"They Gave Up On Me" - Cam Newton Prepares For Redemption
Cam Newton faces a defining moment in his career as he searches for redemption after being released from the Carolina Panthers.
Grant Halverson/Getty Images
By: Omar Cook
Cam Newton has led the Carolina Panthers at the quarterback position for the past 9 seasons, but the Panthers have decided to go in a new direction and release the veteran QB. The Panthers have only one winning season in the past 4 years and have added Teddy Bridgewater and XFL star P.J. Walker to the QB room as they search for a new leader. So what’s next for the 30 year old quarterback?
Adversity hits us all but this is a major turning point in Cam Newton’s career and will be a defining moment for him in how he handles this adversity. The team that is favored to land Newton is the Washington Redskins but of course there will be plenty of options for him to land as teams can always use a veteran at QB.
Odds for what team Cam Newton will be on for Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season (BetOnline):
— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) March 26, 2020
Redskins +200
Broncos/Patriots +300
Dolphins +400
Chargers +500
Jaguars +900
Raiders +1600
Steelers +2800
Bengals +4000
Newton took to instagram to post a video of his working saying “All I know is work…they gave up on me.”
Cam Newton played in just 2 games last season after suffering a season ending foot injury and getting off to an 0-2 start. It’s an unfortunate situation for Newton but it could also be a story of true redemption. Newton is talented to say the least but moving past the injuries and adjusting to a new team will be a challenge.
Newton has thrown for 29,041 career yards 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions with an 86.1 passer rating. His career regular season record is 68-55-1 and 3-4 in the playoffs. Newton has a plethora of experience but ultimately has failed to take the Panthers to the next level as an organization.
The former #1 pick is no stranger to hard work and I would fully expect that if he stays healthy, a highly motivated Cam Newton will have a redemption season. Stay tuned for where Newton will land this off season.
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Russell Wilson And Ciara Pledge 1 Million Meals In Relief To Coronavirus Pandemic
Russell Wilson and Ciara have made a pledge a donate 1 million meals to the Seattle community which has been deeply affected by the coronavirus.
By: Omar Cook
Professional athletes are leading the way in providing relief to people in need during the coronavirus pandemic. We are all in this together and it’s imperative that people who are in position to help will step up and lead.
Russell Wilson and Ciara have made a pledge a donate 1 million meals to the Seattle community which has been deeply affected by the coronavirus.
Russell Wilson and Ciara pledge 1 million meals in relief due to Coronavirus pandemic 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/gc0DHx3Wan
— 247 Live Culture (@247LC) March 18, 2020
Other athletes that have made pledges to aid in coronavirus relief include Zion Williamson, Kevin Love, Rudy Gobert, and Blake Griffin just to name a few. It’s a good thing to see guys take leadership in this situation and give back to less fortunate.
One thing that I’ve noticed from social media is not only the positive reinforcement from people being happy about these contributions, but also there have been negative comments over athletes publicly announcing their intent to give back.
I miss the times when people did good deeds away from publicity
— DimeDiva (@Chillinois74) March 18, 2020
What people fail to realize is this is not a popularity contest, but a matter of individuals with good intentions giving to a cause. This is not the time to express jealousy or hate to others especially as they are helping out in a major way. Again, we are all in this together and we should all hope that those are in positions to help, will do so.
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Coronavirus Pandemic And The Impact Of A World Without Sports
The cancellation of sporting events sent a shockwave of hurt, fear, disappointment and anger across the world. We discuss the impact of a world without sports here!
By: Baigen Seawell
Silence. At first, we expected to hear the sounds of athletes fiercely competing to an empty stadium. The echoes of the coaches calling out plays, and the screech of sneakers across the hardwood.
But now, we get nothing.
The cancellation of sporting events sent a shockwave of hurt, fear, disappointment and anger across the world on March 11. With travel restrictions implemented by Donald Trump, rising cases in countries like Italy and the United States, and athletes testing positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19, the scientific name), associations have resorted to halting all sporting events.
Dawn Staley on SportsCenter:
— Matt Dowell (@TheMattDowell) March 12, 2020
“We ended the season as the #1 team in the country The only team that won their regular season & conf. tournament undefeated. If they’re gonna pass out a national championship trophy, we got our hands out at South Carolina.” pic.twitter.com/aNb4dl79kn
THE IMPACT
On Wednesday, many winter sports were entering preparation for their national championship run. Some (including myself, where I’m writing this story in North Dakota) have already traveled to their destination, only to find out the following day that their stint to compete at the national level is over, with no chance of rescheduling.
The anger mixes the fear and uncertainty, causing mass panic, and questions of what to do as the virus looms over our heads. MLB Commissioner, Peter Ueberroth compared it to “[…] a combination of 9/11 and when Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV”
Which is… Kind of fair, I guess?
At the time, HIV was unheard of, and associated with uncertainty, fear, and lots of phobias. It was virtually unknown to the world. Fans weren’t sure if they wanted to attend games, and some players didn’t want to play an athlete who had an autoimmune disease they were never educated on.
9/11 left athletes and associations unsure of when is the right time to come back and return to normal life again after something so gut wrenching happened on American soil.
But this time, this is something that we know is transmissible and can pose a risk. Although it was thought to spread to the elderly and at risk (i.e. weakened immune system due to cancer, and other infectious diseases) the Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell both tested positive, and many other athletes are looking to be tested after the scare.
“As of now, all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships and related events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, have been canceled. While we understand how disappointing this is for everyone, our decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States.” - The NCAA
The NBA, XFL, March Madness, and National Wrestling Tournament Brackets have been completely deadlocked, with arising concerns of the transmittal of diseases via close contact in closed spaces. But the impact was felt hardest by collegiate athletes, especially those who close out their final year realizing that they will never put on their uniform again.
2020 aint it. Don't know what to compare this situation to…just gotta buckle up and take care of yourself and those around you. Basketball will be back at some point but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there!
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) March 12, 2020
THE MONEY
For many athletes, the mental turmoil faced leaves a gashing impact. But from an economic standpoint, the impact is felt harder. Originally, many Associations and Leagues were looking to limit fan attendance, or weed out attendance completely. This would lead to a hit in revenue that is unseen from any lockout, or crisis in modern sports history.
With the cancellation of leagues such as the NBA, NHL, NCAA, XFL, and NAIA, we will see a drop in economic growth. Many areas that don’t have professional teams, look to their local college to produce not just entertainment, but revenue.
The area that will take the biggest hit is travel. COVID-19 has made a name for itself because of how quickly it can spread across countries, state lines, and into some team huddles. Ceasing travel on a nationwide scale does impact us; hotels, rental car services, etc. that thrive off of visitors who place bids to hold sporting events in their city, will suffer. Small towns with venues who patiently waited for fans and athletes to fill seats won’t get that opportunity this season.
The ones on salary pay won’t feel it, but the arena workers, restaurants, and those on hourly wage who make sporting events more than just the sport will feel their funds start to dwindle. Professional players are beginning to donate to assist arena workers who are hit financially.
On the flip side, universities face backlash from students, student-athletes, and parents who are asking for compensation. As classes are moved to online, or automatically passed, students have to evacuate the campus in some cases. These students raise their institutions feet to the fire, demanding an additional year of eligibility, a refund on season tickets, and travel compensation for those who are unable to get home.
Overall, the economic impact will be felt across the world, with the postponing of World Cup Qualifiers, Olympic Qualifiers and Olympics up in limbo, and no clear date when life will return to normal. But Commissioners and Directors alike are emphasizing those to stay calm, and not add more fuel to the ever growing fire.
