Bieniemy nearing deal to join UCLA coaching staff
Eric Bieniemy is on the verge of returning home for his next job.
The former Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator is expected to become UCLA’S associate head coach and offensive coordinator, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Saturday.
The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because details of the contract are still being worked out.
Bieniemy is the first significant hire for new UCLA coach Deshaun Foster, who was hired on Feb. 12 after Chip Kelly left Westwood to become Ohio State’s offensive coordinator.
Bieniemy, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, spent the past season in Washington. He wasn’t retained by new Commanders coach Dan Quinn, who replaced Ron Rivera.
Foster does not have head coaching or coordinator experience, so the hiring of Bieniemy gives the Bruins an experienced voice as they enter the Big Ten in 2024 and try to retain or add players via the transfer portal.
Funeral held for woman killed during Kansas City parade
Hundreds of mourners attended a funeral mass for a Kansas City-area DJ who was killed when she was shot during a celebration of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory.
Lisa Lopez-galvan was one of about two dozen people who were shot when gunfire erupted Feb. 14 outside the city’s Union Station. She was remembered during the 90-minute service.
Knapp makes 11 birdies, seizes control at Mexico Open
PGA Tour rookie Jake Knapp ran off 11 birdies and seized control of the Mexico Open at Vidanta with an 8-under 63, giving him a four-shot lead going into the final round with a spot in the Masters on the line.
Knapp began the third round in a four-way share of the lead and playing in front of the largest gallery while paired with Alvaro Ortiz of Mexico.
Sami Valimaki of Finland lost momentum on the back nine until finishing with birdie from the collar of the green on the par-5 18th for a 67, leaving him four shots back.
Knapp was at 19-under 194, and only Valimaki was within six shots of him. Ben Silverman (63), Henrik Norlander (65) and Chan Kim (66) were seven shots behind.
Tavatanakit takes 3-stroke lead after three rounds
Local favorite Patty Tavatanakit shot a 6-under 66 to take a threestroke lead into the final round of the LPGA Thailand tournament.
Tavatanakit had a three-round total of 16-under 200 on the Siam Country Club Old Course at Chonburi southeast of Bangkok.
Madelene Sagstrom shot 69 and was in second place while Hye Jinchoi and Emily Kristine Pedersen shot 65s and were tied for third with Hyo Joo-kim, who had a 69.
Brooke Henderson shot 68 and was in a group tied for sixth, five strokes behind the leader.
Pawol first woman to umpire spring game since 2007
It took eight years but Jen Pawol made the leap from the minors to a major league game spring training contest as umpire at the Grapefruit League opener between the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of The Palm Beaches.
Pawol’s spring training debut marked the first time since 2007 that a woman umpired a major league spring training game, last done by Ria Cortesio. Pawol was stationed at third base on Saturday.
Dicello takes gold in USA Gymnastics Winter Cup
Kayla Dicello allowed herself to sit and chill after a better-than-expected start to her season. Olympic champion Sunisa Lee was a bit steamed at herself for literally missing the high bar she set — twice, in fact.
Dicello seized the accolades projected for some of her higher-profile counterparts by winning the uneven bars and floor exercise on the way to the all-around title at the USA Gymnastics Winter Cup with an overall score of 56.850. Skye Blakely scored 54.650 for silver while WOGA teammate Hezly Rivera took the bronze with 54.000.
Odermatt earns third straight World Cup overall title
Marco Odermatt clinched his third consecutive World Cup overall title by claiming a 10th giant slalom victory in a row.
The 26-year-old from Switzerland has been so dominant this season that he is assured of taking home the crystal globe for having the most points in the standings even though there are 10 of 38 races remaining.