By Mekhi Abbott
Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com

Chocolate City was full of Howard University students and alumni of all ages as the Washington, D.C.-based HBCU marked its 100th homecoming. However, its perhaps most consequential alumnus – Vice President Kamala Harris, who is poised to make history in her current run for the presidency – was a no-show.

The 2024 Democratic Party presidential nominee was originally scheduled to come to the homecoming with vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. Instead, she penned a letter to her alma mater in recognition of the centennial homecoming celebration. 

“I am honored to extend my warmest greetings to all the students, faculty, staff and fellow alumni of Howard University gathered to celebrate our 100th homecoming,” said Harris in the letter sent to the Hilltop on Oct. 19. 

Entertainment headliners for the centennial celebration included singers Leon Thomas and Coco Jones and rapper Real Boston Richey. But, of course, the marquee attraction was the football game on Oct. 19.

“Homecoming is so welcoming. Whether you’re a current student, former student, alum, or just visiting, Howard finds a way to say hello to you. You really have access to whatever you want in terms of food, party environments, service opportunities and HBCU culture at large,” said 2022 Howard graduate and former student-athlete Michael Codrington.

Alumni from Tennessee State University and Howard came to the capital city to show support for their football teams in a sold out homecoming matchup between the Tigers and the Bison.

The visiting Tennessee State Tigers would defeat the Howard Bison in the matchup, 27-14. At the end of the third quarter, the Bison only trailed by six points after running back Eden James ran in for a 2-yard touchdown. However, on the ensuing kickoff, return man CJ Evans ran back a 99-yard touchdown to put the Tigers up 27-14. Neither team scored points in the fourth quarter and that would end up being the final score.

Junior wide receiver Karate Brenson led the way with 153 receiving yards for the Tigers, and Howard running back Jarrett Hunter had 102 yards and a touchdown for the Bison. Defensively, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) preseason defensive player of the year Kenny Gallop Jr. finished the game with a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss. For Tennessee State, defensive backs Jalen McClendon and Tyler Jones both had an interception.

With the loss, the Bison fall to 3-4 on the season. Tennessee State improves to 6-2 on the season, with a 3-1 conference record. This is the Tigers’ best start under head coach Eddie George. Howard will begin MEAC conference play on Oct. 26 against Norfolk State.

“Homecoming was full of celebration and a sense of community.  The events, from the game to spending time on the yard, felt like home as an alum,” said Rhonda Biscette, a 1990 graduate of Howard. “The 100th homecoming made it even more special. The environment represented a sense of pride and the reputation we hold as ‘The Mecca.’”

The post Howard falls in centennial homecoming game appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Stephen Whyno
AP Sports Writer

BALTIMORE (AP) — Lamar Jackson threw for 323 yards and a touchdown to outshine rookie Jayden Daniels in a showdown between two of the NFL’s best quarterbacks this season, Derrick Henry ran for two TDs and the Baltimore Ravens beat the Washington Commanders 30-23 on Oct. 13 for their fourth consecutive victory.

Jackson found Mark Andrews for the tight end’s first touchdown of the season and completed nine passes to Zay Flowers for 132 yards — all in the first half. Henry had 132 yards and his NFL-leading eighth and ninth TDs as the Ravens (4-2) mixed and matched the pass and run to near perfection.

Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on two TD passes, but did not get nearly enough help from the backfield in a matchup of the two top rushing offenses in the league. With Brian Robinson Jr. out because of a knee injury, Washington (4-2) got just 52 yards on the ground.

The Commanders’ defense struggled to contain Jackson and Henry, allowing Baltimore to rack up 484 yards, and their winning streak ended at four with a loss at the hands of an opponent that is starting to look like the legitimate Super Bowl contender it was expected to be.

The masterclass by the Ravens included scoring drives of 93 and 94 yards, three sacks of Daniels and enough to overcome an early interception by Jackson when the ball went off Andrews’ hands and was caught by rookie Mike Sainristil for Washington’s first pick of the season. 

Struggles defending against the pass continued, with Daniels going 24 of 35 for 269 yards, but again Baltimore was able to outscore its problems.

Henry became the first player to rush for a TD in each of his first six games since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005. Andrews tied Todd Heap for the most catches since the team moved to Baltimore with the 41st of his career.

Injuries

Ravens: LB Malik Harrison (groin), CB Arthur Maulet (knee and hamstring) and DE Broderick Washington (knee) were inactive.

Commanders: DT Jonathan Allen was ruled out early in the fourth quarter with a pectoral injury. … DE Dorance Armstrong left in the second with a rib injury. … DE Clelin Ferrell missed a fourth consecutive game with a knee injury.

Up next

Commanders: Host the Carolina Panthers Oct. 20.

Ravens: Visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, Oct. 21.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com

Teachers and aides at Ward 8’s Moten Elementary School just received more than $15,000 in classroom gifts from Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins. The WNBA player teamed up with the Lids Foundation, a philanthropic organization that provides direct support to local communities and other charitable nonprofits, to surprise the educators during an assembly on Sept. 16. 

This is Atkin’s second time organizing a teacher appreciation celebration in the District. 

“Our goal is to show gratitude to teachers and their aides by providing them with essential classroom items that could enhance their classroom environment, as well as the student’s experience,” said Atkins, in a statement. “We want them to feel appreciated and valued for the undeniable impact they make every day on their students.” 

The classroom gifts included general school supplies, decor, bean bag chairs, twinkle lights and interactive rugs. Teachers and aides also received Visa gift cards to splurge on themselves and Lids store gift cards to give out to students as classroom prizes. 

Moten Elementary Principal Akela Dogbe, who covertly retrieved wishlists from the educators, said the celebration came at the perfect time. 

“My teachers deserve to feel special,” said Dogbe. “It was great to be able to celebrate them now because this is about the fourth week of school for us. People start counting down to Thanksgiving break, and the excitement of a new school year has kind of worn off.”

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 94 percent of teachers dip into their pockets to purchase classroom supplies. On average, educators in urban communities spend $529 each school year. 

Dogbe said the school provides basic materials, like paper, pens and pencils. But, other personalized items that foster a warm, welcoming environment are left to the teachers to buy. Cultivating a comfortable environment in the classroom is important for students, according to the principal. 

“We always operate under the impression that the classroom is the second teacher,” said Dogbe. “Kids want to be in pretty spaces just like adults do. Infusing more colors, more places where they can lounge around and do their work and more flexible seating makes the experience better for them.” 

Dogbe disguised the assembly as a celebration for Moten Elementary’s performance on the 2023 D.C. Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE). The school climbed 12 points in mathematics and eight points in English language arts. 

Dogbe said it has not made gains like that since before the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in learning loss for elementary and other students across the country. 

“We’re going to keep soaring and doing the things we know work. We’re going to keep having amazing tier-one instruction in our classrooms that are now so beautifully decorated,” said Dogbe. “We’re going to keep offering high-impact tutoring for every student in the building, and we’re going to keep climbing.” 

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By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO

A free clinic open to basketball coaches of all levels in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area will be sponsored by the Washington Wizards on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Entertainment and Sports Arena, home of the Washington Mystics and Capital City Go-Go, in Southeast, Washington, D.C. 

The clinic will be led by Coach Brian Keefe, head coach of the Wizards, with special guest coaches Ed Cooley of Georgetown, Kenny Blakeney of Howard, and Duane Simpkins, a coach for American University. 

According to a Wizards spokesperson, the clinic aims to strengthen the local coaching community and provide valuable insights that can be taken back to schools and teams across the region. The clinic represents the Wizards’ longtime commitment to empowering local talent. 

John Thompson III, former head coach, Georgetown University, now entering his second season as senior vice president of Monumental Basketball, continues to focus on exploring and implementing best practices for the Wizards, Mystics and Go-Go while ensuring accountability for excellence across the organization. 

He spoke with the AFRO about the upcoming clinic and noted why he thinks it’s a “win-win opportunity.” 

“This is for coaches from all levels – college, high school, summer leagues– you name it,” said Thompson, who has long been an ardent supporter of the Greater Washington Area and who, in 2007, established the John Thompson III Foundation to create a positive and lasting impact on the city that he cherishes. 

“This is about coaches helping coaches,” he said. “I’ve said many times that the basketball players in the DMV are among the best in the country – part of that is because of the outstanding coaching in this area. We have some great coaches leading the clinic. But this is only the beginning.” 

“Next year, we’ll rotate with other coaches,” Thompson continue. “The bottom line is the talented group of coaches in this region will be able to share with one another, to teach one another and to learn from one another.” 

Thompson said the credit for the clinic goes to Wizards Head Coach Brian Keefe. 

“Coach Keefe walked up to me and said he wanted to hold a clinic for local coaches and asked me if we could put something together,” Thompson said. “I told him of course. This is his first year as head coach but he’s been in the NBA for a long time. He understands every position on the bench and he’s built to help players and others in the profession.”

Thompson said he feels fortunate to be part of the Monumental Basketball family. 

“I loved coaching at Georgetown but I am also really enjoying the journey that I am on today. I still have daily interactions with players and coaches and I’m involved in most aspects of the game. But I am also learning and contributing to the business side of the sport,” he said. “It’s complex for sure. But above all, it’s a people business. This clinic is another opportunity for us to bring people out, get them involved and unify them.”

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By Mekhi Abbott
Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com

The Howard Bison remain undefeated in the HBCU NY Classic as they overpowered the Morehouse Tigers, 35-21. The neutral site game was held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sept. 14. 

The reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champions controlled all three facets of the game, proving to be especially dominant on special teams and in the run game. 

New Jersey native and freshman running back Anthony Reagan Jr. ran the opening kickoff back close to midfield and the Bison took advantage of the field position. Wide receiver Se’Quan Osbourne and freshman tight end Ke’Untae Mosley each scored the first touchdowns of their collegiate careers, and the Bison went into halftime with a 21-7 lead. 

“The Classic is a great experience for the fans and also us as athletes to come together and celebrate Black culture and also be on a big platform where we have more exposure to showcase our talent,” said starting senior cornerback Xavier Robiou, who has played in the HBCU NY Classic all three years.

Coming out of halftime, the Bison would score another touchdown, giving the D.C. team a 28-7 lead. The Bison’s lead ballooned up to 28 points before the Tigers responded by scoring two touchdown passes late in the fourth quarter. 

Redshirt senior quarterback Jaylen Tolbert started his first game of the season for the Bison and finished with four touchdown passes and one interception. Sophomore quarterback Ja’Shawn Scruggins started the first two games of the season against Rutgers University and Mercyhurst, finishing those first two games with 280 passing yards, 189 rushing yards, one touchdown and one interception. He led the Bison to a 1-1 record. 

“The HBCU Classic was a great experience the first time I went and it was even better this year. The tailgate is always a great time–good food, music, and the overall vibe just from being around current students and alumni. I think it is a great tradition for these two HBCUs to play and clearly the competition gets better and better every year,” said Joshua Pemberton, who attended the game twice as a fan.

In addition to a thrilling game, attendees were treated to a scintillating Battle of the Bands during half time, which was presented by Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. 

And following the game, Jamaican dancehall artist Sean Paul performed some of his chart-topping hits. 

“The ‘fifth quarter’ ended up being a surprise performance from Sean Paul and that ended the night perfectly,” said Pemberton. “All in all I think it’s a great event for everyone of all ages and I’ll be back again next year.” 

With the newest victory, the Bison improve to 2-1 while the Tigers drop to 0-3. The Bison will travel back to the nation’s capital to face their rival Hampton Pirates in the Truth and Service Classic on Sept. 21 at Audi Field. The Maroon Tigers will fly to Chicago to play the Kentucky State Thorobreds. The Morehouse Maroon Tigers are expected to join Howard in the MEAC in the near future, according to associate athletic director for operations at Howard University, Nicholas Latham.

The post Howard dominates Morehouse in third straight HBCU NY Classic victory appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Mekhi Abbott
Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com

Fight For Children, an organization focused on using sports to improve the lives of youths, sent students in the Washington D.C. area back to school in style this year. Offering free backpacks, school supplies and haircuts, the organization held their Youth Sports Day held on Aug. 24. The event highlighted the importance of youth participation in physical activity, while showcasing the teams and programs in the area that families can put their children in for educational and recreational purposes. 

Youth Sports Day was held at the Fields at Robert F. Kennedy Campus in Anacostia Park. Sponsors and partners for the event included Gatorade, Under Armour, 37 nonprofit organizations from Fight For Children Youth Development Institute and all of the D.C.-based professional sports organizations. 

“Unfortunately, youth sports have become out of reach for a lot of families. If you want to put your kid into a quality soccer program, you’ve got to have $300 in disposable income for maybe six to eight weeks of play,” said James Kallusky, president of Fight For Children. “It’s become a business and unfortunately, it left a lot of families out that just can’t afford that. What we’ve done is assembled nearly 40 nonprofit organizations that are high quality youth sports programs that puts kids first. They focus on the whole child.”

Although the event was catered towards showcasing the sport and recreational activities that Fight For Children and other organizations in the D.C. area have available for free or low costs, Kallusky also wanted to make sure that children are being given the opportunity to have access to resources that improve their performance in the classroom as well as their overall livelihood. 

“We focus on the development of the child, not just the athlete. We have tutoring programs, college readiness programs and mentorship programs,” aid Kallusky. “After school, if kids don’t have any programs or teams available to them, they can be out getting in trouble. These programs keep kids in school, out of trouble and keep kids healthy physically and mentally. We are just trying to bring awareness to these programs.”

Youth Sports Day 2024 marks the second year that the event was put on by Fight For Children. In its inaugural year, attendance was at about 500 people, according to program coordinator Marc Shapiro. This year, that number grew to almost 2,000. 

Gatorade, one of the biggest sponsors at the event, provided water, a dunk tank, a cooling station and plenty of free merchandise. Under Armour provided 500 free backpacks and food vendors such as La Raza and DC Mexicano Grill provided free food for the community from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST. 

“We are about to start a program called E.A.T.S., which stands for ‘early access to sports’. We will be utilizing our 37 youth sports organizations and connecting the community to them by either bringing the programs into D.C. public schools or bringing the first through third graders to sites where our programs or organizations operate… We really want to eliminate the transportation barrier,” said Shapiro. 

Also provided at Youth Sports Day were physicians for youth eye exams, physicals and wellness checks. Games and activities included flag football, rock climbing and soccer. Shapiro said that Fight For Children hopes to continue to make Youth Sports Day an annual event and “something that is a D.C. staple for the end of the summer” with kids going back to school.

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By Reginald Williams
Special to the AFRO

The pitch arrived just about waist-high. It caught the corner of the plate and had a little heat on it based on the pop of Washington Nationals pitcher Joe La Sorsa’s glove.

Nick Arrington, a Woodbridge, Va. native and prominent cast member on Bravo network’s “Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard,” threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Nationals versus Chicago Cubs game on Aug. 30, the evening the Nationals honored the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, an umbrella organization for Black sororities and fraternities, which are colloquially known as the Divine Nine.

“I’m throwing out the first pitch to celebrate my fraternity and my HBCU,” explained Arrington, a 2008 graduate of Tuskegee University in Alabama.

As part of HBCU/Divine Nine Night, the Nationals also welcomed Howard University’s Army Bison Battalion & Air Force Detachment 130 to serve as Color Guard for the game. Additionally, hundreds of fans who attended the special event received a commemorative majorette bobblehead. Proceeds from the special ticket sales will be donated to the D.C. Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance, which works to raise awareness, provide resources and offer programs aimed at supporting at-risk individuals and the communities where they live.

Arrington, a standout player at Gar-Field High School and a four-year player at Tuskegee, stood atop the mound and demonstrated a pitching form that suggested he hadn’t lost any skills from his past playing days as a catcher and relief pitcher. 

“Nick threw an awesome pitch. It was awesome to be a part of it,” said Ryan Stowers, a fan from Utah. “I told him I heard some serious snap on his pitch. I loved being a part of it, and I love the mission of HBCUs. I love what he was doing here. We need more of it.”

Surrounded by his mother, Linda Arrington, and his brother, Norman, a North Carolina A&T University graduate, Arrington lived out a childhood dream of one day throwing a baseball on a Major League Baseball diamond. Norman Arrington had the honor of helping his brother warm up before the first pitch and handing him the ceremonial ball.

A rising star in the entertainment space, Arrington was humbled by the opportunity to participate in the Nationals’ annual HBCU/Divine Nine Day.

“I’m here for a number of reasons,” explained Arrington. “We are celebrating historically Black colleges—so if you know, you know. It’s HBCU Night here at National Park and I’m super excited about that. I’m a proud graduate of Tuskegee University. We’re also celebrating tonight the Divine Nine—Black fraternities and sororities.” 

In the spring of 2007, Arrington pledged with the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity at Tuskegee.

Throughout the game, which the Nationals lost 7-6, the scoreboard showed scores of HBCU alumni (Howard, Bowie State, Jackson State, Virginia State) throughout the park, rocking their school’s merch, and the sororities Alpha Kappa Alphas and the Delta Sigma Theta represented well.  

Fred Watson, a 1997 A&T graduate and Cubs fan, arrived at the game wearing a Cubs fitted cap and N.C.A&T shirt but had no idea that the Nationals was celebrating HBCU/Divine Nine Day.

“I came out because I’m a Cubs fan,” explained Watson, who is not part of a fraternity. “My guy who went to FAMU got the tickets. Hey, this is perfect, I get to celebrate HBCUs, and my team is winning.”  

In the top of the second inning, the Cubs scored seven runs and never relinquished their lead. 

Evolving from a kid growing up in Woodbridge playing baseball to a growing television personality on the Bravo network and a brand ambassador for Fortune 500 organizations occurred because of what Arrington describes as “one random phone call.” 

“Now we’re (his team) juggling entertainment. We pivoted from corporate America to TV and entertainment,” Arrington said. “It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime things when you get a random phone call for casting, and it’s like, hey, let’s do this. And the thing is, I’m blessed enough to have a strong support system behind me, so why not take a risk? It’s been fruitful. Now I’m here throwing out the first pitch. I go from a corporate office and a suit to lacing them up and being on the mound.”

In addition to being a reality star, Arrington models and styles A-list celebrities. He fancies himself “as a style savant who opine on menswear, lifestyle, travel, and culture to elevate everyday life.”

Arrington’s journey from Woodbridge to Tuskegee to New York and Martha’s Vineyard has been life-changing for the marathon runner, but it was his journey from the sideline to the pitcher’s mound at Nationals Park that fulfilled a lifelong dream.

“It was exhilarating. Can you imagine a Major League stadium? You dreamed of it as a kid, and I have the jersey on. It’s incredible,” Arrington said. “Once in a lifetime.”

Reginald Williams, the author of “A Marginalized Voice: Devalued, Dismissed, Disenfranchised & Demonized” writes on Black men and holistic health concerns. Please email bookreggie@reginaldwilliams.org or visit amvonlinestore.com for more information.

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By Mekhi Abbott
AFRO Intern
mabbott@afro.com

With rising temperatures and a heat wave hitting the D.C.-Maryland area youth athletes in the area are feeling the effects of the rising temperatures. 

On June 8, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced an extended heat emergency amidst a heat wave that has been plaguing the D.C.-Maryland area for the past few weeks. With temperatures over 90 degrees on most days of the past three weeks and heat indexes over 100 degrees, both Mayor Bowser and Gov. Wes Moore have advised D.C. and Maryland residents to plan for the historic heat wave appropriately. 

“The health and safety of Marylanders is our top priority. By declaring a State of Preparedness, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate the comprehensive preparation of State government ahead of potential impacts because of the extreme heat and humidity,” said Moore in a press release. 

According to a study released by Associate Athletics Director David Klossner at the University of Maryland, the director of National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kristen L. Kucera, Ph.D. and others, over 50 high school football players have passed away due to heat stroke in the past 25 years. Women’s cross country is actually the sport whose athletes have the highest risk of being affected by heat stroke.

Although the study shows that deaths in the sport of football are “rare but tragic events,” extreme heat and added weight from the equipment such as helmets and shoulder pads can heavily impact the safety of young athletes, exposing them to heightened levels of bodily malfunctions. Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death amongst young athletes.

In January 2024, Philip and Ashanta Laster filed a lawsuit against the Rankin County School system after their son Philip “Trey” Laster died from a cardiac arrhythmia after collapsing during an afternoon football practice in Aug. 2022. 

“No child should ever be in danger of losing their life in pursuit of a passion, especially under the supervision and instruction of adults who should know when to stop pushing these young athletes,” attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing Laster against the Rankin county school district, said in a news release. “Trey’s tragic death could have been, and should have been, prevented by those in charge, and shows a troubling lack of adherence to guidelines surrounding heat exhaustion prevention.”

In February, cross country runner Memphis Zabawa suffered a cardiac arrest episode while running at a meet according to heart.org. The seventh grader, who also suffers from asthma, was able to make a 100 percent recovery from the incident, thanks in part to people at the cross country meet who performed CPR. Athletes with asthma can be even more predisposed to cardiac related incidents when temperatures are high.

The post How climate change is affecting youth sports appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Mekhi Abbott
AFRO Intern
mabott@afro.com

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) researched the fiscal and community impact of sports and entertainment venues in the District with a new report, released on June 13. The report included an analysis of major sports teams potentially relocating to the District, while also including the economic impact that sports and entertainment facilities have had in the city as of date. 

The report showed that major sports have generated significant revenue for the city, including a total of $5 billion in 2022. In 2023, nearly 7.5 million people traveled to the District to watch a major sporting event and 88 percent were non-District residents. 34 percent of visitors travel from Virginia, 30 percent travel from Maryland and an impressive 24 percent of fans travel from outside of the DMV. 

“D.C. is the sports capital. We know how important sports are to our city’s economy and culture,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser in a press release. “They create jobs, generate tax revenue, and spur economic development. But sports also create a lot of pride in our city, they bring people together, and we look forward to continuing to support our teams in ways that benefit our city and residents and help knock D.C.’s comeback out of the park.”

The venues included in the report are Capital One Arena, Audi Field, Nationals Park and the Entertainment and Sports Arena. Capital One Arena is home to the National Basketball League Washington Wizards and the National Hockey League Washington Capitals. Major League Soccer’s DC United play at Audi Field. The Women’s National Basketball League Washington Mystics play games both at the Entertainment and Sports Arena as well as Capital One Arena. Audi Field is also home to the annual Truth and Service Classic, a rivalry game between the city’s own Howard Bison and the Hampton Pirates.

The report also showed that sport outings increase metrorail ridership. Gallery Place station, close to Capital One, has the second highest daily ridership in the city, second only to Union Station. 

A poll showed that 76 percent of D.C. residents would support a Washington Commanders relocation to the city. The Commanders used to call Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Memorial Stadium home but they now play at Commanders Field in Prince George’s County, Md. Hosting a National Football League franchise is projected to produce over $1.25 billion in economic revenue, $25 million in tax revenue, $289.8 million in labor income and create 2,095 jobs. The last professional team to play in RFK Stadium was DC United in 2019.

The post Mayor Bowser and DMPED release report showing fiscal impact of D.C. sports teams and facilities appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Mekhi Abbott
AFRO Intern
mabott@afro.com

Legendary D.C. high school basketball coach and sports talk show host James “Butch” McAdams passed away on June 23. The longtime mentor and community leader died in his home, located in northwest D.C.

McAdams was a true pillar of the D.C. sports community. The District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) and Metropolitan Basketball Hall of Famer became one of the most respected names in the DMV sports media scene with his highly celebrated sports radio talk show “In and Out of Sports.”

“We lost an icon and legendary voice of sports and talk radio. Coach McAdams was a voice who wasn’t afraid to say what and how he felt and always stood tall on his outlook and opinions. Coach Butch McAdams will be forever loved and missed throughout the DMV,” said Sean Stinnett, Baltimore native and former director of women’s basketball operations at Bowie State University.

Prior to hosting “In and Out of Sports” in 2011, McAdams’ legacy and impact was first on display as a longtime coach. McAdams began his coaching journey as an assistant coach before he was selected to be the head coach at Maret High School located in northwest D.C. 

Over the span of approximately three decades, McAdams coached the Maret basketball team to heights that proved him to be one of the best high school coaches in the D.C. and Maryland area. His teams were ranked as a top 20 team multiple years and several of his players would go on to play Division One basketball. Some of the schools that his athletes went on to play at include the University of Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech.

“He was a [good] coach because of how he was able to pass through history…his connections within the basketball world. He is able to evaluate talent. He’s able to bring people together and he did that on his radio show,” said Michael Tillery, writer and reporter for The Starting Five.

McAdams’ love for basketball and sports in general was something that he showed from a very young age. He would go to the playground as a young kid just to inform his friends about what was going on in the sports world. He was an avid reader of the newspaper which strengthened his sports knowledge.

The lifelong D.C. resident would go on to play basketball at Mackin High School before graduating and moving on to attend the University of the District of Columbia. When McAdams was in high school, Mackin was a powerhouse basketball program.

McAdams had a profound impact on the athletes he coached, sports enthusiasts that regularly tuned into his radio talk show and the greater DMV community.

“Two weeks prior to his death, I was on his radio show alongside Kevin Blackistone. What I appreciate about Coach McAdams first and foremost is his dedication to making sure that the history of Black people and black athletes is being told. He was very diligent in making sure that history was passed down accordingly by getting certain people on his show to explain their eras, their experience in the sports world as well as life in general,” said Tillery.

McAdams also co-hosted “Coach’s Corner,” alongside T.J. Smith, as well as “Coach’s Game Time Conversation,” broadcast on 1010 AM WOLB. He was a contributor to the Larry Young Morning Show in Baltimore. Guest appearances on “In and Out of Sports” include the late, great Georgetown head coach John Thompson and 2017 National Basketball League first overall draft pick Markelle Fultz.

The radio personality is also remembered for his unique fashion sense. James “Butch” McAdams is survived by his wife, Andrea.

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By Mekhi Abbott
AFRO Sports Intern
mabbott@afro.com

On June 6, Angel Reese registered a double-double and Chennedy Carter scored 25 points off the bench leading the Chicago Sky to a 79-71 victory over the Washington Mystics in Capital One Arena.

This was Reese’s first game in Capital One Arena since becoming a professional. Reese finished the matchup with 16 points, 11 rebounds and five steals. Six of her 11 rebounds were offensive boards.

It was a homecoming of sorts for Reese. The Mystics typically play at the Sports and Entertainment Arena but the game was moved to Capital One due to fan demand. 10,000 people were in attendance, including Reese’s brother and collegiate basketball player for the Maryland Terrapins, Julian Reese. Reese’s mother and Kim Mulkey, Reese’s coach at Louisiana State University (LSU), were also in attendance. 

“Being able to come back home and get a win, obviously I love the environment,” said Reese.

Going into halftime the Washington Mystics led 44-35. Mystics rookie Aaliyah Edwards started off hot with 16 points, shooting 7-7 from the field. She finished the game with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

On June 1, the Chicago Sky were narrowly defeated by the Indiana Fever, 71-70. In the matchup, Chennedy Carter was accessed a common, away from the ball after shoulder checking Caitlin Clark with 15.1 seconds left in the third quarter. Upon review, the foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 1 on June 2. A Flagrant foul is a foul in which contact against a player, with or without the ball, is deemed unnecessary.

The play resulted in a media whirlwind, with basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman and Indiana congressman Jim Banks chiming in. Lieberman said she “would’ve punched [Carter] in the face” and Banks went the lengths to pen a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, encouraging her to enforce a stricter punishment on Carter.

Scoring 25 points is an early season high for Carter. Since the Sky’s matchup against the Fever, Carter is leading the Sky in scoring with 20.5 points per game. She scored 19 in the matchup against the Fever.

“The moment she comes in [the game], she brings immediate energy. She’s electric…I don’t think enough people pay attention to her defense,” said coach Teresa Witherspoon. 

Reese, the former Maryland Terrapin and Baltimore native, was overwhelmed by the overall reception and turnout during the game. In December, LSU traveled to Baltimore to play Coppin State and Reese led her team in scoring with 26 points and five steals. Just six months later and two months removed from losing to Iowa in the Elite Eight, Reese is 10 games into her professional career. 

The WNBA season begins in May, giving a lot of the top prospects that are draft eligible not even a full month before they have to transition between playing in college to playing in the pros. 

“It’s been great, I am overwhelmed by all of the love. It’s surreal,” said Reese. “I am trying to take it all in but everything is moving so fast.”

The Mystics next game is against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, also in Capital One Arena due to demand. Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky will be returning to Washington on June 14. They face off a total of four times during the regular season.

The post Mystics squander first half lead in Angel Reese’s return to the D.C.-Maryland area, fall to 0-10 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By D. Kevin McNeir 
Special to the AFRO

(Photo by D. Kevin McNeir)

Sister Stoddard, 20, White Oak, Maryland

(with friends Sisters Samoala and Schmidt)

“I think it’s wonderful that the Caps and Wizards are going to stay in D.C. because sports bring crowds to the city and the downtown area and provide more jobs for those who supply the goods and services needed by the crowds. I used to live in downtown D.C. and one thing I liked about it was there were always people around which is good for local businesses who need the revenue. But I have to admit that I’m more of a Utah Jazz and BYU (Brigham Young University) basketball supporter than a Wizards fan.”

(Photo courtesy William J. Ford)

William J. Ford, 50, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 

“There were quite a number of folks who didn’t believe that the Wizards and Caps were going to move to Northern Virginia because, after all, they’re D.C. teams. They’ve always been our teams and now, it looks like they always will be. Before the Wizards (once the Bullets) began playing at Capital One Arena and were in Maryland, people had to drive out to the arena and that was difficult for a lot of fans. People who have grown up in the area look at the Wizards as D.C.-centric – I’ve even heard Mayor Bowser use the term. But when you think about the teams–and since they’re the Washington Wizards, or the Washington Capitals–it just stands to reason that they would be located in the District. As for the success of the team, well, they’ll have better seasons soon, hopefully. I guess that remains to be seen.  

(Photo courtesy of Jordathan Jones)

Jordathan Jones, 47, Northwest Washington, D.C.

“I am a fan of the Wizards and with that said, it’s awesome for the city that the Wizards are going to stay in D.C. It will keep jobs here, and they have a lot of diehard fans, like me, win or lose. The Wizards are our team – they’re a D.C. team and they belong here. Of course, we want them to win and it’s been a long time since they won the title back in 1978. Still, we’ve always had some very talented players, including Michael Jordan at one time. Maybe they just need new management. And with the changes and upgrades that I hear are coming over the next three years to the arena, I hope that will attract better players. The Wizards and the Caps are the face of the city. It would have been crazy for them to move. 

(Photo courtesy Christopher McLaughlin)

Christopher McLaughlin, 48, Southeast Washington, D.C.

“I think it’s awesome that they’re staying in D.C. and we’re all looking for something new to be added to the arena and to the surrounding area. Hopefully, there will be more opportunities for people to experience a live basketball or hockey game – maybe even having the chance to sit closer to the action. Capital One Arena is already a beautiful facility but with the upgrades that have been promised, it will be even better. It will certainly appeal to the younger generation. One thing folks need to understand is the NBA and NHL have changed a lot since the ‘70s and ‘80s. You have to offer fans more than just a big screen above the floor or the ice. It has to be a total experience for fans both before, during and after the game. The arena has a lot of spaces already that resemble lounges or nightclubs and which attract adults. I’d like to see the space include more settings that are family- and kid-friendly. 

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Monumental Sports & Entertainment to expand operations in partnership with District of Columbia

By D. Kevin McNeir 
Special to the AFRO

A collective sigh of relief could be heard throughout the DMV (District, Maryland and Virginia) after the news broke on March 27, announcing that a deal had been made with Ted Leonis, owner of the Wizards and Capitals, and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser that will keep the teams in downtown D.C. until 2050. 

The agreement becomes official once approved by the District Council. However, that appears to be a foregone conclusion as D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson participated in making the announcement, which signals a transformative renovation and modernization of Capital One Arena as well as the expansion into Gallery Place of Monumental’s business and hospitality operations. 

The carefully brokered deal ends any further speculation that the teams will move to a new arena in Virginia. Instead, it allows Leonis to modernize the current arena with financial support from the District totaling $515 million over the next three years. Legislation enacted by the D.C. Council will allow for funding through an appropriation for capital construction projects funded by general obligation bonds. 

In a press statement, Leonis admitted that while the process that secured the agreement had its difficulties, he’s convinced that the right outcome has been achieved. 

“I want people to understand how much I love Washington, D.C. and how much I’ve always loved Washington, D.C.,” he said. “Mayor Bowser and her team heard us and worked with us and gave us the tools for us to meet the needs of our business to expand right here in downtown … We got to this place because we kept an honest dialogue with the Mayor and her staff and we both took the high road as we didn’t know how things would end. This is more than an investment from the city – it’s a true partnership demonstrated by all of these investments which the city has committed to for our fans to have an exceptional gameday experience.”

In the 14 years since Leonsis has owned the arena, he has invested over $200 million in renovations and upgrades including $120 million-plus in capital expenditures on items including a roof, all new seats, new sound system, center hung scoreboard, LED lights/bowl lighting, concourses and concession stands, dehumidification, escalators, fire alarm, ice plant and tech improvements; $18 million for District E Powered by Ticketmaster and other renovations; a $60 million investment in a new broadcast and production studio for Monumental Sports Network; and $15 million in enhanced staff space for several hundred Monumental Sports employees. 

Monumental Sports’ President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer Jim Van Stone, speaking exclusively with The AFRO, said given the provisions of the new contract, the organization will now be able to not only enhance the fan experience and provide much needed improvements to back of house, but also accommodate Monumental’s need for additional space that will translate into rapid growth. 

“We have had an incredible time in Capital One Arena over the past 27 years with the Caps and the Wizards, most recently bringing the ACC basketball tournament here (two years ago) and witnessing the Caps win the Stanley Cup,” Van Stone said. “Now, we’re hyper-focused on improving the fan experience and fan engagement. We’re committed to putting the best product possible on the court and ice and transforming the fan experience on a nightly basis. We want people to arrive earlier and stay well after the game has ended for a full evening’s experience.”

Van Stone commented on the buzz that has already resulted around the DMV following the recent announcement, both among businesses located near the arena as well as those who have expressed interest in setting up shop in or around Gallery Place and Capital One Arena. However, he said, he doesn’t look at Monumental Sports as “the anchor” for business downtown but rather as “the engine.” 

“We view ourselves more accurately as the engine that will revitalize the downtown area in which we’re located,” he said. “We currently bring some 3 million people to the arena each year. Moving forward, we plan to support more festivals in partnership with businesses on F Street, among other locations, in efforts to reclaim this as an entertainment district in partnership with the city. We think we’ll be the engine that moves future development and opportunities.

“Some studies conclude that sports teams don’t amplify a community but that’s a falsity from our perspective,” he added. “We pay taxes that help the city provide essential services which benefit the community, and we employ a lot of people from the District. We have 800 full-time employees and 2,500 part-time workers. That means we’re a big catalyst for driving employment in the District.”

Van Stone said the company’s negotiations with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin were always very positive and they felt very “wanted.”

“But we’re in the business of getting deals done – about getting things done. And we’ve landed in a good space,” he said. “Many people may not realize that around 20 percent of our ticket buyers are from Baltimore so they’re a huge part of our supporters. And we broadcast our games to as far away as Baltimore and Richmond, Virginia – more than 3.2 million households in total. So, the Caps and the Wizards are considered the home teams for a lot of people not only in the District but throughout parts of Maryland and Virginia. 

“We want people to enjoy coming downtown for sports events, for concerts, to eat, to shop – to have a total experience,” he added. 

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, in a statement, expressed his excitement about what the future holds. 

“Monumental Sports has been a great partner with the District since acquiring the Arena nearly 14 years ago. We’re ecstatic to keep them as a cornerstone of our Downtown,” Mendelson said. “As we’ve said all along: our government is able to move quickly and follow through on our commitment. With the extended relationship with Monumental, we’re looking forward to the reinvigoration of Gallery Place/Chinatown.”

Bowser, speaking recently to members of the press, expressed her sentiments this way: “What I learned loud and clear in the last three-and-a half months is that our residents and businesses feel the way I do about what a world-class city should have. We believe that a world-class city has its sports teams and the investment that we’re making we know will pay off. This deal is a win-win-win on all accounts.”

