LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook announced his retirement on Wednesday.
He coached at Nebraska for 25 years and won four national championships.
“It’s been a great run,” he said in a press release. “I want to thank my family for their support, and I want to thank Bill Byrne and Terry Pettit for giving me the opportunity to be the Nebraska volleyball coach.”
Before Nebraska, Cook spent seven seasons as the head coach at Wisconsin.
He has a career winning percentage of .834%, the fifth-best of all time in Division I volleyball.
Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen said Cook took the already great volleyball program to another level.
“John Cook leaves a legacy of excellence that places him alongside a very small group of coaches who can be considered the greatest in college athletics history, regardless of sport,” he said in the release.
Less than 20 minutes after NU announced Cook’s retirement, the university said Dani Busboom Kelly as the new head coach.
Busboom Kelly played under Cook, then served as one of his assistant coaches at Nebraska.
She became Louisville’s head coach in 2017.
This is a developing story. Check with Channel 8 for the latest.
After an incredible 23-year tenure as the head coach of the Nebraska volleyball team, John Cook has announced his retirement. Cook has been a driving force behind the program’s success, leading the Huskers to multiple national championships and consistently ranking among the top teams in the country.
Stepping into Cook’s large shoes will be Dani Busboom Kelly, who has been serving as an assistant coach under Cook for the past five years. Busboom Kelly brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having previously coached at other successful programs and playing professionally overseas.
Nebraska fans are excited to see what the future holds under Busboom Kelly’s leadership, and are grateful for Cook’s dedication and passion for the program. As one era ends, another begins, and Husker volleyball is poised for continued success under its new head coach.
An iconic era of Nebraska volleyball and Husker Athletics has come to a close. Head coach John Cook announced his retirement after 25 seasons on Wednesday. He ends his illustrious career as the winningest coach in Division I volleyball this century.
“I’ve been here for 25 years. That’s a long time to do something. It’s been a great run,” Cook said in a statement. “I want to thank my family for their support, and I want to thank Bill Byrne and Terry Pettit for giving me the opportunity to be the Nebraska volleyball coach. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great coaches and staff over the years, and I’m forever grateful for how hard they worked and for how much they gave to Nebraska volleyball.
“For me personally, the greatest accomplishment in coaching is seeing former players go into coaching or other careers and taking the lessons they’ve learned from being a Nebraska volleyball player and applying it to their everyday lives. There is no greater reward in coaching than that. Lastly and most importantly, I want to thank the fans for always supporting Nebraska volleyball. I’ve always said to ‘Dream Big’, and we’ve dreamed bigger than any volleyball program in the history of the world.”
Cook leaves Nebraska as one of the most decorated and accomplished coaches in Husker history. The 68-year-old went 722-103 (.875) after taking over as head coach in 2000. He had the nation’s highest active winning percentage and is the fifth-winningest coach in NCAA history.
Cook led Nebraska to eight NCAA championship games, 12 NCAA semifinal appearances, and advanced to 24 NCAA Regional rounds in 25 years. He won nine Big 12 titles and six Big Ten championships.
He produced 72 AVCA All-Americans, including some of the world’s most successful volleyball players. Cook also developed many great coaches who either worked under him, played for him, or both.
The California native was a three-time AVCA Division I National Coach of the Year (2000, 2005, 2023). He won the Big 12 Coach of the Year four times (2001, 2005, 2008, 2010) and was a four-time Big Ten Coach of the Year selection (1997, 2016, 2017, 2023).
Cook started his time at Nebraska as an assistant coach under Petitt from 1989-1991. Then, he spent 1992 to 1998 growing Wisconsin’s volleyball program as its head coach. Cook returned to Lincoln in 1999 as an assistant head coach and Petitt’s successor. Nebraska won the ’99 national title and then again in 2000, 2006, 2015, and 2017 with Cook as head coach.
Dreaming Big
Throughout his career, Cook strived to “Dream Big” and encouraged everyone else around him to do so. He will go down as one of the biggest dreamers in college volleyball history. Cook advanced the game of volleyball greatly in the state of Nebraska and around the country.
