Sports
Fans at Dodger Stadium and around L.A. honor Fernando Valenzuela
Lifelong Dodger fans Manny Acosta, 59, and his brother, Jose Acosta, 60, sit on Vin Scully Avenue, just feet away from the shrine at the Dodger Stadium sign dedicated to the life of Fernando Valenzuela.
The siblings are parked in their “Dodger Dodge” — a truck wrapped in Dodger blue with an image of Valenzuela pitching on the side.
Wearing their World Series gear, they parked at noon and sat for hours watching as hundreds of mourners arrived throughout the day to drop off flowers, Mexican flags and other gifts while paying their respects to a Dodger legend.
The Acostas were born in Sonora, Mexico, the same state where Valenzuela was born, coming to Boyle Heights in 1972.
Manny Acosta sits in the “Dodger Dodge,” his truck wrapped in Dodger blue featuring the team’s logo and an image of Fernando Valenzuela pitching.
(Anthony De Leon)
“I’m an immigrant like he was,” Manny Acosta said of Valenzuela. “He came over here and surpassed the American dream. He was such an icon and literally changed the profession of baseball and its connection with Hispanics.”
He heard false rumors Valenzuela died a few weeks ago, making his death on Tuesday less startling. But it still had a huge impact.
“I’m just glad he’s resting,” Acosta said. “It’s too bad he’s gone, but it’s good that he is no longer suffering.”
Acosta felt moved to physically be at Dodger Stadium to mourn, using the experience “as a way to combat the pain, the loss and the fact he is gone.”
He met Valenzuela several times during Dodger fan events, describing him as not only a great player but a great person.
“He didn’t talk much. He wasn’t social,” Acosta said. “But what he did quietly as an individual, a human being, an immigrant and a family man — he succeeded to the fullest.”
When news of Valenzuela’s death broke, Victor Montalvo, 31, was surrounded by friends and fellow Dodger fans at Boomtown Brewing Company, a place he describes as a “massive Dodger house,” where about 80% of the clientele is Latino.
A baseball player from Boyle Heights, Montalvo grew up listening to stories about Valenzuela’s pitching prowess from his father, who often wore a Valenzuela jersey.
“You couldn’t have grown up in L.A. without knowing who he was,” Montalvo said while visiting Grand Central Market Wednesday. “It’s impossible. … You can’t drive down Sunset Boulevard without seeing the large, old mural of him as you head away from Dodger Stadium.”
Montalvo compared Valenzuela’s death to the passing of other iconic L.A. sports figures like Vin Scully and Kobe Bryant. With Valenzuela’s death so close to the World Series, he hopes it inspires a similar spirit to Bryant’s passing in 2020 when the Lakers won a championship in his honor.
“I hope there’s a push like, ‘Let’s do this for one of the greatest that ever did it,’” Montalvo said. “Win it and bring it home. We’ll celebrate him during the parade.”
Alexander Escobar, 27, spent six years driving buses for the Dodger Stadium Express, which led to his first encounter with Valenzuela in 2020. He described Valenzuela as humble, kind and down-to-earth.
“He greeted us like we were family,” Escobar recalled. “They put together an event for us to meet him, and he actually showed up. It was empowering.”
Fans placed flowers, candles, baseball and other gifts at the gates of Dodger Stadium Wednesday in honor of Fernando Valenzuela.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Escobar found Valenzuela’s journey to becoming a Mexican superstar particularly inspiring, “especially when someone from the Hispanic community made it so far in the baseball world and in life.”
With Valenzuela’s passing occurring just days before the start of the World Series, Escobar said he is glad MLB plans to honor Valenzuela’s legacy.
“It’s a shame he won’t be able to make it to the World Series,” Escobar said. “It’s something he would have been a big part of. … From ‘81 to now, Dodgers-Yankees, it’s something that would have meant a lot for him to be there.”
He added, “Hopefully, in the spirit of Valenzuela, they win.”
Valenzuela’s death felt so unreal to Carlos Flores, 43, that he initially believed it was a hoax when he first heard the news.
“I got a message. … I was like, ‘I can’t believe this. It’s got to be fake,’” Flores said. “It wasn’t even on the internet yet. That’s how quick it was. Then, five minutes later, the story was posted.”
Flores found inspiration in Valenzuela’s journey — coming to the United States from Mexico, struggling with English in his early years and winning rookie of the year and a World Series in his first full season. That made the loss that much more significant for him.
