Skip to content
TRENDING:
Donald Trump
Advertisement
Author profile

Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

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

Articles by Matthew Paras

A game day raffle winner at FedEx Field said Wednesday that the check he received from the Washington Commanders had bounced. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) **FILE**

Washington stages social justice demonstration prior to Eagles game

The Washington Football Team staged a demonstration against racial injustice prior to Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, kneeling as a team while the names of victims of police brutality scrolled down the team's videoboards at FedEx Field.

September 13, 2020
Washington head coach Ron Rivera walks on the field during practice at the team's NFL football training facility, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Andy Reid, Bill Belichick provide road map for Ron Rivera in second stop

Ron Rivera has a reputation as a coach who comes up with creative ways to bond with players. Rivera demands excellence -- the Panthers had three division titles, four postseason berths and one Super Bowl appearance during Rivera's tenure -- but his old-school approach is leavened with a welcoming personality that former players say inspires them.

September 10, 2020
Washington quarterbacks Steven Montez (6), Dwayne Haskins Jr., (7) and Kyle Allen (8) work during practice at the team's NFL football training facility, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Dwayne Haskins loves a challenge. His second season with Washington will be one.

When Haskins takes the field Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, the game will be the latest test in a pivotal year for the second-year quarterback. After eight challenging months, Haskins believes he is in a much better position than last year's season opener, when he knew he wasn't going to play.

September 9, 2020
In this Feb. 2, 2020, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes, left, and Tyrann Mathieu celebrate after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game in Miami Gardens, Fla. Teams could afford recent contracts like the megabucks given to Mahomes and Joey Bosa under normal circumstances. Because of economic effects from the pandemic, future player deals and a salary cap that will be adjusted due to some monetary setbacks, upcoming free agents might find the marketplace tighter. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

Masks, protests, empty stands and a new NFL season

A COVID-19-wary, player-protesting, socially conscious NFL returns Thursday night with the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Houston Texans in a mostly empty Arrowhead Stadium. Fans, players and coaches will be masked as part of the NFL's beefed-up pandemic protocols.

September 9, 2020
Washington wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (10) runs with the ball during practice at the team's NFL football training facility, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Antonio Gandy-Golden builds an NFL dream

"The older he got, the more curious he got," Gandy-Golden's mom says. "As he got older, he was really intrigued by the things he could see the end result. ... Whatever he was curious about, he would really investigate it."

September 7, 2020
Jockey John Velazquez riding Authentic, wins the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Kentucky Derby draws big ratings, down from last year

NBC announced Saturday that the iconic horse race was the most-watched sports program since the Super Bowl and the most-watched sporting event on Labor Day Weekend since 2017 -- drawing 8.3 million total viewers across television and digital platforms.

September 6, 2020
Washington running back Adrian Peterson (26) runs with the ball during practice at the team's NFL football training facility, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Adrian Peterson, Lions reach deal: Report

Days after he was released from Washington, running back Adrian Peterson agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract Sunday with the Detroit Lions.

September 6, 2020
Washington quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws the ball during practice at the team's NFL football training facility, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Washington’s 53-man roster breakdown: Alex Smith makes comeback

Alex Smith had been working toward this moment. After progressing throughout training camp as he recovered from his life-threatening leg injury, the 36-year-old quarterback made Washington's roster Saturday when the team had to narrow down to 53 players.

September 5, 2020