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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

Matthew Paras was a digital sports writer for the Washington Times.

Articles by Matthew Paras

Carolina Panthers' Eric Reid (25) kneels as Cam Newton (1) stands during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek) **FILE**

Eric Reid kneels during national anthem

After signing with the Carolina Panthers 10 days ago, safety Eric Reid told reporters he was undecided on whether he would continue to kneel during the national anthem. But in his first game back, Reid had made his decision loud and clear -- taking a knee Sunday before a game against the New York Giants.

October 7, 2018
GEtting tough: "The game wasn't designed to play tag," Washington Redskins safety D.J. Swearinger said. "The game was designed to hit people." (Associated Press)

Athletes across the spectrum criticize sports for getting soft

From widespread criticism of the NFL's uptick in roughing-the-passer calls to an NHL star's surprisingly long suspension to MLB's criticism of the so-called unwritten rules of baseball, leagues are struggling to strike the right balance between safety and competition.

October 4, 2018
FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2018, file photo, Seattle Seahawks defensive back Earl Thomas (29) is greeted by Arizona Cardinals players as he leaves the field after breaking his leg during the second half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. The Seahawks won 20-17. The Seahawks face the Los Angeles Rams and running back Todd Gurley this week. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File) **FILE**

Josh Norman says Earl Thomas’ frustration with Seahawks understandable

Here was a player in the final year of his contract and had done everything -- from holding out in the offseason to skipping practices in the regular season -- to try and force the Seahawks to give him a new deal, or trade him to another team willing to extend him. Instead, he suffered a season-ending injury just a month into the season -- one that could potentially cost him millions in free agency.

October 4, 2018
Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) fights with Washington Capitals center Lars Eller (20), of Denmark, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, in Washington. The Capitals won 7-0. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Brad Marchand had a really dumb reason for fighting Lars Eller

The first fight of Lars Eller's NHL career left the Capitals center bloody and bruised. During Washington's 7-0 win Wednesday over the Boston Bruins, Eller took a number of clean right hands to the face from Bruins winger Brad Marchand.

October 4, 2018
Washington Capitals' Tom Wilson is introduced during a banner raising ceremony before an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, in Washington. Wilson was banned 20 games by the NHL on Wednesday for a blindside hit to the head of an opponent during a preseason game. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

T.J. Oshie says NHL making example of Wilson

Hours before puck drop, the Capitals were hit with the news that their first-line winger would be suspended for the first 20 games of the season, punishment for his preseason hit on St.Louis Blues center Oskar Sundqvist.

October 3, 2018
Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (25) is helped onto a cart after being injured in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Chris Thompson has overcome more than just injuries

The look on Chris Thompson's face said it all. Eleven months ago, after the Redskins' 34-31 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints, the running back sat in a chair in the bowels of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome -- staring off in the distance, crutches resting on his shoulders with a boot around his right leg.

October 3, 2018
Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith (left) and tight end Vernon Davis (right) celebrate a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)

Redskins not odds-on favorite to win the NFC East

After the first month of the season, the Redskins lead the NFC East with a 2-1 record, in part, because they had a bye in Week 4. But while the Redskins are on top for now, an online sportsbook doesn't think their success will last.

October 3, 2018
FILE - In this Oct. 9, 2016, file photo, Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Sean Lee defends during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, in Arlington, Texas.Sean Lee wants more time to decide if this is the best chance the Dallas Cowboys have to be led by their defense in the linebacker’s eight years with the club. There’s no question about the answer after two games.  (AP Photo/Roger Steinman, File)

Sean Lee expected to miss Cowboys-Texans

The Cowboys linebacker is expected to miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury Sunday when Dallas meets the Houston Texans in prime time, owner Jerry Jones told 103.5 The Fan on Tuesday.

October 2, 2018
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) drops back to pass under pressure from Washington Redskins linebacker Junior Galette (58) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza) **FILE**

Drew Brees nearing history against Redskins

The Saints quarterback is just 201 yards from becoming the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards, and he'll face the Redskins next week on "Monday Night Football."

October 1, 2018