Swimmer Herendeen, following extensive knee surgery, is eager to win a medal at Rio in his final Paralympics

Dalton Herendeen was ready to retire after injuring his knee in 2015 during the Paralympic World Championships. But the swimmer had surgery and rehab and has persevered. Now he's heading to his second Paralympics, this time intent to win a medal. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2016/August/30/Once-Ready-To-Retire-Swimmer-Dalton-Herendeen-Instead-Is-Ready-For-Rio

Raiders' Taiwan Jones may be on the roster bubble

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Three young running backs, who can also return kicks, may jeopardize veteran Taiwan Jones' spot on the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Will-Raiders-Taiwan-Jones-Keep-His-Roster-Spot-391887941.html

49ers' last exhibition game will be the Colin Kaepernick Show

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colin Kaepernick will be under the spotlight when he plays vs. the Chargers Thursday night. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kaepernick-in-the-Spotlight-for-Thursdays-Exhibition-Finale-391884601.html

49ers' Tank is finally picking up speed

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tank Carradine is thriving since losing weight and switching to outside linebacker from the defensive line. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Tank-is-Rolling-at-his-New-Position-391755471.html

Free agent class is worthy of an "A" for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: It appears the Raiders' class of undrafted free agents will make a big impact in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/It-Appears-Raiders-Struck-Gold-With-Undrafted-Free-Agents-391751151.html

Washington, Richard adding spark to Raiders' offense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard, both rookies, giving Oakland offense a jolt of electricity. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Lose-Game-But-Show-Offensive-Upside-391518891.html

49ers add receiver-returner Jeremy Kerley to the mix

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jeremy Kerley has been acquired from the Lions to shore up the Niners' thin receiving corps. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Add-Jeremy-Kerley-to-Depleted-Group-of-Wide-Receivers-391615831.html

Raiders' defense still has some leaks to plug

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jack Del Rio isn't satisfied with the way his defense played in exhibition vs. Titans. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Defense-Still-Has-Some-Work-to-Do-391611741.html

Kaepernick isn't sharp; does that mean Gabbert gets job?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colin Kaepernick falls flat in first game, which may mean Blaine Gabbert will soon lock up the starting QB job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-Unimpressive-in-49ers-Loss-to-Packers-391479111.html

Allysa Seely, Grace Norman will try to do a triathlon-track and field double at the Paralympic Games in Rio

Allysa Seely and Grace Norman are contenders for gold medals in the debut of triathlon at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, but they'll also go after medals as sprinters in track and field. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2016/August/26/Not-Just-The-Tri-Seely-and-Norman-Ready-For-Track-And-Paratri-Double-In-Rio

Raiders' run defense faces a summer midterm

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Tennessee Titans' strong running game and mobile QB should show any weaknesses in the Raiders' ground defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Run-Defense-Will-Get-Good-Test-391412132.html

Kaepernick gets his first big chance Friday night

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Colin Kaepernick, his sore shoulder healed, will get to make his bid to start in Friday's exhibition vs. Green Bay. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Long-Wait-Kaepernick-is-Ready-to-Perform-391290661.html

Raiders' Heeney an overlooked, overachieving key to 'D'

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Ben Heeney is undersized for his position but plays with energy and passion. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Heeney-Going-Into-Second-Season-With-Confidence-391294631.html

49ers' backs trying to get the handle on a slippery issue

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Four lost fumbles in two games is too many for 49ers running backs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Address-Issue-of-Fumbles-by-Running-Backs-391168892.html

Raiders offensive line is meshing this summer

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The re-made Raiders offensive line is coming together well. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Early-Summer-Reviews-Are-Solid-On-Raiders-Offensive-Line-391165682.html

Cyclist Jill Walsh has adapted to MS and become a standout on three wheels, now with a ticket to Rio for the Paralaympics

Former New York State Trooper Jill Walsh was a triathlete and cyclist until multiple sclerosis didn't allow those pursuits. But after adapting to a three-wheeled bike, she's earned her spot on the U.S. team at the Paralympics in Rio. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2016/August/23/One-On-A-Trike-How-Jill-Walsh-Became-A-Paralympic-Favorite-On-Three-Wheels

Menelik Watson is showing coaches he belongs at right tackle

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Menelik Watson has edged ahead of Austin Howard in the battle for the right tackle spot. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Watson-Showing-the-Right-Stuff-at-Right-Tackle-391038111.html

