Dan McLaughlin 'stepping away' from Cardinals broadcasts after third DWI charge

ST. LOUIS – Longtime St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Dan McLaughlin, facing a felony charge for his third DWI offense, will not return to play-by-play duties next season.

St. Louis County prosecutors charged McLaughlin with one felony for a persistent offender of driving earlier this month. Creve Coeur police arrested McLaughlin on Dec. 4 after he failed a sobriety test in a traffic stop on Interstate 270.

McLaughlin sent the following statement to FOX 2 on Thursday afternoon:

“I have spent the last several days reflecting on my steps towards addressing my health and the well-being of my family and me. I have come to the conclusion that my sole focus needs to be on my recovery, which I have started, and that of my wife and children. As a result, I am stepping away from my duties at Bally Sports Midwest. I thank all of the people of Bally for their support throughout the years and wish them the best. As I move forward, I please ask for your patience and your privacy. Thank you. God Bless.”

McLaughlin, 48, had handled play-by-play duties for St. Louis Cardinals games through FOX Sports Midwest and Bally Sports Midwest since 2000.

McLaughlin’s most recent arrest marks his DWI charge. In 2010, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. His driver’s license was suspended, but not revoked. In 2011, he was arrested after a one-vehicle crash near his home in Chesterfield. FOX Sports Midwest suspended him from all broadcasts, including the World Series run. McLaughlin later returned to baseball broadcasts in February 2012.

According to Missouri law, a persistent offender of DWI is someone who has been charged with at least two prior convictions of intoxication-related traffic crimes. McLaughlin’s next court hearing over the felony charge is planned for Feb. 3.

In addition to his experience with the Cardinals, McLaughlin previously tackled play-by-pay duties for Saint Louis University Basketball broadcasts and contributed to St. Louis Blues broadcasts on KPLR and Bally Sports Midwest. A 1996 Lindenwood graduate, McLaughlin called his first major league game at the age of 23. He previously ran a sports podcast and internet video site called Scoops With Danny Mac.

Chiefs Patrick Mahomes to invest in Major League Pickleball franchise

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is switching things up and investing in a new venture and a new game.

The NFL star is one of the latest professional athletes to buy into a new Major League Pickleball team, according to Forbes.

The media company also reports that the investment will likely cost Mahomes between $1 million and $3 million based on the pickleball league’s expansion fee in similar deals.

Forbes says Mahomes is expected to be part of an ownership group that will invest in a team that will be based in Miami. The team is expected to begin playing in 2023.

Major League Pickleball started with eight teams in 2021. The league expanded to 12 teams earlier this year.

According to the MLP website, the league will double to 24 franchises in 2023.

Major League Pickleball is one of three professional pickleball leagues operating. The league has not responded to a request from FOX4 for information on the expanded teams and Mahomes’ involvement.

Mahomes is also an owner in the Kansas City Royals, Sporting Kansas City, and wife Brittany is a owner in the Kansas City Current.

Possible inspiration behind Patrick Mahomes no-look pass

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A key play in Sunday’s Kansas City Chiefs win over rival Denver Broncos may have come from something that happened when different cameras were rolling.

Fans witnessed the unexpected play in the second quarter when the Chiefs were facing 3rd-and-2.

Mahomes took a snap scrambled as the Broncos’ defensive line ran towards him. Just when everyone thought it would be a busted play, Mahomes came up with magic to complete a no-look, flip pass to Jerick McKinnon. The running back then turned on the jets to rush 56 years for a touchdown.

FOX4’s Rob Collins mentioned that the no-look pass resembled the toss Andy Reid uses in the State Farm commercial to get rid of his marker and asked the coach if he was the inspiration for the play.

“Yeah, I think it is (laughs). I’ll tell you that was (a) pretty spectacular play. I think you guys know that, but that was special. He did a nice job. I appreciate the humor there, though.”

Mahomes had something different to say about the play Sunday after the game.

“I was committed to running and then I saw I was probably going to get hit like I did last week in Cincinnati, so I just kinda flipped it. I was just trying to get it to him whatever way possible. I just kinda flicked it and he made a great play after, some guys made blocks, and he scored a touchdown. I gotta just find that fine line of when I’m doing that type of stuff and it’s good for us and when I do stuff and it’s bad for us,” Mahomes said.

