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  • Daytona 500 race postponed due to weather concerns

    Daytona 500 race postponed due to weather concerns

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    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Daytona 500 has been postponed due to inclement weather, NASCAR announced on their X account, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday morning.

    The race has been rescheduled to Monday, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m., creating the first-ever doubleheader with the NASCAR Xfinity Series race that will take place that day at 11 a.m.

    The original broadcast networks remain unchanged. The NASCAR Xfinity Series race will still broadcast on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The DAYTONA 500 will be live on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

    Fans with Saturday grandstand tickets and admission to the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone may attend both the NASCAR Xfinity Series race and the DAYTONA 500, officials said. 

    One family that came all the way from Canada said they will be staying in the area until tomorrow.

    “The excitement, even though we never got into the track yet, is just starting to build,” said attendee Allen Whiteman. “Had trouble sleeping last night and it won’t be any different tonight.” 

    Whiteman’s family said despite the rain, they plan to make the best of their trip, as this is their first time at Daytona Beach.

    The last time the Daytona 500 was postponed a full day was in 2012. NASCAR completed 20 laps in 2020 before rain halted activity, and the race resumed the next day.

    In making the early call Sunday, NASCAR prevented fans from sitting in the rain awaiting a decision on whether the race would proceed. It continued a willingness NASCAR exhibited earlier this month when it moved the exhibition Clash at the Coliseum up a full day on little notice because of poor weather headed toward Los Angeles.

    Spire Motorsports driver Zane Smith offered on social media to mingle with fans Sunday.

    “Hate the rain won today but going to try to make the most of it and meet some of you guys,” Smith tweeted. “Let me know your camp spot and I will try to come find you! Might be able to drag a few other drivers along too.”

    Added Spire teammate Carson Hocevar: “Unfortunate cards we have been dealt as a sport, but probably the right call. Feel bad for the fans that saved up for this trip and now can’t stay.”

    Despite the postponement, NASCAR and Daytona continued many of the prerace activities, including celebrity visits from singer and Trackhouse Racing co-owner Pitbull and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

    Pitbull’s prerace concert was scrapped. He already agreed to return next year and perform then. Johnson is the race’s grand marshal, tasked with delivering the command for drivers to start their engines.

    “Everything happens for a reason,” said Madison Marsh, the reigning Miss America who was scheduled to drive the pace car and lead the field to the green flag. “Although I would have loved, obviously, to get to drive the pace car, there have been so many other parts of this weekend that have been fantastic.

    “Just getting to be a part of that, I’m never going to regret coming here. … Obviously would have liked to drive, but everything is going to work out the way it’s supposed to.”

    Previous racing events this weekend

    The Arca Hard Rock Bet 200 was moved to Friday night and ran after the truck series race. Rain has been moving in on Central Florida, but luckily racers and fans got in as much action as they could.

    The inclement weather definitely isn’t what race fans what to see this weekend, but they say that they’re happy to be here and glad they’ve experienced what they’ve been able to see.

    Wayne Stevens said he’s lived in the Daytona area for decades and he’s staying optimistic.

    “I’ve lived in Florida for 52 years, moved here in 1972. It would rain across there and the sun would be out over here, so we don’t know,” he said.

    NASCAR does have a weather policy for fans, which can allow them to exchange tickets when races are postponed or rescheduled.

    Could delays boost local businesses?

    Delays could mean a boost for businesses already banking on the busy weekend. During rain delays, people still have to eat says a local server.

    “People are going to need something to do (…) and somewhere to eat, so hopefully we can get people to come out of their little shell and come check us out,” said Bella Robinson, who works at Adam’s Egg in Daytona Beach.

    Business always spikes this time of year at the restaurant, but this year has been a little different.

    Robinson says she hasn’t seen as many people as in years past. She believes more people are choosing to stay closer to the racetrack.

    “I think people are being very careful with what they’re spending money on and with these events costing so much already, I think they’re being really careful about what they spend on food and supplies and gas – anything extra is just kind of on the back burner this year, because it’s definitely not been as busy as normal,” she said.

    Even with the possible foot traffic from washed out race fans, the rain can be a bummer.

    “The 500, the Rolex, the Super Motocross: they all rain out every single year – but, oh well, we play in the rain here, so it doesn’t matter,” said Robinson. 

    If the rain does draw in more customers, Robinson says she’ll be willing to serve them a little longer until they can head back to the racetrack.

    Another restaurant said they still saw a boost in revenue with the weekend’s events.

    C’s Waffles has been around for 9½ years in Daytona Beach. With several other locations, including two in New Smyrna, the restaurant is family-owned and takes special pride in their delicious waffles. The restaurant gets its name from the family’s last name — “Cotelesse.”

    “This is one of the busiest weeks of the year,” said C’s Waffles General Manager Chris Cotelesse. “From about the beginning of February, ’til about the middle of April, this whole area is flooded with new faces.”

    The Associated Press has contributed to this story.

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    Jeff Allen

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  • USF beats No. 24 FAU 90-86

    USF beats No. 24 FAU 90-86

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    The announced crowd of 10,659 set a Bulls home attendance record.

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    Associated Press

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  • Daytona 500 race postponed due to weather concerns

    Daytona 500 race postponed due to weather concerns

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    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Daytona 500 has been postponed due to inclement weather, NASCAR announced on their X account, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday morning.

    The race has been rescheduled to Monday, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m., creating the first-ever doubleheader with the NASCAR Xfinity Series race that will take place that day at 11 a.m.

    The original broadcast networks remain unchanged. The NASCAR Xfinity Series race will still broadcast on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The DAYTONA 500 will be live on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

    Fans with Saturday grandstand tickets and admission to the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone may attend both the NASCAR Xfinity Series race and the DAYTONA 500, officials said. 

    Previous racing events this weekend

    The Arca Hard Rock Bet 200 was moved to Friday night and ran after the truck series race. Rain has been moving in on Central Florida, but luckily racers and fans got in as much action as they could.

    The inclement weather definitely isn’t what race fans what to see this weekend, but they say that they’re happy to be here and glad they’ve experienced what they’ve been able to see.

    Wayne Stevens said he’s lived in the Daytona area for decades and he’s staying optimistic.

    “I’ve lived in Florida for 52 years, moved here in 1972. It would rain across there and the sun would be out over here, so we don’t know,” he said.

    NASCAR does have a weather policy for fans, which can allow them to exchange tickets when races are postponed or rescheduled.

    Could delays boost local businesses?

    Delays could mean a boost for businesses already banking on the busy weekend. During rain delays, people still have to eat says a local server.

    “People are going to need something to do (…) and somewhere to eat, so hopefully we can get people to come out of their little shell and come check us out,” said Bella Robinson, who works at Adam’s Egg in Daytona Beach.

    Business always spikes this time of year at the restaurant, but this year has been a little different.

    Robinson says she hasn’t seen as many people as in years past. She believes more people are choosing to stay closer to the racetrack.

    “I think people are being very careful with what they’re spending money on and with these events costing so much already, I think they’re being really careful about what they spend on food and supplies and gas – anything extra is just kind of on the back burner this year, because it’s definitely not been as busy as normal,” she said.

    Even with the possible foot traffic from washed out race fans, the rain can be a bummer.

