OFF AND RUNNING
Chris Mortensen, awardwinning reporter who covered the NFL, dies at 72
Chris Mortensen, the awardwinning journalist who covered the NFL for close to four decades, including 32 as a senior analyst at ESPN, died Sunday morning. He was 72.
ESPN confirmed Mortensen’s death on Sunday. There was no immediate word on the cause or place of death.
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hardworking teammate,” ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades.”
Mortensen announced in 2016 that he he had been diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer. Even while undergoing treatment, he was the first to confirm the retirement of Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.
“We lost a true legend,” Manning said in a social media post. “Mort was the best in the business and I cherished our friendship. I trusted him with my announcement to sign with the Broncos and with the news of my retirement. I will miss him dearly and my thoughts and prayers are with Micki & his family. Rest in peace, Mort.”
Mortensen announced his retirement after the NFL Draft last year so that he could “focus on my health, family and faith.”
MLS
Bunbury’s late PK goal earns Nashville 1-1 draw with Rapids
COMMERCE CITY>> Teal Bunbury scored on a penalty kick in the 90th minute and Nashville earned a 1-1 draw on Saturday night, spoiling the home opener for the Colorado Rapids and new coach Chris Armas.
Bunbury’s equalizer for Nashville (0-0-2) followed a foul on Rapids substitute forward Jonathan Lewis.
Colorado (0-2-0) never did find the net, but the Rapids grabbed the lead on an owngoal by Nashville defender Shaq Moore two minutes into the second half.
Zack Steffen, who surrendered four goals in a seasonopening loss to the Portland Timbers, finished with one save in his second start with the Rapids. Steffen has been out of the league since a stint with the Columbus Crew from 2016-19,
Joe Willis saved two shots for Nashville.
Colorado travels to play Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Nashville returns home to play the Los Angeles Galaxy on March 10.
TENNIS
Nadal looks healthy in exhibition loss to Alcaraz
LAS VEGAS>> There has been plenty of mystery around Rafael Nadal and his health because he has played just 12 official matches since the 2022 U.S. Open.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner played an unofficial event Sunday, losing to fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz 3-6, 6-4 (14-12) in The Netflix Slam. The 37-year-old Nadal showed no apparent sign of any issues related to his hip. Nadal said during a courtside interview with Netflix while up 5-2 in the first set that his performance at that point was “much better than expected.”
The match was also a bit of a physical test for Alcaraz, who injured his right ankle Feb. 20 in the Rio Open. Like Nadal, he didn’t show any noticeable signs of being physically limited.
NHL
Rangers agree to terms with goalie Jonathan Quick
The New York Rangers agreed to terms on Sunday on a oneyear contract extension with veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick that’s worth $1.275 million for the 2024-25 NHL season.