Ronald Blair is a disruptive, versatile defensive lineman

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie Ronald Blair is showing he can play all along the defensive front and be a disruptor. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Rookie-Blair-Showing-He-Can-be--391043721.html

Raiders' Joseph believes he's making consistent progress

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie safety Karl Joseph is feeling better physically and mentally in the Raiders secondary. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Karl-Joseph-is-Seeing-Consistent-Progress-390925151.html

Ponder returns to the NFL with a great performance

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Christian Ponder, just days after signing with 49ers, puts on a great show. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Ponder-Returns-to-NFL-in-Spectacular-Fashion-390921371.html

Got junk? If you do, these San Diego businessmen -- who never imagined they'd go into junk removal -- will haul it away for you

One started out as a restaurant manager. Another trained to be a firefighter. A third switched from the corporate world. All are in the business of collecting junk, a line of work they never, ever considered but have loved. They have stories about finding the good, the bad and the truly gross. My story for the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/aug/18/junk-removers-dream-job-work/

Raiders offense is sluggish in exhibition loss to Packers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders have some work to do to get their offense back on track. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Have-Work-to-do-to-With-Rushing-Attack-390701011.html

Bad sportsmanship at an Olympics? It's been a common theme since the re-birth of the Games in 1896

Did you hear the one about the fencer who cheated with an electronically-altered epee? Or the taekwondo fighter who kicked the referee when he didn't like a decision? Or the South American basketball team that fouled its way to a bronze medal? Or the marathon winner who rode 11 miles in a car ... but was turned in by his competitors and fans? They all come from the Summer Olympic history book. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/17337637/a-short-history-long-tradition-bad-sportsmanship-summer-olympics

Trio of draftees looks solid for Raiders vs. Green Bay

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Young Raiders defenders Joseph, Ward and Calhoun look good in game vs. Packers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Young-Raiders-Defenders-Look-Good-in-Loss-to-Packers-390657201.html

Veteran Brooks off to good start for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Ahmad Brooks is playing as good as ever so far in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Veteran-Brooks-is-Performing-at-a-High-Level-390574922.html

Bahamian's dive at the finish line in Rio joins a long list of Olympic events that have ended in memorable and unusual ways

Most Olympic events come to an end without a strange twist, but those that have had a touch of bizarre to their finish have sometimes been the most memorable. Consider a marathon victor who wasn't, a water polo game that was too violent to continue and a basketball game with three outcomes. My story on strange Olympic finishes for ESPN.com during the Rio Games: http://www.espn.com/olympics/trackandfield/story/_/id/17323714/10-most-bizarre-endings-summer-olympics-history

Armstrong makes case in 49ers' 3-way linebacker battle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ray-Ray Armstrong has a strong first game as he battles Michael Wilhoite, Gerald Hodges for starting inside linebacker spot. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Armstrong-Making-Strong-Case-in-Linebacker-Competition-390447331.html

Raiders will need Autry to step up after Edwards goes down

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Denico Autry will step into the void left by Mario Edwards, the defensive end who will be out several weeks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/With-Edwards-Done-Autry-Will-Step-Up-390443541.html

Garnett gets solid reviews from first game action

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Chip Kelly liked what he saw from first-round pick Joshua Garnett at guard vs. Texans. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Rookie-Guard-Garnett-Was-Solid-in-Debut-for-49ers-390314481.html

Rookie linebacker James showing promise for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Colorado State linebacker Cory James, a sixth-round pick, has caught the eyes of Raiders coaches. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Rookie-Linebacker-Showing-Promise-for-Raiders-390311651.html

Bellore looks like a playmaker in 49ers' exhibition opener

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Inside linebacker Nick Bellore is mostly a special teams standout, but he shows more than that in 49ers exhibition debut. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Special-Teams-Ace-Bellore-Can-Play-LInebacker-Too-390199101.html

QB Connor Cook has solid debut for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie QB Connor Cook was nervous, but he played well in his first game as a pro. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Cook-Shakes-Off-Jitters-to-Play-Well-in-Raiders-Debut-390195061.html

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mike Davis looks like a different running back in exhibition opener from the rookie of 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mike-Davis-Makes-His-Case-in-49ers-Exhibition-Opener-390145611.html

DeAndre Washington looks terrific in first pro game

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie running back DeAndre Washington shows Raiders he can be a big part of the offense in his pro debut. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Washington-Adds-Spark-to-Raiders-in-Pro-Debut-390061971.html