The highlight reel pass is a thing of the past, at least for now, as the Chiefs get ready to face the Texans in Houston. Kickoff is Sunday at 12 p.m.

NCAA: MSSU former football coach violated ethical conduct rules

JOPLIN, Mo. – The NCAA says Missouri Southern State and the former head football coach committed multiple violations over two years.

In a release of its findings today, the NCAA states MSSU, “failed to monitor its football program, which committed multiple NCAA violations over two academic years, including impermissible recruiting inducements and benefits, academic misconduct and violations of countable athletically related activities, according to an agreement released by the Division II Committee on Infractions. A former football assistant coach also violated ethical conduct rules and did not cooperate with an NCAA investigation.”

The alleged violations of the former football head coach include:

  • failing to promote an atmosphere of compliance with NCAA rules and was directly involved in violations, according to a decision released by the committee
  • failing to monitor his staff’s involvement in student-athletes’ academics after threatening staff jobs if student-athletes failed to perform academically
  • engaging in unethical conduct when he did not meet his obligation to cooperate with an investigation and denied involvement in the violations.

The university and the enforcement staff used ranges identified by the Division II membership-approved infractions penalty guidelines to agree upon the following penalties:

  • Three years of probation, through Nov. 2, 2025.
  • A $5,000 fine.
  • A reduction in football scholarships to 34.2 for the 2022-23 academic year.
  • A vacation of all football records in which student-athletes competed while ineligible. The university must provide a written report containing the contests impacted to the NCAA media coordination and statistics staff within 14 days of the public release of the decision.
  • A one-week prohibition against off-campus recruiting contacts and evaluations during the 2022-23 academic year.
  • A one-year show-cause order for the former academic advisor.
  • A four-year show-cause order for the former assistant coach.
  • A two-year disassociation of the booster, as detailed in the public negotiated resolution.

According to the NCAA, after reviewing the head coach’s case, the committee also prescribed the following penalty:

  • A seven-year show-cause order for the former head coach.

Missouri Southern State University released a statement today about the investigation findings.

“Today, as we move forward, Missouri Southern is committed to a highly competitive NCAA Division II athletics program that supports a great student-athlete experience and prioritizes achieving these goals within a culture of compliance,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, MSSU President since July 2020. 

“While these circumstances are unfortunate, particularly because the violations occurred prior to Coach Bradley’s arrival, we are pleased to have this matter resolved so that we can continue to focus on the positive progress of our football program,” said Mallory. “I have 100% confidence that under Coach Bradley’s leadership that Lions football is operating with the highest levels of integrity and transparency.”

MSSU states no current MSSU employees were implicated in this investigation.

You can read the full releases from the NCAA and MSSU below.

NCAA Findings on MSSU former Coach

Missouri Southern State failed to monitor its football program, which committed multiple NCAA violations over two academic years, including impermissible recruiting inducements and benefits, academic misconduct and violations of countable athletically related activities, according to an agreement released by the Division II Committee on Infractions. A former football assistant coach also violated ethical conduct rules and did not cooperate with an NCAA investigation.

(PDF Version)

The former football head coach violated head coach responsibility rules and ethical conduct rules when he failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance with NCAA rules and was directly involved in violations, according to a decision released by the committee. He failed to monitor his staff’s involvement in student-athletes’ academics after threatening staff jobs if student-athletes failed to perform academically, and he engaged in unethical conduct when he did not meet his obligation to cooperate with an investigation and denied involvement in the violations.

This case used different resolution paths. The school and the former academic advisor agreed to the violations and penalties and resolved their case through a negotiated resolution. The former assistant coach did not participate in the investigation, and his violations and penalties were uncontested. The former head coach contested the violations but ultimately stopped participating in the infractions process. The committee considered his violations on the written record.

The university, former academic advisor and enforcement staff agreed that the advisor provided impermissible recruiting inducements and impermissible benefits on multiple occasions. The advisor had existing relationships with two student-athletes from her previous job. The first student-athlete lived cost-free at the advisor’s home for several months prior to his enrollment at Missouri Southern State, amounting to approximately $2,000 in impermissible inducements. The advisor also paid an outstanding tuition bill of approximately $1,500 from his previous school, which allowed him to enroll at Missouri Southern State. The advisor later paid a $500 bail fee for another student-athlete who had been arrested while enrolled at the school. Even though both student-athletes ultimately repaid the advisor, the benefits violated NCAA rules.