The Huskers took a big risk in 2014 and moved from its beloved Coliseum to play at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. They have sold out every single match at Devaney, the longest sellout streak in college volleyball.
Cook helped Nebraska set the women’s sports world attendance record with the first-ever volleyball match played in a football stadium. The 2023 “Volleyball Day in Nebraska” set the record with 92,003 in attendance.
“John Cook leaves a legacy of excellence that places him alongside a very small group of coaches who can be considered the greatest in college athletics history, regardless of sport,” Nebraska Director of Athletics Troy Dannen said. “John took over one of the nation’s best programs a quarter century ago and elevated it to another level.
“The national championships, Final Four appearances, conference championships, All-Americans, and Olympians speak for themselves, but John’s impact goes beyond the on-court accolades. Behind his vision, Nebraska volleyball has become arguably the most successful women’s program in the country which has helped the sport of volleyball reach a popularity level it has never seen before.”
Nebraska holds nine of the top 10 attendance records in college volleyball. It also averages the most fans per match in the country and is the only college volleyball program to turn a profit.
Cook’s vision and passion for the future of Nebraska volleyball and the sport built firmly on Petitt’s foundation. He helped the Huskers continue to skyrocket into success, breaking attendance and viewership records along the way.
Cook’s influence on Nebraska and college volleyball has and will continue to impact generations of volleyball players, fans, and women’s athletics as a whole.
After an incredible 25-season run, Nebraska volleyball head coach John Cook has announced his retirement. Cook, who led the Cornhuskers to four national championships and numerous conference titles, leaves behind a legacy of excellence and success.
Under Cook’s leadership, Nebraska became one of the premier programs in college volleyball, consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation. His dedication to his players and commitment to excellence have made him a beloved figure in the volleyball community.
Cook’s retirement marks the end of an era for Nebraska volleyball, but his impact on the program will be felt for years to come. His passion for the game and ability to cultivate talent have set a standard of excellence that future coaches will strive to emulate.
As fans and players alike reflect on Cook’s remarkable career, it is clear that his legacy will endure long after his retirement. Nebraska volleyball will forever be grateful for his leadership and dedication, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Thank you, Coach Cook, for 25 incredible seasons.
Micah Hyde, one of the Buffalo Bills’ most reliable and beloved defenders, is officially hanging up the cleats. Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News broke the story by tweeting , “This won’t come as a big surprise, but had a chance to talk with Micah Hyde today in the Bills’ locker room. He said that he’s officially retiring and that his playing career is over.”
Hyde, who joined the Bills in 2017 after starting his career with the Green Bay Packers, has been a cornerstone of Buffalo’s defense. Known for his versatility and ability to make big plays in clutch moments, he quickly became a fan favorite.
Hyde became a free agent after the 2023 season and initially left his future uncertain. During the off-season, he expressed interest in possibly coming back for one final run, and Bills GM Brandon Beane made it clear the team was open to bringing him back. Then in December, the Bills signed the 33 year-old back to their practice squad, which gave him another opportunity to play in Buffalo.
Over his 7 seasons with the Bills, Hyde started 95 games, recording 417 tackles, 16 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2017 and 2021 and was a key part of the Bills’ playoff appearances and near-miss runs to the Super Bowl in recent years.
While his retirement marks the end of an era, his impact will be felt for years to come.
Watch Micah Hyde’s Buffalo Bills Career Highlights here .
Buffalo Bills Pro Bowler officially retires after 11 year NFL career
After an impressive 11-year career in the NFL, Buffalo Bills Pro Bowler has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The talented player, known for his incredible athleticism and leadership on the field, leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
Throughout his career, the Pro Bowler was a key contributor to the Buffalo Bills’ success, consistently making game-changing plays and earning the respect of his teammates, coaches, and fans. His dedication to the game and passion for football were evident in every game he played, and his presence on the field will be sorely missed.
As he hangs up his cleats and transitions into retirement, the Pro Bowler leaves behind a lasting impact on the Buffalo Bills organization and the NFL as a whole. His hard work, determination, and talent have left a lasting impression on all those who had the privilege of watching him play.
