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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

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

Articles by Matthew Paras

Houston Rockets guard John Wall (1) drives on Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Nowell (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, March 27, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King) **FILE**

Rockets, Wall agree to find trade partner

The Washington Wizards moved on from Russell Westbrook this offseason. And now, the Houston Rockets are apparently eager to do the same with John Wall.

September 14, 2021
Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) running with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Taylor Heinicke staying healthy vital for Washington

Thursday will mark just his second regular-season start and his third overall including the playoffs. In those spots, Heinicke has flashed talent. He's provided a spark and kept defenses off balance with his legs. But the undersized 6-foot-1 quarterback hasn't been able to stay healthy long enough to stake a claim on a starter's job.

September 14, 2021
Martin Truex Jr., celebrates winning the NASCAR Cup series auto race in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Truex hitting stride after another Richmond win

In most sports, an athlete hitting his or her 40s means the end is fast approaching -- if not already in the rearview mirror. But in racing, a driver is often hitting his prime at that age. Just ask Martin Truex Jr.

September 13, 2021
Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) reacting after getting tackled by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Landover, Md. Fitzpatrick was injured on this play and was replaced by Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Fitzpatrick’s injury casts shadow over promise of a new season

The thought crossed Logan Thomas' mind because how could it not? This was a new season -- a season that was supposed to be different -- and there Ryan Fitzpatrick was, on the ground in pain. Not even halfway through the second quarter. Of Game 1. Another quarterback hurt.

September 12, 2021
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throws a pass during practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Costa Mesa, Calif., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo) **FILE**

Herbert, Bosa present big challenge for Washington

Sunday's matchup features the reigning offensive and defensive rookies of the year in Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and Washington defensive end Chase Young. The Chargers also have two stars in wide receiver Keenan Allen and defensive end Joey Bosa. Allen is regarded as one of the best route runners in the game, while Bosa has made the Pro Bowl three times in five seasons.

September 9, 2021
Empty standing room spots are seen at FedEx Field during the first half of an NFL football game between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) **FILE**

Curiosity piqued: Will fans return for Washington in 2021?

Ahead of a new Washington Football Team season, with crowds welcomed back to FedEx Field, a potentially existential question arises for the oft-troubled NFL franchise: Has a single unexpected, improbable playoff run under Ron Rivera restored the faith of a long-disillusioned fanbase?

September 9, 2021
In this file photo, Washington Football Team owner Dan Snyder, left, and his wife Tanya Snyder, listen to head coach Ron Rivera during a news conference at the team's NFL football training facility in Ashburn, Va., in this Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, file photo.  (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)  **FILE**

Tanya Snyder makes first extensive comments as co-CEO

In her first extensive interview since she was named co-CEO, Washington's Tanya Snyder said the past year has been "one of the most difficult" years in her and husband Dan Snyder's life in the wake of the team's sexual harassment scandal.

September 7, 2021
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a play against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

The new abnormal: The NFL returns, forever changed by COVID-19, social activism

When the NFL begins another season Thursday, there will be more fans at Raymond James Stadium to watch Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Dallas Cowboys than there were at the same site for Super Bowl 55 in February. After the stark, jarring images of games played in empty or near-empty stadiums last fall, the return of noisy, cheering fans is one step toward normalcy.

September 7, 2021