Man we cancelling sporting events, school, office work, etc etc. What we really need to cancel is 2020! 🤦🏾♂️. Damn it’s been a rough 3 months. God bless and stay safe🙏🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 12, 2020
WHAT’S NEXT?
No one knows what to expect.
With a projected date of many sports attempting to make a comeback in April, the question now is: what do we do for time lost? How do we recover, and how long will the recovery process take?
We know that COVID-19 is something new, unknown, and undermined, leading to the situation faced today. But what we also know, is what to do to prevent the spread and educate ourselves (save your conspiracy theories) rather than cause more panic.
Stay alert, wash your hands, maybe start a new hobby, cause we might be here for a while.
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Wendell Smith: The Man Behind Jackie Robinson
In the spirit of baseball season starting up, it’s only right that we highlight some of the greatest black athletes to play in the sport. One name supersedes all…Jackie Robinson. But who is responsible for getting him to the big leagues? This is the story of Wendell Smith.
By: Baigen Seawell
I think we can all agree that Black History Month probably wasn’t the greatest this year. However, we can also argue that Black History is not condensed into just 28 (or 29, if we’re lucky) days out of the year. Black History is eternal, and should be taught no matter what.
In the spirit of baseball season starting up, it’s only right that we highlight some of the greatest black athletes to play in the sport. People like Satchel Page, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays to name a few, impacted the game of baseball in a way that would change the dynamic of black athletes in white professional sports realms.
But there is a name that supersedes all, and that name is Jackie Robinson.
Robinson was the first to break the color barrier in the Major League’s modern era. This is something that is taught to us year after year in elementary and middle school. But what is rarely talked about, is how he got there. To be more specific, who got him there, and told his story.
Wendell Smith and Jackie Robinson
ABOUT WENDELL
Wendell Smith was a Detroit Native, who attended West Virginia State College (now University, and my alma mater). While at State, he pitched for the baseball team, and was the sports editor for the University paper his junior year.
Smith, like many athletes today, desired to play in the professional realm; but, in the mid-1930’s, this would be impossible. A major league scout was highly interested, but, knew because of the color barrier, it wouldn’t happen.
In 1937, Smith would write for the Pittsburgh Courier, a black owned newspaper. He would start out as a writer, followed by editor, covering the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords, two Negro League teams.
THEN CAME ROBINSON…
A decade later, Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager, Branch Rickey was looking to draft one of the first African American into the majors. Wendell Smith would become an invaluable asset in the process on not just signing Robinson, but bringing integration to the forefront of the MLB.
Smith would work vehemently to bring Robinson to Rickey’s attention, and in 1946, he became successful in doing so. Robinson would join the Dodgers, and Smith would be something like his PR agent, following him throughout the season as a ghostwriter for the courier, and for Robinson’s biography.
Smith would also book rooms for all black Dodgers, and Dodgers staff, stay connected with the black communities and was a liaison in a sense as a black sports journalist, telling the stories of black athletes, whilst winning over the crowds of his white counterparts. Smith made Robinson a household name, while making a name for himself as a journalist.
AFTER BREAKING THE BARRIER
As time progressed, Smith would go on to be the first black sportswriter for a white newspaper, at the Chicago American. He made it a point to not only be a voice for black athletes but an activist in his own right, rallying for desegregation of spring training camps in Florida, and being outspoken in criticizing not just white players, but black players as well, on and off of the field.
He would continue to make contributions to the MLB, lobbying for the MLB Hall of Fame to establish a committee to select former Negro League players to be recognized and honored in the 70’s. He sat on this committee as well, before passing away in 1972 from pancreatic cancer.
He received numerous posthumous accolades, including a member of the WVSU “W” club, the J.G. Taylor Spink Award, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame announced the Wendell Smith Papers collection.
KEEP BREAKING THE CEILING
When we think about sports, it’s easy to overlook the ones telling the story. Without Smith, who knows how different Jackie Robinson’s story would have been. Being the one to tell the story for those who are underrepresented and overlooked, Smith rallied for Robinson to be the one to break the barrier, but he broke so many barriers in his own right; not being afraid to tell those stories and make sure people knew what black athletes had to bring to the table.
42.5 percent of the MLB consists of people of color, this includes African American (and the African Diaspora), Latino, Hispanic and Asian as of 2018. Sportswriters and reporters of color, specifically black, make up just 4 percent as of 2018, according to Greg Lee, former President of the National Association of Black Journalists.
As the demographics grow, so should the ones who tell the story. As I said earlier, black history is eternal, and we have to make sure we keep telling our story.
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What North Carolina A&T’s Move To The Big South Conference Means For Their Future
North Carolina A&T State University shook the FCS as they announced their move from the MEAC to the Big South conference. The Aggies football program has been dominant recently, but can they maintain this success in the Big South? We discuss it here!
North Carolina A&T Wins Celebration Bowl
By: Tialena Evans
North Carolina A&T State University shook the FCS as they announced their move from the MEAC to the Big South conference. The Aggies will officially become Big South members on July 21, 2021.
This news was huge for the HBCU world and has sparked much conversation in the media, whether it be from the fans or the athletes. The HBCU culture is strong, and this move definitely adds a shift in that realm for the Aggies. The only other school in the Big South that shares that black culture with A&T is Hampton University, who left the MEAC to join the Big South back in 2018. Many traditions such as The Greatest Homecoming on Earth, or famously known as GHOE, the marching band system, and the Greek life won’t quite register the same with all of the other schools in the conference.
Another huge aspect of the culture is the rivalries. The atmosphere, passion and intensity showcased through the players and fans is like no other. The annual Aggie-Eagle classic, against N.C. Central, is a staple in A&T’s football and basketball season, and it just wouldn’t be the same without it. Now, while this doesn’t completely dismiss the possibility of the two teams seeing each other again in the future, it’s not set in stone. Since Hampton’s move to the Big South, they’ve played only one football game and four men’s basketball games against other MEAC schools, so the Aggie-Eagle rivalry could definitely die out if consistent games between them aren’t in the future schedules.
The Aggies were possibly on the brink of forming a new football rival in Florida A&M University, as they have been seen as another HBCU powerhouse on the field. The Aggies lost to FAMU this past football season in a close overtime game, with FAMU coming out on top with a deep bomb to the end zone. The Rattlers clinched consecutive wins over the Aggies, and although FAMU finished the season with the best record in the MEAC, they were ineligible to make it to the Celebration Bowl due to NCAA violations. This caused a stir in the MEAC and made FAMU believe they should have been crowned conference champions, which eventually drove them to print off newspapers and t-shirts declaring themselves as 2019 MEAC Champions...yikes!! Too bad the record books won’t support that claim.
Of course the biggest loss from this move is that A&T’s football team will no longer be able to participate in the Celebration Bowl, which is locked in for the MEAC vs. SWAC. The Aggies have informally claimed the name as the “Aggie Bowl” or “Aggie Invitational”, as they’ve come away as National Champions four out of five years, and won three back-to-back-to-back titles. Thousands of fans, students and alum dedicated themselves over the past 5 years to travel to Atlanta to showcase their Aggie Pride, and that soon comes to an unexpected end as the 2021-22 season will be their final year of eligibility.