We wish the Buffalo Bills Pro Bowler all the best in his future endeavors, and thank him for his incredible contributions to the game of football. He will always be remembered as a true legend in the sport.
Jake Michaels is a Melbourne-based sports writer. He has been with ESPN since 2013, covering everything from AFL to Formula One, basketball to boxing, and tennis, both in Australia and around the world.
MELBOURNE, Australia — Twenty-four-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic retired from his Australian Open semifinal match against Alexander Zverev on Friday afternoon, unable to continue because of a muscle tear in his left leg.
After Zverev had secured a marathon 81-minute first set in a tiebreak, Djokovic, who was playing with heavy strapping on his left thigh, walked gingerly to the net and shook hands with the world No. 2, conceding the match and confirming Zverev’s place in Sunday’s final.
The capacity crowd at Rod Laver Arena booed Djokovic as he headed for the exit, and he responded by flashing two thumbs-up.
“I did everything I possibly can to manage the muscle tear that I had,” a dejected Djokovic told reporters minutes after stepping off the court. “Medications and the strap and the physio work helped to some extent today, [but] towards the end of that first set I just started feeling more and more pain. It was getting worse and worse. It was just too much to handle for me at the moment.
“I knew even if I won the first set it was going to be a huge uphill battle for me to stay physically fit enough to stay with him in the rallies for another, god knows, two, three, four hours. I don’t think I had that, unfortunately, today in the tank. Unfortunate ending, but I tried.”
Zverev, 27, who will play in his first Australian Open final and face defending champion Jannik Sinner, addressed the booing fans and defended Djokovic in his on-court interview.
“The very first thing I want to say is, please, guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out with injury,” Zverev said. “I know that everybody paid for tickets and wants to see hopefully a five-set match. He has won this tournament with an abdominal tear, won this tournament with a hamstring injury. So please show some respect.”
Djokovic, 37, who was seeking a record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park, suffered the injury during his quarterfinal win against world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the week.
Friday’s retirement marks the second time in the past 12 months Djokovic has been forced out of a Grand Slam through injury. At last year’s French Open he withdrew from his quarterfinal against Casper Ruud with a knee issue.
“It is true that, you know, getting injured quite a bit the last few years. I don’t know what exactly is the reason for that,” Djokovic said. “It’s not like I’m worrying approaching every Grand Slam now whether I’m going to get injured or not, but statistics are against me, in a way, in the last couple of years.
“I’ll keep striving to win more Slams and as long as I feel that I want to put up with all of this, I’ll be around.”
Djokovic will now have the injury investigated further to determine how long he will be sidelined.
“When I go back home to Europe I will get together with the medical team and my physios and try to understand what we can do and the quickest way to recover and get back on track,” he said. “I still have Doha tournament in a few weeks’ time that is scheduled. Whether I’m going to play that or not, it really does depend on how quickly I recover. It just depends on the muscle and how it responds to the treatment.”
In a shocking turn of events, Alexander Zverev has advanced to the Australian Open final as Novak Djokovic was forced to retire from their semifinal match. Djokovic, who was the defending champion and heavy favorite to win the tournament, cited a stomach injury as the reason for his withdrawal.
Zverev, on the other hand, put on a strong performance in the match, showcasing his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game. The young German has been in great form throughout the tournament, defeating top players like Rafael Nadal and Matteo Berrettini on his way to the final.
This will be Zverev’s first appearance in the Australian Open final, and he will be looking to capture his first Grand Slam title. He will face either Daniil Medvedev or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final, both of whom will be tough opponents.
Regardless of the outcome, Zverev has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world and is sure to be a contender in many more Grand Slam finals to come.
Reflected Monfils in his press conference, “Of course, some day are tougher. Today was one where I think I was already very close from the limit, and I think I passed it, unfortunately. It happens, but I’m still learning, which is good.”
The 19th-seeded Shelton looks to match his best major showing, a semifinal at the 2023 US Open. Earlier that year, Shelton advanced to the last eight Down Under on his first international trip. Fellow unseeded American, Tommy Paul, ultimately ended that run.
This time, the now 22-year-old goes in as the favorite against unseeded Lorenzo Sonego. The Italian halted 19-year-old qualifier Learner Tien’s breakout tournament, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, to achieve his best result on the Grand Slam stage.
