Articles by Ben Portnoy
Mike Leach apologizes for controversial tweet depicting a noose
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State coach Mike Leach’s Twitter account found him in hot water again this week.
How a baseball offer helped make four-star recruit Sawyer Robertson Mississippi State’s highest-rated quarterback commit in over 15 years
STARKVILLE — Baseball has long been a plausible route for four-star quarterback Sawyer Robertson’s athletic aspirations.
Analysis: Projecting the MSU baseball roster after NCAA grants extended eligibility
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s 2021 baseball roster got a little more crowded Monday as the NCAA offered extra eligibility to players affected by the outbreak of COVID-19.
Mississippi State earns commitment from four-star QB recruit Sawyer Robertson
STARKVILLE — Mike Leach has secured his second quarterback recruit since being hired at Mississippi State in January.
Mississippi State’s Jayla Hemingway enters transfer portal
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State guard Jayla Hemingway is potentially on the move.
NCAA announces extra eligibility for spring athletes
STARKVILLE — Spring sport athletes at Mississippi State and beyond can breathe a sigh of relief.
Complications surround potential fall college baseball season
STARKVILLE — For as much as Mississippi State baseball coach Chris Lemonis misses the smoky grills and smells of cooked meat emanating from the outfield at Dudy Noble Field, the only tailgating he hopes fans enjoy this fall is preparing to watch the Bulldogs’ football team.
Sweet (16) revenge: Revisiting Mississippi State women’s basketball’s 2010 NCAA tournament upset of Ohio State
A year after falling to the Buckeyes in the second round in Columbus, Ohio, the Bulldogs wouldn’t be denied a trip to their first Sweet 16 in program history.
‘That’s just sort of like seeing the presents under the tree’: How the coronavirus is impacting Mike Leach’s first spring at Mississippi State
STARKVILLE — As Mike Leach and his wife, Sharon, rode their bikes down the roads of Key West in recent weeks, the small island 90 miles from Cuba has quickly emptied.
NCAA revises financial distribution plan, will dole out $225 million to support college athletes in wake of coronavirus outbreak
STARKVILLE — The financial ramifications of the NCAA’s canceled seasons is beginning to be felt.
Mississippi State target Shazz Preston reaching new heights with football family behind him
STARKVILLE — Shazz Preston took off running.
MSU football season opener against New Mexico likely to be moved to a Thursday night
STARKVILLE — Mike Leach’s debut in the maroon and white may come sooner than originally planned.
‘It’s not ideal, but it’s kind of what we’re dealing with’: How former Mississippi State players, now minor leaguers, are dealing with the delayed season
STARKVILLE — As former Mississippi State catcher Dustin Skelton sat at a Marriott in Jupiter, Florida, an ominous tone fell over the room.
Mississippi State lands Vanderbilt transfer quarterback Allan Walters
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s quarterback room has gotten a little more crowded.
MSU baseball recruits sound off on potential extra year of eligibility for current players
STARKVILLE — While the Mississippi State baseball season has come to a sudden halt due to the outbreak of COVID-19, coach Chris Lemonis may have his toughest battle yet to come — a duel with the 2021 roster.
‘This is an unprecedented time right now in the history of our world’: Vic Schaefer copes with the abrupt end to the Mississippi State women’s basketball season
STARKVILLE — Humphrey Coliseum stands bare and empty.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey ‘optimistic’ about football season in wake of coronavirus outbreak; eligibility, fall baseball remain fluid
STARKVILLE — Life for Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey has changed swiftly.
Mississippi State to refund baseball tickets
STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State Athletic department rolled out a system Tuesday to reimburse ticket holders for baseball games that were canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.
Southeastern Conference cancels all regular season competition due to COVID-19 concerns
STARKVILLE — COVID-19’s effect on college sports continued Tuesday as the Southeastern Conference announced it is canceling all regular season competition for the 2019-20 athletic year.
Analysis: With 2020 season in the books, Mississippi State women should return to Final Four contenders next March
STARKVILLE — It wasn’t supposed to end this way.