The post Fans, business owners, city officials celebrate as Wizards, Caps decide to remain in D.C. appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Megan Sayles,
AFRO Business Writer,
msayles@afro.com

Old Glory, Washington D.C.’s first professional rugby team, played its 2024 home opener at the Maryland Soccerplex on March 16, tying with the Chicago Hounds 22 to 22.

As a franchise, Old Glory is young, much like Major League Rugby (MLR) in North America. Local business leaders and former rugby players Chris Dunlavey and Paul Sheehy founded the team in 2018 before the team played its first regular season game in 2020. 

Since then, the pair have slowly been trying to build the organization to compete in the D.C. market, which already has several, long-established professional sports teams. 

“If we go where we want to go—which is to be one of the largest rugby leagues in the world— we have to become more visible in the general spectrum of professional sports in the U.S,” said Dunlavey, chairman of Old Glory. “D.C. is admittedly a bit of a challenge in that regard. We have a team in every league here. It will take us a few years to develop awareness and help people understand what a great sport rugby is.” 

Dunlavey is the president and co-founder of project management firm Brailsford and Dunlavey and founder and owner of Centers, a management services company for university recreation and sports facilities. This is his first foray in sports ownership. 

He met Sheehy, owner of Sheehy Auto Stores, during a reception at the South African Embassy following an international rugby game in 2018. In chatting, the pair realized that MLR had reached out to both of them about starting a team in the league, and they decided to team up for the endeavor. 

Both former rugby players themselves, Sheehy and Dunlavey knew the Greater Washington area already maintained a strong rugby community with several men’s and women’s clubs. 

“D.C. is known across the country as one of the hotbeds of this sport with its diversity of cultures and people from countries where rugby is more popular living here,” Dunlavey said. “In addition to that international connection, there’s a very strong connection between rugby and the military. A lot of military installations have rugby teams, and of course, there’s a very large veteran and active military base to draw on in D.C.” 

Last June, Sheehy and Dunlavey welcomed three new investors to Old Glory: Paxton Baker, Washington Nationals minority owner; Verdine White, founding member of Earth, Wind and Fire; and Pablo Calderini, investment manager. 

For White, this is his first investment in a sports team. 

“I wanted to get into rugby because rugby, I thought, was sexy,” he said. “ It was international. It was something different.”

“D.C. is a great city. It’s an international city, of course, because of politics, and sports naturally fits into that,” White added. 

Old Glory’s primary streams of revenue are ticket sales and corporate partnerships. The team currently attracts about 3,200 fans to its games. In the next two years, Sheehy and Dunlavey expect attendance to break 5,000, and, over the next decade, they hope to reach the 10,000 range. 

The franchise has locked down partnerships with companies, like Cuisine Solutions, BTS Software Solutions and The Supply Room. This year, Old Glory also secured a media partnership with Monumental Sports and Entertainment, which will broadcast its 2024 season. 

“Since the league’s founding, we’ve consistently been the highest performer in corporate partner revenues supporting our team,” Dunlavey said. “Overtime, we’re expecting to build the value of our media rights.” 

Dunlavey believes the key to grappling with D.C.’s crowded sports landscape is to get more people out for a game. He called rugby an addictive, full-contact sport with a tremendous amount of speed and grace. 

Game days are more like festivals, with themes, entertainment and activities for families, according to Dunlavey. 

“If we get people out to see it, they come back and see more of it,” he said. “We’re building through all of the social media outlets we can to make people more aware and get them out to games. We’re also very focused on growing the game at a grassroots level — growing the number of youth, high school and collegiate level teams.” 

Old Glory created nonprofit affiliate The Greater Washington Rugby, or Young Glory, to support rugby clubs and clinics for young people aged five to 23. 

Alex J. Anderson, program coordinator for sports management at Bowie State University, said this will be key to Old Glory’s success. 

“It’s about educating folks. Whenever you can get the kids involved, the parents will come because the kids love it,” he said. “You can go into the high schools, middle schools and elementary schools and talk to the students and show clips. The kids want to see what you’re doing on social media.” 

Anderson acknowledged that playing in D.C. will be a challenge for Old Glory. He said the franchise must hone in on its target audience to contend with the crowded sports market. 

“The one thing you have to sell with rugby is that it’s different,” he said. “ I don’t think you’re going to get the same fans as basketball or even the same fans as football. It’s going to be a different audience. People in this area make some good money, but they’re not going to buy season tickets for every sport.” 

Megan Sayles is a Report for America Corps member. 

The post Old Glory, D.C.’s first pro rugby team, strives for distinction appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Ariyana Griffin,
Special to the AFRO

Howard University’s athletic director, Kery Davis, has been selected as a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Athletics Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). This prestigious accomplishment for an athletic director is the first for the university. 

Davis has made improvements to the athletic department since joining in 2015. Under his leadership, the Bison have won 31 conference or national championships, led by women’s volleyball’s six conference championships, including five in a row from 2015 to 2019. 

The 2023 athletic season was indeed a comprehensive championship year for the Bison on the fields of competition. They swept the MEAC’s (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) highest honors by winning the 2022-2023 MEAC All Sports honors, the Talmadge Hill Men’s All Sports and the Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s All Sports awards. 

Davis remains heavily hands on, now the MEAC’s sixth athletic director, he also currently serves as chair of the MEAC Football and Television committees, and sits on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee, NCAA Legends and Legacy Selection Committee, and NCAA Basketball Rules Committee. He also gives his time to various initiatives with conference staff and league officials. 

“It’s extremely gratifying and humbling to see the tremendous work and the achievements of Kery being recognized through this prestigious award,” said Sonja Stills, Commissioner of the mhid-Eastern Athletic Conference. “He is a true example of excellence in leadership. I’m grateful that he leads one of our elite eight institutions during a period of extraordinary achievement, both athletically and academically.” 

It is important to Davis that student-athletes are prepared on and off the court. He has helped students to reach academic success and has since won awards for graduation rates and for students having the highest department GPA. Howard has 500 student athletes and 21 collegiate sports, making it the most sports available out of all HBCUs.

“Kery provides tremendous value, not only to Howard University and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, but the impact his work has on the student-athletes, on his campus, across our league, and the nation exceeds the boundaries of one school and one conference,” Stills said. “We are truly fortunate to have him as a part of the MEAC Nation.”

He not only works to ensure student athletes walk across the stage, but he is also responsible for making sure they are fashionable on campus. In recent years, Howard became one of six HBCUs to sign a direct partnership with Jordan Brand for football and basketball. 

The partnership has brought facility enhancements, exclusive merchandise and apparel. Howard has also merged with sponsorship deals with national brands, including AT&T, Rocket Mortgage, Nissan, Mielle Organics, and Nuna Baby, Inc.

The improvement, growth and development in the department under Davis’ leadership is what the university calls a “renaissance of Bison Athletics.”

The post Kery Davis named Athletic Director of the Year appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Associated Press

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Jordan Hairston scored 18 points and Bryce Harris and Seth Towns each scored 16 points as Howard beat Delaware State 70-67 on March 16 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament championship to secure an NCAA Tournament bid.

Harris’ jump shot broke a 60-all tie with 4:18 remaining and the Bison led for the remainder but not without late drama.

Hairston made two free throws with six seconds left for a 70-66 lead. Off the inbounds, Delaware State’s Deywilk Tavarez dribbled at a full sprint up the floor and with 2.2 seconds launched a 3-point attempt and was fouled by Jelani Williams.

Tavarez made the first foul shot, missed the second, and his attempt to deliberately miss the third for a desperation rebound and 3-point heave attempt failed when his shot attempt ricocheted off the backboard and failed to touch the rim. Howard inbounded to end the game.

Marcus Dockery scored 15 points for fourth-seeded Howard (18-16), which is headed to the NCAA Tournament for a second straight year for the first time in school history. Howard upset top-seeded Norfolk State on its way to the championship game.

Jevin Muñiz scored 24 points and Martaz Robinson 16 for the sixth-seeded Hornets (15-18) which saw its improbable MEAC run end.

The Hornets last beat Howard on March 5, 2020. Delaware State entered having beaten second-seeded North Carolina Central and third-seeded South Carolina State.

The Hornets were seeking their first conference championship and NCAA Tournament berth since 2005. Delaware State ended the regular season having lost four of five games.

The Bison were without Dom Campbell, Shy Odom, Ose Okojie and AJ Magbegor due to injuries. For the season, Howard’s rotation players missed a total of 78 games which was among the top five in the country.

Howard led 40-34 at halftime on the strength of 8-for-17 shooting from 3-point range. With the exception of a 2-0 deficit the Bison led for 19:09 of the first 20 minutes. Towns’ layup with 3:59 left before halftime gave Howard a 33-23 lead, the only double-digit lead either team held.

Towns — a 26-year-old, eighth-year senior — has had a career marred by injury. His playing career started at Harvard in 2016-17 before the Columbus, Ohio, native transferred to Ohio State beginning a series of season-ending injuries before transferring to Howard.

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By Helen Bezuneh
Special to the AFRO

At the helm of D.C. United’s future stands Danita Johnson, the pragmatic and strategically insightful president of business operations. With a rich background in sports, Johnson is reshaping the soccer club and championing diversity and inclusion in the world of major league soccer.

Johnson holds the distinction of being the third woman and the first Black person in major league soccer history to lead a team’s business operations, making her one of the highest-ranking female executives in MLS history.

“I take a lot of pride in that,” Johnson told the AFRO. “In the beginning of this journey, I wasn’t like, ‘This is what I’m seeking out.’ I think it ended up in the capacity in which it did where the opportunities put me in very unique positions.

“To be the first in this role is one that I take a lot of responsibility in and I want to make sure I show up as my best and do my best in all the work that I’m doing,” she continued. “In addition to that, it’s about being able to bring my true self to work every single day and knowing that I have the ability to authentically show up as myself in my work and in the workplace, and create a community of inclusiveness for everybody.”

With 15 years of experience in the sports industry under her belt at the time, Johnson came to D.C. United in December 2020 after working for eight professional sports organizations in Tulsa, Okla.; Bakersfield, Calif.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Los Angeles and D.C. Prior to joining D.C. United, she spent six years with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she first served as the vice president of ticket sales and service, then senior vice president of business operations and, finally, president and chief operating officer. 

Under Johnson’s leadership, the Sparks earned WNBA team business awards for Ticket Sales Performance of the Year, Marketing Performance of the Year and Franchise of the Year. During her time with the Sparks, she launched the #WeAreWomen campaign, achieving a historic attendance of 19,000 at the Staples Center for a WNBA game. 

Prior to leading the Los Angeles Sparks, Johnson worked with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, where she led the Ticket Sales and Service department for the Washington Mystics. She also served as director of business operations for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2017 to 2019 and director of ticket sales for the Tulsa Shock WNBA team from 2009 to 2013. Before that, she was the senior account executive of group sales for the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury from 2007 to 2009. Additionally, she held the positions of manager of community relations and account executive for the Bakersfield Jam (now the Northern Arizona Suns) for a year.

Since she assumed her role with D.C. United in December 2020, Johnson has developed a partnership with Howard University to host an annual football game at D.C. United’s Audi Field, spearheaded an unprecedented growth in ticket, concession and apparel sales and new attendance records at the team’s games, secured the club’s privilege to host the 2023 Major League Soccer All-Star game and successfully negotiated a deal with NBC Sports Washington and TeleXitos to broadcast D.C. United’s matches in both Spanish and English.

Johnson has notably revitalized the D.C. United Foundation, an initiative that aims to provide underprivileged youth in the DMV with the resources and opportunities to thrive via the avenue of sport. The foundation has spearheaded a range of impactful programs. These include an annual toy drive benefiting DC SCORES poet athletes, a substantial $10,000 donation to the local gun prevention non-profit Peace For D.C., and the heartwarming initiative “Christmas on the Inside,” a project dedicated to providing holiday gifts to children and families who have a member currently incarcerated.

“Shanell Mosely, who leads our foundation, joined our club about eight to 10 months after I started, and we tasked her with building our foundation and our traditional community efforts,” said Johnson. “For us, part of our core values are determined, committed, united. That liases to our community values and how we show up in the community. We think pursuit of equality for folks, the opportunity to teach about health and wellness, those are things that we want to continue to educate in the community through our community platforms.

“We know that’s part of the responsibility, specifically when we think about the neighborhood in which we sit,” she continued. “It is critical to make sure as we watch different stadiums and neighborhoods transition, especially in the Southwest, Southeast D.C. area, we need to stay connected. And we still need to make this a community where the people who have lived here for generations have an opportunity to have access and support.”

Community service is of extreme importance to Johnson, who is laser focused on yielding real results that contribute to the development of local communities.

“Foundationally, when it comes to seeking out community partnerships for us as an organization, it’s about having impact,” she said. “One of the things I always said when I came here was, as an organization you can write checks, do all that, but what impact are we having on people to help change the trajectory of their lives? The reason why I say that is because it often mimics sport. For many people who are athletes or maybe come from underprivileged communities, sports are their gateway out.”

“I believe our community work should also reflect a gateway,” she continued. “It should create a gateway that showcases opportunity, showcases potential jobs, showcases changes in their lives, showcases a view of seeing the world differently through the lens of sports and entertainment.”

Fueled by a passionate commitment to diversity and inclusion in the realm of sports, Johnson envisions a future where major league soccer management stands as an even more enticing and accessible career path for Black women, aiming to break down barriers and create greater opportunities within the sport.

“I think around the world, is very, very well known, it’s a global game, it’s the biggest sport in the world,” she said. “For us as Black women, it is really to know that you can go into non-traditional spaces. I spent 15 years in basketball. For me it felt probably more traditional in that space than it does here, even though it was still kind of out of the realm in some of the roles I had. Knowing that you can have that same level of acceptance and face different challenges in these roles.”

“But really, the fun part is you get to bring a little of your flair to it, too,” she continued. “You get to bring your essence to this game. This is the world’s game, it’s culturally driven, it’s diverse with so many backgrounds, so many ages. Being a diverse woman, being able to bring that to the table in every conversation we have, I say to other women of color and other people of color, people of all colors, be engaged. Try something different. Don’t fear the change.”

Johnson’s personal experiences as a Black woman have profoundly influenced her career path and leadership style, fostering a depth of courage and attentiveness.

“Early in my career, I had to be a very good listener because oftentimes I didn’t necessarily have the room to speak up,” she said. “I had to really think and learn to listen well. When it was time for me to speak, I knew I needed to speak with impact. So I was delicate in the words that I chose… . Sometimes I even do that to this day. Somebody will ask me something and I’ll be like, ‘Let me think about it.’ Because I know what I say can matter and have a big impact on my career and my life.”

That cautious approach served her well in her career advancement, Johnson said.

“Being able to evaluate and break down concepts or moments that were happening versus being reactive, I think, really started to set me apart because it helped me find my own pathway and my own voice,” she continued. “When I spoke, it meant: ‘She’s speaking because whatever she’s saying matters at this point.’”

Her journey has not been devoid of its share of challenges. As a Black woman leading business operations for a major league soccer team, Johnson has encountered skepticism from those who question her skills and expertise.

“Sometimes it’s not people saying it, but it’s in their actions, it’s in their questions, and some of it is really unconscious,” she said. “When it happens to you, with some of the questions you’re like, ‘Would you really ask this to everybody?’ I think, understanding as much as we may not like it, and I don’t agree with it, it is part of the process of time, getting people to buy in and believe and staying consistent in who I am and how I show up. I talk about it all the time, consistency, dedication, commitment. No matter what, I will consistently show up as myself.”

For Black women looking to enter sports management and anticipating similar struggles, Johnson encourages them to reflect on a fundamental question: What do you do in the face of challenge?

“It’s how you handle things you need to address at times and finding balance in that where you can still go home and sleep at night and be like, ‘I was still me,’” she said. “I do believe in the power of speaking up. I do believe in the power of change. And I know, as so many of our Black women, we often feel small at moments when things happen in the workplace or in life.”

But, Johnson said, sometimes you have to take those moments in stride and keep your eyes on the end goal.

“It’s not the trajectory of everything, so I sometimes have to let that small moment happen, but : How do I handle it the next time? Or how do I prevent it next time?” she said. “For us as Black women, I say to keep that in mind. And don’t let that moment change what’s possible for you in the future.”

This article was corrected to reflect the proper name spelling of Shanell Mosley. The AFRO deeply regrets this error.

The post Danita Johnson: the catalyst behind D.C. United’s renaissance appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Ariyana Griffin 
Special to the AFRO

Howard University’s Ice Skating Club has created a 10-week program for community members who want to learn the sport.

Howard is the first HBCU to have an intercollegiate ice skating team in the country with the goal of diversifying the figure skating industry. In February, the team is taking part in its first competition at the University of Delaware.

Every Monday the team meets at Canal Park Ice Rink, 200 M St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. The lessons, which began Jan. 29, are open to everyone; however, they are on a first-come, first-served basis for participants who are not members of the organization. Members of the organization can join for free, and nonmembers must pay $15. 

The lessons will be from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. The participants will earn badges to show their achievement in ice skating skills and fundamentals. All levels are welcome and encouraged to come out.

To learn more about the organization follow them on Instagram, @hu_iceskating

The post Howard University’s Ice Skating Club offers 10-week program for community  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Sabreen Dawud
Special to the AFRO

Monumental Sports Network will broadcast eight live basketball games for the second annual “Basketball Day in the DMV” event on Jan. 20. 

The basketball event will be presented by CarMax through a partnership with the Washington Wizards. Teams of varying status will be displayed during five high school games, two college games and the Washington Wizards vs. San Antonio Spurs game featured on the evening of Jan. 20. 

“Basketball Day in the DMV is a relatively new initiative that we concepted at Monumental that I think perfectly captures how we’ve fully integrated all of our assets across Monumental to create really big and powerful platforms that we think can be really great for the community,” said Zach Leonsis, president of Media and New Enterprises at Monumental Sports and Entertainment. 

With an emphasis on promoting local basketball talent, featured school teams will be broadcasted free of charge. The boys and girls high school lineup include Maryland teams such as Sandy Spring, Good Counsel, Largo, Bullis and Holy Child. Virginia high school players at South Lakes, Bishop O’Connell, Hayfield and Patriot will debut alongside St. John’s in Washington, D.C. 

Both men’s and women’s college basketball will be broadcasted as well with a Saint Louis vs. George Washington and Towson vs. Campbell game being showcased. 

“The DMV is a hotbed for amateur and youth level basketball. We think it’s one of our strategic advantages. If we rebuild the basketball team in the Wizards, we want to rebuild a team that the community can really rally about. So, to be able to get into high school gyms and local college arenas and whatnot and provide free production resources, we’re not charging any of the schools to broadcast these games, it’s a great way for us to highlight basketball in the DMV,” Leonsis said. 

Each game will be presented with a professional production experience, including on-air play-by-play, a color commentator and reporters on the sidelines. The event will be streamed via the Pay TV subscription on monumentalsportsnetwork.com. Those interested can also watch the game through the Monumental Sports Network streaming app. 

For more information on the Basketball Day in the DMV event, visit monumentalsports.com/news.

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Southwestern Athletic Conference emerges victorious

By Mekhi Abbott 
Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com

The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Rattlers defeated the Howard Bison in the Cricket Football Celebration Bowl on Dec. 16. Delivering a final score of 30-26, the Rattlers left Atlanta with their first ever Celebration Bowl victory. 

The Bowl, also known as the “Black National Championship,” started off with a bang when Howard University graduate student Ian Wheeler returned the opening kickoff 63 yards, not being tackled until he reached FAMU’s 27-yard line. Four plays later, the Bison sprinted out to an early 7-0 lead against the Rattlers. 

“I honestly didn’t expect to kick me the ball because their kicker has a good leg. But once I saw it in the air, I knew I had to show out. It’s always awesome being able to put our team in position to score to start off the game,” said Wheeler.

After linebacker and fellow graduate student Christian White strip sacked FAMU quarterback Jeremy Moussa causing him to fumble the ball, the Bison were able to recover the ball once again in FAMU territory. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Champions took advantage of the turnover and executed a six play, 37-yard touchdown drive to go up 14-0. 

The Bison went into halftime with a 16-10 lead after FAMU’s kicker Cameron Gillis kicked a field goal with 11 seconds left in the second quarter. 

A relatively quiet third quarter saw both teams score zero points, but the fourth quarter was full of action. FAMU flipped the momentum, scoring on their first possession to start off the final quarter after Moussa threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Dean. With that score, they were able to take their first lead of the game, 17-16. In their very next possession, Moussa and Dean connected on another deep ball, this time for 53 yards. The Rattlers led the Bison 24-16. 

After kicking a field goal to break FAMU’s 17-0 scoring run, Bison defensive back Carson Hinton jumped a screen pass thrown by FAMU’s Moussa and returned it 27 yards for a defensive touchdown. The Bison retook the lead 26-24. 

However, the Rattlers didn’t take long to respond. The 2023 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Offensive Player of the Year’s deep ball was connected on Dec. 16 and Moussa was able to throw another pass for a touchdown, this time to wide receiver Jah’Marae Sheread for 38 yards to put the Rattlers in the lead 30-26.

The Bison had two more offensive possessions in the fourth quarter to try and respond, but both drives resulted in interceptions thrown by senior quarterback Quinton Williams. After starting the game off with a pedestrian first half performance that resulted in an interception thrown, a fumble and a safety, FAMU quarterback Moussa made the big throws when it mattered the most in the second half. He finished with 289 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and a fumble. Williams finished with 106 passing yards, 0 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. FAMU’s Dean was named the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl’s Offensive Most Valuable Player (MVP). 

Despite 56 points being scored, the 2023 Celebration Bowl proved to be a defensive matchup. FAMU’s “Dark Cloud” defense held Howard to only 187 total offensive yards, which is a record for the least amount of yards put up by an offense in Celebration Bowl history. Nine of the 26 points that Howard put up were scored by the defense via the pick-six by Hinton and a 2-point safety caused by Howard defensive lineman Darrian Brokenburr. The offensive touchdowns scored by the Bison were set up by special teams and a fumble caused by the defense. FAMU’s senior linebacker Isaiah Major took home Defensive MVP honors after securing what proved to be the game-sealing interception for the Rattlers. Major was also named the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year at the conclusion of the regular season.

Tiffany-Dawn Sykes, FAMU’s vice president and athletic director is the first female athletic director to win a Celebration Bowl. Sykes forged a strong relationship with star linebacker Major. 

“My vision for FAMU Athletics is for every student-athlete to graduate with a degree in one hand and a championship ring in the other. THIS is what it’s all about! Congratulations Isaiah Major!” Sykes wrote on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, in response to Major thanking FAMU for his overall collegiate experience in being able to get a degree, earn a SWAC Championship and be named a 2023 Black College Football National Champion. 

The season proves to be a historic one for both programs. This was both FAMU and Howard’s first time going to Mercedes Benz Stadium to play in the Celebration Bowl.  FAMU clinched its first ever SWAC football championship just a couple weeks ago after defeating the Prairie View A&M Black Panthers, 35-14. FAMU finished their season 11-1, going an undefeated 8-0 against SWAC opponents. The Rattlers started off their season by knocking off Jackson State, who were the then reigning 2-time SWAC Champions. After losing their second game of the season to in-state opponent University of South Florida, FAMU would run the table and not lose a single game for the rest of the season. 

FAMU is only in its third season as a SWAC school after leaving the MEAC in 2020. Prior to that, FAMU had a 15-year run as a MEAC program and was a part of the conference for over 35 years in total. This year, FAMU became the first school in NCAA history to win a conference title in the SWAC, MEAC and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in football. Each of the three respective conference’s member schools are composed entirely of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). 

FAMU continues to add to their legacy as one of best football programs in all of HBCU football history. FAMU is the only HBCU program to ever win a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National title. FAMU also boasts four college football Hall of Famers and over 60 players who have played in the National Football League, including current starting middle linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, Markquese Bell from the class of 2021. 

Despite the 4-point loss, the Bison still had a season to remember. They finished their season with at least a .500 record (6-6, 4-1 MEAC) for the first time since 2017. They also won the MEAC outright and qualified for their first bowl game in thirty years. Some of their season highlights include a 30-point blowout victory against the then 7th-ranked (FCS) team in the nation North Carolina Central Eagles and a very close 23-20 loss against the Northwestern Wildcats. The Wildcats are a Power 5 program that have a record of 7-5 overall and 5-4 in the Big Ten, one of the most challenging and competitive conferences in all of college football.

Some notable names amongst the crowd at the Celebration Bowl included Vice President and Howard alumna Kamala Harris, former NFL MVP Cam Newton and his younger brother, former Bison quarterback Caylin Newton. Actor Lance Gross from Howard University’s class of 2024 was also in attendance.

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By Sarah Rankin and Matthew Barakat
Associated Press

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA)has reached a tentative agreement with the parent company of the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals to move those teams from the District of Columbia to what he called a new “visionary sports and entertainment venue” in northern Virginia.

The proposal, which would need the state legislature’s approval, calls for the creation of a $2 billion development south of Washington in Alexandria, just miles from the existing arena, Youngkin said in an interview with The Associated Press ahead of an announcement Dec. 13 at the site. It would include an arena for what would be the state’s first major professional sports teams, as well as a new Wizards practice facility, a separate performing arts center, a media studio, new hotels, a convention center, housing and shopping.

“The Commonwealth will now be home to two professional sports teams, a new corporate headquarters and over 30,000 new jobs,” Youngkin said in a statement.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment CEO Ted Leonsis appeared with Youngkin and city officials at the Dec. 13 announcement. He endorsed the proposal, thanked Youngkin and said he had “goosebumps” at the thought of the project coming together “if all goes as planned.”

Monumental also owns the WNBA’s Mystics, and Leonsis said his expectation was that Capital One Arena, where the Wizards and Capitals currently play, could host women’s sports and other events like concerts.

“Our intention is to expand here and keep Capital One Arena in D.C. a great place,” Leonsis, an entrepreneur and former AOL executive, said.

The new development would be located in the Potomac Yard section of Alexandria, along the Potomac River and near Virginia Tech’s ambitious Innovation Campus, an under-construction graduate school.

To help finance the project, Youngkin will ask the Virginia General Assembly in the 2024 session to approve the creation of a Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority, a public entity with the ability to issue bonds. While no upfront state taxpayer dollars would go toward the project, the terms of the agreement would divert new tax revenues from the project to pay down the bonds.

“We have reached a very clear understanding, really subject to finalizing the General Assembly’s work,” Youngkin said in the interview, noting that a key bipartisan legislative committee endorsed the incentive structure earlier this week.

Still, on Tuesday night ahead of the announcement, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled a counterproposal she said had unanimous support from the D.C. Council. The legislation would direct a half billion dollars to modernize Capital One Arena.

At a news conference Dec. 13, Bowser said she holds out hope the teams will stay in the District, noting that the complex financing arrangement to bring the teams to Virginia needs legislative approval. 

Fundamentally, though, she said Leonsis must decide if he wants an urban site or a suburban site. Fans, she said, prefer the city.

“ National Landing Wizards doesn’t quite have the same ring,” she said, poking fun at the “National Landing” moniker that Virginia economic development officials have used to market Potomac Yard and the surrounding region.

Bowser said the city took the threat of losing the teams seriously. It was only able to put the $500 million incentive package together recently, though, after learning that it could refinance existing debt.

The Wizards had a home game Dec. 13 night against New Orleans. Emmanuel Ogundipe, a 24-year-old fan who lives in Burtonsville, Maryland, acknowledged that the move would be met with varying feelings among the team’s supporters. He noted that, like the current arena, the new complex would be accessible via subway.

“I think that at the end of the day, it’s only (a few) more Metro stops away,” Ogundipe said. “Eventually, I think if the team shows it’s committed to the new identity and the new location, and that the new stadium is really showing signs of life, then people will get on board with it.”

When the Capitals and Wizards moved from suburban Maryland to D.C.’s Chinatown district in 1997 in what was then known as MCI Center, officials credited the arena with sparking a revival in downtown Washington. In recent years, critics who have faulted city officials for what they call lax crime policies have said the neighborhood around the arena has suffered disproportionately.

The administration expects the proposed 9-million-square-foot Virginia entertainment district to generate a combined $12 billion in economic impact for Virginia and Alexandria in the coming decades and create around 30,000 new jobs, Youngkin’s office said in a statement. Subject to legislative approval and sign-off from the Alexandria City Council, it would break ground in 2025 and open in late 2028.

The development would be a major blow for D.C. and a massive win for Youngkin, a former private equity executive and college basketball player who said he had a pre-existing friendship with Leonsis from the business world. To get it over the finish line, he will have to work with Democratic majorities in both General Assembly chambers after his party fell short of its stated expectations in November’s elections.

Democrats, including incoming House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, were on hand for the Dec. 13 news conference, along with U.S. Sen. Mark Warner. Other key legislative leaders were not there.

Scott Surovell, who will serve as Senate Democratic leader come January, said in an interview that the project seemed like it could be a good opportunity, but he stopped short of fully endorsing it. Legislators will have questions about transit, taxpayer risk and compensation for the workers who will build the project, he said.

The broad outlines of the proposal call for Monumental to invest $403 million in the $2 billion development. Alexandria will put in $106 million toward the construction of the performing arts venue and the development of underground parking.

The rest of the approximately $1.5 billion would be supported through the authority-issued bonds. Those bonds would be repaid over time through rent paid by the team, parking fees, naming rights and new tax revenues generated by the development.

“There is no upfront investment or inclusion of any taxes already being collected by the Commonwealth to repay the bonds and there will be no tax increases for local residents,” Youngkin’s office said.

Potomac Yard, just south of Reagan National Airport, is currently occupied by strip malls and other retail. The site is adjacent to the redevelopment sparked by Amazon’s construction of a new headquarters nearby in neighboring Arlington.

Moira Salcedo, who lives in the area, attended the Dec. 13 event to protest, saying she and her neighbors were blindsided.

“I hate subsidizing billionaires. And I’ve lived here for the last 10 years, and I know there’s no infrastructure for this,” she said.

In the 1990s, the site received serious consideration as a location for an NFL stadium, but negotiations between the team and Virginia fell through.

This article was originally published by the Associated Press.

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By Mekhi Abbot,
Special to the AFRO

The Howard Bison are on their way to the Cricket Celebration Bowl after defeating the Morgan State Bears on Nov. 18 earning their second consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championship. The Bison won the matchup with a final score of 14-7. 

“Offensively, our keys to victory were that we wanted to start fast–play for 60 minutes– and just make plays. We did that,” said quarterback Quinton Williams. “We knew it was going to be a 60-minute fight.”

The team jumped out to an early lead against Morgan State and 14 points proved to be enough for Howard to leave the game victorious. 

The Bison finished regular season play with a record of 6-5, their first winning season since 2017. They finished 4-1 in conference play for the second year in a row and went undefeated when playing on their home turf.

This year they won the conference outright. In  2022, however, the team received backlash after being named co-champions alongside the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Eagles. 

“That was our main goal throughout the offseason. We trained to go to the Celebration Bowl and actually win it. There was a lot of chatter this offseason about us not earning a ‘full ring’ last year and that really motivated us,” said Williams. 

Both the NCCU Eagles and the Howard Bison finished with a 4-1 conference record in 2022, but when the two teams faced up last year, the Eagles dismantled the Bison with a 50-21 victory. The Bison flipped the script this year, as they dominated the visiting Eagles and sent them out of Greene Stadium with a 50-20 loss. 

After the controversial crowning of two conference champions last season, the MEAC did away with co-champions. The conference voted that even if two teams finish with the same conference record, the winner of the MEAC will be decided by a tie-breaker. 

This season proves to be a very historic one for the Bison. This is the first time in school history that the Bison finished two consecutive seasons claiming MEAC championship honors. It is the first time since 1993 that the Bison are outright MEAC champions, and this will be only the third time that the Bison are competing in postseason play in program history.

“We continue to make history. This year they decided that there are no ties… that rule comes about because Howard is the school that is officially tying [for a MEAC championship], alright fine. Make the rule. We [knew] we had to win out, and we did it,” said head coach Larry Scott.

The Celebration Bowl is an adored postseason bowl game birthed in 2015 and is heralded as the de facto Black College Football National Championship. The MEAC conference winner plays the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) victor. The game takes place in Atlanta every year, formerly in the Georgia Dome and now at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It is currently the only bowl game contested by teams in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Howard’s SWAC opponent has yet to be determined as the SWAC Championship game has yet to be played. On Dec. 2, the Florida A&M Rattlers (10-1, 8-0 SWAC)  and the Prairie View A&M Panthers (6-5, 6-2 SWAC) will face off to determine who will represent the SWAC in the Celebration Bowl. The MEAC currently holds a 6-1 record against SWAC opponents in the Cricket Celebration Bowl.

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By: Amber D. Dodd
Special to the AFRO 
adodd@afro.com 

Homecoming may be a longstanding tradition at all universities, but Howard University’s homecoming is like no other. 

From all walks of life, alumni, students, friends and family, all gather in Washington D.C. to celebrate the lifelong bonds that Howard University has fortified. But, surviving the latest pandemic and the everchanging dangers of being Black in America, these reunions and long-time-no-sees hugs resonate harder for older alum. 

Elder alums spoke to the AFRO about the magic of Homecoming and how reconnecting with old friends, supporting their community and returning to Howard reignites their spirits.

Saturday morning, tailgaters and members of the Beta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha set up their tents in the parking lot across from Starbucks and food as they chatted after the homecoming parade. 2023 marks 47 years in the Alpha fold for Jonathan Johnson of Mt. Vernon, N.Y., 70, who graduated with a political science degree in 1974. “Because of Howard, I was prepared for the world,” he said. 

“Howard has been great to me, I got a great education. I worked downtown at the White House and the folks from Harvard or Yale could tell me nothing because I went to Howard,” Johnson said. “My degree took me all over the world, in every continent except Antarctica.” 

One of the eldest members present from the Beta chapter, Johnson said he returned to  enjoy the festivities and boasted about the Alpha’s Homecoming Greek Step Show win on Friday night. He visited his old dorm room in Cook Hall Room 129 and found landmarks where he met his wife of 47 years, Bonny, on campus. 

“It’s good to see Howard has grown, it’s good to see that Howard is still the Black Mecca and the leader of HBCUs.” Johnson said. 

Brian Watkins, another Beta chapter member and 1990 graduate, called Howard the “best four years of my life.”

“Homecoming is home, it’s reconnecting, it’s reenergizing, it’s just so welcoming to be back, I want everyone to experience this.” He said. 

Watkins says that the biggest difference in the Howard experience today is DC’s cost of living and the definition of fellowship. 

“HBCUs have to compete for the best Black minds now, and I think Howard’s doing pretty well, but I am concerned about the cost of tuition and housing,” Watkins said. “This is all great, but students can’t afford to live here. I talk to parents and they’re talking about paying $1,500 a month for housing. Plus, college is competing with so many other things for these kids’ attention. All we had to do was leave the dorm and that was our whole day right there.” 

Saturday’s biggest draw was the football game against Norfolk State University. This year, football alum Richard McGee, a 71-year-old Washington D.C. native, returned to William H. Greene Stadium 43 years after his last game as a offensive lineman in 1980.

McGee said that there was a “collective understanding” about the importance of education for Black men and general feelings at the time. 

“We all felt that we were all in a serious time, because the Vietnam War was going on at that time, and the one thing that brought you to reality is to know that you can be sent to the war at any time,” McGee recalled. “You flunked out, you were in the jungle the next year.”

In high school, he integrated the Bladensburg High School football team. While alone in that experience, his fellow Howard teammates also broke the color barrier at their respective schools too. 

McGee is a member of the Howard University Football Hall of Fame 2005 class and said that, with Howard’s long standing traditions still honored at the best Homecoming of all time, it shows the consistent Black excellence that the University produces. 

“This is going to be with you forever, take advantage of your time, even when the world beats you up, you can always come home. This is a safe haven from all the riff raff in the world.” McGee said. 

While patrons filtered into the stadium for the Howard Bison’s homecoming battle against Norfolk State University, many ignited old flames and friendships with familiar faces. This was the case for a trio of Howard women from the Class of 1987, Yolanda Rowell, Felicia Carpenter and Deitre Epps. They reflected on Howard’s political landscape in the 80s and how daughters of Black revolutions around the world were flocking to the Mecca.

