La Velle E. Neal III
Columnist
SportsA native of Chicago, La Velle has covered the Minnesota Twins since 1998. He also covered the Kansas City Royals for the Kansas City Star from 1995 through 1997. A graduate of the University of Illinois - Chicago, La Velle is a former president of the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Latest from La Velle E. Neal III
Sports
Neal: All eyes will be on Sam Darnold, but don’t forget about Aaron Jones and Cam Akers
All eyes will be on Darnold following his clunker against Detroit, but don’t ignore the impact Aaron Jones and Cam Akers can have on Monday night.
January 12, 2025
Vikings
Neal: Relax, Vikings fans, it’s going to be fine
Vikings fans need to accelerate through the five stages of the grief process, arrive at the meaning of it all and get right in time for Monday night's playoff game with the Rams.
January 7, 2025
Sports
Neal: Dan Campbell is a big lug ... as in lovable big lug
While Kevin O’Connell is considered the front runner for NFL Coach of the Year, Dan Campbell should be the runner up — which makes this Sunday showdown that much more exciting.
January 5, 2025
Sports
Neal: For Minnesota sports teams, 2024 was great — but 2025 can be legendary
After a breakout 2024 for Minnesota sports teams, 2025 could be even better — but to do so, Anthony Edwards, Kevin O’Connell, Napheesa Collier, Lindsey Vonn and co. will have to keep raising the bar.
January 2, 2025
Gophers
Neal: With CFP expansion, P.J. Fleck and the Gophers should have loftier goals
We should expect P.J. Fleck to craft a 10-win season every few years, not once in eight. Can’t he just get the Gophers close enough to the CFP to be snubbed once in a while?
January 2, 2025
Sports
Neal: Sam Darnold’s resurrection could grow to legend builder after Sunday
The legend of Darnold is beginning right when the Vikings are playing their most important games of the season, beginning with an NFC North showdown against the Packers on Sunday.
December 29, 2024
Sports
Neal: Rickey Henderson ... gone but never forgotten
After an incredible 25-year career that saw him become MLB's all-time stolen bases leader and the greatest leadoff hitter ever, Rickey Henderson died Friday at age 65.
December 26, 2024
Sports
Neal: Marriage suits Gophers hockey senior Huglen. Soon, fatherhood will, too.
Aaron Huglen and wife Maddie are expecting their first baby right before the Gophers take aim at a sixth NCAA title.
December 22, 2024
Gophers
Neal: With CFP expansion, P.J. Fleck and the Gophers should have loftier goals
We should expect P.J. Fleck to craft a 10-win season every few years, not once in eight. Can’t he just get the Gophers close enough to the CFP to be snubbed once in a while?
January 2, 2025
Sports
Neal: Sam Darnold’s resurrection could grow to legend builder after Sunday
The legend of Darnold is beginning right when the Vikings are playing their most important games of the season, beginning with an NFC North showdown against the Packers on Sunday.
December 29, 2024
Sports
Neal: Rickey Henderson ... gone but never forgotten
After an incredible 25-year career that saw him become MLB's all-time stolen bases leader and the greatest leadoff hitter ever, Rickey Henderson died Friday at age 65.
December 26, 2024
Sports
Neal: Marriage suits Gophers hockey senior Huglen. Soon, fatherhood will, too.
Aaron Huglen and wife Maddie are expecting their first baby right before the Gophers take aim at a sixth NCAA title.
December 22, 2024