    “The 500, the Rolex, the Super Motocross: they all rain out every single year – but, oh well, we play in the rain here, so it doesn’t matter,” said Robinson. 

    If the rain does draw in more customers, Robinson says she’ll be willing to serve them a little longer until they can head back to the racetrack.

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    Jeff Allen

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  • Vince Carter, Chauncey Billup Basketball Hall of Fame

    Vince Carter, Chauncey Billup Basketball Hall of Fame

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    INDIANAPOLIS — Vince Carter is one step from the Basketball Hall of Fame.

    Carter — who played 22 NBA seasons, the most in league history — was among the Hall of Fame finalists announced Friday at All-Star weekend. The finalist nod came in Carter’s first year of eligibility.

    What You Need To Know

    • Carter — who played 22 NBA seasons, the most in league history — was among the Hall of Fame finalists announced Friday at All-Star weekend in his first year of eligibility 
    • Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Michael Cooper, NBA legend Jerry West and current Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups are also among the list of finalists. West was enshrined as a player in 1980
    • “Unbelievable,” Carter said. “You look in the crowd, you see Hall of Famers, and the opportunity … I mean, you can’t beat that”
    • That voting takes place in the coming weeks, with the Class of 2024 set to be unveiled at the Final Four in Phoenix on April 6. The class will be enshrined on Aug. 17 in Springfield, Massachusetts


    Also among the finalists: four-time WNBA champion Seimone Augustus, former Detroit Pistons guard and current Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, former Los Angeles Lakers guard Michael Cooper, Phoenix Suns all-time leading scorer Walter Davis, former Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan, and three nominees as contributors — former player and coach Doug Collins, Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon and NBA legend Jerry West, who was enshrined as a player in 1980.

    “Every year is new. Every year is different. We’re very happy with this group,” said Jerry Colangelo, chairman of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “And hopefully, we’re going to have great results in terms of voting.”

    That voting takes place in the coming weeks, with the Class of 2024 set to be unveiled at the Final Four in Phoenix on April 6. The class will be enshrined on Aug. 17 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

    “Unbelievable,” Carter said. “You look in the crowd, you see Hall of Famers, and the opportunity … I mean, you can’t beat that. You can’t beat that. It’s a proud moment.”

    Other finalists include Charles Smith, the winningest high school head coach in Louisiana history; former Kansas coach Marian Washington; Australian guard Michele Timms; three-time NAIA champion at Tennessee A&I Dick Barnett; and six-time AAU champion coach Harley Redin.

    Washington, Redin and Timms are all already in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Timms is also a member of the FIBA Hall of Fame.

    Colangelo said he was pleased to see diversity within the group of finalists — men, women, big-name players and small-college coaches among them.

    “It’s an honor that reflects not only individual greatness but also the long-lasting impact on the game itself,” Colangelo said of being a finalist. “From the strategic brilliance of coaches to the unmatched abilities of players and the influential roles of a coach-broadcaster, an esteemed owner, and a dynasty-building executive, each finalist embodies the pinnacle of basketball excellence.”

    Nominees were announced in December. Among those who did not make the cut this year — Penny Hardaway, and the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team dubbed the “Redeem Team” after winning gold in Beijing four years after the Americans finished third at the Athens Games.

    There were other honorees revealed by the Hall on Friday as well.

    JoAn Scott, the NCAA’s vice president of men’s basketball, received the John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. She has been with the NCAA since 2013 after time at Nike and USA Basketball – where, among other duties, she was the staff administrator for the original Dream Team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

    Also announced Friday were the recipients of this year’s Curt Gowdy Awards, named for the legendary broadcaster and given to those deemed to have made “a significant contribution to the game of basketball.”

    J.A. Adande, the director of sports journalism at his alma mater Northwestern, received the Curt Gowdy Award for print journalism. Longtime analyst and television commentator Debbie Antonelli won for electronic journalism. Slam Magazine and the television show “NBA Inside Stuff” received the awards for transformative media. They will also be honored during Hall of Fame weekend.

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    Associated Press

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  • Kylian Mbappe tells PSG he will leave at the end of the season: source

    Kylian Mbappe tells PSG he will leave at the end of the season: source

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    Kylian Mbappe has told Paris Saint-Germain he will leave the club at the end of the season, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.

    What You Need To Know

    • A source told The Associated Press that Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe informed the club’s owner that he will leave at the end of the season

    • The person said Mbappe did not tell the PSG president which club he will join next

    • Mbappe, who has consistently been linked with a move to Real Madrid, will be a free agent at the end of the campaign after seven years with PSG

    • While Madrid seems like the most probable destination for Mbappe, his departure from PSG is likely to spark a bidding war between a host of other clubs eager to sign the former World Cup winner


    The person said the French forward informed PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi on Thursday that he would not stay at the club when his contract expires.

    The person said Mbappe — widely considered one of the best players in the world — did not tell the president which club he will join next.

    Mbappe, who has consistently been linked with a move to Real Madrid, will be a free agent at the end of the campaign after seven years with PSG.

    The France international informed the club last year that he would not trigger an extension to the contract he signed in 2021.

    While Madrid seems like the most probable destination for Mbappe, his departure from PSG is likely to spark a bidding war between a host of other clubs eager to sign the former World Cup winner.

    Mbappe has been at PSG since 2017 after signing from Monaco in a transfer worth a reported $190 million.

    In 2021, PSG turned down a bid of $190 million from Real Madrid for the World Cup-winning forward, who went on to sign his current contract.

    Mbappe will be the latest superstar player to leave the French club in recent times following the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar last year.

    Mbappe won five French league titles with PSG, but has so far failed to lead it to success in the Champions League.

    He could still go out on a high by winning European club soccer’s biggest prize this season. He scored in PSG’s 2-0 win on Wednesday over Real Sociedad in the first leg of the round of 16.

    Mbappe’s decision brings an end to a drawn-out saga that has overshadowed his final year at the club.

    PSG has already made moves to shift its focus over the past 12 months in light of the exits of Messi and Neymar.

    PSG has been owned by Qatar Sports Investments since 2011 and dominated French soccer with some of the biggest names in the sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mbappe, Neymar and Messi. But it has begun to shift away from that model with signings like Randal Kolo Muani last year.

    Mbappe has long been seen as a successor to Karim Benzema at Madrid, who left the Spanish giant for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia last year.

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    Associated Press

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  • Super Bowl parade shooting: Police say dispute appears to have led to shooting

    Super Bowl parade shooting: Police say dispute appears to have led to shooting

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    KANSAS CITY, Mo.— A Kansas City radio DJ is dead and police now say 22 others were injured in a shooting following the Super Bowl parade Wednesday in Kansas City honoring the Chiefs, according to the Kansas City Police Chief.

    During a Thursday morning briefing, police said is appears the shooting began as a dispute between several people that ended in gunfire. Three people have been detained and Chief Stacey Graves said two of them are juveniles. She also said the preliminary investigation shows there is no nexus to terrorism.

    Chief Graves said prosecutors are working with detectives now on possible charges. The department can only hold people for 24 hours without charging them.