“We were here with Stevie Wonder, and we marched right up to Washington to make Martin Luther King’s birthday a [federal] holiday,“ Rowell said. Epps also mentioned students being arrested for protesting the apartheid at the South African embassy. 

“Jesse Jackson was running for president, and that was one of our first Black men on the ticket,” Rowell said. “Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy, they were my favorite groups. At the time, our radicalism was perfect. It spoke volumes to me.” Rowell said. 

Now at homecoming this year, they chatted about the goals they’ve accomplished, the everyday whereabouts and the children they’ve raised. With these new updates, it’s true that with distance, Epps said, the heart does grow fonder.

“Imagine how that felt after 40 years,” Epps said. “It felt like a belonging, home, family, remembered, cherished, all of those things. Some of this stuff doesn’t come back immediately, but what does come back is that feeling.”

“Yesterday, Felicia said that we’re going to meet up with Yolanda, I said I don’t remember her until she started describing her and then I had this “ding!” moment, asking ‘Wait, Yolanda with her hair like that?! Who curled it under with a bump curl? An image of her 40 years ago popped in my head.”

Rowell beamed with pride for another one of their classmates: United States Vice President Kamala Harris.

“We’ve got the vice president from here, and just to see her hold it down, I just see ‘truth and service’ all in it,” Rowell said of Howard’s motto. “I think there was a torch being passed from Thurgood Marshall being the first Black Supreme Court Justice. She’s not sitting in the seat, Kamala is working and that’s the beauty of it.”

In a thriller Homecoming game against the Norfolk State Spartans, Howard University battled for a 27-23 victory in Greene Stadium Saturday afternoon. 

At halftime, the 1993 football team were honored for their 30-year anniversary. Under head coach Steve Wilson, the team went undefeated in that season, winning the 1993 MEAC conference title. Doug Morency was an offensive lineman at that time, and beamed with pride at the stadium-wide recognition. 

“Coming back 30 years later, seeing how Howard has progressed and how the team has progressed, it warms [my] heart because I was part of this foundation,” Morency said. “It’s really beyond football. Football was just a catalyst.”

Morency recalled the love he shared with his teammates, calling them brothers that “never lost touch.” He said that Howard’s homecoming festivities are a testament to the University’s ability to build lifelong friendships throughout the Black community. 

“We bled together, cried together, won together, fought together, and DC was a different time back then, we had to stick together to survive,” Morency said. “Thirty years later, we’re still close. We have lawyers, doctors, vice presidents, Olympians, congress people, you name it. It’s about life after football as a Howard man.”

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By Howard Fendrich
AP Tennis Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — A little more than a month ago, Coco Gauff left Wimbledon after a first-round loss that left her dispirited and unsure of what she needed to do. That seems kind of far away after she won the trophy at the very next tournament she entered.

Surging at the end of each set, Gauff defeated Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-3 in the DC Open women’s final on Aug. 6 for the fourth WTA Tour singles title of her career.

Gauff, a 19-year-old from Florida, was helped in Washington by two recent additions to her team: full-time coach Pere Riba — he’ll be with her at least through the U.S. Open, which starts on Aug. 28 — and temporary consultant Brad Gilbert.

“It’s our first tournament as a full team. I’m glad that we were able to make this result. Thank you for sticking with me,” Gauff said during the trophy ceremony, getting a thumbs-up from Gilbert. “I know those who were with me at Wimbledon, it was really tough. … I’m glad I was able to bounce back.”

Did she ever.

Gauff did not drop a set all week in the hard-court tuneup for the U.S. Open. This was her second trophy of the season, alongside one in Auckland, New Zealand, in January.

She is ranked No. 7 and was seeded No. 3 in Washington, where she teamed with Caty McNally to win the doubles title in 2019.

The match briefly was interrupted in each set when a spectator was attended to in the stands on an afternoon with the temperature at about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) and the humidity at 55 percent.

Gauff, the runner-up at the 2022 French Open, hit seven aces and improved to 4-1 in tour finals.

She is the first teenager to win four WTA tournaments since April 2009, when Caroline Wozniacki got the fourth of the seven trophies she collected as a teenager.

“You deserve everything you have achieved,” Sakkari told Gauff. “You’re still a girl, so you have a lot of time … and a lot of success to come, even though I know you’ve already achieved so many great things.”

Sakkari, a 28-year-old from Greece who is ranked No. 9 and was seeded No. 4, is now 1-7 in finals.

“I’m not going to lie,” she said, wiping away tears. “It’s pretty disappointing.”

This was the first year of Washington’s tournament as a combined ATP-WTA 500 event. Despite that equal billing, the prize money is still not the same — and isn’t expected to be until 2027. Gauff earned $120,150, while the men’s champion was going to receive a check for $353,445.

Gauff got a much louder greeting than Sakkari during player introductions, both when they walked into the stadium and while they were warming up. And Gauff grabbed a 3-0 lead after just 10 minutes with the help of a trio of aces at up to 114 mph (184 kph).

Then she accumulated two break points, each giving her the chance to go up 4-0. But Sakkari saved both of those to get to deuce on her serve. That’s when there was a three-minute delay because a man in the top row of the stands needed attention.

When play resumed, it was Sakkari who immediately was the better player, while Gauff’s level momentarily dipped. Sakkari held for 3-1, then broke for 3-2 when Gauff double-faulted twice in a game.

Suddenly, it was a match again. Or so it seemed. But just as suddenly, Gauff regained the upper hand, using terrific, speedy defense to extend points until Sakkari would miss or using her increasingly aggressive willingness to apply quick-strike tennis to seize points.

Gauff closed that opening set with a huge forehand return off a 75 mph (120 kph) second serve, rushing Sakkari into a missed response.

Sakkari briefly regrouped and broke immediately to open the second set when Gauff dumped a drop shot into the net. Gauff put her hands on her head, walked to the sideline and hit her equipment bag with her racket. Soon, Sakkari led 2-0.

But Sakkari double-faulted to get broken to 3-all, and her groundstroke errors kept coming, too, often followed by a look toward her coach, Tom Hill, in the stands.

___

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

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The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — D.C. United fired head athletic trainer Reade Whitney the night of July 21 after the team said he made a discriminatory hand gesture in a photo that was posted on social media a day earlier.

The team and Major League Soccer also said July 21 that two players, Taxi Fountas and Nigel Robertha, have been placed on paid administrative leave while MLS investigates possible violations of league policy. There was no indication whether the investigation had anything to do with the circumstances of Whitney’s dismissal.

The team did not name Whitney in its statement announcing his dismissal but said its athletic trainer had been fired effective immediately. Whitney held that position.

“There is no place for racism, homophobia, misogyny, or discrimination of any kind in our sport and world and D.C. United do not tolerate any acts of this nature,” the statement said.

Separately, D.C. United informed the league about the two players’ possible violation of league policy, and MLS began an investigation. The players will be away from the team during that review.

“Placement on paid administrative leave is not a disciplinary measure,” the MLS statement said.

Last year, the league investigated an allegation that Fountas used racially abusive language toward Miami defender Aimé Mabika during a match. The league said it found the allegation credible but could not find corroborating evidence, and Fountas was not disciplined.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Michael Winger made it clear he’s got work to do as the Washington Wizards’ new top basketball executive.

Winger, who spent the last six seasons as the Los Angeles Clippers general manager, has the title of President of Monumental Basketball. Hired on May 25, he’ll also oversee the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and the G League’s Capital City Go-Go.

“The goal is to pursue championships by any means necessary,” Winger said at his introductory news conference on June 8. “It will take time. It’s going to start on the ground floor. It’s not just players. It’s not just coaches. We’re going to do everything a little bit better tomorrow than it’s being done today…Eventually we’re going to hoist a trophy here in D.C. I can’t promise you when.”

The Wizards, who last won an NBA championship in 1978-79, missed the playoffs the last two seasons with 35-47 records and haven’t advanced past the first round since 2016-17.

Winger said Monumental Sports Founder and CEO Ted Leonsis has given him the go-ahead for a total teardown, if necessary.

“Full authority to reset the team, if that’s what we decide to do,” Winger said. “We just haven’t sat down and figured it out yet.”

Washington’s best player is guard Bradley Beal, who completed the first season of a five-year, $251 million contract. Forward Kyle Kuzma is a free agent, who previously indicated he wants to return. Forward Kristaps Porzingis has a $36 million player option for next season.

“Right now, I have to defer to those guys to see where their heads are,” Winger said. “They’re principals of the teams, and they carry a lot of water. It’s important for us to get to know those guys.

“We’re versed on them as players. We just don’t know them as men. One of the things that’s important for us is to get to know these guys and figure out where they want to see this team go and what they want from us.”

The overriding theme is the organization isn’t expecting a championship contender next season.

“It’s going to take time. I’ve proven that I’ll be patient,” Leonsis said. “This will take a long time. Because of that, I wanted a next generation leadership.”

Winger has been an NBA executive for 18 years with the Clippers, Cleveland and Oklahoma City.

“The Wizards have an extremely bright future, if appropriately managed,” Winger said. “The eventual expectation is that we’re going to build a generational contender. We’re going to eventually have a team that will contend for championships. I can’t promise when that will be.”

Leonsis emphasized he’s open to exceeding the salary cap and paying the tax that goes with it.

“But we better have a really good team,” he said.

Winger was joined at the podium by his new general manager Will Dawkins, who spent the past 15 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Washington also announced Travis Schlenk, formerly with the Atlanta Hawks for six seasons, as the new director of player personnel. Former Georgetown coach John Thompson III, who had been with the organization, is the new vice president of Monumental Basketball.

Wes Unseld Jr., who has coached the Wizards for the past two seasons, will return.

The first task for Winger is preparing for the draft on June 22. Washington has three picks at No. 8, No. 42 and No. 57.

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By UDC Communications

On June 24 the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) will unveil a statue made in the image of Edwin (E.B.) Bancroft Henderson, Ph.D. The statue will be located at the Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson Sports Complex on the Van Ness Campus. 

The work of art will be presented to the public at 1 p.m. in honor of the educator, basketball pioneer, civil rights activist and author who is recognized as the “grandfather of Black basketball.”

Henderson graduated first in his class in 1904 from a predecessor institution of UDC with a degree in education. He later attended Harvard University’s Dudley Sargent School of Physical Training and became the first African-American man to earn certification to teach physical education in the nation.  

Amid powerful civil rights challenges, Henderson was instrumental in forming the first rural branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He served two terms as president of the Virginia chapter of the NAACP and was on the board of directors of the D.C. branch. His pioneering efforts as an organizer and activist laid the foundation for athletics in the Black community in the nation’s capital and around the United States. And as a public school teacher in Washington, D.C., his students included such notable figures as musician Duke Ellington and medical pioneer Dr. Charles R. Drew.

Henderson co-authored the annual Spalding “Official Handbook of the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Middle Atlantic States” from 1910-1913. Additionally, he wrote “The Negro in Sports” in 1939, which was revised in 1949, and “The Black Athlete” in 1968. His estimated number of published articles is over 3,000. 

Henderson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and the UDC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. 

The Dr. E.B. Henderson Memorial Fund Campaign supported the development of the statue. The Campaign was established through the UDC Foundation, the university’s charitable partner, in honor of Henderson. Donations received through the campaign have supported the establishment of a scholarship endowment and summer sports camps for youth from D.C.’s wards 7 and 8. 

In February 2022, UDC renamed its sports complex to the Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson Sports Complex in his honor. 

Classically trained master sculptor Brian Hanlon was selected to create the E.B. Henderson statue. 

The only public university in the nation’s capital and the only exclusively urban land-grant university in the United States, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a historically Black university committed to a broad mission of education, research and community service. 

This article was originally published by UDC Communications.

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By Special Release from Larry Barber

(Richmond, VA) – The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League (MJBL) will visit the United States Capitol this week as it prepares again to represent the country in the Bahamas.  The all-star team, coaches and parents will make the capitol trip on Friday, May 26.  The tour was set up by Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan of Virginia, and other liaisons include Congressmen Robert Scott of Virginia, Donald Davis of North Carolina and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.  The baseball team will practice on Saturday and scrimmage two games on Sunday, May 28.   

The MJBL will be representing the United States of America in the Babe Ruth Caribbean International Championships in Nassau, Bahamas.  The dates are July 20-24 in the Baillou Hills Softball Complex at Bahamas National Stadium.  

Coach Jimmy Williams, who was a part of last year’s team, stated that the Bahamas is a great place for a great time and the atmosphere exuberates the experience for the players.  “We like to over-prepare and go with the flow,” said Williams.  “You have to get to know your players in order to get the most out of them.  A coach has to see what they are best at.  It makes for a bigger and better tournament and our players are excited about the Babe Ruth.”

Joining the MJBL in Nassau will be prodigy Lorenzo Flores.  Also known as “Late Night Lorenzo,” Flores will be representing the MJBL along with Myles Dickerson, a star from last year.  The two and 12 other players will attempt to take home the championship for the MJBL and the USA this July.    

The Babe Ruth Caribbean Championship begins July 20 in Nassau.  It is sure to be a festive event for the fans of America’s favorite pastime.

ABOUT MJBL

The MJBL is a non-profit organization founded in Richmond, VA in 1966 by Dr. M.T. Forrester, the late father of current MJBL Executive Director William “Bill” Forrester, Jr.  The network has attracted teams nationwide.  The league, in constant pursuit of funds, is seeking donations via its P.O. Box 9842, Richmond, VA, 23228 or on-line.

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By Timothy Cox,
Special to the AFRO

On April 4 close to 20,000 people filled the seats at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C. to near capacity, as the Milwaukee Bucks soundly defeated the hometown Washington Wizards by a score of 140 to 128.

While a significant number of the fans inside the arena came to see NBA favorite Giannis Antetokounmpo record his sixth triple-double of the season, it’s also a strong bet that many of those fans never realized that not so many years ago, their hometown team was based in Baltimore – just up the road off Interstate 95 North.

A group of fellas who proudly identified themselves as native Washingtonians said they weren’t totally positive, but had heard that their Wizards team was once based in Charm City.

Maurice Thomas, 48, of Northwest D.C., said he’d heard that current Wizards’ head coach, Wes Unseld Jr., was the son of the man arguably considered the greatest hooper in D.C. history: Wes Unseld Sr.

The latter is written in D.C. history as a pivotal member of the Washington Capital Bullets team that copped the city’s only NBA title back in 1978. Tyrone “T-Money” Johnson, also of northwest D.C., said he never realized the Wizards were based in Baltimore at one time.

Bernie and Freda Levin of Westminster have been married for 57 years and are widely aware of the team’s original history.

At 74-years-old, Bernie Levin vividly recalls when Wes Unseld Sr. and his family lived in Carroll County, a suburb north of Baltimore.

“I’m sure he and his wife chose to raise their children in the suburbs vs. the inner city,” said Bernie, a retired manager for the Maryland Department of Transportation. “I used to see Wes shopping at the local Lowes store all the time. And, just the nicest guy. Nothing arrogant about him or his wife. She had her own business.They were very humble people,” said Bernie Levin. 

Freda Levin, also 74, is a retiree of the Social Security Administration.

Prior to relocating to D.C., the Baltimore Bullets were the winningest NBA franchise in the 1970s. The ’78 title helped cement their legacy.

In addition to Unseld Sr., the Bullets featured center Elvin “Big E” Hayes on their team. Both players were the team’s most popular all-stars, along with Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, Kevin Grevey, Phil Chenier and Jack Marin. The ’78 team was honored by the Wizards franchise in 2013. Unseld Sr. died in June 2020.

According to information released by the NBA, “in 1946, the Baltimore franchise was nicknamed Bullets after a nearby ammunition foundry.” 

By the early 1960s the team was no longer in operation, but “the Chicago Packers — who later became the Chicago Zephyrs — relocated to Baltimore, and in 1963, the Bullets nickname returned.” 

Worried about the violence implied by naming the team after gun ammunition, according to the NBA, “In 1996, team owner Abe Pollin decided to adopt a nickname that portrayed a non-violent image, and selected Wizards. The name depicts energy and an omnipresent power, and brings to light what is hoped to be the wise and magical nature of the team.”

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2023 Super Bowl full of historic milestones

Black athletes and artists were crown jewels of Super Bowl 57. This year’s event was full of historic “firsts” as Sheryl Lee Ralph performed an inspiring rendition
of James Weldon Johnson’s Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” for the first time ever.

Rihanna also gave a landmark performance as the first pregnant woman to ever headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show

****************************

By The National Black Players Coalition (NBPC)

It was a long, hard-fought road leading to the historic Super Bowl LVII, where for the first time, two Black quarterbacks – Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs – squared off for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. 

For the National Black Players Coalition (NBPC), Super Bowl 2023 was an especially remarkable milestone. 

“Comprising 70 percent of the players on the field, we– the Black Community– are the NFL!” said NBPC representatives in a statement to media.

The National Black Players Coalition (NBPC) has pioneered the fight for justice on behalf of Black quarterbacks since it was founded by students on the campus of HBCU Howard University in 1994.

Over 25 years ago, in 1997, a group of Howard University students– men and women– gave up their Saturday studies in the library and instead, with books in hand, boarded a chartered bus at 4 a.m. in front of the legendary Cramton Auditorium armed with banners, flyers and press releases. The group headed from the campus to the National Football League (NFL) draft site at Madison Square Garden in New York City to protest the lack of Black quarterbacks in the NFL and its draft process. 

This was the first ever NFL Draft site protest on behalf of Black quarterbacks and the Black community in New York City, and it was held for three consecutive years from 1997 to 1999. The protests led to the one and only largest class of six Black quarterbacks drafted in 1999 which included: Donovan McNabb, Akili Smith, Daunte Culpepper, Shaun King, Aaron Brooks, and Michael Bishop, 63 years since the NFL draft began. The students were led by NBPC founding student, Fred Outten. 

Throughout the years since its founding, the NBPC has led multiple protests in support of Black quarterbacks in the NFL, including demonstrations at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the nation’s capital. 

In the past, the NBPC has conducted a special forum on the NFL and Black quarterbacks at Howard University, met with members of Congress, the NAACP, the Washington, D.C. mayor, the D.C. Council and the Maryland County Executive. Thousands were educated on collecting petition signatures calling for the then Washington Redskins–now Washington Commanders–to draft their first Black quarterback. 

In the early 2000s the NBPC also demonstrated against United Artists’ movie theaters, which were showing “The Replacements,” a movie about the Washington Football team’s (called Washington Sentinels in the film) 1987  season strike. The film falsely depicts the hero of the last game of the strike season against the Dallas Cowboys as a White quarterback (portrayed by actor Keanu Reeves), instead of having an African American actor portray the true hero, Tony Robinson, a Black quarterback who was the real hero during the actual game. 

Since its founding the NBPC has written extensively about the issue of racial discrimination at the quarterback and head coach positions in the NFL. In its most recent publication on Sept. 14, 2022, the NBPC issued a comprehensive “Open Letter To NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell,” covering not only racial discrimination at the quarterback position, but also addressed racial discrimination pertaining to other issues. The NBPC demands are:

▪ For every White quarterback on every team, there must be at least an equal number of Black quarterbacks.

▪ At least 16 of the 32 NFL teams must have Black head coaches by the end of 2023.

▪ For every White man and woman hired as NFL broadcasters and sideline reporters, Black men and women must be equally hired. Barring last minute changes, FOX scheduled all White broadcasters and sideline reporters for the Super Bowl LVII.

The NPBC looks forward to these demands being met at least by the 60th anniversary of the historic 1963 March on Washington on Aug. 28, 2023.

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By Ralph E. Moore Jr.,
Special to the AFRO

Looking at the television commercials these days, comedian and Oscar winning actor, Jamie Foxx, is quite excited about betting on sports events on his phone.  So is the also very popular comic and movie star, Kevin Hart.  The former entertainer is on the BET MGM app, the latter on Draft King. The two well-known, highly regarded influencers are Black men who can and do get the public’s attention. But what exactly are they urging us to try these days? The answer: gambling, via phone and computer apps.

Sports betting seems to be the latest craze with apps that can be available easily on your mobile device. You can watch games on television (or in person) and bet on outcomes on your phone. If you bet on a winner of a game, that’s a money line bet. If you wager that a team will win or lose by a certain amount of points (or runs, goals or whatever) that’s betting on the spread, and if you feel lucky enough to gamble on several outcomes in a single bet, that’s a parlay. 

Online betting officially became legally available on Nov. 23, 2022 in the great state of Maryland –just in time for Thanksgiving Day bets on college and NFL football games.  According to the state’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC), these franchises were awarded online betting licenses and were ready to roll. Next in line are the following:

• Barstool Sportsbook (operator for PENN Maryland/Hollywood Casino in Perryville)

• BetMGM (operator for BetMGM Maryland Sports/MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill)

• BetRivers (operator for Arundel Amusements/Bingo World in BrooklynPark)

• Caesars Sportsbook (operator for CZR Maryland Mobile Opportunity/Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore)

• DraftKings (Crown MD Online Gaming)

• FanDuel (operator for PPE Maryland Mobile/Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover, Md.)

• PointsBet (operator for Riverboat on the Potomac in Charles County)

Maryland was the second state to launch mobile betting during the 2022-2023 NFL season. The legal gambling process was an evolving one: first the states legalized gambling (Nevada has always had it), then they approved online betting. In recent times, however, Mississippi had the first legal bets placed in its borders on Aug. 1, 2018, after their law passed in 2017. The state of Pennsylvania permitted legal gambling shortly thereafter.

The floodgates to gambling were opened by the U.S. Supreme Court on May 14, 2018. The Supreme Court of the United States issued a much awaited decision that struck down the federal ban on states being able to authorize legal sports betting.

Betting has its own terminology, such as ‘action’ which is the amount of bets placed on the game. “Book” is an abbreviation for “sportsbook” which is an establishment that accepts bets.  A “dog” is the team that is expected to lose. And “lines” describe the point spread, the total or the money line. Finally, the word “lock” describes the team that is expected to win.  There are over 60 words and phrases in the glossary of gambling terms– only a pro knows them all.

But as more and more folks take to online gambling, more people will likely start speaking the language of betting.  Betting seems to be a very fast growing phenomenon in Maryland.  

The apps have built in safeguards and rules to ensure that one cannot gamble if under the age of 21 or if a person is in a state where sports betting is not yet legal based on the GPS embedded in the sports betting apps.

According to Maryland Sports Wagering Reports, mobile wagers could bet over $4 billion in the first year.  All major league sports as well as college games are available to bet on. The companies with licenses give 15 percent to the state of Maryland for public education programs that are part of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund.

In a recent phone conversation with Bert Hash Jr., some perspective was offered on the value of sports betting revenue to the citizens of the state for its important need—education. According to his biography on the website for the current Sports Wagering Application Review Commission members, Hash is the retired President and CEO of the Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore. He is a seasoned financial services executive with over 44 years of experience in managing various aspects of banking and financial services, including Equitable Bank for 15 years and Provident Bank of Maryland for 12 years. 

Hash was appointed to the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission by former Gov. Larry Hogan along with six other members. Hash said, “At the end of the day, the funding from the wagering is going to education needs of the state.  That should be very exciting for children and adults alike.”

As we all know, folks are going to gamble. And society benefiting from all the wagering in our state’s future can be worthwhile bets if done responsibly, of course.

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By Hamil Harris

In 2022, it seemed like there was more news off the fields and courts of play than on them.  Top stories included WNBA star Britany Grinner, who was detained in Russia on drug charges for the majority of the year, and Brett Favre’s multi-million dollar welfare scheme, reported on in detail by NPR. Griner was finally released in a prisoner swap, complicated by the Ukraine-Russia war, and Favre has yet to face criminal charges for allegedly helping siphon welfare funds into a new volleyball court and wellness center at the University of Mississippi, where his daughter attended school and played volleyball.

The US Men’s Soccer team failed to get past the second round of the World Cup after losing to the Netherlands 3-1. Ultimately, Argentina emerged victorious over France in a 4-2 penalty shootout, after the final match inside Qatar’s Luseil Stadium led to a 3-3 tie.  

In College football, Jackson State head football coach and NFL veteran Deion Sanders decided to leave the HBCU to coach at the University of Colorado. Sanders, aka Coach Prime, is also taking with him his talented QB son and several other players and coaches.

The local sports news is that the Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson finally got a contract and is expected to make around 23 million this year. But now his future is unclear after he got hurt.

In terms of questions, after being under a cloud of investigations, Daniel Snyder, owner of the Washington Commanders, has decided to put the franchise up for sale. Among those bidding include entertainers Byron Allen, Jayzee and Amazon mega-billionaire Jeff  Bezos.

In terms of great sports “firsts,” University of Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams a native of Bowie, Md. won the Heisman Trophy this year. Williams, who played at Gonzaga High School in D.C., is the first person from the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area to win the prestigious award. 

The University of Maryland Terrapins is going to a bowl game after finishing the season 7-5. This is a first for Terrapin Coach Mike Loxley, another local Marylander who made out good this year. 

In high school sports, Northpoint High School won the 3A Maryland State Football Championship, and Archbishop Carroll High School in D.C. won the Washington Catholic Area Conference championship. 

The year opened up with the Winter Olympics, taking place from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22. The United States took home eight gold, 10 silver and seven bronze medals.

On Feb. 13 the Los Angeles Rams took on the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowls 56th year.

On Feb. 17, WNBA star Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia on drug charges. For a majority of the year family, friends and supporters cried out for her release. President Biden agreed to swap Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for the WNBA player on Dec. 8.

In early April, the Ravens confirmed that they would pay roughly $23 million to keep Lamar Jackson for the fifth year of his rookie contract. 

In late April, Mississippi Today reporter Anna Wolfe’s investigation into mismanagement of welfare funds uncovered that instead of helping families in need, Gov. Phil Bryant had given millions to former NFL star Brett Favre to build a wellness complex at University of Southern Mississippi.

On June 16, the Golden State Warriors won their fourth NBA championship since the year 2015.

On Sep. 2 Serena Williams, cultural icon and one of the greatest tennis players of all time, said goodbye to the world of professional sports in a U.S. Open match against Ajla Tomljanovic. 

On Nov. 2, rumors swirled as TMZ reported that NFL owner Daniel Snyder was contemplating putting the Washington Commanders up for sale.

From Oct. 18 to Nov. 5 the 2022 World Series took place in the world of Major League Baseball. The Houston Astros battled their way to the top with the help of pitcher, Framber Valdez, shown here. 

Caleb Williams won the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 10 of this year.

In early December, Deion Sanders, affectionately known as “Coach Prime,” announced that he would be leaving Jackson State University, an HBCU, for the University of Colorado, a predominantly white institution (PWI). 

On Dec. 18, players from Argentina took the top prize at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The American team was eliminated in the second round.

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The post AFRO Review: sports highlights for 2022 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Reginald Williams,
Special to the AFRO

On the 15th anniversary of the tragic death of Sean Taylor the Commanders attempted to honor their twice-named Pro Bowl free safety with the unveiling of what they called a “statue.” 

Fans and Taylor supporters nationwide were immediately dismayed by Taylor’s rendering in the lobby of FedEx Field. Many felt the Commanders’ Memorial to the late athlete was disrespectful.

“Sean Taylor deserved a statue,” former athlete and ESPN commentator, Robert Griffin III said to the 937,000 followers on his Facebook account. 

He wasn’t alone in his sentiments.

“Not a jersey and pants. Come on man, do better,” said Vic Taylor, a lifelong Washington fan whose office, located on Brightseat Rd., intersects Sean Taylor Rd. “There should be a bronze like Rocky [the statue erected in Philadelphia honoring Sylvester Stallone’s fictional character] or the Tom Landry type in Dallas.

Fans took the Commanders to task, consistently describing the Commanders’ decision as “unbelievable,” “disappointing” and “disrespectful.”

“Dan Snyder has done it again. The Sean Taylor statue is a wire mannequin from T.J. Maxx. What an owner,” tweeted Kevin McNamee.

“This is so disappointing. I feel for the Taylor family. If someone told me they were creating a statue of my late father, and it turned out it was a mannequin with his work badge and favorite clothes, I’d be heartbroken. They [the family] deserve better, and so does Sean Taylor,” tweeted Jake Suesserman.

“Washington always finds a way to embarrass itself,” another sports fan, Safid Deen, tweeted. “Not a statue, but a mannequin for Sean Taylor. This is literally like a display in a store. Unbelievable.”

In 2021, the team felt the fan’s wrath when they re-dedicated Sean Taylor Rd. in front of porta-potties.

Now, Taylor is being honored with what seems to be a jersey and football pants stretched over a human form made of wires, similar to the material used for coat hangers. The arms and legs do not resemble the likeness of the athlete at all- other than being the general shape of a human body. Only a helmet sits atop the form, with no head or face inside.

Rather than dress the supposed statue in an authentic uniform, the mannequin wore a generic one. Taylor’s pants were designed with the Reebok logo, while his jersey adorned the Nike logo. Taylor, fatally shot by home intruders in 2007, never wore a uniform sponsored by Nike, which became the NFL’s official uniform provider in 2012. Taylor’s face mask was without the customary tape display he was noted for.

Debra Brown, a season ticket holder who lives within a mile of FedEx Field, said the statue was disappointing. “I just want them to get rid of him [Snyder].”

Complimenting the numerous Twitter memes showcasing coat hangers to mock the Commanders was a recently unveiled wax figure of slain Hip Hop artist and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle. The work of art could be mistaken for a real-life clone. Disgruntled fans presented the Nipsey Hussle wax figure, created by Mr. Officials, to highlight the artist’s attention to the details.

Despite the disposition of most fans, Jamal Johnson, Taylor’s brother, appreciated the honor and believes there is more to come.

“Everybody is entitled to an opinion,” said Johnson. “With them [Commanders] building a new stadium, this may just be a step. I don’t feel like the statue is the finished product. As time goes on, they’ll have a statue more appealing to the public. “

Many Washingtonians questioned the value of Jason Wright, the president of the Commanders. Wright is the first Black team president in the history of the NFL.

Taylor, the fifth pick in the 2004 draft, was known for an all-pedal,no-brake approach, which often resulted in bone-crushing hits on opponents. The NFL voted him the hardest-hitting player in the league.   

In the heart of many Washingtonians, the University of Miami standout represented the essence of the three-time Super Bowl Champs. 

Twice named to the Pro Bowl, Taylor, while home in Florida nursing a knee injury, died on Nov. 27, 2007, when he was shot in his upper thigh, severing his femoral artery. Taylor’s injury led to massive blood loss. He was 24 years old.

Reginald Williams is the author of “A Marginalized Voice: Devalued, Dismissed, Disenfranchised & Demonized.” Please email bookreggie@reginaldwilliams.org or visit amvonlinestore.com for more information.

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By Kendall Lanier, NewsVision reporter

He may just be a freshman, but a Howard Bison football player is proving he has winning moves. NewsVision reporter Kendall Lanier speaks to Eden James about creating his own legacy at “the Mecca.”

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By Rev. Samuel Williams Jr.,
Special to the AFRO

Naomi Osaka turned the sports world upside down when she withdrew from tennis competition and revealed that she had experienced depression and anxiety since winning her first major at the 2018 U.S. Open, explaining that speaking to the media often makes her nervous. Sadly, America, and the world for that matter, see athletes as flawless athletic machines built expressly for their pleasure. Wait. What? Depression?

Thankfully, a wave of new coaches don’t just deal with physical conditioning and techniques. Today coaches deal with an athlete’s state of mind.

Archbishop Carroll High School head football coach Robert Harris had the foresight to understand that his players were dealing with issues outside the football field, and those issues had to be dealt with. For the needed mentoring, motivating and encouragement, he has turned to Coach Eric Hood since tktktk.

“I do my best to instill the development of a positive mental attitude in those I work with. Knowing the difference in responding and reacting is a major part of that. Self-awareness, self-confidence, and making better choices/decisions are also key,” Hood said. “Not knowing how to deal with adversity properly is at the top of the list. They’re not being aware of how their body language, words, etc. speak volumes is another. Many have bad habits that they aren’t aware of! Not effectively communicating with authority figures is a major concern.”

Hood, in dealing with athletes and their issues, draws from his own personal issues.

“I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. in 1958. I left my beloved city in 1986, and I’ve lived in Maryland since then. I graduated in the top ten percent of my 1976 senior class of Eastern Senior High School. After sitting out the first semester (I wasn’t interested in school), my friends talked me into coming to The American University, in N.W., D.C. I received an academic scholarship but gave it up after two- and one-half years. A full load was too much for me. I constantly got two good and two bad grades. A full load was required to maintain the scholarship, so I voluntarily gave it up. I never learned how to study in high school, despite maintaining a B average since ninth grade.”

In essence, Hood understands the dilemma of a student athlete who is overwhelmed by the responsibility of performing athletically at a high level while at the same time dealing with the rigors of everyday life.

“I believe mental health is important in life—period! What we believe and what and how we think shape who we are and how we act! What I do spills into an athlete’s personal life because I build relationships that go beyond athletics. I’m an exhorter, so motivating, inspiring, and encouraging is what I do best and most naturally,” Hood said.

Mainly, Hood focuses on student athletes in high school.

“Because I’ve experienced them personally, I understand some of the challenges that our younger generation deal with daily. I needed help trying to successfully navigate life. I’ve mentored, primarily teenagers, since 1988, right after I gave my life to Christ Jesus! My 64 years of life experience and the guidance of the Holy Spirit are my qualifications.”

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By Mark F. Gray,
Special to the AFRO

On the way to the 2019 world championship, the Washington Nationals seemed to be a franchise set to become a dynastic organization with a championship pedigree. 

“Bumpy roads lead to beautiful places” was the mantra that carried them to a seven-game victory over the Houston Astros in the 2019 World Series. 

It seemed to be their organizational focus before this latest pothole, which saw their best player traded to the San Diego Padres last week.

In less than 36 months they’ve gone from being the worst in the District to a last-place team in the National League’s East Division. 

At the 2021 Major League Baseball trade deadline, they shipped future hall of fame pitcher Max Scherzer to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitcher Josiah Gray who appears to be a front-line starter.  

“Mr. National” Ryan Zimmerman retired and Anthony Rendon took the free agent payday and signed with Anaheim Angels in Southern California.

Stephen Strasburg was re-signed for seven years and $245 million to be the ace of the pitching staff but has spent most of the first two years of his deal injured and unavailable.  They invested six years and $140 million into Patrick Corbin who has taken a step backward after earning a $2.5 million signing bonus. 

Three years ago, Washington, D.C. was a destination for players who wanted to compete for contending teams. However, when they traded Juan Soto and Josh Bell last week for several highly touted prospects, the signal to the fans was that the full makeover of the team was on.  The remaining six weeks of the season are a full-price audition for athletes that they hope will make an impact in the future.

There is no guarantee that fans in the District will suffer the indignity of supporting a franchise that could lose close to 100 games over the next two seasons–  despite being a team that is three years removed from a World Series title.

The irony is that Washington had control over Soto’s movement through 2024 and would’ve given them a marquee everyday talent that was worth paying to watch during the process.

Soto was a generational talent who was outed by the organization for not taking a 15-year $430 million deal– which will be well below fair market value for a player of his stature before he is eligible for free agency after the 2024 season.  They burned the bridges with Soto and have caused many raised eyebrows around Major League Baseball with how this business decision played out. MLB sources have said they were “shocked” and “amazed” that a player of status would have been jettisoned at this time. 

Soto and Bell returned to D.C. this weekend playing for a contender with the San Diego Padres.  The Nationals are playing out the string after disrespecting one of the players who brought them a world championship on a day where they gave fans a likeness of Soto as Han Solo from Star Wars.

When it comes to rebuilding, may the force be with them.

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By Mark F. Gray,
Special to the AFRO

The Washington Commanders opened what the organization calls a new era last Saturday against the Carolina Panthers. However, the first preseason game of the new season followed the same script which has reduced a once proud tradition of the NFL into an embarrassing rubble whose season ticket base sunk along with its credibility.

Washington lost its preseason 23-21 opener to the Panthers and there were glimmers of hope. However, a shadow was cast from the front office that hovers over the team once again. 

Team president Jason Wright, the NFL’s first Black American to hold this title, turned an interview between QB #1 Carson Wentz and WJLA’s (Ch. 7) Sports Reporter Scott Abraham into a social media firestorm.

