One of the league’s most decorated wide receivers, former Spokane Empire star Carl Sims, was shot and killed in downtown Spokane early Sunday morning, former Empire coach Adam Shackleford confirmed Tuesday.

Former Spokane Empire wide receiver Carl Sims was shot and killed early Sunday morning in downtown Spokane. He was one the top Indoor Football League receivers in the league’s history.

It’s an exaggeration to say that it has been since the Ice Age that a Post Falls football team has had as much speed as it showed on Friday ... but it’s close. The Trojans, who have had linemen faster than skill players in the last decade, used their quickness and athleticism to handle the visiting and mistake-prone Sandpoint Bulldogs 56-12 in a season opener.

Empire Health Foundation and Catholic Charities partner for a new program to keep kids out of foster care by supporting parents recovering from addiction.

The Spokane Empire is out of business for the 2018 season and probably for good unless a local owner or ownership group steps forward. Seattle-based majority owner Nader Naini said the decision to sack the 2018 season was made for financial reasons. I LOVE football, but have to say I wasn't a fan of arena ball. Been to an arena game? CH

A GRIP ON SPORTS • So long Spokane Empire. We hardly knew you. Read on.

As a handy reference for all things minor league in sports, the movie “Slap Shot” is unerring in tone and applicable across the spectrum.

The Spokane Empire is out of business for the 2018 season and probably for good unless a local owner or ownership group steps forward.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • It’s Sunday in the middle of July, so we’ll be quick about it today and get you outside where you can enjoy the heat. Or not. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Let’s talk basketball, shall we? Yep, it’s more than 90 degrees out there – I’m pretty confident no matter where you are reading this, it will be more than 90 degrees out there – and we’re going to chat about hoops. Seems appropriate. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • There was a time when I would read every book I could find about Greek mythology. The stories were so entertaining. From Hercules to Achilles, from Icarus to Prometheus, the heroes were with me day-after-day in my youth. Little did I know I would feel stuck in a Greek myth during the summer of my 60th year. Read on.

Spokane Empire defensive lineman John Griggs was named to the first team All-IFL team, while defensive back John Hardy-Tuliau was named to the second team, the Indoor Football League announced on Wednesday.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • There is no more crowded two days downtown than Hoopfest weekend. For hours and hours, thousands and thousands of people cram themselves into spaces that struggle to accommodate such numbers. There is etiquette about the situation, one that still seems lost on some people. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Baseball. Golf. Searching for that perfect Father's Day gift. It could be a busy Saturday. Read on.

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – Verlon Reed hit Devin Mahina with a 2-yard touchdown pass as time expired and the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles beat the Spokane Empire 45-42 on Friday, knocking the Empire from Indoor Football League playoff contention. The Empire (8-8) dropped six of their last seven games after starting the season 7-2.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • No matter what the NCAA tries to sell us, college sports is a big business, with thousands of employees, including the athletes. And like any business, there is a bottom line. Read on.

Empire Health Foundation has been chosen to administer a new endowment fund supporting cancer research in Washington.

Spokane has spent the last half of the Indoor Football League regular season playing its way out of the postseason. The Empire have dropped five of their last six games but the playoff door is still ajar.