Gott’s Thoughts: Grit falters on field, flourishes in newsroom -30-

I was the worst player on my high school baseball team. But during one drill, I was almost the best. It was a simple ground ball drill. As long as I took the proper “prep-step,” fielded the ball cleanly and threw the ball somewhere in direction of first base, I was allowed to get back […]

Former UCLA cheerleaders speak to unhealthy standards expected of them

The UCLA cheerleading team met for its first practice of 2015 shortly after the new year. “It was the practice after Christmas break, so we had all been drinking and eating cookies and doing Christmas things,” said a 2014-16 UCLA cheerleader who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “We were just practicing – whatever – […]

Former Bruin Chase Utley reflects on college baseball, hit by pitches

Chase Utley recently got some attention for getting hit by pitches. The former Bruin and current Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman was struck by the 200th pitch of his career April 17 in a game against the San Diego Padres. That’s good for No. 8 on the all-time list. “For me, it’s about trying to […]

Baseball falls to Long Beach State 5-1 in fourth consecutive loss

This post was updated May 9 at 9:04 a.m. The Bruin bats didn’t make much noise following their quietest weekend of the season. Long Beach State (21-27) shut down No. 11 UCLA baseball (30-14) 5-1 on Tuesday night, extending the Bruins’ losing streak to a season-high four games. “It’s four games – we can certainly […]

Around the League: Tennis begins Pac-12 championships, baseball continues conference play

Baseball David Gottlieb, Sports editor Cold temperatures have caused a record number of postponements across Major League Baseball this year. But the Pac-12 race is just starting to heat up. All of the teams in the conference are at least halfway done with their conference schedules, with No. 2 Stanford (31-5, 12-3 Pac-12) and No. […]

Chip Kelly addresses reporters before football spring practices

Football coach Chip Kelly beat a pool of reporters to the UCLA backdrop where pre- and post-practice interviews are held on Spaulding Field on Tuesday morning. The coach didn’t seem like he wanted to stay there very long. “What do we got?” Kelly said to start the mini presser. Less than two minutes later: “Easy […]

Kris Wilkes declares for NBA draft, but will not sign an agent

Kris Wilkes will test the waters. The freshman guard has declared for the NBA draft without signing an agent – per a tweet from CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein – meaning he maintains his eligibility for a potential sophomore campaign as a Bruin. Fellow freshman guard Jaylen Hands made a similar move, announcing that he declared […]