“He’s going to be missed. That’s a legend,” Flores said. “That’s one of the first Mexicans that actually made it in baseball.”
Paul Serrano, 36, first saw the news of Valenzuela’s death on social media during his commute home and questioned whether it was accurate.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Serrano said. “As an Angeleno, it’s very sad, very depressing, and even more reason to win the World Series.”
He added, “The Dodgers are in mourning and are preparing something special. … We have to win for El Toro.”
Serrano’s father, originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, often shared stories of Fernandomania, proudly reliving memories of Valenzuela’s dominance on the mound.
“[My father] would say, ‘It’s an honor to have a Mexican pitcher do what he did,’” Serrano recalled. “Valenzuela was ruthless, and he gave it his all.”
Serrano described Valenzuela as the epitome of hard work, adding, “It doesn’t matter the odds against you, brother, you can still make anything happen. You can do what you want. It doesn’t matter where you’re from.”
Kristen Gaer, 31, a lifelong Dodgers fan, first heard the news of Valenzuela’s passing in her work chat, where fellow Dodgers fans were buzzing about the loss of a legend.
“It’s very, very sad,” Gaer said. “We lost a legend for sure.”
Though too young to have seen him in his prime, Gaer grew up hearing stories about Valenzuela’s impact.
“I hope we win this one for him,” Gaer said of the upcoming World Series. “But at the same time, it’s a bummer because if we do win, he won’t be here to see it.”
Sports
Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa open to fresh start elsewhere after disappointing season: ‘That would be dope’
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Tua Tagovailoa appears to be ready to move on from the Miami Dolphins – a feeling that seems mutual between the two sides.
Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games of the season due to poor performance. A day after the Dolphins’ season ended with a 38-10 loss to division rival New England, the sixth-year signal-caller appeared open to the idea of a “fresh start.”
Mike McDaniel speaks with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) in the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 25, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
“That would be dope. I would be good with it,” Tagovailoa said Monday, according to The Palm Beach Post, when asked specifically if he was “hoping for a fresh start.”
When asked by another reporter if he understood “fresh start” as playing “elsewhere,” Tagovailoa reportedly confirmed it.
The remarks came the same day that head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that the team would be approaching the 2025-2026 season with a competitive mindset for the position.
“In 2026, I think there will be competition for our starting quarterback. What that is and how that looks, there’s a lot that remains to be seen. It’s the most important position on the football field, and you have to make sure you do everything possible to get the best person out there on the field.”
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa runs off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
DOLPHINS TURNING TO HALL OF FAME QUARTERBACK TO HELP FIND NEXT GENERAL MANAGER: REPORT
“Who that is – whether they’re in-house or somewhere else, that’s something that we’ll be extremely diligent on,” he continued. “But I know there will be competition for those reins. That much I do know.”
Tagovailoa threw for 2,660 yards with 20 touchdowns this season, but he struggled with accuracy and mobility, throwing a career-high of 15 interceptions. His poor performance comes just one season after signing a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension in July 2024.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa speaks during a press conference after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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The Dolphins face a serious decision regarding Tagovailoa, as releasing him next year would result in a $99 million dead cap charge. If the move is designated as a post-June 1 release, those charges would be split over two years, with $67.4 million allocated to the 2026 cap and $31.8 million in 2027.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Sports
Snoop Dogg hilariously keeps pace with furious Steve Kerr’s ejection-producing rant
In a warm-up for his role in the upcoming Winter Olympics, Snoop Dogg was given a microphone during the second half of the NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Clippers on Monday night at the Intuit Dome.
Can’t wait for those Olympics! Snoop hilariously sizzled when Warriors coach Steve Kerr stormed the court in the fourth quarter of the Clippers’ 103-102 victory.
“The Arizona Wildcat done came out of him. Look at him!” Snoop said, alluding to Kerr’s college team. “Aw, Rawwwr, rawwwr, rawwwr!”
Kerr was hit with two technical fouls in less than a minute. He nearly got one with 8:44 to play when Warriors guard Stephen Curry made a shot that appeared to be a continuation after a foul, but the officials nullified the basket.
Less than a minute later, Kerr found a new level of vehemence after the Clippers’ John Collins wasn’t called for goaltending on a shot by Gary Payton II. The four-time NBA championship coach flew into a rage, aggressively gesturing at officials and screaming.
