge is his second DWI offense, a Class A misdemeanor in Texas that can carry jail time, fines, and a driver’s license suspension of between six months and two years. He is also facing two felony drug charges. Usrey was charged with possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1/1-B — a category that includes cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, opium, and oxycodone. The "1-B" designation specifically refers to fentanyl and fentanyl-derived substances under Texas law. Court documents state Usrey was in possession of between 4 and 200 grams of the substance, which classifies the charge as a second-degree felony. This offense carries a potential sentence of between two and 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The second drug charge, also a felony, is in Penalty Group 2, which includes varieties of stimulants and hallucinogens. Usrey was released the same day after posting a $12,500 bond. The McKinney Police Department confirmed this remains an active and ongoing investigation. The Texas native and rising country singer released his debut album, "Crossing Lines," in 2023, followed by "These Days" in 2025. He is scheduled to appear at a string of Texas events in the coming weeks, including the Montgomery County Fair on April 11, Fiesta Oyster Bake on April 17, and Larry Joe Taylor’s Texas Music Festival on April 23.#fox_news_digital #tanner_usrey #collin_county #mckinney_police_department #stagecoach_festival
Cindy Crawford's Morning Ritual Includes Skinny-Dipping in Jacuzzi Cindy Crawford, the 60-year-old supermodel, has shared a glimpse into her daily morning routine, which includes a unique and revealing practice. In a recent social media post, she showcased a montage of her typical day, starting at 6 a.m. with a dry brushing session while listening to her Bible app. Following this, she performs a face routine involving a cleanser and a red-light device. By 7 a.m., she takes a shot of apple cider vinegar, a habit she admits causes a slight shudder. The routine concludes with her stepping outside barefoot on her lawn. A standout element of her morning ritual is her habit of skinny-dipping in her jacuzzi. Crawford posted a video of herself in the water, wearing only a necklace, as part of her daily routine. This practice, which she has openly discussed, reflects her candid approach to self-care and wellness. The post has sparked discussions about her lifestyle and the balance she maintains between her public persona and private habits. Crawford, known for her long career in modeling, has also shared insights into her evolving perspective on the industry. In an interview with Fox News Digital, she reflected on how her views on modeling have shifted over the years. She emphasized that while she always found joy in the work, her understanding of the industry’s demands and her personal priorities have deepened. Her morning routine, which blends physical health, spiritual reflection, and personal indulgence, highlights her commitment to a holistic lifestyle. The combination of traditional practices like dry brushing and modern wellness trends such as red-light therapy underscores her approach to maintaining both physical and mental well-being.#cindy_crawford #fox_news_digital #jacuzzi #dry_brushing #red_light_therapy
