Sports

Columbia guard Anzarria Jerkins steals the ball away from Fleming Island guard Kennedy Williams. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia guard Anzarria Jerkins steals the ball away from Fleming Island guard Kennedy Williams. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Paxton, Jerkins prove double trouble for Fleming Island in Columbia's district semifinal win

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
GAINESVILLE — The blare of the final buzzer had long dissipated. But the girls from Columbia lingered on the court at Gainesville High School for just a bit longer. The Buchholz cheerleaders had lined the sides of the court in preparation for their team to make its entrance.
Columbia defensive end Adeon Farmer and running back Jaelin Brown sign their letters of intent Wednesday morning to play at Fort Valley State. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia defensive end Adeon Farmer and running back Jaelin Brown sign their letters of intent Wednesday morning to play at Fort Valley State. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: 4 more join Peterson in Columbia's signing class

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
It’s something Jaelin Brown and Adeon Farmer had long thought about. The Columbia teammates and best friends had talked about playing together in college.
Florida's Niels Lane, right, celebrates as he walks off the court after beating Missouri 66-65 on Wednesday in Columbia, Mo. (L.G. PATTERSON/Associated Press)

Florida's Niels Lane, right, celebrates as he walks off the court after beating Missouri 66-65 on Wednesday in Columbia, Mo. (L.G. PATTERSON/Associated Press)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Florida tops Missouri ahead of winter storm

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
COLUMBIA, Mo.— Myreon Jones had 18 points and five 3-pointers, Tyree Appleby scored all 17 of his points in the second half and Florida beat Missouri 66-65 on Wednesday in a game moved ahead six hours due to a winter storm. Phlandrous Fleming Jr.
Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, right, walks off the field next to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross after losing to the Atlanta Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 24, 2021, in Miami Gardens. (JOHN MCCALL/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/TNS)

Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, right, walks off the field next to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross after losing to the Atlanta Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 24, 2021, in Miami Gardens. (JOHN MCCALL/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/TNS)

NFL: Flores says he won't drop lawsuit even if hired as coach

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Brian Flores says his lawsuit against the NFL over alleged racist hiring practices will continue even if he becomes a head coach again this offseason. Flores has interviewed with the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints, who have yet to fill their coaching vacancies.
All-Tech Raceway hosts the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Winter Nationals this weekend. (COURTESY)

All-Tech Raceway hosts the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Winter Nationals this weekend. (COURTESY)

AUTO RACING: Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Winter Nationals set for take off

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Dirt track racing in Columbia County is starting on a high note in 2022. Some of the best dirt track racers from around the country will be competing at All-Tech Raceway this weekend at the track hosts the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Winter Nationals.
Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, center, talks to down judge David Oliver (24) during a game against the New Orleans Saints on Dec. 27 in New Orleans. (AP FILE)

Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, center, talks to down judge David Oliver (24) during a game against the New Orleans Saints on Dec. 27 in New Orleans. (AP FILE)

NFL: Fired Dolphins coach Brian Flores sues NFL, alleging racist hiring

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
NEW YORK — Fired Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores sued the NFL and three teams on Tuesday over alleged racist hiring practices for coaches and general managers, saying the league remains “rife with racism” even as it publicly condemns it.
Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman stands on the field before a game against the Chicago Bears on Jan. 9 in Minneapolis. (BRUCE KLUCKHOHN/Associated Press)

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman stands on the field before a game against the Chicago Bears on Jan. 9 in Minneapolis. (BRUCE KLUCKHOHN/Associated Press)

NFL: Jaguars interview ex-Vikings GM Spielman for role

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville's meandering coaching search has a new twist. The Jaguars interviewed former Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman on Monday for an undisclosed front-office role, according to a person familiar with the process.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, and quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate after winning Super Bowl 55 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 7, 2021 in Tampa. (AP FILE)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, and quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate after winning Super Bowl 55 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 7, 2021 in Tampa. (AP FILE)

NFL: Tom Brady retires after 22 seasons, 7 Super Bowl titles

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
TAMPA — Tom Brady, the most successful quarterback in NFL history, has retired after winning seven Super Bowls and setting numerous passing records in an unprecedented 22-year career.