Professional Sports

Former Timberwolves player Chauncey Billups charged in sports betting and Mafia-backed poker schemes

Chauncey Billups NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested Thursday along with more than 30 other people accused of participating in schemes involving illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by the Mafia, authorities said. Rozier is accused in participating in an illegal sports betting scheme using…

Minnesota Monsters announce new head coach

DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Monsters have announced new Head Coach. Daron Clark will be Head Coach for the first season of the team in the AF1. Clark has been an assistant coach in The Arena League (TAL) and National Arena League (NAL). He also played arena football in the Indoor Football League (IFL), Arena Football One (AF1), plus on…

A lot of things will be on Aaron Rodgers’ mind when he faces the Packers. Revenge isn’t one of them

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers prepares to throw a pass to tight end Jonnu Smith for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Rodgers wants to beat the Green Bay Packers, sure. But only because that’s his job. There will be nothing…

Tony O’Neil Steps Down as Head Coach of Minnesota Monsters

O'Neil helped lead the then Harbor Monsters to back-to-back ArenaMania titles in their first two years as a team.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Minnesota Monsters make the jump to the AF1, they’ll be doing so without their head coach. On Wednesday, Tony O’Neil stepped down from his position, citing his mental health as the reason. O’Neil helped lead the then Harbor Monsters to back-to-back ArenaMania titles in their first two years as a team. He also was the Arena…

Vikings will start Wentz at QB on short rest in LA, with McCarthy lacking time to keep up progress

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz prepares to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis. EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Carson Wentz will make his fifth straight start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, with J.J. McCarthy lacking time in a shortened week to keep building up his sprained right…

Hughes Once Again Named to U.S. Rivalry Series Roster

It's the 3rd straight year that she's set to skate for the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- Forward Gabbie Hughes has once again been named to the U.S. National roster for their upcoming rivalry series against Canada. It’s the 3rd straight year that she’s set to skate for the team. Hughes’ first game with the red, white, and blue is November 6th in Cleveland. Hughes currently plays for the Ottawa Charge of the PWHL. Categories:…

Josh Jacobs Runs for 2 TDs, Micah Parsons has 3 Sacks as Packers Rally Past Cardinals 27-23

Thanks largely to Josh Jacobs and Micah Parsons, a potentially frustrating weekend had a happy ending.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The majority of this road trip didn’t go well for the Green Bay Packers, who waited on a tarmac several hours because of travel delays on Saturday before falling into a 10-point hole in the first half on Sunday. Thanks largely to Josh Jacobs and Micah Parsons, a potentially frustrating weekend had a happy ending. Jacobs…

Six Red Zone Trips and Just 1 Touchdown is the Story of What Went Wrong for the Vikings vs Eagles

“Third down has been our kryptonite, and today it was the red zone,” Hockenson said. “You can’t go 1 of 6 and win a game with two turnovers.”

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Carson Wentz surveyed the field, making his pre-snap calls from the shotgun formation on third down. The next thing he knew, he was sprinting away from the line of scrimmage, chasing down a high snap that short-circuited Minnesota’s first drive. That was only the start of a frustrating afternoon for Wentz and the Vikings, who scored just…

Dodgers Near Repeat World Series Trip, Beat Brewers 3-1 Behind Glasnow, Edman for 3-0 NLCS Lead

The Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to become the first defending champion to reach the World Series in 16 years.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to become the first defending champion to reach the World Series in 16 years. Tommy Edman hit a tiebreaking single off hard-throwing rookie Jacob Misiorowski in a two-run sixth inning, and the Dodgers beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 on Thursday to take a 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven NL Championship Series. A…

Yamamoto Throws 3-Hitter as Dodgers Beat Brewers 5-1 for 2-0 Lead in NLCS

After winning nine of their last 11 regular-season games, the Dodgers are 7-1 in the postseason.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Relying on an old-school pitching strategy has the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers two wins from returning to the Fall Classic. As long as their star-studded rotation can continue working deep into games, they don’t need to worry about their inconsistent bullpen. Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a three-hitter for the first postseason complete game in eight years as…

Snell Spectacular and Dodgers Barely Hold On in 9th to Beat Brewers 2-1 in NLCS Opener

Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Tuesday night.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Blake Snell allowed one baserunner in eight shutout innings before Los Angeles’ bullpen barely held on in the ninth as the Dodgers opened the National League Championship Series with a 2-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night. Blake Treinen struck out Brice Turang with the bases loaded to end the game. The Dodgers led 2-0…

Za’Darius Smith Abruptly Retires After 5 Games With the Eagles

Smith was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, in 2019 and ’20 with Green Bay and again in 2022 with Minnesota.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Za’Darius Smith abruptly announced his retirement Monday, five games into his eighth NFL season and first with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 33-year-old pass rusher called it a career in a post on Instagram. The Eagles lost Thursday night at the New York Giants to fall to 4-2 and play at Minnesota on Sunday. Smith signed with the reigning Super…

Packers Overcome Flacco’s Comeback Attempt and Beat the Bengals 27-18

Jacobs overcame an illness to rush for two touchdowns, and the Packers held off Cincinnati for a 27-18 victory in Joe Flacco’s Bengals debut on Sunday.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — This time, the Green Bay Packers built a double-digit lead and finished the job. Josh Jacobs and Lucas Havrisik helped close it out. Jacobs overcame an illness to rush for two touchdowns, and the Packers held off Cincinnati for a 27-18 victory in Joe Flacco’s Bengals debut on Sunday. Havrisik sealed the win by making…

Brewers Beat Cubs 3-1 in Game 5 of NL Division Series to Earn NLCS Matchup With Dodgers

“You can call them the average Joes,” Murphy said, “but I say they’re the above-average Joes.”

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Ending their recent run of playoff frustration earned the Milwaukee Brewers a new nickname from their manager. Pat Murphy has referred to his team as the “Average Joes,” a nod to their small-market status and lack of big names. But after the Brewers beat the rival Chicago Cubs 3-1 in the decisive fifth game of their NL Division Series…

Wilson Scores 31 and Aces Win Third WNBA Title in 4 Seasons, Beating Mercury 97-86 for 4-Game Sweep

Port Wing native Megan Gustafson played nine minutes and had a rebound in the title game.

PHOENIX (AP) — A’ja Wilson scored 31 points, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young both added 18 and the Las Vegas Aces won their third WNBA championship in four seasons, beating the Phoenix Mercury 97-86 on Friday night for a four-game sweep of the Finals. The Aces made quick work of the league’s first best-of-seven Finals. It was another offensive onslaught…

Boyd and Happ Lead the Cubs Past the Brewers 6-0 to Send the NLDS to a Deciding Game 5

The Brewers, who went 97-65 this season for the majors’ best record, finished with three hits.

CHICAGO (AP) — Matthew Boyd pitched two-hit ball into the fifth inning, and the Chicago Cubs shut down the Milwaukee Brewers for a 6-0 victory Thursday night that pushed their NL Division Series all the way to a decisive Game 5. Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker and Michael Busch homered for Chicago, delighting a rollicking Wrigley Field crowd of 41,770. Busch went…

Panthers Release Former Bulldog Aiden Williams from Practice Squad

The Alaska native originally signed with the team back on October 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD offensive lineman Aiden Williams is once again a free agent. On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers released Williams from their practice squad. The Alaska native originally signed with the team back on October 1st. He’s also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this season. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Cubs Use 4-Run 1st Inning to Top the Brewers 4-3 and Avoid NL Division Series Sweep

Game 4 of the best-of-five series is on Thursday night.

CHICAGO (AP) — Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a tiebreaking two-run single and the Chicago Cubs avoided a sweep by holding off the Milwaukee Brewers for a 4-3 victory in Game 3 of their NL Division Series on Wednesday. Crow-Armstrong’s two-out swing was part of a four-run first inning for Chicago — continuing a wild trend. Michael Busch kicked off the rally…

Jordan Addison’s Late Touchdown Gives Vikings 21-17 Win Over Browns in London

Wentz was 9 for 9 on the 10-play winning drive that started on the Minnesota 20-yard line.