The committee also determined that an additional violation involving recruiting inducements occurred when, after being hired by Missouri Southern State, the former football head coach began recruiting a community college student-athlete who had played for the coach at his previous school. That prospect had an outstanding tuition bill at his prior school, and as a result the college would not release his transcripts so he could transfer. The head coach arranged for a booster to pay that tuition bill, which amounted to more than $8,000. The payment constitutes an impermissible recruiting inducement, and the head coach’s direct involvement violated ethical conduct rules. The prospect later enrolled and competed in eight contests, receiving actual and necessary expenses associated with those competitions, while ineligible.

The school and the enforcement staff agreed that during two consecutive summers, the football coaching staff required student-athletes to participate in “captain’s practices,” which involved athlete-led drills and seven-on-seven activities. Those practices were scheduled to accommodate training, summer classes and job schedules for student-athletes, and were directed and observed by members of the coaching staff, resulting in the program exceeding the allowed countable athletics-related activity. The head coach later admitted he was aware of the practices.

Additionally, the school and the enforcement staff agreed that the former assistant coach pressured an enrolled student-athlete to complete coursework for a prospect. The assistant coach threatened to withhold the student-athlete’s scholarship if he did not complete the online courses and strictly advised him not to speak to anyone about that arrangement.

The committee concluded that the head coach failed to monitor his staff’s involvement in student-athletes’ academics after he threated their jobs if student-athletes failed to perform, noting that “as a result of these threats, an assistant coach engaged in academic misconduct.”

The committee also determined that the head coach did not promote an atmosphere for compliance. In its decision, the committee stated, “[H]e personally created an environment where the athletics leadership and compliance were considered the enemy and used fear and intimidation with his staff members to further that divide. His approach was the antithesis of a compliant program[.]”

The school and enforcement staff agreed that Missouri Southern State failed to monitor its football program. While the school was aware of the tensions between the football program and the athletics department, the school did not enforce the reporting structure with the football head coach or his staff.

Finally, the head coach engaged in unethical conduct when he did not meet his obligation to cooperate with an investigation. In addition to providing demonstrably false or misleading information to investigators, the head coach did not agree to violations and penalties in the negotiated resolution with the school and academic advisor but did not respond to the staff’s subsequent notice of allegations or multiple requests for a response from the Committee on Infractions.

The university and the enforcement staff used ranges identified by the Division II membership-approved infractions penalty guidelines to agree upon the following penalties:

  • Three years of probation, through Nov. 2, 2025.
  • A $5,000 fine.
  • A reduction in football scholarships to 34.2 for the 2022-23 academic year.
  • A vacation of all football records in which student-athletes competed while ineligible. The university must provide a written report containing the contests impacted to the NCAA media coordination and statistics staff within 14 days of the public release of the decision.
  • A one-week prohibition against off-campus recruiting contacts and evaluations during the 2022-23 academic year.
  • A one-year show-cause order for the former academic advisor.
  • A four-year show-cause order for the former assistant coach.
  • A two-year disassociation of the booster, as detailed in the public negotiated resolution.

After reviewing the head coach’s case, the committee also prescribed the following penalty:

  • A seven-year show-cause order for the former head coach.

Members of the Committee on Infractions are drawn from NCAA member schools and conferences and members of the public. The committee members who reviewed this case are Jessica Chapin, director of athletics at American International; David Hansburg, director of athletics at Colorado School of Mines; John David Lackey, attorney; Richard Loosbrock, faculty athletics representative at Adams State; Melissa Reilly, associate commissioner at the East Coast Conference; Leslie Schuemann, senior woman administrator/deputy commissioner at the Great Midwest Athletic Conference; and Jason Sobolik, assistant athletics director for compliance and student services at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

MSSU Release about the Investigation Findings

The NCAA Committee on Infractions has announced its findings after an investigation into actions of the Missouri Southern State University football program that occurred in 2019 and 2020.

Missouri Southern State University, a proud member of the NCAA Division II and the MIAA, has a history of supporting exemplary academic and athletic programs while adhering to the rules of its governing body. The university routinely and thoroughly investigates all potential violations of NCAA or MIAA rules and self-reports in a timely manner when it is determined that violations have occurred. The athletic department implements regular compliance education for all coaches and staff.