Now while there are quite a few downsides to this move, it’s not necessarily the worst thing in the world. The Aggies have definitely made a name for themselves as consistent HBCU National Champions, and a top competitor in not only HBCU football, but also across other conferences within the FCS. Since the Celebration Bowl will no longer be an option for the Aggies to hold that HBCU national title, the NCAA FCS playoffs will have to suffice instead.
The Aggies were able to make it to the FCS playoffs in 2016, as that was the only year they didn’t make the Celebration Bowl. Since the induction of the bowl game, seven Big South teams have competed in the FCS playoffs, and the Aggies surely plan to join them in the 2021-22 season.
Photo credit: Kevin L. Dorsey
The Big South definitely provides the opportunity for them to play against tougher competition which makes the most sense as they are certainly exploring the possibility of moving up into the FBS. They are currently 3-3 against FBS teams over the last five years, and have had a player selected in each of the last 3 NFL drafts. The move out of the MEAC was the first step into that future move.
Despite all of the pros and cons of the Aggies conference move, they are in good hands as they just locked in a high esteemed football recruiting class, including four former ACC players. This includes Virginia Tech’s defensive back D.J. Crossen, Wake Forest’s running back Courtney McKinney, Virginia Tech’s defensive lineman Robert Porcher and Pittsburgh’s defensive back Mychale Salahuddin. Since all four players transferred from the FBS, they are eligible to play immediately in the 2020-21 season.
As the Aggies have ultimately made a move that sets them up for the success that they are seeking, their future seems bright and the road to the FBS is en route.
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The Future of Tennis Is In Good Hands With Coco Gauff
At just 15 years old, Cori “Coco” Gauff has put the tennis world on notice that she is here to stay! We discuss her quick rise to prominence!
Photo by: Shi Tang/Getty Images
By: Tialena Evans
At just 15 years old, Cori “Coco” Gauff put the world on notice as she rose to prominence with a first round upset in 2019 at Wimbledon against one of the greatest to ever do it, Venus Williams. Gauff won her first Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles title at the 2019 Linz Open, which brings no surprise as to why she is the youngest player ranked in the top 100 by WTA. The young star also holds a career-high ranking of No. 66 in the world, which is pretty impressive considering she still has to find time to manage her schoolwork in between training and matches in different parts of the world.
Inspired by the Sister-Act
The Delray Beach, Florida native experimented with a variety of sports as a child, but chose to stick with tennis. As many people expected, Gauff was inspired to pick up the sport by watching her idols, the Williams sisters.
“Serena Williams has always been my idol...and Venus” she has said. “They are the reason why I wanted to pick up a tennis racket”.
After defeating Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019, Coco eagerly approached the net to commend Venus as they shook hands after the match. “ I was just telling her thank you for everything she’s done for the sport,” said Coco. “ She’s been an inspiration for many people. I was just really telling her thank you.
Photo By Getty Images
Superstar in the Making
With Serena Williams being universally known as the “Queen” of the game, Coco Gauff has emerged as the “Princess”. Williams has secured her spot as arguably the greatest professional women’s tennis player, by holding the the world No. 1 rank in singles on eight separate occasions, winning four Olympic gold medals, and collecting 23 major singles titles, which is the most by any man or woman in the Open Era. Williams also holds the most Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles combined among active players.
Now, while Gauff has nowhere near the amount of William’s accolades, she is well on pace to becoming a superstar in the near future. Everyone tries to find ways in comparing them just on the base that they both found themselves as young stars, coming into the game and excelling greatly and earlier than most. But, an interesting reason why Gauff has been hailed as the next Serena Williams is the fact that they both share a coach in Patrick Mouratoglou. Gauff has been training with Mouratoglou at his tennis facilities in Southern France for five years now, since she was 10. Mouratoglou has praised Gauff as a phenomenal player, and has acknowledged that she has what it takes to become the next great tennis star, especially because she is so driven. He even proclaimed that there are “no limits” when it comes to her career aspirations.
Gauff continued to make her statement as a future superstar during the Australian Open, by defeating Venus Williams once again in straight sets in the first round. She then went on to advance all the way to the fourth round, taking out defending champion Naomi Osaka in the third. Gauff’s impressive run in the Australian Open puts her as the youngest player to defeat a top 5 player since Jennifer Capriati beat Gabriela Sabatini at the 1991 US Open.
Although Coco Gauff and Serena Williams have never played a match against one another, it will definitely be a performance that we all can’t wait to witness. Gauff has already upset one half of the Williams duo, but with a victory over Serena, she just might possibly make the world stand still for a few moments.
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Life University Basketball: Atlanta’s Biggest Secret In Athletics
Atlanta is a hot bed for athletic talent, but one school in particular has been under the radar! Life University Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Anthony Maxwell, discusses Atlanta’s biggest kept secret in athletics!
By: Baigen Seawell
In 1990, Sid Williams of Life College in Marietta, Ga., would hire Roger Kaiser to be the school’s first head basketball coach. Kaiser, a two-time All-American at Georgia Tech, and former coach at West Georgia College (now University of West Georgia) would be tasked with recruiting players to play for the Running Eagles.
And Coach Max has been there through it all.
Anthony Maxwell, affectionately called “Coach Max”, is a 1999 Alum of Life College, now University, and head Women’s Basketball Coach. Coach Max would be a contributing player to the Running Eagles 1999 National Championship team; one of three acquired in the 90’s.
The Program’s history is that of a hidden gem in Georgia collegiate basketball; Maxwell is that of a historian in his own right, being there since the early stages of the program’s conception to present day.
THE HISTORY
The Running Eagles would compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The NAIA, a smaller division of competitive athletics, was considered a subsidiary of the NCAA. Many athletes would look to go Division 1 versus other routes to continue their athletic career. But, Kaiser would recruit vehemently throughout 1990, while the pieces would come together to start the first year for the program.
Almost Immediately, the program would have a stint to participate in the NAIA National Tournament in 1994, and finished as a runner-up.
At the same time in Hartwell, Ga., Maxwell would be recovering from multiple knee injuries sustained in the early stages of his budding college basketball career. Recruited at the D1 level, after sustaining those injuries, he would be in idle.
“I was a high school All-American, McDonald’s All American. […] had a few knee injuries, few surgeries, so I sat home for a few years. After two years, I had the opportunity to play at Life University.”
Maxwell would go on to play for the Running Eagles in the height of their success. After winning their first National Championship in 1997, and having seasons with 30 wins or more, he would join the team looking to get back into playing basketball and getting his business degree.
In 1999, the Running Eagles would have the opportunity to go to the National Tournament again. But throughout the season, doubts would still present themselves around the NAIA despite the positive program history. Kaiser would bring in numerous D1 and Junior College Transfers to Life during this season, establishing early that there were points to prove.
“Going into the year a lot of people didn’t think we would do well even though we did well in the previous years,” said Maxwell. “It was a complete team effort… We lost one game that year […] you go to the hotel, the lobby is crowded, elevator’s crowded; as the rounds go on, you get more and more room and you’re the last team standing; it’s a wonderful feeling.”
Life would acquire another championship in 1999, and 2000. At the national level, the program was gaining notoriety for their efforts; at the local level, they were something of a diamond in the rough for athletics and culture alike.
Life was known for their chiropractic program, and the energy and passion that Dr. Sid Williams had for said school. Williams had the ability to market and sell his school, with adamant advertisement campaigns. This would prove to be a positive, making the school alluring for aspiring athletes and established ones alike.