    What You Need To Know

    • A radio DJ is dead and 22 others were shot following Wednesday’s Super Bowl parade in Kansas City
    • Police said is appears the shooting began as a dispute between several people that ended in gunfire
    • Three people have been detained, two are juvniles

    • Police are asking any witnesses, people with video or shooting victims who have not come forward yet to call them at: 816-413-3477

    Police did confirm 43-year-old Elisabeth Galvan died. Chief Graves says they are still learning about the victim but know she is beloved by many.

    “To her friends and family, we are with you and we are working tirelessly to investigate her murder,” said Chief Graves.

    Wednesday evening, Kansas City radio station KKFI posted a message on its Facebook page confirming the death of DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan. She was a devoted sports fan and went to the parade with her husband and young adult son.

    Among the 22 others injured, were 12 children. Spectrum News has confirmed they were taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital after the incident, according to Stephanie Meyer, the SVP and Chief Nursing Officer. She also said nine of the children were gunshot victims and three suffered “unintentional injuries.’ 

    Meyer said all of the patients are expected to recover from their injuries. She added that the hospital treated this as a mass casualty event and paused other treatment and procedures to mobilize its full staff to these patients.

    Thursday, the police chief said the victims range in age from 8 years old to 47 years old. Chief Graves said half of the victims are under the age of 16. 

    Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson said eight victims have immediate life-threatening injuries, seven have life-threatening injuries and six have minor injuries. Those with immediate life-threatening injuries were transported to hospitals within 10 minutes, he said.

    “I commend all of our staff working there today, along with PD that did an excellent job in a difficult circumstance,” Grundyson said.

    Police stressed again Thursday that anyone in the vicinity of the parade shooting that directly witnessed it, has any video of the incident or was a victim who has not yet reported being shot to please call 816-413-3477, a dedicated line for this investigation.

    Graves noted that more than 800 police officers, including Kansas City and surrounding agencies, were in the area. 

    “We also know that officers ran towards danger. Officers were there to keep everyone safe,” she said. “I am angry at what happened today. The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.”

    During the Wednesday press conference, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who attended the celebration with his wife and mother, said he was heartbroken and angry.

    “This is absolutely a tragedy. The likes of which we would’ve never expected in Kansas City and the likes of which that we will remember for some time,” he said. “I want to say thank those who are making sure that we were safe today.”

    Lisa Money of Kansas City, Kan. was trying to gather some confetti near the end of the parade when she heard somebody yell, “Down, down, everybody down!”

    At first Money thought somebody might be joking until she saw the SWAT team jumping over the fence.

    “I can’t believe it really happened. Who in their right mind would do something like this? This is supposed to be a day of celebration for everybody in the city and the surrounding area. and then you’ve got some idiot that wants to come along and do something like this,” she said.

    A statement from the Kansas City Chiefs says, “We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all of Kansas City.”

    “We are in close communication with the Mayor’s office as well as the Kansas City Police Department. At this time, we have confirmed that all of our players, coaches, staff and their families are safe and accounted for. We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on scene to assist.”

    Immediately after the shooting, police took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to ask people to clear the area. Police also asked for witnesses to meet them near the scene to gather information.

    Police also established child reunification stations so people could find their missing loved ones. 

    Gov. Mike Parson, who attended the parade, said they are safe and secure. He added state law enforcement are assisting local authorities in response efforts. 

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • OSU Women’s Ice Hockey Coach Muzerall becomes winningest head coach

    OSU Women’s Ice Hockey Coach Muzerall becomes winningest head coach

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — As college hockey plays out, the Ohio State Women’s Ice Hockey team is contending for a national title.

    What You Need To Know

    • Coach Muzerall becomes the winningest head coach in OSU Women’s Ice Hockey program history

    • She’s led the team to more than 180 wins over 8 seasons

    • Ohio State has played in the Women’s ‘Frozen Four’ three straight years, winning it all in 2022

    The team’s success on the ice has a lot to do with their coach, who has now won more games than any coach in the program’s history.

    “You’re preparing to go to battle and go to war every Friday and Saturday. I love that piece of coaching,” said Coach Nadine Muzerall.

    Muzerall is the team’s general, leading Ohio State to more than 180 wins over eight seasons. That’s more than any other coach in program history. 

    “It’s great and it’ll be in the record books, hopefully, you know, for a while,” said Muzerall.

    But earning that wasn’t easy. She knew that eight years ago when she first got the call. 

    “Got the call to be the head coach for the Buckeyes,” she said. “I remember my husband just said, ‘Are you out of your mind? This is the Ohio State. It doesn’t get any bigger than this. This is the pinnacle of athletics.’ I remember saying, ‘Their hockey team’s not very good’. And he goes, ‘Well go. Fix it.’”

    That became Muzerall’s priority. 

    “A lot of missed birthdays, anniversaries missed with my husband, a lot of, you know, sporting events I miss for my kids,” she said. “I made a lot of sacrifices for the greater good of the team and the program. And I don’t regret it.”

    Muzerall’s passion rubs off on her players, like Jenn Gardiner, one of the team’s leading scorers.

    “She’s been basically a mentor and almost a mother, while I’m at my home away from home,” said Gardiner. “So yeah, she just inspires us every day.”

    Next on Muzerall’s sights, she says, “We want to get the trifecta… win all three, which has never been done before in program history.” 

    But until then, Muzerall will continue doing what she loves and winning while she’s at it. 

    “I’m getting to go to work and win games and that to me again is just the rushing, the adrenaline, and it’s exciting for me,” said Muzerall.

    Ohio State has played in the Women’s ‘Frozen Four three straight years, winning it all in 2022. They’ll likely be a top seed come tournament time this year.   

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    Aliah Keller

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  • Photos Super Bowl LVIII

    Photos Super Bowl LVIII

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    Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are back-to-back Super Bowl champions.

    Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman with 3 seconds left in overtime, and the Chiefs rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 on Sunday, becoming the first repeat Super Bowl champs in 19 years and ninth overall.

    With pop star Taylor Swift watching boyfriend Kelce from a suite, the Chiefs captured their third title in five years and firmly established themselves as a dynasty.

    .

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    Associated Press

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  • Photos Super Bowl LVIII

    Photos Super Bowl LVIII

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    Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are back-to-back Super Bowl champions.

    Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman with 3 seconds left in overtime, and the Chiefs rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 on Sunday, becoming the first repeat Super Bowl champs in 19 years and ninth overall.

    With pop star Taylor Swift watching boyfriend Kelce from a suite, the Chiefs captured their third title in five years and firmly established themselves as a dynasty.

    .

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    Associated Press

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  • Julius Peppers headlines a defensive-focused Pro Football Hall of Fame class

    Julius Peppers headlines a defensive-focused Pro Football Hall of Fame class

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    LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Pro Football Hall of Fame now has a roster featuring every NFL franchise.

    What You Need To Know

    • Julius Peppers is the first player drafted by the Panthers to be selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame

    • Peppers, an All-Pro in 2004, 2006 and 2010, was one of the league’s most dominant linemen during his 17-year NFL career

    • Others in the 2024 Hall of Fame class include Andre Johnson, Dwight Freeney, Patrick Willis and Devin Hester

    Julius Peppers became the first player drafted by Carolina to make it to the Hall, and Andre Johnson became the first for Houston as part of the 2024 class announced this week at NFL Honors.