During Abraham’s exclusive interview with Washington’s new quarterback Wentz was asked the two most important questions that analysts, experts, and fans are inquiring about as training camp presses on. One question that raised the notion of his play being “consistently inconsistent.” The second asked whether Wentz felt this was his last opportunity to prove he is still an NFL-caliber starting quarterback.

Wright, who played seven years in the NFL, then chose to tighten his chinstrap and deliver a couple blows that many felt were out of bounds on the social media gridiron of twitter. 

“I recognize you have made a living on childlike provocation but it needs to be called out” he wrote. “Don’t expect special access and good luck building rapport with the guys.”

By Monday morning the only quarterbacking being done was on sports talk radio, where pundits were clashing with their audiences on whether the business leader of the franchise should defend his player or whether a journalist was taking cheap shots. It should be noted that Wright has yet to respond when approached by local Black media requests – including this outlet – for interviews since taking the job in 2020.

Wentz’s play last Saturday at FedEx Field wasn’t inspiring nor did it project a sense of doom. He finished the game by completing 10 of 13 passes for 74 yards with zero turnovers. He was inaccurate on several throws that could’ve kept at least two drives moving in the first half. By the fourth quarter the half empty stadium was officially hollow and the echoes of escaping fans were drowning out the new version of the team’s fight song during a spirited but futile comeback.

The Commanders were resilient and their reserves responded under their fifth round draft pick, Sam Howell. 

Howell, a rookie from North Carolina, finished his day completing 9-of-16 passes for 143 yards and two rushing touchdowns. He rallied them from a 20-6 fourth quarter deficit. Brian Robinson, a running back from Alabama picked in the third round, ran six times for 36 yards, and scored the first TD in this brief meaningless history of pro football in D.C. 

Robinson, who ran with old school force and conviction, looked the part and added depth to a strong position already. 

Wright continues to make the types of mistakes of leadership that de-facto team owner Dan Snyder approves. 

Whether botching the Sean Taylor tribute or the team’s new name announcement on the Today show, Wright’s penchant for making the wrong remains so consistent the organization can’t win off the field anymore either.

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By Fatiha Belfakir,
Special to the AFRO

For centuries sports have been an essential part of African-American culture. The role of athletics in the Black community is crucial, as some Black youths- like many of every race- perceive sports as one way of seeking self-identity and belonging. 

While today’s athletes enjoy a range of freedoms and privileges on American soil, the road to equality and opportunity has been marred by prejudice. Though many Black athletes achieved fame and fortunes in their respective industries, many more remained trapped between racial prejudice and stereotype, which paralyzed their participation in sports events and competitions. 

To combat the effects of Jim Crow in the sports industry, AFRO News reporters persisted in their coverage of sports, segregation in the major leagues and the equal treatment of Black athletes at every turn.

With sports editor Samuel Harold Lacy onboard, the AFRO American Newspaper delivered rich sports coverage, recording and documenting the history of popular and lesser-known sports in the United States of America. 

Lacy, a reporter, a columnist, and a television and radio commentator devoted nine decades to covering Black sports in an era of struggle and segregation. His coverage came at a time where competing and participating in sport games were a dream for most Black men and women. 

The legendary reporter constantly fought systematic racism in the athletic world and successfully brought African-American players and coaches out of the shadows. 

With a clear vision, sports’ articles from AFRO editions of yesteryear vary in terms of content.   The publication can be seen saluting and documenting Black athletes’ accomplishments-  fundamental in preserving Black sports history for generations to come. 

The AFRO American Newspapers covered events honoring athletes such as Leon Bailey, the first African American to integrate the Navy wrestling team, basketball icon Muggsy Bogues, and Erin Jackson, the first Black woman to win speed skating gold. 

The AFRO has long covered the cross over between the political realm and the athletic world. From Muhammad Ali’s refusal to submit to the Vietnam draft to the plight of WNBA superstar Brittney Griner, recently sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison on drug charges– the AFRO 

has continued the tradition of reporting from the intersection of politics and athletics. 

The paper has committed to history the struggles and achievements of Baltimore’s female golfers in their fight against segregation, while also covering the triumphs of local youth and college leagues.

And still today, the game is on! Check out the AFRO Archives today to learn more about your favorite athletes and find out how your beloved teams have fared over time.

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By Eric Olson,
AP Sports Writer

Anthony Holman is the highest-ranking NCAA official at the College World Series and the man in charge of the Division I baseball championship.

Holman is Black, and when he watches the games, he doesn’t see many people who look like him on the field or in the dugouts.

“I pay attention to it for sure,” he said, “and it’s disappointing. To have eight teams and maybe have a dozen or so folks of color, I think that’s something we should look to increase for sure.”

Baseball remains one of the least racially diverse college sports. There were fewer than two dozen Black players — and no Black head coaches or assistant coaches — among the eight teams that made it to the College World Series.

Of the 279 Division I teams not from historically Black colleges and universities, only 4% of players, 1% of the head coaches and 1% of assistant coaches were Black in 2021, according to the most recent NCAA research. While coaching staffs have remained mostly White with rare exception, the number of Black players at non-HBCU Division I schools went from 236 in 2012 to 434 in 2021.

“We have seen an uptick, and it’s much needed,” said Holman, NCAA managing director of championships and alliances.

Including HBCU teams, there were 665 Black players last year compared with 505 in 2012. As recently as 2014, there also were more White players (255) than Black (221) at HBCUs.

There will be four Black head coaches at non-HBCU schools in 2023, up from two this season.

Elton Pollock has been at Presbyterian for 18 years and Edwin Thompson for two years at Georgetown after five seasons at Eastern Kentucky. Kerrick Jackson was hired at Memphis last month, and Blake Beemer was announced as Butler’s new coach Tuesday.

Holman said he sees the hiring of Black head coaches as an important step when it comes to bringing more Black players into the game.

“If you don’t identify with a coach or other players, if you can’t see it, it’s tough to believe it,” Holman said. “We don’t want to lose a generation of players because there’s no path or no role model or no images for them to see.”

Jackson, the Memphis coach and chairman of the American Baseball Coaches Association’s Diversity in Baseball Committee, said his priorities are to generate funding for more programs aimed at introducing the sport to Black children, especially between the ages of 6 and 10, and developing a Black coaching pipeline at the high school and college levels.

“It’s one of those chicken-or-egg things,” Jackson said. “Do you need more coaches or do you need more players? I think we can go from both angles.”
There were only nine Black assistant coaches at non-HBCU Division I schools last year, so it will take time to get that pipeline flowing. Jackson said he wants to develop a network designed to identify Black players coming out of college or pro ball who show potential as coaches.

“We’re moving in the right direction when you look at what’s happened here in the last three weeks — me getting this opportunity here at the University of Memphis and then Blake Beemer getting the opportunity at Butler,” Jackson said. “I think it’s incumbent upon us to continue to make sure we provide opportunities to young coaches and players, and you have to start somewhere.”

The NCAA has partnered with Major League Baseball on initiatives to increase involvement of minorities as coaches, players and umpires, Holman said. MLB, the players’ union and others in 2020 pledged $10 million for programs intended to improve representation of Black players in all levels of baseball.

The NCAA also is working with MLB and the Jackie Robinson Foundation to start scholarship programs for Black players who might otherwise pursue football and basketball.

Football and basketball players receive full athletic scholarships. Baseball scholarships are capped at 11.7 per team, meaning most players receive partial aid, though the sport could see a dramatic increase in scholarships this fall once the NCAA’s Transformation Committee announces changes for modernizing NCAA governance.

Jackson said the number of Black players won’t increase immediately if baseball suddenly offers full scholarships.

“We can’t make the assumption that all Black folks are poor and that if baseball were more lucrative they would in turn decide to go with baseball because now it’s a full ride,” Jackson said.

“Now we’re making the assumption all the guys playing football and basketball are from low economic situations so they had to choose that,” he added. “Now we’re widening that gap and promoting those stereotypes that White kids play because they can afford to pay the difference in the college scholarship, and that’s not necessarily the case.”

Jackson said he was heartened at his introductory news conference at Memphis when a Black 12-year-old in attendance told him he wanted to be on hand to see a Black man get the head coaching job at the local university.

“He stood up during the press conference and asked, ‘When are you going to have camps because I want to come play for you,'” Jackson said. “It was this whole thing of, ‘Oh, wow, there’s someone who looks like me who is actually in charge. How do I become a part of that?’ We need to create more of those types of environments where we have more of these kids play.”

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By Stacy M. Brown,
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Rory McIlroy, the No. 7 ranked player in the world, and other top players, including Rickie Fowler and Tony Finau, have announced their commitment to participating in next month’s Wells Fargo Championship as the PGA TOUR returns to the Washington, D.C. area.

Seven past champions of the Wells Fargo Championship, held annually at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, have announced they’ll play in this year’s tournament at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm.

The tournament kicks off on Wednesday, May 4, and tickets are on sale at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, 10000 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac.

Grounds ticket prices start with the $20 Wednesday ticket, which gains access to the popular Pro-Am day.

Also popular is the $175 Weekly Grounds Pass, which consists of a ticket to each of the five days. Children ages 15 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.

“It is always good to have Rory in the field, as he adds another element to the competition whenever he plays,” said Gary Sobba, Tournament Director.

“To have him defending his title will be a special experience for the fans and all involved in this year’s tournament.”

McIlroy won the first of his 20 PGA TOUR titles in 2010 at the Wells Fargo Championship.

The four-time major champion won again in 2015 in record fashion and picked up his first win in two years with a victory in Charlotte last year.

Seven of the tournament’s 16 champions have earned major championship titles, and four have held the No. 1 spot on the Official World Golf Rankings since the inception of the Wells Fargo Championship in 2003.

Previously, tournament officials announced that Gregory Odom Jr., a senior standout on the Howard University Men’s golf team, accepted a sponsor exemption to compete in the Wells Fargo Championship.

Odom will receive one of the tournament’s four unrestricted sponsor exemptions into the 156-player field and compete as an amateur.

According to a news release, he has finished among the top ten in individual play in the Bison’s last two collegiate events.

Odom also has a pair of top-five and top-15 finishes during the 2021-2022 season.

Last spring, he won the PGA Works National Championship at the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass for his first collegiate title.

In November, he finished third at the Golf Coaches Association of America Championship and earned an exemption to play in the 2022 Ontario Open on the PGA TOUR Canada circuit.

“I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity to play in a PGA TOUR event near where I will be winding down my collegiate experience,” said Odom, who tied for fifth in last year’s MEAC Championship.

“I really appreciate Wells Fargo and the tournament staff for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to the challenge of competing with the best players in the world.”

As a junior golfer, Odom finished second in the Tennessee State Championship his senior year at Middle College High School, where he also earned All-State honors in 2016.

In addition, he was the 2017 First Tee of Memphis Player of The Year and the 2017 Boys High School USJGT Player of the Year.

Celebrating its 19th year, the Wells Fargo Championship counts among the premier golf events on the PGA TOUR.

Since 2003, the tournament has welcomed all the world’s top 25 players.

In 2019, the players voted the event as “Best in Class,” among other events on the TOUR schedule.

On behalf of Champions for Education, the tournament has distributed over $26 million and raised awareness for numerous charitable foundations in the Charlotte area, and in 2022 plans to do the same in the Washington DC area.

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By Mark F. Gray,
Special to the AFRO

Charm City and the nation’s capital have joined forces in a joint bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

If successful, one of the world’s biggest sporting events could come to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. during the weekend of July 4, 2026.

Events D.C. and the Sports and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland announced they are combining proposals to be among the group of American, Canadian and Mexican cities offering up their venues to host United 2026, which will see all three nations stage the World Cup soccer tournament together. This will be the first time the World Cup will include 48 teams as it expands from the traditional 32.  It will also be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one country.

“We know that the Washington-Baltimore bid is a winning bid,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.   “When you bring all that energy to the greatest tournament in the world, across two fantastic American cities, that is going to be an unforgettable experience.”

Canada, Mexico and the United States are combining a joint bid to be a part of hosting the world’s largest sporting event in North America.  As part of the dual municipality pitch for the rights to stage a portion of United 2026, Baltimore would host the matches while D.C. would host a World Cup Fan Festival on the National Mall for the month-long tournament as America celebrates its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.  

Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium would host a portion of the schedule of matches in the home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens.  Both cities have reportedly already begun discussions on “merging the best that both bids had to offer” from security to transportation to deliver a better experience for fans and provide the region with a ‘lasting positive impact’.

The expectation is that it could bring over one million fans to the area and provide an enormous financial boost to the region’s tourism and hospitality industry.

FIFA, arguably the world’s most powerful sports governing body, is now entering the final phase of the bid process. According to their website the remaining U.S. and Mexican bidding venues, as well as those in Canada, will be visited by the end of November.  Many sports industry analysts feel that FIFA places importance on stadiums in its selection and this combined effort between D.C. and Baltimore might be a winning factor for the area’s regional bid. FIFA is expected to choose 10 or 11 U.S. cities as hosts.

“We look forward to having FIFA and its delegates in D.C. for meetings, practices, the biggest FIFA Fan Festival, and are confident that our region will exceed expectations in delivering an innovative, powerful, and fun fan experience,” said Max Brown, the D.C. 2026 Advisory Board’s Co-Chair.

The passion and exposure of the world’s most popular sports has captured its place in the nation’s capital with the success of D.C. United, Washington’s Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise which is one of the signature teams in America’s professional soccer league.

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By Mark F. Gray,
Special to the AFRO

Just before the Kansas Jayhawks staged their historic comeback against the North Carolina Tar Heels, another historic basketball battle was taking shape for HBCU fans this past weekend. 

On April 3, the first-time ever HBCU All-Star basketball classic featuring several members of the Howard University men’s basketball team rose from the shadows for their one shining moment during the NCAA Final Four in New Orleans.

All-MEAC first-team performer Kyle Foster and graduate transfer Randall Brumant represented Howard and the MEAC in the inaugural HBCU All-Star Game.  The event was the first live nationally televised showcase for elite Black College basketball players. Brumant and Foster were among the 24 HBCU student-athletes selected to compete in the historic event.

Foster, who was named HBCU All-Stars Willis Reed NCAA Division I National Player of the Year, was in the starting lineup and Brumant, a Houston native, finished with nine points in a reserve role.

“It was such a fun experience,” said Brumant. “From teaming up with the people I competed against all year, to meeting celebrities who love the HBCU movement like Magic Johnson and Jamie Foxx, it felt great to be a part of this historic event.”

The two Howard all-stars represented their team and conference playing for Team McLendon where they helped the squad defeat Team Gaines, 79-75. The two 12-man rosters were named after a pair of HBCU legendary coaches in John McLendon and Clarence “Big House” Gaines who made significant contributions to the legacy of college basketball.

McLendon is historically known in basketball circles as the “father of fastbreak basketball” whose up-tempo style became the standard for quick scoring opportunities and highlight-reel dunks that have made the NBA game so popular today.  His concepts led to generational success at N.C. Central, Tennessee State, Hampton and Kentucky State. He was also the first Black coach to lead a PWI (predominantly White institution) Cleveland State in 1967. Coach McClendon was the only one in history to have won three consecutive NAIA national championships.

Gaines, a Morgan State graduate, was at one time the winningest coach in college basketball history.  He set a standard of excellence by leading teams that sent some of the NBA’s all-time greats such as Earl “the Pearl” Monroe to the pros while coaching at Winston Salem State. “Big House” won 828 games during a span of 46 years with 8 CIAA championships and a national title in 1967.

Team McLendon featured players from the MEAC and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and was coached by Norfolk State’s Robert Jones. Team Gaines featured players from the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the CIAA and was coached by Alcorn State’s Landon Bussie.

Given the scarce practice time and the absence of familiarity between the players on both sides, it was a very competitive matchup that brought tournament-caliber intensity to an exhibition game. 

“We felt a lot of love from tons of people we came across in New Orleans,” said Brumant. “I’m excited to see the future of this event moving forward.”

 Tajh Green of Benedict College scored 12 points and was named the game’s most valuable player after leading the McLendon men to victory.

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By AFRO Staff

The cherry blossoms of Washington, D.C. scored a major win with the Washington Wizards. The basketball team recently revealed the “Bloom City Edition” of their uniform for the 2022-23 season and the famous flower is front and center as the muse. 

With the help of their partnership with Nike and the NBA, the Wizards paid tribute to the iconic tree, synonymous with Spring in the nation’s capital. 

The Wizard’s City Edition uniform is a first, in that the country has never seen two major sports leagues collaborate on a special uniform for teams in the same market. 

Washington’s Major League Baseball team, The Washington Nationals also got into the cherry blossom spirit, with their debut of special uniforms slated for April 9.

“We are excited to announce our Cherry Blossom jersey  and look forward to seeing them on the court next season,” said Monumental Sports & Entertainment Chief Marketing Officer Hunter Lochmann, in a statement from the NBA. 

“Our great partnership with Nike and the Nationals and the timing of D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival allowed us to be the first NBA team to announce our 2022-23 City Edition uniform. We know Wizards fans have been asking for a Cherry Blossom jersey for some time, so we are glad it’s come to fruition.”

According to information released by the NBA, “the brand-new cherry blossom logo dots the ‘i’ in the Washington wordmark across the jersey’s chest, putting a fresh, floral spin on a staple of the team’s modern look. The uniform features three distinct cherry blossoms which sit just above the official NBA tag, mirroring the three-star design of the Washington, D.C. flag.” 

The NBA described the design by saying “the classic Wizards ball logo, which is displayed prominently on each side of the new-look shorts, connects the cherry blossom pink to the deep blue on the shorts.”

Fans celebrated the cherry blossom season on March 29 inside theCapital One Arena, where the Wizards met the Chicago Bulls in their new digs. This is the third year the NBA has teamed up with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

“A portion of ticket proceeds supports the Trust for the National Mall’s Adopt a Cherry Tree program, supplementing year-round care for the iconic cherry trees. We thank the Washington Wizards for this opportunity and invite the entire region to join us in celebration of the blossoms during the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival through April 17″ said Diana Mayhew, National Cherry Blossom Festival President. 

The jerseys will be available to the public at the Capital One Arena Team Store or on the website shop.monumentalnetwork.com, beginning in November 2022.

Keeping in line with the latest digital craze, a cherry blossom-themed NFT collection has been presented by FTX US at Cherry Blossom along with the opportunity to win a trip to Japan for the 2022 NBA Global Games. A special cherry blossom court will also be used when the Bloom City Edition uniforms are on display in the coming season.

The Washington Nationals will hit the baseball diamond in their “City Connect” jerseys against the New York Mets in April, with plans to use the jersey intermittently over the next three seasons.

According to the National Park Service, “The planting of cherry trees in Washington DC originated in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan.”

“In Japan, the flowering cherry tree, or ‘Sakura,’ is an important flowering plant,” states information released by NPS. “The beauty of the cherry blossom is a symbol with rich meaning in Japanese culture. For more than a hundred years, we have [been] celebrating cherry trees blooming in solidarity.”

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By Mark F. Gray,
Special to the AFRO

Howard University women’s basketball was on three sides of history once the final whistle blew on their season.

There was the elation of winning their first conference championship in over two decades.  The Bison then made history, beating Incarnate Word in the NCAA’s inaugural first round game.

Then came the harsh reality of a no. 1 vs no.16 matchup against the University of South Carolina, and their future Hall of Fame coach and multiple Olympic gold medalist Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks, who are a perennial national championship contender.  

Within a span of six days, Howard re-established their place amongst the great legacies in HBCU women’s sports. They also came to grips with the journey that small programs – especially those at Black colleges – must endure to become factors in Division I.

Howard won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference basketball championship after losing in 2021 to North Carolina A&T in the finals of the tournament.  That loss drove them during the regular season where they earned the top seed by winning the regular season championship.  The MEAC season drew to its conclusion in Norfolk versus the Spartans in the finals. It was thought by many in Tidewater that it would be right of passage for the NSU women to complete the championship double after their men defeated Coppin State.

The Bison weren’t having it though.  Coach Ty Grace set the tone for her team by showing up on the sidelines to coach in sweats, sneakers, and a Black Lives Matter t-shirt for the championship game. They embodied her toughness and routed NSU in what was basically a road game in a “neutral” building, 61-44.

“We were locked in from Day One and we never forgot about last year,”  Grace said. “Our kids remember crying in that loss while North Carolina A&T State celebrated.”

Destiny Howell scored a career-high 25 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out two assists while contributing a block and two steals in the win over Norfolk State in the MEAC Tournament championship game at the Scope Arena.  She set the tone early and helped them jump out to an early 15-10 first-quarter lead as the Bison played from ahead for most of the game and cruised to their first championship since 2001.  It was the program’s 11th overall, which is the most in the history of the 50-year-old conference.

“We all felt that pain when they were celebrating after we got so close,” Howell said. “We were determined to not let that happen this time.”

Howard then proved they are back as a legitimate mid-major program with their first victory ever in the NCAA Tournament over Incarnate Word 55-53. The Bison won the inaugural first round game of the women’s and took the first baby step towards legitimizing their program as a national brand with the nationally televised victory.

Then reality set in.

South Carolina put a traditional no. 1 vs no. 16 beat down on Howard that was historic.  The Gamecocks ended HU’s season with a 79-21 loss.  The Bison’s 21 points were the fewest ever scored by a team in the tournament’s history. They were held to two points in the first and second quarters then scored four in the third following halftime. Their 13 points in the final period were cosmetics that didn’t cover the blemish. 

In six days, Howard learned their women have arrived as a better than average mid-major program who can be active in the NCAA transfer portal to advance their national brand. The master class whipping by a national power – though painful – should prove to be a new beginning for a program who appears set to capitalize on HBCU basketball’s version of “Black Girl Magic” and rise beyond a perception they can’t with the nation’s blue bloods.

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By Mark F. Gray,
Special to the AFRO

With the calendar having officially turned to March, let the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference madness begin.  

Despite the dominance of Norfolk State, who went 12-2 in the regular season to earn the No. 1 seed, Howard and Morgan State proved they aren’t walkovers heading into this week’s MEAC Basketball Tournament in Norfolk, Va.  The Howard Bison are seeded No. 2 behind the Norfolk State Spartans after finishing 16-12 (9-5 MEAC), which included sweeps of  No. 3 North Carolina Central and No. 4 Morgan St. during the regular season.

The Morgan State Bears earned their top four seed through a tiebreaker formula that gave them a benefit from playing one fewer game than No. 5 South Carolina State.  South Carolina State finished 7-7 in conference and Morgan finished 7-6. However, the difference between playing 13 versus 14 MEAC games led to the Bears finishing with a .538 win percentage and the Bulldogs finished at .500.  The small points difference only signifies Morgan will be the designated “home” team when they meet in Thursday’s quarterfinals at 6pm at The Scope Arena.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) earned the No. 6 seed despite tying with Coppin State, who finished 6-8 inside the conference.  UMES claimed the No. 6 seed via head-to-head tiebreaker, leaving Coppin as the No. 7 seed.

Howard has a dangerous quarterfinal opponent from Baltimore’s West side.  Coppin State was enigmatic during their inconsistent regular season but gave the Bison their last loss at Burr Gym less than 48 hours following the win over Morgan in the HBCU Classic.  They will meet Wednesday night at 8pm in the tournament opener for both schools. HU’s season ended with an 83-61 loss to Norfolk St. on the road at Echols Hall.

However, the Bison finished with four players earning all-MEAC honors led by senior Kyle Foster, who was named to the first team. During his senior year, Foster was named  MEAC Player of the Week three times. He was one of the nation’s top three point shooters by making over 46-percent of his long range shots.  On Feb. 19, Foster joined the exclusive 1,000-point club in the win over Morgan State at the inaugural NBA HBCU Classic during the All-Star Weekend showcase.

Redshirt sophomore Steve Settle III earned second team honors along with graduate student Randall Brumant. Settle III started all 28 games and finished fourth in MEAC scoring averaging 13.8 ppg while scoring double figures in scoring 20 times.

“Steve’s ability to be consistent has been a big help,” said Howard coach Kenny Blakeney. He’s gotten to the free throw line at lot and that has helped us.”

Brumant was the defensive presence in the lane and was a force on the boards.  He scored a season-high 22 points against Morgan State on Jan. 22 in Baltimore. 

Freshman guard Elijah Hawkins was named Rookie of the Year following a season where he averaged 13.0 points, 5.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals. Hawkins was named MEAC Rookie of the Week nine times this season and currently led the conference in assists and ranked third in steals.

“I think Elijah is the best point guard in the conference,” said Blakeney. “We have guys that are potent weapons. They can’t be as potent.”

Coppin State Redshirt freshman Nendah Tarke was named to the first team and All-Defensive Team while Greg Spurlock was named to the All-Rookie Team.  Tarke averaged 15.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists while averaging 3.1 steals in MEAC games.  He finished with 22 double/doubles in the regular season. Spurlock averaged 2.3 points per game, 1.5 rebounds, and joined Hawkins on the conference’s all rookie team.

Morgan State’s guard De’Torrion Ware was a second team all-MEAC selection following the regular season where he averaged just under 11 points per game.

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By Stephanie Harper,
Special to the AFRO

Baltimore City bid farewell to Black History Month in high fashion this year, with a slew of events related to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament occurring at the Royal Farms Arena in Downtown Baltimore.

The event brought an influx of Black dollars to area hotels, restaurants and entertainment scenes as members of the African diaspora poured into downtown Baltimore to watch top HBCU athletes compete and party with top music industry artists.

Residents and visitors alike reveled in the friendly rivalry as HBCU culture was put on full display. HBCU kings and queens made appearances along with the high-spirited cheerleaders, known for their pep and acrobatic skill. Members of the Divine Nine could be seen proudly bearing their crests and organization colors at the CIAA Tournament Step Show Showdown Greeks vs. Greeks step show, a staple of HBCU gatherings.

“Step shows are a positive environment where fraternities and sororities are able to showcase their organization principles and the camaraderie within the respective organizations,” said Landon White of the Alpha Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. “HBCUs benefit from a recruiting aspect. The youth in the stands may want to feel the thrill of one day being in a stroll line in the crowd or being on the big stage.”

The Alpha Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. was founded on the campus of Baltimore’s prestigious Morgan State University in 1963. The men claimed the top prize at the step show, which was hosted by 92Q radio station. 

The Alpha Chapter managed to blend traditional elements of Black Greek step culture with Baltimore’s own unique style of music and dance. The crowd gathered inside the Royal Farms Arena went wild when local celebrity Carnell Nichols, Jr. appeared to show off his signature moves.

“The students and kids get to see Baltimore dance, it means everything,” said the originator of Baltimore’s “Carnell Stomp.” “We’ve been trying to get these moves seen more [all] over the world.”

Aside from a cameo by Nichols, the centaurs of the Alpha Chapter also sent fans into a frenzy when they referenced the cult-classic series, “The Wire,” while also tastefully paying homage to slain rapper Lor Skoota by catching “Bird Flu.”

Aside from the step show, Gwynn Hilton, one of Baltimore’s most diverse artists was featured on the ZaZapalooza stage in a lineup that included the likes of multi-platinum rap artist, Jadakiss. 

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By Mark F. Gray
Special to the AFRO

Howard basketball coach Kenny Blakeney wasn’t expecting it to be a teachable moment. It was supposed to be merely another chance to make history by playing on the NBA All Star Weekend’s biggest stage.  However, fate gave Howard a lesson before they got to Cleveland and beat Morgan State 68-66 in another resilient victory to claim the inaugural HBCU Classic on Feb. 19.

In the aftermath of last week’s snowstorm, the Bison were late arriving to the shores of a frozen great lake because their flight was canceled with the team seated on the plane moments before the scheduled takeoff. Without any flights available, Howard scrubbed its plans for their 57-minute flight to the famous Ohio city. They made arrangements from the tarmac to bus from D.C. and the team didn’t arrive until 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning for a game that was scheduled to tipoff at 2 p.m. local time.

“I consider myself an educator as well as a basketball coach,” said Coach Blakeney.  “This was a lesson about resilience and overcoming adversity to achieve your goal.  Our goal was to come out and make history and win this game. I’m so proud of this group who’s been through a lot.”

“This will be a day these guys can look back on when they become professionals in life,” Blakeney added.

Normally the highlight of the NBA All-Star Saturday is the prime time showcase featuring the three-point shooting contest and the slam dunk  competition.  However, this HBCU Classic was the premiere event of the Saturday schedule.  In this frozen moment of Black College Sports history, HBCU culture and entertainment merged at the intersection of SportsCenter and Access Hollywood to create the atmosphere of HBCU homecoming.

ESPN and TNT used primarily HBCU talent for their broadcast such as Winston Salem State alumni Stephen A. Smith and Coppin State’s Stephanie Ready.  Hampton’s Brian Custer also handled the play by play for the worldwide leader of sports’ coverage.

Before the game, NBA stars Stephen Curry and Chris Paul spoke to each team in the locker room before the game, which was broadcast nationally on TNT and ESPN2 simultaneously, while Keke Palmer performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as well as the national anthem.

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young took photos with the Morgan State players before tipoff at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center.

There were celebrities lining the front row seats for a glimpse at the HBCU experience.  Young NBA All Stars Khris Middleton, Collin Sexton, and Gary Payton witnessed the flavor of basketball with soul where timeouts and halftime are part of the show.

 Spike Lee, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson shared this moment of Black History from the most expensive seats as well.

Howard won their sixth consecutive game and capped a sweep against the slumping Bears.  The Bison trailed by as many as 12 after the intermission and reeled in Morgan for the second time this season. Morgan is mastering the second half meltdown. They have squandered leads of more than ten points in three of their last four games.

 Kyle Foster, who continues adding to his Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Year candidacy, scored a team-high 18 points and helped Howard erase a 12-point deficit in the final period against their Charm City rivals again. Foster started the game as the NCAA leader in three-point shooting percentage, but made two clutch free throws in the final seconds to put a Lake Erie chill on the victory.

“The biggest thing is the culture-like understanding where you come from and what goes into that is really important,” Foster said.  “The HBCU experience really emphasizes that.  It’s a growing thing now and I think we’re on the map.”

De’Torrion Ware led Morgan State with 19 points and seven rebounds but faded down the stretch with his teammates again.

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By Mark F. Gray,
Special of the AFRO

One of the many promotions that draw Major League Baseball fans to the ballpark for free souvenirs on hot summer nights for the price of a ticket is the bobblehead doll. This hybrid cross between a statue, a trophy and an action figure with a bouncing head in the likeness of a legendary athlete, has become a favorite amongst all sports fan bases for several generations.

To keep the spirit of Black baseball alive in America, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) and the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum are “stepping to the plate” by introducing the first collection of Negro League bobbleheads in conjunction with Black History Month. The bobbleheads are replicas of 13 life-sized statues featured at the NLBM on it’s “Field of Legends” exhibit in Kansas City, Mo.

However, this is not the first time the Field of Legends Bobbleheads have been made available to the public. The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has collaborated with the NLBM and Negro Leagues History to produce nearly 140 different bobbleheads since the Negro Leagues’ Centennial Celebration began in 2020. They have raised over $35,000 for the NLBM.

 The Field of Legends takes it’s name from the end of the NLBM tour, where visitors can walk onto a field where there are almost life-sized bronze statues of 13 figures who played major roles in Negro Leagues and professional baseball history. 

“The Field of Legends is the centerpiece of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and is one of the most amazing displays in any museum anywhere in the world,” said Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “We’re thrilled to partner with the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum and NegroLeaguesHistory.com to give fans an opportunity to have this collectible replica of this amazing display.”

Black baseball legends such as catcher Josh Gibson, is featured where he is behind the plate in the NLBM’s showcase. This figurative baseball diamond also features players who were some of the all time greats at their position. They weren’t fully recognized until last summer when statistics from the Negro Leagues were officially recognized by the statistical caretakers of the game by baseballreference.com.

These bouncing top figurines represent the iconic baseball players and influencers of the past who were denied access to MLB prior to former Kansas City Monarch Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Leon Day and Ray Dandridge are in Newark Eagles uniforms. Dandridge would also play in the majors for the Dodgers as well.

Hall of Famer Buck Leonard, a teammate of Gibson’s, represents the Homestead Grays along with Cool Papa Bell. 

 Satchel Paige, perhaps the most famous Negro Leaguer of all time, is featured with the late NLB ambassador Buck O’Neil in their Kansas City Monarchs uniforms. Oscar Charleston and Judy Johnson represent the Pittsburgh Crawfords.  

During the late 1930s through the 1940s, the Grays played split home games between Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field, which was the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and in the nation’s capital at D.C.’s Griffith Stadium, the home park of the Washington Senators. During those games, they were referred to as the Washington or D.C. Grays. 

The Senators’ franchise was so bad they rented out the stadium to the Grays, which was on the site of what is now Howard University Hospital. They outdrew the Senators, which kept the franchise solvent and helped Calvin Griffith pay his rent for the facility and the salaries of the woeful team.

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By Associated Press

The inaugural NBA HBCU Classic between Howard and Morgan State will be televised nationally as part of All-Star weekend festivities as the league expands support of historically Black colleges and universities.

The Feb. 19 game will be broadcast on TNT and ESPN2 from Wolstein Center, Cleveland State’s home arena.

Along with the exposure, the schools will receive $100,000 donations from the NBA and AT&T, with the gifts intended to support Howard and Morgan State student-athletes with academic and wellness resources and more.

The league expects some of its All-Stars and members of the 75th Anniversary team to attend the game.

“The historic partnership that has given rise to the NBA HBCU Classic is helping to elevate HBCUs at a critical time for our country,” Howard Athletic Director Kery Davis said. “HBCUs and the NBA have a shared legacy of using their platforms to serve their communities and amplify the voices of marginalized people.”

Led by former union president Chris Paul, the National Basketball Players Association pushed to get HBCUs connected to the All-Star Weekend in 2021. Although many events were altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, $3 million was raised.

In addition to playing during All-Star Weekend, Morgan State and Howard’s teams will meet with NBA and team executives as well as current and former players in programs focused on professional development and networking.

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By Mark F. Gray,
Special to the AFRO

Two milestones featuring a pair of walk off game winning shots led to victories for Bowie State and Howard as both teams started resembling teams that were expected to be contenders in the CIAA and MEAC.

BSU alumnus and head men’s basketball coach Darrell Brooks became the winningest coach in program history after the Bulldogs 71-68 win at the buzzer against Elizabeth City State. Brooks sealed his 200th career win as senior Justin Route hit a corner 3-pointer at the buzzer for the win.

“200 wins, wow – when I took the job here 12 years ago that never crossed my mind, but I got here with great players, great coaches and the grace of God,” said Brooks. “I am so happy for my guys, I owe a lot to them and the coaches that have been here over the last 12 years. I am happy to get it, but I had a lot of help along the way.”

 Sophomore David McCullough led Bowie State in scoring with 14 points and six rebounds, while both Kobby Ayetey  and sophomore Anthony Carpenter added 13 points. Junior Quinton Drayton and Route added 10 points and six rebounds in the Bulldogs home victory.

 ECSU led by 19 in the second half, but the Bulldogs were relentless in their comeback effort. BSU cut the lead to single digits four times before a three-pointer from Carpenter led to an 8-0 run for BSU.  However, over the last 2:49  another 10-4 run ended with a 3-pointer from Ayetey with 36 seconds left. The Bulldogs forced a turnover and after an offensive rebound before Carpenter found Route in the corner for the last second heroics.

Meanwhile, Howard grad-student Kyle Foster scored a career-high 27 points, including the game-winning three-pointer, to lift the Bison past North Carolina Central 75-74 in overtime. Foster nailed what proved to be the game winner with a corner three-pointer with only two seconds left in the extra period. It was HU’s first win at NCCU’s McDougald-McLendon Arena since December 2015.

Howard’s pulled to within the .500 mark overall and evened their (8-9, 2-2 MEAC) standing, while getting its second win during this critical four-game road swing while ending the NCCU curse that has plagued them on Tobacco Road.

 Foster blistered the nets shooting 10-of-12 from the floor, which included making 5-of-6 on his three point shots.  He also contributed  defensively while recording two steals.

HU led 39-22 at halftime but N.C. Central opened the second half on a 7-0 run, capped by a layup from Randy Miller, Jr., that pulled the Eagles to within 39-29.  