Professional athletes such as Dikembe Motumbo, Steve Smith and other legendary Atlanta Hawks would frequent the campus to practice, play games of pickup, or even get a haircut from Maxwell, who, at that time, ran a twenty-four hour haircut business that would make house calls to executives and celebrities around Metro-Atlanta.
“A lot of people don’t know this but, I’m a licensed barber, so I ran a business that actually started back when I was at Life,” Said Maxwell “During the 90’s Life University was the Atlanta Hawks practice facility. So I would cut all these guys hair on Life’s team, and some of the Hawks players. Then they’d have friends on other teams who would come to town to play the Hawks and say the barbershops are closed or they don’t want to get harassed at the barbershops they would call me to cut their hair.”
NOT THE CONVENTIONAL ROUTE
After graduating, Maxwell would continue cutting hair for nearly a decade, but the passion to coach would start to creep into his psyche. At 37 years old, “Max” would then become “Coach Max” in 2011 at his Alma Mater, starting out as an assistant coach.
He was nothing like the conventional coach.
He had no High School, AAU, or College experience coaching, and to get a foot in the door for Collegiate Coaching is difficult. He would push through the ranks before finally becoming the Head Women’s Basketball Coach in 2016, after a defunct team dissolved in the early 2000’s.
Again, he was not like his counterparts in the NAIA, or the Mid-South Conference. This would not only be Coach Max’s first time coaching as a head coach, but his first time coaching women’s basketball, and… he would have ten freshmen.
Through trials and growing pains the program would face in their four years, they become grounds for growth for collegiate athletics in Metro-Atlanta in their own right. Coach Max looks to establish his own legacy coaching at Life University, adding onto successes acquired in the previous seasons, and establishing the institution further.
“Life University Athletics is here, and Life University Women’s Basketball. […] We just want people to know in the surrounding area that we have play at a top level of basketball and athletics period. I think we’re Marietta, even Atlanta’s biggest secret still. But piece by piece we’re looking to change that.”
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Zion Williamson’s Career Future: NBA Great or NBA Bust? The Story of the Injury Plague
At 19 years old, former Duke phenom, Zion Williamson, has leaped his way into the big league! But with early onset injuries his playing career could be in trouble. Future NBA great or NBA Bust? We discuss it here!
Photo Credit: Keenan Hairston
By: Tialena Evans
The 19 year old, former Duke Blue Devil phenom, has leaped his way into the big league, but with early onset injuries his playing career could be in trouble.
Zion Williamson made his presence known as he drew national attention in high school for his explosive slam dunks and superhuman hops. As a Salisbury, N.C. native, coming out of Spartanburg Day School in South Carolina, Williamson was a consensus five star recruit and ranked among the top five players in the 2018 class.
Knee Troubles Ahead
I’m sure as an avid basketball fan that you’ve heard of foul trouble, but what about knee trouble? Well, one thing’s for sure, Williamson could tell you all about it, as he’s had his run with it first hand.
On February 20, 2019, in a rival game against North Carolina, Williamson suffered a grade 1 knee sprain only 36 seconds into the game after his foot ripped through his Nike shoe, causing him to slip. He did not return to the game and missed almost a month of play while he recovered. This triggered big talk around not only the media, but amongst current and former NBA players, who all chimed in on whether he should sit out the rest of his freshman season to preserve his body for the NBA Draft. Williamson responded to these comments by rejecting any suggestions of sitting out, saying he would be letting his teammates down.
Photo Credit- Keenan Hairston
He went on to be selected as the number one overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft to the New Orleans Pelicans. As an eager teenager ready to put the league on notice, his summer was over just as quickly as it began. In his Summer League debut against the New York Knicks, he was ruled out for the rest of the team’s games due to a knee-to-knee injury, resulting in a bruised kneecap.
His official NBA rookie campaign was put on pause, yet again, when he tore his meniscus in October during a preseason game. This marked his 3rd knee injury this year, which has to be some cause for concern on knee health from the Pelicans staff, and Williamson himself.
A Familiar Timeline
Of course Williamson isn’t the only basketball star to find himself in a continuous cycle of knee injuries, but one player in particular favors Williamson and his struggles to a tee. That former NBA player is Greg Oden.
Gregory Oden Jr., a Buffalo, N.Y. native, was also selected as the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft to the Portland Trail Blazers. As a big man coming out of Ohio State with impressive shot block defense and the ability to beat his man around the rim, Oden was praised by notable NBA figures, such as Steve Kerr, as a “once-in-a-decade player”. In contrary, Zion Williamson was also praised by NBA champion and All-Star Kevin Durant as a “once-in-a-generation type of player”.
Photo Credit - Keith Allison
Oden found himself in early injury trouble as he underwent microfracture surgery on his ailing right knee prior to his rookie season, which caused him to miss its entirety. During the 2008-2009 season, Oden made his official NBA debut against the LA Lakers, but it didn’t go exactly as he had planned. Oden left the game only after 13 scoreless minutes due to a foot injury and stayed out of play for 2 weeks.
In February 2009, Oden would then suffer from a chipped kneecap in a knee-to-knee collision against a Golden State Warriors opponent, causing him to miss three weeks. Later that year in December he injured his left knee again, this time fracturing his left patella in the first quarter of a game. He was ruled out for the rest of the season.
The following year in November, the team had announced that Oden would undergo a microfracture surgery on his left knee which ended his 2010–11 season. That marked his third NBA season cut short due to major injury.
Oden underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in February 2012. He was scheduled for a similar procedure on his left knee shortly after, however, during the operation surgeons found further damage to his articular cartilage which prompted them to perform his third microfracture surgery.
Oden’s NBA career soon began to near the darkness at the end of the semi-lit tunnel, signifying his plagued playing career. In March 2012, he was waived by the Trail Blazers to create room on the roster for trade acquisitions. He then announced his decision to sit out of the 2012–13 season to focus on rehabbing his injuries. The following year, he signed a one-year deal with the Miami Heat, then the following year after that he signed a one-year deal with the Jiangsu Dragons of the Chinese Basketball Association. This marked the end of his professional playing career.
What Is The Future For Zion Williamson?
The sad story of how Greg Oden, a former number one overall pick, became known as one of the league’s greatest NBA busts proves to show that greatness can be overshadowed and plagued by injury.
Williamson has already shown early signs of the injury plague, suffering from three knee injuries all in the same year. Many believe that his weight could be a contributing factor to these injuries. He is one of the heaviest players in the NBA, coming in at a convincing 285 lbs. Charles Barkley, one of the league's most dominant power forwards, says that Williamson just needs to find his ideal playing weight in order to be successful. The explosive nature in which he plays at and the amount of force that comes down on his lower body as gravity forces him to regain contact with the hardwood is definitely a cause for concern.
As Williamson continues to rehab his knee injury after a successful surgery back in October, the Pelicans staff is more focused now on working to help him improve the kinetic chain of his body. This includes Williamson practicing how to walk and run differently to minimize stress in certain muscles and joints such as his knee. Doing so can also minimize the chance of injury to other parts of his body which could be overcompensating to help balance everything out.
If this rehab method proves to be beneficial for Williamson and he is able to get himself to a healthy playing weight, then his future as an NBA great could stay well in tact for as long as we know it.
On the contrary, if Williamson‘s career continues to be interrupted with injuries, surgeries, and missed playing time, then the next great NBA bust could be well on its way.
