UConn announced a two-year contract extension for head football coach Jim Mora on Saturday, just before the team took the field for the Fenway Bowl against North Carolina. Mora’s contract extension will run through 2028 and will pay him $10 million through the remaining four years, with the opportunity to earn more in incentives. The 63-year-old coach is set to make $1.7 million next season, $1.9 million in 2026 and $2.3 and $2.4 million in 2027 and 2028, respectively. UConn then went out and thrashed North Carolina, 27-14, in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated. “I am forever grateful. I’m grateful to (athletic director) David (Benedict) and (school president) Radenka (Maric) and the Board of Trustees, but this is about what the (UConn players) did today,” Mora said when asked about the extension in the postgame press conference. In a statement released by UConn ahead of the game, Mora said: “I’d like to thank David Benedict, Radenka Maric and the University of Connecticut leadership for their trust in me and their commitment to our football program. When I first got here, I talked about where we wanted this program to go and we have shown great progress but we still have plenty of work to do. The commitment and dedication from the university and the athletic department has me excited about the future for our football team.” “Three years ago, I tasked Jim Mora with the challenge of leading our football team back to success and through his experience, energy and leadership he has done just that,” UConn athletic director David Benedict said in a statement. “He has taken our program to post season bowl games twice and just guided our team to one of the best seasons in UConn football history, building a momentum to keep this program moving forward. I look forward to his leadership of our football team in the years ahead.” Mora is coming off one of the most successful seasons in UConn football history, having led the team to an 8-4 record and an appearance in the Fenway Bowl. It’s the Huskies’ second bowl appearance in three years. UConn’s eight wins is the most for the program since 2010, and the Huskies had their first winning season since that year, too. A win Saturday would give UConn nine wins for just the third time in program history, with the last two such seasons coming in 2003 and 2007. UConn quarterbacks coach Brad Robbins is heading to Tulsa as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, according to a report from CBS Sports. Robbins was part of a coaching staff that helped the offense produce its most prolific attack since the 2009 season and fifth-most in program history (32.3 points per game). Robbins worked at FCS Tennessee Tech and Division II North Greenville before joining Jim Mora’s staff in spring 2023. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Nick Kyrgios says positive tests for duo are ‘disgusting’ and ‘a horrible look’
Nick Kyrgios has described Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek’s positive doping tests as “disgusting” ahead of his return to tennis. The controversial Australian has played only one match in more than two years because of injury but that has not stopped him being an outspoken presence on social media during a difficult few months for the sport. First it was announced in August that Sinner had failed two doping tests in March but was cleared of fault, while in November Swiatek was handed a one-month ban for a failed test caused by contaminated medication. Feels good getting these consecutive days training in the bank man.... Wrist re construction and back out here... blessed..................Without failing any drug tests 🙂↕️🙏🏽 be proud kygs doing it the right way 😩😂 — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) Kyrgios has been particularly vociferous in his criticism of Sinner, who could yet face a ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the finding of no fault or negligence in his case. At a press conference ahead of the Brisbane International, Kyrgios told reporters: “I have to be outspoken about it because I don’t think there’s enough people that are speaking about it. I think people are trying to sweep it under the rug. “I just think that it’s been handled horrifically in our sport. Two world number ones both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look. “The tennis integrity right now – and everyone knows it, but no one wants to speak about it – it’s awful. It’s actually awful. And it’s not OK.” Kyrgios initially underwent knee surgery in January 2023, returning to action in June of that year, but he played only one match before pulling out of Wimbledon due to a torn ligament in his right wrist. He has not played a competitive match since, and it appeared doubtful that he would be able to return, but the 29-year-old will make his comeback in Brisbane this week. Kyrgios will take on France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in singles, while he will also team up with Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster doubles pairing. “It’s good to be back,” said Kyrgios. “I honestly never thought I’d be back playing at this level. Even entering an event like this, preparing, doing all the right things. “I’m really excited to just go out there and play, just play tennis. I saw Novak in the gym, playing doubles with him, a lot to be excited about that I’m able to get out there and compete again.” Asked whether he could get back to the same level that saw him reach the Wimbledon final in 2022, Kyrgios said: “I still believe I can, whether or not that’s factual or not. There was another player who was like, ‘You have to be realistic’. That’s not how I am. I always back my ability.” The new tennis season is already under way, with the United Cup team event beginning on Friday. Great Britain, who are weakened by the absence of Jack Draper through injury, begin their campaign against Argentina in Sydney on Monday before facing hosts Australia on Wednesday. That could pit Katie Boulter against fiance Alex De Minaur, with the pair having announced their engagement last week. “Obviously some incredible news from our side, but I think we kind of wanted it to die down a little bit before matches started,” said Boulter of the timing. “My private life is out in the public a little bit at the moment. But, in terms of the stuff that I’m doing on the court, I’ll be doing the best I can every single day to stay in my own little bubble.” Billy Harris has taken Draper’s place, with the British number one facing a race against time to be fit for the Australian Open because of a hip problem. Emma Raducanu is the sixth seed at the ASB Classic in Auckland and will begin her season with a match against Robin Montgomery, while Cameron Norrie takes on another American, Learner Tien, at the Hong Kong Open.Coon Rapids' traditional winter charm hit a bit of a thaw this season, as city officials announced the closure of all outdoor ice rinks and warming houses through the weekend, the latest casualty of climate's increasingly erratic dance. Social media feeds were abuzz with the news after the City of Coon Rapids, MN - Local Government turned to Facebook to deliver the cold truth: unseasonably warm weather and a touch of rainfall have turned the hoped-for winter wonderland into a slushy