Patrick Lanni
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Sports reporter for NJ Advance Media. My work appears on @njdotcom and formerly in The @starledger || As seen on Cash Cab || #RepJerz
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Articles by Patrick Lanni
528-yard finale gives N.J.’s unlikely football star the perfect goodbye
One thousand yards. For some running backs, it’s the number they chase for an entire season. Abel Paul needed just two games. And if there was ever an appropriate way to end a career that consistently defied logic, this was it. Paul rushed for 1,029 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final two games at Livingston High, blissfully putting a cap on one of the most improbable high school football stories in recent memory.
Top N.J. wrestler, football star gets stunning reversal on eligibility case
Anthony Jackson has scored plenty of reversals on the wrestling mat. On Wednesday, he got the biggest one of his career without stepping on one. Jackson, a two-sport star at Highland High, sat out his entire senior football season after being ruled academically ineligible following his transfer from Paul VI in July, but an appeal to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association reversed that ruling Wednesday.
N.J. bill aims to ease high school coaching shortage by recruiting military veterans
A bill recently introduced in the New Jersey legislature would allow military veterans to coach public school sports without teaching or substitute certificates, opening the door to a new pool of candidates as schools struggle to fill coaching positions. Assembly Bill 1429 would permit local school boards to hire eligible veterans for full- or part-time coaching positions in interscholastic athletic programs.
Pallone fights for funding at unveiling of life-saving cardiac equipment in Perth Amboy Original
Young athletes at the Veterans Memorial Youth Complex — and their families — now have access to lifesaving cardiac emergency equipment following the installation of a new automated external defibrillator and temperature-controlled SaveStation. Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez and local advocates unveiled the equipment, which was donated by the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation during Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month.
How this N.J. teen hero saved his friend’s life after terrifying moment behind the wheel
They were talking about football or girls. That’s all Max Kenny and James Byrnes can remember from that terrifying night in September. Then, out of nowhere, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Max was driving began barreling down a quiet suburban street in Oradell, accelerating toward the stone foundation of a ranch-style home. Behind the wheel, Max’s head snapped violently forward, slamming into the steering wheel before whipping back against the headrest.
Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi join N.J. music legends for star-studded tribute to teachers
New Jersey music icons gathered Saturday to recognize educators who change students’ lives through their work in the classroom. Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Little Steven Van Zandt were among the stars at the inaugural TeachRock Teachers Hall of Fame Celebration at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on Saturday. The E Street Choir and Kool and the Gang also participated in the event.
NJSIAA forced to find new home for HS wrestling championships due to Rutgers schedule conflict
Skip to Article Unlimited Digital Access - $1 a week for a full year - Sale ends 10/4/26 High School Sports Updated: Sep. 29, 2026, 11:36 a.m. |Published: Sep. 29, 2026, 11:29 a.m. Lucas Coesfield of Delsea celebrates after winning the NJSIAA Group 3 boys wrestling final between Delsea and Brick Memorial at Jersey Mike’s Arena at Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ on 2/22/26.Scott Faytok | For NJ.com There will be a new home for the team state wrestling championships in 2027.
A rampant crisis is corrupting N.J. football. A record-breaking QB is caught in the middle.
The most prolific quarterback in New Jersey history is sitting in a classroom in his fourth high school in five months, waiting and wondering when — or if — he’ll throw another touchdown pass. Former Winslow High star Jalen Parker broke one of the state’s most coveted records in just three seasons, throwing for a mind-boggling 107 touchdown passes in 36 games. And he could have smashed the previous record (105) into oblivion this season in his fourth and final year.
This N.J. high school tried to leave its athletic conference and got blocked — now it’s appealing
The New Jersey school district that was denied permission to leave its high school athletic conference earlier this year has appealed the ruling to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.
NJSIAA takes hard stance on Thanksgiving Day football games in latest move: ‘You’re on notice’
Thanksgiving football fans and teams hoping for a second helping of tradition got a different serving Wednesday from the New Jersey’s governing body for high school sports. For the first time, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association scheduled all seven of its high school football championship games for two and three days after Thanksgiving, creating a scheduling dilemma for teams with long-standing holiday traditions.