LONDON (AP) — Jordan Addison came up big when his teammates needed him the most. The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver was benched for the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns for missing a team walk-through this past week. But he scored the game-winning touchdown in Minnesota’s 21-17 victory over Cleveland at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. “He…

Fast Start Propels Brewers to 9-3 Victory Over Cubs in NLDS Opener

Chourio became the first player to have three hits in the first two innings of a playoff game.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jackson Chourio went 3 for 3 and drove in three runs in the first two innings before departing with a hamstring injury as the Milwaukee Brewers trounced the Chicago Cubs 9-3 in their NL Division Series opener Saturday. Chourio became the first player to have three hits in the first two innings of a playoff game. But his availability for Monday’s…

C.J. Ham Listed as Questionable for Sunday’s Game Against the Browns

Ham has previously missed the first four games of the regular season while dealing with a knee injury.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth native and Vikings fullback C.J. Ham is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. Ham has previously missed the first four games of the regular season while dealing with a knee injury. If he’s good to go, he’ll look to help out a depleted offensive line that’s without guard Donovan Jackson, centers Ryan…

Port Wing’s Megan Gustafson Looking to Add WNBA Champion to Resume

So far this postseason, the center has averaged three points per game on 46 percent shooting.

PORT WING, Wis.- It’s been quite the last 14 months for Port Wing native Megan Gustafson. In August of 2024, she suited up for Spain in the Summer Olympics. Then just two months ago, she released her first book. And now, she’s looking to add WNBA champion to her resume. Friday night, Gustafson and the Las Vegas Aces will host…

Vikings Open Practice Window for Fullback & Duluth Native C.J. Ham

Ham, who has been dealing with a knee injury, has so far been a full participant all week at practice.

EAGAN, Minn.- Duluth native C.J. Ham is nearing a return to action. Earlier this week, Minnesota opened the practice window for the fullback. That means for the next 21 days he’ll be able to practice with the team and won’t count against the 53-man roster limit. Ham, who has been dealing with a knee injury, has so far been a…

Aiden Williams Back in the NFL as a Member of the Panthers’ Practice Squad

The Alaska native previously spent time with the Steelers in training camp and also was on their practice squad for a brief period.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD offensive lineman Aiden Williams is back on a NFL roster. On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers signed Williams to their practice squad. The Alaska native previously spent time with the Steelers in training camp and also was on their practice squad for a brief period. Since he was released by Pittsburgh on September 3rd, Williams had a…

Napheesa Collier tells of private chat with Engelbert that she said exposed a problematic leader

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier prepares to take a free throw during the first half of Game 2 in the first round of the WNBA basketball playoffs against the Golden State Valkyries, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in San Jose, Calif. (AP) – Napheesa Collier delivered a blistering assessment of the WNBA and its commissioner on Tuesday as she sat in front…

Minnesota Wild sign Kirill Kaprizov to richest deal in NHL history, $136 million over 8 years

Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) fights for the puck against Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series April 26, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. Vegas won 4-3 in overtime. (AP) – The Minnesota Wild signed star left wing Kirill Kaprizov to an eight-year,…

MLB spending disparity on display in playoffs as $509 million Dodgers take on $121 million Reds

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani watches his solo home run off Seattle Mariners pitcher Caleb Ferguson during the seventh inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Seattle. NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball’s economic disparity will be on display in the playoffs, where the Los Angeles Dodgers have committed more than $500 million in salaries and luxury tax…

Twins Fire Manager Rocco Baldelli After 70-92 Season

The Twins finished with the fourth-worst record in the major leagues and their worst mark since 2016.

Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli talks to one of his players before the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins fired manager Rocco Baldelli on Monday, ending his seven-year tenure that included three AL Central titles after a second straight disappointing season….

Micah Parsons’ Hyped Return to Dallas Ends with Cowboys and Packers in 40-40 Tie

Prescott and Jordan Love had three touchdown passes apiece in regulation.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott both said winning was the only thing that mattered in the Green Bay pass rusher’s hyped return to Dallas to face the Cowboys and their franchise quarterback. Turns out neither star got what he wanted Sunday night. Brandon Aubrey and Brandon McManus traded short field goals in overtime, and Parsons’ only sack played…

Mercury Overcome 13-Point Deficit in 4th Quarter, Beat Lynx 86-81 to Advance to WNBA Finals

McBride led Minnesota with 31 points on 6-of-11 shooting from 3-point range.

