MARK ANDERSON Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper, right, is tackled by New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed (4) during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus,File)

Veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper retires 9 days after signing with Raiders

September 4, 2025

Five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper has retired a little more than a week after signing a one-year contract to return to the Las Vegas Raiders. Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said Cooper informed coach Pete Carroll of his decision on Thursday morning. Kelly expressed admiration for Cooper, calling him a great player with a remarkable NFL career. Cooper, 31, played 10 seasons for four teams, amassing 711 catches for more than 10,000 yards and 64 touchdowns. He was drafted fourth in the 2015 draft by the then-Oakland Raiders and played for the Raiders, Cowboys, Browns and Bills.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) reacts during an NCAA college football practice in Austin, Texas, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Arch Manning for Heisman and Texas to win national title are betting favorites

August 22, 2025

Texas is favored to win the national championship, with Arch Manning leading the Heisman Trophy race. Manning, finally starting after two seasons behind Quinn Ewers, has generated significant hype. Texas is the consensus favorite, with odds at +450, followed by Ohio State at +525. Manning is also the Heisman favorite at 6-1 odds. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is a contender at 10-1. Boise State is favored to represent the Group of Five in the playoffs. Bettors are also interested in long shots like Indiana and Texas Tech for potential big payoffs.

FILE - Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden speaks with the media following an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sept. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Don Wright, File)

NFL appeals Nevada Supreme Court ruling allowing Jon Gruden’s lawsuit to proceed

August 13, 2025

The NFL plans to appeal a Nevada Supreme Court ruling that allows former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden to proceed with his lawsuit without arbitration. The league will request a rehearing from the same court. Gruden filed the lawsuit in 2021, alleging a campaign to destroy his career by leaking old emails with offensive content. He resigned from the Raiders in October 2021 and sued the league a month later. The Nevada Supreme Court ruled that the arbitration clause in the NFL Constitution does not apply to Gruden as a former employee. Gruden seeks monetary damages.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) greets fans after an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Raiders’ Smith and Crosby make obscene gestures toward Seahawks fans

August 8, 2025

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith and defensive end Maxx Crosby were caught on video making obscene gestures toward Seattle Seahawks fans. This happened before their preseason game on Thursday night. Videos of the incident circulated on social media on Friday. In one clip, Crosby and Smith appear to respond to taunting fans with gestures as they enter the field. A fan’s sign read, “Bigger Bust — Geno Or Jamarcus Russell?” Smith was the Seahawks’ starter for three seasons before joining the Raiders. The game ended in a 23-23 tie.

Athletics' Nick Kurtz (16) and Lawrence Butler celebrate after a baseball game against the Houston Astros Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

A’s find hope in Nick Kurtz and young stars as team eyes Las Vegas in 2028

August 4, 2025

The Athletics have a promising future with young talent like Nick Kurtz, who is a favorite for AL Rookie of the Year. The team is in transition, playing in Sacramento before moving to Las Vegas in 2028. Despite a challenging season, the roster includes potential stars like Jacob Wilson and Lawrence Butler. The A’s are focusing on building a competitive team for the move, signing key players to long-term contracts. However, pitching remains a weakness. Manager Mark Kotsay is navigating the team’s uncertain future, aiming to create a winning culture despite the challenges.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) is carted off the field at the team's NFL football training camp Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. suffered broken leg in mock game, AP source says

August 3, 2025

Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. broke his right leg during a mock game on Saturday, according to a person with knowledge of the injury. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the injury details weren’t announced. It is unknown how long Johnson will be sidelined. Johnson has been competing on the second team in practices but plays with the starters in nickel defenses. This is his seventh NFL season. He signed as a free agent after playing last season in Carolina. Johnson also has played for New Orleans, Tennessee and Houston.

Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Kolton Miller, right, gives autographs after the team's NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)

Raiders sign Kolton Miller to 3-year, $66 million extension, AP source says

July 30, 2025

Kolton Miller, one of the NFL’s top left tackles, signed a three-year, $66 million extension with the Las Vegas Raiders, with $42.5 million guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the contract said Wednesday. That person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the terms were not announced. The Raiders announced only an extension has been signed. Miller, the 15th overall pick of the 2018 draft out of UCLA, has been one of the NFL’s top left tackles. Miller entered training camp with just one year left on his contract, but decided to practice rather than hold out.

FILE - Athletics' Max Muncy celebrates a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall, File)

Tale of 3 A’s cities: Oakland left behind, Sacramento a temporary stop, Las Vegas awaits

July 28, 2025

The Athletics have moved to a Triple-A ballpark in Sacramento for three years, leaving behind mixed feelings. While some fans still support the team, many have moved on, embracing the new Oakland Ballers. The A’s plan to relocate to a new ballpark in Las Vegas by 2028. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged the current setup isn’t ideal. Players and fans are adjusting to the temporary situation. Meanwhile, Las Vegas is preparing for the A’s arrival, hoping to replicate the success of other sports teams. The move raises questions about the team’s future fan base and success.

FILE - Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Pete Carroll says the Raiders didn’t rush into decision to release Christian Wilkins

July 25, 2025

Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll said the team didn’t rush its decision to release defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. The decision came after a dispute over Wilkins’ recovery from a broken foot. Carroll said Friday there was no clear path for Wilkins’ return. The Raiders released a strong statement Thursday, saying Wilkins failed to provide a plan for his return. Wilkins was injured in Week 5 last season and landed on the physically unable to perform list. He has filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association.