The Bison, who once led by 24 points, saw their lead totally evaporate when NCCU’s Justin Wright scored on a fastbreak layup and put the Eagles ahead 48-47 midway through the final half of regulation. Howard erased a six point deficit over the final five minutes to force the extra period by tying the score at 62.

NCCU held an eight-point advantage after a trey ball by Marque Maultsby, but the Bison had one-last run in extra time. Five time MEAC Rookie of the Week Elijah Hawkins forced several turnovers leading to fastbreak points.

With :18 seconds left in OT, the Eagles lead, but Howard senior Deven Richmond grabbed a loose offensive rebound and found Hawkins who passed off to Foster in the corner for the game winner.

 Redshirt sophomore Steve Settle III  had another solid all around performance finishing with 17 points, three rebounds, three blocks and three steals. Hawkins added nine points, seven assists and a career-high seven steals.

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By Mark F. Gray,
Special to the AFRO

After 90 years and three world champions the once proud but now the most heavily scrutinized National Football League franchise began it’s makeover by announcing it’s new team name on national television Feb. 2 at FedEX Field in Landover.

“We are the Commanders,” said Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams Feb. 2 during the most anticipated name reveal since “Blue Ivy” and “North West” on NBC’s “Today Show.”

Ironically, on the second day of Black History Month, the legendary quarterback who is supposed to represent the franchise’s commitment to “diversity” made the announcement to the world. Williams, a respected talent evaluator in many NFL circles, has seen his power in the front office stripped of any roster decision making cut since Rivera was named head coach, seemed uneasy on the floor of FedEx Field during NBC’s Today Show as he was charged to handle the task of uttering the moniker for the next generation.

“It’s a name that has the weight and meaning befitting a 90-year-old franchise,”  Washington Commanders Team President Jason Wright said. “It’s something that broadly resonated with our fans and it’s something that we believe embodies the values of service and leadership that really define the DMV and this community.”

Commanders became the reality after more popular fan names such as: Red Hogs, Admirals and Presidents, Red Wolves, and the favorite of most Black Gen X fans Red Tails were eliminated because of copyright and trademarks rights infringement possibilities.  

“When we started this journey 18 months ago, I didn’t know what we would be saying at this announcement,” team president Jason Wright said. “It has been a long process but an engaging one and an insightful one that’s really been driven by our fans.”

Despite Wright’s claims that 40,000 fans had input in this decision making process, most sentiments were lukewarm to the name at best.  During sports talk programs on The Team 980 an unscientific poll social media twitter poll ended during The Travis Thomas Experience radio fan early fans’ response reflected an apathy toward the new brand.

By noon Feb. 2 54 percent of their fans voted “it is what it is,” 40.5 percent responded it “it was terrible redo it,” and only 5.4 percent loved it.

“People didn’t like the rollout of the name after a two year wait, it was too bland,” said Team 980 producer Anthony Haynie.  A lot of fans feel the wardrobe change looks like a team that would be playing in the XFL.”

As the Commanders, Washington kept the same burgundy and gold color scheme synonymous with the Super Bowl championship era of the 1980s and early ’90s. They also feature a third alternate black and gold uniform trimmed in burgundy.  Wright and Rivera had been in favor of the new name to have a connection to the U.S. military.

“This wasn’t something where we’re going to go off in a back room and just decide,” Wright  said, adding the organization had numerous conversations with focus groups, alumni, fans and community leaders. “We landed on this in part because we believe the Washington Commanders can carry the rich legacy of this team, a championship legacy.”

However, many fans don’t feel the same.

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By Mark F. Gray,
Special to the AFRO

There was never a time where Howard seemed fazed by anything Morgan threw at them Saturday afternoon in Baltimore. Despite a barrage of three pointers in the first half, which led to a 10-point lead, the Bison remained poised and executed head coach Kenny Blakeney’s offense.

For a team who let their game against Notre Dame slip through their fingertips thanks to a meltdown of execution, Howard held off the Bears in the first of what could be three meetings this year with a 91-82 win at Hill Field House.

The Bison, who are being led by a talented group of freshmen that has found its rhythm, ended a three game losing streak while earning its first conference win of the season.  Howard entered the week 7-8 overall and 1-1 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.  The win was also the first time coach Blakeney won a MEAC game away from Burr Gym.

“I’m really proud of the effort our guys played with today,” said Blakeney. “Morgan State is really good. It was a great job for us to come into Baltimore and get this win.”

To this point in the young conference season Morgan has underachieved. A Bears team that was picked to finish second behind Norfolk State continues to rely heavily on three point shooting which failed them badly in the second half.  The loss dropped MSU to 6-9 overall and 1-2 (MEAC).  

Howard was led by a trio of 20 point performances that were especially clutch during the second half stretch, which propelled them to the victory.  Graduate student Randall Brumant finished with a season-high 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting.  Brumant had his way with the soft Bears interior defense that often late with their rotations leaving him to terrorize them in the paint.   

“We’ve been putting in the work all season long,” said Brumant, who leads Howard in rebounding (5.7 rpg). “We’ve been in a lot of close games and came up short. It was good to get this road win.”

The Bison’ dynamic DeMatha High freshman duo of Steve Settle III and Elijah Hawkins played big in helping them secure the first conference win of the season.  Settle took advantage of the porous Morgan interior scoring 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds.  Walker’s leadership was  beyond his years  down the stretch as he was able to calmly direct their offense during critical moments in the second half and finished the game with 20 points.

Morgan opened the game blistering the nets from the perimeter to start the first half behind junior guard De’Torrion Ware, who led the Bears with 23 points and 11 rebounds in the loss. Ware was in and out of their lineup while appearing to receive medical attention for a hand injury that kept them out of the lineup during several stretches, especially in the second half. It was his third consecutive game recording a double-double and the sixth of his career.  

The next time these two teams meet will be in Cleveland during the NBA All-Star weekend festivities in a nationally televised matchup on NBA-TV Feb. 19.

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By Mark F. Gray
Special to the AFRO

Before a game without any meaning New York Giants head coach Joe Judge made a comment that served as bulletin board material for the Washington Football Team.  Judge was accused by the media in the Big Apple of referring to the burgundy and gold as a “clown show” after the altercation on the sideline between Johnathan Allen and Deron Payne during the blowout loss at Dallas on Sunday Night Football on Dec. 26.

For a team needing a source of motivation in the last game of their season the WFT brought a chip on their collective shoulder when they stepped onto the turf at Met Life Stadium and spanked the Giants 22-7 to finish the season 7-10 in the NFL’s first 17 game season.

“To make a comment like that is unfair because he didn’t know what these guys have gone through,” said Head Coach Ron Rivera. “With the COVID outbreak and the untimely death of two people these young men have been through a lot.” 

Rivera was brought to Washington hoping to change the culture if nothing else.  After his second year Rivera’s overall stands at just 14-19, but he has won a division title despite devastating season ending injuries to players such as reigning NFL Rookie of the Year Chase Young, off-field strife including more embarrassment by the team’s ownership controversies, and nearly fatal stadium malfunctions. 

The team showed more character during an injury plagued season than teams led by his predecessor Jay Gruden. Under Gruden, Washington would have checked out on staying together during a season of major injuries and embarrassing fiascos off the field that damaged it perception

Playing with purpose despite nothing on the line, it was clear from the outset that Washington wanted a win to conclude a season full of offseason embarrassment and on field disappointment.   Meanwhile, the lethargic Giants were a team that was going through the motions with golf clubs already packed and Caribbean destinations planned where the game couldn’t end soon enough.

The 2021 NFC East Division Champs, who many NFL analysts thought would be ready to make a step into the realm of contenders in the NFC, showed glimpses of what could be with young players stepping for this off Broadway audition for next season.  The Giants, meanwhile, played like a dead  fish in the water from the Hudson River whose stench comes with the purchased ticket of the next generation football stadium in Meadowlands.

Terry McLaurin established himself as one of the NFL best receivers in the first quarter with two receptions that put him over the 1,000 mark for the second consecutive season. He became only the fifth WFT receiver to accomplish the feat joining hall of famers Bobby Mitchell and Art Monk, along with two-time Super Bowl champ Gary Clark and Henry Ellard. The milestone had not been accomplished since Ellard in 1996.

“There’s a lot of great history amongst this organization,” McLaurin said.  “To add my name to the list of players who changed the game and my position is humbling.”

WFT running back Antonio Gibson was the lone consistent offensive player.  Gibson outrushed the Giants for a career-high 146 yards and scored a touchdown. The former University of Memphis wide receiver capped his first 1,000-yard rushing season by leading Washington with a physical ground attack that beat up the Giants defense.

“I feel like with what I’m doing, I can be in this league for a long time and I want to be one of the greats,” said Gibson. “I got a long road ahead of me. I’ve just gotta keep pounding.”  

Bobby McCain, part of Washington’s patchwork secondary, returned the first of his two interceptions 30 yards for a touchdown. Joey Slye, the third place kicker of the season, added three field goals.  

The team plans to announce its future name on Feb 2.

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By Mark F. Gray
Special to the AFRO

The meaningful portion of the Washington Football team’s final season came to a fitting conclusion with a Taylor Heinicke interception in the Philadelphia Eagles end zone as they were in position to steal a game they didn’t deserve to win.  Washington blew a 10 point lead twice and fell to the Eagles 20-16 on Jan. 2 at FedEx Field in Landover, which mathematically ended their hopes for the NFL playoffs.

This result secured a second consecutive losing season under head coach Ron Rivera, but there won’t be any trips to the playoffs to mask their deficiencies.  Instead of the harsh realities of expectations that weren’t met for this year’s team, they now are facing the uncertainty of a future that doesn’t seem as promising as it once did.

Sunday’s loss marks the second time this season that Washington has lost four straight games and it also marks being swept by the best two teams in the worst division of the NFL.  However, unlike Dallas and Philadelphia Washington has personnel deficiencies that can’t be masked and fall at the feet of head coach Ron Rivera.

“Riverboat Ron” likes to gamble, but has yet to cash in on any of his biggest bets. If the second guaranteed losing season in the Rivera era proves anything it’s that the coach should have beef with the person in charge of building the roster.  After two seasons the coaching staff remains stuck in neutral also.

”Hopefully we’re developing character,” said Rivera. ”The important thing is how we finish. We have one more game to go. We go from there.”

Washington’s offseason moves to take the next step forward never worked out this year.  The prized free agent signing of wide receiver Curtis Samuel yielded no dividends as he was on their unofficially able to perform list signifying the recovery from a knee injury where a roster spot was saved for a holiday gift that should’ve been exchanged for a store credit.

Their first round pick Jamin Davis wasn’t as good at middle linebacker as Cole Holcombe who was a holdover from last year.  Davis was a massive disappointment given that New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is taking his team to the playoffs when Washington could have selected their field general of the future instead of relying on a staff sergeant under center.

This Heinicke experiment cost a frustrated fan base an entire season.  Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles could see that this wonderful story wasn’t going to propel Washington into a championship contender.  Remember the two debacles against the Dallas Cowboys as evidence.

The frustration of what may have been for this season led to embarrassing escapades on the sidelines between defensive teammates. After Chase Young was lost for the season, Jonathan Allen and Deron Payne had to watch their alma mater advance to the national championship game for the second straight year while they continue to represent an on field product that has those former Alabama “brothers” fighting on the sidelines out of frustration.

Rivera’s regime is officially on blast right now- from talent evaluation, to free agent acquisition, to game planning, and in game adjustments, the coaching staff underachieved as well. 

This year’s bottom line heading into the worst game scheduled on the final week of the first 17 game NFL season is a common refrain the fans have been accustomed to under Dan Snyder’s leadership:

“The Washington Football Team is now on the clock!”

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By Micha Green
AFRO D.C. and Digital Content Editor
mgreen@afro.com

The Washington Football Team may have had a lousy season, with a 6-10 record and ranking third in the NFC East, however, the team and its fans still have something to look forward to despite the lack of postseason chances- a new name.  The Washington Football Team (WFT)will announce its new name on Feb. 2- 2.2.22.

“The wait is almost over,” WFT’s Instagram wrote in a caption, with a picture that simply said 2.2.22.  

In a video that followed the photo in a separate slide, the team showcased its legacy with powerful footage and photos of former Washington greats.

“Hail to the great that laid a foundation for our legacy. Hail to the fans we consider family. We are always and have been Washington.  We’ll fight for our community.  And together we will define our future. We will launch 2.2.22,” were the words written in bold text throughout the video which serves as a reel showcasing decades of Washington’s highlights.

Many people took the team’s announcement as a moment to put in their last bid for the new name. Redwolves seemed to be a favorite amongst the suggestions.

“Yeah it better be the Washington Redwolves.  Call the field The Den,” one person wrote.

“Redwolves or we riot,” someone else wrote.

“If it ain’t Redwolves, I don’t want it,” another person commented. 

“Let’s go Redwolves,” someone else  wrote.

“If it’s not something wolves, I promise you, you’re going to lose a lot of fans,” one person warned.

“Please not the Commanders.  Y’all never listen to the fans.  Hope you do this one time!!!! Hail to the Redwolves,” wrote one social media user.

“Better be Redwolves; it’s the only right option,” someone added.

Others had new ideas altogether to bring the losing team some luck.

“Call them the Washington Winners! Maybe it’ll bring a winning culture and some consistency with it,” one person commented on Instagram.

While others thought it might be nice to nod to D.C.’s history in the name, such as suggesting, the “Washington Monuments,” for a new team name.

Others took the team’s announcement as a moment to critique the team’s leadership.

“Instead of a new name, can Dan Snyder just sell the team,” one Instagram user wrote.

“What will Dan Snyder ruin this time? Everything, that’s the only thing he is capable of,” someone commented.

Commenting on the 2.2.22 photo one person wrote, “Is that the day they send Daniel Snyder as far away from D.C. as he can get?”

While there were many commenting in excited expectation of the new name, which fans will learn in a little less than a month, there were others who thought the new name was not as important as one factor- winning.

“WHO CARES!!! WIN GAMES!!!!”

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By Mark F. Gray
Special to the AFRO

All hopes for a postseason berth may have ended on a horrific night in Dallas.  Not only did the Washington Football Team succumb to the injuries and the ravages of COVID-19, the frustration of the disappointing nationally televised game bubbled to the surface.

After four straight victories and a legitimate shot at the playoffs, Washington melted down under the pressure of a must-win road game and were exposed for what they are.  The Football Team’s 56-14 loss to the Cowboys solidified their place as the third best team in a four team division and just how far they must grow to become a legitimate contender.

Washington’s defense, which is supposed to be the foundation of their resurgence, took a setback for all the world to see.  The 56 points yielded were the most Dallas scored in a game since 1980.  It also led to punches being thrown by Deron Payne and Jonathan Allen as they were trying to make in-game adjustments.

“Do you have a brother? It was just a little brotherly disagreement,” said Payne, who refused to provide any specifics on what caused the disagreement that led to the physical altercation on the WFT sidelines. “Maybe the wrong place at the wrong time, but it happened. It is what it is.”

Injuries and protocols aside, Washington didn’t arrive with a game plan that was ready to keep the Cowboys offense on the sidelines.  After forcing a Dallas punt opening drive, the Football Team immediately unwrapped the Christmas bag and proceeded to keep on giving.  

Quarterback Taylor Heinicke was Santa Claus for the Cowboys, while returning to the lineup after missing their loss at Philadelphia last Tuesday.  Heinicke was hoping for what would’ve been a triumphant comeback from his bout on the injured list due to his positive COVID test. Instead he was the biggest culprit in an embarrassing display of offensive inefficiency that was the catalyst to a loss that all but mathematically ended their playoff hope.  

 Heineke chose to target Terry McLaurin, who was covered by the NFL’s leader in interceptions, Treyvon Diggs, who had him blanketed on Washington’s first offensive play.  The Dallas cornerback, who is a candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, intercepted the pass for his 11th time and the rout was on from there. The Cowboys took control with a 16-play onslaught over their first two drives that opened an early lead and destroyed whatever hopes Washington had for making the playoffs or winning the NFC east division. 

“It definitely affects us, but as professionals it’s our job to go out there and play good football,” Allen said. “But the last few weeks, it’s been probably some of the worst football that we’ve been a part of.”

The Football Team has the fewest wins among the six teams still mathematically alive for the NFC’s final two playoff spots. They have secured a fifth consecutive losing season with two games left to play. 

Washington plays its home finale against the resurgent Philadelphia Eagles next week before finishing the season at the New York Giants.

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By Mark F. Gray
Special to the AFRO

Channeling the shadows of the legendary coach and current Fox Sports NFL analyst Jimmy Johnson, the Dallas Cowboys came into FedEx Field after talking the talk last Sunday. However, it was their defense that walked over the Washington Football Team, which propelled them to a 27-20 victory and cemented their command of the NFC East Division.

Washington’s offense manufactured two scores for the Cowboys defense who took advantage of a depleted offensive line. Micah Parsons made a case for becoming the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and it’s Most Valuable Player. He sacked Taylor Heinicke twice and forced a fumble that was returned for a touchdown that sucked the life from the home team’s fans. Doran Armstrong recovered the fumble and made a 37 yard house call for the score.

 Armstrong and his teammates celebrated his touchdown with some of the many Cowboys by turning the Washington home stadium into an annex of AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The fans in blue outnumbered their Burgundy and Gold counterparts for what felt like a home game for the leaders of the NFC East. After their coach Mike McCarthy guaranteed victory, they brought their personal accessories as part of a takeover with custom benches on the visiting sideline. 

In one play, all the warm fuzziness that was buzzing around the team during the four-game losing streak was left for dead.  Washington gave up 18 points in the first quarter, which was more than they had given up per game over the past month as they were playing themselves back into contention. 

Later in the opening stanza,  Randy Gregory also played a part in helping the Cowboys take control of the game and regain it’s hold on the division. His acrobatic deflection and interception returned for another touchdown capped an early stretch where Dallas went ahead and never looked back. It was his first day back in the lineup after spending seven weeks on the injured list.

The Football Team looked dazed and confused after the Gregory play and needed pro football’s version of a standing eight count to recover.  They trailed by margins of  Dallas led 24-0 and 27-8 before Kyle Allen replaced Taylor Heinicke and led them on a 73-yard touchdown drive to give them hope Cole Holcomb intercepted Dak Prescott and ran it back for a pick-6. Washington’s comeback bid came to an end when Allen fumbled with 2:24 remaining.

Washington’s season ending tour around the NFC meets Philadelphia next weekend.  Resilience is in long supply, which is something that this team continues to display each week and will be the impetus for what carries them through the gauntlet of division foes during the stretch of Russian roulette games they play to end the season.  

However, it will take more than just the ability to overcome the conventional adversity that all teams face when trying to win a division or earn a spot in the playoffs.  Washington is running out of quality bodies to replace the ones who continue falling. 

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By Mark F. Gray
Special to the AFRO

Normally there’s no cashing in on the numbers six and four in one of the casinos on the strip in Las Vegas. However, the Washington Football Team was money for the sixth time this season thanks to the heroics of their quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who wears number four and marched them into position for a game winning field goal to give them a 17-15 win over the Raiders.

Heinicke finished 23 for 30 for 196 yards and led Washington to its fourth game-winning drive as a first year starting quarterback in the nation’s capital.  He responded from a bad interception in the fourth quarter where his arm was hit as he tried completing a pass into triple coverage, which helped the Raiders grab the lead that almost put them back into title contention in the AFC West Division.

“We’re not a star-studded roster,” said Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. “We don’t have those big celebrities. We’re not an L.A. or whatever the case may be, and we just don’t care what anybody says. We believe in ourselves. We went out there and played hard.”

Washington’s fourth straight win brought them to 6-6 with the Dallas Cowboys visiting next Sunday at FedEx Field. 

 Once again quarterback Taylor Heinicke – wearing uniform number 4 – rallied his team to another improbable road victory. Heinicke’s resilience was tested once again after his fourth quarter interception that appeared to have sealed their fate.  Washington’s tiring defense allowed the Raiders to score on successive drives to take a 15-14 lead when Daniel Carlson hit a 37-yard field goal that was set up by Nate Hobbs’ interception.

“What can you say about him?” Allen said. “He just keeps showing why he needs to be our quarterback.”

The Football Team has found a consistent formula that has worked over the last month, which has kept them within striking distance of the Cowboys since opening the season at 2-6. As Washington began climbing back into the playoff hunt, Antonio Gibson has been carrying the load at running back and Sunday was no different. 

Gibson rushed 23 times for 88 yards and played physically against a tough Las Vegas defense.  According to Fox Sports, the Washington ball carrier had been told by the coaches to attack the defense with the ball and it was  his aggressiveness and toughness that helped wear down the Raiders for the third week in a row. 

That he finished with 88 total yards and a touchdown catch only tells part of his story. Gibson is the consistent presence who has become the centerpiece of a new commitment by Washington to run the football rush attack. Sunday he shouldered that burden and assumed a greater role to take more of the load off Heinicke with McKissic on the sideline.

At 2-6, Washington had the chance to pack the season in.  Instead, they find themselves with a chance to win the NFC east and their fate is in their hands.  After being burdened with characters in the locker room for 20 years it is a team that plays with character. 

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By Gregory Smith, Howard University News Service

WASHINGTON – They are a diverse bunch.

Some are just eligible to vote. Many are not old enough to legally drink, while others are full-grown adults working on graduate degrees.

Their hometowns and backgrounds are a microcosm of America and beyond — East Lansing, Michigan; Chesapeake, Virginia; York, Pennsylvania; Ellicott City, Maryland; Pearland, Texas; West Palm Beach, Florida; Memphis. 

Four are from Chicago with a metro population of eight million people and one is from Suwanee, Georgia with just 16,000 souls.

Another calls home tiny Lugazi, Uganda, whose sports claim to fame is that in In 2012 its Little League baseball team qualified for the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

They have been drawn together to Howard University by three things; first, their love of golf, seven-time NBA All-Star Stephen Curry’s money and finally, to answer a question the sports world has been asking since 2019 when it was announced that Curry had donated $6 million over six years to Howard to create a golf program at a university that hadn’t competed in the sport in nearly 50 years.

Can a seed planted and cultivated at a historically black university over time \grow into a full-blown, competitive NCAA Division 1 program in an athletic endeavor that many don’t even consider a sport, even after Tiger Woods? 

So far, the answer seems to be yes.

The team has equipment, uniforms, camaraderie, commitment, and talent and two golf teams, eight women on one and seven men on the other. So far, they already have posted wins and highly respectable first-year record in a sport season burdened by the coronavirus pandemic.

Additionally, the university raised an additional $3 million in July to support the program during its Bison at the Beach Golf Classic at Pebble Beach, California, golf course, the nation’s number one public golf course.

Curry made the commitment after then Howard student Otis Ferguson IV approached about the idea of a Howard golf program while Curry was screening a film he had made at Howard.

To begin the program, the university’s first step was to find an experienced leader who could build a program. 

They hired Sam Puryear. 

At Michigan State, Puryear became the first African-American head coach in a power five conference. He produced one national championship, one Big Ten championship, two coach of the year awards.

Prior to Michigan State, Puryear was an assistant coach at Stanford University, an intense program that attracted world-wide attention during Tiger Woods’ tenure.

Puryear said he expects to bring the winning pedigree to Howard

“My standards are the exact same,” Puryear said. “We want to find the best student athletes with the resources that we have available. Dealing with a champion like Curry could help us build something and go after the best players.” 

Puryear is no stranger to HBCU golf. He graduated in 1992 from Tennessee State University where he was captain of the golf team. The team was led by Catana Starks, the first woman to coach a men’s golf program at the highest collegiate level. 

“We want to build something that no one has seen,” Puryear said. “HBCU golf is getting stronger and better. I don’t feel pressured (by Curry or Howard) to win. All of the pressure that I have, I put on myself.” 

Howard’s men’s and women’s golf team could have the same success as previous teams he has coached, Puryear said, which is why he reached out for Everett Whiten Jr. 

Everett Whiten Jr., a junior majoring in marketing, received a call from Puryear just two days after he found out Hampton University discontinued their golf program due to budget cuts caused my COVID-19. 

“We had only been home for a few days because of the pandemic when my coach called and said that the program had been cut,” said Whiten of Chesapeake, Virginia. 

Whiten played multiple sports until 12 years old. His dad played golf and wanted him to play as well, but basketball had his heart. Whitten gave golf a chance in middle school and hasn’t looked back. 

Since joining the university’s golf team, Whiten has finished in the top 10 at the Georgetown Invitational, top 15 at the Howard Invitational and won the Towson Invitational. 

He credits much of his success to Puryear.

“Coach Sam is special,” he said. “At Hampton, I had a coach that went through the motion. Coach talks to us like we are one of his kids. We are really building a good culture for the next generation and I’m glad to be a part of it.” 

Whiten got a chance to play golf with Stephen Curry during a fundraising event for the program. 

“He’s a normal guy,” he said. “He came up to me and made a simple conversion like he was a Howard student himself. It’s exciting to see that he is invested into the program and not just financially.”

Puryear said he didn’t have much time to recruit after initially taking over the program, so during the recruiting process he targeted student athletes who were in the transfer portal. 

Raquel Simpson, a sophomore majoring in political science from Chicago, said that she was committed to Hampton University, but had to look elsewhere once the golf program was cut due to the pandemic.

“Coach reached out to my parents, because he heard about what happened at Hampton,” Simpson said. 

 Simpson did not qualify to play in any tournaments this fall. 

“I didn’t play as well as I hoped,” she said.” The regiment that coach has us on and the workouts with our trainer has me feeling prepared for the spring season.” 

To get Simpson on track, she works out three days a week with the athletic trainer. 

“On Tuesdays we work on lower body, Wednesdays is upper body, and Thursday is full body,” she said. “Other days we are expected to go to Woodmont Country Club, Argyle Country Club, or Woodmore Country Club to practice actual golf.” 

Puryear said Curry’s financial support for the program attracted him to the head coaching job. Puryear said he has since found Curry is personally really invested into the program. 

“The biggest thing is the support that Curry shows,” he said. “We have talked many times. He is a big supporter of the kids and actually wants them to play well.” 

Justin Green, a first-year business management major, said golf is the main reason he came to Howard. The university wasn’t on his radar until he saw the donation from Curry, he said. 

“My dad’s friend went to school with coach Puryear and that’s how we connected,” Green said. “I eventually came on a visit and continued to send my tournament result to him.” 

Green has qualified and played in four of the five tournaments this season. He attributes his early success to hard work, the coach and his teammates. 

“I use the donations from Curry as an opportunity,” he said. “We are really blessed because the coach has a lot of experience. He knows how to shape great golfers.” 

In two seasons Puryear has had three athletes win an event. 

Kendall Jackson, a first-year finance major from Pearland, Texas, said that she reached out to Puryear after learning about the donation from Curry. 

Jackson said she has been playing golf since she was 6 years old and has always wanted to play at the collegiate level. In middle school, Jackson started going to the golf course every day and began playing in tournaments. 

“I have always wanted to play golf at a HBCU,” she said. 

Being the only child, Jackson was hesitant about attending Howard, because she wanted to stay closer to home.

After talking to Puryear and meeting some of her teammates, she was sold, she said. Jackson said that there is a small ounce of pressure with all the eyes on the program. 

“I feel pressured slightly, but it’s more of a responsibility to be good,” she said. “The chemistry between us is good. We live together, have team bonding outside of golf, and support one another.”

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By Mark F. Gray
Special to the AFRO

Ron Rivera proved he knows how to beat Superman.

He and his former quarterback Cam Newton met in their old stomping grounds, but it was the steady, somewhat spectacular play of the Washington quarterback that was the story once again.  The Washington Football Team defeated the Carolina Panthers 27-21 which altered queen city’s hopes of a triumphant return from their prodigal son.

Newton was the attraction for fans at Bank of America Stadium, but it was another former Panthers quarterback who stole the show.  Washington’s Taylor Heinicke was the best quarterback on the field and proved to be the star once again.  For the second consecutive week he outdueled a former Super Bowl and MVP quarterback to pull Washington to the brink of the .500 mark, which keeps them in the hunt for postseason.  

This win also makes the Football Team a viable playoff contender.  Washington’s 4-6 record pulls them within a game of the NFC’s final playoff spot.  They trail the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints who hold the last two wild-card spots in the NFC which are 5-5.

In back to back weeks he has beaten Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home and Newton on the road.  

Heinicke threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns against the league’s top-ranked pass defense.  He was 16 of 22 passing, using Terry McLaurin as his primary big play target. “Scary Terry” was a nightmare in Charlotte for the Panthers secondary and caught five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown against a Panthers defense that was giving up only 173.3 yards passing per game.

As a team Washington produced 369 yards of offense.  They ran for 109 yards, led by Antonio Gibson, who rushed for 95 yards on 19 carries.  He would have probably eclipsed the 100 yard plateau, while pushing the team over .500.

His legs were as damaging as his arm was against the Panthers.  Heinicke used his feet when he needed to keep the chains moving as Washington played with a confidence and newfound swagger with the ball in his hands. Heinicke is playing without fear and it appears Washington feels that with him as their signal caller. His comfort and command of the offense was evident as he spread the ball around too.

Newton was box office quality in making his first start at home since signing a one-year contract to return to the Panthers. He threw for 189 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score. Newton’s  short pass across the middle to  DJ gMoore for 10 yards capped their opening drive and gave them the early lead. He also ran for a 24-yard score to cap a 65-yard second quarter drive that tied the game.  

Washington looks to be peaking as they head into the final stretch of the season.  Heinicke now has the confidence of the team and, despite playing without two vital cogs on defense, they seem to have come together as a unit in time for the last push to make their run at the playoffs.

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By Mark F. Gray
Special to the AFRO

There were no reports of UFO sightings in Landover, MD Sunday afternoon, but there was an unexplained phenomenon.  The Washington Football Team beat the NFL world champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers  and Tom Brady 29-19.

Washington won despite losing Chase Young to a season ending knee injury and could have wilted during another Brady master class on the theatrics of the second half comeback.  However, as fall made its first appearance at FedEx Field it was the will of the offense that came of age.

Taylor Heinicke played with the confidence of a quarterback who had been waiting for another chance to beat the G.O.A.T. once again.  Heinicke had already cut his teeth dealing with the pressure of facing the legend on the other sideline after his debut in last year’s NFC wildcard playoff game that Brady won on the way to his sixth world championship.

Heinicke made his name and earned his contract that day by giving them a chance to win last January’s start against the Buccaneers during the playoffs. He finished the game 26 of 32 passing for 256 yards and also rushed for 15 yards.

Heinicke capitalized on two second half scoring opportunities and hooked up with DeAndre Carter for a 20-yard touchdown pass. He led a 71-yard drive in the third quarter which was extended by a pass interference penalty.  That set up Antonio Gibson’s first touchdown run and set the tone for the second half dominance. 

On this Sunday, he was better than Brady was and there was no doubt.  The six time Super Bowl champion had his moments of brilliance, but it was the courage and poise of Heinicke that helped them rally from another week of futility.

Brady finished 23 of 34 for 220 yards with two touchdowns, but threw two interceptions as he did in the loss to New Orleans, which sent them into their bye week. He made spectacular plays, but not enough to sustain Tampa as Washington’s confidence grew despite the injury list that kept  getting longer.  TB-12 threw TD passes to Cameron Brate and Mike Evans. The 40-yard strike to Evans pulled the Buccaneers’ deficit to 23-19.

Brady (TB-12) was made uncomfortable by a Washington defense that produced interceptions on two of his first six throws — one off the hands of rookie Jaelon Darden and another  that was caught by safety Bobby McCain.  They held the NFL’s best scoring and passing offense, without a first-half touchdown for just the fifth time in the past two seasons.

Meanwhile, Heinicke was clutch, especially in the second half. He led them on a 71-yard drive in the third quarter.  He connected with Andre Carter for a beautiful over the shoulder catch for a 20-yard TD pass which made a statement after the Bucs scored.

Things came together in the fourth quarter as Tampa Bay’s defense couldn’t stop Washington’s offense on the decisive final time consuming drive.  Coach Ron Rivera lived up to his “Riverboat Ron” moniker on fourth-and-goal from the Tampa Bay 1-yard line with 31 seconds to go and Antonio Gibson’s second touchdown run of the day put the game away for Washington.

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By Mark F. Gray
Special to the AFRO

Let’s not put all of last Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos on the shoulders of quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who is the bearer of all things wrong with the Washington Football Team. 

It also can’t be blamed on the defense either. There were mistakes and breakdowns, but they did enough to beat a bad team.

Instead, lay the entire loss of the bad week the front office had and another failed attempt to address the pathetic special teams performance that Head Coach Ron Rivera brought in to replace Dustin Hopkins.

Oftentimes in life people ask “what’s in a name,” or “how you fared,” with an opportunity. When it works out, great! However, in this case, for the Washington Football Team, they blew it again.

The replacement kicker, Chase Blewitt, did just that by missing two field goals and costing the team a chance to reboot their season and was the major culprit in a 17-10 loss to the Denver Broncos.  

Only in D.C. can things demonstratively worse when trying to make change for the better.

Washington masked their deficiencies well enough to be in position to win the game versus a team that continues to have as many problems as they do.  However, the Football Team’s resilience and focus had nothing to do with this loss.  They played through the noise of skeletons in the closet from eras gone by and injuries that have once again decimated the offensive line.  Changes in the defense, which allowed underachieving safety Landon Collins to become a major factor as linebacker to debut with decent success.

Sunday also proved how much Henicke’s teammates actually believe in him as their field general.  Despite his physical limitations, he has the confidence of the team in the huddle and under center.  This team will ride or die for Heinicke in a way they never would for more talented quarterbacks who previously were under center wearing burgundy and gold.

If Bob Griffin or Kirk Cousins had the belief of their teammates the way Heincke does, playoff seasons would be the norm rather than a guest appearance as they have become on the south end of the parkway.  He finished 24/39 for 270 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.  However, he really wasn’t put in positions to succeed by questionable sideline management and questionable play calling by offensive coordinator Scott Turner.

Turner’s inefficiency was on blast after the two-minute warning in the second half. He called a swing pass to Terry McLaurin on third down and seven from the eight yard line, which only gained one yard.  On the next play Heinicke was sacked and Denver recovered, which effectively turned the lights out on this game. 

Heincke has a big heart, but physical limitations that have to be factored into game plan and his play calling. But like everything with “Riverboat Ron,” it seems to be all about his staff and trusting the process rather than trying to win games that are there to be won.

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The Washington Football Team beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-30 on Oct. 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (AP Photo)

By Mark F. Gray
Special to the AFRO

The stimulus package that is the Washington Football Team’s defense continued and their special teams nearly cost them versus the Atlanta Falcons. Their struggles to stop the Falcons on third down and Dustin Hopkins’ inability to make an extra point put them in a position to need a bailout.

Terry McLaurin, J.D. McKissic and Taylor Heinicke provided what should be considered an extension of Hopkins’ benefits in a 34-30 victory that personified their season.  McLaurin, Heinicke and McKissic wouldn’t have needed to defibrillate this win if not for two missed extra points by the seemingly untouchable Hopkins, which found the Football Team in a hole as they started what would ultimately become the game winning drive.

Nonetheless, Washington enters the second month of the season tied with the Dallas Cowboys for first place in the NFC eastern division.  At 2-2 they remain in playoff contention despite a defense that has grossly underachieved and an offense that is evolving.  

Washington’s defense – who the team is supposed to be built on – continues to struggle these days. They surrendered 374 yards and 24 first downs to the NFL’s 25th ranked defense.  The Football Team now ranks 29th of 32 teams in total defense. Chase Young is seen more in commercials than he is sacking quarterbacks, while the secondary continues giving up huge plays through blown coverages and the inability to close out plays when in position to make them.

Heinicke finished the game by winning the statistical battle over Super Bowl veteran Matt Ryan.  He completed 23 of 33 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns- the final two were in the final 3:52 to give Washington the win. 

McLaurin finished with six catches for 123 yards and one touchdown.

  ”No play is ever dead when Taylor’s back there,” said McLaurin. ”I just knew Taylor was gonna give me a chance.”

