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
Vikings
Neal: From first to worst, NFC North disappoints in postseason
In a whirlwind, the toughest division in the NFL during the regular season failed in the postseason but became fascinating again in three days this week.
January 22, 2025
Vikings
Neal: Vikings face no matter more important than the future of their defensive coordinator
Since the playoff loss, the team’s needs have been recited item by item. Losing mastermind Brian Flores would create the greatest need of all.
January 19, 2025
Twins
Neal: Interest in Twins purchase spans the nation
The new season is approaching, which means that in the coming weeks there will be clarity on who the third owner in Minnesota Twins history will be. Here’s everything you need to know.
January 16, 2025
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
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