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
Freshman’s growth helps Gophers volleyball return to Sweet 16
Opposite hitter Carly Gilk is one of several young players who have had to take on expanded roles heading into Thursday’s matchup with No. 1 seed Pittsburgh.
December 10, 2025
Neal’s 3-2 Pitch: On Vikings tanking, P.J.’s recruiting class and Gophers basketball
It’s unthinkable for players to give up on the season, but from another perspective, getting the best draft position is awfully tempting.
December 6, 2025
Neal: ‘Mad respect’ as Tommies push Iowa State to limit in NCAA tournament debut
St. Thomas went the distance before going down in five sets before a supportive crowd at Maturi Pavilion, where the Cyclones will face the Gophers on Saturday.
December 6, 2025
Neal: Justin Jefferson has every right to be frustrated, but he shouldn’t stay silent
The face of the Vikings franchise, declined to speak to reporters after Sunday’s shutout loss to the Seahawks.
December 1, 2025
Neal: Vikings didn’t put Max Brosmer in position to succeed in Seattle
The Vikings handed their undrafted rookie QB a tough task, and then a questionable play call opened the flood gates for the Seahawks.
December 1, 2025
Neal: The Vikings need to give Max Brosmer a real shot beginning Sunday in Seattle
Although J.J. McCarthy is the former national champion who became a first round pick, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer can make his case Sunday in Seattle.
November 30, 2025
Neal: Ummm... what has happened to the Vikings?
From 14-3 and a trip to the playoffs last year to 4-7 this season, the Vikings have disappointed on both sides of the ball while the front office and coaching staff have struggled.
November 28, 2025
Five-time Olympian John Shuster passes the U.S. men’s curling baton to Chaska’s Danny Casper
Casper’s rink is a step away from qualifying for the 2026 Winter Games after holding off Team Shuster at the U.S. trials.
November 18, 2025
Changing of the guard in U.S. curling as John Shuster’s team falls short at Olympic trials
The men’s team skipped by Danny Casper, based out of Chaska Curling Club, has the chance to qualify for its first Winter Games, ending Shuster’s run at five.
November 17, 2025
John Shuster pushes United States curling team trials to decisive game with two points in 10th end
Looking for a sixth consecutive trip to the Olympic Games, the veteran skip needed to come up with a big finish against Danny Casper, and he did.
November 16, 2025
Team Peterson wins gold at United States curling team trials
Sisters Tabitha and Tara Peterson, of Eagan, now head to British Columbia next month in a final bid to qualify for the Winter Games in Italy.
November 16, 2025
As curling evolves, Team USA constant remains John Shuster
But even Shuster, trying to qualify for his sixth Olympics, now has a coach to study game theory and has easy access to analytics.
November 15, 2025
