Three former Buffs make Hall of Fame ballot

Three former Colorado greats and one CU staff member are on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame’s 2024 class.

On Monday, the National Football Foundation (NFF) and the College Hall of Fame announced the ballot, which includes 78 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 101 players and 32 coaches from the divisional ranks.

This year’s ballot includes three former Buffs: running back Eric Bieniemy, cornerback Deon Figures and linebacker Matt Russell. Also on the ballot is current CU director of quality control Dennis Thurman, who was a defensive back at USC from 1974-77.

Canadiens sign Caufield to $62.8 million extension

MONTREAL>> The Montreal Canadiens signed Cole Caufield to an eight-year, $62.8 million extension. The deal, which will pay the 22-year-old winger an average annual salary of $7.85 million, runs through the 2030-31 season.

Caufield scored 26 goals and added 10 assists in 46 games in 2022-23 before he underwent season-ending surgery on his right shoulder in February.

Hines, Olympic champion who became WR, dies at 76

Jim Hines, the 1968 Olympic 100-meter champion who later went on to be an NFL wide receiver, has died. He was 76.

Hines won the ’68 Games in Mexico City in a world-record time of 9.95 seconds. He also helped the 4x100 relay to a gold medal. After his track career, Hines suited up for the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.

Biden says Chiefs “building a dynasty” in W.H. visit

WASHINGTON>> President Joe Biden said the Kansas City Chiefs are “building a dynasty” as he hosted the team at the White House Monday to mark their Super Bowl victory in February.

Speaking on the South Lawn, Biden praised the team for playing with “the real joy of the game and love for each other and the great city you represent.”

Source: Floyd agrees to 1-year deal with Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.>> The Buffalo Bills reached an agreement to sign linebacker Leonard Floyd to a one-year contract in reuniting the player with fellow edge rusher, Von Miller, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press.

Fans who racially insulted Vinícius set to be banned

MADRID>> Spain’s anti-violence commission proposed fines of $64,290 and two-year bans from stadiums for each of the four men accused of hanging an effigy of Real Madrid player Vinícius Júnior by the neck off a bridge in Madrid in January.

The commission also proposed fines of $5,360 and one-year bans from stadiums for each of the three Valencia fans accused of racially insulting Vinícius during a match May 21.

Rangers push deGrom’s return to at least late June

ARLINGTON, Texas>> Jacob deGrom’s return for the AL West-leading Texas Rangers was pushed back until at least late June after the two-time NL Cy Young Award winner was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Pujols to assist commish

NEW YORK>> Albert Pujols has been hired by Major League Baseball as a special assistant to Commissioner Rob Manfred. He will consult on issues related to his native Dominican Republic, among other areas.