Hopkins missed two more extra points last Sunday which forced another memorable comeback against an average team who outplayed them and deserved to win.  He has started the season by consistently missing what are basic field goals for a professional kicker. In Washington’s first win over the New York Giants, Hopkins missed his first attempt at the game winner, but they jumped offsides. Ultimately, the second time was the charm for that walk off victory on Thursday night football.

Washington’s defense also provided a drink from the fountain of youth for a fantasy football owner if Ryan was in their lineup. The previous NFL MVP and author of the biggest choke in Super Bowl history, had his way with the Football Team’s defense for most of the game.  He finished 25 of 42 passing for 283 yards and four touchdowns. He continued their season-long frustration helping the Falcons convert 10 of 16 third down opportunities, which gave them an early lead.

 The offseason prized acquisition Curtis Samuel finally made his debut for Washington after being activated off the injured reserve list. The potential game changing wide receiver caught only five balls for 19 yards, but his presence appears to be ready to give McLaurin help from the other side of the field and open up the passing game to make life easier for Heinicke.

”It was exciting to be back on the field,” said Samuel, who played four years in Carolina with coach Ron Rivera before signing with Washington in free agency. ”I’m happy we got the win.”

Their trip through the NFC South continues with a visit from the streaky New Orleans Saints Sunday at FedEx Field.

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The Washington Football Team was defeated by the Buffalo Bills (43-21) on Sept. 26. (Courtesy Photo)

By Mark F. Gray
Special to the AFRO

If nothing else, the Washington Football Team showed how much the culture has changed since Ron Rivera took over.  At least when the Burgundy and Gold is getting blown out they won’t quit. In a game that was billed as “a measuring stick” they couldn’t measure up.

Washington fought with honor in Buffalo last Sunday, but still were executed by a championship contender 43-21.  They fought back from an early two touchdown hole with an offense featuring a journeyman quarterback who played his worst game as a starter.  Their underperforming defense was missing in action and dropped to 23rd in total defense after taking a  giant leap backward following a fourth place finish last year.

Even the most ardent supporter of the Football Team couldn’t duck the harsh reality that this team was overrated for the first month of the regular season.  There are more answers after the beatdown by the Bills and the lingering stench of the team being unprepared and unable to make adjustments that are turning the rosey hopes for postseason into a landfill of disappointment.

”We’ve got a long way to go,” Rivera said. ”We got our butts kicked. That’s the truth and we’ll find out what we’re made out of.  How we respond will dictate what kind of team we’re going to be down the stretch.”

Washington had already allowed a combined 815 yards of offense in their first two games against the Los Angeles Chargers and New York Giants. They yielded 481 yards of offense and 29 first downs to Buffalo.  The Bills rendered the hapless unit the team was supposed to be built on into the most overrated unit in the NFL.  After the latest defensive fiasco the Football Team has allowed 1291 yards of total offense in three games.

With a Super Bowl coach in Ron Rivera, who played for one of the greatest defenses ever with the 1985 Chicago Bears, the performance of what was to be considered the strength of the team is their greatest disappointment.  Blown coverages and the lingering plague of not being able to stop teams on third down are met with the same excuses as the calendar turns to October following a forgettable September.

When NFL quarterbacks are looking for a stimulus package, the Washington defense is a government bailout.  After the unit gave up 14 first down conversions on 19 opportunities to open the season against the Chargers, Chase Young’s disappearing acts continued as he waited to collect his first sack of the season.   

The Bills quarterback Josh Allen led Buffalo to a 21-0 lead before defensive and special teams mistakes allowed Washington to score twice in a span of 2:12 late in the first half.  Allen finished 32 of 43 for 358 yards and four touchdowns after publicly doubting himself in reports earlier in the week.

The true colors of quarterback Taylor Heinicke came to light where his wonderful story has come to an end.  After a full week of practice with the first team, Heinicke finally proved he won’t be leading any team from the nation’s capital to the playoffs. Heinicke finished the game 14/24 for 242 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in his first time starting on the road. He figures to be fun to watch, but not win too many games.

Nonetheless, with 14 games and a trip to Atlanta looming, Washington has a chance to get back to .500 with a victory on Sunday. The Falcons are in the same position that Washington is  where they are stuck on the corner of Bad Street and Mediocre Blvd.

In a league now built on parity, this is what you get! 

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The Washington Football Team beat the New York Giants 30-29 on Sept. 16, but fans are wondering will they be prepared in the first away game against Super Bowl- contender, the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 26. (AP Photo/Al Drago)

By Mark F. Gray, Special to the AFRO

It remains to be seen whether last Thursday’s epic win over the New York Giants was an aberration or a sign of things to come. In a division of mediocrity at best their extended time in a three-way tie at the top of the NFC east with a backup quarterback at the helm made for a more palatable weekend.

The Washington Football Team is 1-1 because the New York Giants reversed roles at FedEx Field. Normally it was the Burgundy and Gold that made the unforced errors at critical moments, but under the national TV spotlight, the Giants buckled this time prompting an unexpected time for optimism despite glaring weaknesses. Big Blue has won 15 of their 23 meetings since 2010, but quarterback Daniel Jones is no Eli Manning.

New York was given the game when Dustin Hopkins missed a 48-yard field goal attempt, but they jumped offsides. When given another reprieve, Hopkins sent the non-sellout crowd home following a walkoff game-winning field goal that moved them to 1-1 and into a three-way tie with Dallas and Philadelphia heading into Sunday’s game at Buffalo.

Washington has enjoyed the luxury of playing at home twice and the argument could be made that had it not been for Hopkins inaccuracy against the Los Angeles Chargers they may be off to western New York for this week’s game against a legitimate Super Bowl contender that is 2-0 and sitting on top of the division.  

Despite the warts in the secondary, at linebacker, and at running back, the Football Team’s defense gives them a puncher’s chance on the road.  Chase Young and Jonathan Allen came into the season playing at a beast-mode level, which has transcended the entire unit and masking their holes on the backend of the defense.

The defense is not ready to be revered like the 2000 Ravens, but their front four is trending toward the great Burgundy and Gold defensive fronts- featuring Charles Mann, Dexter Manley, and Tony McGee, who were in the prehistoric years before the internet when the franchise was competing for championships regularly.  It is something that gives cause for hope against the Bills.

However, Buffalo’s strength offensively plays into the biggest weakness facing the Washington defense.  Those fans who play fantasy football may be in for a great Sunday if they start Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen and former University of Maryland stud receiver Stefon Diggs.  Allen was rather pedestrian last Sunday with an anything but spectacular line by completing 17/33 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns.  Diggs was targeted eight times and caught four balls for 60 yards and one of the scoring passes went to him. 

Washington’s secondary is vulnerable so the burden is on the front seven to bring the heat and take pressure off the defensive backs so they won’t have to play in coverage under duress.

While D.C. seems enamored by the “greatness” of quarterback Taylor Heinicke in sports bars, barber shops, and sportsbooks, Washington still has to unlock it’s rushing attack.  Through the first two weeks of the season Antonio Gibson is averaging just 79.5 yards per game, but his fumble cost them in the season opener and the converted receiver will have to learn to run more physically, especially if the team has the lead late in the game to run time out.

Washington is still a work in progress and this first road test against one of the NFL’s best will be a benchmark for how the rest of the season will play out.

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Vice President Kamala Harris takes part in the ceremonial coin toss before an NCAA college football game between Howard and Hampton at Audi Field in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. Harris attended Howard University and graduated in 1986. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

By The Associated Press

Jett Duffey threw for three touchdowns, including a 95-yarder to Hezekiah Grimsley as Hampton defeated Howard 48-32 before 14,000 fans on Sept. 18 in the inaugural Truth and Service Classic.

The 95-yard hookup from Duffey to Grimsley, who made the catch at about his own 25 and outran the defense the rest of the way, was the longest scoring pass in, not just Hampton’s, but Big South Conference history.

The 96th matchup between the two HBCU programs was the first college football game played at Audi Field, home of the D.C. United of Major League Soccer. It was also the fifth straight for Hampton in the so-called Battle of the Real HU.

Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard alumna, made a surprise appearance and walked onto the field for the pregame coin toss. It was won by Howard, which deferred to Hampton. Symone Sanders, a spokeswoman for Harris, tweeted a photo after the toss of the gold-and-blue coin that had the words “Kamala D. Harris” and “49th Vice President of the United States” printed on it.

Hampton took advantage of three Howard turnovers in the second half to put some distance on the Bison.

Trailing just 21-17 after a half, Howard opened the third quarter with the ball but Hampton’s KeShaun Moore tipped a pass and picked it off, setting up a Keyondre White TD run. White ran for three touchdowns in the game.

A fumble recovery led to a Darran Butts 42-yard TD run and a 42-17 Hampton lead.

Howard came as close as 42-32 with two quick touchdowns — a Kasey Hawthorne reception in the end zone (plus a two-point conversion pass) and Jarett Hunter’s 8-yard run three minutes later.

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In this Aug. 13, 2021, file photo, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard runs a drill during joint practice with the Carolina Panthers at the NFL team’s football training camp in Westfield, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

By Barry Wilner
AP Pro Football Writer

The idea behind the HBCU Open House staged annually by the NFL is simple: providing opportunities.

Reactions from the recent event indicate the league is on the right track in opening off-the-field paths for students and alumni from the historically Black schools that provide so many players to pro football.

“The event was timely and strategic,” says Jacqie McWilliams, commissioner of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), one of three conferences in attendance. 

“It confirmed that over the past two years that there have been intentional efforts to support and identify opportunities with the HBCU conferences collectively. I appreciated the NFL Football Operations team creating space for thought leaders to share and be heard while identifying shared values to support meaningful opportunities that bring value, and added value, to both organizations.” 

The Open House featured one-on-one and group opportunities with a variety of NFL executives and personnel from departments in football strategy, development, data and analytics, talent acquisition, experience programs and more. 

Participants came from the CIAA, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA).

A partnership with the MEAC and SWAC begun in 2016 has been expanded to include the other two conferences. More than 3,000 students in the past five years have participated in programs carried out by the NFL’s football ops department.

“The NFL is one of the best in branding and telling stories,” McWilliams notes. “We both recognize there is a need for more Black and Brown professionals in the industry. HBCUs have one of the strongest recruiting bases for talent. HBCUs’ traditions and values align perfectly in assisting with focused programming on student development, career exposure and networking. It is always our goal to increase opportunities for students and athletic administrators from our HBCU institutions and the power of the NFL will assist in providing access and opportunities.”

Indeed, students from HBCU institutions have taken advantage of advancement opportunities through the Careers in Football Forum, the NFL Campus Connection and the HBCU Open House. Some of them are working for NFL teams or in the league office.

Natara Holloway, the NFL’s vice president of business operations and strategy for football operations, can’t hold back her excitement when speaking about the symbiotic relationship created by these initiatives. 

“HBCUs have a long history of diverse students coming out with so much talent, and to add value to companies, and they’ve been overlooked for a long time,” she says. “Not a lot of companies have traditionally recruited from HBCUs. We found on the field you can find great talent from the HBCUs, of course, and when we started the 2016 programs, found so much more talent. And we have more people from HBCUs in the offices around the league than on the field. People would be surprised to find out that.”

There were 32 HBCU players making opening rosters in 2020. The number for this season is uncertain because final rosters remain fluid until late next week.

One emphasis of the programs is making HBCU students and alumni aware of positions on the business side of the game. The vast majority of students won’t be emulating Darius Leonard, the Colts’ All-Pro linebacker from the MEAC’s South Carolina State.

Instead, they will be pursuing jobs that can range from the communications field to analytics to accounting to, well, pretty much anything involving the running of a franchise.

“We wanted to have a concentrated effort to help people become aware of what careers are available in football,” Holloway explains. “It’s an eye-opening experience for us, too. If we don’t know about these students and they don’t know about us, we have issues.”

McWilliams is confident the partnership between the HBCUs and the NFL will continue to grow — in size and impact.

“There is strength and power in creating an HBCU platform for all four conferences with the NFL,” she says. “My hope is that we can brand and market the rich legacy and tradition of players in the NFL, that we build on the leadership through the programs available, and we are intentional in identifying ways to impact our communities through the programs and beyond in our HBCU footprint.”

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Loyola University-Maryland basketball coach Tavaras Hardy. (Stockton Photo/Loyola Athletics)

By Demetrius Dillard
Special to the AFRO

It’s official. Collegiate athletes are now permitted to profit from the use of their name, image and likeness.

On June 30, governance bodies in all three NCAA divisions adopted a uniform interim policy suspending restrictions on NCAA name, image and likeness (NIL) rules for all current and incoming student-athletes in all sports. The policy has been in effect since July 1.

According to the NCAA, the new policy has outlined the following guidance for college athletes, recruits, their families and member schools:

• Individuals can engage in NIL activities that are consistent with the law of the state where the school is located. Colleges and universities are responsible for determining whether those activities are consistent with state law. 
• College athletes who attend a school in a state without an NIL law can engage in this type of activity without violating NCAA rules related to name, image and likeness.
• Individuals can use a professional services provider for NIL activities.
• Student-athletes should report NIL activities consistent with state law or school and conference requirements to their school.

In addition, the interim policy will remain in place until federal legislation is passed or new NCAA rules are implemented. Over the past month and a half, this has generated the most buzz in the sports world, besides the Tokyo Olympics, as the NIL policy is expected to change the future landscape of college athletics.

After decades of the NCAA prohibiting athletes from accepting any outside money to preserve ‘amateurism’ in college sports, the 460,000-plus athletes that make up the NCAA can now be compensated for a variety of NIL-related pursuits, from selling autographs and running sports camps to striking endorsements and securing major brand deals.

Athletes will also be allowed to hire agents to help them navigate the new NIL process and must report activities to their respective schools.

“This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a press release. 

“With the variety of state laws adopted across the country, we will continue to work with Congress to develop a solution that will provide clarity on a national level. The current environment, both legal and legislative, prevents us from providing a more permanent solution and the level of detail student-athletes deserve.”

In 2019, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that would allow college athletes to make money off the use of their name, image and likeness, referred to as the ‘Fair Pay to Play’ Act. One could argue that law made way for the NCAA’s new NIL policy.

The Fair Pay to Play Act also allows athletes to sign with licensed agents and strike endorsement deals. The legislation, scheduled to go into effect in January 2023 in California, doesn’t require schools to pay athletes but makes it legal for college athletes to market their name, image and likeness for personal monetary gain.

Since California’s legislation, several states have already passed their own NIL laws. In Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas, it became law on July 1, with Arizona following suit in mid July.

Arkansas, Michigan, Nevada, South Carolina and Tennessee will enact laws in 2022, according to the Boston Globe, and Nebraska and Oklahoma will have laws no later than 2023. Maryland will join Colorado, Montana and California in 2023.

On May 18, Gov. Larry Hogan signed Senate Bill 439, also known as the Jordan McNair Safe and Fair Play Act, into law.

The bill, named after the University of Maryland football player who died of heat exhaustion during a workout in 2018, will require the state’s public universities to adopt new NIL and health-related policies. The health-related policies took effect on July 1 and the NIL features will be effective July 1, 2023.

Loyola University-Maryland basketball Tavaras Hardy agrees with the NCAA giving college athletes an opportunity to monetize the use of the name, image and likeness, but doesn’t want them to lose sight of the ‘student’ in student-athlete.

“I don’t want this to get into the way or interfere with our student-athletes still having the opportunity to pursue academic success and academic excellence,” said Hardy, a Joliet, Ill., native who is entering his fourth year as head of the program.

“While I embrace the opportunity for them to go out and make money, I want them to understand these full-ride scholarships are valuable, and I don’t want them to do anything to jeopardize those because you wouldn’t be making as much money for most student-athletes as you’re getting paid in scholarships.”

According to Hardy, Loyola student-athletes on full-ride receive roughly $70,000 a year in scholarships. 

He feels having academic costs covered along with the opportunity to compete in collegiate sports is more valuable than the possibility of capitalizing off NIL rights, which, in theory, will be more lucrative for students from top-tier basketball and football schools, such as Duke, Kansas, Ohio State, Michigan State, Alabama, Clemson and so on. 

“Just make sure you’re smart and understand that you still have to  be a good basketball player, in our situation, you still have to go to class and be a good student,” he said. 

“You still gotta do things the right way to maintain your scholarship because to me it’s much more valuable than the opportunity to make money off your name, image and likeness for most student-athletes.

“At the end of the day, I will still always say getting your education and having an incredible student-athlete experience is the most important thing, and if you can find a way to make some profits on the side, so be it. But we’re not going to put a whole lot of emphasis on that in our recruiting pitch.”

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Monty Williams, head coach for the Phoenix Suns, is from the D.M.V. area. (Courtesy Photo)

By Micha Green
AFRO D.C. and Digital Editor
mgreen@afro.com

Before his professional basketball career as an athlete and Head Coach for the Phoenix Suns, D.M.V. native, Monty Williams was fostering his skills in the Washington Metropolitan area.

As people nationwide tune into the NBA finals, those in the D.M.V have an extra layer of pride as Williams was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia and attended Potomac High School in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Williams went on to play college basketball at University of Notre Dame and then professionally in the NBA from 1994-2003, for teams including the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers.

He then went on to begin his coaching career as an intern with the Spurs, an assistant coach with the Portland Trailblazers, and went on to be the youngest head coach in the league in 2010 when he accepted a position with the New Orleans Hornets.

Williams’ coaching career would lead him to several other positions including a coaching job with the U.S. National Team for the 2016 Olympics.  He began as head coach for the Suns in 2019.

While Williams’ hard work and dedication to his craft has taken him far, some D.M.V. natives insist that hailing from the Washington Metropolitan area played a role in his success.

“It’s in the water,” one Twitter user from the D.C. area said.

“At some point the sports world is gonna have to give P.G. (Prince George’s County) our props for the talent we produce in the NBA,” another social media user wrote.

Others were shocked and ecstatic to hear Williams was from the D.M.V.

“On who Monty Williams is from PG?  We love to see it,” one person tweeted.  

Some proud D.M.V. natives are now rooting hard for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA finals.

“He’s from the DMV??? Wow, I need Suns to win it all,” a social media user wrote with excitement.

“Did not know he was from here. Rooting for the Suns even harder now,” another person tweeted.

Hip Hop Caucus, which fights for racial, climate and economic justice, wrote with excitement, retweeting a photo of Williams, “PG County Stand Up!”

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Alana Andrews (Courtesy of Alana Andrews)

By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer
Report for America Corps Member
Msayles@afro.com

If there is one thing to learn from Virginia teen Alana Andrews, it’s that entrepreneurship has no age requirement. In April, the 17-year-old started an online business for her healthy sports drink, SWEY. 

SWEY is an acronym for the drink’s target market: Generation Z, whose birth years start in the mid to late 1990s and end in the early 2010s. It stands for strong, wise, energetic youth, and it is the first national sports drink made by Gen Z for Gen Z. The drink, which is made with natural ingredients, is low calorie and low sugar and provides vitamins to fuel young athletes. The initial launch released three flavors: Major Kiwi, Tropicalada and Citrus Sizzle, their most popular flavor. 

According to Andrews, SWEY emerged out of a health need she found in herself when she was just eight years old. She had been diagnosed with prediabetes and, as a result, made it her mission to turn her health around so that she would not become diabetic.

Alana Andrews (Courtesy of Alana Andrews)

This led Andrews to start working out regularly, playing tennis and to join Girls on the Run, a national nonprofit organization that helps young girls build confidence by fostering strong emotional and physical health. However, Andrews ran into a problem when trying to find a sports drink that would reinforce the work she had put into her physical fitness. 

“After putting so much effort into these workouts and everything, I would go to the store, and I would see these really bright, awesome bottles and really creative labels, but they were covering the loads of sugar and the mounds of artificial ingredients in these beverages,” Andrews said. “I knew that drinking them would only reverse my progress of not getting diabetes.” 

Her recognition of this problem caused Andrews to work with the Young Entrepreneurs Academy in Loudoun county, Virginia, when she was in eighth grade. The program helps middle and high school students learn how to create business ideas, conduct market research, formulate business models and launch their own businesses.

grassroots, and it was just preparing my vision and mapping out why I wanted to create SWEY,” Andrews said. “YEA kind of took the problem that I saw keeping healthy and everything, and it helped me turn into reality.” 

After a few years of taste tests, perfecting the brand, finding investors and mentorship from various businesspersons, Andrews was finally ready to make her sports drink available to the public during her junior year at Potomac Falls High School. In its first month, SWEY sold half of its inventory. It has also become the official sports drink of the Pete Brown Junior Tennis Program in Los Angeles.

Alana Andrews (Courtesy of Alana Andrews)

As for balancing high school with being an entrepreneur, Andrews said she is still trying to navigate this challenge, but having an agenda, knowing her priorities and mastering time management skills have helped her along the way. 

“I think really my favorite part has been making something that can help a lot of people and a lot of athletes who struggle with diabetes,” Andrews said. “Because SWEY is designed with the diabetic athlete in mind, they have really appreciated this product and that just warms my heart to hear that.” 

Andrews hopes to attend the Wharton business school at the University of Pennsylvania where she plans to concentrate in entrepreneurship. She thinks her next business venture will be in technology.

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By Demetrius Dillard
Special to the AFRO

The Coppin State and Morgan State University basketball teams may not have ended their seasons the way they desired, but nonetheless have quite a bit to boast in after enduring a 2020-21 season that has transpired under unusual circumstances.

The Eagles, led by fourth-year coach and University of Maryland basketball legend Juan Dixon, finished their 2020-21 campaign with a 9-13 overall record and 8-4 record in conference play.

CSU lost eight of its first nine games this season in non-conference competition. The Eagles went 8-5 in their last 13 contests, with their season-ending loss coming in the second round of the MEAC Tournament to cross-town rival Morgan State.

CSU’s winning percentage this season was slightly better than last season’s (11-20 overall), which was cut short due to growing concerns resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

Redshirt senior Anthony Tarke, regarded as one of the top all-around players in college basketball over the past season, steered Coppin on both ends of the floor and earned national recognition after a breakout season.

A 6-foot-6 lefty with dazzling athleticism and play-making ability, Tarke led Coppin in nearly every statistical category with 16.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 1.9 blocks per game. The Gaithersbug native concluded this year as one of the most decorated college basketball players in the nation, earning numerous honors and awards, including: MEAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year; BOXTOROW Co-Player of the Year; Lou Henson National Player of the Year finalist; named to the Lefty Driesell Defensive All-America Team; and finalist for the Lefty Driesell Award.

Tarke has declared for the 2021 NBA Draft, making the announcement on social media on March 31.

“First off I’d like to thank God for everything He has blessed me with in my life. It has been a long road with many ups and downs, but He has kept me whole through it all,” he said. 

“I’d like to thank Coach Juan and the coaching staff here at Coppin State for everything they have taught me in my short time of being here. That being said, after praying with my family and loved ones, I’ve decided to declare for the 2021 NBA Draft.”

Tarke’s younger brother, 6-foot-4 freshman Nendah Tarke, tallied about 10 points and five boards a game en route to winning the MEAC Rookie of the Year award.

Coppin State finished the season ranked No. 2 in the Northern Division while Morgan State finished third behind first-place finisher and eventual conference champ Norfolk State.

The Bears also had an abbreviated schedule as six of their games were either cancelled or postponed. Morgan State’s 14-8 overall record was the second-best in the MEAC behind Norfolk State (17-8).

In four regular-season matchups against Coppin, the Bears won the series 3-1 in addition to ending the Eagles’ season with a 82-61 victory in the MEAC Tournament before falling to NSU in the title game on March 13.

Head Coach Kevin Broadus, recently named the BOXTOROW Co-Coach of the Year, completed his second year as head of the program. The team has seen drastic improvement since Broadus has taken over.

The Bears were led by junior guard De’Torrion Ware, senior forward Troy Baxter and junior guard Malik Miller. Ware led the conference in scoring, averaging 17.2 points per contest on nearly 39 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 83.2 percent from the free-throw line. 

Miller, a product of Washington, D.C., posted 12.1 points and a team-high eight rebounds per game. Baxter, also a first-team All-MEAC and All-Defensive Team selection, was fifth in the conference in scoring with an average of 15.5 points per game to go with 4.4 rebounds.

The versatile 6-foot-9 forward was crowned the best dunker in college basketball after winning the State Farm College Slam Dunk Championship at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on April 1. 

Baxter is the first to win both the American Family Insurance High School Slam Dunk (2016) and the college slam dunk titles.

MSU women’s hoops post strong season as Coppin undergoes rebuilding phase

The Morgan State women’s basketball program finished the 2020-21 season as one of the best teams in the conference, recording a 12-4 overall mark. Conversely, Coppin State – which is under new leadership and has a relatively young roster – finished 2-13 overall.

The Bears, guided by fifth-year head coach Ed Davis Jr., picked up notable wins over UMBC and the Navy on their way to a stellar regular-season campaign.

Redshirt senior Dahyne Redd led the way for Morgan State with team highs of 13.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. She poured in 17 points, 10 rebounds and four steals in the season-ending loss to N.C. A&T on March 12.

MSU guard Ja’Niah Henson, a graduate of Roland Park Country School in North Baltimore, led the conference in 3-point shooting (36.2 percent) and was the second-leading scorer, contributing 11.3 points as a starter.

While Coppin had a losing record, junior guard Aliyah Lawson left her mark this season as the second-best scorer (14.5 points per game) in the MEAC. The club’s only two wins this year came against Delaware State. 

Former WNBA player and University of Maryland standout Laura Harper completed her first season as CSU’s head coach.

“Grateful for this TEAM, Grateful for my family, and most importantly my staff and administration,” Harper tweeted after a season-ending 56-45 loss to Norfolk State to conclude her inaugural season as head coach.

“We will be back. That is a promise.”

Bowie State University’s men’s and women’s basketball programs – members of the CIAA – opted out of the 2020-21 season. Likewise, MEAC member University of Maryland-Eastern Shore didn’t compete this basketball season.

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Georgetown head coach Patrick Ewing gestures towards fans while standing next to the tournament trophy after an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 13, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

By Mark F. Gray
Special to the AFRO

Six months after the passing of John Thompson, Jr., Georgetown’s most accomplished basketball alumnus under Thompson’s tutelage brought the Big East Conference Championship back to the program that is the standard bearer of the league.

Patrick Ewing became the second former Big East player to win a Tournament Championship as a player and a coach by leading the Hoyas to a 73-48 win over Creighton at Madison Square Garden.  Ewing’s youthful band found their rhythm and played with poise during a resilient weekend that personified the entire regular season.  The Hoyas used a 34-3 run over an 11-minute stretch spanning the first and second halves to pull away and clinch the conference’s NCAA Tournament automatic bid.

Georgetown will open the national tournament facing Colorado on  March 20.

 “I keep talking about that Drake song, ‘Started from the bottom,’” Ewing said after the game. “Well, we started from the bottom, now we’re number one in the Big East.”

Ewing’s status as the greatest legend in the Big East history grew exponentially with his latest championship. He gave the conference immediate credibility when – as the top high school recruit in America – he chose to sign with the program in 1981. The most accomplished athlete in school history won three conference titles and a national championship as a player under Thompson and this was his first as coach.  

“We can’t be happy with just winning this game. We came here to New York, and we talked about taking steps,” Ewing said. “There were four steps that we had to take. Right now we’ve taken all four, and we have come out on top. We can’t be satisfied with that.”

The Hoyas won the Tournament for the first time since 2007 and it was their eighth in school history. Georgetown has won more tournaments than any program in the conference.  It marks the first time since 2015 that Georgetown will dance into the NCAA Tournament, despite needing to win every game in the Big Apple to finish with a winning record, and secure the automatic bid after cutting down the nets in New York.

“It means the world. It’s his first time. It’s my first time, Jamorko’s first time,” said senior guard Jahvon Blair. “We started with him on day one. Just to see how happy he is just makes me happy. Everyone’s happy. I’m just so happy for him,” Blair said, talking about the success of his coach and team.

Georgetown arrived in Manhattan seemingly with little chance of making the NCAA Tournament because their only shot was to win four games in four days.  They were picked last to finish in the preseason rankings and the murmuring by many who weren’t fans of the Ewing hire began lining up to question whether he was the man to restore the tradition to the hilltop.

The young Hoyas had to replace their entire backcourt when Mac McClung and James Akindjo left the program following last season. They had to rebuild the entire roster by adding nine new players. Georgetown lost six games that were postponed due to COVID-19, which stunted the development of the freshman guard Dante Harris.  

Harris saved his best for the last four games of the conference season.  He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament, becoming the 10th Hoya to earn the award and first since Jeff Green in 2007.

During the regular season, Georgetown played well enough to win at least five more games, but they made a habit of blowing second half leads and falling apart in latter stretches of second halves. However, the Hoyas defense led to comebacks in the first three games of the Tournament.  They trailed top seed Villanova by 10 points in 61-50 in the second half. However,  a 15-1 run gave them a 65-64 advantage as the defense held Villanova without a field goal for more than six minutes to seal a 72-71 win.

That proved to be the only game they were stressed in. After the opening game 68-49 win over Marquette and the nail biter against the Wildcats, Georgetown eased past Seton Hall 66-58 then beatdown Creighton.

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By The Associated Press

The NFL has hired Maia Chaka as the first Black female official in league history. She will work games during the 2021 season.

“I am honored to be selected as an NFL official,” Chaka said. “But this moment is bigger than a personal accomplishment. It is an accomplishment for all women, my community, and my culture.”

Chaka enters the NFL after working in the Pac-12 and Conference USA. She was selected in 2014 for the NFL’s Officiating Development Program, which identifies college officiating talent with the goal of showing them some of the same experiences as NFL officials before determining if they have the ability to succeed as an NFL official.

“Maia’s years of hard work, dedication and perseverance — including as part of the NFL Officiating Development Program — have earned her a position as an NFL official,” said Troy Vincent, who oversees the league’s football operations. “As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Maia is a trailblazer as the first Black female official and inspires us toward normalizing women on the football field.” 

A graduate of Norfolk State, Chaka earned her bachelor’s in education in 2006. She is a health and physical education teacher in the Virginia Beach public school system.

The NFL did not specify which officiating position she will work.

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Former Wizards coach Gene Banks has been hired as the athletic director of Gaston College. (Courtesy Photo)

By Demetrius Dillard
Special to the AFRO

Basketball legend and former Wizards coach (2009-2012) Gene Banks has been hired as the athletic director of Gaston College (GC), a community college in Dallas, N.C., that is reestablishing its athletic program after 50 years.

After Gaston College (GC) President John Hauser began the process to bring athletics back last summer, the school’s board of trustees voted unanimously to add the athletic program in November.

Banks was hired after school officials organized a national search for the new leader of the athletics program. The Philadelphia native brings an abundance of leadership experience into his new role.

At first, there wasn’t major interest from Banks to pursue the vacant athletic director role. But after numerous conversations and meetings with Hauser – and sports agent John Horshok pushing the issue – Banks considered taking the job.

However, what did it for Banks was the athletic program’s emphasis placed on diversity and inclusion, among other factors.

“The thing that got me more so was being able to see something come from the ground up — being a part of it,” said Banks, a former Duke University basketball standout under Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) during the late 1970s and early 80s.

At Duke, the 6-foot-8 forward earned numerous honors and went on to play for the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls, followed by short stints overseas before beginning a career in sports leadership.

He said his decision to join GC Athletics also resulted from “being able to manage and be a leader of putting together some programs that will be really good,” and having the opportunity to foster minority participation and leadership while promoting diversity. 

Concurrent with his role as AD, Banks will also serve in the college’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as work with WSGE 91.7 FM, the College’s award-winning radio station.

Gaston College’s main campus has an enrollment of about 5,000 students. Banks believes the diversity among the student body could be better, and that GC is an ideal place for students of all backgrounds to begin their collegiate and/or professional endeavors.

“It’s not as diverse as it should be, and that’s what brought my attention,” he said.

Banks has had previous experience as athletic director at Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C., which is where he resides.

At the moment, there will be five athletic programs at GC: men’s basketball, baseball, softball, beach volleyball and Esports (competitive video game league sanctioned by the NCAA).

GC has also announced the hiring of Dickey Nutt, who will serve as associate athletic director and the men’s basketball coach, and Shohn Doty, who will head the baseball program.

Nutt currently serves as an assistant coach with the Cleveland State University basketball team, where he plans to finish the season before heading down to North Carolina.  He is a former head coach at Southeast Missouri State and assistant coach at Oklahoma State, Stetson, and Florida State, where he served under GC alum Coach Leonard Hamilton. 

Doty brings 25 years of college coaching experience to GC, earning recent recognition for his success as a pitching coach with UNC-Charlotte’s baseball program. Banks still has to fill the coaching vacancies for the remaining three teams in GC Athletics, and said he plans to add women’s basketball at some point. 

Professionalism and diversity among athletes and at the coaching level will be a fixture in the athletic program, Banks highlighted.

“What I will also be stressing is the Title IX concept where we have to have equal in sports for the men as well as the women,” added Banks.

“Whoever is going to be the softball coach or the beach volleyball coach is going to hold a position somewhere as a vice president in the administration. We have to have a respectable inclusion of a female for diversity in our administration. And I’m going to push that,” the newly appointed AD explained.

An on-campus $25 million sports multicultural center is in the planning process, according to Banks. He and his colleagues are also looking to build a residential complex for athletes during sports seasons.

Banks plans to implement leadership skills he learned from Coach K and aims to bring fun and excitement to GC Athletics, engaging students and the campus community in what he hopes will be a lively environment. 

Beyond sports, Banks hopes to positively influence the surrounding community, while leaving a lasting impression on students, colleagues and others.

“I want them to continue the quest to continue to look at education as a viable door-opener for them to go on and make the right decisions,” Banks said.

“When I leave from there (GC), I want it to be in a better state of cohesiveness and community and pride, as well as being able to leave a mark that the program is doing good,” Banks explained. “I want to know that when they come here, they’re going to learn something about life to help them go forward.”

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Georgetown University forward Chudier Bile scored a team-high 19 points off the bench and nearly posted a double-double with a team-high effort of nine rebounds against Providence University on Jan. 30. (Courtesy Photo)

By Daniel Kucin Jr.
Special to the AFRO

Georgetown beats Providence

After four postponed games due to COVID-19 protocols, the Georgetown University Men’s Basketball program snuck past Providence University 73-72 in comeback fashion on Jan. 30.

The Hoyas came back from a 15-point first half deficit against their Big East Conference foe to improve to 4-8 guided by an impressive performance from forward Chudier Bile.

Bile scored a team-high 19 points off the bench and nearly posted a double-double with a team-high effort of nine rebounds.

“It feels good. I am happy that we got the win … I feel that I am starting to get more comfortable with the system and knowing where I am going to attack and get my shots,” said Bile. “It felt good to get this win for sure, to get back on the winning side.”

Georgetown takes Creighton University (9-3) on Wednesday at 9 p.m., sitting comfortably in second place behind Villanova University in the Big East standings.

Howard Women keep it going

Howard University’s Women’s Basketball team is riding high on a three-game win streak after blowing past Delaware State University, 71-60 on Jan. 30.

Howard guard Jayla Thorton knocked down a season-high, seven three-pointers, while guard Iyanna Warren facilitated eight assists (career-high) to come out on top.

The next game was postponed due to expected inclement weather, but the Bison will resume play against Morgan State University (7-2) at home on Feb. 6-7 in a two-game slate. Howard has split the series 1-1 this season.

GW/American Men’s games postponed

Two prominent men’s basketball programs in the area (American, George Washington) did not complete their scheduled matches this past week and were subsequently postponed due to COVID-19 protocols.

The Patriot League men’s basketball games between American and Lafayette scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30 and Jan. 31, are postponed following discussions between both programs and the league office.

The American University Department of Athletics is currently anticipating the required test results to provide university and Patriot League testing protocols.

The George Washington University match against Saint Louis University on Feb. 6 has been postponed, and the Colonials have not played since Jan. 17 because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“The GW men’s basketball team remains paused due to COVID-19, and accordingly, the upcoming game scheduled for Saturday, against Saint Louis has been postponed,” read a GW statement. “Further updates on the program’s status will be released as appropriate.

George Washington Women fall to Richmond

George Washington’s women’s team has suffered its fourth consecutive loss of the season after falling to the University of Richmond 60-49 on Jan. 29.