When university NCAA compliance staff was notified of potential violations in July 2020, an internal investigation was conducted, which resulted in self-reporting to the NCAA in October 2020. The university has since worked collaboratively with NCAA enforcement staff on its investigation and has agreed to a fair resolution of the violations that occurred in 2019 and 2020. MSSU fully concurs with NCAA enforcement and the Committee on Infractions regarding this negotiated resolution. The university appreciated the assistance and diligence of the enforcement staff for working closely throughout the investigation process.

Since the time of the violations, both the football program and athletic department are under new leadership, with the arrival of Head Football Coach Atiba Bradley in February 2021 and Director of Athletics Rob Mallory in July 2021. No current MSSU employees were implicated in this investigation.

“Today, as we move forward, Missouri Southern is committed to a highly competitive NCAA Division II athletics program that supports a great student-athlete experience and prioritizes achieving these goals within a culture of compliance,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, MSSU President since July 2020.

“While these circumstances are unfortunate, particularly because the violations occurred prior to Coach Bradley’s arrival, we are pleased to have this matter resolved so that we can continue to focus on the positive progress of our football program,” said Mallory. “I have 100% confidence that under Coach Bradley’s leadership that Lions football is operating with the highest levels of integrity and transparency.”

Legendary Webb City football coach announces retirement

WEBB CITY, Mo. — A legend in local high school football announces he’s retiring.

Webb City High School Coach John Roderique made the announcement Monday:

“I am so proud to be a part of this amazing community, school, and Webb City Football. For the past 26 years, I’ve been able to do what I love—every single day. What an honor and privilege it has been. Thank you to the administrators, teachers, and staff. And, special thanks to the assistant coaches and young men who have poured their hearts into our program.”

Webb City Football is rooted in pride and tradition and I stand firm on the quote that ‘Great things can be accomplished when everyone works together and nobody cares who gets the credit.’ This quote epitomizes the players and coaches I’ve had the opportunity to work with throughout the years. God has blessed me abundantly.

Latest from Webb City…

“I’m excited (and a little sad) to announce my retirement at the end of this school year I have loved my role as the head football coach and Athletic Director at Webb City High School and will cherish the friendships and memories. From the bottom of my heart—thank you all,” Roderique added.

Chiefs vs Broncos bumped out of Sunday Night Football slate in Week 14

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It’s flexing season for the NFL, and this time it’s working against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs and the Denver Broncos have been flexed out of the Week 14 Sunday night slate on Dec. 11.

The Chiefs have already played in five primetime games this season and were originally scheduled to play Sunday night.

But the league has now pushed the Chiefs-Broncos game up to 3:05 p.m., and the new Sunday Night Football game will feature the Miami Dolphins at the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Dolphins are currently first in the AFC East and second in the conference, behind only the Chiefs.

Meanwhile, Kansas City is hoping to keep its dominance within the AFC West when the team faces last-place Denver in Week 14.

Many believe the game was flexed out due to the Broncos’ struggles. They entered the season with high expectations after trading for quarterback Russell Wilson and adding new front office and coaching staff. But so far, it appears the moves are not working out.

Andy Reid sets record for most wins at Arrowhead

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ever since Andy Reid arrived in Kansas City, the Chiefs have been one of the most consistent franchises in the NFL.

Reid is lauded by many pundits as one of the best coaches and offensive minds in the history of the game.

He was able to accomplish a new feat in his career after the Chiefs 26-10 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Reid now has the most wins of any coach at Arrowhead Stadium with 65, passing the late, legendary Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer.

The Chiefs have also won their last 26 games in November and December, with QB Patrick Mahomes having not lost in either month since he became the starter.

They will now go on the road to face a hot Cincinnati Bengals in an AFC Championship rematch next Sunday at 3:25 p.m. CT

Grove's undefeated season comes to a end; Carl Albert wins 55-21

OWASSO, Okla. – Grove turned the ball over three times and came up short on the scoreboard as the second-ranked Midwest City Carl Albert Titans defeated the Ridgerunners 55-21 in the Class 5A semifinals.

Carl Albert, a 16-time state champion, will try once again to take home the golden ball when they meet McAlester (11-2) next Saturday for the Class 5A Championship game at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Grove senior running back Emmanuel Crawford ended the night with over 6,600 career yards – a Class 5A record.  His three touchdowns on the night netted 152 yards.

