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MIAMI GARDENS — Carson Beck dropped to pass in the final minute, and a bad night was ready to turn good in the way a nightmare game folds into a dream season as he threw short into the flat.

A simple pass. A safe pass.

Only a word got in the way.

“Miscommunication,’’ as the Miami quarterback said.

Everything looks good in a perfect season until it doesn’t. And it didn’t for No. 2- ranked Miami from the start Friday night against Louisville to this very end when Beck’s pass to tight end Elija Lofton was intercepted with 32 seconds left.

“Just ran the route wrong, and I went to go throw it because we’re hot off of pressure,’’ Beck said. “And, again, (Louisville’s T.J. Capers) made a good play, but it didn’t help we ran the wrong route.”

After starting 5-0 with some telltale wins, after putting visions of sugarplums in their fans’ heads, anything and everything was imaginable for Miami this season.

This wasn’t what you imagined, though. This night. This loss. This was like watching your worst sports nightmare, the one where your great season falls for a fake field, gets behind early 14-0, suffers three interceptions, trails by 11 points in the fourth quarter and then when it has a chance to either tie with a field goal or win with a touchdown …

“All in all, flat out just not good enough,’’ coach Mario Cristobal said after Miami’s 24-21 loss.

Before going any further, before saying this wasn’t the team of the previous five games, understand one loss doesn’t kill Miami’s big hopes. It will make the playoffs with one loss, can still advance into the deepest part of January with one loss.

Here’s Miami’s schedule the rest of the way: Stanford, SMU, Syracuse, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech, Pitt. Not a heavyweight the rest of the way.

But then Louisville was only thought to be a middleweight. This wasn’t a night Miami had to be great, like it was against Notre Dame, or to be the bully, like against Florida. This was a night it was asked to survive. Just that.

And it didn’t survive.

It couldn’t.

Q: How did Beck throw four interceptions?

A: His fifth one was erased by a Louisville roughing-the-passer penalty.

It was that kind of loss for Miami.

“If you give away plays, it’s going to get you,’’ Cristobal said. “Tonight, it got us.”

This team that had large swaths of games where they physically dominated games Notre Dame, Florida and Florida State. That’s this team’s identity. But that kind of line play only made cameos Friday night.

Miami’s running backs had 16 carries for 40 yards. That’s an opening drive some games.

“We didn’t run the ball,’’ Cristobal said.

Louisville running back Isaac Brown had 113 yards on 15 carries. A 7.5 average. How did that happen?

“I’ll bring it back to us,” defensive tackle David Clay said. “We’ve got to get to work.”

There was a football show here between Brown’s big runs against Toney’s big catches. Both were electric. Both put up big numbers. Both deserved to have their night in lights.

Then Brown fumbled midway through the fourth quarter leading to Toney’s 12-yard touchdown pass from Beck on the next play. Toney threw on a reverse for the two-point conversion and Miami was within three points with over seven minutes left.

There was no magic left, though, at least not for Miami. Louisville coach Jeff Brohm was soon being pictured before a pair of brass cowboy boots that’s the trophy celebrating the winner of Howard Schnellenberger’s big teams.

As they came off the field, Louisville players stopped before a camera identified by writing above it, “Win video,” and they’d offer a line …

“Big win!” one play said.

Or a dance.

“Feeling like this!” another said, busting a move.

Down the hallway, Beck was saying, “I’ve got to protect the ball better. That’s unacceptable.”

Yes, anything could happen this Miami season and something did.

“We got knocked in the mouth, we’ve got to come back,’’ defensive back Zechariah Poyser said.

One loss won’t kill the season. But miscues and miscommunications that filled this game can.

 

MIAMI – In a move that gets the Miami Heat back under the punitive NBA luxury tax but also leaves a potential void in the power rotation, the team on Friday night informed their former first-round pick Precious Achiuwa that he was being waived.

The move came ahead of Saturday’s 5 p.m. waiver deadline, the timeframe needed to avoid counting salary against the payroll at Monday’s roster deadline.