George Washington guard Maddie Loder led the way with 13 points, four assists, and had three steals defensively in a losing effort. Guard Jasmine Whitney and forward Neila Luma combined for 14 points, but GW was ice cold from the floor, shooting just .300.

GW simply could not contain Richmond’s three-headed monster in Addie Budnik, Claire Holt and Kate Klimkiewicz. Budnik led the Spiders in scoring with 13 points and had three blocks and three steals defensively, while Holt and Klimkiewicz combined for 21 points.

The post College basketball roundup appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Chris Odoi-Atsem: D.C. United has recently re-signed defender Chris Odoi-Atsem through 2022. (Courtesy Photo)

By Daniel Kucin Jr.
Special to the AFRO

MLS gears up for season

Major League Soccer (MLS) announced on Jan. 25 that the 2021 regular season is slated to begin on April 3, featuring 34 matches from 27 clubs, and the preseason will start on Feb. 22.

D.C. United will represent the Eastern Conference in the league’s 26th season, and COVID-19 testing protocols will again play an essential role in the MLS competition structure.

MLS noted that they continue to work closely with the league and MLS Players Association’s infectious disease advisors on health and safety protocols, including testing.

Players will be required to quarantine and have individual training when reporting back to their respective clubs during the course of the season.

In other news, United has re-signed defender Chris Odoi-Atsem through 2022 and midfielder Felipe Martins through 2021.

Odoi-Atsem appeared in 15 games last season, totaled 769 minutes, and scored his first goal on a 78th-minute game-winner in the 2-1 victory against FC Cincinnati on Oct. 18, 2020.

Martins played in 16 games for United last season and recorded three assists.

Wizards snap losing skid

The Washington Wizards came away with a 149-146 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 31 after suffering a four-game losing streak.

Wizards point guard Russell Westbrook had a herculean performance, leading the team in scoring (41), rebounds (10) and assists (8), while guard Bradley Beal poured in 37 points.

“Leadership shows out when you win,” Westbrook said about his role on this team. “Guys feel better about themselves and are confident about their game, and that’s what I look for … I feel like I’m put into this position for a reason. Tonight we played at a high level and now we gotta get ready for the next one.”

Washington had six players score in double-figures, and though they are still in last place in the Eastern Conference (as of Feb. 1), the victory hopes to put the Wizards in the right direction.

“I wanted to enjoy it, hey this is a good feeling,” said Washington Wizards Head Coach Scott Brooks after the win. “We fought, we fought hard, and we had nothing right going for us in that first quarter other than we are going to keep competing. We’ve done it all year, but the basketball gods gave us a break tonight.”

Nationals acquire Hand, Lester

The Washington Nationals have upgraded their pitching rotation after announcing that they have agreed to terms with pitchers Brad Hand and Jon Lester on one-year deals.

Hand, 30, led the majors in saves (16) in 2020, playing for the Cleveland Indians. Since 2017, Hand has an ERA of 2.61, 323 strikeouts and 103 saves.

“Just a good group of guys with the starting rotation that they have there in Washington and the guys that they got down in the bullpen, I thought that would be a good fit for me,” Hand said.

The Washington Nationals announced on Jan. 27 that they have agreed to terms to bring in former three-time World Series champion pitcher Jon Lester.

The five-time all-star played six seasons for the Chicago Cubs, going 77-44 with an ERA of 3.64 in 171 starts. The 37-year-old still has gas left in the tank, starting 55 games and pitching for at least six innings a game since 2016.

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Washington Football Team Head Coach Ron Rivera was announced the NFC Coach of the Year and will be honored at the 51st annual NFL 101 Awards on March 6. (Photo by Daniel Kucin Jr.)

By Daniel Kucin Jr.
Special to the AFRO

Washington Football Team Head Coach Ron Rivera won an NFC East Championship title and did so for the first time since 2015 while using four quarterbacks during the process amid the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 disrupted all offseason team activities, and Rivera could not utilize the preseason to evaluate talent in his first year at the helm.

The journey wasn’t easy for the former two-time NFL Coach of the Year, but he was recently honored for his endeavors in turning a team around that only won 17 games during the last three seasons and doing so while battling cancer.

Now, Rivera is cancer-free and was recently named the NFC Coach of the Year, and will be officially honored at the 51st annual NFL 101 Awards held on March 6.

“Thank you, everyone, for your prayers, letters, texts notes of encouragement support,” Rivera said on Twitter after officially announcing that he is cancer-free on Jan. 28. “It truly made a difference in my treatment & recovery!”

It marks the third time that Rivera has won this prestigious honor, accomplishing it twice coaching for the Carolina Panthers in 2013 and 2015.

After each NFL season, the civic organization called “The Committee of 101,” hosts the 101 awards as a result of Kansas City’s salute to professional football.

Each year, 101 members of the national media select the Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Coach of the Year in the American Football Conference and National Football Conference.

Rivera is the third Washington coach to win the award, joining two Burgundy and Gold legends, George Allen (1971 and 1976) and Joe Gibbs (1983).

Washington went 5-2 down the stretch near the end of the season, including defeating the Philadelphia Eagles on the road in the final game of the year with a playoff bid on the line. The Burgundy and Gold swept the Dallas Cowboys (2-0) this year as well.

“We all admire his toughness,” Washington Football Team defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said about Rivera’s character. “He’s laid out a great blueprint for us to follow. “His toughness and his determination, it really stands out.”

As a defensive-minded coach, Rivera shined under pressure in adjusting personnel changes after losing star safety Landon Collins to season-ending surgery. He plugged in seventh-round pick Kamren Curl into the lineup, who accounted for three interceptions last season.

Another player that Rivera provided an opportunity to flourish was safety Jeremy Reaves playing alongside Curl, who saw his journey start from the practice squad, to starting safety in the NFL Wild Card Playoffs against Tampa Bay, where he led the team in tackles.

That defense, which is fourth in the league, consisted of players Rivera brought in, and they truly believed what he was all about, creating a unified group that refuses to give up.

“Probably just fighting,” Curl mentioned what he learned from Rivera. “He always talks about strength, 60 minutes in a game, and then you can see when he was fighting and what he was going through during training camp.”

“He just never quit because that’s something hard to go through, especially when you’re trying to run a football team. So it’s just like keep fighting,” Carl continued. “We were down in those games, and we came back. I feel like the whole team embraced that from him.”

Rivera demanded accountability and wanted to enact a culture change coming into the role gracefully transitioning into a team with no name and no identity. Winning the division and putting together a hard-nosed squad isn’t enough for Rivera, though, as he sees more success coming shortly.

“I told the guys that we’re heading up, we’re on the way up,” Rivera said about Washington moving forward. “I promise you one thing, like I said, we’ll show up, and we’ll play hard.”

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Howard University added some new faces to compete for the nation’s only HBCU
Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving Teams Division I program. (Courtesy Photo)

By Daniel Kucin Jr.
Special to the AFRO

Howard University added some new faces to compete for the nation’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving Teams Division I program. 

The women’s team welcomed six new members, with five coming from different states, including one international student-athlete. On the men’s side, the program boasts seven new additions.

“This is yet another dynamic, elite group of freshmen swimmers,” said Howard Swimming & Diving Head Coach Nicholas Askew. “We have added depth in significant ways that will push our program to newer heights.”

Some new additions have already shown their academic prowess.

Kaliyah Albury, Kristin Chance, Isabella Fountain, Alana Josey, Michaela Spears and Aaliyah Young were all named to the 2020 College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Fall Scholar All-America Team on Jan. 19.

Overall, 44 Bison (23 men & 21 women) were recognized for their academic excellence, including 15 student-athletes earning 4.0-grade point averages (GPAs).

“Our student-athletes deserve a lot of credit,” said Askew. “But thank you to everyone who assisted the team in accomplishing this great achievement despite the difficult times, because it takes a village! Also, special shout out to Dr. Morgan Fisher and the Athletic-Academic support staff!”

The men’s and women’s teams accumulated 3.20 and 3.68 GPAs, respectively, during the Fall semester. More than 450 institutions were named to the CSCAA Scholar All-America Team for the 2020 Fall semester, including 17 programs receiving this honor for the first time.

Albury is the lone international student hailing from the Bahamas, who “envisioned herself attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).”  “Howard has an exceptional academic reputation and swimming and diving program,” Albury stated.

Howard also has a swiss army knife of an athlete in Josey who will swim in the Mid-Distance, Distance, Individual Medley, Backstroke and Butterfly competitions.

The York, Penn. native, is majoring in political science and looks forward to swimming for Howard because of its hard-working and dedicated athletes, in her words. 

Xavier Barnes, Daylon Daniel, Jensen Ervin, Spencer Miles, Niles Rankin, Tristan Stevens and Langston Weddington round out the new men’s swimming & diving team members.

“I am thrilled to see these new Bison contributing to our team,” Askew said. “Our team will benefit from their amazing energy and tremendous work ethic. It will be fun and exciting to watch them train and compete. I have no doubt that they will make a huge impact as they work hard to leave their mark.”
Weddington (Breastroke/Backstroke) mentioned that they joined the Howard program “because of the family atmosphere and HBCU culture,” and Miles (Freestyle) said he is with the University because of “its rich history in empowering African-Americans.”

The Northeast Conference’s (NEC) Council of Presidents announced in July of 2020 that Howard joined the NCAA Division I league after formerly being a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) member.

“When we started to discuss this opportunity last January, Howard AD Kery Davis and I recognized that this was a win-win endeavor, as it enhances these Howard sports programs and supports the NEC’s Strategic Plan adopted in June 2019, which seeks to increase brand awareness and support diversity, equity and inclusion,” said NEC Commissioner Noreen Morris after Howard accepted the invitation to join the conference. “We look forward to welcoming the Bison men’s and women’s swim teams this year.”

However, Howard has yet to compete in their inaugural (NEC) 2020-21 campaign after the season was canceled due to COVID-19.

During the 2019-2020 campaign, the Howard men went 6-3 and (4-1) at home while reeling off four winning competitions spanning from Oct. 5 to Nov. 1. The Women only captured four wins but did show progression near the end of the year, going 2-1 to close out the season and were 2-1 in their respective conference. 

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History was made in Washington when the Washington Football Team became the first NFL franchise to hire a Black female full-time coach in Jennifer King. (Photo by Daniel Kucin Jr.)

By Daniel Kucin Jr.
Special to the AFRO

The Washington Football Team made history in August 2020, when they appointed former NFL running back Jason Wright as team president, being the first Black president of an NFL team in league history.

The Burgundy and Gold are continuing their efforts in supporting equality and diversity by promoting Jennifer King from the position of coaching intern to full-time Assistant Running Backs Coach, making her the first Black woman to be a full-time NFL coach.

King worked with the running back corps last season, and she also has experience as a former player. King was a seven-time All American quarterback and wide receiver for the Carolina Phoenix Women’s Football Alliance (WFA).

As a wide receiver and defensive back for the New York Sharks, she captured the 2018 WFA National Championship. Most recently, King played wide receiver and safety in the District for the D.C. Divas in 2019.

Washington Football Team Head Coach Ron Rivera characterized King as “a bright young coach.” Her familiarity with his expectations, work ethic and expectations were significant factors in her joining the team.

As of late, Washington is arguably the most progressive team in the NFL after also announcing on Jan. 22 that Martin Mayhew is the team’s new general manager, working directly with Rivera.

Washington now becomes the first NFL team to have a Black team president and GM.

“Martin is a proven general manager who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization,” said Rivera. “He will be an integral part of running the daily football operations and will allow me the opportunity to focus more on coaching. He impressed both myself and Mr. Snyder during the interview process and we both believe he will be a tremendous fit here.”

Mayhew has 20 years of experience in the front office as an executive in the NFL, including being the general manager of the Detroit Lions for eight years.

It is a homecoming moment for Mayhew, who played for Washington from 1982-1992 and won a championship with Super Bowl XXVI as a starting cornerback.

“He is a man of high character and integrity and was part of the rich history and tradition of this great franchise as a member of the Super Bowl Championship team in 1991,” Rivera said.

Mayhew most recently served as the San Francisco 49ers Vice President of Player Personnel and spent four years with the team, including being a senior personal executive for the franchise from 2017-2018.

“Martin has played an integral role in helping to establish a sustainable championship culture over the last four years,” said San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch of Mayhew.

The Tallahassee, Fla. native went to school locally at Georgetown University, where he lettered in football and track, while obtaining a degree in business management.  He also has a law degree.

Mayhew has a strong track record of evaluating and securing talent. During his tenure with the Lions, Mayhew was a part of the decision-making process in drafting franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford and all-pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, while signing marquee players in free agency, such as wide receiver Golden Tate and safety Glover Quin.

He will help guide a team next season that reached the postseason for the first time in five years under Rivera’s direction and had only two pro bowl selections in defensive lineman Chase Young and offensive guard Brandon Scherff.

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American University senior guard Jamir Harris scored a career-high of 33 points to take down Loyola University of Maryland on Jan. 23.

By Daniel Kucin Jr.
Special to the AFRO

Backed by a career-high, 33-point performance from senior guard Jamir Harris, American University scored its second men’s basketball victory of the season after taking down Loyola University of Maryland, 81-79 on Jan 23.

“He’s super-tough,” said American University Head Coach Mike Brennan of Harris’ performance. “He doesn’t get tired. His work ethic is there, and he’s getting better. We knew he was an elite shooter.”

“But he’s added so much more to his game, and that’s allowing him to get even more shots and making him a better player, Coach Brennan added. “He’s a hard-worker, tough, a leader, a competitor … he keeps the group together. I can’t say enough about the type of kid he is.”

Harris tied a school record in three-pointers made (9) in an electric performance. American forward Josh Alexander chipped in 13 points, while forwards Johnny O’Neil and Stacy Beckton Jr. both scored in double-figures combining for 22 points.

American jumped out to a 10-2 run in the first half, but Loyola attempted to take control in a back-and-forth affair that needed three overtime periods to find a clear winner.

It was the first triple-overtime game for the Eagles since Feb. 29, 2000, against VCU, where American won 97-88. American (2-2) will welcome home Lafayette College on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Howard Women Prepare for Delaware State

Howard University is riding high on a two-game win streak and hopes to keep that momentum going against Delaware State University on Jan. 30 and 31.

Howard (7-2) scored those victories against Coppin State University on Jan. 16 and 17. Most recently, freshman guard Anzhane’ Hutton scored 19 points against CSU, while accounting for five rebounds, an assist, and one steal en route to earning her third Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Week award.

Howard forward Krislyn Marsh was honored as the league’s top defender by the conference in the two-game slate against Coppin State, averaging 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 2.5 steals against the Eagles. Howard guard Gia Thorpe provided a spark off the bench and combined with Marsh for 14 points on Jan. 17.

“Gia and Krislyn are veterans, and they understand their contributions are very important to our success,” Howard University Head Coach Ty Grace said. “Whether they come off the bench or start, they know their opportunity to impact the game is there. Coming back from injuries are always tough, but I know they will continue to put in the work.”

Delaware State (2-7) has lost four consecutive games coming into their matchup with Howard. North Carolina A&T State University swatted down the Hornets 86-59, where the Aggies had four players score in double-figures on Jan. 24.

GW Men fall to Dayton

George Washington University is on a two-game skid after falling to Dayton University 67-54 on Jan. 17. Dayton screamed out to an 11-2 lead and led by 13 at half thanks to efficient shooting from range.

Dayton was firing on all cylinders, including a 23-point game from guard Jalen Crutcher, who also accounted for five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

GW guard James Bishop led the way with 17 points in the loss. Guard Ricky Lindo Jr. scored 13 points while forward Sloan Seymour poured in 10 points, but the team struggled, shooting .367 from the floor.
George Washington (3-9) will have a chance to rebound against George Mason University on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.

The post College Basketball Roundball Report appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

D.C. United selected Clemson University product Kimarni Smith the fourth pick of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft presented by Adidas on Jan. 21. (Courtesy photo)

By Daniel Kucin Jr.
Special to the AFRO

D.C. United has selected Clemson University forward Kimarni Smith with the fourth overall pick, Wake Forest University defender Michael DeShields (fifth overall) and Stanford University defender Logan Panchot (32nd overall) in the 2021 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft presented by Adidas on Jan. 21.

Smith scored 26 goals and recorded 11 assists in 63 appearances, and started 43 games during his collegiate career.

DeShields is a talented defender who started 21 of 22 games last season, leading their defense to an average of only 0.72 goals conceded per match and earned a Second-Team All-South Region nomination. 

Finally, Panchot scored three goals and recorded 11 assists in 62 appearances (59 starts) for Stanford University from 2017 to 2019 and was a team captain last season.

During his final year, Panchot was tied for the team lead with eight assists and was part of a defense that ranked 10th in the country in team goals-against.

United acquired the fifth overall pick from Atlanta United in exchange for $125,000 in General Allocation Money and acquired the 32nd overall pick from Atlanta United in an earlier trade.

United Hires New Head Coach

D.C. United announced on Jan. 18 that Hernán Losada is the new head coach after the Black-and-Red suffered through a dismal campaign (5-12-6) last year.

“Our process to identify the right individual to lead our club has been extremely thorough, and we’re confident that Hernán is the ideal person and coach to take us forward,” said Dave Kasper, D.C. United General Manager and Vice President of Soccer Operations for D.C. United. “We believe wholeheartedly in Hernán’s approach to the game and his desire to play high-energy soccer with and without the ball. We look forward to getting to work with Hernán to start the 2021 season.”

With the hiring, Losada became the youngest head coach of a MLS club. He joins the team with experience from Belgian First Division side, Beerschot, where he has served as manager since 2019.

Wizards Come Back From Postponement

After six postponed games due to coronavirus protocol restrictions, Washington got hammered by the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 24, 121-101. Bradley Beal led the Wizards in scoring with 31 points and had seven rebounds and an assist in a losing effort.

“I feel like we competed, we got off to a slow start … but I think we did a good job of competing with what we had,” said Beal. “We haven’t played in a long time, I mean, that’s why I was just a** in the first half, just trying to get my rhythm back. It’s no excuse, this is what we do, this is our job.”

Seven San Antonio Spurs players scored in double-figures, with guard Patty Mills scoring a team-high 21 points en route to a blowout victory.

Wizards guard Jerome Robison scored 16 points, and newly acquired center Alex Len chipped in 11 points.

Washington, still outside of the eighth spot, will prepare to take on the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans in their next two games on the road and will return home to play the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 29.

Alex Smith Comeback Player of the Year

Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith was recently named the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) Comeback Player of the Year, and Sporting News gave him the distinction as well.

Smith came back from a gruesome leg injury in 2018 that required him to have a total of 17 surgeries that potentially put his career and life at risk.

Nevertheless, he battled back to lead the Washington Football Team to win the NFC East Division while guiding the Burgundy and Gold to the postseason for the first time since 2015.

“It was great to be out there,” Smith said. “The feeling, the range of emotions — the good and the bad — is why I fought so hard to come back. I think sometimes you can take it for granted, and certainly, being away from it for a couple of years; I’ve missed it. So good to be back in it rolling, and like I said, we’ll look at the film and get better and keep moving forward.”

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Former Howard University safety, Antoine Bethea, is retiring after an illustrious 14-year career in the NFL. (Courtesy Photo)

By Daniel Kucin Jr.
Special to the AFRO

Former Howard University safety Antonie Bethea is calling it quits after playing in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 years, with accolades including winning a Super Bowl his rookie season, being a three-time pro-bowler, and was a former two-time NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award recipient. 

“It was that time … as the older guys would say, ‘when you are thinking about retirement, it’s probably that time,’” said Bethea jokingly about making the ultimate decision to hang up the cleats.

“I’m at ease and at peace with the decision and I gave the game everything that I had and I can walk away feeling good about that. Playing in the Super Bowl was one of the highest of the highs, obviously three pro-bowls … the relationships I’ve gained, the people that I’ve met along the way, that’s what it’s all about.”   

The Indianapolis Colts drafted Bethea in the sixth round (207 overall) during the NFL Draft (2006). The 5-11, 201-pound standout went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, and finished his final season with the New York Giants in 2019.

During his only season in New York, Bethea shined, starting all 16 regular-season games while accounting for 101 tackles, one interception and two fumble recoveries.

The 36-year-old finished his NFL career with 1,197 tackles, 25 interceptions, 9.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and a touchdown score.

Though those accomplishments and career numbers are impressive, they didn’t come easy for the Newport News, VA, native, after not being heavily recruited until he decided to play at Howard University in 2002.

Former Howard University player Antoine Bethea is retiring after a 14-year NFL career. (Courtesy Photo)

Upon arrival, Bethea played as a backup his freshman year, then started and led the Bison in tackles for three consecutive seasons.

“Those were the best four years of my life, man,” Bethea said about attending Howard University. “That situation was perfect for me, not being highly recruited out of high school, not gaining a scholarship until my second year at Howard, it was perfect for me. If I would’ve went to a Virginia or Virginia Tech, I could’ve got lost in the shuffle, and who knows how my story would have ended?”

In 2017, Bethea was named the inaugural recipient of the Black College Football Pro Player of the Year award, presented by the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) as a member of the Arizona Cardinals.

The prestigious award is given annually to the most outstanding professional football player from a Historically Black College and   (HBCU).

“Our union is proud to support this initiative, and Antoine Bethea is a deserving winner not only for his performance on the field, but for his leadership and character off-the-field,” NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said. “We know there is a long and storied history of great NFL players from HBCUs and the NFLPA is thrilled to bring even greater recognition to their legacy.”

Now that his football playing days are over, Bethea will continue philanthropic efforts with his foundation.

For the past decade, the Bethea Family Foundation has impacted thousands of children, families and individuals in Newport News, VA, and communities across the country with programs designed to educate, empower and expose.

Through his outreach efforts, the foundation has hosted Christmas shopping sprees, coat drives, football camps, college tours, turkey giveaways, and visited hospitals and jails in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New York, New Jersey and Washington, D.C., while also providing resources to youth ages 13 to 18 during the academic year and inspiring hope to families during the holidays.

“I’m still going to have my presence felt in the community,” Bethea said. “I have a foundation that I have started since 2010, so you know I’m definitely going to dive deep into that. I do have more time on my hands, so I’m going to make the time worth it.”

Bethea has recently expanded his efforts to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic after launching the Safe Cover initiative as well.

This program is a 21-day rent relief fundraiser for families affected in Newport News, Hampton and Norfolk, Virginia. Safe Cover has already raised more than $50,000 with a goal of $100,000 for families in danger of becoming evicted due to the pandemic’s economic effects. Whether Bethea is on the gridiron or not, his efforts to make an impact in the community have been felt and appreciated by those in need. 

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Howard University freshman Anzhané Hutton (left), and American University guard Stacy Beckton Jr. (right). (Photos/ Courtesy and by Daniel Kucin, Jr.)

By Daniel Kucin Jr.
Special to the AFRO

Howard University Women’s Basketball team is continuing one of the best starts in program history after taking down Coppin State University on Jan. 17, 60-51.

Howard (7-2) is now 3-1 in conference play, after the victory led by freshman forward Anzhane’ Hutton, who scored 19 points, pulled down five rebounds and accounted for an assist after being limited to 2-of-9 shooting the previous game on Jan. 16 against CSU.

“Anzhané had a good bounce-back today,” said Howard University Head Coach Ty Grace. “We can’t forget, she’s a freshman that’s still learning and growing. But she’s not the type of player that’s going to roll over and quit after a tough game. She has a winner’s mentality and will continue to get better.”

Howard University freshman Anzhané Hutton scored 19 points en route to a 60-51 victory over Coppin State University on Jan. 17. (Courtesy Photo)

Howard will return home with a pair of matchups (on Jan. 30-31) against Delaware State University (2-6). Both days are scheduled for a 2 p.m. tipoff.

Howard/ Georgetown Men’s Basketball Season On Hold

The Howard Men’s Basketball team has paused all activities due to positive COVID-19 test results among the program’s “Tier 1” personnel, consisting of student-athletes, coaches, medical staff, and equipment staff, game day operators and officials.

Since the announcement on Jan. 8, Howard University Athletics mentioned that the team would remain in quarantine and not return to basketball activities until cleared pursuant to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Howard University protocols.

“Howard University places the safety of our student-athletes first and foremost,” said a Howard Athletics statement. “We will continue to conduct robust testing and require our student-athletes to observe safety and social distancing guidelines.”

Howard’s (1-4) only win this season came against Hampton University, 81-76 on Dec. 18.

As for Georgetown University, the Big East Conference has announced that games at Providence, scheduled for Jan. 16, and at Marquette, scheduled for Jan. 20, have been postponed. The Georgetown men’s basketball program (3-8) is on a pause following a positive COVID-19 test within Tier 1 personnel, and no makeup dates have been announced.

GW Women Blow Past George Mason

George Washington University completely dismantled George Mason University, 67-47 on Jan. 17, after the team surged to a quick 17-4 lead in the first half and never looked back to win its first conference victory of the season.

George Washington’s (4-7) 20-point win was historic, marking the largest margin of victory in nearly three years since a 20-point drubbing of La Salle University in 2018.

Center Ali Brigham led George Washington’s way with 18 points, and forward Neila Luma filled the stat sheet scoring 12 points, and getting five rebounds, two assists and a steal.

The Colonels will travel to take on VCU (6-6) on Jan. 20 at 4 p.m.

Navy Men Sink American

American University kicked off the season with a heartbreaking overtime loss to Navy, 87-86, after four postponed games (COVID-19) dating back to Jan. 2.

American had a chance to bounce back the next day, but failed to find any rhythm, dropping their second loss of the year, 71-59.

American University guard Stacy Beckton Jr. scored in double-figures with 12 points and also had three steals, three rebounds and one assist against Navy on Jan. 17. (Photo by Daniel Kucin, Jr.)

“It’s sort of like a scrimmage in November in that there’s a lot that you don’t know before you play games, and then you play games, and it gives you a lot of information. And now we know what we need to work on,” said American University Head Coach Mike Brennan.

I like the group a lot. They work hard, they listen, they’re coachable, they share the ball, they like each other. So, I think we’re just going to get better from here.”

American forward Johnny O’Neil led his team in scoring with 17 points and guard Stacy Beckton Jr. was the only other player to score in double-figures with 12 points. Beckton Jr. also had three steals, three rebounds and one assist.

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The Washington Wizards have had six players test positive for the coronavirus halting play. Washington has struggled mightily before the stoppage and Wizards guard Russell Westbrook is only averaging 19.3 points per game (lowest since 2009-2010), while playing the most minutes of his career. (Courtesy Photo)

By Daniel Kucin Jr.
Special to the AFRO

Last season, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver engineered a revolutionary concept to have all players compete in one location to protect them from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NBA “Bubble” allowed the players to be safe and finish the season where no coaches, players, or personnel contracted the virus. However, Silver opted to have this season played in a traditional format in the team’s respective venues, but the spiking virus has not produced the same effective results.

One of those teams affected is the Washington Wizards, who have not played their last four games spanning from Jan. 13 until Jan. 16 (as of Jan. 18) due to COVID-19 protocol. Washington did not practice before a game against the Utah Jazz on Jan. 13, and the organization has now had six players test positive for the coronavirus.

Until the organization can get the spread under control, they will not play. The postponed games will be scheduled as make-up games later in the season. As far as the virus’s impact across the league, Washington Wizards General Manager Tommy Sheppard is not surprised.

“It is just an unfortunate set of circumstances,” said Sheppard. “If you follow our track really going back to when we played Chicago , almost every team we’ve played, a player tested positive. The next day the next day, multiple players at some places. It was inevitable.”

Some of the game’s brightest stars have contracted coronavirus this season, including Minnesota Timberwolves Center Karl-Anthony Towns and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, but the season is still in motion.

“The numbers reflect what’s going on in the country, we knew it was going to happen, we sure didn’t think it was going to happen to us, but we can’t look backwards,” said Sheppard.

“You just have to keep moving forward and keep the spirit of camaraderie, that, ‘hey we are all in this together.’ I think four teams have missed multiple games, and so far, I would think that’s a small victory considering what’s going on out there around the league.”

Sheppard affirmed that none of the Wizards’ staff has tested positive and believes that they ‘have done everything right in their facility.’

Since the pandemic has halted the Wizards’ progress moving forward, Washington is 3-8 and have struggled since trading John Wall to the Houston Rockets for Russell Westbrook.

While Westbrook is only averaging 19.3 points per game and  playing the most minutes of his career here in Washington. However, he does lead the team in assists (11.3) and rebounds (9.7).

Wizards star guard Bradley Beal continues his dominance on the floor this season, averaging 34.9 points, 5.3 RPG, 5 AST, and 1.4 STL per game.

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“WE DID IT,” read the caption for this photo on the Washington Football Team’s Instagram page. (Courtesy Photo)

By Daniel Kucin Jr.
Special to the AFRO

The Washington Football Team’s entire season rested on winning one game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 3- in a win or go home scenario to reach the postseason for the first time in five years.

Unaffected by the pressure-packed moment, Washington handled their business and secured an NFL Wild Card Playoff berth after they slipped past the Eagles, 20-14, and became just the third team in NFL history to make the playoffs with a record below .500 (excluding the 1982 strike season).

Washington welcomed back starting quarterback Alex Smith after suffering a calf injury that sidelined him since Dec. 13 against the San Francisco 49ers, and he did not disappoint.

Smith and the Football Team got off to a quick start scoring their first points on an opening drive all year (worst in NFL) when he led a 15-play, 86-yard drive resulting in a gorgeous throw to wide receiver Terry McLaurin from five yards out.

“It was tough being at home last week,” said McLaurin about coming back from an injury after being in a walking boot. “My focus was just trying to be out here; I didn’t really care about catches or yards. I just wanted to be out here for my guys, all that we’ve been through this year, all of the ups and downs, it was for this moment right here. It wasn’t pretty, but we came out on the other side, and we’re champions.”

Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin caught seven receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 3 en route to a postseason match with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. (Photo by Daniel Kucin Jr.)

Washington Football Team safety Kamren Curl intercepted his third pass during the last four games from Jalen Hurts, intended for Zach Ertz on the ensuing drive. Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins then eventually hit a 42-yard field goal to take a double-digit lead, 10-0.

“Coach Rivera teaches us how to win,” said Curl. “We try to win every week; that’s how we came into the season. It was hard, it was a long season, but we kept our faith. For the whole season, we were always in the race … we stayed in the race, and we finished it off.”

However, the former Oklahoma Sooner started to settle down and used his legs to make things happen for Philadelphia.

On the ensuing drive, Hurts led a 10-play, 44-yard drive and called his own number on a six-yard touchdown scamper to narrow the deficit to three points, and then scored another for good measure on Philadelphia’s following offensive possession to go up by four points. 

Despite that setback, it only took one big play for Washington to retake the lead when Smith orchestrated a nine-play, 50-yard drive within the final two minutes of the first half and delivered a 13-yard strike to tight end Logan Thomas to retake the lead.

Both teams fought to gain any form of momentum in the second half, which resulted in Smith throwing two interceptions in the second half.

Hurts struggled as well, throwing for only 72 yards and an interception, and was subsequently benched for former Washington quarterback Nate Sudfeld after failing to convert on the fourth down in the waning seconds of the scoreless third quarter.

Sudfeld could not get it going either and threw an interception on his second pass attempt at the start of the fourth quarter to Washington defensive back Jeremy Reaves.

Though Smith gave Philadelphia a second chance by throwing another interception on the ensuing drive, the Eagles did the same as Sudfeld fumbled and rookie phenom defensive end Chase Young scooped it up.

Four plays later, Hopkins nailed a 42-yard field goal to seal the Eagles’ fate, and Washington will enter the playoffs this Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5).

Washington Shows Resiliency

The Washington Football Team (7-9) enters the postseason backed by one of the league’s best defensive units.

Heading into Saturday night’s matchup against Tampa Bay, the football team has only allowed 20 points or fewer in seven straight games (longest active streak in NFL).

“When we were 1-5, we could’ve stopped, and I feel like that is a testimony to the brotherhood, said Young looking ahead. “It feels good. Everything that we have been through this season with my team, it’s just a brotherhood … our love for one another, but we’re not done. It’s go time, it’s that time.”

Since Smith has been the starter in Washington, the Burgundy and Gold are 5-1, better than any other quarterback under center this season (2-8 without Smith).

“I think it speaks way more to the character we have, everything stacked against us,” Smith said. “For us kind of getting off to the slow start that did, to find a way to battle back and finish it off like this, I think that says a lot about the character that we have in the locker room.”

Coming into the game with a questionable tag, McLaurin entered the starting lineup and contributed against Philadelphia, bringing life back to an offense that struggled over the past few weeks. McLaurin was targeted eight times for seven receptions, 40 yards, and a touchdown.

What’s Next?

Tampa Bay has won four consecutive games, including a 44-27 drubbing of the Atlanta Falcons on Jan. 3.

Led by six-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady, the Tampa Bay offense has been hitting on all cylinders, and Brady has thrown for 4,633 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

However, Tampa Bay’s defense will have to try and contain McLaurin, who recently joined Gary Clark as the only players in Washington history with more than 2,000 receiving yards over their first two seasons.

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Controversy looms over the Washington Football Team after quarterback Dwayne Haskins made poor decisions on and off the field, and owner Daniel Snyder faces sexual harassment allegations. (Courtesy Photo)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Washington was lethargic and uninspired to open a game where they had a chance to clinch the NFC East championship.  With a young team that was collectively playing in the biggest professional game in their careers, Washington was clearly distracted after trying to sift through the cloud of controversy brought on by quarterback Dwayne Haskins and team owner Daniel M. Snyder during the preceding week.

The revelations of Haskins’ ill-timed behavior at a birthday party for his girlfriend following the loss to Seattle hovered over FedEx like the stench from the controversy involving Snyder and sexual harassment allegations. Washington was listless at kickoff and played with no enthusiasm or rhythm offensively.  On a day that was primed for a celebration, they were dispatched 20-13 by one of the NFL’s worst teams. 

Thus, the Dwayne Haskins era ended in Washington with a whimper on Monday when the organization released him.  When first drafted by Washington, the deposed quarterback said he wanted to be the face of the franchise he cheered on growing up.  Instead, he leaves disgraced and looking for a second chance as a Black quarterback with a penchant for making bad decisions on and off the field.

Haskins was outed on social media after images circulated of him at a party, where he violated NFL COVID-19 protocols by not wearing a mask.  He was fined $40,000 and stripped of his captain’s title, while having to deal with the public scrutiny of his immature decision.  If Alex Smith had been healthy enough to play, Haskins would’ve probably been inactive. Instead midway through the fourth quarter the team’s top pick in the 2018 draft was replaced by Tyler Heinicke, who played for the XFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks last spring.

  However, after the Washington Post reported Snyder paid $1.6 million to settle a 2009 sexual harassment lawsuit on Friday, it was clear the Football Team would be playing against a 12th man at home. According to the latest report, and in a story that broke just over 48 hours before Sunday’s kickoff, an incident happened on Snyder’s private plane on a flight returning from the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. While Snyder’s business partners called the woman’s allegation, “a serious accusation of sexual misconduct,” he remained defiant that it was just an extension of their attempt to take ownership away from him.

As for the quarterback and the Panthers game, Haskins was lucky there were no fans in FedEx Field stands after two first half interceptions that killed scoring chances. They were two of four giveaways before halftime where he looked overmatched by the Carolina defense, as he succumbed to the pressure of the moment with nobody to blame, but himself.  Terry McLaurin, Haskins favorite target and college teammate was inactive, which rendered Washington’s aerial game grounded. If this was his last time playing as D.C.’s quarterback his dubious tenure ended 14/28, 154 yards, and two interceptions.

Panthers running back Curtis Samuel victimized the D.C. secondary twice in the first half, with long receptions to set up Panther scores.  Samuel torched the Washington secondary for only five catches for 106 yards, although the defense didn’t give up a score after halftime.    

However, going into the final week of the season, Washington still controls their own fate.  A win at Philadelphia in the NFL’s final regular season game Sunday night and they win the division. Considering what they have been through all season, that’s all they could have asked. 