Sonego has contested 17 sets thus far in a stretch that’s seen him oust 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka to start, 18-year-old prodigy Joao Fonseca over five sets in the second round, and Frances Tiafoe’s conqueror Fabian Marozsan to reach the second week.
In a recent post on social media, tennis legend Ben Shelton couldn’t help but praise Gael Monfils for what he described as the “greatest highlight tape of all time” during the French player’s grueling match at the Australian Open.
Monfils, known for his incredible athleticism and flair on the court, put on a show for fans as he battled through a tough match that had fans on the edge of their seats. Shelton, a former player himself, was in awe of Monfils’ performance and took to social media to express his admiration.
“Wow, just wow. Gael Monfils is an absolute beast on the court. That highlight tape from his match at the Australian Open is hands down the greatest I’ve ever seen. His speed, agility, and shot-making ability are just out of this world. Truly a masterclass in tennis,” Shelton wrote.
As Monfils announced his retirement from the grueling match, fans and fellow players alike were left in awe of his talent and determination. Shelton’s post is just one example of the admiration and respect that Monfils has garnered throughout his career.
Whether it’s his acrobatic dives, lightning-fast reactions, or incredible shot-making, Monfils has cemented himself as one of the most entertaining players to watch on the ATP tour. And with the praise from a tennis legend like Ben Shelton, it’s clear that Monfils’ legacy will continue to inspire players and fans for years to come.
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Record-breaking Gael Monfils retired from his Australian Open fourth round match against young American Ben Shelton, as the 38-year-old’s epic run in Melbourne came to an unfortunate end.
An ailing Monfils received a standing ovation as he left the court after trailing 7-6 6-7 7-6 1-0 early in the fourth set. The Frenchman, who last week became the oldest player to win an ATP tour title, had nothing left to give and struggled with a back injury after being dragged into a three-hour battle by the big-serving Shelton.
Monfils had rolled back the years at the Australian Open with his victories over fourth seed Taylor Fritz, Daniel Altmaier and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to become the oldest man to reach the fourth round in Melbourne since Roger Federer. He had also won eight matches in a row, following his surprise title in Auckland at the start of the year.
Monfils had pushed his body to its limits since requiring five sets to beat Mpetshi Perricard in the opening round, and he admitted he was feeling sore before the match against Shelton began.
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish the match, but I’m happy with all I gave today,” Monfils said afterwards.
“You know, at the end of the day, it’s been a very long tour for me, playing a lot of matches, spending a lot of hours,” Monfils said. “Of course, some days are tougher. Today was one where I think I was already very close from the limit, and I think I passed it, unfortunately.
“You know, it happens, but I’m still learning, which is good. Learning also take more experience. Of course, today was tougher for me physically.”
Monfils and Shelton smiled as they shook hands at the net and the 22-year-old was complimentary of the veteran’s efforts in the match.
“Gael is a great guy, I’ve watched him since I was a kid,” Shelton said. “I’ve always said he has the best highlights-reel of all time and we saw some of that tonight. At 38, I would hope to just be able to still be walking without crutches.
“To push me like he did today, and to entertain in New Zealand and Australia the way he has over the last two weeks is so impressive and I hope to be able to create some memories like that at that age. It’s really special and unheard of in sport.
Shelton was full of respect for Monfils after his run to the fourth round (Getty Images)
“For me, he’s played a lot of long matches and I wanted to make it as physical as possible. He does a lot things on the court unbelievably well, a lot of counter-punching, making you feel uncomfortable at the net. Being able to find that balance, it was incredible difficult today because he was serving so well.
“There are a lot of things that make him a nightmare to play. I can’t imagine playing him when he was 21, 22 like me.”
Monfils will still have interest in the Australian Open, however, as his partner Elina Svitolina booked her place in the quarter-finals on her return from injury.
Svitolina was happy to bring some light to Ukraine with her victory over Russian Veronika Kudermetova in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
Svitolina, who has refused to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents after matches since the start of the war nearly three years ago, recovered from a poor start to win 6-4 6-1 and reach her 12th grand slam quarter-final.
