Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Mark Long
Former NFL player who died in police custody battled injuries and mental health challenges
Doug Martin arrived on the campus of Boise State University nearly two decades ago to play football on its famed blue turf and, despite being a squat, little-known recruit from Northern California, turned himself into a hard-nosed running back and a first-round NFL draft pick. Nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster” for both his size and running style, he was twice named to the Pro Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a seven-year NFL career that saw him rewarded with a big contract in 2016.
Florida fires coach Billy Napier after four-year run that ends with a 22-23 record
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida fired coach Billy Napier on Sunday, dumping him a day after an error-filled win against Mississippi State that included more head-scratching calls and offensive lulls like those that marked much of his four-year run with the Gators. × Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. kAm%96 82>6\D62=:?8 E2<62H2J 6?6C8:K65 E96 $H2>A[ 3FE E96 9@>6 4C@H5 BF:4<=J EFC?65 @?
Darnold, Smith-Njigba and defense carry Seahawks to 20-12 victory at Jaguars
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Having thrown a combined six interceptions in his last two starts in Jacksonville, Sam Darnold refused to get greedy this time around. He played it safe and ended up with a turnover-free performance. × Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. kAms2C?@=5 E9C6H 7@C ahd J2C5D[ H:E9 E@F495@H? A2DD6D E@ k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^EH:EE6C]4@>^$6292H<D^DE2EFD^`hffcbbffhdfbdb_hheQmy2I@?
Jaguars are 'an undisciplined operation' after a mistake-filled loss to Seattle
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Not that they needed it, but the Jacksonville Jaguars got a reminder of just how integral takeaways have been to their winning ways. The Jaguars, who entered the week leading the league in turnover margin, failed to record a takeaway for the first time this season in a 20-12 loss to Seattle on Sunday. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Buckle up: No. 9 Texas begins daunting stretch away from home against Florida in the Swamp
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — No. 9 Texas is about to find out what it’s really like to play on the road in the Southeastern Conference. The Longhorns travel to one of the league’s most daunting venues when they open SEC play at Florida on Saturday. It’s the first of eight consecutive conference games for quarterback Arch Manning and Co., with the next four coming away from home. × Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
SEC unveils league matchups for the next four seasons and keeps most rivalries intact
The Southeastern Conference announced league matchups for the next four years Tuesday, including designating three annual — not permanent — opponents for each of its 16 teams. The nine-game slates retain several traditional rivalries and renew some old ones. And there are no more lengthy waits to play everyone. × Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Florida restores Vernon Maxwell's college stats, making him the program's leading scorer again
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida has formally restored basketball great Vernon Maxwell’s final two years of college statistics, a move that once again makes him the program’s all-time leading scorer. Athletic director Scott Stricklin urged the Gators to reinstate Maxwell’s numbers four decades after “Mad Max” first stepped on campus, and it became official this week. Maxwell, 60, will celebrate the turnabout with friends, family and former teammates during a program reunion this weekend.
Alabama's Williams, LSU's Perkins and Texas' Baxter top list of SEC players to watch in '25
Non-quarterback players from each of the SEC's 16 schools who could be poised to help change his team's fortunes in 2025: Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Clayton and Condon shine as No. 5 Florida beats Mississippi 90-71 to strengthen case for No. 1 seed
Florida forward Alex Condon dunks during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. Alan Youngblood - FR171761 AP Mississippi guard Sean Pedulla (3) drives on Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.
Here's a crash course - a cheat sheet, really - for the 67th running of the Daytona 500
Austin Cindric (2) and Joey Logano (22) lead the field to start the second of two NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying auto races at Daytona International Speedway, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Bubba Wallace celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the first of two NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying auto races at Daytona International Speedway, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Oh, baby! Bubba Wallace celebrates his 1st win at Daytona with his newborn son and a new outlook
Bubba Wallace , left, celebrates in Victory lane with his son Becks Hayden and his wife Amanda Carter after winning the first of two NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying auto races at Daytona International Speedway, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Bubba Wallace holds up his son Becks Hayden as he celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the first of two NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying auto races at Daytona International Speedway, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Looking for an underdog story? Try No. 3 Florida, which thrives on being overlooked
Florida guard Will Richard (5) drives through Vanderbilt guard Chris Manon (30) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. Alan Youngblood - FR171761 AP Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) is fouled by Auburn guard Chad Baker-Mazara, second from left, as he prepares to shoot a 3-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Auburn, Ala.
Jaguars hire Hall of Famer Tony Boselli as the franchise’s executive vice president
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Pro Football Hall of Fame left tackle Tony Boselli, the first draft pick in the history of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been hired as the franchise’s executive vice president of football operations. Jaguars owner Shad Khan announced the move Monday, saying Boselli, first-time head coach Liam Coen and Jacksonville’s next general manager will form “the football leadership unit.” Each of them will report to Khan.
Bucs OC Liam Coen withdraws from consideration for Jaguars’ coaching job, AP source says
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Liam Coen is no longer a candidate to be Jacksonville’s next head coach. Coen, who was scheduled for an in-person interview on Wednesday with Jaguars owner Shad Khan, general manager Trent Baalke and others, pulled his name out of consideration and will sign a new contract with the Buccaneers, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — After four “challenging” days, Florida basketball coach Todd Golden welcomed the reception he got when he took the court Monday night. Golden received a rousing ovation, one of the loudest of the night, during pregame introductions before the 20th-ranked Gators beat Grambling State 86-62. “I thought it was great,” Golden said.
