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Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor

All content by Stephen Thompson
Sophomore forward Justin Champagnie (11) finished second in points per game and first in rebounds per game in the ACC. In comparison to last season, he increased his scoring average from 12.7 to 18.4 points per game, and his rebounding average from 7.0 to 11.1 per game.

Former Pitt forward Champagnie signs two-way deal with Toronto Raptors

August 2, 2021
Pitt super-senior quarterback Kenny Pickett became the first Panther to announce an endorsement deal on Thursday afternoon

Pickett, Oaklander announce first NIL partnership for a Pitt athlete

July 16, 2021
The NCAA and its member schools have fought fair compensation for the players for years. In the wake of evolved NIL rules, senior staff writer Stephen Thompson doesn’t want to forget who held the athletes back. Pictured is NCAA President Mark Emmert.

Column | Don’t forget who kept NIL off the table for college athletes

July 14, 2021
Pitt men’s basketball will face the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Petersen Events Center on November 30, as part of the 2021 ACC-Big 10 Challenge.

Men’s basketball draws Minnesota in ACC-Big 10 Challenge

June 30, 2021
Legislation passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly allows for college athletes to profit off of endorsements.

Pa. General Assembly passes NIL changes in state budget package

June 30, 2021
Kamalani Akeo joined middling Pitt volleyball as a walk-on and left it as a two-time conference champion with three wins in the NCAA Tournament. In her post-playing days, she looks to push program limits even further.

In post-playing days, Akeo bridges two generations of Pitt volleyball excellence

June 24, 2021
The upgrades to the Petersen Sports Complex and Vartabedian Field have led the ACC to choose Pitt as the host of the 2022 ACC Softball Tournament.

Pitt’s Vartabedian Field to Host 2022 ACC Softball Championship

June 23, 2021
The bill would characterize athletes as employees if they receive compensation of any kind from their schools and grant them the right to collectively bargain.

Congressional Democrats introduce bill that would give college athletes the right to collectively bargain

June 9, 2021
The reinstatement of Hugley — announced just last week — is the latest in a string of roster additions that have tempered the anxiety produced by a tumultuous offseason.

After offseason from hell, Capel and men’s basketball begin reloading

May 18, 2021
The Pitt men’s basketball team wore masks in a team huddle during its game against Saint Francis University on Nov. 25. Head coach Jeff Capel was gut-wrenchingly honest over the course of the past few months about how difficult this season was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Column | Was this worth it: Reflections from a season covering COVID basketball

March 16, 2021
Nike Sibande (22) recorded season-highs in points (12), rebounds (7), shot attempts (13) and minutes (36) against the Florida State Seminoles last weekend.

Pitt falls 79-73 to Miami in ACC Tournament’s opening round

March 9, 2021
Pitt men’s basketball (10-11 overall, 6-10 ACC) fell short in a 77-62 loss at Clemson (16-6 overall, 10-6 ACC) on Saturday afternoon.

Pitt comeback falls short in 77-62 loss at Clemson

March 8, 2021
Junior gymnast Olivia Miller

Miller, Coca star in all-around for Pitt gymnastics despite loss to WVU

March 8, 2021
Senior forward Terrell Brown, the lone player honored on Senior Day at the Pete on Tuesday, opened the scoring with a dunk.

Sibande’s 23 points sink Demon Deacons on Senior Day

March 3, 2021
Pitt men’s basketball (9-10 overall, 5-9 ACC) has now lost eight of it’s last nine games after falling 62-65 at NC State (12-9 overall, 8-8 ACC) on Sunday afternoon. The team also lost two of its players, juniors Xavier Johnson and Au’Diese Toney, after they transferred.

Pitt begins life after Johnson, Toney with 65-62 loss to NC State

March 1, 2021
Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson darts past a Clemson defender.

Johnson to transfer, will not finish season with men’s basketball

February 24, 2021
Nike Sibande (22) recorded season-highs in points (12), rebounds (7), shot attempts (13) and minutes (36) against the Florida State Seminoles last weekend.

Contentious offseason fades in memory as Sibande settles in at Pitt

February 24, 2021
Photo courtesy of Pitt Athletics

Sibande’s season-best can’t save Pitt in 79-72 loss to No. 16 FSU

February 20, 2021
Pitt men’s basketball (9-7 overall, 5-5 ACC) lost 71-65 to Georgia Tech (10-8 overall, 6-6 ACC) on Sunday night in an away game in Atlanta.

Woeful offense dooms men’s basketball in 71-65 loss to Georgia Tech

February 15, 2021
Xavier Johnson, pictured here against Virginia Tech on Feb. 3, contributed 10 of Pitt’s 66 points against Virginia on Saturday.