Grove senior quarterback Carson Trimble had 96 yards in the air and rushed for 41 yards.

Two costly interceptions in the first half worked against Grove allowing Carl Albert to take an early 14-0 lead with a Xavier Robinson run of 21 yards and a 39-yard pass from Reed DeQuasie to Tashawn James.

Grove’s Crawford, who looked like he was going to get thrown for a loss, wiggled around Titan defenders and scored cutting into Carl Albert’s lead 14-7.

Carl Albert scored twice in the second quarter to take a 27-7 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Titans exploded in the third quarter putting up 21 points on a Trey Washington 75 pass from Dequasie, a 12-yard bootleg run by Dequasie and a 67-yard run by Robinson.

Trystan Haynes scored on a 67-yard punt return for the Titans in the fourth quarter.

Crawford added points in the fourth quarter on an 80-yard touchdown run and a 6-yard touchdown run.

Scoring Summary

Carl Albert 14 13 21 7 — 55

Grove 7 0 0 14 — 21

First Quarter

  • CA: Robinson, 21-yard run. (Ethan Spiwak Kick)
  • CA: Trystan Haynes 39 pass from Reed Dequasie (Spiwak kick)
  • G: Emmanuel Crawford 4 run (Cory Martin kick)

Second Quarter

  • CA: Robinson 6 run (Conversion run failed)
  • CA: Dequasie 6 run (Spiwak kick)

Third Quarter

  • CA: Trey Washington 75 pass from Dequasie (Spiwak kick)
  • CA: Dequasie 12 run (Spiwak kick)
  • CA: Robinson 67 run (Spiwak kick)

Fourth Quarter

  • CA: Haynes 73 punt return (Spiwak kick)
  • G: Crawford 80 run (Martin kick)
  • G: Crawford 7 run (Martin kick)

Ridgerunners take on the Titans tonight in the semifinal rounds of Class 5A playoffs

OWASSO, Okla. – Tonight the top-ranked Grove Ridgerunners will put their undefeated season to the test when they take on second-ranked Midwest City Carl Albert Titans in the Class 5A semifinals.  

This is the first meeting between the two schools.  The winner advances to the finals next Saturday against the winner between No. 3 OKC McGuinness and No. 5 McAlester.

The game kicks off at 7 p.m. at Owasso Stadium and can be heard on KGVE 99.3 or live-streamed here.

Carl Albert brings to the gridiron a rich football history. The 14-time state champions have won five straight titles between 2016 and 2020.

This is the Ridgerunners’ fourth time to advance this far in the playoffs dating back to 1958.

Grove’s juggernaut three-head beast of an offense is averaging 48 points a game and is anchored by senior quarterback Carson Trimble.

Trimble has passed for 2,329 yards and scored 33 touchdowns and rushed 447 yards and scored six touchdowns on the season.

His go-to receiver, Hagen Hacker has caught 44 passes for 805 yards scoring 15 touchdowns.

The third foundation in the high-octane offense is senior running back Emmanuel Crawford.

Crawford has lit up the scoreboard rushing for 2,081 yards and scoring 41 touchdowns (33 rushing, 7 passing, and one punt return) this season.

The senior holds the record for career rushing in Class 5A with 6,555 yards.

On the other side of the field Grove’s defense hasn’t shirked away from its responsibilities holding opponents to 16 points a game.

Grove’s swarming defense has contained their opponents all year and scored twice during regular season games.

Carl Albert’s backfield is comprised of junior tailback Xavier Robinson and senior quarterback Reed DeQuasie.

The 6-foot-2, 225 pounds junior tailback is averaging over nine yards per carry.

Carl Albert brings a strong defense with senior Tashawn James at defensive back, defensive end Brock Johnson, linebacker Easton Harless, defensive lineman Tanner Norman and safety Chancy Lester.

1,300 + do the Turkey Trot in Downtown Joplin

JOPLIN, Mo. — It’s become a Thanksgiving tradition for many people, now in the 11th year, the Turkey Trot in Downtown Joplin.

More than 1,300 runners found it to be perfect weather, 49° and light mist falling.

Barricades are blocking Main Street from 2nd to 7th.

Locals will also see barricades along 4th street to the east and along Broadway into East Town.

Joplin’s largest stand alone 5K, this is a race you don’t want to miss!“ — STARLIT RUNNING CO.

The medals are a Gold Turkey!

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