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Celebration Bowl Brings Spotlight To HBCU Powerhouse Programs While Reaching 5-year Milestone
North Carolina A&T acquired their fourth Celebration Bowl title in five years, beating Alcorn State 64-44! The Celebration Bowl is putting HBCU football in the national spotlight! We discuss it here!
Photo by Brandon Waters
By: Baigen Seawell
It’s back-to-back-to-back for North Carolina A&T Football.
The Aggies acquired their fourth Celebration Bowl title in five years, beating Alcorn State 64-44 on December 21, 2019. This game marked the fifth year of it’s existence; what some people like to call, the “Super Bowl of HBCU’s”, the Celebration Bowl serves as a National Championship between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Prior to the Celebration Bowl, there were numerous predecessors which would make it what we know today.
The History
Before the Celebration Bowl, there were other bowls that came and went. The Pelican Bowl, which took place in the mid to late 1970’s, a time that was arguably height of HBCU Football, drew crowds of nearly 30,000 to New Orleans, La. The Heritage Bowl would be the successor, taking place during the 1990’s, with the Champions of the MEAC and SWAC facing off. In the eight years of meeting, the MEAC and SWAC would win six titles equally between them. By 1999, this would be the last meeting, and the Heritage Bowl would be the basis of what would be discussed, and voted on to become the Celebration Bowl in 2015.
Record Setting Fashion
In the five years of the Celebration Bowl’s existence, nothing would top the level of performance displayed in this matchup. A plethora of records were broken before reaching the end of third quarter.
The Aggies and Braves would combine for 49 total points in the third quarter, the most scored
The record for most combined points in a Celebration Bowl game now stands at 108
64 Total Points scored by the Aggies would be the most points scored in postseason and in Celebration Bowl history
Quarterback Kylil Carter would acquire the most touchdowns in Celebration Bowl history, and would tie with fellow Aggie, Alan Hooker with a total of 6
364 Passing Yards would be the most in a single Celebration Bowl game
And the list goes on, and on…
Despite the score, the passion for the game and level of competition stayed at an all-time high from start to finish, leaving a positive outlook on the future of the Celebration Bowl.
Why HBCU Athletics are Crucial in the NCAA
The athleticism shown between these two teams proves why HBCU Football, and HBCU Athletics is still something that should continue to be highlighted. Coach Fred McNair, the original “Air McNair”, and Brother of Steve McNair, has created a powerhouse football program of predominantly black athletes at his Alma Mater. Coach Sam Washington, an alum of Mississippi Valley State has brought North Carolina A&T to national prominence bringing home a fourth title home to the HBCU with the largest student enrollment in the nation.
While Alcorn and A&T garnered national attention in the Celebration Bowl, we must remember HBCU Trailblazers such as West Virginia State, home to the first African American to be drafted to the NBA, or Tennessee State University, with 24 national titles in Women’s Track (Indoor and Outdoor).
As the evolution of HBCU Football from the early bowl games to present has been a sight to behold, we must spotlight other athletic programs and give them the same level of attention; encouraging black youth to attend these institutions could give us the next Walter Payton, Terron Armstead, Elijah Bell, or Felix Harper. As Football Season comes to a close, national signing day inches closer and closer, and we must look to preserve and strengthen the legacy of HBCU Athletics at all levels.
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Redskins Cornerback And Southern University Product Danny Johnson Gives Away Over 350 Backpacks
Washington Redskins Cornerback and former Southern University standout Danny Johnson put together a back to school giveaway in Louisiana this past weekend giving away over 350 backpacks with school supplies!
By: Omar Cook
With the NFL season approaching, we hear news of teams preparing for training camp, season predictions, and contract talks, but here is a story that goes beyond sports. Washington Redskins Cornerback and former Southern University standout Danny Johnson put together a back to school giveaway in Louisiana this past weekend.
“At this event we gave away 350+ backpacks within 40 minutes filled with school supplies. I plan on doing this event every year, hoping that it gets bigger.”
At the event, Danny provided food and also signed bags for the kids. Danny is going into his second season with the Redskins and is already making a major impact off the field. Seeing athletes use their platform to make a difference in their communities is major. Danny went undrafted out of Southern University and has been making the best out of his opportunity on and off the field.
“It means a lot to me to give back to my community because that community gave me an opportunity and hope to make it out! They had my back through whatever so it’s a must I help the next generation.”
This is the first year that Danny put this event on and he already has plans on doing this for a long time to come.
“The goal of this event was to show kids that within the next 10 years they could be the ones giving back regardless of what career they choose, and the purpose was to get them excited about this upcoming school year!”
Not only are we excited to see how this event grows in the next few years but we are looking forward to seeing Danny shine on the football field. Players that know their purpose and understand that it is bigger than football, are players that we should be rooting for.
“Just want to thank all the kids that came out for giving me a reason to grind everyday, and make sure I be an example for them.”
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Did The Browns Make The Right Decision Signing Kareem Hunt?
The Cleveland Browns wasted no time signing Kareem Hunt this off season to a 1 year deal, but coming off of a recent domestic violence incident…was it the right move?
By: Omar Cook
The NFL has been under scrutiny for a number of reasons lately including the lack of physicality in gameplay now, the national anthem protests, and how they have handled domestic violence incidents. Kareem Hunt was a star running back for the Kansas City Chiefs before being released early last season after video footage showed him assaulting a woman. Of course Kansas City made the right move by immediately releasing him because domestic violence is nothing to be played with.
Hunt went unsigned for the remainder of the season and it seemed as if this incident was going to be the early end to a promising young career. It’s unfortunate that certain athletes find themselves in trouble over situations they can control, and this was a mistake that was costly for him. It hasn’t taken long for him to bounce back though now that the Cleveland Browns decided to sign Hunt during this off season. You have to ask, what kind of message are the Browns and NFL sending by letting this happen so soon?
BREAKING: Kareem Hunt has signed with the Cleveland #Browns. Hunt was released from the Kansas City #Chiefs following this video’s release showing Hunt in a hotel where he shoved and kicked a woman. pic.twitter.com/miqZQ2Eorq
— Couch Guy Sports Podcast (@CouchGuyPodcast) February 11, 2019
I’m all for second chances, and I understand people make mistakes, but did he really learn his lesson. We’ve seen incidents like this before most notably with Ray Rice and the assault on his wife. Rice was pretty much exiled from the league and hasn’t touched the field since. What makes this situation any different? The obvious answer is the Cleveland Browns are trying to turn their organization around and Kareem Hunt is a premier talent that can help them win. At the end of the day, this is about winning. We’ve seen Colin Kaepernick get black balled from the league for making a statement on his beliefs, but yet it seems as if domestic violence gets a pass from the league now.
This is a huge statement from the Browns about how they deal with cases like this and one that has many people shocked at how fast he got signed. Hunt was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list after being released by the Chiefs which means he cannot practice or play with the team until the NFL finishes it’s investigation on the incident. This will result in the NFL deciding on whether Hunt will serve suspension for a number of games which would start week 1 of 2019. In the football world, the Browns made a good decision by signing this back early before another team jumped on him. But morally speaking, this is too soon. The NFL hasn’t even concluded it’s own investigation on the incident and the message it sends to women and fans is that the NFL takes domestic violence lightly.
Talent trumps all. If you can be a playmaker, it seems there will always be a spot for you in the NFL, no matter what you do…just as long as you don’t kneel for the anthem.
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Derrick Rose Dropping 50 Is All The Inspiration You Need To Keep Going
Derrick Rose had an emotional 50 point game against the Utah Jazz, a game that should be seen as motivation for anyone to keep pushing through their obstacles!
