Dan Greenspan, Author at The Rapid City Post

Philadelphia 76ers forward Dominick Barlow, left, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic reach for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Lakers’ Doncic, Warriors’ Curry dealing with injuries ahead of All-Star Game

February 7, 2026

Luka Doncic is day-to-day for the Los Angeles Lakers because of a mild hamstring strain, putting his availability for the All-Star Game next weekend in question, while Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry is trending toward missing that contest and the games leading up to it because of a knee injury. The status of the two superstars were addressed ahead of the marquee game between the Warriors and Lakers on Saturday night, with Los Angeles coach JJ Redick indicating the MRI taken after Doncic was hurt in a win over Philadelphia on Thursday showed no significant injury. The Lakers have three more home games prior to the All-Star break after Saturday, and Redick indicated Doncic would like to be available.

Indiana defensive lineman Mikail Kamara celebrates after sacking Alabama quarterback Austin Mack during the second half of the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Indiana becomes 1st team to win a CFP game following a bye, ending 6-game losing streak

January 1, 2026

No. 1 Indiana became the first team in the brief history of the 12-team College Football Playoff to win a game after receiving a first-round bye, smothering Alabama 38-3 in a quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. The Hoosiers ended a six-game losing streak for teams coming off an extended layoff, including second seed Ohio State falling to Miami in the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday and fourth seed Texas Tech being shutout by Oregon in the Orange Bowl earlier on Thursday.

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, left, fumbles as he is hit by Indiana defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) during the first half of the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Alabama can’t stage another CFP comeback, has no answers for Indiana in Rose Bowl rout

January 1, 2026

Alabama rallied from a 17-point deficit once in the College Football Playoff, but there would not be a repeat performance against No. 1 Indiana in a 38-3 loss in a quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. The Crimson Tide tried everything possible to stage a historic comeback on the site of so many memorable moments for the program, from a 1926 win that marked the arrival of southern football as a powerhouse on par with the rest of the country to a 2024 overtime loss that would be legendary head coach Nick Saban’s final game, but not even benching star quarterback Ty Simpson in the second half could provide a spark.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) passes against Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud, second from left, and guard Keon Ellis (23), as center Deandre Ayton (5) watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Luka Doncic and LeBron James combine for 68 points, Lakers end skid with 125-101 win over Kings

December 28, 2025

Luka Doncic scored 34, LeBron James had 24 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped their three-game losing streak with a 125-101 win over the Sacramento Kings. Nick Smith Jr. had 21 off the bench for the Lakers, who had dropped four of six and all by at least 13 points, including a 23-point demolition by Houston on Christmas Day in their previous game. DeMar DeRozan had 22 for the Kings, who have won consecutive games just once this season. Maxime Raynaud finished with 16, as Sacramento had six players in double figures.

Los Angeles Kings left wing Trevor Moore (12), right, celebrates with Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brian Dumoulin (2), left, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Cody Ceci (5), center, and additional teammates after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Katie Chin)

Alex Laferriere nets hat trick as Kings end scoring funk in 6-1 win over Ducks

December 27, 2025

Alex Laferriere scored three times and the Los Angeles Kings finally found their offense in a 6-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Quinton Byfield had a goal and an assist, Drew Doughty and Trevor Moore also scored, and Anze Kopitar added three assists as the Kings tied their season high for goals. Anton Forsberg made 24 saves. Mason McTavish had a power-play goal and Lukas Dostal stopped 24 shots for the Ducks, who have dropped four of five. The Kings had been held to two goals or fewer in their previous seven games, but they broke out of their scoring funk by finding the back of the net three times in the opening 10:21.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) passes against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Texans-Chargers clash could set winner up for bigger things, including potential division title

December 26, 2025

The Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers are practically mirror images this season, teams with elite defenses and erratic offenses still trying to stay alive in their respective AFC divisional races. The Texans can clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie on Saturday, while the Chargers need a victory to set up a winner-takes-all showdown with the Denver Broncos in Week 18. Neither Houston nor Los Angeles has reached this point of the season by being the most aesthetically pleasing on offense and everything points towards a cagey low-scoring affair given the state of both teams’ offensive lines against excellent pass rushes.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) celebrates with tight end Oronde Gadsden II (86) after throwing a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Chargers QB Justin Herbert has surgery on non-throwing hand, playing status to be determined

