Cousins says he'll only accept trade to the 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If Washington Redskins' QB Kirk Cousins can't get the new deal he wants, he could be part of a sign-and-trade deal with the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Cousins-Only-Will-Accept-Trade-to-49ers-414984703.html

Was Earl Mitchell worth 49ers' big contract?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell will get as much as $16 million in new deal with 49ers, yet he's been rated -- for the most part -- as nothing special in eight seasons in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Can-49ers-New-Defensive-Tackle-Live-up-to-Big-Contract-414880843.html

Raiders could dip into deep draft well of cornerbacks

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland seems eager to upgrade at cornerback, and the draft group of prospects is particularly deep this year. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Positioned-to-Upgrade-at-Cornerback-414876663.html

Team USA felt at home in 2001 World Women's Hockey Championships

It was a disappointing outcome, but the 2001 World Women's Hockey Championships in Minnesota were a wonderful experience for all the Minnesotans on the American team. My story for USA Hockey:http://www.2017womensworlds.com/news_article/show/760237?referrer_id=2266128

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Memories of when the world skated in to Lake Placid

In 1994, the U.S. hosted the Women's World Hockey Championships for the first time, at Lake Placid. Participating in that event was special, recall members of that team. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.2017womensworlds.com/news_article/show/757615?referrer_id=2266128

Norton believes Ward will take big steps in 2017

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jihad Ward played all 16 games in his rookie year, but had no sacks and few big plays, prompting some to see him as a second-round bust, yet defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. sees a guy who will improve significantly in Year 2. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Norton-Believes-Ward-Will-Improve-in-Year-2-414725203.html

Lynch doesn't see 49ers as a 2-14 team

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: When he looks at film from the 2016 season, GM John Lynch says he sees more talent than might be expected from a 2-14 team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-Says-49ers-are-Better-Than-a-2-14-Team-414722673.html

Sarah Thomas swims long distances -- very long distances, in fact -- and says she hasn't yet found her limit

Sarah Thomas has set multiple long-distance swimming marks. She has the ability to just keep churning, hour after hour. Recently she did an 80-miler that took her the length of Lake Powell, twice. My story on her for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/18750386/weekend-warriors-sarah-thomas-pushing-limits-open-water-swimming

Shanahan, Lynch meet with Colin Kaepernick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New GM John Lynch says he and head coach Kyle Shanahan had a productive meeting with QB Colin Kaepernick, who can opt out of his contract and become a free agent in March. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Kaepernick-Meets-With-Shanahan-and-Lynch-414622363.html

Raiders may be interested in DeSean Jackson

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Adding wide receiver DeSean Jackson would give a huge boost to the passing game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-May-Have-Eyes-on-DeSean-Jackson-414619003.html

Raiders' Carr says he's almost "100 percent" ready

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback Derek Carr is coming back quickly from his injury and should be ready to full participate in offseason programs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Should-be-Ready-to-Fully-Participate-in-Offseason-Programs-414497833.html

With Cutler on market, would the 49ers have interest?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Reports are the Bears are exploring the trade market for QB Jay Cutler ... and that the 49ers may have interest. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Will-the-49ers-be-Interested-in-Bears-Jay-Cutler-414492453.html

49ers' new defensive scheme will resemble Seahawks'

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New defensive coordinator Robert Sameh will install a 4-3 scheme, but with 3-4 capabilities, much like Seattle's. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-New-Defensive-Scheme-May-Look-Like-Seattles-414365903.html

Road to playoffs in 2017 looks like a challenge

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland will have the fourth-toughest schedule in the NFL in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Road-to-Playoffs-May-be-Tougher-in-2017-414360893.html

Re-signing Penn helped McKenzie shape a winner

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A year ago, many wondered if Reggie McKenzie would re-sign tackle Donald Penn or allow him to be a free agent. McKenzie signed him to an extension, a key to the big 2016 season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Decision-to-Re-Sign-Penn-Was-a-Key-For-2016-Raiders-414250633.html

Shanahan says 49ers don't need a franchise QB in 2017

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan says 49ers will take their time and don't feel a need to draft a QB with their No. 2 overall pick if they don't believe in prospects available.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Franchise-QB-Isnt-a-Must-for-49ers-in-2017-414255273.html

