Sports category, Page 831
Steelers preparing for ways to handle former Penn Hills, Pitt star Aaron Donald
When he lines up behind center, surveys the defense and sees Aaron Donald glaring menacingly back at him on Sunday afternoon, Kenny Pickett won’t be as awestruck as the first time he encountered one of the NFL’s most decorated defensive linemen. That came in 2017 after Pickett had graduated high...
‘Old heads’ Patrick Peterson, Matthew Stafford to meet 1 more time in Steelers-Rams game
As Patrick Peterson said Wednesday, he knows he’s an “old head” in the NFL. The No. 5 overall pick 12 1/2 years ago, Peterson is one of only 13 active players left from the 2011 draft class. Peterson is looking forward to Sunday when he can match wits against one...
After the change under center, Pitt’s aerial game still seeks further improvement
On the three days each week that Pitt conducts full-blown morning practices, Konata Mumpfield’s routine never changes. “I make sure I get up an hour early,” the junior wide receiver said. “I go to the hot tub, make sure I stretch, get my hamstrings rolled out.” Then, he gathers up...
After signing Darius Rush, Steelers now have 3 of the top-rated CBs of 2023 draft class
If the Pittsburgh Steelers went into this past spring’s draft looking to acquire a top cornerback, they eventually found a way to get a few of them. The Steelers signed Darius Rush off the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad Wednesday, adding another big rookie cornerback to the organization. The 6-foot-2,...
Penguins waive forward Karel Plasek to terminate contract
About 24 hours after he was acquired in a trade, the Pittsburgh Penguins placed forward Karel Plasek on waivers Wednesday for the purposes of terminating his contract. Assuming no other team claims Plasek, the Penguins can formally cut ties with him after 2 p.m. Thursday. At the moment, the Penguins...
Patrick Mahomes says he ‘jumped’ at the chance to invest in Formula One’s Alpine team
AUSTIN, Texas — Patrick Mahomes “jumped” at the chance to invest in a Formula One team when he was asked to join a group of celebrity backers behind the Alpine team. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, along with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, golfer Rory McIlroy and former heavyweight champion...
Pirates 3rd baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes named Gold Glove finalist
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, who committed only six errors over 122 games and 365 chances this season, has been named a finalist for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award. Hayes, 26, led all third basemen in MLB, with 21 Defensive Runs Saved, according to the Fielding Bible. Among all...
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. highlights AP midseason All-America team loaded with experience
Washington sixth-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. highlights The Associated Press midseason All-America team, one of 19 players honored who have been in school at least five years. Penix is among the many players in college football who have extended their careers by taking advantage of the NCAA’s decision to give...
Colts QB Anthony Richardson opts for season-ending surgery on injured throwing shoulder
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has taken the final snap of his rookie season, opting to have season-ending surgery on his injured throwing shoulder. Coach Shane Steichen confirmed the decision before Wednesday’s practice. Steichen said the team consulted multiple medical officials, weighed the long-term health of Richardson...
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gets contract extension through March 2027
NEW YORK — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell received his long-expected contract extension Wednesday. “The Compensation Committee updated the full ownership today that an agreement has been reached to extend Commissioner Roger Goodell’s contract for three years, through March 2027,” the league announced in a statement. A person familiar with the...
Lionel Messi earns $20.4 million under contract with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami
NEW YORK — Lionel Messi’s annualized compensation from his Major League Soccer contract with Inter Miami is just over $20.4 million, the MLS Players Association said Wednesday. Messi earns more than the entire payroll of all but three other MLS teams and twice as much as every player combined on...
Atlantic 10 conference coaches, media not alone when it comes to this year’s high expectations for Duquesne
Atlantic 10 coaches and media members aren’t the only people anticipating a breakout season from the Duquesne men’s basketball team. ESPN college basketball bracket expert Joe Lunardi can see that happening as well. This week at the A-10’s media day, the conference preseason poll was announced, and Duquesne was rated...
Mark Madden: Steelers’ slow-playing talented rookies makes little sense
The Pittsburgh Steelers face a similar team Sunday. The Los Angeles Rams are meh but have a fistful of dangerous players, just like the Steelers. But who’s going to cover Rams receiver Cooper Kupp? Who’s going to block Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald? The Rams have a better coach and...
