Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2019 file photo Los Angeles Rams punter Johnny Hekker kicks an onside kick during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. The NFL is considering adding a “booth umpire” and a senior technology advisor to the referee to assist the officiating crew. The league also is looking at other rules changes, including an alternative to the onside kick. NFL clubs received a list of potential rules changes on Thursday, May 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman, file)

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Should the NFL eliminate the kickoff?

By River Wells | May 27, 2020

The onside kick must stay as-is

FILE - In this Oct. 23, 2019, file photo, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a news conference at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City. Something is finally clear in the uncertain NBA. Players believe they’re going to play games again this season. The obvious questions like how, where and when remain unanswered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

SPORTS

Coronavirus roundup: NBA and NHL make big gains in efforts to return to play

By Noah Ram | May 25, 2020

Memorial Day weekend is a time that is revered by sports fans across the country.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

What if: Cam Newbauer stayed at Belmont?

By Bryan Matamoros | May 22, 2020

Let’s say I told you to roam the O’Connell Center and ask people to describe Cam Newbauer.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

What If: The 04s didn’t come back for the 2007 season?

By Payton Titus | May 21, 2020

It’s 2006. Facebook has recently been made open to the public. The first episode of “Hannah Montana” just aired on the Disney Channel. And the Gators men's basketball team brought home its first national championship title in program history.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

What if: UF never hired Bob Woodruff

By Declan Walsh | May 20, 2020

Bob Woodruff isn’t exactly the sexiest name in UF sports. He’s not talked about as one of the program’s great coaches, his legacy is only revered deep in the annals of Florida history, and he’s only the fourth result when you search for Bob Woodruff on Wikipedia.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

To the Class of 2024, with love

By Kendyl Lindaman | May 20, 2020

I knew something wasn’t right.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

What if: Will Grier never got suspended?

By Noah Ram | May 18, 2020

It felt like a renaissance, a return to glory for the Gators.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

What If: The gymnastics season wasn’t cancelled in 2020?

By River Wells | May 18, 2020

Perfection.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Observations from a sports writer from New Jersey

By Declan Walsh | May 17, 2020

Growing up in New Jersey, an April afternoon looks quite different than one around Gainesville. The temperature is probably going to peak at 50 degrees, the trees and the flora are bare for the most part, and a trip to watch a Rutgers baseball game leaves you in the company of maybe 100 people.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

What If: The Gators hired Mullen instead of McElwain?

By Brendan Farrell | May 17, 2020

The year is 2014. The Gators have just finished a 6-5 regular season where their defense was one of the best in the country and their offense was, well, it’s better left unsaid. In other words, it was a typical Will Muschamp team.

Leipzig's Angelino gestures before taking a corner during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and SC Freiburg in Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, May 16, 2020. The German Bundesliga becomes the world's first major soccer league to resume after a two-month suspension because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Jan Woitas/dpa via AP)

SPORTS

Coronavirus roundup: Professional sports leagues making a slow return

By Noah Ram | May 16, 2020

Last weekend, for the first time in nearly two months, American sports fans witnessed a live sporting event in the U.S. with UFC 249 taking place in Jacksonville without fans.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

What If: John Egbunu Never Got Injured?

By Zachary Huber | May 16, 2020

Many Florida fans remember the 2016-2017 men’s basketball season for three reasons: Chris Chiozza’s game-winner against Wisconsin in the Sweet 16, Canyon Barry’s underhanded free throws and the opening of a renovated O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

What If: Kelly Barnhill didn’t give up that home run in the 2017 Women’s College World Series?

By Dylan O'Shea | May 15, 2020

Oklahoma first baseman Shay Knighten crushed a series-defining homerun and the chances of Kelly Barnhill and Amanda Lorenz capturing a Women’s College World Series title in one swing.