December 1, 2025

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s availability to play will be determined later this week after undergoing surgery on his non-throwing hand Monday. Herbert is day-to-day, the team said in a statement, after he broke a bone in his left hand in the first quarter of a 31-14 win against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, playing the last three quarters in a cast and wearing a glove. The Chargers, who host the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday night, currently hold the first wild-card in the AFC and are two games behind the Denver Broncos for first in the AFC West.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Chargers wowed by Herbert’s toughness in playing through broken bone in non-throwing hand

December 1, 2025

Justin Herbert gave the Los Angeles Chargers another opportunity to rave about their star quarterback when he played through a broken bone in his non-throwing hand in a 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert’s willingness to play through adversity has been tested this season as he has taken the third-most sacks in the NFL at 38. He was sacked a career-high 41 times all of last year. That the Chargers are 8-4 despite Herbert being on pace to take the most hits of his career is a testament to the QB’s combination of ability and determination. Herbert expressed optimism after Sunday’s victory that he would be ready to start against the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday night.

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield exits with left shoulder injury, replaced by Teddy Bridgewater vs. Rams

November 23, 2025

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has suffered a left shoulder injury against the Los Angeles Rams. He did not play in the second half and was ruled out for the rest of Sunday night’s game. Mayfield went into the medical tent after throwing a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Tez Johnson in the second quarter, holding his non-throwing shoulder. Mayfield returned but appeared to aggravate the injury on a Hail Mary attempt that was intercepted by Emmanuel Forbes Jr. to end the half, holding his shoulder in obvious discomfort. He was replaced by Teddy Bridgewater.

Southern California wide receiver Tanook Hines catches a pass thrown by third-string quarterback Sam Huard on a fake punt in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill).

No. 20 USC pulls off fake punt after the Trojans’ 3rd-string QB switches to punter’s uniform number

November 7, 2025

No. 20 Southern California pulled off a remarkable fake punt against Northwestern by unexpectedly sending out third-string quarterback Sam Huard in the same uniform number as the Trojans’ punter. Huard came on the field with the punt team and completed a 10-yard pass to Tanook Hines for a first down in the second quarter. The trickery extended the Trojans’ second drive, which ended in a TD run by Jayden Maiava. Huard wore No. 7 earlier this season for the Trojans, but he is listed as No. 80 on the USC roster for this week after the team quietly made the change. USC punter Sam Johnson also wears No. 80.

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Tyler Shough (6) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Tyler Shough’s first start as Saints quarterback has glimpses of promise in 34-10 loss to Rams

November 2, 2025

Tyler Shough’s first NFL start was going to be a challenge and the New Orleans Saints didn’t help matters by giving their rookie just 40 offensive snaps to see what spark he might be able to provide. Still, there were enough positive glimpses from the second-round pick from Louisville to render the decision to turn to Shough something of a success despite losing 34-10 to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Shough was 15 of 24 for 176 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones remains on the ground after a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Mac Jones returns after 49ers QB appears to hurt his left knee against Rams

October 2, 2025

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones was able to return after appearing to hurt his left knee in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams. Jones took a blind-side hit from Rams linebacker Byron Young on third-and-goal midway through the third quarter with the 49ers leading 17-7. He was already wearing a brace on the knee and grabbed at it while down on the turf. But after appearing to be in significant pain, Jones eventually popped back up and jogged off the field. He tested his mobility on the sideline and came back in following a touchdown drive by the Rams. The 49ers won 27-20 in overtime.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) gets up off the turf after throwing an interception against the New York Giants during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Chargers’ injured O-line faces Commanders’ ineffective pass rush in showdown of struggling fronts

October 2, 2025

It’s hard to win without controlling the line of scrimmage, as the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Chargers were reminded last week. The Commanders couldn’t rush the passer in a 34-27 loss at the Atlanta Falcons, and the Chargers failed to protect quarterback Justin Herbert as their undefeated start ended with a 21-18 defeat at the New York Giants. The teams face off Sunday, putting their respective struggles up front in the spotlight. Washington managed just one sack and gave Michael Penix Jr. enough time to throw for a career-best 313 yards, while Los Angeles struggled to block after left tackle Joe Alt sprained his ankle.

FILE - Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, left, and forward LeBron James yell to the referees during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

Lakers coach JJ Redick received extension ahead of full season of LeBron James-Luka Doncic pairing

September 25, 2025

The Los Angeles Lakers know head coach JJ Redick will be a part of their future going forward, and plan to give superstar forward LeBron James every chance to do the same. General manager Rob Pelinka said Redick received a contract extension this summer after the 41-year-old completed his first season leading the Lakers, who went 50-32 to finish third in the Western Conference and lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in a first-round playoff series. Getting Redick to sign a new deal after superstar point guard Luka Doncic agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension through 2028 in August leaves James as the last piece of the Lakers’ headlining trio without certainty after this season after picking up his $52.6 million player option in June.

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, left, talks with quarterback Matthew Stafford, right, during an NFL football practice Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)

Matthew Stafford practices with Rams in QB’s first team workout of preseason

August 18, 2025

Matthew Stafford practiced with the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, marking the quarterback’s first workout with the team this preseason after having been unable to do so because of a sore back. Stafford, 37, took first-team reps during the session and did not speak to reporters afterward. Coach Sean McVay said it was too soon to know what the session means for Stafford’s status going forward.

Jerry Jones, left, Dallas Cowboys owner, president, and general manager stands with his son Stephen Jones, Cowboys co-owner, executive vice president, CEO, and director of player personnel during training camp Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Oxnard, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reveals cancer diagnosis and credits experimental drug

August 13, 2025

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has credited an experimental trial drug for successfully treating advanced melanoma as he disclosed his cancer diagnosis publicly for the first time. Jones revealed his illness in a documentary debuting on Netflix next week. The 82-year-old Jones told The Dallas Morning News how he was initially diagnosed in June 2010 and underwent two surgeries on his lung and two on his lymph nodes over the next 10 years after skin cancer cells metastasized. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer described Jones’ fight with cancer as an “amazing story” and praised him for going public. He also revealed his own fight with thyroid cancer when he was 28.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has not spoken with Micah Parsons following public trade request

August 5, 2025

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has not spoken to Micah Parsons since the star defensive end publicly requested a trade on Friday. Jones spoke to reporters Tuesday following a joint practice between the Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams, his second such media session in four days after Parsons took to social media amid a breakdown in negotiating a contract extension. Jones again said that the Cowboys organization has not has direct contact with Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, before reiterating that he does not consider the holdup in talks unusual. Parsons has not responded publicly to Jones’ remarks.

Dallas Cowboys' Linebacker Micah Parsons, left, speaks with wide receiver George Pickens during the Dallas Cowboys NFL Football training camp in Oxnard, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Dan Greenspan)

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones dismisses Micah Parsons’ trade request as negotiation talk

August 2, 2025

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones does not intend to trade Micah Parsons after the star defensive end said he wants to leave the team amid a breakdown in negotiating a contract extension. Parsons remains at training camp after writing on social media Friday to request a trade, where he has yet to practice because of a back injury. He did not speak to reporters, walking off the field at the same time as Jones was fielding questions for more than 15 minutes. No stranger to public and prolonged disputes with standout players, Jones insisted the standoff with Parsons is no different than past situations.

Micah Parsons: ‘Not really much movement’ in contract extension talks with Cowboys

July 22, 2025

Micah Parsons has not seen progress in negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys but does not intend to hold out of training camp as the two-time All-Pro defensive end seeks a contract extension that would likely make him the highest-paid defender in NFL history. Parsons reported to camp Monday and worked out on a limited basis with the team as it started practicing Tuesday. He then responded to comments made by Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones during a news conference the previous day.

Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys owner, president, and general manager speaks to reporters during a news conference to open training camp Monday, July 21, 2025, in Oxnard, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Jerry Jones says he’ll remain as Cowboys GM and ‘nothing new’ in Micah Parsons contract talks

July 21, 2025

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones did not have any updates on the status of contract negotiations with star defensive end Micah Parsons ahead of the start of training camp. Jones expressed confidence a potential hold-in by the 26-year-old Parsons would not impact the team’s preparations. The contract impasse with Parsons comes after Dallas went 7-10 last season after protracted negotiations of new deals for quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The 82-year-old Jones also said Monday he has no plans to step down as GM.

Dan Greenspan.