    The Panthers and Texans had been the last two franchises that hadn’t had a player they drafted get voted into the Hall.

    Peppers was one of the league’s most dominant linemen after being picked second overall by Carolina in 2002 and got the honor in his first year of eligibility.

    “It’s a surreal moment,” he said. “It’s kind of still unbelievable.”

    Peppers had 12 sacks as a rookie and never really slowed down in a 17-year career that included stops in Chicago and Green Bay before ending with the Panthers. He was an All-Pro in 2004, 2006 and 2010.

    The class had a distinctive defensive feel with Johnson the only offensive player to make it. 

    “Any time you can be the first player to do something, it’s an amazing feeling,” Johnson said. “It just adds more to your legacy. You’ll aways be remembered.”

    Peppers was joined by another elite pass rusher in Dwight Freeney and do-everything linebacker Patrick Willis in the modern era category.

    Dynamic returner Devin Hester also got voted into the Hall from the group of 15 finalists as the first player to get in primarily as a returner.

    “I’m just happy to show people special teams does matter,” Hester said. “That’s my No. 1 pride to get into the Hall of Fame. Now you can’t overlook special teams.”

    Two more defensive players got in on the senior category, with linebacker Randy Gradishar and defensive tackle Steve McMichael getting the needed 80% support from the panel.

    “I love defense obviously,” Freeney said. “We understand the game. I know how the game is sold. I understand the other side of it, but I will take a defensive player all day.”

    Former AFL receiver Art Powell and coach Buddy Parker fell short of the threshold and missed out.

    Peppers, a native of Wilson, N.C., was a unanimous All-American at North Carolina, where he played from 1998 to 2001. 

    Peppers finished his NFL career with 159 1/2 sacks — the fourth most since they became official in 1982 — and had 10 seasons with double-digit sacks. Only Hall of Famers Bruce Smith (13) and Reggie White (12) had more.

    Willis’ career was brief but had an impact.

    A first-round pick by San Francisco in 2007, Willis immediately became a star with 174 tackles, four sacks, seven QB hits and eight tackles for loss on the way to winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

    He was a first-team All-Pro five times in eight seasons and helped San Francisco reach three straight conference title games and one Super Bowl.

    Freeney was the defensive star on the stellar Colts teams led by Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. Indianapolis hadn’t won a playoff game in Manning’s first four seasons before Freeney arrived but won nine in his first nine seasons, including Super Bowl 41 and another AFC title game in the 2009 season.

    Known best for his devastating spin move, Freeney was a first-team All-Pro three times, led the NFL with 16 sacks in 2004 and finished his career with 125½ sacks and 47 forced fumbles.

    Hester was one of the most feared players in the game despite his small stature at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds. While he played both receiver and cornerback, he excelled as a returner for Chicago.

    He scored six TDs on returns in each of his first two regular seasons, including a 108-yarder following a missed field goal as a rookie in 2006 when he helped the Bears make the Super Bowl.

    He then took the opening kick in that game against Indianapolis back 92 yards for a touchdown for the only opening kick TD return in Super Bowl history.

    “That was a great opportunity for me,” Hester said. “Any time I could get my hands on the ball, it was a great opportunity to make plays. Not only Tony Dungy, but I thank all the coaches who kicked to me.”

    Hester was a first-team All-Pro three times and finished his career with a record 14 punt return TDs and five more on kickoffs.

    Johnson became the first player to spend the bulk of his career with the Texans to make the Hall of Fame.

    A first-round pick in Houston’s second season in 2003, Johnson led the league in receiving yards twice, was a two-time All-Pro and had seven 1,000-yard seasons despite spending most of his career without an elite quarterback.

    Gradishar was a key part of Denver’s “Orange Crush” defense in the 1970s, making the Pro Bowl seven times in 10 seasons, being selected as an All-Pro in 1977 and ’78 and winning Defensive Player of the Year in 1978.

    A tackling machine at inside linebacker, Gradishar also intercepted 20 passes and recovered 13 fumbles in a 10-year career and never missed a single game. He was a modern era finalist for the Hall in 2003 and ’08 but didn’t get elected.

    While the Broncos fell one game short of winning it all in 1977 when they allowed only 10.6 points per game, McMichael was part of an even more dominant defense that won the Super Bowl in the 1985 season.

    McMichael controlled the interior of the line on the Bears’ famed “46 defense” that is considered by many to be the best ever after leading Chicago to an 18-1 record and allowing only 10 points in three playoff wins.

    McMichael had 95 career sacks as a defensive tackle, was selected as an All-Pro in 1985 and ’87 and was a second-teamer two other times.

    The other finalists from the modern era category who didn’t advance to the final five were tight end Antonio Gates; receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne; offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans; defensive backs Darren Woodson, Eric Allen and Rodney Harrison; running back Fred Taylor and defensive end Jared Allen.

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    Associated Press

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  • Julius Peppers headlines a defensive-focused Pro Football Hall of Fame class

    Julius Peppers headlines a defensive-focused Pro Football Hall of Fame class

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    LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Pro Football Hall of Fame now has a roster featuring every NFL franchise.

    What You Need To Know

    • Julius Peppers is the first player drafted by the Panthers to be selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame

    • Peppers, an All-Pro in 2004, 2006 and 2010, was one of the league’s most dominant linemen during his 17-year NFL career

    • Others in the 2024 Hall of Fame class include Andre Johnson, Dwight Freeney, Patrick Willis and Devin Hester

    Julius Peppers became the first player drafted by Carolina to make it to the Hall, and Andre Johnson became the first for Houston as part of the 2024 class announced this week at NFL Honors.

    The Panthers and Texans had been the last two franchises that hadn’t had a player they drafted get voted into the Hall.

    Peppers was one of the league’s most dominant linemen after being picked second overall by Carolina in 2002 and got the honor in his first year of eligibility.

    “It’s a surreal moment,” he said. “It’s kind of still unbelievable.”

    Peppers had 12 sacks as a rookie and never really slowed down in a 17-year career that included stops in Chicago and Green Bay before ending with the Panthers. He was an All-Pro in 2004, 2006 and 2010.

    The class had a distinctive defensive feel with Johnson the only offensive player to make it. 

    “Any time you can be the first player to do something, it’s an amazing feeling,” Johnson said. “It just adds more to your legacy. You’ll aways be remembered.”

    Peppers was joined by another elite pass rusher in Dwight Freeney and do-everything linebacker Patrick Willis in the modern era category.

    Dynamic returner Devin Hester also got voted into the Hall from the group of 15 finalists as the first player to get in primarily as a returner.

    “I’m just happy to show people special teams does matter,” Hester said. “That’s my No. 1 pride to get into the Hall of Fame. Now you can’t overlook special teams.”

    Two more defensive players got in on the senior category, with linebacker Randy Gradishar and defensive tackle Steve McMichael getting the needed 80% support from the panel.

    “I love defense obviously,” Freeney said. “We understand the game. I know how the game is sold. I understand the other side of it, but I will take a defensive player all day.”

    Former AFL receiver Art Powell and coach Buddy Parker fell short of the threshold and missed out.

