Sports

Sports coverage from the Orlando Sentinel:

• WNBA star Brittney Griner is freed in dramatic US-Russia prisoner swap: ‘She’s safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home’ December 8, 2022
  Russia freed WNBA star Brittney Griner on in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, American officials said.
  Eric Tucker, Matthew Lee and Zeke Miller
• Who has the edge? Dolphins (8-4) at Chargers (6-6), in prime-time showdown of young QBs December 8, 2022
  Breaking down the matchups in six key areas of Sunday's Week 14 game between the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers.
  David Furones
• Bowl organizers, sponsors still trying to figure out the impact of NIL December 8, 2022
  College football bowl game organizers are still navigating the ever-changing world of name, image and likeness.
  Matt Murschel
• Magic pull out win over Clippers in overtime to end losing streak December 8, 2022
  The Magic's win over the Clippers was their first since mid-November.
  Khobi Price
• Xander Bogaerts agrees to an 11-year, $280 million deal with the San Diego Padres, taking another top free-agent shortstop off the board December 8, 2022
  The San Diego Padres and Xander Bogaerts agreed to a blockbuster 11-year, $280 million contract, adding the All-Star shortstop to an already deep lineup.
  Ronald Blum, Jay Cohen
• Gators lose 75-54 at home to 10-0 UConn men’s team December 8, 2022
  Adama Sanogo scored 17 points, Donovan Clingan added 16 and No. 5 UConn handled host Florida 75-54 on Wednesday night to improve to 10-0 for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
  MARK LONG
• Nets blow 23-point lead, hold on to beat Hornets without Ball, Hayward December 8, 2022
  The Nets almost let an easy one slip away.
  Kristian Winfield
• High school scores and top performers from Wednesday, Dec. 7 December 8, 2022
  Here are Orlando area high school scores and top performers from Wednesday.
  Nate Marrero, Correspondent
• Wong’s career-high 35 points barely enough for Miami Hurricanes to hold off visiting Cornell December 8, 2022
  Wong made 11 of 17 from the field, 5 of 8 from 3-point range and 9 of 9 from the free-throw line and finished with seven rebounds and six assists.
• Former Hurricanes defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. finds quick landing spot — with UM’s biggest rival December 8, 2022
  Former Miami defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. found a quick landing spot, announcing he was transferring to Florida State.
  Adam Lichtenstein
• Daniel Jones has played well enough in ‘prove-it’ year to earn more trust down stretch for Giants December 8, 2022
  Daniel Jones has done a good job with the Giants' current roster.
  Pat Leonard
• Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t pay attention to constant Justin Herbert comparisons December 8, 2022
  Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa offered his thoughts on the constant comparisons between him and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert ahead of their upcoming Sunday night matchup.
  David Furones
• Memo to UF fans: Anthony Richardson turning pro is NOT a good thing | Commentary December 7, 2022
  Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson is going to the NFL and coach Billy Napier has no idea who will replace him
  Mike Bianchi
• Dolphins look to get run game going; Armstead, Eichenberg, Fisher updates — and Tua leading in Pro Bowl votes December 7, 2022
  Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel addresses the struggling run game and provides updates on several offensive linemen.
  David Furones
• Montverde’s Novack earns spot in cross country national meet | Varsity Insiders December 7, 2022
  Varsity Insider: Riley Novack races on national stage for Montverde while Apopka cheers football and bowling
  Buddy Collings, J.C. Carnahan
• Five-star QB Derek “DJ” Lagway commits to Florida Gators December 7, 2022
  Five-star quarterback Derek "DJ" Lagway, Florida's top target in the 2024 class, committed to Billy Napier's Gators.
  Edgar Thompson
• Jaguars’ Lawrence sits out practice with sprained big toe December 7, 2022
  If he’s unable to play Sunday at AFC-South leading Tennessee, C.J. Beathard would make his 13th career professional start.
  Mark Long
• UCF DB Divaad Wilson declares for 2023 NFL Draft December 7, 2022
  UCF safety Divaad Wilson recorded a team-high 3 interceptions this season. He'll now shift his focus to the NFL Draft.
  Jason Beede
• Chris Perkins: Five things to watch for in Dolphins-Chargers game December 7, 2022
  Five things to watch for in Sunday's game between the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers.
  Chris Perkins
• Where the Hurricanes’ recruiting class stands two weeks before Early Signing Period December 7, 2022
  Taking a look at the Hurricanes' 22 committed prospects in the 2023 recruiting class.
  Adam Lichtenstein
• FSU football transfer tracker: Safety Sidney Williams enters portal December 7, 2022
  Florida State football tracker: safety Sidney Williams has entered the transfer portal after three seasons with the Seminoles.
