Gus Chikamba is giving back to his native Zimbabwe, providing courts and sports/academic programs through Africa Outreach USA to help young boys and girls

Gus Chikamba, who now lives in Indianapolis, was a basketball player in his native Zimbabwe. He's giving boys and girls opportunities for growth through sports and academics in his non-profit Africa Outreach USA program. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19581852/how-africa-outreach-usa-brings-new-opportunity-zimbabwe-youth-basketball-other-sports

49ers' Foster already up to speed

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie linebacker Reuben Foster is taking part in contact drills. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Foster-Already-is-Up-to-Full-Speed-for-49ers-437675113.html

Manuel off to good start with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback E.J. Manuel wants to turn his career around with Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/EJ-Manuel-Eager-for-Fresh-Start-With-Raiders-437660223.html

The key questions facing Raiders in training camp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The questions to be answered in Raiders training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Five-Questions-Facing-the-Raiders-in-Training-Camp-437005973.html

Five questions 49ers face in training camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The key questions facing the 49ers in training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-to-Seek-Multiple-Answers-in-Training-Camp-437015723.html

Bowman will get action in preseason games

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Unlike past years, NaVorro Bowman will actually play in preseason games for 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Bowman-is-Eager-for-Action-This-Preseason-436966213.html

Melifonwu signs and is ready for Raiders camp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Obi Melifonwu, a second-round pick, signs his rookie deal just in time for training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Melifonwu-Agrees-to-Deal-and-is-Ready-to-Play-436974673.html

Silver medal at world championships in mixed-relay triathlon event bodes well for U.S. in 2020

The mixed relay in triathlon will make its debut as an Olympic sport in Tokyo in 2020. At the world championships, the U.S. team of two men and two women took home silver. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/July/25/US-Triathletes-Bask-In-Ultimate-Team-Experience-In-Winning-Mixed-Relay-World-Silver-Medal

Is middle linebacker really a Raiders weak spot?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jack Del Rio says he believes someone will emerge from middle-linebacker competition to make a big impact. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Middle-Linebacker-Spot-Will-be-a-Focus-of-Competition-436758273.html

49ers, Thomas still don't have a deal

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Top pick Solomon Thomas may be absent for start of 49ers camp.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-May-be-Without-Top-Draft-Pick-to-Start-Camp-436748693.html

Raiders backfield now among NFL's best

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Marshawn Lynch, Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington and Elijah Hood, Oakland's ballcarrier group is talented and deep.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Running-Back-Group-Now-Among-NFLs-Best-436530193.html

Will this be Hyde's biggest season yet?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Carlos Hyde could be primed for a big year. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Is-49ers-Hyde-Poised-for-a-Huge-Season-436524513.html

Niners confident Foster will be ready

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Reuben Foster should be 100 percent fit for training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Confident-Reuben-Foster-Can-Make-an-Impact-435834483.html

Williams was under-the-radar pick-up for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback K'Waun Williams, formerly of the Browns, could make a big impact as the nickel corner in San Francisco. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Former-Browns-Cornerback-Could-be-Big-Help-to-49ers-435627363.html

Raiders may miss Conley when camp opens

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: When Oakland opens training camp, it seems likely that No. 1 pick Gareon Conley still will not have a contract. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-May-be-Without-Conley-When-Camp-Opens-435632083.html

What if Hoyer is excellent in 2017 with 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Brian Hoyer is being paid as a journeyman stop-gap QB. But some believe he could be terrific in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Its-Possible-Brian-Hoyer-Could-be-a-Fine-QB-for-49ers-435410373.html

Nearing retirement, Penn motivated by Super Bowl dream

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: At 34, tackle Donald Penn wants to get to a Super Bowl before he retires. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Penn-Motivated-by-Super-Bowl-Dreams-435402313.html

How can you survive a toxic workplace? There are ways to cope, even if there's no clear exit strategy

The boss is a jerk, the company keeps downsizing and you dread going to work every single day. How do you cope with all the storms swirling around you, if you can't leave? Some experts offer tips. My story for the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-toxic-workplace-20170717-story.html

Raiders' secondary is bound to be better

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland made its secondary a priority for upgrade. Though it's ranked 14th in the NFL going into camp, chances are it will improve. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Will-Raiders-Moves-to-Improve-Secondary-Pay-Off-435189873.html

Route for Cousins to 49ers is now open

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kirk Cousins failed to reach a long-term deal in Washington, meaning he'll likely be available for 49ers in 2018. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Door-to-Cousins-Now-Open-for-49ers-in-2018-435181243.html

49ers' front seven ranked 32nd in NFL

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers have invested a lot into their front seven, yet the group was just rated dead last in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Have-Invested-Much-to-Upgrade-Front-Seven-434958183.html

Former N. Dakota State star gets chance with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back John Crockett, who played for Packers after starring at North Dakota State, is signed by Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Former-North-Dakota-State-Star-Gets-Second-Chance-With-Raiders-434967623.html

Is there too much hype about Kyle Shanahan?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kyle Shanahan is getting a lot of praise this offseason for being genius-like. Is it too much hype?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Are-Expectations-for-Shanahan-Being-Set-Too-High-434491413.html

Mack needs help up front for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Khalil Mack is a superstar, but the Raiders' front seven is just average. This year, several players need to stay healthy and productive. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/For-Raiders-Defense-to-Succeed-Mack-Needs-Help-Up-Front-434498413.html

After time as Aztecs' "1B" running back, Rashaad Penny is ready to cash in with a big senior season

