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5:05 PM ET, December 23, 2021

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 Top News: 
ESPN:
Sources: Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to 1-year, $17M deal before lockout  —  Slugger Cody Bellinger and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed on a one-year, $17 million to avoid arbitration before the Dec. 1 lockout that has shut down Major League Baseball and frozen transactions, sources familiar with the agreement told ESPN.
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Report: MLB payrolls drop 4% to 2015 levels  —  MLB, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, Philadelphia Phillies  —  NEW YORK — Major League Baseball payrolls dropped 4% in 2021 compared …
Omar Kelly / Sun-Sentinel:
Here's what Dolphins have to do to defeat Saints  —  Five things the Miami Dolphins (7-7) need to do to push their winning streak to seven games, and beat the Saints in New Orleans (7-7) during Monday night's nationally televised game in Week 16:  —  Force Saints QB Taysom Hill to rely on his arm
Discussion: Boston Herald
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David Furones / Sun-Sentinel:
Dolphins' Jevon Holland remains sidelined Wednesday due to COVID; receiver away for personal reasons  —  The Miami Dolphins remained without standout rookie safety Jevon Holland for Wednesday's practice ahead of their Monday Night Football game at the New Orleans Saints due to COVID-19 protocols, Dolphins coach Brian Flores said.
Discussion: Mercury News
Omar Kelly / Sun-Sentinel:
Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard named to third Pro Bowl team  —  Xavien Howard was recognized for his game-changing performances in the 2021 season when he was selected as a starter for the AFC's Pro Bowl team.  —  Howard, a sixth-year cornerback the Miami Dolphins (7-7) …
Jonas Shaffer / Baltimore Sun:
Ravens place 5 more players on reserve/COVID-19 list, leaving defense even more short-handed  —  The Ravens placed five more players on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, further destabilizing their defense ahead of Sunday's crucial game against the AFC North-leading Cincinnati Bengals.
Discussion: Mercury News and Boston Herald
Chris McCosky / Detroit News:
‘Much too young’: Brain tumor leads to death of Tigers first base coach Kimera Bartee, 49  —  Detroit — Too soon.  Too sudden.  —  Kimera Bartee, 49, died at his father's home in Omaha, Nebraska, on Monday.  The death came less than two months after he had been essentially rehired …
RELATED:
DJ Bien-Aime II / New York Daily News:
Robert Saleh tests positive as Jets hit hard by COVID  —  The wave of COVID-19 continues to hit the Jets as head coach Robert Saleh tested positive Wednesday morning.  —  Saleh showed symptoms and is currently going through protocols.  Tight ends coach Ron Middleton will run practices.
Discussion: Jets Wire and Denver Post
Ryan Phillips / The Big Lead:
Is Jalen Hurts the Future of the Philadelphia Eagles?  —  After a terrible start to the 2021 season, the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves just outside the NFC playoff picture.  At 7-7 the Eagles have a shot at making the postseason with a strong finish.  Don't look now, but much of the …
Jeff Duncan / New Orleans Times-Picayune:
Trevor Siemian, more Saints players expected to land on COVID-19 list, sources say  — 1 min to read - - - - - - - - - - - -  —  Another outbreak of COVID has hit the New Orleans Saints this week, with multiple players testing positive in recent days, including backup quarterback Trevor Siemian, multiple sources said Thursday.
Greg Wyshynski / ESPN:
NHL not going to Olympics because of COVID-19 surge  —  The NHL and NHL Players' Association have come to an agreement to not participate in the 2022 Winter Olympic men's hockey tournament in Beijing.  —  “The National Hockey League respects and admires the desire of NHL Players to represent …
David Waldstein / New York Times:
Closing In on the Great One  —  As Alex Ovechkin ascends the N.H.L.'s record books, the unthinkable is happening: Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 goals is in jeopardy.  Even Gretzky is certain Ovechkin will pass him.  —  WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals have a locker room tradition …
Discussion: Sports Illustrated
Bruce Levine / Audacy:
Sources: Cubs have serious interest in Carlos Correa but don't want to go 10 years in contract length  —  (670 The Score) While contact between MLB teams and players is prohibited amid the ongoing lockout, there remains mutual interest between the Cubs and free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa, according to multiple sources.
Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune:
Week 15 recap: Chicago Bears fall 17-9 to the Minnesota Vikings, committing 3 turnovers and failing in the red zone 4 times  —  The Chicago Bears played Monday night's game against the Minnesota Vikings without 14 players who were on the reserve/COVID-19 list and a handful of others who were out with injuries.
Discussion: Denver Post
RELATED:
Dan Wiederer / Chicago Tribune:   A sloppy 4th-and-1 failure encapsulates the Chicago Bears' 10th loss: 'That's been the story of the year.'
 
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 More News: 
Dan Szymborski / FanGraphs Baseball:
2022 ZiPS Projections: St. Louis Cardinals
Discussion: Viva El Birdos and Bleacher Nation
Stephen Douglas / The Big Lead:
Eli Manning's Twitter Reaction to a Philly Fan in a Santa Hat Flashing the Double-Bird on FOX Broadcast
Discussion: Foxes of Leicester and Guilty Eats
 Earlier Picks: 
Mike McGrath / Telegraph:
Transfer notebook: Newcastle leading race to sign Spurs centre-back Joe Rodon on loan
 

 
From WeSmirch:

BBC:
Masterchef's Gregg Wallace steps aside after allegations

Madeleine Cummings / CBC News:
Veteran Edmonton actor Julien Arnold dies during performance at Citadel Theatre

People:
Nick Cannon Details His ‘Busy’ Thanksgiving Schedule as a Father of 12, Says He Has ‘a Bunch of Dinners’ to Attend (Exclusive)

 
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