Of course the awful news that former (barely former) Gopher linebacker, Gary Tinsley passed away on Friday morning is what still leads the headlines when it comes to Gopher news.

"This morning, after Coach Kill spoke with the team, I (MarQueis Gray) decided to stand up, take it in my hands and address the team as well, to let them know we're still a family. I told them that as soon as they put their name on that dotted line to come to the University of Minnesota, they entered a whole new brotherhood. When you enter a brotherhood you'll always be a brother. Once you put on that U of M maroon and gold, we're going to be a family through thick and thin. I told them that we need to stick together and make this team stronger.

"I know that I've been friends with (Gary) for about four or five years now. He has grown on me. This morning, it was bad for me as one person, to come up here and address the team and see everyone crying - coaching staff, trainers. It is just overall a sad day for Gopher Nation, as well as the Gopher football team."

Good football player, good teammate and a sad day for the Gopher football family. My prayers are with the Tinsley family and his friends. Ignoring football for a moment it is always difficult to lose someone close to you, especially at such a young age.

• Marcus Fuller gets thoughts and quotes from Tim Brewster as well as Tinsley's high school coach.
• Phil Miller with a very nice feature on Gary Tinsley.
• Moving on to basketball, what was your favorite Chip Armelin moment? Mine was his 14 points in the win over Illinois this year. But the scholarship logjam is easing up a bit now that Chip has announced he is seeking a transfer. Best of luck to the athletic spark plug. This allows us to bring back Trevor Mbakwe without breaking the 13 scholarship limit, up next is trying to find a way to open up another spot to allow Trent Lockett to transfer in.
• GopherSports.com looks at the season that was on their blog.
• Patterson and Bjugstad were named 2nd team All-American after their excellent seasons.
• Roman looks ahead to what may be an even more promising season for Gopher hockey.