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Charley Walters: Dobbs still gives Vikings their best chance to win

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:22 GMT

There was little doubt, despite two underwhelming games, that Josh Dobbs would be the Vikings’ starting quarterback for Sunday’s game in Las Vegas.Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the second half on an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)It’s apparent that the Vikings don’t think rookie Jalen Hall is ready and that Dobbs has better athletic skills than backup Nick Mullens. Plus, Dobbs’ mobility paired with the return of wide receiver Justin Jefferson should be beneficial against the Raiders.Among the trio of QBs, it was understandably concluded that Dobbs gives the Vikings the best chance to win on Sunday.— Regardless, it’s clear none of the three QBs will be the Vikings’ starter in 2024. That will be either Kirk Cousins or someone else.Cousins, who could have a free-agent price tag exceeding $40 million for 2024, isn’t expected to be fully recovered from his Achille...

Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips arrested on suspicion of DWI

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:22 GMT

Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips was arrested on Friday night and charged with misdemeanor operation of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.The arrest took place in Eden Prairie, and Phillips, 44, was booked at 11 p.m., according to Hennepin County Jail records. He was released at 1:26 a.m. after posting a $300 bond.A mugshot of Wes Phillips, who was arrested Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. (Courtesy of Hennepin County Jail)Asked for comment on the situation, the Vikings released the following statement, which confirmed that Phillips will travel with the team to Las Vegas on Saturday afternoon ahead of the game against the Raiders on Sunday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium.“Wes immediately notified the team following his arrest last night. This morning we contacted the NFL, and after internal discussion, made the decision Wes will travel with the team to Las Vegas this afternoon. We will continue to gather information regardi...

Shohei Ohtani agrees to $700 million, 10-year contract with Los Angeles Dodgers

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:22 GMT

NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani agreed Saturday to a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.The deal was announced after days of speculation where the unique, two-way star would continue his career after six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.“This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player,” Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo of CAA Sports, said in a statement. “He is excited to begin this partnership, and he structured his contract to reflect a true commitment from both sides to long-term success.”Want more Rockies news? Sign up for the Rockies Insider to get all our MLB analysis.

Two shot in North Oakland residence early Saturday morning

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:22 GMT

OAKLAND — A woman and a man were shot early Saturday inside a North Oakland residence, authorities said.Both the 59-year-old woman and the 61-year-old man were in stable condition, authorities said. Police have not yet said if the two are related or if they lived in the residence where the shooting happened.The shooting was reported about 2:32 a.m. Saturday at a residence in the 600 block of Alcatraz Avenue.Despite being wounded, both victims were able to flee to a neighbor’s home where police and paramedics were called.The investigation was in its initial stage Saturday and police have not yet said who shot the two or whether the alleged shooter and his victims knew each other.

It’s Sho-ver: Ohtani passes over SF Giants for record-breaking deal with Dodgers

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:22 GMT

Baseball’s highest-profile free agency ever is over, and the San Francisco Giants struck out once again.Shohei Ohtani announced Saturday via his personal Instagram a record-shattering agreement that not only meant the Giants finished as runners-up, but will have to face the two-way megastar a dozen times a year as the Dodgers’ grip on the National League West grows even tighter.Long perceived to be the favorites in the sweepstakes for the two-time MVP and global sensation, the Dodgers reeled in their prize one day after false reports that Ohtani was in agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays sent the sport into a frenzy. The terms of the contract, according to his agent, Nez Balelo: $700 million over 10 years, eclipsing the previous record held by Mike Trout, whose $426.5 million deal had been the largest in major-league history.“To all the fans and everyone involved in the baseball world, I apologize for taking so long to come to a decision,” Ohtani wrote. R...

Oakland: Security guard fatally shot at convenience store near Lake Merritt Friday

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:22 GMT

OAKLAND — A security guard at a convenience store near Lake Merritt was fatally shot Friday night while trying to stop a theft, authorities said.The name of the 59-year-old man has not yet been released.The shooting happened about 10:08 p.m. Friday at a 7-Eleven store, located at 2350 Harrison St., where authorities said the guard had worked for more than a year.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | Update: Barricaded police detective arrested after second Pleasant Hill standoff in three days Crime and Public Safety | Man charged with follow-home slaying, 3 killings of homeless men in Southern California Crime and Public Safety | Suspect arrested in East Bay house party shooting that killed teen Crime and Public Safety | Killer of California cop in 1983 is sentenced to life in prison Crime and Public Safety | Most school shootings in U.S. aren’t mass killings, study finds, and they’re often driven b...

