It's a new look for U.S. biathlon teams

With new head coaches for both the men's and women's teams, the retirement of two veteran standouts and the addition of some younger prospects, the U.S. biathlon teams are ready for the start of a new season. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/News/2018/November/29/Excitement-Beckons-As-Biathlon-Season-Begins-With-New-US-Coaches-New-Look-On-Teams

Finally healthy, Dante Pettis is producing for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: WR Dante Pettis is finally getting a chance to show what he can do. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Pettis-Coming-on-Strong-Now-That-Hes-Healthy-Again-501550411.html

Cooper: Raiders didn't know how to use me

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: WR Amari Cooper is playing like a star since being traded by Oakland to Dallas. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Cooper-Believes-Raiders-Didnt-Know-How-to-Use-Him-501553931.html

Derek Carr is winning over Gruden

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland head coach Jon Gruden says QB Derek Carr is "a heck of a quarterback" who will be part of the team's future plans. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gruden-Says-Carr-is-a-Heck-of-a-Quarterback-501354291.html

Despite rocky game, Mullens will start at QB

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Nick Mullens will get another start vs. Seattle, despite poor performance vs. Bucs. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Despite-Rough-Game-Mullens-Will-Start-Again-501349871.html

Rookie tackles struggling to protect Carr

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie tackle Brandon Parker allows three sacks of Derek Carr. Fellow rookie Kolton Miller has had similar problems. How will the Raiders fix this problem? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Couldnt-Protect-Carr-in-Loss-to-Ravens-501257761.html

Niners lose Jimmie Ward ... yet again

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jimmie Ward, who broke a forearm vs. the Bucs, may have played his last game as a 49er. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Another-Injury-May-Have-Ended-Wards-Time-With-49ers-501255011.html

Formula is the same for another Raiders loss

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If you've seen one Raiders loss, you've seen them all, even this one vs. the Ravens. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Stick-to-Same-Losing-Script-in-Baltimore-501207821.html

49ers lose a game, relase Rueben Foster

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's a no-good, very bad day for the 49ers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Its-a-Bad-Sunday-in-Every-Way-for-the-49ers-501207191.html

Lamar Jackson will be a dual threat vs. Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Lamar Jackson's ability to run as a quarterback will test a shaky Raiders run defense. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Ravens-Jackson-Could-Test-Raiders-Run-Defense-501136221.html

Mullens taking his act on the road

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Nick Mullens gets his first road start Sunday in Tampa, Fla. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Mullens-Takes-His-Act-on-the-Road-501134111.html

Witherspoon critiqued in Year 2

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Some analysts see second-year cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon as a weak link right now. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Some-See-Witherspoon-as-a-Weak-Link-in-Secondary-501083172.html

Carr wants to spoil draft forecasts

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland QB Derek Carr wants nothing to do with getting the No. 1 pick next year. He wants wins, now. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Wants-Wins-Not-the-No-1-Pick-in-Next-Years-Draft-501084452.html

Raiders' Carlson shining with second chance

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cut by the Vikings in Week 2 for missing all three field goals in a game, kicker Daniel Carlson is rebounding nicely with the Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kicker-Carlson-Making-Most-of-Raiders-Opportunity-500931601.html

49ers' Garnett sidelined by broken thumb

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Yet another injury hurdle faces former first-round pick Joshua Garnett. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Yet-Another-Injury-Will-Sideline-Joshua-Garnett-500928331.html

49ers tied in race to the bottom of the NFL

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: At 2-8, the 49ers are tied with two others in the race for the No. 1 draft pick in 2019. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Still-in-Running-for-No-1-Draft-Pick-500837331.html

Marcell Ateman catches on fast for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: WR Marcell Ateman helps Oakland win in his NFL debut. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Marcell-Ateman-Catches-on-Fast-for-Raiders--500834391.html

Raiders drive for late FG to beat Cardinals

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders drive for game-winning field goal at end of game to beat Cardinals. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Late-Drive-Produces-a-Rare-Victory-500788991.html

Former West Virginia soccer standout continues to play, juggling optometry studies and Army commitment for a team in national semipro league

When Kailey Utley graduated from West Virginia, she wasn't sure if she'd ever play soccer again. But the optometry student at Missouri-St. Louis -- who will go into the Army as an officer when she graduates -- has found a way to keep playing as a standout on the semipro Fire and Ice in the Women's Premier Soccer League. My story on Utley for ESPNW.com's Women Going Places series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/25285073/semipro-soccer-player-kailey-utley-balances-sport-optometry-school

49ers' Warner is a good linebacker and leader

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie Fred Warner has been durable, productive and smart this season, exceeding all expectations. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Warner-Showing-49ers-He-Has-the-Right-Stuff-500694261.html

Conley coming on fast after benching, injuries

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Gareon Conley has started to play the way the Raiders thought he would when they took him in the first round in 2017. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gareon-Conley-is-Coming-on-Strong-in-Second-Season-500690161.html

Injuries to Raiders WRs open door for Ateman

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Seventh-round draft pick Marcel Ateman will play for the first time this week after injuries to front-line wide receivers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Injuries-Open-Door-for-Raiders-Rookie-Ateman-500600351.html

In a dark season, Breida is shining

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his second year, running back Matt Breida has shown he has a durable, versatile difference-maker. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Breida-Has-Been-a-Bright-Light-in-a-Dark-Season-500602851.html