Niners have a dire need for quality receivers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It won't do the 49ers much good if they upgrade at QB but keep the same set of WRs. They need 3-4 new pass catchers through the draft or free agency.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Rebuilding-Receiving-Corps-a-49ers-Priority-414080843.html

Raiders had a special way about them in 2016

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders special teams in 2016 were among the best in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Among-NFLs-Best-on-Special-Teams-414085203.html

Bucs' 1990s turnaround inspires 49ers' Lynch

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New Niners GM John Lynch will draw from the example he saw as a young player in Tampa Bay, when a GM and head coach worked to take an NFL franchise from worst to first. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-Sees-90s-Bucs-as-Model-for-49ers-Growth-413962783.html

Raiders' new O.C. wants Carr more involved

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland's new offensive coordinator, Todd Downing, wants to tailor the offense with more input from QB Derek Carr. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Downing-Wants-Carr-More-Involved-in-Game-Planning-413959023.html

Sometimes, it's best to give in to your inner cat and take an afternoon nap to recharge your batteries

Taking an afternoon nap isn't something that's been encouraged in America's working world, but those who study sleep are counseling workplaces and workers about the benefits of napping for employee health and production. My story for the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-napping-benefits-20170213-story.html

Outsiders see Raiders' Joseph as future Pro Bowler

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The accolades keep coming in for Oakland's young safety, Karl Joseph. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Future-Looks-Bright-for-Raiders-Karl-Joseph-413846803.html

Rathman won't stick around, but he's bullish about 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Departing running backs coach Tom Rathman believes the team is well positioned with John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/On-His-Way-Out-Rathman-Praises-New-Leadership-413842043.html

Millrose Games' mile races offer pair of surprises

Eric Jenkins and Sifan Hassan were surprise winners of the Wanamaker Mile at the annual NYRR Millrose Games in New York City. http://www.espn.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/18684811/shannon-rowbury-takes-third-wanamaker-mile-2017-millrose-games-eric-jenkins-first-men-division

Signs point to Raiders, Murray parting ways

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders GM loves Latavius Murray, but he may not be able to afford to keep him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Signs-Point-to-Murrays-Departure-From-Raiders-413724733.html

Reports Shanahan has picked his defensive coordinator

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Robert Saleh reportedly will be the 49ers' defensive coordinator. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reports-Shanahan-Will-Hire-Saleh-as-Defensive-Coordinator-413720823.html

U.S. women's hockey program continues to improve

The U.S. women's hockey program has come a long way since the Women's World Championship first was held in the U.S. in 1994. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.2017womensworlds.com/news_article/show/756042?referrer_id=2266128

New 49ers running backs coach has great record

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Everywhere Bobby Turner has coached, running backs have flourished. Now he's with the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/New-49ers-Running-Backs-Coach-Has-Successful-Record-413599613.html

Martellus Bennett might be a nice fit with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Adding tight end Martellus Bennett to the offense would be a nice move ... if the Patriots allow him to walk, as they might. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Bennett-Would-be-Nice-Addition-to-Raiders-413595613.html

Shanahan will have more roster control than Harbaugh

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan will have control of his 53-player roster, something Jim Harbaugh never had. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Unlike-Harbaugh-Shanahan-Will-Have-53-Man-Roster-Control-413418193.html

Biathlon veteran Tim Burke says U.S. team is strongest it's ever been heading into World Championships

Veterans Tim Burke and Susan Dunklee lead a deep U.S. team into the World Biathlon Championships. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/February/07/Tim-Burke-This-Is-Team-USAs-Best-Biathlon-Team-Ever-Going-Into-Worlds

Rookie QB Cook learned NFL "is a business"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Connor Cook learned he'll have to improve and produce in the NFL, or he'll soon be gone. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Cook-Learned-NFL-is-Strictly-a-Business-413414713.html

Raiders hope to upgrade interior defensive line

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders believe they need to get more "push" from their defensive tackles, and may go all out to bring in an impact interior defensive lineman.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Upgrading-Interior-Defensive-Line-May-be-Priority-413304593.html