  Matt Murschel
• After a day of uncertainty Yankees retain Aaron Judge: ‘Yesterday was a long, rough day’ December 7, 2022
  Aaron Boone went to sleep late Tuesday night unsure of whether Aaron Judge would remain a Yankee.
  Abbey Mastracco
• UF football transfer tracker: Gators lose LBs Lloyd Summerall, Chief Borders December 7, 2022
  UF football transfer tracker reports the Gators' comings and goings as Billy Napier's rebuild continues.
  Edgar Thompson
• Pride come to terms with Viviana Villacorta for 2 more years December 7, 2022
  The midfielder is coming off an ankle injury that shortened her rookie season with Orlando.
  Staff and wire reports
• Dolphins-Chargers predictions: Will Miami bounce back after lackluster loss? December 7, 2022
  Will the Miami Dolphins bolster their playoff chances after last week's disappointing loss at San Francisco? It appears to be a must-win game as the three-game road trip ends next week in Buffalo. Here's the Sun Sentinel's staff picks:
  Keven Lerner
• XFL, Orlando Guardians debut home and away uniforms December 7, 2022
  The Guardians debuted their uniforms for the upcoming season as part of a partnership with Under Armour.
  Matt Murschel
• Chris Perkins: Is the Miami Dolphins’ offense overrated when it matters most? December 7, 2022
  The Miami Dolphins' offense, which is eighth in scoring at 24.9 points per game, struggles against quality teams.
  Chris Perkins
• Was new USF football coach Alex Golesh trolling UCF? December 7, 2022
  He went out of his way to avoid saying the name of the Bulls’ “War on I-4″ rival.
  Matt Baker
• Dave Hyde: Let Dan Marino and Ryan Tannehill explain why winning isn’t a QB stat December 7, 2022
  Was Dolphins Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino a "winner" when he had a good defense and lacking "It" when his defense was bad? You decide.
  Dave Hyde
• Elite defensive teams throw off Magic’s Paolo Banchero by daring him to shoot December 7, 2022
  Two of the league's better teams, Boston and Milwaukee, took away driving lanes from the Orlando big man, reducing his efficiency.
  Khobi Price
• UCF football transfer tracker: Nine Knights enter the portal December 7, 2022
  Keep up with the latest UCF football transfer news as the Orlando Sentinel tracks it all.
  Jason Beede
• Gators women knock off Presbyterian, off to best start since 2015-16 December 7, 2022
  KK Deans had 18 points, making 4 of 5 from 3, and her team held the Blue Hose to 32% shooting Tuesday night.
  Staff and wire reports
• High school scores and top performers from Tuesday, Dec. 6 December 7, 2022
  Harmony, Windermere Prep and Winter Park were among the boys basketballl winners while Freedom and Bishop Moore won among the girls.
  Robert Clark, Correspondent
• Hopefully, Ryan O’Keefe fares better than another UCF WR transfer | Commentary December 7, 2022
  Jaylon Robinson transferred from UCF to Ole Miss, and he just ended his senior year with five catches for 29 yards.
  Mike Bianchi
• What’s next for UCF after accepting Military Bowl bid vs. Duke December 7, 2022
  UCF coach Gus Malzahn and Duke coach Mike Elko have history from their time spent in the SEC. They'll face each other in the Military Bowl.
  Jason Beede
• Magic expect to have Mo Bamba vs. Clippers after 5-game absence December 7, 2022
  Mo Bamba will give the Magic a much-needed presence in the frontcourt.
  Khobi Price
• Next step: Magic send Jonathan Isaac to Lakeland G League affiliate to practice December 7, 2022
  Jonathan Isaac's stint with the Lakeland Magic will allow him to practice with other players for the first time.
  Khobi Price
• Magic, Pepsi take kids on shopping spree: ‘Makes me feel like a kid again’ December 7, 2022
  The Magic teamed up with Pepsi Stronger Together for a holiday shopping spree for local Boys & Girls Clubs members.
  Khobi Price
• Gators host No. 5 UConn seeking signature win in Todd Golden’s first season December 7, 2022
  A 2006 win against Ohio State is Florida's only regular-season win against a top-five foe during three tries in Gainesville.
  Edgar Thompson
• Los Angeles Rams claim Baker Mayfield off waivers: reports December 6, 2022
  Baker Mayfield is on his way to the Rams.
  Fiifi Frimpong
• And there are more: Hurricanes lose Romello Brinson, Jordan Miller to transfer portal December 6, 2022
  Hurricanes wide receiver Romello Brinson and defensive lineman Jordan Miller are planning to leave the program.