PHOENIX (AP) — Alyssa Thomas scored 23 points, DeWanna Bonner made two late 3-pointers and the Phoenix Mercury overcame a 13-point, fourth-quarter deficit to beat the short-handed Minnesota Lynx 86-81 in Game 4 on Sunday to advance to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021. Phoenix will face the Indiana-Las Vegas winner. Indiana forced a Game 5 earlier…

Steelers Hold on for 24-21 Win Over Vikings in NFL’s First Regular-Season Game in Ireland

Rodgers was 18 for 22 for 200 yards and the touchdown to Metcalf, who had five catches for 126 yards.

DUBLIN (AP) — Even though he’s relatively new to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Rodgers fully understands the Rooney family’s connections to the Emerald Isle. They didn’t want to disappoint Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland’s first regular-season NFL game. Kenneth Gainwell did his part by running for 99 yards and two touchdowns in the 24-21 victory at Croke Park,…

Minnesota Monsters Re-Sign ArenaMania II MVP Ja’Vonte Johnson for Third Season

Quarterback Ja'Vonte Johnson passed for 32 touchdown last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Monsters have re-signed star quarterback Ja’Vonte Johnson for a third season. In the Monsters’ quest for back-to-back championships, Johnson had a spectacular year, throwing for 1,631 yards and 32 passing touchdowns. He also averaged 181.2 yards per game. In the ArenaMania II championship game, Johnson led the team to a 56 to 27 win over the…

Ready for the O’Griddy? Justin Jefferson wants to put on a show in Ireland

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) speaks during a press conference ahead of their match against Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. DUBLIN (AP) — Justin Jefferson has something special planned for Dublin when the Vikings face the Steelers at Croke Park. It’s the first time Ireland is hosting a regular-season NFL game, so the Minnesota wide…

Harbor Monsters Rebranding as Minnesota Monsters, Joining AF1

The Duluth Harbor Monsters are shaking things up as they'll enter year three.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters are shaking things up as they’ll enter year three. No longer are they a member of the Arena League but they also have a slight name change. Wednesday, the team confirmed with Fox 21 that they will be joining the Arena Football One League and will now be called the Minnesota Monsters. Arena Football…

Mercury Snap Back from 20-Point Deficit to Beat Lynx 89-83 in OT and Even WNBA Semifinal Series

The Mercury, who played their fourth game in seven days, will host Game 3 of the best-of-five series on Friday night.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Satou Sabally scored 11 of her 24 points in the fourth quarter and Alyssa Thomas had 19 points and 13 assists to help the Phoenix Mercury erase a 20-point deficit and beat the Minnesota Lynx 89-83 in overtime on Tuesday night, tying the WNBA semifinal series at one game apiece. Sami Whitcomb’s 3-pointer from the wing with…

Former UMD Forward Dominic James Signs with Tampa Bay Lightning

James Signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD forward Dominic James has put pen to paper on an NHL contract over the weekend. James Signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The forward last skated for the Bulldogs in the 2024-2025 season. In his final season with the Bulldogs, James appeared in 35 games and tallied 14 goals and 16 assists. Categories:…

Packers Suffer Heartbreaking Loss to Browns After Late-Game Collapse

Josh Jacobs also had his 11-game streak of having a rushing TD snapped.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The usual mention or flashback to something that happened in the Vince Lombardi era brings back fond memories for Green Bay Packers fans. That wasn’t the case after Sunday’s 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The last time the Packers lost a game where it was up by at least 10 points and had a shutout with four…

Isaiah Rodgers Races into Vikings Record Book with Pair of Defensive Touchdowns vs. Bengals

He is the 11th player since the Super Bowl era began in 1966 with interception and fumble return touchdowns in the same game.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — There was no cooling off Isaiah Rodgers no matter how many towels his fawning teammates used to fan the white-hot Vikings cornerback on the sideline. Rodgers’ historic domination of the Cincinnati Bengals was so disruptive the Vikings’ offense had to shush the home crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium for serenading the one-man turnover machine too loudly on…

A’ja Wilson and Alanna Smith Share WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award

Smith is the second Minnesota player in a row to at least share this award.