Shanahan issues warning to players

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kyle Shanahan tells his players he'll be watching them closely over the final half of the season to see if they fit into plans for 2019. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Tells-Players-Theyre-Auditioning-for-2019-Roles-500492962.html

Why can't 49ers hold on to leads?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco has now lost four times when it's held a fourth-quarter lead. What's going on? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Keep-Letting-Late-Leads-Slip-Away-500386672.html

Raiders' Miller fighting through two injuries

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kolton Miller can't play up to his standards because of injuries, but Jon Gruden admires his grit. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Miller-is-Struggling-but-Gruden-Admires-His-Grit-500390252.html

49ers surrender late lead in loss to Giants

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers defense can't hold a fourth-quarter lead in 27-23 loss to the Giants on MNF. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Give-Away-Late-Lead-Lose-to-Giants-500337981.html

There's more to a healthy, happy retirement than just having time and money

There's more to retirement that stopping work and having enough money. What will you do? How can you be healthy, both mentally and physically? Some tips for a healthy retirement. My story for the San Diego Union-Tribune: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-retirement-preparation-20181112-story.html

Raiders' Davis says he takes responsibility for this mess

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Who's to blame for Raiders' demise? Not Jon Gruden, says team owner Mark Davis. Davis says he'll take the responsibility. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Davis-The-Buck-Stops-With-Me-500286192.html

Early mistake costly in Raiders' loss to Chargers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders start out strong, then fizzle, to fall to 1-8 with loss to Chargers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Early-Fumble-Kills-Raiders-Momentum-in-Fifth-Straight-Loss-500241531.html

Mullens is starting, but for how long?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Nick Mullens is now the 49ers' starting QB, but Kyle Shanahan says C.J. Beathard's story isn't over yet. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mullens-Not-Set-in-Stone-as-49ers-Starting-QB-500145831.html

Pass rushers getting to Carr much quicker in 2018

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr is on pace to be sacked 48 times this year, a career worst, because defenders are blowing right through his O-line. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Carr-Rarely-Has-Time-to-Pass-This-Season-500143041.html

Whitehead having a rough time in pass coverage

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Tahir Whitehead has been a liability on pass defense for Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Linebacker-Whitehead-Giving-Raiders-Mixed-Results-500056781.html

Watson's return gives 49ers a boost

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Edge rusher Dekoda Watson has given the 49ers some fresh legs on the D-line. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Dekoda-Watson-Added-Energy-to-Defense-500052311.html

49ers struck gold with Kittle, who keeps improving

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end George Kittle has become one of the best in the NFL already. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Best-Recent-49ers-Draft-Pick-George-Kittle-499947861.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_BAYBrand

Raiders add a pair of veteran defensive ends

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Bruce Irvin now released, Oakland adds two experienced defensive ends to its roster to help with non-existent pass rush. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Sign-a-Pair-of-Veteran-Defensive-Ends-499829091.html

Cassius Marsh finally getting some sacks

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cassius Marsh had 2.5 sacks in his last game and continues to work hard to get to the QB. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Marsh-Putting-Some-Life-into-49ers-Pass-Rushing-499823471.html

Even as a girl, Kristin Stehly knew she wanted to teach physical education and help others be healthy

Kristin Stehly never was a dynamic athlete, but she loved exercise. As an adult she's been a marathoner, fitness instructor and middle-school physical education teacher. My story on her for the Active San Diego series of the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-stehly-20181105-story.html

Shanahan expected to start Mullens again

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kyle Shanahan has indicated he'll start Nick Mullens at QB rather than C.J. Beathard this coming Monday night vs. the Giants. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mullens-Expected-to-Get-Another-Start-vs-Giants-499657281.html

Raiders continue to shed talented veterans

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Bruce Irvin is released, saving the team more than $9 million under the cap next year. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Ejecting-Irvin-Saves-Raiders-Even-More-Money-499660571.html

Tina Ament is a record-setting triathlete and ultra cyclist, a longtime rower, a graduate of Yale and Stanford Law, an assistant U.S. attorney ... and blind

Four years ago, Tina Ament became the first blind woman to complete the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. It's one of many remarkable accomplishments in her life. My story on her for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/25149273/us-assistant-attorney-tina-ament-setting-records-blind-triathlete

Mostert's bright season ends on dark note

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raheem Mostert was proving he can play in the NFL and be a good running back when suddenly his season came to an end. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raheem-Mosterts-Season-Comes-to-an-Early-End-499414821.html

Raiders-Gruden marriage looks domed to failure

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jon Gruden's Raiders seem to have quit on him in 34-3 loss to the 49ers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Through-Eight-Games-Gruden-Era-is-Ugly-499411611.html

QB Mullens has dynamic debut in 49ers win

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Nick Mullens throws for three TDs in a 34-3 rout of the Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mullens-is-Dynamic-in-Debut-as-49ers-Rout-Raiders-499365551.html

49ers vs. Raiders is one very ugly matchup

Daily 49ers and Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The combined records of the woeful 49ers and Raiders is 2-13, making it the worst combined team record of any game on prime-time NFL TV ever, for a game this late in the season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-vs-49ers-Game-Thursday-Night-is-Historic-Matchup-499289101.html