Sports

Golson Gets Chance to Replace Winston at Florida State

Published

11 years ago

May 20, 2015

In this Oct. 18, 2014, file photo, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, right, greets Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson after Florida State won 31-27 in an NCAA college football game in Tallahassee, Fla. Former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson says he is transferring to Florida State, where he will have the chance to replace Jameis Winston. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser, File)

RALPH D. RUSSO, AP College Football Writer

Everett Golson came oh-so close to beating Florida State with Notre Dame last year.

Now, he has another chance for victory at Doak Campbell Stadium — only this time, he’ll be playing for the home team.

Golson is transferring to Florida State, where he will have the chance to replace Jameis Winston as the Seminoles’ starting quarterback.

Florida State said Tuesday that Golson had signed a grant-in-aid, ending his search for a new school less than two weeks after he announced he was leaving the Fighting Irish.

Golson graduated from Notre Dame on Sunday and will be immediately eligible to play under NCAA graduate transfer rules that many college sports leaders are looking to change.

He also immediately becomes the most accomplished quarterback on Florida State’s roster, with Winston gone to the NFL as the first pick in the draft.

“The support I’ve received there (Notre Dame) over the past four years has helped strengthen my integrity, wisdom and character,” Golson told Fox Sports.

He picked Florida State after also visiting Florida and Georgia last week.

“I would like to thank all of the coaches who spent time speaking with me these past few weeks and considered adding me to their football programs,” Golson said. “To coach Jimbo Fisher, the Florida State football team, staff, alumni and fans, thank you for allowing me to become part of the Seminoles family. I can’t wait to get started.”

Sean Maguire, a junior who led Florida State to a win in his only start as Winston’s backup last season, finished spring practice as the team’s No. 1 quarterback and Fisher said last week nothing would be guaranteed to Golson if he decided to join the Seminoles.

“After meeting with Everett, I came away very impressed,” Fisher said in a statement. “He’s an extremely intelligent and personable young man.”

Golson helped Notre Dame reach the BCS championship game as a redshirt freshman and first-year starter in 2012. He missed the 2013 season because of an academic violation, but returned to Notre Dame last year and threw for 3,445 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also committed 22 turnovers — two more than Winston.

The highs and lows of Golson’s season were on display in Tallahassee, Florida, last October when Florida State and Notre Dame met in a matchup of undefeated teams.

Golson passed 313 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. With 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Golson threw a short touchdown pass to give Notre Dame the lead, but it was wiped out by an offensive pass interference penalty that had Fighting Irish coaches livid.

That loss sent Notre Dame into a tailspin to end the regular season, losing four of its last five with a wildly inconsistent Golson.

The mistakes cost him the starting job. Malik Zaire started the Music City Bowl and Golson played a supporting role in the Fighting Irish’s 31-28 postseason victory against LSU.

The two competed for the job during spring practice for Notre Dame and coach Brian Kelly never did declare a winner. Golson made the choice for him.

Golson, a South Carolina native, considered transferring to several teams in the South, but getting into a Southeastern Conference school was going to be complicated. The SEC has a rule prohibiting its schools from taking graduate transfers who have had significant disciplinary or eligibility issues. Golson was suspended by Notre Dame in 2013 for what he has called poor academic judgment.

The Atlantic Coast Conference has no such restrictions.

At Florida State, Golson joins a team that is retooling after going 27-1 with a BCS national championship and a playoff appearance the past two seasons. Winston led the way, winning the Heisman in 2013.

Winston and 10 of his teammates were selected in last month’s NFL draft, but the Seminoles are not without talent. Golson joins Dalvin Cook, who ran for 1,008 yards as a freshman in 2014, and three talented receivers (Jesus Wilson, Travis Rudolph and Ermon Lane), who combined for 93 catches and nine touchdowns last season.

“YESSSSS!!! Welcome to the family EG!” Florida State star safety Jalen Ramsey tweeted Tuesday. “#Nolenation. The Rich Keep Getting Richer!”

Florida State is the second playoff team from last season to replace a Heisman winner with a graduate transfer quarterback. Oregon signed FCS All-America Vernon Adams away from Eastern Washington earlier this year.

Golson and Adams could be among the last players to take advantage of the NCAA’s version of free agency. Many decision-makers are working to eliminate the graduate transfer exception that allows athletes to change schools without sitting out a season.

For now, it has provided two of the most intriguing stories of the upcoming season and given Golson one last chance at redemption in Tallahassee.

___

Follow Ralph D. Russo at www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

4 weeks ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.