SOUTH FLORIDA

Tragedy to triumph: Former NFL star devotes award to those who helped him survive

He’s won two national championships and two Super Bowls But Darrin Smith says his award for helping children is the most valuable.

Miami Dolphins keep one lineman, cut another

The Dolphins swapped offensive lineman on their roster Thursday, signing rookie guard Brian Thomas and cutting tackle Patrick Ward.

Sun Life Stadium

Super Bowl saga comes down to Tuesday vote

With a tax-subsidized renovation of the Dolphins’ stadium ruled out, South Florida pins its hopes for landing Super Bowl 50 on promising the biggest party the region has ever seen.

Judge issues warrant for Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson

Chad Johnson, the former football player and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ contestant, has been ordered to jail for violating his probation.

FIU

FIU safety Johnathan Cyprien eyes pick on 2nd day of draft

FIU safety Johnathan Cyprien was not selected in the first round of the NFL Draft despite high praise from draft analysts.

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No Miami Hurricanes players drafted in first round for fifth year in row

Cornerback Brandon McGee and running back Mike James likely will be drafted but could stay on the boards awhile.

FSU | NFL Draft

Buffalo Bills make splash, take FSU’s EJ Manuel in first round

Buffalo selected EJ Manuel with the No. 16 overall pick. Bjoern Warner and Xavier Rhodes were also first-round picks.

Fort Lauderdale

From Broward, NFL’s Brendon Ayanbadejo continues pro-gay activism

Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo of Fort Lauderdale has become one of pro sports’ best-known gay-rights supporters.

SUPER BOWL XLVII

Armando Salguero: Super Bowl formula for 49ers, Ravens is simple – load up on playmakers

The NFL’s annual rush to scrutinize the Super Bowl teams and draw conclusions from their rosters will soon begin to focus on the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers.

SUPER BOWL XLVII

Greg Cote: 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick can prove he’s legit and not a fleeting phenom

Colin Kaepernick’s full introduction to America happened to occur on a Super Bowl stage, where the probing light reaches all corners and crevices, and so you find out things like this:

SUPER BOWL XLVII

Different styles, same winning results for Super Bowl QBs Joe Flacco, Colin Kaepernick

The Ravens’ Joe Flacco and the 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick play very differently, but their results — wins — speaks volumes.

SUPER BOWL XLVII

Super Bowl XLVII: Ravens vs. 49ers – Who has the edge?

A position-by-position breakdown of the Super Bowl XLVII matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers.

IN MY OPINION

Linda Robertson: Gun culture a needless part of sports

Jovan Belcher killed his girlfriend, committed suicide and orphaned his daughter. If the Kansas City linebacker had not put a gun in his hand during those moments when he was seized by rage and despair, the 3-month-old baby girl would have had a chance to grow up with her mother and father.

In My Opinion

NFL refs, owners guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct

The NFL, the most profitable sports league in the history of our country and one of the few recession-proof businesses of any kind in this economy, has stained the start of its season fighting its referees over an estimated $4 million. The whole thing is like watching Bill Gates make a scene in a furniture store, knocking stuff over and punching the sales person because nobody will honor his coupon for a couch.

ARMANDO SALGUERO | IN MY OPINION

Miami Dolphins offensive line still a work in progress

Four years ago, the Dolphins hired a respected former offensive line coach and made a commitment to rebuilding from the inside out, casting the offensive line as a team’s foundation that was supposed to be as strong as the men who played there.

Sports Buzz

Blame past decisions, philosophy for lack of splash in Fins free agency

One question we’ve heard a lot about the Dolphins: How can a team that’s so mediocre and dumped its top playmaker (Brandon Marshall) not have the cap space - or try to create it - to make competitive bids for Eric Winston, Vincent Jackson, Mario Williams or any other free agent who was an impact 2011 starter for another team?