“Everything man, I worked my ass off bro”
By: Omar Cook
I think I speak for most people by saying we couldn’t be happier to see Derrick Rose have a monster game. And not just a monster game, the game of his life. The former league MVP and three-time All-Star dropped a career high 50 points and made the game winning block in a home victory against the Utah Jazz. This is huge because Rose was once considered one of the top players in the league but injuries have held him back from his true potential.
The former number 1 pick in the draft hit a huge obstacle during the 2012 playoffs, where he tore his acl after signing a five-year contract extension with the Bulls for $94.8 million and becoming an all star for the second consecutive season. The injury caused him to miss the entire 2012-13 season following surgery. After some criticism for not returning that season, he went on to play in only 10 games during the 2013-14 season after suffering a meniscus tear in his right knee.
Rose has continued to battle with his injuries throughout the years. In 2017, Rose took a leave of absence from the Cleveland Cavaliers to re-evaluate his future due to his frustration with dealing with his injuries. He would eventually return where he was traded to the Jazz but waived, and signed with the Timberwolves earlier this year. The injuries have caused the now 30 year old Rose to bounce around from 4 different NBA teams, and battle through adversity.
We all remember the show Derrick Rose used to put on during games, with high flying dunks and sick crossovers, so to see him ball out once again was a moment of nostalgia for NBA fans. Some other NBA stars had some dope things to say about his performance as well. After the Lakers win over the Mavericks, LeBron James said "To have the battles and battles with his injuries, to be able to come back...for him to set a career high tonight in a win in Minnesota, I think that's unbelievable. ——I think every kid, you don't even have to play sports —— any kid that's going through anything in life about adversity and triumph and trying to just get over the hump, you can look at that performance by Derrick Rose tonight.”
Kevin Durant also gave his big ups saying "It's because so many people wrote him off because of injuries," Durant told ESPN. "So many people just stopped caring about what he can do on a basketball court because he had a few injuries and walked away from the team because he needed to get himself together. A lot of people had a lot of jokes about D-Rose, and obviously he's making them eat those words right now. So I'm happy about that.
Listen to the emotional post game interview from Derrick Rose.
This man was at the top of his game, took a huge fall from grace, and grinded his way back into the best shape he’s been in in a while. Rose is off to a good start this season averaging over 18 points per game. Stories like this should give any person inspiration and the motivation to keep pushing through whatever obstacles you may be facing. There is a light at the end of the tunnel if you just keep going. It also shows that obstacles come to us all, no matter who you are, but how you respond is the true test of your character and who you are as a person.
Check out his 50 point highlights against the Utah Jazz!
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Showtime Releases Official Trailer For LeBron James' 'Shut Up And Dribble'
LeBron James is set to release a major documentary, Shut Up and Dribble, which speaks about the political activism involving NBA players. Check out the official trailer here!
By: Omar Cook
LeBron James is set to release a major documentary that speaks about the political activism involving NBA players. Showtime released a new trailer for the docu-series Shut Up and Dribble which is inspired by a statement made Fox News host Laura Ingraham.
Ingraham was critical on LeBron taking an anti-Trump stance and said, “Must they run their mouths like that? Unfortunately, a lot of kids — and some adults — take these ignorant comments seriously,” Ingraham said on her talk show in Februrary. “And it’s always unwise to seek political advice from someone who gets paid a hundred million dollars a year to bounce a ball.”
“Oh, and LeBron and Kevin: You’re great players, but no one voted for you,” she continued. “Millions elected Trump to be their coach… So keep the political commentary to yourself or, as someone once said, shut up and dribble.”
LeBron responded by saying “We will definitely not shut up and dribble——I will definitely not do that. I mean too much to society, I mean too much to the youth, I mean too much to so many kids that feel like they don’t have a way out, and they need someone to help lead them out of the situation they’re in.”
These types of statements are extremely ignorant especially coming from people who are responsible for delivering the “news.” Shut up and dribble? Who gave you the power to say who should and should not make political statements? Last time I checked, we had freedom of speech in this country, and the freedom to express our own views, and whether you choose to agree with those views or not is on you.
LeBron has teamed up with Maverick Carter to executive produce the three-part series, with some other names on board such as Rich Paul, Martin Desmond Roe, Chris Uetwiller, Datari Turner, and Gotham Chopra. What makes this series even better, is that it’s narrated by Jemele Hill, who recently just left ESPN for her own ventures. Doing it for the culture!
In a press release, Showtime stated "The controversy [Ingraham's comments] serves as a prologue to the series as it chronicles the modern history of the NBA and its players, starting with the 1976 merger of the freewheeling ABA and the more conventional NBA——The league soon became an incubator for many of its top athletes to grow their brands beyond the court, becoming powerful players in commerce and fashion, and transcending the game to become cultural icons. Shut Up and Dribble charts this evolution through the experience of basketball players, who by taking control of their own destinies have helped to bring about social change and make their own statements in the current political climate."
LeBron using his platform to advocate for change and to speak up on issues plaguing America is exactly what we need from other people of influence. These are the type of things that change American culture for the better.
Shut Up and Dribble premieres on November 3on Showtime. Check out the trailer below!
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Deshaun Watson Is Handling Racist Views On Black Quarterbacks With Class
Black quarterbacks are always under fire and judged at a higher standard than their white counterparts. Deshaun Watson responds to a recent comment about the play of black quarterbacks with pure class!
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports - Deshaun Watson
“When you need precision decision making you can’t count on a black quarterback”
By: Omar Cook
Black quarterbacks are always under fire and judged at a higher standard than their white counterparts. One of the biggest stereotypes of black quarterbacks is that they are only good as athletes and not for their arm talent. And now you can add lack of “precision decision making” to the list of black quarterback stereotypes.
After the Houston Texans week 2 loss to the Tennessee Titans, Lynn Redden, the superintendent of the Onalaska Independent School District in Onalaska, Texas, took to facebook to give his racist opinion on Deshaun Watson’s play. “When you need precision decision making you can’t count on a black quarterback” said Redden. When asked about the post he said he regretted but “Over the history of the NFL, [black quarterbacks] have had limited success.” What??
This has to be one of the most casually racist things to say, and it’s crazy that people just let things like this “slip” out of their mouth so easily, better yet on social media. But this is a school superintendent. These are the people that are in positions of influence that feel this way about black athletes and black people. And of course they always regret or feel bad after they get caught saying it.
Being a black quarterback in the NFL has to be the toughest job there is because people will judge your every move, and wait for the moment you mess up to criticize you, as if they could do the job better. Deshaun Watson has been awesome since entering the league, so to judge him off of a bad play in a game because of his skin color is extremely low.
But of course, Deshaun Watson responded back with class:
"But I'm all about love, [so] I don't focus on [any] of that. I love all people. And that's what I focus on. It's part of life. I can't control other people and what their beliefs are. I can control what I can control, so I just focus on me, and that's it."
Texans Head Coach Bill O’Brien also came to Watson’s defense.
"I really don't want to waste a lot of time responding to outdated, inaccurate, ignorant, idiotic statements," O'Brien said. "I'll just let Deshaun's proven success on the field, his character off the field, speak for itself. He's one of the greatest guys I've ever coached. He represents everything that's right about football, about life…His teammates respect him, his coaching staff respects him, and in this day and age, it's just amazing that this B.S. exists. But it does. But we're moving forward."
