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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

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

Articles by Matthew Paras

Washington Wizards' Russell Westbrook, right, is congratulated by Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young after an NBA basketball game Monday, May 10, 2021, in Atlanta. Westbrook recorded his 182nd career triple-double, passing Oscar Robertson for the most in NBA history. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Russell Westbrook sets all-time triple-double record in loss to Hawks

The Washington Wizards star notched his 182nd career triple-double in Monday's 125-124 loss to the Atlanta Hawks -- surpassing Oscar Robertson for the all-time record. Westbrook, 32, hit the milestone with 8:33 left in the fourth quarter -- grabbing a defensive rebound after a miss from Danilo Gallinari.

May 10, 2021
Jockey John Velazquez, left, watches as trainer Bob Baffert holds up the winner's trophy after they victory with Medina Spirit in the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 1, 2021, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) ** FILE **

Bob Baffert blames Churchill Downs suspension on ‘cancel culture’

Horse-racing trainer Bob Baffert finds himself in hot water after his Kentucky Derby-winning horse, Medina Spirit, tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug. On Sunday, Churchill Downs suspended Baffert, whose horses have had five failed drug tests in a little more than a year.

May 10, 2021
FILE - Washington Football Team cheerleaders perform before an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Landover, Md., in this Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, file photo. The Washington Football Team will not have cheerleaders for the 2021 season as part of an organizational rebranding. Washington hired Petra Pope, who managed the "Laker Girls" and brings three decades of NBA experience as an adviser to take on the task of reinventing the group.(AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr., File)

Washington valued at $3.5 billion in Forbes report

The Washington Football Team, considered one of the five most valuable sports franchises in the world just a decade ago, barely makes the top 20 these days, according to the latest rankings from Forbes.

May 10, 2021
Washington Wizards' Russell Westbrook (4) goes to the basket against Indiana Pacers' Doug McDermott (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, May 8, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Westbrook, Robertson will share forever a link across basketball eras

Russell Westbrook remembers how he couldn't contain his own smile. Back in 2017, the then-league MVP met Oscar Robertson for the first time shortly after Westbrook became the first player since Robertson to average a triple-double over the course of the season.

May 9, 2021
Philadelphia Eagles' Nate Sudfeld (7) passes against Washington Football Team's Ryan Kerrigan (91) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton). **FILE**

Ryan Kerrigan reunion possible? Washington not shutting door

After the season ended, Ryan Kerrigan made his intentions clear: The 32-year-old pass-rusher said he believes he's a starter in the NFL and he wanted to join a team who still sees him as such. Those words made it hard to envision Kerrigan re-signing with Washington, for the simple reason that the NFL veteran was a backup to Montez Sweat and Chase Young in 2020.

May 6, 2021
Washington Football Team strong safety Landon Collins (26) warming up before the start of an NFL football game against Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) **FILE**

Landon Collins staying at safety

Washington's defensive coordinator made no mention of a possible position switch, telling the team's senior vice president of media and content Julie Donaldson that Collins is working "his butt off" to return from a torn Achilles.

May 6, 2021
John Velazquez riding Medina Spirit leads Florent Geroux on Mandaloun and Flavien Prat riding Hot Rod Charlie to win the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 1, 2021, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) **FILE**

Kentucky Derby bounces back, ratings up over last year

The Kentucky Derby became the third-most watched, non-football event of the year -- drawing 14.37 million viewers, according to Sports Media Watch. The horse race saw a 48% ratings increase from last year, when the event averaged a record-low 9.26 million.

May 4, 2021