Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder had a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit when he died in a single-car crash near Boulder on 1 March.
The 23-year-old was killed after losing control of his vehicle on a curve and striking a guardrail.
An autopsy report from the Boulder County Coroner’s Office confirmed the student-athlete’s blood alcohol content was .167, which is well above the state limit of 0.08.
The 2023 Tesla he was driving subsequently hit an electrical pole before rolling down an embankment.
Multiple blunt force injuries
The Florida native was pronounced dead at the scene of the early morning accident.
Coroners officially listed the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries resulting from the collision.
The Colorado State Patrol is currently conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Authorities are continuing to examine several potential contributing factors, including speed, impairment and distracted driving.
Family launches legacy foundation
Catrina Hughes, the player’s mother, released a heartfelt statement urging young adults to make responsible choices.
“What matters most to me is who Dominiq was as a person. He was a determined student-athlete, a leader, and someone with a huge heart who fiercely loved his family, his teammates, and the game of football.”
The family has since established a charitable foundation named ‘Dominiq Ponder 7/22’ alongside a fundraising page.
This new initiative aims to support children’s hospitals and families facing medical challenges, while actively promoting responsible decision-making among young people.
Collegiate football career
“A big part of his legacy will be to encourage young people to please make responsible choices and if possible to have the courage to step in for their friends when one of them isn’t thinking clearly for themselves,” Hughes wrote.
“Don’t be afraid even if it’s uncomfortable. A difficult conversation is easier than a lifetime of loss.”
The 6ft 5in sophomore featured in two matches for the Buffaloes during the previous college football season.
Before transferring to Colorado, the promising talent began his collegiate sporting career at Bethune-Cookman University.
Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael has been posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) following his death from ALS.
The legendary Super Bowl winner passed away aged 67 after a five-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known in the UK as motor neurone disease.
His diagnosis was confirmed by the Concussion & CTE Foundation following the donation of his brain for medical research.
“Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death.”
Misty McMichael
“I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them.”
Misty McMichael
The link between head trauma and ALS
CTE is a degenerative brain condition strongly associated with contact sports, combat veterans and repeated head trauma.
Symptoms can include severe mood swings and depression, but the disease can only be definitively identified posthumously.
A 2021 study by Harvard Medical School indicated that American football professionals are more than four times as likely to develop ALS compared to the general male population.
Dr Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center, stated that around six per cent of CTE cases in their brain bank also suffer from the debilitating condition.
“There is strong evidence linking repetitive brain trauma and ALS.”
Dr Ann McKee
A formidable legacy on the field
Affectionately known as “Mongo”, the two-time All-Pro was a cornerstone of the famously dominant 1985 Bears defence that secured Super Bowl glory.
The defensive stalwart holds a franchise record of 191 consecutive games played and ranks second in the team’s history with 92.5 career sacks.
Following a final NFL season with the Green Bay Packers in 1994, he enjoyed a stint in professional wrestling and was formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation, praised the late athlete for his selfless final contribution to science.
“Steve McMichael was known for his strength, toughness, and larger-than-life presence, but his final act was to give a piece of himself back to the sports community so that we might have a chance to save ourselves.”
Chris Nowinski
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade and will skip the team’s offseason workouts following a prolonged contract dispute.
The 28-year-old and the franchise have spent two offseasons attempting to negotiate a new deal that reflects his value, but talks have reportedly stalled.
Consequently, the three-time Pro Bowler will not participate in the mandatory offseason programme when it commences on Tuesday.
Contract standoff disrupts Harbaugh’s start
The former first-round draft pick still has two years remaining on his current agreement and is scheduled to earn $20m this upcoming season.
Despite initial optimism that a restructured coaching staff might accelerate discussions, the stalemate leaves new head coach John Harbaugh without one of his premier talents.
“How important is he? Really important,” Harbaugh stated in February.
“He’s a cornerstone football player – not really a cornerstone, more like the middle stone. He’s right in the middle. He’s a very big stone, and he’s a very active, athletic one.”
A dip in form for the imposing lineman
Since being selected 17th overall in 2019, the formidable defender has anchored the New York defensive line, accumulating 30.5 career sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception.