  Adam Lichtenstein
• Dave Hyde: Tagovailoa or Herbert? That’s not the prime question around these QBs anymore December 6, 2022
  Both quarterbacks are on the path to success. Their surrounding organizations will define who wins more.
  Dave Hyde
• Ronaldo benched, Portugal beats Switzerland 6-1 at World Cup behind Goncalo Ramos’ hat trick December 6, 2022
  With Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, the superstar striker’s replacement scored a hat trick to lead Portugal over Switzerland 6-1 and into the World Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.
  Steve Douglas
• Here’s what the Hurricanes’ new football facility could look like | See photos December 6, 2022
  The Miami Hurricanes' plans for a new football facility will be reviewed by the City of Coral Gables on Friday.
  Adam Lichtenstein
• Miami Hurricanes standout cornerback DJ Ivey declares for NFL draft December 6, 2022
  Miami Hurricanes standout cornerback DJ Ivey will enter the 2023 NFL draft.
  Adam Lichtenstein
• Dolphins Deep Dive: Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert? Perk and Hyde make their game pick | VIDEO December 6, 2022
  The South Florida Sun Sentinel's Chris Perkins & Dave Hyde discuss who the better QB: Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert? And they give their game picks.
  Chris Perkins, Dave Hyde, David Furones
• Dolphins Deep Dive: Did 49ers provide blueprint to beat Miami in playoffs? | VIDEO December 6, 2022
  The South Florida Sun Sentinel's Chris Perkins & Dave Hyde discuss the Dolphins' playoff chances and whether the 49ers provided a blueprint to beat Miami.
  Chris Perkins, Dave Hyde, David Furones
• Dolphins Deep Dive: What’s up with Miami’s offense? Will they bounce back against Chargers? | VIDEO December 6, 2022
  The South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Chris Perkins & Dave Hyde discuss what went wrong with Miami’s offense against the 49ers and whether it can rebound against Chargers.
  Chris Perkins, Dave Hyde, David Furones
• Hurricanes’ Kamren Kinchens, Lou Hedley named to AP All-ACC first team December 6, 2022
  Miami Hurricanes standouts Kamren Kinchens and Lou Hedley were named to the Associated Press All-ACC team on Tuesday.
• Dolphins Q&A: Where is the run game? Why didn’t Dolphins trade Gesicki when they had the chance? December 6, 2022
  In the latest installment of Dolphins Q&A: What do we make of Miami's run game that has gone missing again? Plus, concerns over Mike Gesicki, the timing in the pass game and linebackers in coverage.
  David Furones
• World Cup stunner! Morocco beats Spain on penalties to advance to quarterfinals December 6, 2022
  Morocco became the first Arab nation to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals, beating Spain 3-0 in a penalty shootout on Tuesday.
  Tales Azzoni
• UCF football recruiting: OL commit Jamal Meriweather flips to Georgia December 6, 2022
  Brunswick (Ga.) offensive lineman Jamal Meriweather, 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, made a non-binding verbal pledge to the Knights in April.
  Jason Beede
• FSU QB Jordan Travis will return for the 2023 season December 6, 2022
  Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis will be back with the Seminoles for the 2023-24 football season.
  Matt Murschel
• USF, Colorado make the grade following coaching hires December 6, 2022
  It didn’t take long for the college football coaching carousel to swiftly move into action over the holiday weekend.
  Matt Murschel
• Orlando City notebook: Kyle Smith stays, Andres Perea goes December 6, 2022
  The Lions hold a team option on defender on Kyle Smith for 2024, who has made 109 appearances in four seasons.
  Staff and wire reports
• Hurricanes running back Jaylan Knighton becomes latest UM player to enter transfer portal December 6, 2022
  The Hurricanes lost a second running back to the transfer portal on Tuesday.
  Adam Lichtenstein
• Search begins for a new Chicago White Sox manager as Tony La Russa steps down after health issues make it ‘impossible’ to continue October 4, 2022
  The search is on for the next Chicago White Sox manager after Tony La Russa announced he won’t return for the 2023 season.
  LaMond Pope
• Dylan Cease loses his no-hit bid for Chicago White Sox with 2 outs in the 9th, instead settling for a 1-hit shutout: ‘I really emptied the tank’ September 4, 2022
  Chicago White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease lost a no-hit bid with two outs in the ninth inning, settling for a 1-hit shutout in a 13-0 rout of the Minnesota Twins.
