Sports Columnists - Chattanooga Times Free Press

5-at-10: Sports do-overs, UT tops UGA in hoops game with puzzling ending, busy Pilots sports

Who would take a do-over?

By Jay Greeson January 29, 2026

LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Kobe Sanders (4) of the LA Clippers in the first half at Intuit Dome on Jan. 22, 2026, in Inglewood, California. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/TNS)

5-at-10: Hall passes on Belichick, NCAA portal tilts again, college hoops extreme round table

So, the NFL Hall of Fame results are looming.

By Jay Greeson January 28, 2026

In this Feb. 1, 2015, file photo, Patriots coach Bill Belichick holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy after New England's win against the Seahawks in Super Bowl 49 in Glendale, Ariz. (Associated Press)

5-at-10: Darnold’s made-for-movies moment, a puzzling Pro Bowl sub, Super Bowl commercials start leaking

The levels of "overcome" Sam Darnold has displayed over the last eight years are staggering.

By Jay Greeson January 27, 2026

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes under pressure from Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Poona Ford (95) during the NFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

5-at-10: Weekend winners (Mike Vrabel) and losers (HCs named Sean) and college sports surrealness

The New England head coach led his team to the Super Bowl.

By Jay Greeson January 26, 2026

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel celebrates with the trophy after the AFC Championship NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Case: Throw a Hail Mary and score some squirrels in hunting’s fourth quarter

Winter is the time to have a lot of fun stalking those little varmints that drove you crazy in the fall, back when you were minding your own business in the deer stand.

By Larry Case January 25, 2026

AP file photo by Adam Gray / A walk through the snow-covered woods in search of squirrels in the trees could be the perfect late-season hunting opportunity. "Guns & Cornbread" columnist Larry Case has some tips for what it takes to outsmart the bushytailed game this time of year.

5-at-10: Friday mailbag with college football issues, SEC offseason vibes, 2026 Heisman frontrunners

Gang, you guys rocked it this week.

By Jay Greeson January 23, 2026

In this Dec. 1, 2025, file photo, Lane Kiffin gives an opening statement after he was introduced as the LSU football coach in Baton Rouge, La. (Associated Press)

5-at-10: MLB labor issues, college sports’ future faces key court dates, which matters more the details or the delivery?

So, we mentioned Wednesday — when we spent too much time talking about Norwegian crotches apparently — that multiple sources inside the MLB ownership circle are talking about being all-in on a salary cap.

By Jay Greeson January 22, 2026

Outfielder Kyle Tucker (right) gets help with his new jersey from Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes during Wednesday's news conference after joining the Dodgers in Los Angeles. (Associated Press)

5-at-10: New Hall class begs underachieving question about Braves, coach checklist, a cheating stitch in time

So, I have banged the drum for a few years saying Andruw Jones should be in MLB's Hall of Great.

By Jay Greeson January 21, 2026

FILE - Former Atlanta Braves player Andruw Jones walks on the field as his number is retired Sept. 9, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

5-at-10: Indiana’s improbable natty, too-early 2026 college football top 25, NFL coach carousel

Wow, so many storylines from Indiana 27, Miami 21 that capped the college football season with the Hoosiers' first national title.

By Jay Greeson January 20, 2026

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti holds the trophy after their win against Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

5-at-10: Weekend winners (the NFL) and losers (the NFL as well) and post-portal headlines

Yes, the Bears lost, but the strides Williams made this season were staggering.

By Jay Greeson January 19, 2026

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