IRVINE >> The Rams were in full pads for Monday’s training-camp practice, but with defensive tackle Aaron Donald, sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish. Donald hardly needs them. Layer upon layer of muscle shelters his bones, and during the offseason, Donald only got stronger. In an attempt to bui...

RIO DE JANEIRO >> It was the smallest of gestures on the largest of stages, a tiny rubber bracelet meaning more than the five giant rings that tower over these Olympics. McQuin Baron didn’t play Monday in the U.S. men’s water polo game against Spain. That, however, didn’t stop the backup goalkeeper ...

Defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes (knee) and defensive back Fabian Moreau (foot) were full participants in UCLA’s no-pads practice Monday. Both missed almost the entirety of the 2015 season due to injuries. Vanderdoes took his starting spot on the defensive line next to fellow defensive tackle Eli A...

Defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes (knee) and defensive back Fabian Moreau (foot) were full participants in UCLA’s no-pads practice Monday. Both missed almost the entirety of the 2015 season due to injuries. Vanderdoes took his starting spot on the defensive line next to fellow defensive tackle Eli A...

RIO DE JANEIRO — For Team USA, the Olympic Games men’s team gymnastics final had a familiar ending. And begi ing. The U.S., unable to overcome a series of early mistakes, finished fifth with a total score of 268.560 at the Rio Olympic Arena on Monday. Japan captured the gold medal. Monday was striki...

UCLA head coach Jim Mora extended support and condolences to Arizona after offensive lineman Zach Hemmila died in his sleep Sunday night. Hemmila, 22, was a fifth-year senior who was preparing to take the starting center position for the Wildcats. He was part of Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez’s f...

RIO DE JANEIRO — Another game, another rout for the U.S. women’s basketball team. This time though, it wasn’t record setting. Diana Taurasi scored 13 points and Elena Delle Do e added 12 to help the Americans beat Spain 103-63 on Monday in women’s group play. The victory was the 43rd consecutive for...

RIO DE JANEIRO — Lilly King has her sights set on wi ing Olympic gold and she’s not about to let anyone get in her way, especially not world champion breaststroker Yulia Efimova of Russia. King made that clear in a finger-wagging display after her 100-meter breaststroke win over the Russian, who has...

RIO DE JANEIRO — This past year in Istanbul, U.S. assistant coach Jamie Morrison worked right alongside a man he considers among the best volleyball minds in the business. That is fired-up, Italian-bo Netherlands coach Giova i Guidetti, who is suddenly making quite a splash in Brazil with group of t...

INDIANAPOLIS — Bryan Clauson, a popular driver considered by many to be the top dirt-track racer in the country, died Sunday night from injuries suffered in a crash during a race in Kansas. He was 27. His death was a ounced Monday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “This is truly one of the darkest day...

TUCSON, Ariz. — Zach Hemmila, a senior offensive lineman for the University of Arizona, has died in his sleep, athletic director Greg By e said Monday. By e and Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez told the team of Hemmila’s death after practice on Monday mo ing. Hemmila was found by a cousin. There was no ...

RIO DE JANEIRO — Once again, the United States got off to a slow start. And again, the Americans regained their composure and knocked off a world power at the Olympics, claiming their second straight win against a top-three team in women’s field hockey by beating No. 3 Australia 2-1 on Monday. Miche...

RIO DE JANEIRO — Another game, another rout for the U.S. women’s basketball team. This time though, it wasn’t record setting. Diana Taurasi scored 13 points and Elena Delle Do e added 12 to help the Americans beat Spain 103-63 on Monday in women’s group play. The victory was the 43rd consecutive for...

RIO DE JANEIRO — American Ibtihaj Muhammad looked like all the other fencers when she stepped on the piste, save for the non-descript black scarf covering her head. With that small gesture, Muhammad made history. Muhammad became the first American athlete Monday to compete in the Olympics with a hij...

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers will conduct Lakers Night at tonight’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium, including an appearance by the Laker Girls and Metta World Peace throwing the ceremonial first pitch. The Laker girls will be in the right field pavilion from 5:10-7...

Seattle >> Standing near the No. 24 imprinted in center field, Mike Trout drifted back toward the fence, leapt and added another clip to his career highlight reel. If he continues along his current path, and becomes the next Ken Griffey Jr., this catch will be the perfect link between the two. As me...

DEVORE >> Victor Perez, his two younger brothers and his four nephews made the long haul from Escondido to this rural unincorporated community northwest of San Be ardino on Sunday mo ing to spend the day watching Little League baseball. As a boy, Perez, 45, of Borrego Springs, played Little League f...

CARSON >> When Steve Davis scored in the 74th minute to give New York a two-goal lead, it was almost certain that the Galaxy would suffer their first defeat at home this season. Fortunately for the Galaxy, that proved to be the wake-up call they needed. Thanks to a pair of late goals from Mike Magee...

LOS ANGELES >> Brandon McCarthy couldn’t do it by himself. Neither could Rob Segedin, though he came close; the Dodgers’ left fielder set a franchise record by driving in four runs in his major league debut. Justin Tu er, Kiké He andez and Adrian Gonzalez all hit solo home runs. Even that wasn’t eno...

What to watch: After wi ing gold for Team USA on Sunday, Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky retu to the pool for competition. The day will also feature swimmer Missy Franklin in the 200 freestyle event. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams will continue their pursuit for gold in preliminary-rou...