NJSIAA takes hard stance on Thanksgiving Day football games in latest move: ‘You’re on notice’
Thanksgiving football fans and teams hoping for a second helping of tradition got a different serving Wednesday from the state’s governing body for high school sports. For the first time ever, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association scheduled all seven of its high school football championship games for two and three days after Thanksgiving, creating a scheduling dilemma for teams with long-standing holiday traditions.
NJSIAA votes to reclassify College Achieve for its return to boys basketball
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Executive Committee approved a proposal that will move a controversial charter school up to Group 2 in boys basketball for the 2026-27 season, a decision officials said was necessary to maintain competitive balance and protect the integrity of state tournament competition.
State GOP demands immediate resignation of embattled N.J. Lt. Gov. Caldwell
New Jersey Lt. Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell during a ceremony in Elizabeth, New Jersey on March 9, 2026.Chris Pedota | For NJ.com The New Jersey Republican Party on Sunday called for embattled Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign immediately, while continuing to raise questions about why an internal investigation into allegations he behaved inappropriately toward women has reportedly been kept secret for months.
GOP demands immediate resignation of embattled N.J. Lt. Gov. Caldwell
New Jersey Republicans called on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign immediately Sunday morning while continuing to raise concerns about why internal investigation into his alleged mistreatment of women was kept secret since early spring. The call came from Republican Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon, who has led the charge since Friday condemning Caldwell and Gov. Mikie Sherrill. “Let that sink in,” Hanlon said Sunday morning in a press statement.
Ed Sheeran’s N.J. concerts spark fury for opener’s ‘Free Palestine’ messaging
A pair of sold-out Ed Sheeran concerts at MetLife Stadium became the center of a growing controversy after an opening act used his stage time to deliver what Jewish and Israeli-American advocacy groups called a hateful message. Rapper Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, delivered a pro-Palestinian message, prompting complaints from attendees and calls for tour organizers to distance themselves from the rapper.
Giants cut 2 players symbolizing draft failures and organizational shift Original
There was no improvement for two players hoping for second chances under a new coaching regime. The New York Giants released offensive lineman Evan Neal and wide receiver Jalin Hyatt on Sunday as part of their roster cuts to reach the NFL’s 53-man limit. While neither cut was surprising given how the preseason played out, both players were significant investments during general manager Joe Schoen’s first two drafts.
Giants’ 53-man roster to include Odell Beckham Jr. Here’s the latest. Original
It was more than nostalgia for the New York Giants and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The controversial wide receiver — and former Giants star — reportedly survived the final roster cutdown Sunday as teams across the National Football League whittled their training camp rosters from 90 to 53 players. The Giants drafted Beckham in 2014, ushering in an era of constant attention brought on by two-time Pro Bowl player, who struggled with discipline.
Giants’ cutdown deadline nears: Here’s who has been released so far Original
Skip to Article Giants Schedule NFL News Sports Sports Betting Best Sportsbook Promos Stay connected for less. Get Unlimited Digital Access - $1 for 3 months Giants Updated: Aug. 30, 2026, 9:31 a.m. |Published: Aug. 30, 2026, 9:19 a.m. New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (89) can’t pull in this pass during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Jan.
Giants anoint kicker as competition comes to close Original
The New York Giants will have a new placekicker this season after rookie Dominic Zvada won the job after a strong preseason, coach John Harbaugh said following Friday’s 23-6 preseason win against the New York Jets. Zvada, an undrafted first-year player out of Michigan, handled all of the kicking duties Friday night and was perfect, going 3-for-3 on field goals from 23, 46 and 54 yards out while converting both of his extra points.
The Giants beat the Jets, but all eyes were on Beckham's roster chances
Odell Beckham Jr. burned past the secondary and deja vu set in as quarterback Jameis Winston heaved the ball 40 yards to his wide-open receiver streaking past the closest defender. Then, Beckham dove full extension, and the ball bounced off his hands and into the turf. Once again, Beckham came within a fingertip of recording his signature moment when the Giants outlasted the Jets for a 23-6 win in a game most starters did not play in Friday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
With Giants’ roster cutdown looming, Odell Beckham’s signature moment proves elusive
Odell Beckham Jr. burned past the secondary and deja vu set in as quarterback Jameis Winston heaved the ball 40 yards to his wide-open receiver streaking past the closest defender. Then, Beckham dove full extension, and the ball bounced off his hands and into the turf. Once again, Beckham came within a fingertip of recording his signature moment when the Giants outlasted the Jets for a 23-6 win in a game most starters did not play in Friday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Giants’ new regime takes stance on preseason after another game without (most) starters Original
The new Giants regime, particularly coach John Harbaugh, said he would factor the time between live-game situations when deciding on who would play in Friday’s final preseason game.