Achiuwa, selected by the Heat at No. 20 in the 2020 NBA draft, was added to the roster on the eve of training camp on a non-guaranteed veteran-minimum contract. That salary would have put the Heat over the 2025-26 luxury-tax threshold.

Instead, the Heat are left at the waiver deadline with Bam Adebayo, Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic as the only true elements of the power rotation on the standard roster.

Achiuwa had an uneven run during his comeback bid, having been away since he was dealt to the Toronto Raptors in the 2021 offseason. He then returned to the Heat after the New York Knicks bypassed returning him from last season’s roster.

Achiuwa did not play in Friday night’s preseason finale, a 141-125 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies at Kaseya Center that completed an 0-7 preseason.

Achiuwa appeared in four exhibitions with the Heat, playing 47 total minutes, with 19 points and 21 rebounds. He shot 7 of 17 from the field.

With the Heat operating at the NBA maximum offseason roster limit of 21 players, the team got down to the regular-season limits by waiving camp tryout players Dain Dainja, Dez Mbeng and Ethan Thompson. All three are expected to move on to the Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

In somewhat of a surprising move guard, Jahmir Young, who previously was with the Chicago Bulls, was elevated from his Exhibition 10 tryout contract to a two-way contract.

The maneuvering left the Heat with 14 players under standard contract, one spot below the NBA maximum, needing to work at that roster configuration to avoid the luxury tax.

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Under standard contract to the Heat entering the season are Adebayo, Jovic, Ware, Simone Fontecchio, Tyler Herro, Keshad Johnson, Kasparas Jakucionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson, Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell, Terry Rozier, Dru Smith and Andrew Wiggins.

Under two-way contract remain Myron Gardner and Vlad Goldin, now joined by Young. Players on two-way contracts, however, can be swapped out for other options at any point until midseason.

Based on the waiver-claim process, the Heat roster still could be reshuffled for their season opener Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center.

MIAMI — Perhaps it was played for real simply because there now are four days off before Wednesday night’s season opener in Orlando. Or perhaps it was because the Miami Heat entered 0-5 this preseason.

So there in the starting lineup Friday night were five players who well could be in the starting lineup for Erik Spoelstra when it begins for real against the Magic.

It might not have been a dress rehearsal, but it was far from a typical throwaway game at the end of the preseason.

Didn’t matter.

For only the second time in the franchise’s 38 seasons, the Heat wound up winless in a preseason, falling 141-125 to the Memphis Grizzlies at Kaseya Center. The only other time the Heat had a winless preseason was when they went 0-7 in 2007, ahead of a 15-67 season.

Nonetheless, several for the Heat had their moments, including Bam Adebayo, with 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists; Norman Powell with 23 points and six assists; and Kel’el Ware with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

Adebayo and Mitchell departed for the night at the end of the third quarter, when the Heat led 103-102.

“Could we have stopped the game after the third quarter?” Spoelstra asked rhetorically afterward. “There were some things I was looking to see from this game, and we saw a lot of ’em.”

He added, “We’re not going to focus on what the record was in the preseason.”

Five Degrees of Heat from Friday’s night’s exhibition:

1. For real: With the Heat entering winless, Spoelstra veered from the typical end-of-roster approach to the exhibition finale, starting Adebayo, Ware, Powell, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell.

That had been the Heat’s opening lineup Monday in Atlanta, with the exception of Mitchell this time starting over Dru Smith. Smith then entered midway through the opening period when Mitchell was called for his second foul.

The Heat on Friday remained without Tyler Herro (ankle), Nikola Jovic (back) and Kasparas Jakucionis (hip).

2. Power rotation: The question now is whether Jovic will be worked back into the starting lineup for the season opener, or whether it will remain Adebayo-Ware.

At various times in Friday night’s first half, the Heat had Adebayo, Wiggins and Simone Fontecchio at power forward.

Rounding out the starters in the first half rotation were, in order, Smith, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson and Fontecchio.

“It’s going to be some growing pains,” Adebayo said of the winless preseason and what might come next.