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson was voted WNBA Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday for the third time in four seasons, sharing the award this time with Alanna Smith of the Minnesota Lynx. Each player received 29 votes from the 72 media members who participated. It’s the first time the award, first given out…

Former Bulldog Wyatt Kaiser & Blackhawks Agree on New Contract Extension

Kaiser last suited up for UMD in 2023.

CHICAGO, Illinois.- On the verge of beginning traning camp, former UMD defenseman Wyatt Kaiser can finally get to work. On Wednesday, the restricted free agent and the Chicago Blackhawks agreed to a new two-year, 1.7 million dollar deal. Kaiser is coming off a career-year as he had highs in goals, points, games played, blocked shots, and lastly hits. He last…

Vikings Put RB Aaron Jones on IR with Hamstring Injury That Will Sideline Him More Than a Month

The Vikings also signed old friend Cam Akers to the practice squad.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The ailing Minnesota Vikings placed running back Aaron Jones Sr. on injured reserve on Wednesday, requiring him to miss a minimum of four games with a hamstring injury suffered during what has become a costly defeat in the home opener. With quarterback J.J. McCarthy likely out for multiple weeks with a sprained ankle that occurred in that 22-6 loss to…

Former Hilltopper Nolan Krenzen Re-Signs with South Carolina Stingrays

Krenzen last played for the Hilltoppers during the 2018 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Hilltopper is re-upping with his current pro team. Nolan Krenzen has re-signed with the South Carolina Stingrays, who are the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals. Krenzen appeared in four games for the team last season. Before that, he skated for the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he tallied a total of 40 points. Krenzen last played…

Vikings QB McCarthy’s Sprained Ankle Will Keep Him Out for Next Game vs. Burrow-Less Bengals

Carson Wentz, the 10th-year veteran who just joined the Vikings two weeks ago, will start against the Bengals.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the next game with a sprained ankle, coach Kevin O’Connell said on Monday. McCarthy didn’t miss any time during Minnesota’s 22-6 loss to Atlanta, passing an initial medical evaluation and getting his foot taped up for extra support after the injury occurred late in the third quarter at the…

Falcons Trample J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings 22-6 Behind Bijan Robinson’s Running, Dominant Defense

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Bijan Robinson got back to work on the ground, and the Atlanta Falcons were back in business. Robinson ran 22 times for 143 yards, Georgia native Parker Romo made five field goals without a miss in his Falcons debut, and Atlanta smothered J.J. McCarthy for six sacks and three turnovers in a 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday….

Napheesa Collier’s 20 Points Lead Minnesota Lynx to Dominant 101-72 Win Over Golden State Valkyries

Golden State will host Game 2 on Wednesday.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Napheesa Collier scored 20 points to lead five players in double figures and the Minnesota Lynx breezed to a 101-72 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday in Game 1 of the best-of-three first-round WNBA series. Collier hit 7 of 11 shots with a 3-pointer and all five of her free throws, adding six rebounds. Natisha…

Brewers Become First MLB Team to Clinch Playoff Spot this Season

This marks the seventh time in the last eight seasons that the Brewers have qualified for the playoffs.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have grown accustomed to outperforming forecasts every year, but this season might represent their most remarkable accomplishment yet. During a season in which they have built the best record in the majors, the Brewers reached their latest milestone by becoming the first team to clinch a playoff berth. According to MLB, the New York Mets’ 3-2…

Jacob Lambert Becomes New Owner of Duluth Harbor Monsters

Lambert is a native of Kettle River and was very involved with the team as a sponsor before.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters are under new ownership. After multiple discussions throughout the 2025 season, Brent Labrie and Kramer Service Group has now sold the team to Jacob Lambert and J&B Manufactured Homes. Lambert is a native of Kettle River and was very involved with the team as a sponsor before. With the move, General Manager Steve Walters…

Jordan Love and Tucker Kraft Lead the Way in Packers’ 27-18 Victory Over Commanders

Tight end Tucker Kraft caught six passes for a career-high 124 yards to help the Packers go 2-0 for the first time since 2020.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers have delivered a strong opening statement to the rest of the NFL. It helps that he’s not facing the kind of pass rush that his teammates are bringing to opposing quarterbacks. Love threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns and the Packers beat the Washington Commanders 27-18 on…