All articles from Mark Sappenfield

Why Tyson Gay scandal is not Marion Jones all over again

Top US sprinter Tyson Gay acknowledged that he has tested positive for a banned substance, rocking the track-and-field world. But the news also points to how much has changed in antidoping.
Boston Bruins black-and-blue hockey not enough in Stanley Cup final (+video)

The Boston Bruins hit everything in sight in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final, but the Chicago Blackhawks skated circles around them, winning 3-1.
USA Update Aaron Hernandez investigation: What's next step for police?

Local and state police spent nearly four hours at the house of New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez Saturday in connection with a murder investigation. Some media reports suggest an arrest warrant for obstruction of justice could be executed soon.
Supermoon: Why it's the best lunar show in the solar system (+video)

Supermoon peaked Sunday morning, but good viewing will continue for the next few days. The unusual relationship between Earth and the moon makes supermoon a particularly good show.
Gun control backfires? Rick Perry lures Connecticut gunmakers to Texas. (+video)

Strong gun control laws were recently passed in Connecticut and New York, so Gov. Rick Perry will visit gunmakers in both states this week to try to bring them to gun-friendly Texas.
Stanley Cup final: Boston Bruins prove era of the superstar is gone (+video)

The Boston Bruins rallied to tie the Stanley Cup final series, 1-1, Saturday because of a strong game from their supporting cast. That is a hallmark of the NHL's new 'Bruins Era.'
Alleged Minnesota Nazi: Could 94-year-old US citizen be deported?

A notorious Nazi unit was commanded by Minnesota resident Michael Karkoc, according to the Associated Press. The US has tried to deport ex-Nazis in the past, with mixed success.
Blackhawks-Bruins Stanley Cup final not for the faint of heart

The Chicago Blackhawks face off with the Boston Bruins in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final Wednesday night. Get ready for some meat-grinder hockey.
Tim Tebow signs with Patriots, the one team unafraid of Tebowmania (+video)

Tim Tebow has reportedly signed with the New England Patriots, which is perhaps the only team that can handle his off-the-field celebrity – and which still has faith in his abilities.
USA Update Santa Monica shootings: Were gun control laws powerless to stop suspect? (+video)

John Zawahri, the alleged attacker in the Santa Monica shootings, had a semiautomatic rifle, more than 1,000 bullets, and a history of mental troubles, law enforcement sources say.
'Star Wars: Episode VII' director J.J. Abrams drops new hints about film

'Star Wars: Episode VII' is set to begin filming in January, according to director J.J. Abrams. He also spoke briefly about his vision for how the film will fit in to the franchise.
Bruins vs. Blackhawks: Stanley Cup final set up to be a thriller (+video)

The Chicago Blackhawks will meet the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup final. Both teams could be perfectly built to exploit the other's weaknesses. But the Bruins might have something extra.
Decoder Wire Smoking gun in IRS scandal? Rep. Darrell Issa says he's close. (+video)

Republicans have sought a smoking gun that ties the IRS scandal to the Obama administration. They still don't have one, but Rep. Darrell Issa on Sunday said new evidence raises red flags.
Storm chasers killed by latest Oklahoma tornado (+video)

Storm chasers killed in Oklahoma tornado Friday were three of the most professional men in a field that has increasingly become about sensational stunts.
Tebow rumors hint at the end of an extraordinary career

Tebow rumors suggest that the quarterback might not play in the NFL again. To be sure, Tim Tebow is not a top quarterback, but it's remarkable that no one wants him.
For Bruins, nasty Game 1 win over Penguins has feel of 2011

The Boston Bruins beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, 3-0, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals by shutting down the 'pretty hockey.' The Penguins stars were not amused.
Bob Dole says Reagan couldn't make it in today's GOP. Is he right?

Former Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole said Ronald Reagan wouldn't have been accepted in today's GOP. Maybe, like Dole, he just wouldn't have understood today's D.C.
USA Update Bombs in teen bedroom: How Columbine copycat plot was foiled (+video)

Bombs in teen bedroom were for a Columbine-style attack against an Oregon school, a prosecutor says. But the plot was foiled in the same way many such plots are uncovered.
How can Chuck Hagel fix military sexual assault epidemic? (+video)

President Obama and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel have stressed to graduates of the US military academies that rampant rates of sexual assault could corrode the force.
MLS deal with billionaire oil sheikh could be bigger than Beckham

Two global sports titans, Manchester City Football Club and the New York Yankees, will operate New York City FC, an expansion MLS team. It brings to the table an oil sheikh's fortune.