However, his production notably dipped during a dismal 2025 campaign that saw the franchise finish with a poor 4-13 record.
The imposing run-stuffer was limited to just half a sack and eight quarterback hits last year, recording an underwhelming pass rush win rate of 8.3%.
The Giants organisation now faces a critical decision on whether to trade their defensive centrepiece or attempt to salvage a fractured relationship before training camp begins.
The NFL has announced it will not discipline Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice after concluding an investigation into allegations of abuse made by his former girlfriend.
League officials determined there was insufficient evidence to conclude the 25-year-old violated its personal conduct policy.
The investigation was launched following accusations made by Dacoda Jones, who shares two children with the receiver.
Lawsuit and allegations
In early January, Jones posted photographs on social media displaying bruises and wounds, alleging she had endured abuse over numerous years.
Although the wideout was not explicitly named in the initial post, Jones subsequently filed a lawsuit in Texas seeking more than $1m in damages.
The legal filing alleges she was repeatedly assaulted over an 18-month span between 2023 and 2025, including times when she was pregnant.
“Rice has grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit, and headbutted Ms. Jones, as well as hit her with inanimate objects,” the lawsuit says.
Legal response and previous incidents
Sean Lindsey, the legal representative for the player, released a statement contesting the claims while welcoming the league’s decision.
“Mr. Rice wants to thank the NFL for their thorough investigation, and looks forward to the start of the 2026-27 NFL season,” Lindsey said.
The Kansas City Chiefs declined to comment on the announcement on Friday.
This latest inquiry follows a separate legal issue for the American, who was involved in a high-speed, multi-vehicle crash in Dallas in March 2024.
He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation in July after fleeing the scene of the collision, which occurred while he was driving a vehicle at 119mph.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed defensive end Travon Walker to a four-year contract extension worth $110m, keeping the former number one overall pick in Florida long-term.
The lucrative deal includes $77m in guaranteed money, with an initial $50m fully guaranteed at the time of signing.
Elite Loyalty Sports, the agency representing the defensive anchor, confirmed the blockbuster agreement on Friday.
Earning an average of $27.5m annually, the 24-year-old now becomes the 12th highest-paid edge rusher in professional football.
Joining the elite earners
His new salary places him marginally behind Baltimore Ravens standout Trey Hendrickson and New York Giants pass rusher Brian Burns.
It also positions him just underneath his own teammate, Josh Hines-Allen, who currently commands $28.25m per season.
Prior to this commitment, the imposing lineman was scheduled to play on a fifth-year option in 2026 that would have paid him a fully guaranteed $15.19m.
Overcoming recent injury setbacks
Across 60 career appearances, the durable defender has registered 27.5 sacks, 200 tackles, and 57 quarterback hits.
He enjoyed double-digit sack campaigns in both 2023 and 2024, demonstrating his elite disruptive capabilities in the trenches.
However, his production dipped to just 3.5 sacks during the recent 2025 season as he battled persistent wrist and knee injuries.
Despite those physical challenges, the Georgia native has only missed five fixtures throughout his four professional campaigns.
Front office vision
The groundwork for this significant investment was publicly acknowledged by the franchise hierarchy earlier in the week.
General manager James Gladstone revealed on Monday that negotiations were progressing well with several key components of the roster.
“We are probably within striking distance to see things come to light.”
Gladstone was also referencing ongoing extension discussions with tight end Brenton Strange and receiver Parker Washington.
Former New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 35 after a decorated 13-year career.
The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year confirmed his decision to step away from the sport via a Thursday statement on social media.
“I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds,” wrote Gilmore in a post to Instagram.
The South Carolina collegiate product departs having firmly established himself as one of the elite defensive backs of his generation.
Reaching the pinnacle in Foxborough
Selected in the first round of the 2012 draft by the Buffalo Bills, the athletic defender spent five productive seasons in upstate New York.
However, he truly secured his lasting legacy after making a high-profile move to the division-rival Patriots ahead of the 2017 campaign.