Raiders release Christian Wilkins over recovery plan for broken foot

July 24, 2025

The Las Vegas Raiders have released defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. The team says Wilkins failed to provide an acceptable recovery plan for his broken foot. He was injured in Week 5 last season and had a setback that kept him from offseason practices. The Raiders announced the decision on Thursday, explaining it was necessary to move forward for the new season. Wilkins was a major free-agent signing last year with a four-year, $110 million contract. ESPN reports the Raiders are voiding the remaining $35.25 million. Wilkins has filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association.

Pacquiao’s comeback falls short as Barrios retains WBC welterweight title in majority draw

July 19, 2025

Manny Pacquiao lost by majority draw to Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. One judge gave Barrios a narrow 115-113 win Saturday. Pacquiao, recently inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, was attempting to reclaim the title at age 46 after nearly four years out of the ring. The pro-Pacquiao crowd booed the decision. Barrios, now 29-2-2, retained his title despite criticism of his performance. In the co-main event, Sebastian Fundora dominated Tim Tszyu, retaining his WBC super welterweight title after Tszyu didn’t continue past the eighth round.

Manny Pacquiao speaks during a news conference Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Pacquiao is back, but how back is he? Saturday’s fight against Barrios will reveal all

July 17, 2025

Manny Pacquiao is stepping back into the ring Saturday night, aiming to take the WBC welterweight title from Mario Barrios. This marks Pacquiao’s first fight in nearly four years since losing to Yordenis Ugás. The 46-year-old boxing legend, with 12 world championships across eight divisions, says he’s in top condition and ready to prove himself. Barrios, a 30-year-old with a 29-2-1 record, is determined to defend his title and spoil Pacquiao’s return. Both fighters have shown mutual respect ahead of the bout but promise an intense showdown. The co-main event features Sebastian Fundora against Tim Tszyu in a rematch.

Athletics' Brent Rooker hits a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Athletics’ Brent Rooker and Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. join Home Run Derby lineup

July 10, 2025

Brent Rooker and Jazz Chisholm Jr. have joined the lineup for Monday night’s All-Star Home Run Derby in Atlanta. Rooker, representing the Athletics, says he won’t change his usual approach at the plate. This marks the first time an A’s player has participated since 2021. Rooker has hit 58 home runs since 2024, third among American League players. His former youth coach, Joe Caruso, will pitch to him during the event. Chisholm, a Yankees infielder, is making his Derby debut. Other participants include Ronald Acuña Jr., Byron Buxton, Junior Caminero, Oneil Cruz, Cal Raleigh and James Wood.

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates after a play against the Los Angeles Sparks during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 30, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

A’ja Wilson scores 24 as Aces beat cold-shooting Caitlin Clark and Fever 89-81 to end 3-game skid

June 22, 2025

A’ja Wilson scored 24 points in a battle with cold-shooting Caitlin Clark to lead the Aces to an 89-81 victory over the Indiana Fever and stop a three-game Las Vegas skid. Wilson, the reigning MVP, was one of five Aces in double figures. Jackie Young scored 19 points and Chelsea Gray finished with 18. Aliyah Boston scored 26 points for the Fever, including 18 in the first half. Clark, last season’s Rookie of the Year, had 19 points and 11 assists but shot just 1 of 10 from 3-point range. She’s 1 for 17 from deep over her last two games.

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) reacts after drawing a foul and scoring during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces, Saturday, May 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Aces, BetMGM Sportsbook team up: What this means for the WNBA

June 6, 2025

The announcement last week was made in true Las Vegas fashion. It was bold and loud and in the heart of the Strip. Representatives from the Aces, MGM Resorts and a local charity placed their hands on a big red button that they together pushed down. Then the famous Bellagio fountains suddenly roared behind them as water blasted into the sky. They announced a three-year sponsorship between the WNBA team and BetMGM Sportsbook. It was timed for a news release in which the league reached a similar agreement.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), front, celebrates with teammates after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Why bettors are avoiding the favored Thunder in the NBA Finals

June 4, 2025

The Oklahoma City Thunder are such heavy favorites to win the NBA title that many bettors are looking for other wagers instead. Professional bettors, in particular, have searched out player propositions and hit the under on the totals rather than take the Thunder at -700 at BetMGM Sportsbook or -650 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Indiana is listed at +500 at BetMGM and +475 at DraftKings for the NBA Finals that open Thursday. The Thunder have won seven games this postseason by double digits, four by at least 30 points.

FILE - Australia's James Magnussen smiles as he hold the gold medal he won in the Men's 100m freestyle final at the FINA Swimming World Championships in Barcelona, Spain, on Aug. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)

A new sports festival in Las Vegas is letting athletes use performance-enhancing drugs

May 21, 2025

The Enhanced Games is a sports festival that bills itself as better than the Olympics because it allows athletes to benefit from using performance-enhancing drugs. It will kick off next year in Las Vegas over Memorial Day weekend. The inaugural event in Sin City will feature swimming, track and field and weightlifting. The event is designed to disrupt a status quo in the international anti-doping movement.

MARK ANDERSON Sports Writer.