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Fine tuning Christmas singalong

By Bill Contz For the Mirror Brittney Griner’s surprising release from Soviet captivity certainly gives special meaning to being home for the holidays. Her reprieve from what was loosely described as “menial” (i.e., “excruciatingly painful and not at all enjoyable”) work detail in the otherwise temperate climate of scenic Siberia was welcome news given the ongoing havoc and destruction wreaked by her arresting domicile on its eastern neighbor. The one-for-one swap for the notorious Viktor “Das” Bout — a nickname I prefer over the slightly more ominous “Merchant ...

Leach’s legacy more than coaching

By Ralph D. Russo The Associated Press When Mike Leach first moved to Mississippi State from Washington State, he stayed in the Left Field Lofts at the Bulldogs’ baseball stadium. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments have balconies that look out at the diamond at Dudy Noble Field, and are a 3-minute walk from Mississippi State’s football facility and practice field. Leach asked about living in one of the lofts. Even if that had been possible, his wife, Sharon, quickly put the kibosh on that idea. Just another example of Leach being Leach, the quirky, mad scientist ...

College crowd control must be addressed

By Jim Caltagirone For the Mirror Despite the establishment of aggressive new policies and assessment of significant monetary fines, it may be only a matter of time before multiple casualties and the indiscriminate destruction of property come to define one of America’s grandest institutions. The institution is college football. After a series of improbable and momentous victories by home teams this season, the storming of the field by thousands of fans has threatened public safety and jeopardized the state of athletic facilities. The rash of incidents includes ...

Eagles offensive line as important as any part of team’s lineup

By Rob Maaddi The Associated Press If a unit could win the Most Valuable Player award, the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line would be the frontrunner. Jalen Hurts is among the top candidates for AP NFL MVP mainly due to a dominant line that protects him and paves the way for one of the league’s best rushing attacks. The Eagles are 11-1 for the fourth time in franchise history thanks to a dynamic offense and stingy defense. The success on offense starts up front. Four-time All-Pro center Jason Kelce anchors the offensive line. Kelce is the heart and soul of the team and ...

Red Flash football: Season for the ages

Team can stake claim as best in school history By Pat Farabaugh For the Mirror LORETTO — The Saint Francis University football program won its second Northeast Conference title in school history on Nov. 19, securing the NEC’s automatic bid to the FCS Playoffs. The ...

College football continues to be color blind with head coaches

By Paul Newberry The Associated Press Hugh Freeze returns to the Southeastern Conference with enough baggage to fill a jumbo jet. He turned his last SEC job into “Freeze Gone Wild,” using a university-issued cell phone to call an escort service while presiding over enough scandalous behavior to land Ole Miss on NCAA probation. Even now, as Freeze takes over at Auburn, there are questions about him bullying a Liberty student on social media when she called out his most recent employer. But Freeze had one big edge when the Tigers came looking for a new head football ...