Panthers doomed by short Cavalier burst, lose to UVA 73-66

February 8, 2021
Shifted starting lineup provides spark in 83-72 upset of No. 16 Hokies

Shifted starting lineup provides spark in 83-72 upset of No. 16 Hokies

February 3, 2021
Pitt embarrassed at home by Notre Dame, 84-56

Pitt embarrassed at home by Notre Dame, 84-56

January 31, 2021
Sophomore forward Justin Champagnie scored 23 of Pitt’s 65 points against UNC Tuesday night. Pitt lost 75-65.

Pitt outmuscled by UNC, drops second straight game, 75-65

January 27, 2021
Katie Chamberlain and Katrina Coca are returning to Pitt gymnastics this season.

Chamberlain, Coca make emotional return to Pitt gymnastics

January 26, 2021
Last place Wake defeats distracted Pitt, 76-75

Last place Wake defeats distracted Pitt, 76-75

January 23, 2021
“Pitt is back”: Champagnie dominates as Pitt downs Duke, 79-73

“Pitt is back”: Champagnie dominates as Pitt downs Duke, 79-73

January 20, 2021
Nino Bonaccorsi competes against Virginia's Michael Battista in February 2020.

Pitt wrestling riding smooth start to 2021 season

January 18, 2021
First-year forward Justin Champagnie competes for possession of the ball.

Champagnie, Capel make remarkable returns, Pitt pounds Syracuse, 96-76

January 16, 2021
Shorthanded Panthers can’t complete comeback vs. Louisville, lose 64-54

Shorthanded Panthers can’t complete comeback vs. Louisville, lose 64-54

December 23, 2020
‘‘Diese is gonna be ‘Diese’: Toney juggles pain, success and responsibility

‘‘Diese is gonna be ‘Diese’: Toney juggles pain, success and responsibility

December 21, 2020
Ithiel Horton scored 18 points in the Panthers' 70-55 win over Miami

Horton corrects cold shooting, Panthers crush ‘Canes 70-55

December 16, 2020
Photo by Matt Hawley, Pitt Athletics

Champagnie makes history, Pitt walks over Bulldogs, 67-50

December 12, 2020
Pitt football to forgo 2020 postseason

Pitt football to forgo 2020 postseason

December 11, 2020
Johnson shines in wild second half, Pitt tops Wildcats 71-70

Johnson shines in wild second half, Pitt tops Wildcats 71-70

December 10, 2020
Coach Capel questions a foul.

Capel tries to keep program human amidst pandemic basketball

December 7, 2020
Carolyn Pallof | Senior Staff Photographer

Premier Panthers push Pitt to win over Drexel, 83-74

November 28, 2020
Carolyn Pallof | Senior Staff Photographer

Panthers fall to St. Francis in season opener, 80-70

November 26, 2020
Some gym classes have resumed in person with modifications.

Pitt students adapt with pandemic changes to physical education

November 11, 2020
The ACC released a full conference schedule Tuesday morning with 20 games for each basketball-playing member school.

ACC announces 2020-21 men’s basketball schedule

November 10, 2020
Paris Ford celebrates his interception during the third quarter against Syracuse.

Star safety Ford opts out of remaining 2020 football games

November 2, 2020
Coming off of its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 54 years, Pitt men’s soccer is flying high and eager to build off of its breakthrough 2020 season.

Men’s soccer pauses team activities for COVID-19 protocols

October 28, 2020
Heinz Field will welcome 1,000 fans for the coming Oct. 24 home game following four straight home games amid empty stands.

Pitt permits 1,000 students to return to Heinz Field

October 16, 2020
The Pitt men’s basketball team returned to the Petersen Events Center Wednesday for their first official practice of the 2020 season.

Men’s basketball returners eagerly prepare for a season in limbo

October 16, 2020
After parting ways with former women’s soccer coach Greg Miller, Athletic Director Heather Lyke hired former Notre Dame head coach and two-time national champion Randy Waldrum.

Pitt soccer coach accepts job with Nigerian national team

October 6, 2020
Pitt planning Heinz Field return as governor announces looser gathering restrictions

Pitt planning Heinz Field return as governor announces looser gathering restrictions

October 6, 2020
Football head coach Pat Narduzzi discussed Saturday’s game against Louisville and hinted at the potential to have some fans at Saturday’s NC State game in his weekly press conference on Monday.

Narduzzi, Pitt thriving in new normal, but ‘not out of the woods yet’

September 30, 2020
The Pitt football program has paused all team-related activities “due to COVID-related protocols,” the team announced Thursday evening. 