mess. "Unfortunately, the weather is creating difficult conditions for maintaining the outdoor ice rinks," the post detailed . Winter sports and traditions, inherently tied to consistent cold conditions, are facing unpredictable challenges. As stated on the City's Facebook page , "Due to rain, warm temperatures and deteriorating ice conditions, the City will not open any warming houses at our outdoor skating rinks through this weekend." City staff have their work cut out for them as they plan to reevaluate the feasibility of reopening come Monday, Dec. 30. The community remains on standby for further updates, with fingers crossed that lower temperatures will restore their winter playground. "Staff will reassess conditions on Monday, Dec. 30. Watch for additional updates," the city's post promised .Bilawal Bhutto urged Imran Khan to clarify his stance on statements made by the US, and asked why those who earlier expressed displeasure over Pakistan nuclear weapons, and now voicing their concern for Khan and demanding his release. Published: December 28, 2024 8:40 PM IST By : The United States is conspiring to target Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, former Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has alleged. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief made these sensational accusations after Richard Grenell, the envoy for US President-elect Donald Trump — who is set to assume office on January 20, 2024, called for the release of release of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, and termed charges levelled against him as ‘false’. “I’d like to see Imran Khan be released from jail. He’s currently in prison, facing many of the same allegations as President Trump, where the ruling party put him in prison and created some sort of corruption and false allegations, and he’s in prison now,” Grenell was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Responding to Grenell’s statement on Imran Khan, Bilawal Bhutto asked why those who conspired against Pakistan are now raising their voice in favor of the jailed PTI founder. “We must united and thwart the conspiracies that are being hatched against Pakistan. We have to keep politics aside and think about our country and its defense,” Bilawal said while addressing a public gathering to mark the 17th death anniversary of his mother, former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in Sindh province on Friday. Pakistan nuclear weapons ‘real target’ The PPP president said “they” are conspiring against Pakistan to target the country’s nuclear and missile program. The 36-year-old leader, who is part of the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressed outrage over US interfering in Pakistan’s “internal matters”, asserting that the US’ statements are a mere excuse and the “real target” is Pakistan’s nuclear program. “‘Imran Khan is merely an excuse, their real target is Pakistan’s nuclear and missile program,” he said, while adding that the US is not really concerned about democracy in Pakistan, but is only acting out of vested interests. Bilawal Bhutto urged Imran Khan to clarify his stance on statements made by the US, and asked why those who earlier expressed displeasure over Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, and now voicing their concern for the former PM and demanding his release. The Pakistani leader was referring to statements made by Donald Trump during his Presidential campaign wherein he had expressed concern over Pakistan’s growing nuclear arsenal. Bhutto claimed that there is a “lobby” who wants a malleable government at the helm in Islamabad, who “are ready to compromise on anything, including the Pakistan’s nuclear program.” Trump envoy praises Imran Khan Bilawal’s comments came after Richard Grenell, US President-elect Donald Trump-nominated US envoy for special missions, publicly backed Imran Khan’s release from prison, and claimed that the current regime has imprisoned him under false charges. Speaking to American news outlet Newsmax on Wednesday, Grenell discussed US-Pakistan relations under the previous Trump administration, showered praises on Imran Khan for improving ties between the two countries. He noted that Khan’s background as a former cricketer and outsider to traditional politics, aligned with Trump’s political outsider status, and the two had “very good relationship”. “We had a much better relationship with Pakistan during the Trump administration when a guy named Imran Khan was the leader of Pakistan. That’s because Imran Khan was an outsider. He was a former cricket player and actually the captain of the Pakistani national cricket team. He wasn’t a politician, and he spoke in very common-sense language. He and Donald Trump had a very good relationship,” he said. Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, and the founder and chief of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) — the country’s main opposition party — is currently in prison after being convicted of corruption in the infamous Toshakhana case. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on . Topics
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When Nebraska meets Oregon State on Wednesday in Honolulu in the championship game of the Diamond Head Classic, it will have a chance to win its first tournament since the San Juan Shootout in 2000. If the Cornhuskers (9-2) pull it off, there's a good chance Juwan Gary will have something to do with it -- on both ends of the floor. The 6-foot-6, sixth-year senior averages 11.7 points per game and is coming off a 21-point outing in Monday night's 69-55 semifinal win over Hawaii. Gary is also an elite defender whose ability to guard multiple positions has Nebraska playing the best defense in coach Fred Hoiberg's six seasons. The Cornhuskers, who have allowed an average of 52.0 points per game in victories over Murray State and Hawaii at the tournament, are limiting the opposition to 36.3 percent field-goal shooting. "He can guard anybody one through five," Hoiberg said of Gary. "He does so many little things for his team and he's one of the elite offensive rebounders in the country." Fellow sixth-year senior Brice Williams (19.2 points) is coming off a 32-point outing Monday night for Nebraska, which is on a three-game winning streak. The Beavers (10-2) rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit in Monday's first semifinal to topple Oakland 80-74. Liutauras Lelevicius led a balanced attack with 17 points, producing a three-point play with 12 seconds left in regulation that forced overtime. Reigning West Coast Conference Player of the Week Michael Rataj added 13 points and seven rebounds one day after putting up 16 and 12, respectively, in a win over the College of Charleston. Winners of six in a row, Oregon State's hot start might surprise some, given the losses it incurred to the transfer portal after the program fell from Power 5 status. The departures included Jordan Pope (Texas) and Tyler Bilodeau (UCLA). But coach Wayne Tinkle felt the Beavers got deeper via their portal additions. "They're excited to be wearing the Oregon State uniform," he said. "Our balance of youth brings some real enthusiasm among with a good balance of mature guys." --Field Level MediaWhat’s on your green Christmas list?