L.A. Times - Sports

Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin played 'Minecraft' to spend time with his sons. Soon building virtual cities became therapeutic relief from football's pressures.

LAFC is turning Xavi Tamarit, a veteran of the English Premier League and Spain's La Liga, to coach the team as it pushes to improve its playoff seed.

The Dodgers acquired left-hander Tarik Skubal for five or six starts in October, the first of them this weekend. How best to capture his feelings: Excitement? Pressure? Responsibility?

Pittsburgh traded cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to Dallas for a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-rounder after failing to come to terms on a contract extension.

Freshman Emiliano Plascencia of Whitter, which is 11-4 overall and 2-0 in the Del Rio League, has scored more than 100 goals.

Sam Farmer makes his picks for Week 4 of the NFL season, with the Rams prevailing over the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chargers remaining winless.

Golfer Phil Mickelson checked himself into a treatment center earlier this year to seek help for family trauma and addiction, a representative said. He is reportedly no longer there.

The veteran guard was quick to mention new wings Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams along with second-year forward Adou Thiero. The coach points to team's depth.

Coach Sean McVay says the team's top receiver is back after missing two games because of a hip injury. The veteran defensive lineman is day to day.

Coaches are reminding players to be respectful when an opponent is injured and that celebrating is not acceptable.

Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson received a technical foul late in her team's playoff loss to the Fever after leaving the court to confront a fan. She later said the fan's behavior was 'unacceptable.'

NASCAR suspended team owner Chad Bryant and crew member Steve Civatarese indefinitely after they and others attacked rising star Corey Heim at Martinsville Speedway.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound sophomore plays the ukelele, listens to music from the past and lives life as he sees fit.

Crespi High to retire the jersey of standout running back Russell White during ceremony to honor the 1986 Southern Section champions.

A look at three of this week's top high school football games: Mater Dei-Santa Margarita; Sherman Oaks Notre Dame-Chaminade and Cleveland-Birmingham.