Giants’ Malik Nabers sheds red at training camp, but will he play in opener? Original
Malik Nabers took the next step toward playing in the regular-season opener. The Giants were not in full pads Monday, but the wide receiver shed the red non-contact jersey for the first time since training camp opened and caught several passes during 11-on-11 sessions. It was the reasonable next step in Nabers’ recovery, according to coach John Harbaugh. “I thought he looked good,” Harbaugh said after practice in East Rutherford.
Winners and losers from Giants’ dominant preseason win vs. Dolphins Original
The Giants picked up an important, albeit unofficial milestone Saturday — the first win of John Harbaugh’s New York coaching tenure. Even if it came in the preseason and with a mix of reserves mostly leading the way, the Giants were dominant in a 26-3 win over the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Giants opt for caution at QB in second preseason game Original
The Giants saw all they needed to from quarterback Jaxson Dart on Thursday in Miami. The Giants chose to sit Dart for Saturday’s preseason game against the Dolphins, giving the start to backup Jameis Winston, who led an opening-drive touchdown with an 11-yard scramble and subsequently led a strong first-half showing. For the Giants, Winston has become a sure thing as New York’s backup. Winston connected with veteran Darius Slayton for two completions in the first quarter, including a 29-yard slant.
Joe Budden’s career is full of plot twists. The latest: A true-crime podcast. Original
Joe Budden likes to keep his finger on the button — literally. Inside a luxury condominium in Edgewater last month, he mashes his pointer finger into his laptop’s keyboard, unleashing a flurry of horns, whistles and gunshots — sound effects that announce the start of a new recording of “The Joe Budden Podcast,” his wildly popular music, pop-culture and social commentary show.
Bystanders, cops save 5-year-old from drowning at N.J. park Original
News Published: Aug. 02, 2026, 5:39 p.m. A 5-year-old girl is alive after being pulled from a lake and resuscitated in Branch Brook Park in Newark Sunday afternoon. The girl entered the water near the park’s boathouse while her grandfather was placing a sibling into the family’s car, according to a spokesperson for the Essex County Sheriff’s Office. MORE BY PATRICK LANNI N.J. youth softball coach charged after postgame fightJul.
Fight erupts between coaches after NJ youth softball game. Police are now investigating
A fight between adult male coaches broke out following a police-sponsored youth softball game in Morris County on Wednesday night, prompting a police investigation. According to video obtained by NJ.com , the altercation unfolded between multiple coaches from both teams in the handshake line following a 12-and-under softball game between Little Falls and a team consisting of players from East Hanover and Florham Park.
Mike Trout built a $100M golf club behind 15-foot walls in N.J.’s poorest county. Locals feel shafted. Original
In Millville, where nearly one in four residents live below the poverty line, a burger at the Runway 28 Cafe still costs $6.99. Along East Broad Street, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, aging homes, mobile home parks and modest churches define the working-class landscape. But just a few minutes away, a new monument to exclusivity sits behind 15-foot stone walls.
Supreme Court will allow states to ban transgender athletes in female sports. What is N.J.’s policy?
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association said its policy for transgender athletes will not change despite a Supreme Court ruling Tuesday that upheld state laws barring participation for two transgender athletes in West Virginia and Idaho. According to NJSIAA rules, a transgender athlete may compete based on either birth sex or gender identity but not both.
N.J. man set 2 vehicles ablaze, smashed cars with hatchet, cops say Original
Police in Gloucester County arrested a 19-year-old man on Saturday in connection with two vehicle fires and multiple acts of criminal mischief in Washington Township. Aiden Logrande, of Turnersville, faces two counts of arson, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and multiple counts of criminal mischief, according to the Washington Township Police Department.