    Peppers, a native of Wilson, N.C., was a unanimous All-American at North Carolina, where he played from 1998 to 2001. 

    Peppers finished his NFL career with 159 1/2 sacks — the fourth most since they became official in 1982 — and had 10 seasons with double-digit sacks. Only Hall of Famers Bruce Smith (13) and Reggie White (12) had more.

    Willis’ career was brief but had an impact.

    A first-round pick by San Francisco in 2007, Willis immediately became a star with 174 tackles, four sacks, seven QB hits and eight tackles for loss on the way to winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

    He was a first-team All-Pro five times in eight seasons and helped San Francisco reach three straight conference title games and one Super Bowl.

    Freeney was the defensive star on the stellar Colts teams led by Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. Indianapolis hadn’t won a playoff game in Manning’s first four seasons before Freeney arrived but won nine in his first nine seasons, including Super Bowl 41 and another AFC title game in the 2009 season.

    Known best for his devastating spin move, Freeney was a first-team All-Pro three times, led the NFL with 16 sacks in 2004 and finished his career with 125½ sacks and 47 forced fumbles.

    Hester was one of the most feared players in the game despite his small stature at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds. While he played both receiver and cornerback, he excelled as a returner for Chicago.

    He scored six TDs on returns in each of his first two regular seasons, including a 108-yarder following a missed field goal as a rookie in 2006 when he helped the Bears make the Super Bowl.

    He then took the opening kick in that game against Indianapolis back 92 yards for a touchdown for the only opening kick TD return in Super Bowl history.

    “That was a great opportunity for me,” Hester said. “Any time I could get my hands on the ball, it was a great opportunity to make plays. Not only Tony Dungy, but I thank all the coaches who kicked to me.”

    Hester was a first-team All-Pro three times and finished his career with a record 14 punt return TDs and five more on kickoffs.

    Johnson became the first player to spend the bulk of his career with the Texans to make the Hall of Fame.

    A first-round pick in Houston’s second season in 2003, Johnson led the league in receiving yards twice, was a two-time All-Pro and had seven 1,000-yard seasons despite spending most of his career without an elite quarterback.

    Gradishar was a key part of Denver’s “Orange Crush” defense in the 1970s, making the Pro Bowl seven times in 10 seasons, being selected as an All-Pro in 1977 and ’78 and winning Defensive Player of the Year in 1978.

    A tackling machine at inside linebacker, Gradishar also intercepted 20 passes and recovered 13 fumbles in a 10-year career and never missed a single game. He was a modern era finalist for the Hall in 2003 and ’08 but didn’t get elected.

    While the Broncos fell one game short of winning it all in 1977 when they allowed only 10.6 points per game, McMichael was part of an even more dominant defense that won the Super Bowl in the 1985 season.

    McMichael controlled the interior of the line on the Bears’ famed “46 defense” that is considered by many to be the best ever after leading Chicago to an 18-1 record and allowing only 10 points in three playoff wins.

    McMichael had 95 career sacks as a defensive tackle, was selected as an All-Pro in 1985 and ’87 and was a second-teamer two other times.

    The other finalists from the modern era category who didn’t advance to the final five were tight end Antonio Gates; receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne; offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans; defensive backs Darren Woodson, Eric Allen and Rodney Harrison; running back Fred Taylor and defensive end Jared Allen.

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  • NFL head coach Bill O’Brien heading to Boston College

    NFL head coach Bill O’Brien heading to Boston College

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    OHIO — Bill O’Brien will be the new head coach at Boston College, opting to return to his hometown for a top job instead of taking the offensive coordinator position at Ohio State he accepted just last month, a person with direct knowledge of the move told The Associated Press on Friday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Boston native, who was the New England Patriots offensive coordinator last season, replaces Jeff Hafley, who left Chestnut Hill to be defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers

    • O’Brien had been hired to be the Buckeyes OC on Jan. 19

    • O’Brien was last a head coach for the Houston Texans, where he went 54-52 from 2014-20

    The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the school was still working to finalize the hire.

    The Boston native, who was the New England Patriots offensive coordinator last season, replaces Jeff Hafley, who left Chestnut Hill to be defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles were 22-26 in four seasons under Hafley, who had been the DC at Ohio State.

    O’Brien had been hired to be the Buckeyes OC on Jan. 19.

    O’Brien was last a head coach for the Houston Texans, where he went 54-52 from 2014-20. Since then, he has worked for Alabama and the Patriots as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

    O’Brien also worked for New England from 2007-11. In his second stint with the Patriots, O’Brien presided over an offense that struggled under 2021 first-round draft choice Mac Jones, whom he’d also coached at Alabama.

    The Patriots went 4-13 last season and fired Bill Belichick, replacing him with Jerod Mayo.

    Boston College earned six wins in each of Hafley’s first two seasons in Chestnut Hill, opting out of a bowl game in the pandemic-tainted 2020 season and then scratching from the 2021 Military Bowl because of a COVID outbreak.

    BC went 3-9 in 2022, a season beset by injuries and the same quarterback shuffling that characterized much of Hafley’s tenure in the Heights. When the Eagles opened this season 1-3, Hafley’s job was in jeopardy; five straight wins earned them another bowl berth.

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  • Here’s what you can expect from Super Bowl commercials this Sunday

    Here’s what you can expect from Super Bowl commercials this Sunday

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    NEW YORK (AP) — Big name advertisers will be pulling out all the stops on Super Bowl Sunday — enlisting high-profile actors, investing in dazzling special effects and, they hope, going for laughs as they seek to win over viewers during game breaks.

    What You Need To Know

    • In an increasingly fractured and polarized media environment — and with fewer people watching live TV — the Super Bowl is an anomaly

    • The big game’s viewership has actually increased, with a record 115.1 million people tuning in last year

    • Many Super Bowl commercials have already been released

    In an increasingly fractured and polarized media environment — and with fewer people watching live TV — the Super Bowl is an anomaly. The big game’s viewership has actually increased, with a record 115.1 million people tuning in last year.

    So marketers will use the game on Sunday, which will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+, to draw attention to new products, brand extensions and their marketing message as they again vie for the eyes of more than 100 million expected viewers.

    Almost as an escape from the divisive U.S. presidential election and conflicts deepening around the world, most Super Bowl advertisers appear to be doubling down on flights of fantasy or light humor, often with a dose of nostalgia and a lot of mini-reunions of TV characters.

    “Serious is out,” said Kimberly Whitler, marketing professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. “Marketers have figured out entertainment, enjoyment and escapism is the name of the ad game.”

    Many Super Bowl commercials have already been released. Here’s what we know heading into this year’s big game.

    TV show mini reunions

    Perhaps taking a cue from the success of last year’s PopCorners ad that featured a reunion of “Breaking Bad” actors stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, this year there’s a slew of mini TV show reunions in ads.

    T-Mobile, which has been reuniting Scrubs co-stars in Super Bowl ads since 2022, teams up Zach Braff and Donald Faison to sing a version of “Flashdance…What a Feeling,” with Jason Momoa — along with a cameo by Jennifer Beals.

    In an ad stuffed with celebrity cameos — including “Judge Judy” Judy Sheindlin — e.l.f. cosmetics reunited “Suits” stars Gina Torres, Rick Hoffman and Sarah Rafferty in a courtroom spoof.

    NBC sitcoms have quite a few reunion moments during the game. In an Uber Eats ad, which shows people forgetting things so they remember Uber Eats can deliver a wide variety of items, Jennifer Anniston seemingly forgets she ever worked with her “Friends” co-star David Schwimmer.

    In an ad for Mtn Dew Baja Blast, Aubrey Plaza says she can have a ‘Blast’ doing anything, including reuniting with her “Parks and Rec” boss Nick Offerman as they fly on dragons.

    And in an ad for Booking.com, Tina Fey hires body doubles to stay at different lodging because she has so many options on the site, including her “30 Rock” co-stars Jane Krakowski and Jack McBrayer.

    Bringing well-known TV show characters together can help connect to the audience, said Northwestern University marketing professor Tim Calkins.

    “A younger, more on-trend figure might be more exciting, but could lack the awareness of these well-established characters,” he said. “Surprise is a key element of Super Bowl advertising, so unexpected reunions can work well.”

    Nostalgia, light hijinks

    Humor and a touch of nostalgia can be found in many ads. Molson Coors ‘ ad brings back their “Chill Train” that last appeared in advertisements nearly two decades ago, in 2005. A tongue-in-cheek ad shows the train crashing into a football watching party to bring partiers Coors Light. LL Cool J turns out to be the conductor.

    For Sofia Colucci, chief marketing officer for Molson Coors, which is advertising for the second year after Anheuser-Busch ended its decades long exclusive sponsorship of the game, the Super Bowl is a unique venue to reach existing customers and attract new ones.

    “One of the things we’re really trying to be thoughtful about is making sure that we are retaining and protecting our core drinkers at the same time attracting new drinkers,” she said. “The Super Bowl is a huge stage where you do have that opportunity to talk widely to those audiences.”

    In another hijink-filled ad, Doritos introduces its new Dinamita chips — the 24th year Doritos is advertising in the Super Bowl — by depicting two grandmotherly women in a store with actress Jenna Ortega. They reveal their action-prowess by taking off to pursue “Top Gun: Maverick” actor Danny Ramirez who grabbed the last bag of chips from a store shelf.

    Frito-Lay North America CMO Brett O’Brien says Dinamitas is aiming to reach a “multicultural young audience” aged 16 to 24.

    Celebrities abound

    There are always tons of celebrities in ads, and the star power seems to go up and up every year.

    “It’s celebrity on steroids right now,” Virginia Commonwealth University Brandcenter’s Jessica D. Collins said. While that is not necessarily new or surprising for the Super Bowl, she added, “it’s just going to be so heightened this year.”

    That means big names like Arnold Schwarzenneger starring in a State Farm ad, Ice Spice making an appearance for Starry, Christopher Walken facing imitations of himself for BMW, and Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner Usher showing up in an Uber Eats’ spot.

    Many ads have stuffed multiple celebrities in ads. Beyond the TV show reunions, Michelob Ultra features soccer legend Lionel Messi, “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis and retired Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino. BetMGM features Vince Vaughn, Tom Brady and Wayne Gretsky. And Paramount+ touts a star-filled lineup, including Drew Barrymore, Sir Patrick Stewart and Creed.

    Squarespace also hired a big name for behind the camera with Martin Scorcese directing his first Super Bowl ad for the domain hosting site.

    While star-power is exciting, it’s always possible to overdo it. Advertisers can risk viewers remembering what stars they saw in a commercial but not the brand name, University of Minnesota associate professor of marketing Linli Xu notes.

    One organic way advertisers can pull off celebrity appearances is to choose a featured star that already has a connection to the brand, Collins said, or tap into a recent pop culture moment.

    “A lot of times you’ll see a celebrity just show up and you’re like, ‘That person would have never used that product. Why are they there?’” she said.

    Some serious moments

    Of course, this year’s Super Bowl commercials won’t all be laughs.

    Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism has said it will run an ad featuring Martin Luther King Jr.’s speechwriter Dr. Clarence B. Jones. Dove’s ad focuses on the fact that low body-confidence leads to girls quitting sports. And Google’s heartstring-pulling ad follows a blind man as he uses “Guided Frame” — Google’s A.I.-powered accessibility feature for the Pixel camera that uses a combination of audio cues, high-contrast animations and tactile vibrations — to take pictures of the people and places in his life.

    Surprises

    As always, there will still be some game day surprises. Some advertisers such as Amazon have stayed mum on any plans. Upstart e-commerce site Temu has reportedly bought several ads. In a presidential election year, it’s possible we might see a candidate ad. And while there have been no indications of such, many wonder if advertisers will capitalize on this year’s Taylor Swift buzz in some way.

    Regardless of whether or not she makes her way into the commercial-side of the big game, marketers say advertisers are taking note of the “Taylor Swift effect” and trying to reach everyone, not just sports fans.

    “We have people that have never watched Football a day in their life now watching the entire game — not just for the ads, but for the game itself and for the celebrity sightings,” Collins said.

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  • Former FSU baseball coach Mike Martin passes away at 79

    Former FSU baseball coach Mike Martin passes away at 79

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Mike Martin, a member of the College Baseball Hall of Fame who won an NCAA Division I record 2,029 games in 40 seasons as Florida State’s baseball coach, died Thursday after a three-year battle with Lewy body dementia. He was 79.

    What You Need To Know

    • Former FSU baseball coach Mike Martin passed away after fighting Lewy body dementia

    • The Seminoles advanced to the College World Series a record-tying 17 times in his 40 seasons as coach

    • Martin’s teams won an NCAA Division record 2,029 games

    • Many of his players went on to long careers in Major League Baseball

    The school announced Martin’s death on social media.

    Martin, nicknamed “Eleven” for his jersey number, was the head coach at Florida State from 1980 through 2019, getting to the College World Series a record-tying 17 times in that span — including his first and last seasons in Tallahassee. The Seminoles finished second twice at the CWS and third on three other occasions under Martin, who never won a national title.

    He passed Texas’ Augie Garrido as the NCAA wins leader on May 5, 2018, when Florida State beat Clemson 3-2. That was win No. 1,976 for Martin; he would add 53 more to the total before retiring after the 2019 season.

    “I want to be remembered as a guy that did it right, that put education first, that made sure that guys understood what’s expected of them, that they’re coming to Florida State to get a degree first,” Martin said on June 19, 2019, when his career ended with a CWS loss to Texas Tech in Omaha, Nebraska. “We’re not a school that just wants baseball players. We’re a university that demands that you do what you’re supposed to do in the classroom, and that’s give it your best shot.

    “I want to be remembered as a guy that played the game hard but made others around him feel good when they whipped my fanny.”

    Martin won the Atlantic Coast Conference’s coach of the year award seven times and coached a slew of players who would become Major League Baseball standouts — among them Buster Posey, Deion Sanders, Stephen Drew, J.D. Drew and Doug Mientkiewicz.

    A native of North Carolina, Martin graduated from Florida State in 1966, spent three seasons as a minor-league player and got his first coaching job in 1970 — as the basketball coach at Tallahassee Community College.

    He returned to the Seminoles as an assistant for the baseball program in 1975 and never left. Martin became head coach for the 1980 season and was wildly successful, winning at least 40 games in all 40 of his FSU seasons, at least 50 games in 24 of those seasons and reached the 60-win mark twice in his tenure.

    Martin is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol; children Mike Jr., Melanie and Mary Beth; and grandchildren Hannah Elizabeth, Tyler, Thomas Joseph and Lexi.

    FSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford posted a tribute on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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  • Clayton Jr. makes 7 3-pointers to lift Florida past No. 10 Kentucky

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    LEXINGTON, Ky.  — Walter Clayton Jr. made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1 minute, 42 seconds remaining in overtime and added two insurance free throws with 16.4 seconds left to finish with 23 points, and Florida outlasted No. 10 Kentucky 94-91 on Wednesday night for its fourth consecutive victory.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida Gators defeated the No. 10 Kentucky Wildcats in overtime

    • Walter Clayton Jr., a former Bartow High star, led Florida with 23 points

    • Clayton Jr. hit the free throws that forced OT and the game-winning shot

    • Reed Sheppard led Kentucky with 24 points

    Clayton, who is from Lake Wales and a former star at Bartow High, made a career-best 7 of 13 overall from behind the arc, with the first of his two clutch makes coming with 3 seconds left in regulation to force the extra five minutes at 84-all.

    “I wasn’t surprised at all,” Clayton said of the tying shot. “ZP (Zyon Pullin) does a great job at attracting the defense. He is a threat obviously. So, with him driving to the middle, I was able to raise up to the left wing and Reed (Sheppard) was a little far off me. I came up, closed it out, jumped, and hit the shot.”

    Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham made one of two free throws with 13.5 seconds remaining in regulation to give Kentucky an 84-81 lead before Clayton drained the tying 3.

    Zyon Pullin finished with 21 points, including three free throws in the final minute of overtime, and Tyrese Samuel had 22 with 13 boards for the Gators (15-6, 5-3 Southeastern Conference), who avenged an earlier loss to the Wildcats. They also improved to 3-0 in overtime games this season, having beaten Michigan in double OT last month and Georgia 102-98 on Saturday.

    “We are definitely comfortable in those moments,” second-year Gators coach Todd Golden said of his team’s first Quad 1 victory in seven tries. “I don’t necessarily think it’s a great strategy to be successful all the time to go to overtime, but the balls bounced their way a couple of times in those games.”

    Reed Sheppard had 24 points in his second start, Dillingham 20 and Antonio Reeves 19 for short-handed Kentucky (15-5, 5-3), which played without starting guard D.J. Wagner (ankle) and regular forward Justin Edwards (leg).

    Seven-footer Ugonna Onyenso made his first collegiate start for Kentucky and contributed career highs of 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting, 16 rebounds and eight blocks.

    The tight game featured 29 lead changes and 15 ties, and the Gators even trailed by 10 late in the first half before closing to enter the second half down just 41-36.

    The teams traded initial baskets in OT before Tre Mitchell’s free throw gave the Wildcats their last lead. Then Clayton drained a 3 from the left corner. Dillingham missed a 3 and Pullin added the free throws before Clayton sealed the game from the line.

    Kentucky guard Antonio Reeves was recognized before player introductions for recently surpassing 2,000 career points in the win over Georgia. The fifth-year senior tallied 1,195 points in three seasons at Illinois State before transferring to Lexington last season and scoring 488 while being named SEC Co-Sixth Man of the Year last season.

    Big picture

    Florida needed extra time for the second consecutive game and came up big again, no easy feat before 20,068 in loud, hostile Rupp Arena. Perimeter shooting was key as the Gators fared better from deep (12 of 28, 43%) than inside the arc (20 of 50, including 2 of 6 in OT). They also edged Kentucky 50-48 on the glass.

    Kentucky must wait another game in hopes of playing at full strength, and the Wildcats surely could have used Wagner’s offense. They got a lot from Sheppard, Dillingham and Reeves but also missed a bunch of close attempts that could have won the game. They made 10 of 26 3s (38%) and shot 45% overall, but were just 2 of 8 in OT. Onyenso missed a couple in the clutch, spoiling an otherwise impressive effort.

    “Just a couple of breakdowns,” Onyenso said. “If I had made the layups that I missed, I think it would have given us a chance to win. It was a tough loss.”

    Up next

    Florida visits Texas A&M on Saturday.

    Kentucky hosts No. 5 Tennessee on Saturday night.

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  • Rattlers names Colzie III as new football coach

    Rattlers names Colzie III as new football coach

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M has introduced James Colzie II as its 19th football coach.

    What You Need To Know

    • James Colzie III is the new football coach at Florida A&M

    • Former coach Willie Simmons took a job as running backs coach at Duke

    • Colzie was the assistant head coach at FAMU last season

    • The goal is to win the Florida Classic, SWAC championship and the Celebration Bowl

    Colzie replaces Willie Simmons, who took a job as an assistant coach for running backs at Duke earlier this month after leading the Rattlers to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities national championship.

    “Today begins a new era in FAMU football. Today, we will add a new name to the legacy of FAMU football coaching greats,” Vice President/Athletic Director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes said. “…At the end of this process, James Colzie III emerged as the right person at this time to lead FAMU football.

    “Our priority was identifying a coach who, first and foremost, had a commitment to academic excellence and has a comprehensive understanding of APR (Academic Progress Rate). Coach Colzie is currently a doctoral student at Capella University, studying leadership and higher education. It is clear he understands and appreciates the importance of higher education.”

    Colzie joined the FAMU coaching staff in 2022 as cornerbacks coach. At the end of that campaign, Simmons promoted him to assistant head coach. Before he came to FAMU, Colzie was head coach at Saint Mary’s University in Canada, where he had an overall record of 23-19.

    The former Florida State football and baseball player also held a variety of coaching jobs at the University of British Columbia, at Simon Fraser University, Southern Arkansas, West Georgia and Valdosta State.

    Colzie said he wants the team to win the Florida Classic, which has been played in Orlando against Bethune-Cookman University for many years, as well as the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship and the Celebration Bowl, the postseason college football game between the conference champions from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the SWAC.

    “I want to make sure we do it with class,” Colzie said. “The FAMU standard is going to be about winning, but also about the right culture. We already have a contagious culture. I can’t wait to add to that.”

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  • UCF’s 2024 football schedule features all 4 new Big 12 members

    UCF’s 2024 football schedule features all 4 new Big 12 members

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    ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — UCF football will take on the four new teams joining the Big 12 for the 2024 season and will head to Gainesville to play the Gators, according to the schedule released by the program on Tuesday.

    Colorado, coached by Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, will pay a visit to Orlando on Sept. 28, and Arizona, which finished last season ranked No. 11 in the AP Top 25 rankings, will be the Space Game opponent on Nov. 2.

    The Black Friday game is back, and the opponent this year will be Utah on Nov. 29. The Knights will travel to Arizona State on Nov. 9.

    The Knights’ matchup with the Gators will come Oct. 5 in Gainesville as five of their first six games will be played in the state of Florida. It will mark the first matchup of the teams since UCF defeated Florida for the first time, 29-17, on Dec. 23, 2021, at the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa. The Gators lead the all-time series 2-1.

