UNC reinstates DB Malik Simmons, who failed to show up in court

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North Carolina defensive back Malik Simmons did not appear in court Monday morning when his name was called for a misdemeanor citation for resisting a public officer and possession of marijuana. Where was he? Football practice, as he has now been reinstated by the program to resume football activities.

Simmons was indefinitely suspended by head coach Larry Fedora on July 24 following his second arrest of the summer. Simmons reportedly resisted arrest and later paid a $1,000 bond to be released from holding. Simmons had previously been charged for a misdemeanor marijuana possession offense, which was why he was due in court Monday morning. Fedora confirmed Monday Simmons has been reinstated by the program.

Fedora said UNC is now “waiting to see the thing play out,” before making any other decisions regarding the future of Simmons in Chapel Hill. However, lifting the suspension would seem to indicate there is a good feeling not much else will come of this legal infraction.

Former Navy coach Niumatalolo joins UCLA staff

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LOS ANGELES – Former Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo is joining UCLA’s coaching staff as director of leadership.

The school said in an announcement Friday that Niumatalolo will serve as an advisor to the Bruins’ football staff and players.

Niumatalolo led Navy for 15 years and was the winningest coach in school history at 109-83. The Midshipmen, however, finished with losing records the past three seasons, including 4-8 the past two.

Navy played in 10 bowl games under Niumatalolo. He also was the only coach to win his first eight games in the storied Army-Navy rivalry.

Troy, Jon Sumrall agree to new 4-year contract through 2026

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Reinhold Matay/USA TODAY Sports
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TROY, Ala. ⁠— Jon Sumrall agreed to a new four-year contract as Troy’s coach after leading the Trojans to a Sun Belt Conference championship and national ranking in his debut season.

The school announced the deal, which runs through 2026, but didn’t release details.

The Trojans went 12-2 and won their final 11 games, second only to national champion Georgia, including the league championship game and the Cure Bowl against UTSA. For the first time, they finished a season ranked, ending up 19th in The Associated Press Top 25.

“When we appointed Coach Sumrall in December 2021, we challenged him to return Troy football to the top of the Sun Belt Conference,” Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. said. “It didn’t take long, as the 2022 season was the best in our FBS history.”

Troy held all 14 of its opponents to under their season average in scoring, beating UTSA 18-12. The Trojans beat Coastal Carolina 45-26 in the Sun Belt title game.

“Last year was an amazing accomplishment for everyone associated with Troy football and was the product of relentless effort from our players and staff, athletic administration and university leaders,” Sumrall said.