3. Powell play: Powell continued to respond as a needed source of offense in the absence of Herro, this time up to 20 points within the opening minutes of the second half.

“I just look how we’re progressing as a team, individually,” Powell said of the winless preseason. “There’s a lot of lessons in losing, and figuring it out, how we can get better.”

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Friday night’s performance came in the wake of Powell scoring 18, 18 and 17 in his previous three appearances, with none of those appearances of more than 28 minutes. This time he went 25:21.

“I think he’s played really well right now,” Spoelstra said of his team’s prime offseason addition. “He’s comfortable in what we’re trying to do. He’s adding for sure to what we’re doing and he’s been great in the practices, too.”

4.  Rozier returns: Friday marked Terry Rozier’s preseason debut, after being sidelined since training camp with a hamstring strain. He entered with 5:56 left in the third period, when Mitchell was called for his fifth foul.

Rozier went 10:38, scoring four points on 2-of-4 shooting.

Next to be seen is whether in the absence of Herro there could be minutes in the opening rotation.

“He put in a lot of work this summer,” Spoelstra said pregame. “The last two weeks have probably been a bummer for him, because of all that time that he put in and he was playing well, he was in great shape. But all that work doesn’t go away. So he was able to ramp up the last few days.”

“I think his mind is clear. He gives you that scoring punch, the toughness. And I think those will be on display since he’s healthy.'”

5. Up next: The Heat now take a four-day break before Wednesday night’s season opener at Orlando’s Kia Center to begin their 38th season.

The Heat will not return to Kaseya Center until facing the New York Knicks on Oct 26 in their home opener.

MIAMI GARDENS — After Miami quarterback Carson Beck threw his third pick of the game, the Hurricanes’ chances of coming back against Louisville appeared to be over.

But that was not what the script said. He had another interception coming.

The No. 2 Hurricanes were driving for a potential tying field goal or winning touchdown, but Beck threw his fourth interception, allowing Louisville to seal a 24-21 win at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday.

“The message is being very real and honest: That ain’t good enough,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. “That’s a really poor job of just overall execution and discipline. And when I say that, it means all of us, like everybody in the organization. Every coach, every player — we take it. We win together, you lose together. So when we say execution, that falls on the coach, falls on the player, falls on myself, falls on everybody.”

After Beck’s third interception, Louisville tried to run with Isaac Brown, who had gashed UM all night. But Miami defensive back Keionte Scott forced a fumble, and safety Zechariah Poyser returned it to the 12. On the next play, freshman star Malachi Toney ran in a touchdown. He followed it up by throwing a pass to CJ Daniels for a two-point conversion, cutting UM’s deficit to three points.

Miami still needed more points, and the defense forced a stop near midfield. The Hurricanes took over with 4:05 on the clock at their own 15-yard line. Miami drove into field-goal range in the game’s final minute. But as they tried to get closer or get a game-winning touchdown, Louisville linebacker T.J. Capers — a Miami native — caught Beck’s pass, ending the comeback bid.

“Effort, toughness, resilience, all the good stuff, but again, not enough to overcome the issues that we cause ourselves, particularly in the earlier penalties,” Cristobal said.

Cristobal said it was their “regular process” to keep trying to push the ball closer to the goal line in that late-game situation.

“With over 30 seconds left and a couple timeouts, we’re at 48 for the field goal,” Cristobal said. “We’re still going to try to move the ball and make it closer or to try to win the game, as well.

The Cardinals never trailed in Friday’s game. They came out of the gate with a well-executed drive, moving down the field efficiently. Miami got a third-down stop, and Louisville lined up for a field goal. Holder David Chapeau came up just short of the goal line, but it was more than enough for a first down. The Cardinals scored on a quarterback sneak by Miller Moss on the next play.

Louisville continued its hot start after forcing a three-and-out on UM’s first offensive drive. The Cardinals started the drive in Hurricanes territory, and Chris Bell caught a Moss pass over the middle and sprinted to the end zone to put Louisville up by two scores.

Miami’s offense was not shellshocked after UM fell behind early. Quarterback Carson Beck tossed a 30-yard pass to CJ Daniels to start the drive and followed it with a 39-yard toss to freshman Malachi Toney, putting the Hurricanes inside the Cardinals’ 10-yard line. Three plays later, running back Mark Fletcher Jr. punched in UM’s first score of the night.

Beck’s passing was not as good on the next drive, and he threw an interception that Cardinals linebacker Antonio Watts reeled in. Fortunately for UM, the pick did not come back to bite the Hurricanes, and they forced a punt on the ensuing drive. Cornerback Jabari Mack picked off Beck on the following Miami drive, but once again, Miami’s defense forced a punt.

After a 61-yard screen pass to Malachi Toney, the Hurricanes had to settle for a field goal to cut the deficit to 14-10 with 1:56 left in the first half.

Louisville had to settle for a field goal of its own on its first drive of the second half. The Cardinals’ 48-yard field goal came one play after Jakobe Thomas nearly intercepted a pass (replay review showed the ball hit the ground before Thomas could catch it).

Bell scored his second touchdown of the game on a play similar to his first score, catching a pass over the middle and scoring a 36-yard touchdown. The score pushed the Cardinals ahead 24-13, keeping Miami at arm’s length and giving the Cardinals enough points to fend off the Hurricanes late.

“It’s a good thing that we play 12 games and not just one,” Beck said. “And that’s the biggest thing that we have to realize is just going 1-0 every single week. We have six more opportunities, and this game doesn’t define us. Just because this game went bad doesn’t just throw away the first five games that we had. We’ve been very successful this season. And, shoot, we laid the egg tonight. And again, that starts with me as a quarterback, as a leader on this team. I have to be more disciplined, I have to prepare better, I have to play better. And again, I’m going to do that and come back with fire.”

Five takeaways 1. Hurricanes can’t consistently generate offense

Louisville’s defense came to play Friday night, and the Hurricanes’ offense could not do much against it.

Miami’s run game was not a factor in the game. Although Fletcher scored a touchdown, the Hurricanes managed just 63 yards on 24 carries in the loss.

The passing game was only marginally better, with Beck throwing four interceptions. The Hurricanes had to settle for two field goals when they drove deep into Louisville territory, and they needed touchdowns.

“I think, first of all, we did not run the ball well. We didn’t,” Cristobal said. “Certainly, we need to do a better job at the line of scrimmage and get downhill, give our guys a chance to make plays and move the sticks. We also got ourselves off schedule several times in terms of pre-snap penalties, middle-of-a-drive penalty, and it changes your play calls. So all in all, just flat out not good enough, you know, particularly, you know, we got to score more points with the ball.

2. Penalties prove costly

Miami entered the game tied for the lead in most penalties per game in the ACC. The Hurricanes continued to draw flags on Friday, and the penalties seemed to come at the worst times.

A pair of unsportsmanlike conduct calls handcuffed drives in the first half, and Toney was called for a delay of game on a punt return when it looked like he might take the punt and score.

Late in the game, when Miami needed offense, the Hurricanes converted on third and short — only for the first down to be wiped out by a hold on Fletcher.

3. Beck gets greedy

On UM’s second drive of the game, Beck completed a pair of deep balls to Daniels and Toney. He spent the rest of the first half chasing those deep passes, and it cost him.

The veteran quarterback threw two interceptions when trying to target deep receivers, passing up chances to get yards by dumping the ball to open receivers closer to him. Beck only threw three incompletions in the first half, but two of them were picked off by the Cardinals.

Beck finished the game with 25 of 35 passing for 271 yards and four interceptions.

“They challenged us up front to try to stop the run but play zone with eyes behind it,” Beck said. “And again, they made some really good plays, but there’s times where maybe I was a little too aggressive.”

4. Malachi Toney continues to excel

Toney has been off to an outstanding start to his college career. The freshman from American Heritage had his second straight 100-yard game, eclipsing the century mark in the first half.