Kyle Schwarber homers twice, Trea Turner goes deep, Phillies power past Arizona in Game 2 of NLCS
PHILADELPHIA — Kyle Schwarber is pounding postseason homers at such a rate that he fits right in with Mickey Mantle and Reggie Jackson. The tattooed slugger is doing it all while powering the Philadelphia Phillies toward a chance for the franchise’s first World Series championship since 2008. “If you want...
Penn State QB, Ohio native Drew Allar staying focused ahead of homecoming at Ohio State
Drew Allar doesn’t know how many friends and family will be in attendance Saturday at Ohio State. He wisely delegated the responsibility of handling ticket requests to his parents. “I’ve got to be focused on the game,” Allar said. “I can’t be focused on anything extra.” You can bet there...
First Call: Steelers reportedly move on from Desmond King; Evgeni Malkin snubbed from another Top 100 list
Wednesday’s “First Call” starts with a surprising move by the Pittsburgh Steelers and a surprising omission for the Penguins from an ESPN list. Plus, it was a memorable night for a former Penguin, and an ex-Pirates executive may land a big-time job back in Major League Baseball. Well, that was...
Tim Benz: The time is right, the need is present for Steelers to start Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr.
I want to avoid committing the sports media sin of criticizing someone — in this case, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin — for something they haven’t done yet. But the fact that this is even a conversation at all is worthy of some critical words. Tomlin should end the slow...
Bulked-up Diaz Graham twins ready to attack sophomore season at Pitt
Although they might bicker over who is supposed to do the dishes and if Messi or Ronaldo is the world’s best soccer player, Jorge and Guillermo Diaz Graham carry with them the love of family, team and their homeland while preparing for their sophomore basketball season at Pitt. When the...
Newcomers BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, UCF floundering early in Big 12Video
The new kids in the Big 12 couldn’t bring past success with them. Cincinnati went to the College Football Playoff in 2021. BYU won 10 games twice in the past three years. Houston is two years removed from a 12-win season. UCF had at least nine victories in five of...
Justin Herbert must be better late if Chargers want to rebound
During his first three seasons, Justin Herbert came up big when the Los Angeles Chargers needed a winning drive late in the fourth quarter or overtime. Herbert will need to rediscover that clutch gene if the Chargers hope to get back to the playoffs for a second straight season. With...
New Castle native Geno Stone evolves into valuable component on Ravens defense
It was late in the third quarter, and the Ravens were clinging to a five-point lead in what was an all-too-familiar scenario. Four minutes earlier, safety Kyle Hamilton had been ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Titans receiver Chris Moore. The personal foul moved Tennessee to the Ravens’ 15-yard line,...
Rams sign RB Darrell Henderson to practice squad, add Royce Freeman ahead of Steelers gameVideo
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams re-signed Super Bowl-winning running back Darrell Henderson to their practice squad and promoted Royce Freeman to the active roster. The Rams made the moves Tuesday after top running backs Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers left Sunday’s 26-9 victory over Arizona with injuries....
Aaron Rodgers providing Jets with some inspiration as he continues to recoverVideo
It was all like something out of some sort of feel-good sports movie. Aaron Rodgers ditched the crutches and walking boot, strolled onto the field during pregame warmups Sunday and the New York Jets quarterback started throwing passes again. Less than five weeks after tearing his left Achilles tendon. His...
Big Ten players discovering challenges of playing for interim coaches
MADISON, Wis. — Michigan State linebacker Jordan Hall talks about rolling with the punches to maintain focus amid adversity, but he never could have expected the haymaker his team absorbed last month. It was the same type of blow that players at Northwestern, Nebraska and Wisconsin have encountered over the...
Carolina Panthers’ rising star play-caller never wanted to coach
At various points throughout his playing career, Thomas Brown had to resort to a similar refrain when talking to his insistent and loving father. “Dad,” Brown would say, “there’s no way in the world I’m ever going to become a coach.” “When I’m done playing,” he’d continue, “I’m going to...