South Carolina fends off feisty East Carolina in first visit to ECU since 1988

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:22 GMT

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Meechie Johnson and Myles Stute scored 15 points apiece and South Carolina held on to beat East Carolina 68-62 on Saturday.B.J. Mack added 13 points for the Gamecocks (8-1) which shot 43.8% (21 for 48 overall). Johnson, Stute and Mack combined to make 14 of the team’s 21-made baskets.RJ Felton scored 15 points, Ezra Ausar and Bobby Pettiford Jr. scored 14 points apiece and Brandon Johnson 10 for East Carolina (6-4).Mack’s 3-pointer with 1:22 left gave South Carolina a 62-60 lead and it never trailed again. Pettiford tied it after an ECU timeout before Mack made 1 of 2 foul shots with 37 seconds left for a 63-62 advantage. On its next possession, Ausar lost control of the ball underneath the basket and it went out of bounds. Ta’Lon Cooper made 1 of 2 fouls shots on South Carolina’s next possession for a two-point lead. ECU’s Pettiford turned it over on the Pirates next possession and Davis sank two foul shots with four seconds lef...

No. 17 Tennessee beats No. 20 Illinois 86-79

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:22 GMT

Knoxville, Tenn. (AP) — Dalton Knecht scored 21 points and No. 17 Tennessee rallied from a second-half deficit to beat No. 20 Illinois 86-79 on Saturday.Knecht had eight points in a pivotal four-minute stretch when Tennessee (6-3) rallied from a four-point deficit to a six-point lead with just over 13 minutes to play. The Illini were held scoreless in the stretch.Guard Santiago Vescovi added 12 points and nine rebounds against the much-taller Illini. Jonas Aidoo scored 14 and Josiah-Jordan James had 12 points and seven assists.Quincy Guerrier and Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 22 each to lead Illinois (7-2). Coleman Hawkins had 12. The Illini were limited to 33% shooting from the field.NO. 5 UCONN 101, ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFFSTORRS, Conn. (AP) — Alex Karaban scored a career-high 26 points to lead UConn to a rout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.Tristen Newton scored 16 points, Cam Spencer had 15 and Donovan Clingan added 11 points and blocked three shots for the Huskies (9-1), who shot 56% from the ...

Former Old Dominion basketball coach Paul Webb dies at 94

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:22 GMT

Paul Webb, who guided Old Dominion on a 22-game winning streak in its first season in Division I in 1976-77 and led the Monarchs to nine postseason tournament appearances in 10 seasons, has died. He was 94.The university based in Norfolk, Virginia, said Webb died Friday at his home in Virginia Beach surrounded by his four children. He was predeceased by his wife, Charlotte, who passed away on the same date two years earlier.Eddie Webb, his oldest son, said his father had been in declining health in recent months.Webb came to Old Dominion in 1975 after coaching 19 years at Randolph-Macon, where Eddie played for him. Eddie later came to ODU as an assistant coach. Paul Webb replaced Sonny Allen, who left for SMU after leading the Monarchs to the Division II national title. Webb took the team back to the Division II Final Four the following year,In 1976-77, Old Dominion moved to Division 1 and posted a 25-4 mark that included wins over Mississippi State, Georgetown and Virginia. The Mon...

Dalton Knecht scores 21 to lead No. 17 Tennessee over No. 20 Illinois 86-79

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:22 GMT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Dalton Knecht scored 21 points and No. 17 Tennessee rallied from a second-half deficit to beat No. 20 Illinois 86-79 Saturday.Knecht had eight points in a pivotal four-minute stretch when Tennessee (6-3) rallied from a four-point deficit to a six-point lead with just over 13 minutes to play. The Illini were held scoreless in the stretch.Guard Santiago Vescovi added 12 points and nine rebounds against the much-taller Illini. Jonas Aidoo scored 14 and Josiah-Jordan James had 12 points and seven assists.Quincy Guerrier and Terrence Shannon scored 22 each to lead Illinois (7-2). Coleman Hawkins had 14. The Illini were limited to 33% shooting from the field.Tennessee went more than four minutes without scoring in the first half, allowing Illinois to build a 36-34 halftime lead behind 12 points by Guerrier. Knecht, who was limited to 11 minutes by foul trouble, led the Vols with eight.THE TAKEAWAYIllinois: Consistency is a primary objective for the Illini as they b...