Dear Norway soccer fans, we surrender. Here’s our wall-to-wall N.J. guide to Valhalla as a peace offering.
Dear Viking Army: Lower your spears, swords and mugs. Your hosts would like a word. We’ve seen the videos of your fans rowing up escalators and storming stadium gates like your ancestors conquering Europe. The scenes from your dominant 4-1 victory over Iraq last week in Boston were spectacular, to say the least. The crowds. Your players. Your fans. Your kits. Your chants. To put it simply, we’re here for all of it.
Travel disaster strands N.J. World Cup fans for hours: ‘It’s hard to believe we’re in America right now’
More than three hours after Brazil and Morocco ended their World Cup match in a 1-1 tie at MetLife Stadium on Saturday night, hundreds of frustrated soccer fans remained ensnarled in a travel nightmare just outside the venue in East Rutherford. Gridlock choked the highways and streets surrounding the stadium near midnight, and fans waited in thick crowds at the designated rideshare area at Meadowlands racetrack.
I walked from my childhood home in N.J. to the World Cup stadium. Here’s what I saw.
Six hours before the first 2026 World Cup match kicks off at MetLife Stadium, law enforcement personnel carrying military-grade weapons stand watch along a busy roadway in East Rutherford. Multiple police cars block the road, while cement barricades stand in place as another warning not to proceed. It’s a fitting scene not far from what may be the most secure venue — and hottest ticket — in all of New Jersey.
Travel disaster strands N.J. World Cup fans for hours: ‘It’s hard to believe we’re in America right now’
More than three hours after Brazil and Morocco ended their World Cup match in a 1-1 tie at MetLife Stadium Saturday night, hundreds of frustrated soccer fans remained ensnarled in a travel nightmare just outside the venue in East Rutherford. Gridlock choked the highways and streets surrounding the stadium near midnight, and fans waited in thick crowds at the designated rideshare area at Meadowlands racetrack.
Want to see how much a World Cup game will cost you? Check out our interactive tool.
Skip to Article Giants Eagles Yankees Mets Rutgers Sports Rutgers Football Rutgers Men's Basketball Rutgers Women’s Basketball Giants Schedule Eagles Schedule Sports Betting Best Sportsbook Promos Summer Sale - $1 for 3 months - Expires 6/29/26 Pro & College Sports Published: Jun.
N.J.’s greatest generation of girls just gave track and field a legendary goodbye
Natalie Dumas sat with her back pressed against a chain-link fence as her victory party surrounded her for what they thought was the final race of her high school career. Her mom passed a teddy bear over the fence as a farewell gift for the decorated track phenom from Eastern High, but Dumas passed it right back.
Wild bat flips are all the rage in N.J. baseball. Critics say it’s inciting violence and hurting the game.
During the World Baseball Classic in March, Fernando Tatis Jr. sent his bat helicoptering in celebration after launching a home run for the Dominican Republic. In the same tournament, normally reserved superstar Shohei Ohtani “broke the internet” with a bat flip of his own for Team Japan, while a South Korean player became the face of his country’s proclivity for excessive celebrations when he hurled his stick wildly over his shoulder following a homer.
Delaney Hall inmates are treated better than ’90% of the world,’ says N.J. Congressman Original
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-NJ, toured Newark’s Delaney Hall ICE detention facility on Monday and presented a strikingly different view of it than protesters, state leaders and Democratic members of Congress. In an interview with NJ.com outside the facility, Van Drew said the detainees are living better than half of America and about 90% of the world. “They have medical care, they have physicians, nurses,” Van Drew said. “They have a law library. They have a regular library. They have all the facilities.
Chaos engulfed Delaney Hall once again. Then the Proud Boys arrived. Original
They brought drums and bullhorns, gas masks and cameras. They carried protest signs, American flags and body armor. The chaos continued Saturday at Delaney Hall as ICE protestors and supporters traded heated salvos in Newark while state troopers looked on. The demonstrators surrounded the immigration detention center after another night of violent clashes between anti-ICE activists and law enforcement. And then the Proud Boys arrived.
Beloved N.J. boxing gym destroyed in fire launches GoFundMe. Here’s how to help.