Armstead is coming on strong in second camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Arik Armstrong looks like a much better player in Year 2. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Armstead-is-Coming-On-in-a-Rush-in-His-Second-Season-389870241.html

Corps of young receivers will get their shots

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Johnny Holton and a handful of undrafted but talented rookie receivers will get their chance to shine in pro debut vs. Cards. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Young-Raiders-Receivers-Step-Into-Spotlight-389866701.html

After being sidelined by health issues, archer KJ Polish is hitting the bull's-eye again and is bound for Rio

For about five years, Kevin "KJ" Polish stayed away from archery competitions. But after weathering another health scare in 2015, he decided it was time to start firing arrows again, and now he's on his way to Rio as a Paralympian. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2016/August/10/Cancer-Free-In-December-KJ-Polish-Picked-Up-His-Bow-Again-And-Shot-His-Way-To-Rio

49ers giving guard Garnett work on left and right sides

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: First-round draft choice Joshua Garnett is getting snaps at left guard in camp, even though he'll probably be the starter at right guard. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Right-or-Left-Guard-Its-All-Right-With-49ers-Garnett-389739792.html

Raiders won't rush Karl Joseph into exhibition games

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders are taking a cautious tack with No. 1 pick Karl Joseph. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Playing-it-Safe-With-No-1-Pick-Joseph-389735332.html

49ers have Ellington slotted for key role

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chip Kelly says Bruce Ellington is perfect for the slot-receiver role in his offense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Have-Ellington-Slotted-For-Bigger-Role-389607602.html

Amari Cooper says injuries limited him at end of 2015

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders WR Amari Cooper reveals how badly the injuries in 2015 impacted his performance. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Cooper-Late-Season-Injuries-Had-Big-Impact-on-Performance-389610682.html

Niners' No. 1 pick Buckner already has won starting job

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: DeForest Buckner already has won starting spot, even before first exhibition game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Buckner-Already-Has-Claimed-First-Team-Role-389489961.html

In second camp with Raiders, Crabtree looks terrific

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Michael Crabtree has picked up in training camp where he left off in 2015 with the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Crabtree-Having-a-Great-Second-Training-Camp-With-Raiders-389486111.html

What do American Olympians do with their medals? Just about everything

Greg Louganis gave away a notable gold medal from 1988 to the woman who lost a son because of AIDS. Tommie Smith keeps his 1968 gold -- a piece of history, following his victory-stand black-power salute with John Carlos -- locked away in a vault. I contributed to this story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/17220919/what-athletes-do-their-olympic-medals-stash-sell-show-give-away

Active, energetic Robinson is shining at cornerback

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Rashard Robinson talks a good game ... but he's also backing it up in his rookie 49ers training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Feisty-Rookie-Robinson-Making-Some-Noise-in-Secondary-389300212.html

Carr likes Raiders' feisty training camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: There have been plenty of scuffles so far in Raiders training camp, and QB Derek Carr approves. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Showing-Plenty-of-Fire-in-Training-Camp-389295152.html

Trent Brown working to keep his job at right tackle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trent Brown says he welcomes the competition at right tackle, where former starter Anthony Davis has come out of retirement. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Brown-Welcoming-the-Competition-at-Right-Tackle-389186522.html

Has Kahlil Mack gotten even better?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders seem to be awed by what Khalil Mack can do. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Big-Season-Raiders-Mack-Appears-to-be-Even-Better-389182832.html

Ricky Robertson long road to the Olympics -- that included injuries and work to finance his quest -- finally pays off for the elite high jumper

Ricky Robertson is only 5-foot-10 or so, but he's a world-class leaper. The former University of Mississippi high jumper has achieved a long goal by qualifying for the Rio Olympics. It's been years of working on the side to help support himself, while training. Now it's paid off. Part of a series for DiscoverSD magazine on working Olympic athletes. http://www.discoversd.com/news/2016/aug/03/olympics-ricky-robertson/

Years of work for Olympic hopeful Jared Schuurmans were wiped out on one rainy day

Discus thrower Jared Schuurmans worked odd jobs across the U.S. for years to fund his training, and it appeared he would finally achieve his Olympic dream, after winning the 2015 national championship. But then that dream was shattered on a wet afternoon at the Olympic Trials. My story for DiscoverSD magazine, as part of an Olympic preview on working athletes ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Games. http://www.discoversd.com/news/2016/aug/03/jared-schuurmans-discus/