After being the understudy to Donnel Pumphrey, the NCAA's all-time rushing leader, Rashaad Penny is ready to show what he can do for Aztecs football this season. Even in a complementary role, Penny rushed for 1,000 yards last season and has been the conference's best kick returner. My story for the SDSU alumni publication, 360 Magazine: http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news_story.aspx?sid=76824

Lott sees a lot to like in Karl Joseph

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Hall of Fame safety loves the way Raiders' safety Karl Joseph attacks opposing players. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Former-Raider-Lott-Sees-Joseph-as-an-Impact-Player-434282073.html

49ers' future at QB could be affected Monday

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: What happens with Kirk Cousins' contract in Washington Monday could have big implications for 49ers' future. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Will-Get-a-Hint-of-Their-Future-Next-Week-434291293.html

Paralympian Wallace excited to compete at London again

Sprinter Jarryd Wallace was disappointed at last year's Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games, but he's eager to get rolling again at the World Championships in London, a place he loves. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2017/July/12/Five-Years-After-Paralympic-Debut-Jarryd-Wallace-Looking-For-More-London-Magic

Raiders' defense working on being deceptive

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Karl Joseph believes Oakland's defense must be better at disguising coverages. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Defense-May-Offer-More-Disguised-Looks-434071963.html

Zuttah could be 49ers' best addition

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The acquisition of Jeremy Zuttah could be one of the NFL's best, under-the-radar moves of the offseason, says one analyst. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Zuttah-Could-Provide-Upgrade-to-49ers-at-Center-434079153.html

Veterinarians and animal lovers combine to help pet owners in need, saving hundreds of pets each year from "economic euthanasia"

Eleven years ago, some veterinarians and pet owners banded together to help financially challenged people pay for medical treatment needed to save the lives of pets, especially dogs and cats. The Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) now saves hundreds of lives per year from "economic euthanasia." My story on the work of FACE for the Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-hm-face-for-pets-20170706-story.html

Melifonwu wants to be Defensive Rookie of the Year

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Obi Melifonwu wants to be an instant-impact player for Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Melifonwu-Has-Big-Rookie-Goals-433846673.html

Hoyer's volunteer camp is under way in Texas

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Brian Hoyer is leading a three-day passing camp for 49ers players this week. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Brian-Hoyers-Voluntary-Camp-is-Under-Way-433855423.html

Speed could be Breida's ticket to 49ers roster

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Matt Breida, formerly of Georgia Southern, has impressed 49ers with his quickness. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Matt-Breidas-Speed-433624393.html

At 61, Pam Chapman Markle is ready for what she hopes will be an even better sequel to her record-setting Badwater

In her first crack at the Badwater 135-mile endurance race, Pam Chapman Markle broke the record for women 60 and over. Yet she did it under adverse circumstances. Now she's eager to break that record. My story for Competitor.com: http://running.competitor.com/2017/07/news/pam-chapman-markle-badwater_165883

Injury will sideline Raiders' Ward for a bit

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jihad Ward may not be able to play until mid-August. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Ward-Expected-to-Get-Slow-Start-to-Second-Season-433140723.html

Jusczyck should be a key piece for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers' fullback is a not-so-secret weapon. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Have-a-Not-So-Secret-Versatile-Offensive-Weapon-433133433.html

Raiders' 2014 draft trio believed in change

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr, Khalil Mack and Gabe Jackson believed they could turn the team around. They were right. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Draft-Trio-of-2014-Believed-in-Raiders-Turnaround-432898543.html

Despite critics, 49ers high on Malcolm Smith at LB

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers are sure Malcolm Smith will fit their defense, though many believe the team overpaid for him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Disagree-With-Critics-of-Malcolm-Smith-Signing-432906313.html

Does C.J. Beathard have a future with 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback C.J. Beathard was the only QB Kyle Shanahan had interest in, going into the draft. But what will that mean? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Shanahan-Believes-in-Beathards-Potential-432680463.html

Jackson, with new deal, says he must continue to work

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A much richer Gabe Jackson says he still has much to accomplish for Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/With-New-Deal-in-Hand-Raiders-Jackson-Eager-to-Work-432468783.html

Does Ellington have a place with 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver/kick returner Bruce Ellington is coming back from a major injury, but the 49ers may not have a roster spot for him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Ellingtons-Route-is-Tougher-After-Injury-432465063.html

Raiders' rookie safety Luani called a "playmaker"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Washington State safety Shalom Luani may not have the greatest tackling skills, but he's always around the football. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-McKenzie-Believes-Luani-is-a-Playmaker-432277103.html

Paralympic skier Stephen Lawler loves his old-fashioned July 4 gathering each year in Vermont

Stephen Lawler's family every year gathers on a Vermont farm to put on a traditional, down-home party for the July 4th holiday. It's grown now to include community members, who are invited. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2017/July/03/Stephen-Lawler-Piece

In his 50s, Jose Galaz is pedaling his way to a healthier and more active life

Jose Galaz calls himself a recovering couch potato. Since discovering mountain biking, he's found a new level of fitness. My story on Galaz for the Union-Tribune's Active San Diego feature. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-galaz-20170703-story.html

Former soldier Christy Gardner has shown a warrior's spirit in coming back from injuries, leg amputations to become an athlete again

After suffering horrible injuries in an incident in the Korean DMZ in 2006, former military police officer Christy Gardner has fought back to regain her life. She's an elite sled-hockey player for the U.S. national team and is now competing in swimming and track and field at the Warrior Games.  My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/19789089/fighting-spirit-christy-gardner