    The home schedule will feature seven games again this season. Most of those opponents will be making their first appearance at UCF, starting with New Hampshire on Thursday, Aug. 29 and followed by Sam Houston on Sept. 7. The two remaining games at FBC Mortgage Stadium will feature Cincinnati on Oct. 12 and BYU for Homecoming on Oct. 26, both teams that joined the Big 12 along with the Knights last season.

    The Knights will head to TCU on Sept. 14, to Iowa State on Oct. 19, to Arizona State on Nov. 9 and to West Virginia on Nov. 23 to wrap up their road schedule. Arizona State is the fourth new member of the Big 12.

    The schedule also includes bye weeks on Sept. 21 and Nov. 16.

    The Knights also announced that their Spring Game will be played at 7 p.m. April 12.

    UCF 2024 football schedule

    • Aug. 29 vs. New Hampshire
    • Sept. 7 vs. Sam Houston
    • Sept. 14 at TCU
    • Sept. 28 vs. Colorado
    • Oct. 5 at Florida
    • Oct. 12 vs. Cincinnati
    • Oct. 19 at Iowa State
    • Oct. 26 vs. BYU
    • Nov. 2 vs. Arizona 
    • Nov. 9 at Arizona State
    • Nov. 23 at West Virginia
    • Nov. 29 vs. BYU

    Kickoff times will be released at a later date.

    The past week has been a busy one for UCF. Coach Gus Malzahn announced major changes to his coaching staff.

    He brought back Tim Harris Jr. as offensive coordinator/running backs coach and shifted last year’s sole offensive coordinator, former UCF quarterback Darin Hinshaw, to offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. Harris had been on UCF’s 2021-22 football staffs and spent last season with the Miami Hurricanes.

    He also brought in Trevon Reed to coach cornerbacks and Morris Henry Jr. as associate director of athletic performance for football. Reed played cornerback on Auburn’s 2010 national championship team and in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers. Reed came to UCF from Auburn, where he spent the past three seasons as director of football and recruiting relations. Henry is a native of Orlando and previously was a strength and conditioning coach at Auburn.

    Malzahn previously had brought in former Oklahoma defensive coordinator Ted Roof, who he worked with on Auburn’s national championship team, to the same role at UCF and moved last year’s DC, Addison Williams, to co-associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator.

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  • Florida State hands Syracuse its first home loss of season

    Florida State hands Syracuse its first home loss of season

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    SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Jamir Watkins scored a career-high 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Florida State pulled away midway through the second half and beat Syracuse 85-69 on Tuesday night.

    It was Syracuse’s first home loss of the season.

    Syracuse built a one-point halftime advantage and had a seven-point lead with 15:57 to play. De’Ante Green’s three-point play sparked a 9-2 surge to tie it at 48-all with about 14 minutes left. The Orange then were up 52-48 before a Primo Spears 3-pointer sparked a 24-10 run, and the Seminoles had a 72-62 lead with 5:29 left and cruised from there. Watkins made a pair of dunks and scored 10 points during the stretch.

    Watkins scored 15 second-half points and finished 8 of 15 from the floor and 9-of-12 shooting from free-throw line. Baba Miller added 12 points and Spears chipped in 13 points and six assists for Florida State (12-7, 6-2 ACC), which has won eight of its last 10 games.

    Syracuse, which entered 9-0 at home, was 1 for 14 from 3-point range, shot 23 of 52 (44%) overall and committed 16 turnovers.

    Judah Mintz scored 16 of his 28 points in the second half to lead Syracuse (13-6, 4-4). JJ Starling added 10 points. Maliq Brown grabbed 12 rebounds to go with eight points.

    Mintz scored 12 points and Starling added eight to help Syracuse take a 36-35 lead into the break. Watkins had 12 points and six rebounds in the first half for Florida State.

    Syracuse hosts North Carolina State on Saturday. Florida State returns home to face No. 3 North Carolina on Saturday.

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  • Rodney Terry calls UCF players ‘classless’ for ‘horns down’ gesture

    Rodney Terry calls UCF players ‘classless’ for ‘horns down’ gesture

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    AUSTIN, Texas — After the Longhorns blew a 15-point lead, losing to the UCF Knights 77-71 at the Moody Center on Wednesday night, seeing a “horns down” is just salt in the wound.

    That didn’t stop a few UCF players from performing the gesture in the handshake line after the game. But Texas coach Rodney Terry wasn’t letting it slide without having a few choice words for the visiting team.

    In a video shared by CBS Sports, Terry can be heard saying “You don’t do that!” and “That’s classless!” in response to the players’ actions. The “horns down” is seen as a gesture of disrespect toward the Longhorns.

    In the postgame interview, Terry doubled down on his stance.


    “You don’t go into the handshake line and have about six or seven guys putting the horns down. We don’t do that. Because when you do those kinds of things, it looks very classless,” Terry said in the interview. “So that’s what I was angry about, and I was letting those guys know you don’t do that.”

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    Christine Sanchez

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  • Sellers get hot, and UCF basketball pulls away from Texas late

    Sellers get hot, and UCF basketball pulls away from Texas late

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    AUSTIN, Texas  — Jaylin Sellers had 24 points, Shemarri Allen scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half and UCF rallied from a 15-point deficit in the second half to beat Texas 77-71 on Wednesday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • UCF was down 15 points in the second half before coming back to beat Texas 77-71

    • The Knights went on a 24-9 run to wrap up the victory

    • UCF’s Jaylin Sellers scored 24 points and Shemarri Allen had 15 of his 17 points in the second half

    • Ithiel Horton, who played at UCF last season, scored 20 points to lead Texas

    UCF trailed 59-46 with 11 minutes, 59 seconds remaining before holding Texas to four made shots — all from 3-point range — the rest of the way. The Knights finished the game on a 24-9 run.

    Max Abmas’ 3-pointer gave Texas its last lead, 68-67, with 4:29 remaining. Sellers and Allen then scored four points apiece during a 10-3 surge to end it.

    Texas made just two of its last 10 shots in the final six minutes. The Longhorns shot 68% (17 of 25) in the first half but cooled to 34.5% (10 of 29) in the second.

    Sellers was 7 of 12 from the floor that included a pair of 3-pointers, and he made all eight of his free throws. Allen also had seven assists. Darius Johnson added 11 points for UCF (11-5, 2-2 Big 12). C.J. Walker and Omar Payne chipped in 10 points apiece.

    Ithiel Horton, who transferred to Texas from UCF, scored 20 points to lead Texas (12-5, 1-3). Abmas and Dillon Mitchell each added 15 points.

    Texas built a 44-32 halftime advantage, and Horton’s jumper stretched the lead to 55-40 with 14:30 remaining. Allen scored five straight points, and Sellers capped the 14-3 surge with consecutive jumpers that gave the Knights a 67-65 advantage before pulling away.

    UCF is on the road against fifth-ranked Houston on Saturday.

    Texas, which has lost three of its past four games, hosts No. 9 Baylor on Saturday in the first of six games in a row against teams ranked in the top 25. The Longhorns had been ranked in the AP poll for 36 consecutive weeks before falling out on Monday.

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    Associated Press

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