“This fighting spirit that I have is completely Ukrainian spirit that I try to show, that I try to represent, as well,” she said.
The 30-year-old, who is playing in her first tournament since foot surgery last September, has won all eight matches she has played against Russian opponents since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
In the last eight, Svitolina will take on in-form American Madison Keys, who upset sixth seed Elena Rybakina 6-3 1-6 6-3.
Includes reporting from PA
After an incredible and record-breaking run at the Australian Open, Gael Monfils has announced his retirement from professional tennis. The French tennis star captured the hearts of fans around the world with his electrifying performances on the court, but unfortunately, injuries have forced him to hang up his racket.
Monfils’ journey at this year’s Australian Open was nothing short of remarkable. He fought through grueling matches and displayed his trademark athleticism and flair, eventually reaching the semifinals before being forced to withdraw due to a nagging injury.
Throughout his career, Monfils has been known for his entertaining playing style and infectious personality. He leaves behind a legacy of highlight-reel moments and unforgettable matches that will be remembered by tennis fans for years to come.
While it is heartbreaking to see such a talented player cut his career short, we can only thank Gael Monfils for the memories and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Tennis will surely miss his presence on the court, but his impact on the sport will never be forgotten. Farewell, Gael Monfils.
The acting director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Paul Abbate, reportedly retired just minutes before Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president.
Former FBI Director Christopher Wray announced on Dec. 11 that he would step down from the bureau before Trump took office, and Wray’s resignation went into effect Sunday.
Abbate, who took the helm from Wray, stepped down from the bureau just a day later, the New York Times reported.
Deputy FBI Director Paul Abbate prepares to testify before a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committees on July 30, 2024, in Washington.(Michael A. McCoy for Washington Post via Getty Images)
His departure took effect at noon ET Monday, around the same time Trump was slated to take his oath of office at the U.S. Capitol. It was not immediately clear who will replace Abbate as acting FBI director.
“When the director asked me to stay on past my mandatory date for a brief time, I did so to help ensure continuity and the best transition for the F.B.I. Now, with new leadership inbound, after nearly four years in the deputy role, I am departing the F.B.I.,” Abbate wrote in an internal email on Monday, according to the New York Times. “I have complete confidence in you and in your ability as a team to continue to carry out our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray gives remarks at Attorney General Merrick Garland’s farewell ceremony at the Department of Justice on Jan. 16, 2025.(Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Wray selected Abbate as deputy FBI director in 2021 and extended his length of service. At 57, Abbate is the mandatory retirement age for some FBI agents, according to the New York Times.
Trump appointed Wray to lead the bureau in 2017, but relations between the two soured amid repeated federal investigations into the 45th and now-47th president. The FBI raided Trump’s home at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, in August 2022.
Trump decried the “weaponization” of the Justice Department during his 2024 presidential campaign, and he has since tapped Kash Patel to lead the FBI. Patel’s Senate confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled.
Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20, 2025.(Saul Loeb/Pool via REUTERS)
“The scales of justice will be rebalanced,” Trump said in his inauguration speech. “The vicious, violent and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government will end.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI for comment.
Danielle Wallace is a breaking news and politics reporter at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to danielle.wallace@fox.com and on X: @danimwallace.
The sudden retirement of Acting FBI director, Andrew McCabe, has sent shockwaves through the political world. McCabe’s departure comes just minutes before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, and follows the resignation of FBI director James Comey.
With the FBI in a state of flux, many are questioning the timing of McCabe’s retirement and what it could mean for the future of the agency. Some are speculating that McCabe’s departure is a direct result of Trump’s decision to appoint Christopher Wray as the new FBI director, while others believe it may be related to the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Regardless of the reasons behind McCabe’s retirement, one thing is certain: the FBI is facing a period of uncertainty and transition. It remains to be seen how Wray will lead the agency and whether he will be able to restore confidence in the FBI’s ability to impartially investigate and uphold the rule of law.
As Trump takes the oath of office, all eyes will be on the FBI and its new director, as they navigate the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead.