ACC navigates pandemic-induced schedule changes

September 21, 2020
Students and fans will not be allowed to attend football games, at least for the month of September.

Panther Pitt left in limbo during pandemic play

September 11, 2020
Panthers volleyball will start its season late with its first match on Sept. 25 in Syracuse, New York, against the Orange.

Pitt placed in geographic pods for remainder of fall sports

September 6, 2020
Kain Colter, a quarterback and receiver who completed his college football career in 2013, announced that several Northwestern football players wished to join a labor union during a press conference at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago on Jan. 28, 2014.

Column | College athletes should take ownership of the business they sustain

August 31, 2020
Alex Lehmbeck and Stephen Thompson are the sports editors at The Pitt News.

Meet the Editors: Sports

August 18, 2020
Even if a college football season survives until its scheduled start, it seems unlikely that fans will be welcome, especially in Pennsylvania.

Status of fall sports becomes progressively shaky

August 17, 2020
Head football coach Pat Narduzzi opened his sixth training camp as head coach last week.

Narduzzi opens 2020 training camp with mixed optimism, uncertainty

August 10, 2020
Pitt Chancellor Pat Gallagher and Athletic Director Heather Lyke stand on the field before the game. (Photo by Wenhao Wu / Assistant Visual Editor)

Lyke talks football scheduling, gambling and campus returns

July 24, 2020
Canadian striker Chantelle Parker joins the 2020 Pitt women’s soccer team.

First-year Panthers to get to know

July 23, 2020
Kimura begins work as associate athletic director

Kimura begins work as associate athletic director

July 22, 2020
Canadian striker Chantelle Parker joins the 2020 Pitt women’s soccer team.

First-year Panthers to get to know

July 21, 2020
Jaylen Twyman has received All-American honors and is a candidate for the Outland and Nagurski trophies.

Trio of Panthers pegged as Bednarik Award contenders

July 14, 2020
Roc, the Panthers' mascot, walks toward Qadree Ollison during last year’s Pitt vs. Penn State game in State College. (Photo by Anna Bongardino | Visual Editor)

ACC announces delay for some fall sports

July 9, 2020
John Carlos spoke to about 30 Pitt students and faculty on Tuesday night about his life and experience at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.

Legendary activist, track star John Carlos recalls ’68 Olympics

July 8, 2020
Cam Newton became the target of people who just don't like “showboating” and celebrations.

Language should bolster Black athletes in sports

July 7, 2020
Pitt said voluntary football workouts would continue despite some students testing positive for COVID-19.

5 Pitt students, 1 employee test positive for COVID-19; voluntary football workouts to continue

June 28, 2020
Pitt Athletics released a statement on Wednesday detailing a new program, Forged Here, to guide athletes in their NIL endeavors.

Pitt Athletics to launch new initiatives after calls for change

June 23, 2020
Miami transfer Sibande picks Pitt

Miami transfer Sibande picks Pitt

June 20, 2020
Panthers head coach Jeff Capel extended four offers to 2022 prospects on Monday

Men’s basketball offers four prospects on first day of 2022 contact

June 16, 2020
In a written statement released on Tuesday afternoon, head football coach Pat Narduzzi publicly addressed his previous use of the word “thug.”

Narduzzi issues apology for past use of ‘thug’

June 10, 2020
Pitt football announced a partnership last Tuesday with brand marketing consultant Jeremy Darlow.

Darlow details plans for Pitt football partnership

June 3, 2020
The death of George Floyd and resulting protests have inspired Trevor Lawrence and many other white athletes to speak up.

White athletes cannot just stick to sports

June 2, 2020
NCAA announces return of voluntary workouts, proposal for transfer rule changes

NCAA announces return of voluntary workouts, proposal for transfer rule changes

May 26, 2020
Defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman (97) posted a career-high six tackles and added 1.5 sacks, bringing his team leading total for the season to 4.5.

Jones, Twyman have sights set on 2020 season

May 20, 2020
The NCAA Board of Governors announced support in late April for rule changes to allow student-athletes to receive compensation for third-party endorsements.

NCAA takes first steps toward athlete compensation

May 12, 2020
Pitt Athletic Director Heather Lyke. (TPN File photo)

Pittsburgh sports community donates $800,000 to vaccine research

May 6, 2020
Head coach Jeff Capel (far right) and his coaching staff frantically signal to Pitt's players during a game.

No. 1 Player in Pennsylvania, Jeffress, commits to Pitt basketball

April 28, 2020
Former Pitt cornerback Dane Jackson earned a grade of 5.99 at the 2020 NFL Combine.

Jackson selected by Buffalo in NFL Draft’s seventh round

April 25, 2020
Former Pitt running back LeSean McCoy amassed the most yards (10,434) of any back during the 2010s.