It’s 2018 and we’re still dealing with the stereotypes on black players as quarterbacks. At what point do we come to an understanding that race has nothing to do with being able to play a position, and that black quarterbacks are just as capable if not more capable of playing the position than their white counterparts? Who would’ve predicted that in 2018, racism would still exist? But here we are.
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Will Le'Veon Bell Play Football This Season?
Heading into week 3, Le’Veon Bell is showing no signs of ending his holdout. Will we see Le’Veon Bell play football this season?
By: Omar Cook
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 0-1-1 after dropping their home opener to the Kansas City Chiefs, 42-37 and ending the season opener in a tie with the Cleveland Browns. After an almost non existent rushing performance against the Chiefs, it’s safe to say the Steelers could use their all-pro runningback. Le’Veon Bell continues to make his case for a long-term deal instead of signing his $14.5 million franchise tag and plans on continuing his holdout going into week 3.
It doesn’t seem Bell is too pressed about not being in uniform right now though as he is sitting back living his best life right now. Bell celebrated the release of his new music project, "My Side of Things" EP at Rockwell nightclub in South Beach while also taking some time to go jetskiing earlier in the day.
After being franchise tagged for the second straight season, it’s understandable that Bell is frustrated as he is looking for a long term deal that will pay him more, and deservingly so. In the past 2 seasons, Le’Veon Bell has accounted for 3830 total offensive yards and 20 touchdowns. Bell is definitely a dynamic athlete that deserves a big time pay day but at this point, it seems as if both sides are being very petty.
The NFL ranked Bell as the fifth best player on the top100 players list in 2017, but didn’t even rank in the top 50 highest paid players. So to his defense, he’s right, he should be getting paid. Todd Gurley signed a 4 year, $60 million deal with $45 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus. To say that Le’Veon Bell doesn’t deserve this kind of money is an understatement, so this explains the waiting game. Le’Veon Bell holding out for this long is a huge statement by an individual, but it is a move that is definitely warranted.
To make matters worse, star receiver Antonio Brown was a no show at practice on Monday after the week 2 loss. The Steelers can’t afford to lose anymore star power at this point. A far as we know, Bell isn’t showing up until he gets paid so it’s hard to say if we’re going to see him in a jersey this season at all. Unfortunately, this is the ugly side of the NFL where the business part can take away from the raw passion of the game.
The Steelers are going to need the tandem of Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown if they want to make a case for AFC North champions this season. James Conner is a great addition to the Steelers but he’s no Le’Veon Bell and all should Steelers fans should be praying that both sides can come to an agreement so that we can see some electrifying plays in the run game this season.
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Mayweather Vs Pacquiao Is The Matchup We All Don't Care To See, But We'll Still Watch
Floyd Mayweather announced that a rematch with Manny Pacquiao is in the works, but did we really ask for this?
LAS VEGAS - APR 28 : A sign at the MGM Grand advertises about the Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao fight on April 28 2015 in Las Vegas , the fight scheduled to May 2 2015
Credit: Kobby Dagan via Shutterstock
“I’m coming back to fight Manny Pacquiao this year another 9 figure pay day on the way.”
By: Omar Cook
Okay Floyd, we love you, but how many times you planning on retiring and coming out of retirement? I mean damn. We get it though, money talks and this is a business. Floyd Mayweather announced that a rematch with Manny Pacquiao is in the works for this year.
In the interaction Pacquiao tells Mayweather, "I have the belt," and Mayweather responds, "I'm going to take it from you like I did before." I feel like these dudes have been beefing since ‘93. Mayweather is 41 and Pacquiao is 39 turning 40 at the end of the year. This fight which will be a major pay day no doubt, will be like watching your two old ass uncles who still hold a grudge from 12 years ago go at it.
The last time these two fought each other was on May 2, 2015 and Mayweather won in 12 rounds by a unanimous decision. Mayweather who is (50-0, 27 KOs) earned a guaranteed purse of $100 million but brought in about $220 million in total. The bout itself resulted in 4.4 million pay-per-view buys which was double the previous record of 2.48 million for the 2007 fight between Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya. It also brought in more than $400m in domestic pay-per-view revenue. This kind of pay day would wake anyone up from retirement. We get it.
Floyd Mayweather has only fought twice since then with a win over Andre Berto in September 2015 and a 10th-round knockout of Conor McGregor in August 2017. Pacquiao who holds a record of (60-7-2), is coming off a sixth-round stoppage of Lucas Matthysse in July. and is serving as the Senator of the Philippines. Mayweather told us after the McGregor bout that "this was my last fight." This was obviously a lie. Expect this fight to come around December, the fight we all didn’t ask for but are getting just because.
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We're Tired Of The Angry Black Woman Narrative Surrounding Serena Williams
There’s a difference between passion and arrogance, but major media outlets have chosen to describe 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams as angry and arrogant after her defeat. Aren’t we tired of the angry black woman narrative? We discuss it here!
Serena Williams. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images
“For me it blows my mind. But I’m going to continue to fight for women.”
By: Omar Cook
Serena Williams is at the center of controversy following her loss to Naomi Osaka at the US Open women's final. The 23-time Grand Slam champion got into a heated argument with the chair umpire after she was penalized for apparently receiving coaching from the stands. Her coach gestured hand signals to Serena and she was penalized for this action. The result; Serena Williams went on to defend herself and her integrity to the game against the official. Adding insult to injury, she was also hit with a $17,000 fine for the event.
Anyone that's ever played a sport knows the time and commitment it takes to be great at a sport so to be upset after getting penalized for this type of action is understandable. Any great athlete exhibits passion for their sport, because it means something to them. This was the championship match, and making this type of call in this match was ludicrous. This happens in tennis all the time, where players receive coaching from the stands. Serena Williams has lost many of times and has always accepted defeat with grace and Naomi Osaka was already ahead in the match but the call itself was what made Serena speak up.
Major props to Naomi Osaka, for winning her first title and defeating Serena. Serena Wiliams even comforted Naomi after the victory but this is just a part of the story. This story is about how the media has tried to portray Serena Williams after this defeat as the angry black woman, and a sore loser using headlines to antagonize this situation.
Any time black women speak up for themselves they are depicted as angry. And in this particular situation, she had every right to be angry. But to depict what happened in such a way that it's demeaning to her character and shows her in way that makes it seem like she was in the wrong for speaking up, is deplorable. Exhibiting passion for what happened is one thing. Saying she was having a meltdown is another. Stop trying to make this woman look crazy for standing up for herself.
The major news outlets know exactly what they're doing by using images of her screaming and yelling because that fits their narrative of showing black women in a certain way. Not only that, but Naomi Osaka is Haitian AND Japanese, NOT just Japanese. The media has done its very best to keep the Haitian part out of the story. Naomi is a black champion. This was a big moment for BLACK women, two black women competing for a championship. Instead it was overshadowed by poor media headlines and poor refereeing.
Serena had a number of things to say about the match, even calling out sexism in tennis. "I'm here fighting for women's rights and for women's equality and for all kinds of stuff. For me to say 'thief' and for him to take a game, it made me feel like it was a sexist remark," she said. "He's never taken a game from a man because they said 'thief.' For me it blows my mind. But I'm going to continue to fight for women." Serena is right, had this happened in a men's match, this more than likely would have gone uncalled.
But let's dig a little deeper. This same umpire penalized her sister Venus in 2016 for the same exact thing.