During a dominant four-season spell with the franchise, the shutdown corner earned first-team All-Pro honours in consecutive years.
He was heavily instrumental in securing a Super Bowl championship for the team following the 2018 regular season.
The veteran defensive star recorded two crucial interceptions and five passes defended throughout that memorable three-game postseason run.
A journeyman finish to an outstanding tenure
Following his eventual departure from New England, the five-time Pro Bowler embarked on several short-term stints across the league.
He featured for the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and Dallas Cowboys before a final campaign with the Minnesota Vikings.
The acclaimed defensive back leaves the gridiron having amassed 32 career interceptions across 180 professional appearances.
Furthermore, he compiled 149 passes defended and 617 total tackles while building a reputation as a nightmare matchup for premier wide receivers.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has agreed a contract to join the Las Vegas Raiders following his recent release from the Atlanta Falcons.
Terms of the agreement for the 37-year-old have not yet been disclosed by the Nevada-based franchise.
The four-time Pro Bowler will reunite with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, having previously collaborated during a three-year stint at the Minnesota Vikings.
His arrival comes as the organisation prepares for the NFL Draft later this month, where they are widely expected to select highly-rated prospect Fernando Mendoza with the number one overall pick.
A turbulent tenure in Atlanta
The move occurs less than a month after the American was cut by the Falcons, concluding a brief and complicated two-year relationship.
He initially joined Atlanta on a lucrative four-year deal worth $180m (£143m), but was caught completely off guard when the team drafted Michael Penix Jr just six weeks later.
Despite recovering from a torn Achilles to guide the team to a 6-3 start in 2024, a subsequent arm injury significantly hindered his on-field performances.
A dismal run of nine interceptions over five games ultimately led to his benching in Week 16, as the franchise committed their immediate future to Penix.
Returning to form and future prospects
Although the veteran returned to full fitness for the 2025 campaign, he remained the backup until Penix suffered a torn left ACL in Week 11.
Stepping back into the starting role, the former Washington draft pick steered the Falcons to a crucial four-game winning streak to conclude the regular season.
He finished the campaign completing 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Across a distinguished 14-year career in the NFL, the seasoned signal-caller has amassed 44,700 passing yards and 298 touchdowns.
The Baltimore Ravens have signed star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in a dramatic free agency twist, while the Kansas City Chiefs acquired Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to bolster their struggling offense.
NFL franchises have already committed more than $4.5bn (£2.8bn) during a frantic opening to the 2026 transaction period.
Baltimore initially appeared set to acquire Las Vegas Raiders standout Maxx Crosby before abandoning the blockbuster trade at the eleventh hour.
Concerns over the defensive end’s recent knee surgery and the steep asking price of two first-round draft picks reportedly triggered the sudden collapse.
Ravens pivot to Hendrickson
Following the Crosby collapse, the Maryland-based franchise swiftly secured Cincinnati’s primary edge rusher on a four-year contract worth $112m (£84m).
New head coach Jesse Minter faces immediate pressure to deliver a championship while two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson remains at the peak of his powers.
Acquiring such a disruptive defensive force fills a major roster void and directly weakens an AFC North divisional rival.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow now faces the daunting prospect of lining up against his former teammate twice a season.
Chiefs seek redemption with Walker
Meanwhile, Kansas City are desperately attempting to rebuild following a disastrous campaign marred by Patrick Mahomes suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
The fallen dynasty secured a major offensive upgrade by prying former Seattle Seahawks running back Walker away on a three-year, $45m (£34m) agreement.
The dynamic playmaker recently became the first player at his position to win Super Bowl MVP honours since 1998.
His arrival provides offensive mastermind Andy Reid with a potent dual-threat weapon to revitalise a unit that has surprisingly failed to rank above 15th in scoring over the past three seasons.
Kelce commits to Kansas City
Walker will be joined at Arrowhead Stadium by veteran tight end Travis Kelce.
The legendary pass-catcher has agreed to terms on a restructured contract to return for a 14th professional campaign.
While technically a three-year extension, the $12m (£9m) pact is functionally a one-year commitment designed to provide the Chiefs with crucial salary cap relief.