FBI’s longtime deputy director, who had been expected to temporarily replace director Christopher Wray on an acting basis during the transition into the new Trump administration, says he is retiring. Paul Abbate made the unexpected announcement in an email to senior officials Monday ahead of President Trump’s inauguration, CBS News confirmed.
“When the Director asked me to stay on past my mandatory date for a brief time, I did so to help ensure continuity and the best transition for the FBI. Now, with new leadership inbound, after nearly four years in the deputy role, I am departing the FBI today,” Abbate wrote in the letter, according to the Associated Press, which obtained a copy of the email.
Abbate had been running the FBI for only one day after Wray stepped down as director on Sunday. Wray was named by Trump during his first term and had been director for more than seven years. He announced his retirement when Trump said he wanted Kash Patel to be the director.
Abbate’s email did not say who would replace him atop the bureau during the interim. Following the inauguration, the White House posted a list of acting leaders that said Brian Driscoll will serve as head of the FBI until the position is filled.
Paul Abbate, deputy director of the FBI.
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
Abbate’s abrupt departure after 28 years with the FBI creates additional tumult for a law enforcement agency that had already been preparing for upheaval in the event Patel is confirmed. A Trump loyalist, Patel has repeatedly criticized FBI leadership and decision-making and has alarmed Democrats with statements that suggest he would be willing to use the FBI to exact retribution on Trump adversaries.
Abbate held a variety of leadership roles in his nearly three-decade career at the FBI, including head of the bureau’s Detroit and Washington field offices and executive assistant director for the criminal, cyber, response and services branch. He was named deputy director, the No. 2 position responsible for the FBI’s investigative activities, in 2018.
“As you move forward, continue to stay true to our core values, be there for our partners, and take care of those who serve alongside you. Thank you for your service,” Abbate wrote.
Andres Triay
contributed to this report.
The sudden retirement of the Acting FBI chief has sent shockwaves through Washington as President Trump’s pick for the position awaits confirmation. The unexpected departure comes at a critical time for the bureau, which is facing scrutiny over its handling of high-profile investigations. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. #FBI #Trump #retirement
The F.B.I.’s acting director abruptly retired on Monday as the bureau faces a potentially tumultuous leadership change under the Trump administration.
The move left unclear who would take over once the departure of the acting director, Paul Abbate, took effect at noon. His exit is unusual given that the acting director typically remains in place until a new director is confirmed by the Senate to ensure stability at the highest ranks of the bureau.
Mr. Abbate took command of the bureau on Sunday after Christopher A. Wray, the previous director, announced last month that he would step down before the inauguration. President Trump appointed Mr. Wray in 2017 but publicly attacked him and the F.B.I., which repeatedly investigated him.
In a rare move, Mr. Wray extended the service of Mr. Abbate, who is 57, the mandatory retirement age of certain F.B.I. agents.
In an email to senior F.B.I. officials, Mr. Abbate wrote: “When the director asked me to stay on past my mandatory date for a brief time, I did so to help ensure continuity and the best transition for the F.B.I. Now, with new leadership inbound, after nearly four years in the deputy role, I am departing the F.B.I.”
He added, “I have complete confidence in you and in your ability as a team to continue to carry out our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution.”
The F.B.I. declined to comment.
Mr. Abbate was named deputy director in February 2021, and Mr. Wray has said it was one of the best decisions he made during his time at the bureau. As deputy, Mr. Abbate oversaw all of the F.B.I.’s domestic and international investigative and intelligence activities and operations. The bureau has about 38,000 employees with agents stationed around the world and other U.S. agencies.
Mr. Trump has said he will nominate Kash Patel, 44, to be the bureau’s next director, but his confirmation hearing has not been scheduled yet.
Mr. Patel worked as a prosecutor at the Justice Department’s national security division from 2014 to 2017 and is expected to face bruising questions about his qualifications. He lacks the experience of previous directors, but his unwavering loyalty to Mr. Trump has catapulted him to consideration for the F.B.I.’s top job.
He has portrayed law enforcement agencies as part of an inept and politicized “deep state,” and he has fiercely criticized the agency and Justice Department over a court-authorized warrant to search for classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, Mr. Trump’s private club and residence in Florida.