Shanahan will also be 49ers' offensive coordinator

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New head coach Kyle Shanahan also will lead the team's offense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Will-Also-be-49ers-Offensive-Coordinator-413299473.html

Shannon Rowbury, who believes cheaters have twice burned her in the Olympics, isn't shy about speaking out against drug users

Shannon Rowbury always feels at home at the Millrose Games in New York City. One of the reasons is, she's won two straight Wanamaker Mile titles. The other reason is the New York Road Runners stance on athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs is in line with her own. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://www.espn.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/18647223/three-olympian-shannon-rowbury-guns-third-straight-victory-wanamaker-mile-2017-millrose-games

New 49ers GM says finding a QB is top priority

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Whether it's with a veteran such as Jay Cutler or a rookie like Deshaun Watson, 49ers' new GM John Lynch says his team must restock its collection of quarterbacks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-Says-Finding-a-Quarterback-is-No-1-Priority-413167553.html

Raiders' Mack graded as NFL's fourth-best player

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Khalil Mack won AP Defensive Player of the Year honors last week, and this week has been judged the fourth-best player in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Mack-Ranked-at-No-4-Among-All-NFL-Players-413171073.html

Fencing keeps retired Marine Creston Bailey sharp, motivated and in shape

As a Marine, Creston Bailey was always in great condition. Now that he's retired, Bailey continues to take care of himself so he can be at his best as a fencer in local and national competitions. My story on Bailey for the Active San Diego series in the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://html5.pagesuite.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=52ddd258-3643-48dd-961f-a9dc6460aed4

New 49ers coach Shanahan has no time to waste

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's official: Kyle Shanahan is the new head coach in San Francisco. His to-do list is so long, he's ready to get to work. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kyle-Shanahan-Has-No-Time-to-Rest-With-49ers--413041753.html

Oddsmakers give Raiders a 20-1 shot to win Super Bowl

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After a 12-4 season, Vegas oddsmakers put the Raiders among the top 10 teams favored to win the next Super Bowl. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Among-10-Favorites-for-Super-Bowl-LII-413036893.html

Soon-to-be 49ers coach had bad day at Super Bowl

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kyle Shanahan may prove to be a terrific head coach for the 49ers, but his play-calling at the end of Super Bowl contributed to Atlanta's loss to New England. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Sunday-Wasnt-So-Super-for-Shanahan-412905443.html

Reports: Aldon Smith will be cleared to play

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Aldon Smith may be reinstated by the NFL as an active player for the Raiders by March. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Aldon-Smith-May-Soon-be-Cleared-to-Rejoin-Raiders-412899053.html

McGloin's time with Raiders is probably over

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Free agent-to-be Matt McGloin is likely to pursue a job somewhere else. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/McGloins-Time-With-Raiders-is-Probably-Over-412686713.html

Shanahan has been a good talent evaluator, too

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: According to those who've worked with him, future 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has had a knack for discerning talent. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Comes-With-Reputation-as-a-Good-Talent-Evaluator-412690113.html

Lynch says 49ers passed his secret test

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New GM John Lynch had concerns about the 49ers front office and ownership, so he put them to a test before accepting the job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/John-Lynch-Tested-49ers-and-They-Passed-412559203.html

Raiders' linebacker Riley may be worth keeping

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Perry Riley Jr. came to Oakland in October and made an immediate impact. Now he's a free agent, and possibly one worth keeping. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Riley-One-of-Many-Raiders-Veterans-Who-Could-Leave-412562953.html

Could San Diego be eventual home for Raiders?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With hurdles now in the way of their proposed move to Las Vegas, might the Raiders fill the void in San Diego? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Could-San-Diego-Emerge-as-a-New-Home-for-Raiders-412426003.html

Lynch's first hire as 49ers GM has great reputation

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Adam Peters, formerly of the Broncos and Patriots, will be VP of player personnel for the 49ers under GM John Lynch. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/First-Hire-by-Lynch-Has-Great-Reputation-412420743.html

Jennie Finch named MLB's ambassador to softball

Former Olympian and college All-America softball standout Jennie Finch has become Major League Baseball's first Softball Ambassador. She hopes the partnership is another step in growth of her game. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/January/31/In-New-Partnership-Jennie-Finch-Promotes-Softball-Through-Major-League-Baseball