Kerr picked up the two technicals — his first in nearly four seasons — and was held back by Payton and assistant coaches before exiting to the locker room.
Snoop Dogg, who had joined regular Peacock/NBC announcers Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon for the second half, rose to the occasion, his commentary keeping pace with Kerr’s antics.
“Oh, Steve gonna get thrown out! Get him out of there. Get him out of there! Back him up!” Snoop barked.
All Miller and Gannon could do was laugh as Snoop continued, referencing the location of the Intuit Dome and Kerr’s Southern California ties: “Steve back in Inglewood right now. Inglewooood!!! Get him, Steve! You in Inglewood, Steve!”
Snoop will join NBC Olympics host Mike Tirico in Italy in February, riffing on stories that unfold at the Winter Games the way he did at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. The NBA game was an indication he’ll again be up to the task.
“We are excited to have Snoop bring his unique energy and passion to our NBA coverage,” NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood said in a statement. “It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch Snoop, Reggie and Terry talk hoops with a side order of fun.”
Snoop said in the release that his debut as an NBA game broadcaster “is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to bring a fresh vibe to the analysis.”
For the record, official Brian Forte acknowledged after the game that goaltending should have been called against Collins. Curry told reporters that he appreciated his coach’s passion.
“Two crazy calls in a row that you feel like can dictate the momentum of the game, it doesn’t mean a win or a loss, it just dictates the momentum,” Curry said. “I love that fired up Steve, for sure. Somebody had to do it.”
Visiting Los Angeles has been emotional for Kerr since the Pacific Palisades wildfire a year ago destroyed his childhood home, which his family bought in 1969. His mother, 90-year-old Ann Kerr, still lived in the house, located near Rivas Canyon, and was evacuated safely.
Sports
Russell Wilson not thinking about retirement, plans to play in 2026: ‘I know what I’m capable of’
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Russell Wilson went from starting quarterback of the New York Giants to third string just a few weeks into the 2025 season, leaving many to question if the 10-time Pro Bowler decides to play next season.
Wilson, 37, doesn’t sound like he’s mulling over his decision. He wants to play in 2026.
“I’m not blinking,” Wilson said, per SNY. “I know [what] I’m capable of. I think I showed that in Dallas, and I want to be able to do that again, you know, and just be ready to rock and roll, and be as healthy as possible and be ready to play ball.”
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New York Giants’ Russell Wilson attempts to escape a sack by Dallas Cowboys defensive end James Houston (53) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)
Wilson signed a one-year, veteran minimum deal with the Giants this past offseason worth $10.5 million, which had tons of incentives if he were to play the entire season.
That same offseason, the Giants traded back into the first round to select Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss, and he proved during training camp to have NFL-ready chops under center.
GIANTS STICK WITH GM JOE SCHOEN DESPITE ANOTHER LOSING SEASON, CITING NEED FOR ‘CONTINUITY AND STABILITY’
Still, then-head coach Brian Daboll was steadfast in his decision to start Wilson despite Dart’s success. But, after just three games, where the Giants went 0-3, a change was made.
Daboll went with Dart in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers at home, and the rookie defeated Justin Herbert and company to not only get his first career win, but cement himself as the team’s starter moving forward.
Even then, Wilson remained positive, saying in interviews after practice that he understands the direction of the team and wanted to help Dart develop and grow in his new role.
New York Giants’ Russell Wilson, left, and Jaxson Dart, right, talk on the bench in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)
In his three starts for the Giants, Wilson threw for 831 yards with three touchdowns to three interceptions, though all of those touchdowns came in a Week 2 overtime heartbreaker for New York. Over half of Wilson’s passing yards also came in that game, throwing for 450 in the 40-37 loss.
Wilson also said that he tore his hamstring during that game against the Cowboys.
“I played that game, you know, I tore my hamstring on Friday in practice – the last play of practice. And I had a Grade 2 (tear). I couldn’t tell anybody. I had to go and play on it just because I knew the circumstance, I had to play on it, no matter what,” Wilson explained.
“I actually ended up going to the Dallas Mavericks’ facility, training. And you know, just kept it quiet, just trying to get treatment on it and just knowing that I probably couldn’t run from the goal line to the 10-yard line if I wanted to, but I feel like… I got to play this game.”
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scans the field at the line against the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium. (Rich Barnes/Imagn Images)
It will be interesting to see if Wilson will land anywhere, and better yet, if a team is willing to try him out as a starter again.
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