Florida basketball coach Todd Golden faces Title IX investigation for sexual harassment: report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida basketball coach Todd Golden is facing allegations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking and cyberstalking multiple women — including students — over the past 12 months, according to a report published Friday in the school’s student newspaper. According to the Independent Florida Alligator, the claims against Golden include unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, requesting sexual favors, and sending photos and videos of his genitalia.
Carson Beck overcomes 3 INTs to lead No. 2 Georgia to a 34-20 win over Florida in ‘Cocktail Party’
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Carson Beck threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns to offset three interceptions and No. 2 Georgia escaped “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” with a 34-20 victory over Florida on Saturday. The Bulldogs (7-1, 5-1 Southeastern Conference) won their fourth straight in the series, their longest streak since winning six in a row between 1978 and 1983. They took advantage of Florida’s quarterback woes and a special teams error in this one.
Propietarios de NFL aprueban próximo estadio en Jacksonville para inaugurarse en 2028
Los dueños de la NFL aprobaron unánimemente el martes el “estadio del futuro” de Jacksonville de 1.400 millones de dólares, una decisión que debería mantener a los Jaguars en uno de los mercados más pequeños de la liga durante al menos otros 30 años. Con los Jags (1-5) preparándose para jugar el segundo de dos partidos consecutivos en Londres, los dueños de la NFL esencialmente pusieron fin a décadas de especulación sobre que la franquicia era un posible candidato a la reubicación.
GATORS PODCAST: Gators enter SEC opener as home underdogs against Texas A&M while facing QB quandary (Ep. 241)
Florida opens conference play looking to build on a feel-good win against Samford and prove a season-opening loss to Miami was an anomaly. The Gators have lost six straight games to power conference opponents, but have reason for optimism after true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway’s breakout performance. How Billy Napier capitalizes and handles his quarterbacks could determine his fate and his team’s chances against the rebuilding Aggies.
Jags’ Tyson Campbell signs a 4-year, $76.5 million contract extension on eve of camp, AP source says
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell signed a four-year, $76.5 million contract extension Tuesday that includes up to $53.4 million guaranteed, a person familiar with negotiations said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side released details of the deal, which came on the eve of training camp.
QB Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars agree to a 5-year, $275M contract extension, AP source says
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars agreed Thursday to a five-year, $275 million contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history, according to a person familiar with negotiations. Lawrence’s deal includes $142 million fully guaranteed and a $37.5 million signing bonus, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side had announced the contract publicly.
Florida's 2007 repeat came in 'totally different environment' than UConn is facing at Final Four
Billy Donovan hasn’t watched many UConn games. He doesn’t have the time while coaching the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. But he’s seen enough to know the Huskies’ bid to repeat as national champions — they are trying to become the first since Donovan’s Florida team in 2007 to do so — is happening in “a totally different environment.” For starters, there’s an abundance of talent and experience available through the NCAA transfer portal.
Jake Browning steals spotlight as Bengals stun Jaguars 34-31 in OT
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jake Browning threw for 354 yards and a touchdown in his second career start, and the Cincinnati Bengals stunned the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 in overtime Monday night. Browning also ran for a score as the Bengals (6-6) won on “Monday Night Football” for the first time since 1990 on Evan McPherson's 48-yard field goal in the extra frame.
Beck, Edwards account for 2 TDs each and No. 1 Georgia thumps Florida 43-20 in ‘Cocktail Party’
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Carson Beck threw two touchdown passes in his hometown, Daijun Edwards ran for two scores and No. 1 Georgia dominated Florida 43-20 Saturday to extend its winning streak to 25. The two-time defending national champion Bulldogs (8-0, 5-0 Southeastern Conference) have now won three in a row and six of seven in the rivalry known as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” Georgia could have cracked open celebratory drinks at halftime.
Jaguars’ Calvin Ridley insists he won’t be rusty after nearly 2 years away from NFL
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Calvin Ridley gets triggered by one word these days: rusty. Don’t ask him about it. Certainly don’t call him it. Probably best to just avoid the five-letter adjective in Jacksonville’s locker room. “I’m not rusty,” he quips.
Bubba Wallace clinging to final playoff spot as NASCAR shifts to unpredictable Daytona
Bubba Wallace will be in a precarious position at Daytona International Speedway this weekend. And it has nothing to do with three-wide racing at 200 mph. Wallace holds the 16th
Bubba Wallace clinging to final playoff spot as NASCAR shifts to unpredictable Daytona
Bubba Wallace will be in a precarious position at Daytona International Speedway this weekend, and it has nothing to do with three-wide racing at 200 mph. Wallace holds the 16th and final spot in NASCAR’s Cup Series playoff standings. It’s a tenuous grip at best. More than a dozen others will be trying to pry that postseason berth from Wallace when the green flag drops in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday night. Wallace can’t get greedy and won't have the luxury of staying out of the fray.
Florida enters year 2 under Billy Napier amid lowest expectations in nearly a decade
Florida coach Billy Napier opened fall practice talking to his team about expectations - internal ones, anyway.
Jaguars LT Cam Robinson suspended 4 games for violating NFL policy on PEDs
Gary McCullough, ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE - Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Cam Robinson (74) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Nov. 28, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. The NFL suspended Robinson, Thursday, June 29, 2023, for the first four games of the regular season for violating league policy on performance-enhancing drugs. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough, File) JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
Jaguars LT Cam Robinson suspended 4 games for violating NFL policy on PEDs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The NFL suspended Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson on Thursday for the first four games of the regular season for violating league policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Robinson and the team had been awaiting his punishment for more than two months. Knowing it was coming, the Jaguars signed veteran and oft-injured backup Josh Wells to a one-year deal in early April and then used their first-round draft pick on Oklahoma offensive tackle Anton Harrison.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Mark
Contact Mark, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack