New Jersey

Colorado’s LaJohntay Wester earns new jersey number for Alamo Bowl

Published

1 year ago

December 28, 2024

Colorado’s LaJohntay Wester earns new jersey number for Alamo Bowl

Deion Sanders’ arrival at Colorado has redefined the culture and expectations of the football program. Known as Coach Prime, Sanders has consistently emphasized discipline, accountability, and hard work as the pillars of success. His leadership style, rooted in old-school values, has sparked a transformation that goes beyond the field, impacting the players’ lives academically and personally.

From the moment Sanders stepped onto campus, he made it clear that nothing would be handed out—everything had to be earned. His declaration that “everything on the football field, including jerseys, is earned” set the tone for a rigorous yet rewarding environment. Players were challenged to prove their worth through dedication to the playbook, consistent performance, and unwavering effort. This ethos aligns with Sanders’ belief that self-discipline and integrity are essential for personal growth and success.

One of the most striking examples of Sanders’ philosophy in action is the case of wide receiver LaJohntay Wester. Wester transferred to Colorado from Florida Atlantic University, where he earned accolades such as First-Team All-Conference and Special Teams Player of the Year in the American Athletic Conference. At FAU, Wester wore the prestigious No. 1 jersey, a number that symbolized excellence and leadership. However, under Sanders’ regime at Colorado, Wester’s past achievements were not enough to automatically secure the No. 1 jersey.

Initially, Wester was assigned the No. 10 jersey, a reflection of his academic struggles rather than his on-field abilities. Despite his impressive track record, Sanders demanded that Wester demonstrate growth and commitment off the field before earning the coveted number. This decision underscored the program’s emphasis on holistic development, highlighting the importance of balancing athletic prowess with academic responsibility.

Wester responded to the challenge with the resilience and determination that Sanders seeks in his players. He became a standout performer during the season, finishing with 70 receptions, 880 yards, and 10 touchdowns—career highs that positioned him as one of Colorado’s most reliable offensive weapons. His connection with quarterback Shedeur Sanders flourished, making him a crucial part of the Buffs’ offense. Wester’s on-field achievements, however, were only part of the equation.

Recognizing that success extends beyond football, Sanders places a significant focus on academics. He frequently reminds his players that only a small percentage will make it to the NFL, making education a vital component of their future success. Sanders enforces mandatory study sessions, encourages front-row participation in class, and personally addresses behavioral issues that arise in academic settings. This comprehensive approach reflects his commitment to shaping well-rounded individuals.

What Colorado’s Deion Sanders and BYU’s Kalani Sitake said at Alamo Bowl presser

Wester took these lessons to heart, dedicating himself to improving his academic standing. His efforts paid off, as he completed the semester with all A’s and B’s, demonstrating his ability to excel in both arenas. In recognition of his perseverance and growth, Sanders awarded Wester the No. 1 jersey ahead of the Alamo Bowl, accompanied by the letter “L” for leader. This symbolic gesture not only acknowledged Wester’s athletic contributions but also celebrated his evolution into a role model within the program.

Jaylen Wester says his brother brings a “dog mentality” for Coach Prime and Colorado

Sanders’ leadership at Colorado represents more than just wins and losses. It embodies a cultural shift where hard work, accountability, and personal development take precedence. Through his mentorship, Sanders continues to shape young athletes into leaders, instilling values that will serve them long after their playing days are over. Wester’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of Sanders’ approach, reinforcing the notion that greatness is not given—it is earned.

Wester’s final game with Colorado comes in Saturday’s Alamo Bowl at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

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New Jersey

Devils Out to Rattle the Leafs | PREVIEW | New Jersey Devils

Published

9 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Devils Out to Rattle the Leafs | PREVIEW | New Jersey Devils

THE SCOOP

The Devils began their season-high seven-game homestand with a decisive victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night. The win was their second consecutive victory after picking up a win in St. Louis earlier in the week.

There’s not a lot of runway left in the season, and stringing together a run of victories is at the top of their minds. New Jersey is 11 points out of the final Wild Card spot, and 13 out of third in the Metropolitan Division. Tuesday will mark the Devils final game before the NHL Trade Deadline, which is on Friday at 3 p.m.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are having a down year, based on where the expectations were set heading into the season. The Leafs have struggled to gain any traction in their season and sit just two points ahead of New Jersey with 64. Toronto is 12 points out of third in the Atlantic Division, and nine points out of a Wild Card spot.

The Leafs have a tendency to give up an abundance of shots to their opponents, ranking first in the league in shots against, per game with 31.8, which bodes will for a Devils team that averages 29.4 shots per game, ranking sixth in the league. Despite their overall struggles, the Leafs do have the league’s fourth-best penalty kill, working at an 83.1 percent efficiency.

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New Jersey

Former Lumberton, New Jersey, mayor Gina LaPlaca pleads guilty to 2025 DUI, sentenced to treatment program

Published

21 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Former Lumberton, New Jersey, mayor Gina LaPlaca pleads guilty to 2025 DUI, sentenced to treatment program

A former mayor in Burlington County, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to DUI and child endangerment charges after a 2025 traffic stop, according to prosecutors.

Lumberton Township committee member Gina LaPlaca, 46, was indicted last spring on child abuse charges after county prosecutors said she was observed driving drunk with her young child in the car, while serving as the township mayor.

Police arrested her at her home after reviewing video from a witness showing her swerving out of her lane and nearly hitting a utility pole. Lumberton police discovered her blood alcohol concentration was .30%, over three times the legal limit of .08%.

On Monday, LaPlaca was sentenced to three years in a diversionary program for first-time offenders after pleading guilty to driving under the influence and a fourth-degree child abuse charge. As part of the plea deal, LaPlaca will avoid jail time as long as she abides by the terms of the program.

Under the terms of the Pretrial Intervention or PTI program, she must attend regular Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and comply with any requirements set by the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

Judge Craig A. Ambrose also ordered LaPlaca to have an ignition lock device on her car that will prevent it from starting up if the driver has consumed alcohol. She said in court she had already installed one in October 2025, the county prosecutor’s office said.

If LaPlaca violates the terms of the PTI program, she could be prosecuted for the child abuse charge.

LaPlaca completed an intensive treatment program in May 2025 and said in a statement that she is “fully committed to my recovery” and is doing the “daily, intentional work” that comes with it. She apologized to Lumberton residents while acknowledging a private struggle with alcohol addiction that was no longer private.

“The weight of my actions is something I carry deeply,” she said in a statement shared on social media. “What I did was wrong. It was dangerous. It was inexcusable. I drove while intoxicated with my child in the car — a choice that could have caused irreversible harm. That reality is something I will live with, and learn from, for the rest of my life.”

LaPlaca served as mayor through 2025 but remains on the township committee. Terrance Benson was sworn in as mayor of Lumberton this year.

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New Jersey

Newark-bound United flight returns to LA airport for evacuation after reported fire

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Newark-bound United flight returns to LA airport for evacuation after reported fire

NEWARK, New Jersey — A United Airlines flight headed to Newark, New Jersey returned to the Los Angeles airport Monday about 40 minutes after taking off for an emergency evacuation after a reported fire, authorities said.

All flights at the LAX International Airport were ordered to remain on the ground for about half an hour during the flight’s return and evacuation, according to advisories from the Federal Aviation Administration. No injuries were reported.

The flight, which was en route to Newark Liberty International Airport returned to LAX to address an issue with one of the engines, the airline said in a statement. There was no mention of a fire, but the LA Fire Department said it responded and there was a fire that was contained as of an hour after the plane’s landing.

The flight took off at 10:43 a.m., began to turn around at about 11 a.m. and landed again at 11:19 a.m., according to flight tracker FlightAware.

The LA Fire Department said they assisted with the evacuation of more than 250 passengers and crew. Passengers exited the plane on the taxiway using slides and stairs and were taken to the terminal, the airline said.

The airplane was a Boeing 787-9, a variant of the popular line of 787 Dreamliner long-haul aircraft.

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