Pitt lands four on NFL All-Decade Team

April 8, 2020
Archival photos of Pitt’s 2008 Big East Tournament win.

Redemption and Rosie O’Grady’s: Pitt’s 2008 Big East Title from the stands

April 1, 2020
Trey McGowens celebrates during Pitt's 63-61 win over Florida State.

Projecting the makeup of Pitt’s post-transfer roster

March 22, 2020
McGowens enters transfer portal

McGowens enters transfer portal

March 18, 2020
Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson (1) scored 16 points during Pitt’s 59-56 loss to Virginia on Saturday.

Sluggish second half stops Pitt’s ACC Tournament run

March 11, 2020
First-year forward Justin Champagnie’s layup is blocked by Syracuse.

Champagnie’s 30 propels Pitt past Wake in ACC Tournament

March 10, 2020
Graduate transfer forward Eric Hamilton dunks against Clemson. He led Pitt with 12 points against Georgia Tech Wednesday night.

Georgia Tech routs Pitt in regular season finale, 73-57

March 5, 2020
Senior Demetrius Thomas earned top seeding for the 2020 ACC Tournament alongside redshirt junior Gregg Harvey and redshirt sophomore Micky Phillippi.

Pitt wrestling earns trio of No. 1 seeds in ACC Tournament

March 4, 2020
Sophomore guard Au’Diese Toney scored 15 points during Pitt’s 82-67 loss to Florida State on Tuesday.

Pitt drops sixth straight to NC State, 77-73

February 29, 2020
First-year forward Justin Champagnie competes for possession of the ball.

Pitt flops against rival Syracuse on Senior Night

February 27, 2020
Sophomore guard Au’Diese Toney scored 15 points during Pitt’s 82-67 loss to Florida State on Tuesday.

Pitt overpowered by FSU, sustains 3-game skid

February 19, 2020
Pitt men’s basketball has repaired Pitt fans’ relationship with our athletic teams.

Pitt sports teams as past partners

February 13, 2020
Sophomore guard Trey McGowens has his shot blocked during Pitt’s 72-52 loss to Clemson on Wednesday evening.

Clemson clobbers Pitt by way of the three, 72-52

February 13, 2020
Redshirt sophomore Micky Phillippi recorded his fifth major decision of the year during Sunday’s 51-1 victory over Davidson.

Panther Spotlight: Softball, wrestling attract kindred spirits

February 11, 2020
First-year forward Justin Champagnie recorded another double-double, with 20 points and 11 rebounds, both team highs.

Champagnie’s scorching scoring carries Pitt to 73-64 win over GT

February 8, 2020
Alex Geiger serves as assistant director of creative content as a member of the Pitt men’s basketball coaching staff.

Pitt creatives lead new fight in recruiting wars

February 6, 2020
First-year forward Justin Champagnie recorded another double-double, with 20 points and 11 rebounds, both team highs.

Irish chase Pitt in second half, win 80-72

February 6, 2020
First-year forward Abdoul Karim Coulibaly at Sunday’s 62-57 victory over Miami.

Change a constant in Coulibaly’s basketball journey

February 5, 2020
Au’Diese Toney prepares to shoot against Miami Sunday afternoon.

Sophomore stars come up clutch in 62-57 win vs. Miami

February 2, 2020
Pittsburgh Panthers then-running back James Conner dives to score a 14-yard touchdown against Duke in the first overtime at Heinz Field on Nov. 1, 2014. Duke won 51-48 in double overtime. Lake Fong/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/MCT

Former Pitt back Conner to release autobiography

January 24, 2020
Ryan Murphy shoots a corner three against Boston College.

Murphy saves squandered lead, Pitt beats BC 74-72

January 23, 2020
Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson kept the Panthers afloat on offense in one of his season’s best performances.

Pitt punctuates UNC sweep with wire-to-wire win, 66-52

January 18, 2020
Junior forward Terrell Brown prepares to shoot.

Dissecting Pitt’s defensive prowess

January 16, 2020
Coach Capel watches from the bench as penalty call dashes the Panthers’ hopes to upset No. 11 Louisville during the end overtime at Pitt’s 73-68 loss to the Cardinals on Tuesday.

Final foul lifts Louisville over Pitt, 73-68

January 15, 2020
Sophomore guard Trey McGowens (2) maneuvers the ball between Wake Forest’s Andrien White and Isaiah Mucius.

Sluggish start dooms Pitt basketball at Miami

January 12, 2020
Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson kept the Panthers afloat on offense in one of his season’s best performances.

McGowens, Champagnie lead Pitt over UNC, 73-65

January 9, 2020
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