Coincidence? I don't know, but the obvious is that this is not the first time it happened and BOTH women sisters spoke up about it. It seems their is always some type of negative agenda that tries to surround Serena. She was attacked for wearing beads in her hair. She was attacked for wearing a Nike catsuit during the French Open. And now attacked for speaking up for what she thought was right. We are tired of the angry black woman narrative that's being pushed out there. The media needs to do a better job with these weak headlines that forever perpetuate stereotypes, OR maybe just hire more black writers and we won't have this issue. We stand with you Serena.
Listen to the post match interview where Serena speaks about Sexism in tennis.
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Nike Releases "Just Do It" Commerical With Colin Kaepernick At The Lead
The NFL will have to sit back and watch as its biggest sponsor, Nike, will display their “Just Do It'“ commercial featuring Colin Kaepernick during a Thursday night matchup between the Falcons and Eagles.
By: Omar Cook
The NFL season kicks off tonight with a week 1 matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons for a Thursday night matchup, but that's not even the real headline! Nike released its new commercial with Colin Kaepernick at the lead as he narrates the whole commercial! The even bigger catch is that Nike plans on showcasing it during the NFL opener tonight! LOL.
This is real reality tv. The NFL who has pretty much blackballed Kaepernick out of the league for protesting during the national anthem, will have to sit back and watch as its biggest sponsor puts Kaepernick on full display. This is a real life example of when you don't do right by someone, it comes back to you. The irony.
The commercial itself is a dope production, and if you aren't inspired by it or have something negative to say about it, there's a major chance that you're just a hater. People have been talking about a boycott of the NFL for some time now, but they are also calling for a boycott of Nike. Good luck. There have been a lot of naysayers about Nike making Kaepernick their head man for their "Just Do it" campaign, and none bigger than the president himself.
Check out the full Nike "Just Do It" commercial featuring Colin Kaepernick here!
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Nike's Decision To Feature Colin Kaepernick Has People Choosing Sides
Nike’s decision to feature Colin Kaepernick in their 30th anniversary campaign of their “Just Do It” motto has people choosing sides! What’s the real issue? We discuss it here!
“We believe Colin is one of the most inspirational athletes of this generation, who has leveraged the power of sport to help move the world forward”
By: Omar Cook
This might be one of the biggest plot twists of the year. Colin Kaepernick, who is currently suing NFL owners for allegedly conspiring to blackball him from the league, is the face of Nike's 30th anniversary campaign of their "Just Do It" motto. This is a bold statement coming from a major sports company, the same sports company that sponsors the NFL's uniforms. Sheesh.
Colin Kaepernick - Nike "Just Do It" Campaign
Kaepernick has been on the endorsement roster since 2011 but hasn't been actively used within the company in the past 2 years, so this is major unexpected news to the sports world. Nike has not shied away from taking a controversial stand in sports as it just recently supported Serena Williams and her decision to wear a black Nike catsuit despite it being officially banned from the future play at the French Open.
With today's political atmosphere, it's become increasingly difficult to keep politics out of the sports world and differences in opinions have fans choosing sides. With Nike making this bold decision to openly support Kaepernick, some consumers have begun to say that they will no longer support the brand and some have gone as far as even burning their Nike gear or cutting out logos. I mean seriously? Does it really make you that upset that a company would show their support for him? It makes you upset that a man stood up for something he believed in?
>> RELATED: The NFL Is The New Sunken Place
People aren't even hiding their racism anymore. It's been 2 whole years since Kaepernick started his protests for racial injustice and people are still asking, WHY he decided to kneel during the anthem! People are still using the same played out narrative that what he is doing is disrespectful to the military. I'm convinced of 2 things; 1) That certain people really just don't care what the truth is and want to keep convincing themselves that racism doesn't exist and 2) that basic reading comprehension is not a common skill for Americans. The information about what the protests are about is out, BEEN out there. People just pick and choose what narrative fits their mindset.
>> RELATED: The NFL’s New Policy Tells Black People Their Lives Do Not Matter
Trying to convince certain people that what Kaepernick is doing is the right thing is like talking to a wall. There are people that even try to compare him to military members by saying he isn't a true patriot because he took a knee during pregame; that real patriots are sacrificing their lives in the military and not just acting out as a "privileged" football player. These are the keyboard warriors of America. The people that would never have the courage to do what he did but have the audacity to say he isn't a true patriot. Keyword warriors, what have you done for this country that's so great? This is not 1950. Black people have a voice and whether you like it or not, it's going to be heard.
It's time for more major companies like Nike to make statements like this that push our country forward in support of justice for all. Despite these people saying they will never buy NIke again, truly I believe Nike will be ok. This is a worldwide brand that extends past racist Americans. Thank you Nike for standing up for people of color, as this is a huge step forward.
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What The "Serena Williams Rule" Says About Black Women In Sports
Serena Williams has been banned from wearing her Nike designed “catsuit” at the French Open. We discuss why this rule shows how black women are over sexualized because of their body!
“It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place.”
By: Omar Cook
Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes in sports history, male or female. Having won multiple world titles, olympic medals, and consistently being ranked top in the world in her sport, she has more than paid her dues to the game. But even controversy finds the greatest of players.
Serena Williams took some time off from the game due to the birth of her child, and has been battling with her health and blood clots. Nike designed a special catsuit that was made to help her recover faster during competition, which she wore earlier this year in her return at the French Open. “Yeah, the catsuit, I had a lot of problems with my blood clots, and, God, I don’t know how many I have had in the past 12 months." Said Serena. “So it is definitely a little functionality to it. I have been wearing pants in general a lot when I play so I can keep, you know, the blood circulation going." She continued saying, “It’s a fun suit, but it’s also functional so I can be able to play without any problems.”
Serena Williams Wears Nike Catsuit at the French Open (TIM CLAYTON - CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES)
“It feels like this suit represents all the women that have been through a lot mentally, physically, with their body to come back and have confidence and to believe in themselves,” Said Serena Williams this past June, after her major win in Paris following the birth of her daughter. “I feel like a warrior in it, like a warrior princess kind of, queen from Wakanda. I’m always living in a fantasy world. I always wanted to be a superhero, and it’s kind of my way of being a superhero. I feel like a superhero when I wear it.”
French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli told Tennis Magazine that there will be a new dress code at the French Open going forward stating "I think that sometimes we've gone too far." He continued by saying "It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place."
We all know that Serena Williams has a curvy figure, but to make a rule specifically because of the way her body looks in athletic gear is not only sexist, but it speaks volumes to how black women are viewed. If we're being real, if a non-black woman with less of a curvy figure had worn this outfit, would this be an issue? Here we have an athlete, the best athlete in women's tennis history, being shamed for wearing an outfit designed to give her a health benefit. Are we saying that having too much curves is a problem now? Serena has been criticized before for wearing beads in her hair so the hate is nothing new.
Women should be able to promote body positivity and love themselves for how they are naturally shaped. Serena said she wore the suit to represent "all the moms out there who had a tough pregnancy and had to come back and try to be fierce." What message is really being sent by trying to limit what this woman wears in competition? If a full body suit is unacceptable, than what is acceptable?
Black women tend to have naturally curvy bodies are often sexualized because of their figures, and this new rule just perpetuates the over sexualization. Being too "thick" is not something that women should have to deal with or even be ashamed of, specifically black women. Women should be able to embrace their bodies without being ridiculed for it being seen as over the top. Men in positions of power need to check themselves about how they deal with women, and what they say. This is rule is ridiculous, and if we have to call it for what it is, it's blatant racism.