  LaMond Pope
• Chicago White Sox score 4 in the 8th to rally for a 4-2 win against the Houston Astros: ‘That was a good one’ August 16, 2022
  Some eighth-inning magic and Johnny Cueto’s pitching propelled the Chicago White Sox to one of their best wins of the season.
  LaMond Pope
• Chicago Cubs are set to release Jason Heyward after the season. Why the time is right for both sides to move on. August 9, 2022
  The Chicago Cubs and veteran outfielder Jason Heyward will part ways after the season with one year left on his eight-year, $184 million contract.
  Meghan Montemurro
• 3 takeaways from the Chicago White Sox’s series split, including Michael Kopech’s big pitches and momentum stalling — again July 28, 2022
  The Chicago White Sox were three outs away from gaining ground in the AL League Central. Instead they left Coors Field with only a split of a two-game series after the Colorado Rockies scored twice in the ninth for a 6-5 win.
  LaMond Pope
• From a ‘tough loss’ to a ‘very gutty win’: Chicago White Sox rally late in Game 2 to earn a doubleheader split July 24, 2022
  The Chicago White Sox lost Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians but rallied late in Game 2 to earn a split.
  LaMond Pope
• Rev. Al Sharpton stirs effort for Brittney Griner’s return amid WNBA All-Star festivities: ‘Bring Brittney home’ July 9, 2022
  Rev. Al Sharpton joined WNBA players union leaders to stir efforts for the return of star Brittney Griner, who is jailed in Russia.
  Julia Poe, Shakeia Taylor
• WNBA players balance activist roles as political turmoil hangs over All-Star weekend July 9, 2022
  From Brittney Griner’s detention to fighting for LGBTQ and reproductive rights, WNBA players balance activist roles at All-Star weekend.
  Julia Poe
• A ‘masterful’ Dylan Cease strikes out a career-high 13 as the Chicago White Sox edge the Baltimore Orioles 4-3 June 26, 2022
  Dylan Cease allowed one run and struck out a career-high 13 in seven innings as the Chicago White Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-3.
  LaMond Pope
• Theo Epstein is leaving Chicago 2 years after leaving the Cubs. Here’s how he spent his final weekend in the city. June 20, 2022
  He gone. Former Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein is leaving Chicago and heading back East.
  Paul Sullivan
• Column: A.J. Pierzynski as the next Chicago White Sox manager? He definitely would listen. June 10, 2022
  When Tony La Russa is done managing the Chicago White Sox, would A.J. Pierzynski be interested in the job? He wouldn't turn down an interview.
  Paul Sullivan
• ‘It’s devastating’: Tim Anderson is headed to the IL with a groin strain suffered in the White Sox’s 12-inning win May 30, 2022
  Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson exited Sunday’s City Series game with a strained right groin. He will undergo further evaluation tomorrow.
  LaMond Pope
• Johnny Cueto pitches 6 scoreless innings in his debut for the Chicago White Sox, who blow a 3-run lead before winning in the 10th May 17, 2022
  Johnny Cueto was terrific in his Chicago White Sox debut, allowing two hits in six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and two walks in a 5-3 victory.
  LaMond Pope
• Chicago Bears release QB Nick Foles after being unable to find a taker for the former Super Bowl MVP May 1, 2022
  The Chicago Bears made a slew of trades Saturday. The deal they couldn’t pull off was one to move Nick Foles, who was released.
  Brad Biggs
• Chicago Bulls eliminated from the playoffs after DeMar DeRozan is held to 11 points in the Game 5 loss April 28, 2022
  The Chicago Bulls season ended with an air of inevitability as they crumpled against the Milwaukee Bucks in a 116-100 loss to close their first-round series.
  Julia Poe
• MLB will test pitch clock, anti-shift rules and bigger bases in the minors — with possible big-league use in 2023 March 14, 2022
  Pitch clocks, anti-shift rules and larger bases will be tried in the minors ahead of possible big league use in 2023.
  JAKE SEINER
• Robbie Gould’s field goal on the final play gives the San Francisco 49ers a 13-10 playoff upset of the top-seeded Green Bay Packers January 23, 2022
  Robbie Gould continued his playoff perfection and moved the San Francisco 49ers one step from their second Super Bowl appearance in three seasons with a 45-yard field goal as time expired for a 13-10 upset of the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. On a field littered with snow, Gould’s kick knocked off the top-seeded Packers and possibly ended Aaron Rodger […]
  STEVE MEGARGEE
• Chicago Cubs win World Series championship with 8-7 victory over Cleveland Indians November 3, 2016
  After 108 years of waiting, the Cubs won the 2016 World Series with a victory over the Indians on Wednesday night at Progressive Field.
  Paul Sullivan