In his 2023 book, “Government Gangsters,” Mr. Patel published an extensive enemies list that includes a current F.B.I. agent and an analyst. Mr. Wray also made the list, but Mr. Abbate did not appear on it.
Still, Mr. Patel wrote in his book that the president must “fire the top ranks of the F.B.I.”
Former and current F.B.I. officials are concerned about the drastic changes Mr. Patel has promised at a time that Mr. Wray has said the country faces a serious increase in threats, including from terrorism or from countries like China.
For Mr. Wray, the decision to resign was not an easy one. Last month, he explained to F.B.I. employees why he made the choice, rather than finish out his 10-year term in 2027.
“After weeks of careful thought, I’ve decided the right thing for the bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down,” he said. He added that “in my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.”
Today, it was announced that Paul Abbate, the current Acting Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, will be retiring following the departure of Christopher Wray. Abbate, who has served in various roles within the F.B.I. for over 20 years, has been leading the agency since Wray’s resignation.
During his time as Acting Director, Abbate has been praised for his leadership and dedication to upholding the values and mission of the F.B.I. He has overseen numerous high-profile investigations and played a key role in ensuring the agency’s continued success in combating crime and terrorism.
As Abbate prepares to step down, the search for a new permanent Director of the F.B.I. is underway. The announcement of Abbate’s retirement has sparked speculation and anticipation about who will be chosen to lead the agency next.
We thank Paul Abbate for his years of service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. The F.B.I. will undoubtedly miss his steady leadership and unwavering commitment to justice.
Five men’s basketball banners now hang from the rafters at Petersen Events Center, honoring a select few Pitt alums who have made their mark on the program over the years.
During halftime against Clemson on Saturday, the No. 15 jersey worn by Sam Clancy (1977-81), joined Don Hennon (1956-59), Billy Knight (1971-74), Charles Smith (1984-88) and Brandin Knight (1999-2003) as the only numbers Pitt has seen fit to retire.
Nowadays, Clancy, 66, is Pitt’s Varsity Letter Club director, helping oversee alumni relations and engagement among current Panthers student-athletes.
In all of his seasons at Pitt, Clancy averaged a double-double, finishing with an average of 14.4 points and 11.6 rebounds per game.
He is the only player in program history to score 1,000 points (1,671) and accumulate 1,000 rebounds (1,342).
Clancy is Pitt’s all-time leader in rebounds, double-figure rebounding games (78) and double-doubles (170).
He ranks 16th in points scored and fourth with 170 career blocks.
During his time at Pitt, he helped the Panthers to the 1980 NIT and 1981 NCAA Tournament.
Beginning his high school career at Fifth Avenue before graduating from Brashear, Clancy won a gold medal with the U.S. at the 1979 Pan American Games under coach Bobby Knight.
After his college days, Clancy embarked on a two-sport professional career, having been selected in the 11th round of the 1982 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks (despite having not played football collegiately) and the 1981 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns.
From 1982-93, he played in both the NFL and the USFL, including for the Pittsburgh Maulers in 1984.
Clancy also played a season of pro basketball for the Billings Volcanos of the Continental Basketball Association.
Justin Guerriero is a TribLive reporter covering the Penguins, Pirates and college sports. A Pittsburgh native, he is a Central Catholic and University of Colorado graduate. He joined the Trib in 2022 after covering the Colorado Buffaloes for Rivals and freelancing for the Denver Post. He can be reached at jguerriero@triblive.com.
The Pitt Panthers have announced that they will be retiring former basketball star Sam Clancy’s No. 15 jersey in a special ceremony this upcoming season.
Clancy, who played for Pitt from 1979-1982, was a dominant force on the court and etched his name into the program’s history books. He was a three-time All-American and still holds the record for most rebounds in a single season with 422.
His jersey retirement will honor his contributions to the Pitt basketball program and serve as a reminder of his impact on the team and the university as a whole. Fans are encouraged to come out and celebrate this momentous occasion and show their appreciation for one of the all-time greats in Pitt basketball history.
Stay tuned for more details on the ceremony and how you can be a part of this special event. #HailToPitt #SamClancy #JerseyRetirement
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