It’s your turn to ring the bell for Legacy Boxing Club. The beloved community gym was destroyed Sunday when a massive fire started in a mattress warehouse and burned through multiple structures on Cortland Street in Belleville, prompting a local state of emergency and an outpouring of community support. Since then, athletes and coaches have taken to local parks for training and to keep their vow to build back stronger.
Beloved N.J. boxing gym lost everything in a fire. The inspiring owner vows to build back stronger. Original
The owner of a beloved community-inspired boxing gym in Belleville has vowed to build back stronger after a massive fire destroyed the facility Sunday, jeopardizing a grass-roots program designed for young athletes and female empowerment. The gym — known as Legacy Boxing Club — was destroyed Sunday when a nine-alarm fire ripped through a mattress factory and spread to several nearby structures along the 300 block of Cortland Street in Belleville.
Newark’s 2nd three-alarm fire in 2 days sends firefighter to hospital Original
News Published: Apr. 19, 2026, 2:56 p.m. A three-alarm fire at a vacant hotel in Newark sent a firefighter to the hospital on Sunday, April 19, 2026, authorities said.Patrick Lanni | NJ.com A Newark firefighter was hospitalized Sunday after a three-alarm blaze broke out at a vacant hotel on Clinton Avenue, authorities said.
Sudden cardiac arrest in young N.J. athletes: Are schools prepared to save their students?
Joel Negron keeps an automated external defibrillator in his car’s trunk. Just in case. As recreation commissioner in North Jersey, he schedules youth basketball games across Bergen County and can point to the location of life-saving cardiac equipment in every gym. He also carries detailed instructions for what to do in life-or-death situations on an emergency medical card in his pocket.
Harry Styles takes down RFK Jr. in savage Saturday Night Live parody Original
NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” released a reimagined version of the medical drama “The Pitt” that poked fun at Robert F. Kennedy’s pseudo-science — all with the help of pop superstar Harry Styles. Styles skewered Kennedy, President Donald Trump’s health and human services secretary, while making his second appearance of the season on SNL as the emcee and musical guest. In the mock trailer, Styles appeared as a doctor who rejects standard medicine in favor of meat‑centric and supplement‑heavy remedies.
Controversy from feuding families turned to runner-up finish for Hanover Park’s Joey Monticello
Joey Monticello picked himself off the mat, unstrapped his headgear and hugged his opponent, who happened to be a childhood training partner and someone dealing with the same often-found turbulence that comes with pursuing a high school wrestling championship.
NJSIAA director takes definitive stance on HS wrestling’s future in Atlantic City
Sonny Amato, a state wrestling champion for Rumson-Fair Haven High, spent most of his childhood across state lines. Even still, Amato and his family made the drive from their home in Pennsylvania down to Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City to soak in the magic of the New Jersey state wrestling tournament and watch from the crowd. “There’s this presence,” Amato, a junior, said after winning in the semifinals Friday night to advance to the championship final tomorrow at 150 pounds.
No. 31 seed stuns N.J. wrestling world weeks after his wild health scare required surgery
In 11 days, Nicholas Campanelli went from the operating table to the unlikeliest underdog of the high school wrestling season. During a routine practice in early February, Campanelli and his coach collided during practice. They both came up in excruciating pain holding their abdomens. Luis Filipe, the coach, knew he broke a rib. Campanelli, meanwhile, just knew something bad happened but never envisioned what was happening on the inside.
High school wrestling blood feud turns ugly
Joey Monticello couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He sat in the principal’s office at Don Bosco Prep in January 2025, just two days after the talented wrestler had won his title match at a prestigious tournament in Richmond, Va. But now, Monticello, one of the top sophomore grapplers in New Jersey, was being told by school officials he was expelled over his involvement in a series of altercations with a teammate.
Jack Hughes asked for a dentist in his N.J. return from Olympic glory. You got someone? Original
Full disclosure: My sister-in-law may be a dentist and oral surgeon in Morris County. I may or may not have already pitched this story to her, but if anyone else reading needs an update, here it is: Jack Hughes needs a dentist. And does the hero of Team USA really need to make his own call? Apparently, he will ... after he gets enough time to look in the mirror.
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