Toney kept the Hurricanes in the game, scoring the touchdown to make it 24-19 and then tossing the two-point conversion to make it a three-point game. He finished the game with 135 receiving yards on nine catches.

5. Lack of pressure

The Cardinals entered the game with some of the worst blocking grades among Power 4 teams, and the Hurricanes had one of the most effective pass rushes. But Louisville found a way to scheme around that mismatch.

Moss rarely stayed back in the pocket to throw, neutralizing Miami’s strong pass rush. The Hurricanes did still get one sack — from defensive back Keionte Scott — but the dominant pass rusher Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. did not cause their usual disruption. It was the first game this season where neither Akheem Mesidor nor Rueben Bain Jr. had a sack.

“Ball’s out quick, some chips (blocks) — both by the back and by the tight end,” Cristobal said. “Good game plan. And you got to mix it up, got to bring pressure, got to cover, got to play tight coverage, got to give some room as well, and then got to play the run. (They have) a really good running back and whatnot. So it’s certainly when you play against a play-caller like that, you got to do your best to keep them off balance without hurting yourself.”

 

General Daily Insight for October 18, 2025

Our hearts are being activated. The emotional Moon works smoothly with fiery Mars, bringing ambition to our inner lives and dusting off shelved dreams. The Moon is then supported by inspirational Jupiter, bringing fresh life to things that we’ve been keeping inside of us. Creativity is also heightened by this cosmic duo. Finally, Luna opposes critical Saturn at 5:10 pm EDT, which may bring on self-doubt and naysayers that we need to stand our ground against. We must remember what truly motivates us.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Past routines might reawaken old dreams. The cosmos could call upon your memories, asking what you left behind. Maybe you’ll find an old workout video that you used to like following, a healthy (but delicious) recipe from a practical diet, or pictures of yourself involved in a past hobby or sport. It’s a good time to remember what made being healthy feel fun for you, because without it being enjoyable, it won’t stick half as well. Do what works for you.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Other people might try to yuck your yum. You could be simply enjoying yourself when others comment on how it’s not for them, but rather than discourage you, their reactions may actually encourage you. It probably doesn’t affect you that they’re not following along with what you’re doing, and this sense of independence can be freeing. Not everyone likes the same stuff, but does that mean you’re not actually enjoying it just because they don’t? Of course not! It’s still your yum.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

The scene is set for analyzing your current comfort zone. It may be holding you back if you’re allowing it to prevent you from trying new things. Sometimes, a comfort zone is just so comfortable that you never want to leave it, but when you never move around, things get stagnant! Seeing what the world has to offer should be exciting, and your home base should be a place to rest, not a place to permanently park yourself. See what’s out there.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

You might not be following the crowd’s current mindset. As you practice carving out your ideal life path, while it may look odd to some other people around you, they don’t need to be a part of this. After all, it’s your thought process and future, not theirs. No two people are on the exact same journey. To reach your desired destination, make a point of staying aware of your soul. Figure out what works for your way of thinking, then follow it.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

You’re creating abundance. Once, you may have thought it was shooting too high to try to “make it” in a certain field, but updated evidence is showing you that you have the stamina to chase your dreams. It’s important to be open to the universe by showing the world what you can do, because this opportunity won’t come looking for you at your doorstep. You have to be ready to put yourself on display! Show your skills and see what comes in.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

You’re shifting how you express yourself. Perhaps you’re changing up your social media, trying unique fashions, or experimenting with intriguing trends. It’s good to see what’s out there and intuitively seek out what speaks to you. Don’t let yourself be stagnant. Keep working through any fears of letting go of the past and let your present self exist in flux — that’s natural. Who you were will always be a part of you; you just might look or act a little different now.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Struggling to keep up with everything will wear on you. You’re trying to keep a lot of irons in a lot of fires, which risks allowing things to slip through the cracks (although luck is supporting you). It’s vital to stay aware of how much time and energy everything will take, because in your mind, they might be far easier to accomplish than they actually are in practice. Make time for what matters to you ASAP, or you risk losing some of it.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You may see how the actions of the people around you are affecting you. They say that you are the company you keep, and in your case, this might be very true. Friends or family could have you caught in their wake, whipping you along for an unplanned joyride. This has the potential to be fun, as long as they’re good traveling companions! If you’re not sure about the path that they’re going down, it might be time to leave their orbit.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

You’re putting your heart into your projects! That’s normally good, but be wary of becoming too attached to your designs. You risk becoming a perfectionist, afraid to move forward until everything’s flawless. Additionally, taking any criticism of what you’ve done personally would make it difficult to grow or show your work to others. You have the opportunity to hear what they’re saying, know the intentions you put into your work, and decide if their critiques are worth taking or not. Know who you are.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Who are you, Capricorn? And, more importantly, are you willing to share that knowledge with trusted peers? You might typically shy away from opening up, but the people spending time around you may be curious. A friend, new or old, could ask to know more about you and what led you to where you are now. While it may be tempting to overcorrect and overshare, strive to open up naturally, then ask them more about themselves. Let it be a two-way street.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Secrets are many-faceted gems — and you could be studying one right now. There may be something positive that you’re hoping to surprise someone with, so it’s important that you don’t reveal anything. You may need to make decisions undercover to avoid giving away what’s really taking place. While this can be a challenge, it will likely all be worth it to make a loved one smile. Give someone a little moment of joy in their life today, because that joy should be contagious.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

It can be difficult to figure out where your desires start and another person’s stop. You may care about someone in your life so deeply that it feels as though what they want is what you want, but you’re probably too close to the situation. Do your best to zoom out and ask yourself if this is what you really want. If it didn’t make this loved one happy, would you still be interested in it? Reevaluate before jumping in with both feet.

By JOSH BOAK, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is giving domestic automakers additional relief from tariffs on auto parts, extending what was supposed to have been a short-term rebate until 2030.

It’s part of a proclamation Trump signed Friday that also made official a 25% import tax on medium and heavy duty trucks, starting Nov. 1.

The action reflected the administration’s efforts to use tariffs to promote American manufacturing while also trying to shield the auto sector from the higher costs that Trump’s import taxes have created for parts and raw materials.

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The special rebate initially announced in April had been set to be lowered and then expire in 2027. At the time, Trump described it as short-term aid “during this little transition” with the expectation that automakers would move production lines back to the U.S.

The extension and adjustments came after conversations with the auto industry, senior administration officials said. The goal is to both expand domestic production and make it more competitive. The officials insisted on anonymity as a condition for talking to reporters ahead of Trump signing the proclamation.

The amended action provides a rebate of 3.75% relative to the sales price of a domestically assembled vehicle. That figure was reached by putting the 25% import tax on parts that make up 15% of a vehicle’s sales price. Multiplying those two percentages together is equal to 3.75%.

The rebate will also now be offered to manufacturers of trucks and engines, officials said.

Trump had posted on his social media site Oct. 6 about the new tariffs on imported trucks. Buses will also be tariffed at 10% as part of the action.

The new tariffs do not apply to imports covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade. That pact, which went into effect in 2020, is up for renegotiation next year.

The moves come at a delicate moment for the auto industry as consumers are enduring sticker shock. According to Kelley Blue Book, buyers of new autos spent an average of $50,080 in September, the highest average on record. New auto prices have increased 3.6% from a year ago.

Friday

Archbishop McCarthy 13, American Heritage 10
Cardinal Newman 26, West Boca Raton 20 OT
St. Thomas Aquinas 31, Monarch 20
King’s Academy 13, Benjamin 12
Vero Beach 53, Pahokee 14
Santaluces 49, Forest Hill 0
Calvary Christian 16, St. Andrew’s 14
Western 26, Cypress Bay 0
Jupiter 27, Martin County 7
Hollywood Hills 41, Pompano Beach 0
Lake Highland Prep 20, Pine Crest 10
Florida Christian 52, Westminster Academy 16
Jupiter Christian 41, Port St. Lucie 0
Vanguard 35, Palm Beach Central 22
North Broward Prep 17, Coral Springs Charter 14
Central Florida Christian 70, Boca Raton Christian 42
Seminole Ridge 14, Dwyer 8
Cooper City 56, South Plantation 49

 

Thursday
Cardinal Gibbons 35, Boca Raton 13
Coral Glades 31, Taravella 0
Pembroke Pines Charter 35, Everglades 20
McArthur 39, Fort Lauderdale 6
Ransom Everglades 42, University School 0
Somerset Academy 36, Somerset Prep 8
Boynton Beach 56, John I. Leonard 0
Legacy 12, Inlet Grove 8
Palm Beach Lakes 20, Lake Worth 7
Doral Academy 37, Spanish River 27
Wellington 49, Olympic Heights 15

Sources: Maxpreps.com and x.com

 

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday he had commuted the sentence of former U.S. Rep. George Santos, who is serving more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges.

The New York Republican was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people — including his own family members — to make donations to his campaign.

He reported to Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, in southern New Jersey, on July 25 and is being housed in a minimum security prison camp with fewer than 50 other inmates.

“I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump posted on his social media platform.

“George Santos was somewhat of a ‘rogue,’ but there are many rogues throughout our Country that aren’t forced to serve seven years in prison,” he wrote.

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Andrew Mancilla, one of Santos’ lawyers, said Friday he was “very, very happy with the decision,” though he said it’s unclear at this point when Santos will be released.

“The defense team applauds President Trump for doing the right thing,” Mancilla said by phone. “The sentence was far too long.”

Santos has been in prison for 84 days. During his time behind bars, he has been writing regular dispatches in a local Long Island newspaper, The South Shore Press.

In his latest letter, published Oct. 13, Santos pleaded to Trump directly, citing his fealty to the president’s agenda and to the Republican Party.

“Sir, I appeal to your sense of justice and humanity — the same qualities that have inspired millions of Americans to believe in you,” he wrote. “I humbly ask that you consider the unusual pain and hardship of this environment and allow me the opportunity to return to my family, my friends, and my community.”

A prominent former House colleague, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, also urged the White House to commute his sentence, saying in a letter sent just days into his prison bid that the punishment was “a grave injustice” and a product of judicial overreach.

The judge in Santos’ case had agreed with federal prosecutors that a stiffer sentence was warranted because Santos didn’t seem remorseful, despite what he and his lawyers claimed.

Santos’ commutation is Trump’s latest high-profile act of clemency for former Republican politicians since retaking the White House in January.

In late May, he pardoned former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, a New York Republican who in 2014 pleaded guilty to underreporting wages and revenue at a restaurant he ran in Manhattan.

He also pardoned former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, whose promising political career was upended by a corruption scandal and two federal prison stints.

Trump himself was convicted in a New York court last year in a case involving hush money payments. He derided the case as part of a politically motivated witch hunt.

Santos was once an up-and-coming star for the GOP.

He became the first openly gay Republican elected to Congress in 2022, flipping a House seat representing parts of Queens and Long Island.

But Santos served less than a year in office after it was revealed that he had fabricated much of his life story, which in turn led to investigations into how the then-unknown politician had funded his winning campaign.

A son of Brazilian immigrants, Santos had claimed he was a successful business consultant with Wall Street cred and a sizable real estate portfolio.

He eventually admitted he had never graduated from Baruch College — or been a standout player on the Manhattan college’s volleyball team, as he had claimed. He had never worked at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.

He wasn’t even Jewish. Santos insisted he meant he was “Jew-ish” because his mother’s family had a Jewish background, even though he was raised Catholic.

In truth, the then-34-year-old was struggling financially and even faced eviction.

Santos was charged in 2023 with stealing from donors and his campaign, fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits and lying to Congress about his wealth.

Within months, he was expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives — just the sixth member in the chamber’s history to be ousted by colleagues.

Santos pleaded guilty the following year just as he was set to stand trial.

Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report.