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Jermaine Smith and Bernard Brooks of Henry’s Soul Cafe pose with former Washington Wizards star John Wall (Left) at a food giveaway in November 2020. (Courtesy Photo)

By Micha Green
AFRO D.C. Editor
mgreen@afro.com

When Bernard Brooks and Jermaine Smith teamed up to open Henry’s Soul Cafe in 1997 they had a good idea and a lot of passion.  Twenty-three years later, that passion has led to their restaurant serving, not only as a D.M.V. culinary staple- cemented by Smith’s father’s 1968 business, which began the legend of Henry’s Sweet Potato Pie- but also an integral part of uplifting the lives of many local residents, through their big hearts and work giving back.

“When you’re giving back like this and you’re doing it from the heart, you really don’t know what you’ve done over time, because you just do it,” Brooks told the AFRO.

The “just do it,” approach has definitely been a leap-of-faith business model that has sustained the business partners since they ventured into the world of Henry’s and opened their Oxon Hill location.  The two had been working on other projects, managing businesses and Smith was still a student at Howard University, when they started the restaurant, and with $25,000 and dedication the two became overnight restaurateurs.

“Growing up in the restaurant business- my dad is Henry- for me everything was kind of like knowing it from the back of my hand.  So that’s what we ventured into and it was probably, without a shadow of doubt, the best decision, business wise, both of us have ever made,” Smith said.

Both Smith and Brooks emphasized that the entire time they worked to build Henry’s legacy, they also served their community- it was part of their nature.

Bernard Brooks and Jermaine Smith, owners of Henry’s Soul Cafe spoke to the AFRO about their dedication to giving back. (Screenshot)

“We actually, before the pandemic, had given a lot back to the community, a lot of sponsorships and programs that we helped put in place,” Brooks told the AFRO, before explaining how they got to feeding about 150 free meals a day.  “Whether it was sending high school students to Annapolis for mock trials, so they can show them how the government works, sponsoring that.  Feeding football teams- every day, every practice, every game for years, because they were in certain areas or certain situations where they just couldn’t afford to get the proper meals to have the energy to be able to play at their best.  It’s just so many things we’ve done in the past, but since the pandemic, we saw the need that was out there, we started feeding people everyday- hospitals- doctors and nurses.  We’ve done several of those, where we did the whole hospital.” 

“Hospitals… just the people walking the streets, where we see a direct need.  We get in our cars, trucks… and we’ll go and just load it up, pull up, we see people on the side of the street and we just pass out meals, give them meals- from our hand to their hands.  It’s something that our heart has led us to do from day one. This isn’t new for us,” Smith said.  “ We don’t do it because we see cameras, or T.V. or radio, or thinking that we’re going to get something back. It’s just in us, inevitably to do it.”

The restaurant’s success and the entrepreneurs’ passion for giving back even caught the attention of John Wall, formerly of the Washington Wizards, who was so inspired by their work that he teamed up with Brooks and Smith to do a food giveaway for Thanksgiving- feeding more than one thousand people.  Further, while the two are not seeking any formal accolades, organizations are taking note their major contributions to the D.M.V. and honoring them with awards for their service.

‘I looked at and said, ‘Oh so people have been paying attention to what we’re doing?’  Because we were doing it whether they were paying attention or not,” Brooks said about one instance when the two were honored.

Part of the entrepreneurs’ success is their commitment to making every client feel as if they are special- like family.

“When you come into Henry’s, it’s like you’re coming into our home- to our dining room table.  When someone comes to your home you want them to feel great and eat and be nourished, so we’ve been giving away food for such a long time, and a part of so many different lives for a lot of people,” Smith said, before wondering how this philanthropic nature is balanced with making money.  “Actually, I witnessed my dad do the same thing for years.  I’m college educated, my dad was not, but I look back and say to myself, ‘How did he ever turn a profit?’  To be honest, and I look at each other and say, ‘How were we turning a profit?  How were we paying the bills here?  And we really don’t have an answer for it,” Smith said.

In addition to the hard work that keeps Henry’s doors open and the entrepreneurs giving back, Brooks and Smith have additional projects that allow them to continue to make a difference in the lives of others.  Brooks’ son is a syndicated DJ and radio host in 30 markets and said that there are big things budding from his offspring’s rising career, while Smith has produced several films including BET’s Holiday Heartbreak, which was released in December 2020.

“It’s the quickest movie we’ve ever turned around.  It’s the first movie, I probably cast 80 percent of the film… and it was actually a comedy, so I brought in a lot of comics. We filmed it in June and July, we turned it around and edited and we knew it was going to go live in December,” he Smith told the AFRO.  “It’s a great film.  It stars Michael Colyar, Lisa Raye, Kountry Wayne, B. Simone, and local artists… an absolutely great cast… great actors and actresses,” he added.

Always creating, Smith also teased he has a new film dropping during the holiday season of 2021.  “We just filmed another movie last week starring Bill Bellamy, and that won’t be out until next year, because it’s another Christmas film… That team of mine is doing some amazing things,” he said.

Even with their busy schedules and success, Brooks and Smith emphasized that they constantly work to uplift their hometown.

“We’re not the guys that’s from somewhere else.  We’re born, bred and raised and in the D.M.V. and we’re one of the places that keep the money in the community,” Smith said.

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Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell (93) before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

By Rob Maadi
AP Pro Football Writer

For several NFL stars, speaking out against social injustice meant speaking to youngsters about racism. 

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Titans running back Derrick Henry, Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett and Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell each spent time during the season chatting with students about a film that focuses on social and emotional effects of racism against Black men and boys. 

The documentary titled “Black Boys” was executive produced by Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins. The players, through a partnership with Old Spice, joined students in virtual class discussions about the film’s exploration identity, opportunity and equity in America.

“It is just a beautiful way to get people to start to discuss the matters that are at hand socially in this world,” Kelce said. “I think it’s my job as a White man to be able to step up and say, ‘Listen, something is wrong here. How we are viewing the African-American people is wrong. How we’re treating African-American people is wrong.’ And, there needs to be something that’s done about that.”

Kelce, the only White player among the group, encouraged more people to talk openly about stopping racism.

“It’s important for me because of my upbringing, the people around me that I love, that I cherish as friends, as family, people of color,” he said. “And it’s been something that I’ve seen as a kid. And it’s very upsetting.” 

Jenkins, who has been on the front lines fighting for social justice and racial equality for years, focused part of his discussion with students at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans around the importance of mental health. 

“We’re using the film ‘Black Boys’ to really create some more dialogue among Black boys and be able to create spaces where they can feel comfortable in their own skin,” Jenkins said. “We had some conversation around what they took out of it, what are some things that resonated. And to hear these young men talk about the importance of mental health and talk about the psychological kind of effects that it has on them or how it makes them feel when they walk into a space and can tell that people are afraid of them without even knowing who they are, what they’re about.

“The biggest thing is we need to be able to encourage Black boys to see themselves as more than just athletes and entertainers, see themselves more than what they can do with their bodies but what can they do with their minds. What can they do with their creativity and showing them that it is OK to be emotional, it is OK to laugh, to cry, to feel just as much as human as anybody else, and to encourage them to boldly walk in that regardless of what the world or society might tell them.”

Students said they appreciated Jenkins’ willingness to discuss difficult topics and his transparency regarding issues that have impacted him. 

“Often, no one ever wants to speak about unpleasant truths knowing many of us have had similar experiences,” sophomore Malcolm Ferrouillet said. “It was great to see him open up to us about it.”

Campbell spoke to students at Coppin Academy High School in Baltimore. 

“I’m a strong advocate of educating our youth and making sure that we invest into our future,” Campbell said. “It’s very important to me just being able to build confidence in the Black community among our young boys or who are struggling, fighting and dealing with all the oppression and different things.  ‘Black Boys’ is an incredible film that just gives you authentic realization of how things are in America for young Black boys. And just what we what they need to be able to flourish in and be able to reach their goals.”

That message resonated with senior Antonio Jenkins.

“We need to come together as one and let no one fear our opportunities,” he said.

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The Washington Football Team lost to the Seattle Seahawks 20-15 on Dec. 20. (AP Photo by Daniel Kucin Jr.)

By Mark Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

NFL players truly believe that you play better when you look good. Players routinely spend thousands of dollars in fines for breaking league wardrobe protocols to feel special and in their minds play better. It was the reason the Washington Football Team wore their white on white ensemble after beating Pittsburgh when they went to Arizona to win their fourth straight game- because the players felt it was a “clean” look.

So with their burgundy on burgundy uniforms, the Washington Football Team went the OutKast route when the Seattle Seahawks visited FedEx Field- they were “so fresh and so clean,” but their game wasn’t.  

Washington trailed by 17 points heading into the fourth quarter and had it not been for another Dustin Hopkins missed extra point, they may have forced overtime and stolen a game from defeat.  However, another furious fourth quarter rally fell short as the football team saw its four-game win streak snapped with a 20-15 loss.

Despite having to travel across the country and kickoff at what would’ve been a 10 a.m. home start, Seattle played like a veteran team with a chance to clinch a playoff spot, which they did by leaving FedEx Field  with a win.  They forced Washington into two interceptions on deflected passes that led to Seahawks scores.  Hopkins missed an extra point after Washington scored their first touchdown in the game’s final stanza.

 With the exception of tight end Logan Thomas, Washington’s offense was basically inept until the fourth quarter.  Dwayne Haskins had the chance to stake his claim as the future of the franchise quarterback. He buckled, but didn’t break.  Haskins returned as the starter after getting benched following a 1-3 start to the season and looked like an inexperienced QB in the first half. Haskins finished 38/55 for 295 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions against the NFL’s worst passing defense.

 “There were some plays I’d want back, for sure,” Haskins said. “It was definitely a hard fought game.”

Those two picks were drive killing mistakes neither Kyle Allen nor Alex Smith made during the win streak. However, those interceptions that led to 14 Seahawks points were the result of tipped passes that should’ve been caught by Washington receivers.  Tight end Thomas had 13 receptions for 101 yards and Terry McClaurin caught seven passes for 70 yards though neither scored.

“I feel like he tried to do the best that he could after turnovers,” receiver McLaurin said. “We have to make some of those bang-bang plays to help the quarterback.” 

Seattle capitalized on Haskins’ mistakes and the suddenly vaunted Washington defense was shredded by an offense that  is not one of the league’s best in the first half.  Russell Wilson, a Super Bowl champion and NFL Most Valuable Player award candidate played with poise and the swag of a leader.

 Wilson threw for only 121 yards and a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Hollister, while rushing for 52 on six carries. However, his 38-yard run from the shadows of his endzone deep into Washington territory, flipped the field and led to their second touchdown and a 13-3 halftime lead. Carlos Hyde, who played at Ohio State with Haskins, McLaurin and Chase Young, had a 50-yard touchdown run-their longest run of the year- which proved to be the difference in the game.

The Football Team outgained Seattle 353 – 302, but the defense – without two starting linebackers – gave up 181 yards rushing.

Washington can clinch the NFC East Sunday with a win over the Carolina Panthers in Landover and a loss by the New York Giants in Baltimore.  Nonetheless, if Washington (6-8) can win their last two games they could still meet the Seahawks in Landover for a rematch in the NFC Playoffs on wildcard weekend in three weeks as champions of the East division.  

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For the second year in a row, Howard University beat Hampton after a long-time rivalry where the Pirates defeated the Bison. (Courtesy Photo)

By Mark Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Even without an entirely healthy roster, Head Coach Kenny Blakeney’s Howard Bison basketball team delivered, in what may be, a program changing victory with an 81-76 win over the Hampton Pirates.
Blakeney has already established a dominance over Hampton in the “Battle For The Real HU” rivalry by winning for the second consecutive season in a matchup that had previously been dominated by the Pirates.  

“This was a total team win,” Blakeney said. “I’m so proud of the team and I’m happy for the Howard University community because this game means so much to a lot of people.”

Howard trailed by 10 points halftime and played without their marquee attraction, Makur Maker, and reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Year, Wayne Bristol. However, it was a trio of Howard’s players from the D.M.V. who paced their comeback after the intermission by scoring in double figures and rebounds and helping win the battle on the glass.

Howard’s comeback started with a critical run at the end of the first half. A layup from Davion Warren capped off an 8-0 run by Hampton and gave the Pirates their largest lead of the contest, 21-38, with less than three minutes before intermission.

Down by 17 late in the half, they finished on an 8-1 run and sliced the margin down to 10 at the break. Howard trailed only 39-29 halftime despite Hampton blistering the nets- shooting 60 percent from the floor to open the game.

“It was really important to go into the half on some momentum,” Blakeney continued. “We were able to push the tempo and put pressure on their defense.”

Steve Settle, III, a redshirt freshman from Glenarden, MD who leads the squad in scoring (13.3 PPG), made his presence felt in this rivalry.  After serving as an understudy, Settle finished with 18 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. He had already earned MEAC Rookie of the Week on Dec. 8 after scoring a career-high 23 points in their loss to Bellarmine. 

Meanwhile, Sam Green, a graduate student from Bowie, made a huge contribution with 13 points and 10 boards.  Another Bowie native, junior Deven Richmond, made his first start as a Bison in place of senior guard Kyle Foster, who was a late scratch due to injury. Richmond finished with 18 points and five rebounds in the win.  Sophomore guard Khalil Robinson almost notched a triple-double, after finishing with a career-high 19 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds.

“I think we’re a really good offensive team,” said Blakeney. “I told the team it’s going to click for us and when it does, we’re going to build on that momentum and take control of the game.” 

Howard capitalized on the momentum in the second half, where they cut the double-digit deficit within a matter of minutes. 

With under 12 minutes remaining, Robinson converted a three-point play to give the Bison their first lead since making the game’s first basket. During Howard’s decisive 19-6 run, redshirt freshman Cam Timmons shot a jumper to cap off another run to lead 48-45.

With less than two minutes remaining, Robinson made two critical free throws to give Howard a 73-72 edge they wouldn’t lose. Down the stretch, Howard made 10-of-12 free throws in the final two minutes to secure their first win of the season.

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The CIAA Tournament was canceled for 2021, delaying the plan for the event to be hosted in Charm City. (Courtesy photo)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@AFRO.com

Despite the announcement of a COVID-19 vaccine, the pandemic has forced the cancellation of yet another major HBCU sporting event. The 2021 CIAA Basketball will not be played in Baltimore in February. This would have been the first of a three year run as the event returned to Charm City for the first time since 1952, when Morgan State was a member of the conference.

Baltimore lost its opportunity to host the tournament, which was scheduled for Royal Farms Arena from Feb. 23 – 27. The CIAA conference basketball season was scheduled to begin Jan. 9. However, teams who have scheduled non-conference games can finish the remainder of that schedule through Jan. 8 as the remainder of their winter sports season is suspended also.

“Unfortunately, COVID-19 continues to challenge the conference’s ability to see a clear path to move forward collectively,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. “The impact to health and wellness, community concerns, as well as the economic ramifications are real.”

The conference hoped that moving the tournament from Charlotte, N.C. to Charm City would bring the northern fans from New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia to one of the largest college basketball tournaments in the nation to downtown Baltimore. In addition to being the largest tournament in NCAA Division II, the CIAA reportedly had an annual business impact of over $30 million in tourism during a 15-year run in the Queen City during what is a dormant travel week for most cities.

“Visit Baltimore stands behind the CIAA’s decision to cancel the 2021 basketball tournament in Baltimore,” said Al Hutchinson, president and CEO at Visit Baltimore, organizers of the local host committee. “The health of players, coaches and fans is of the utmost importance, and we support the commissioner and board of directors in their efforts to bend the COVID curve. Baltimore’s hospitality community was extremely excited about bringing the tournament experience to Charm City next year, but we look forward to our continued partnership with the CIAA and to celebrating the incredible academic contributions, culture and sports legacy of HBCUs.”  

Virginia State had taken the lead by previously cancelling their winter sports schedule in early December and the rest of the council followed the precedent that was set by the University whose leader is the chairman of the conference Board of Directors.

“This was not an easy decision or one that was taken lightly by the CIAA Board,” said Virginia State University President and CIAA Board Chair Dr. Makola Abdullah. “We all want to have a season and we want our student-athletes, coaches and staff to have a season. However, the data, which changes almost daily, does not support such a decision. The potential risk outweighs the desire to play.” 

Despite the cancellation of the basketball tournament and its local festivities, the conference announced plans to engage fans during the traditional tournament week with a virtual experience. The virtual platform will allow the conference to continue hosting a stable of ancillary events, which have become synonymous with tournament week, such as CIAA Fan Fest and the CIAA Step Show.  A full schedule of virtual events is expected to be released at a later date.

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John Wall wrote a letter to D.C. and Wizards fans after it was announced he would be going to the Houston Rockets. (Courtesy Photo)

By Mark Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

John Wall was more than just an NBA All-Star and the face of the Washington Wizards for the last decade.  While he wasn’t able to bring the franchise a championship, Wall’s quiet impact on the city saved lives and gave people hope in places where most are scared to visit.

Wall was loved for his southern authenticity, which meant the world to the people of D.C., especially because of his sense of community.  During the pandemic Wall’s Assist 202 foundation was able to fill the gaps for residents who had nowhere to turn when the financial crisis hit critical mass.

The 202 Assist was a four-week rent relief fundraiser for Ward 8 families.  His efforts raised $554,360 for rent assistance as the legal protection for those who couldn’t make payments ended.  Even now, after his trade to the Houston Rockets for fellow All-Star Russell Westbrook and a future first round pick on Dec. 3, the website still remains active for those in need.

After a decade with the Washington Wizards, John Wall is leaving for the Houston Rockets. (Courtesy Photo)

That was the John Wall few saw behind the flash of a player, who was injured for the last two years. When it comes to tenure with the Wizards/Bullets franchise, only the late Wes Unseld played more games than him. Unseld was the only player that was revered more than Wall also.

“He has been the staple and the standard for Wizards basketball for the last 10 years,” said NBC Washington’s NBA reporter Chris Miller to the AFRO.  “With him it’s more than just putting the ball in the hoop. His philanthropic endeavors should be honored and celebrated.”

Miller covered Wall from start to finish when he was drafted with the first selection in the 2010 NBA Draft. From Madison Square Garden in New York on draft night to his hometown Raleigh, NC, the Emmy award winning reporter watched, traveled, and chronicled his ascent from rookie to one of D.C. social and civic icons.  They spent time on the streets Wall grew up on and in the city Wall called his “second home,” where he taught the fans how to do the once popular dance known as “the Dougie” on his opening night in Chinatown.

Wall averaged 19 points and  just over nine assists during his Wizards career. Despite the team’s relative lack of success, his quiet off-court work gave hope to many people who felt hopeless at various stages of their lives.  He dressed young men for their prom by providing them with formal wear for that occasion.  In the days leading up to his trade, Wall remained committed to “his” city.  While being bombarded with questions about the pending trade prior to Thanksgiving, Wall was busy fulfilling his commitment to continue as the franchise was trying to escape the image of his flashing an alleged gang sign during a party in New York that was caught by TMZ.com.  

“In this community he literally changed people’s lives,” Miller said. “He’s solidified his place.  We should celebrate the man and chronicle the basketball stuff the way they want.” 

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The Washington Football Team beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-17.
(Courtesy Photo
)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

An NFL weekend of upsets continued with nothing short of an improbable victory by the Washington Football Team in Pittsburgh on Monday night.  Montez Sweat’s deflection and John Bostic’s interception put the finishing touches on what may have become a franchise changing victory and ended the Steelers’ run to perfection as Washington beat them   23-17 by dominating the second half at Heinz Field.

Washington won for the third consecutive time after they opened the season 2-7.  They are now tied with the New York Giants in the NFC East although Washington trails after losing both games to this rival so they would still need some help to earn the lone playoff spot representing the division.

“We’re on a roll,” said Sweat. “This is the kind of football we’ve been wanting to play since Game one.”

Pittsburgh had won 78 of their 80 previous games when leading at halftime when playing at Heinz Field.  However, Washington’s ability to impose its will on their opponents wore down the Steelers in the second half and brought them back from a 14-3 halftime deficit as the Steelers suffered their second worst loss home when leading since moving in franchise.  Until Monday Pittsburgh was undefeated, however, Washington stuck to a script that has reflected the culture of toughness that Head Coach Ron Rivera has brought from Charlotte.

“Despite some of the decisions I made today they played their off today,” Rivera said.

The resilience that has marked Washington’s play in the second half all season led them to the franchise’s first victory in Pittsburgh since 1991.  They won despite losing running back Antonio Gibson in the first half to a painful turf toe injury that will linger for the rest of the season, but that wouldn’t stop them. J.D. McKissick stepped up by taking short passes that helped them move the chains especially in the second half.  McKissic only rushed for eight yards, but caught 10 passes for 70 yards that replaced the rushing attack that was negated.

 Alex Smith spread the ball to a corps of five receivers and Logan Thomas, for several game changers that torched the Pittsburgh secondary after intermission. Thomas, the former Virginia Tech quarterback, is blossoming into one of the best tight ends in the NFL and was the preferred receiver of choice when trying to keep possessions alive. He has emerged as Smith’s security blanket in the passing game with nine receptions for 98 yards and their first touchdown. 

Cam Sims also had a TD amongst his nine receptions and his one-handed, over the shoulder catch started their momentum building in the second prior to his score.  Terry McLaurin was held to only receptions but one was for a score.

Pittsburgh had their chances to put Washington away, but could never deliver the knockout blow.  The Steelers were kept from scoring from on the fourth down, when rookie Chase Young stopped Benny Snell at the one-yard line which swung the momentum for good. Washington forced Pittsburgh into playing a one dimensional offense and their passing game wasn’t enough 

However, after a short week, Washington travels to Arizona to face the COVID-19 displaced San Francisco 49’ers, before their final two home games against Seattle and Carolina before ending the season at Philadelphia which could be for the NFC East championship.

“These guys deserve this. We’ve been down for such a long time and we’re trying to rebuild ourselves and build up,” Rivera said. “This is something we can build off of.”

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The Washington Football Team beat the Dallas Cowboys (41-16) on Thanksgiving Day. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer

A fourth win on Thanksgiving is nothing to hang a championship run on. Nonetheless, for the Washington Football Team it was the ultimate giant leap forward in a rebuilding process toward respectability.  However, to sweep the Dallas Cowboys for the first time since 2012 sets a tone that the tide is changing for the Burgundy and Gold.

Ron Rivera earned a season’s worth of credibility in his locker room and with the fan base with a dominant performance in Dallas on Thanksgiving.  The Cowboys were playing with heavy hearts after the death of their strength and conditioning coach Markus Paul, who died at the team’s facility two days earlier.  In the unforgiving world of the NFL the games continued and Washington took advantage of a passionless Cowboys effort where they left no doubt who was the better team – at least this year.

Alex Smith, Antonio Gibson and Terry McLaurin turned the floor of AT&T Stadium into their personal stage and proved to “America’s Team” who really has talent.  Smith was efficiently brilliant finishing 19/26 for 149 yards with a TD and an interception. His performance, though unspectacular, was enough to firmly establish him as the team’s field general for the balance of the season and gives them the best chance to win the NFL’s worst division.

“It’s hard to put into words,” said Smith.  “I never would have dreamed in a million years something like this would be happening. Just thankful for it and making the most of it every day.”

McLaurin, his primary target, made his case for the Pro Bowl with seven receptions for 92 yards. He only needs 37 yards for a 1,000 yard season despite playing with three different quarterbacks, while learning a new system without benefit of a true offseason.  His biggest play ultimately turned out to be tracking down Cowboys linebacker Jaylen Smith after an interception, which prevented a touchdown and saved Washington four points and the rout was on from there.

“When our defense got that stop, that’s when I kind of felt like that was a big play,” McLaurin said. “You never give up on any plays because you never know what’s going to happen.”  

However, it was the relentless pounding of Gibson, who proved that he is the best in their stable of running backs, who helped them control the line of scrimmage.  He rushed 20 times for 115 yards and scored three touchdowns.  Gibson was more physical than the Dallas defensive front that brought fond memories back for fans of the halcyon days of the hogs and the counter trey forcing them into submission.

“Our record’s not the best,” Gibson said. ”We’re still in it. That gives us hope. That’s what we’re pushing for is we can still make the playoffs right now. We’re going to keep going.”

Washington has played themselves into position to win the NFC East heading into Sunday’s scheduled game at Pittsburgh, which is anything but a certainty given how COVID-19 wreaked havoc with their schedule for Tuesday’s game against the Ravens.  They will be underdogs against the Steelers, San Francisco, and Seattle over the next three weeks, but will enter those games with a puncher’s chance to win.

This Sunday’s Steelers will be coming off a short week following a tough game with Baltimore. The 49’ers will literally be homeless for the next three weeks after the latest set of pandemic restrictions in northern California will keep them from playing at Levi’s Stadium or practicing at their facility, which may level the field in that game as well.

Washington has wanted to be in this position for meaningful games in December since the season kicked off.  They now have their wish as coach Ron Rivera learns if there are enough players to perform under the pressure of a playoff hunt to build around for the future. 

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The CIAA announced its plans for a 16-game conference, scheduled to begin in early January. (Courtesy Photo)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

The CIAA announced its plans for a 16-game conference only scheduled to begin in early January and there are partially confirmed reports that only two rounds of the tournament will be played in Baltimore if there is one.  Meanwhile, the highest rated high school prospect in modern college basketball history to sign as an incoming freshman with an HBCU will be sidelined indefinitely.

CIAA announces basketball plans

CIAA officials announced their plans to try and complete their regular season schedule. Men’s and women’s basketball had previously been given the flexibility to play as many as six non-conference opponents. However, several regional Division II conferences such as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference has cancelled all winter sports which impacted Bowie State who has been designated as the CIAA conference host for the three years of the tournament in Charm City.  

The Bulldogs normally face Indiana (PA) in what has become one the annual games that determine NCAA Tournament regional rankings that determine whether teams can host playoff games and who will travel to open the national Division II tournament.  The CIAA vs PSAC games will not be played this year.

However, sources close to the conference say there is a strong possibility the CIAA is considering the cancellation of it’s 2020 schedule also meaning there would be no tournament in Baltimore.  Several officials throughout the conference cite the health, safety and financial challenges that may offset the benefit of playing. 

A veteran athletic administrator with ties to officials  throughout the conference privately told the {AFRO} that if CIAA games are played on campus this year they would probably be played without any fans in attendance. That wouldn’t allow the home teams to cover the cost of hosting that includes compensation for the officiating crew, scorekeepers, etc., which is mandatory for the games to retain their competitive integrity.  Most referees have not been assigned to any games to this point and Bowie State cancelled last weekend’s game against Morgan State.

The CIAA Tournament, which Baltimore is scheduled to host exclusively starting in 2021, will only host the semifinals and finals next year as the preliminary rounds will be played on campus sites around the conference.   

HU Shuts Down Maker

Howard University basketball coach Kenny Blakeney must have gotten the short piece of the wishbone from his turkey on Thanksgiving.  The second year Bison coach, who was supposed to lead his team to the Virgin Islands for a holiday tournament, had to settle for playing games in the Paradise Jam at the Walter E. Washington Event Center once the games were moved to D.C. for pandemic safety reasons.

There were times when star prospect Makur Maker flashed the goods proving he could be the transcendent HBCU player that opens doors for other prospects of his caliber.  However, by the end of the three-day holiday weekend schedule, Howard had lost all three games and Maker indefinitely.

Maker, the no. 15 recruits in the nation aggravated a groin injury that was hurt during preseason workouts.  Blakeney told the {Washington Post} they were benching Maker “indefinitely” after watching him play through the injury that was plaguing him. In Howard’s first two games Maker averaged 11.5 points, six rebounds and two assists in only 19 minutes.

Howard lost to Belmont 85-71 of the Ohio Valley Conference in the season-opener for both teams of the Paradise Jam, then fell to Division II Queens University before losing to George Mason 84-70 on Saturday to cap the winless weekend.

Once again Blakeney is having to manage through a series of injuries that have put Howard behind the eight ball once again.  Howard is also playing without the returning MEAC freshman of the year Wayne Bristol Jr., who is nursing a labrum injury and COVID-19 protocols. Purdue transfer Nojel Eastern is still waiting for an NCAA transfer waiver before he is eligible to compete.

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Amari McDuffie (left) and NFL prospect and former H.D. Woodson all-American Jaylen Twyman (center) give Thanksgiving meals to residents of D.C.’s Ward 7 at Lincoln Heights Community Center. (photo by Mark F. Gray)

By Mark Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

There were plenty of reasons for Jaylen Twyman to stay in Florida for the holidays.  Twyman, a former Walter Camp high school football all-American at H.D. Woodson High School, should’ve been basking in the glow of an epic win by his University of Pittsburgh Panthers at Virginia Tech one day earlier or chilling on South Beach in Miami.

However, it was more important for him to return home and fulfill the dream of giving back to his community.  Twyman chose to opt out of his final season at Pitt because of the COVID-19 pandemic to focus on training for next April’s NFL Draft in Florida. He put his regimen on hold to provide smiles and a holiday meal for his neighbors in the Ward 7 community.

“I’ve just always wanted to come back to benefit my family and the people who’ve watched me grow up since I was a kid, so that’s why I opted out ,” Twyman said on the steps of the Lincoln Heights Community Center in Northeast, D.C.  “I was taught there was something bigger than me. A lot of people say they want to give back, so to have this opportunity to come home and make it happen was important to me.”

More than 150 families benefited from the soon-to-be NFL high-round-draft-pick’s efforts on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  Twyman brought the same energy and passion that he played with at Woodson and Pitt to this effort of benevolence. His local team that collaborated to pull the event included real estate specialist Carlos Gray, son of former Mayor and Current Ward 7 Council member Vincent Gray (D) and Amari McDuffie, his best friend, who spearheaded the local organizing efforts.  

Twyman spent most of the afternoon making the residents feel welcomed.  He took countless selfies with the youngsters, who hope to be in his shoes one day.  However, for the twilight fans who wanted old school autographs he was there for them too.  

Each resident also left with a personal, “Thank you for coming” and a smile.

“When I grew up around here nobody came through to do anything like this for any of us,” Twyman recalled.  “This was a team effort. There were a lot of people who worked to pull this off.  I may be out in front, but there were a bunch of my friends who work in this community everyday that were so important to make this event a success.”

Twyman only played 21 games in college before opting out for the draft, but still managed to impress most NFL draft analysts with comparable statistics to another former Pitt all-pro, Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams.  During his sophomore season, Donald had 41 total tackles and 10.5 sacks.  Donald, who has become a mentor of Twyman, was NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. In his second year at Pitt, Twyman finished his sophomore season with 47 tackles and 11 sacks and many NFL experts believe he is the best defensive player in the game.

The post Twyman returns home bringing Thanksgiving to residents of Ward 7 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Saadiq Bey was drafted with the 19th pick by the Detroit Pistrons. (Courtesy Photo)

By Mark Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Villanova Head Coach Jay Wright has made the trip two hours south to the DMV and has recruited enough talent to win the NCAA Men’s National Championship twice since 2016.  Both Wildcats teams featured players that would play in the NBA and a Largo, MD native has now joined the DMV’s NBA fraternity.

  The Detroit Pistons acquired Saddiq Bey, who started his high school career at the storied DeMatha Catholic program in Hyattsville before concluding at Sidwell Friends.   Bey was drafted as the 19th pick by the Detroit Pistons.  Many NBA analysts had him projected as a Top 10 selection, but without benefit of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, NBA Combine and individual team workouts, he didn’t have the chance to improve his draft status.

“I’m hoping he’s a steal for them,” Wright said following the draft. “He’s really good now and he’s ready, but he can really get a lot better. That’s a unique kind of guy.”

 When Bey entered DeMatha he was a 5-foot-8 point guard as a high school freshman.  By the time he graduated from Sidwell, he experienced a 10 inch growth spurt that saw him shoot to 6-foot-6 as a senior, while becoming a solid three-star prospect. As he enters the NBA, Bey has grown another two inches, standing at 6-foot-8 since arriving at Villanova as a three-star recruit in the fall of 2018 and immediately becoming a key contributor for the defending national champs.

As Bey grew into a player with the size to play near the basket, he kept his guard skills and became one of college basketball’s most versatile players last season. He led Villanova in scoring as a sophomore at 16.1 points a game and made just over 45 percent of his 3-point shots.  His advocates contend he is one of the most fundamentally sound rookies coming to the NBA because he can contribute offensively and defensively.   Bey is being projected as an above-average 3-point shooter with size and defensive versatility.  However, there were questions about his “average athleticism” by several pre-draft evaluations, but nobody questions his work ethic, basketball IQ, or commitment to the team. 

“I think Saddiq is a really unique combination of extremely high character, extremely high intelligence off the court – a 3.8 in our business school – and great basketball IQ,” Wright added. “Very mature – on the court and off the court.”

Bey’s route to Villanova was not a straight path.  He initially committed to the University of Miami because he wanted to play in the Atlantic Coast Conference.  That plan changed after he became apprehensive when the Hurricanes were implicated in an FBI and Department of Justice investigation into the illegal influence of bribes on NCAA coaches and player- allegations which were ultimately cleared. He also thought the better of playing at N.C. State because of a relationship with coach Kevin Keats, but settled in at the Big East school in Philadelphia.

The post Saddiq Bey joins DMV’s NBA fraternity appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Washington Football Team was lost to the Detroit Lions 27-30. (AP Photo)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Twice the Washington Football Team’s defense had chances to make a stand and both times they wilted as the offense found itself to give themselves a chance to win. Head coach Ron Rivera has built his reputation on winning with an elite NFL defense. 

Last Sunday it was Rivera’s defense that let the team down.  Scott Turner’s offense came of age with Alex Smith at the helm. It had previously made steady progress since Kyle Allen replaced Dwayne Haskins.  Haskins was given only four games, but helped them rally for an opening day win against the Philadelphia Eagles.

For as much attention as the quarterback saga gets the attention, D.C. Washington’s defense continues to be the culprit in what needs to be a culture changing season rather than a convoluted attempt at winning the worst division in pro football. In seven of their last nine games, Washington has trailed by double digits and the defense couldn’t make stops when the offense turned the ball over.  

 As the offense went through it’s growing pains early this season, there were times where the defense needed critical stops and couldn’t deliver.  In Detroit, however, it was the defense who took the field flat and uninspired as the Lions opened a 24-3 halftime lead.  After halftime, Smith caught fire against their cautious zone defense rallied Washington leading them on a 21-0 rally on a career day.

Almost two calendar years since his last NFL start, Smith had one of the best statistical performances of his career. It had been 728 days since a devastating near fatal knee injury that seemed to end his time in D.C., when Smith finished 38/55 390 yards with 0 TD nor INTs.  Washington’s pass offense finally pushed the downfield, with Terry McLaurin and Logan Thomas punishing the Lions secondary to spark the comeback, which looked as though it would send the game to overtime.  

Cam Sims made two clutch receptions to keep drives alive in the fourth quarter when it appeared they would force overtime after questionable pass interference penalties.  Even maligned kicker Dustin Hopkins kicked a 41-yard field to tie the score at 27 with :16 remaining.  Chase Young made a devastating rookie mistake with his late hit on Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford, after an incomplete pass, which was a big 15-yard penalty.  It set up Matt Prater’s 59-yard walk off game winning field goal, marking the seventh loss.

Rivera is still clinging to the notion that this team can win the NFC East. Mathematically it’s a possibility, but anyone who watches closely knows Washington is the worst team in the NFL’s worst division. If he’s the leader that the organization believes he is, Rivera needs to use these remaining six weeks as the preseason for next season, because if they were to win the division, it would only extend the season for a week since this team isn’t ready to compete for a Super Bowl.

The post Burgundy & Gold Breakdown: Rivera’s defense is the demise in Detroit appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Washington Football Team was defeated by the New York Giants, 23-20. (AP Photo)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

With a chance to remain viable in the race for the NFC East Championship and earn the playoff spot from the worst division in pro football, the Washington Football Team looked to solidify its place as a contender. Last weekend they avenged their loss to the visiting New York Giants. However, Washington was in a giving mood with five turnovers following a bye week and lost for the fifth consecutive time to the Giants 23-20 effectively concluding any reasonable hopes for the postseason.

Washington NFL is the only team in the division the Giants have beaten this year, which validates their place at the bottom of the division.  Perhaps the most troubling issue facing the team is despite a coaching change they continue beating themselves. Another slow start put Washington into a double digit hole, which has been the mark of Ron Rivera’s first season. Despite playing before a live, yet small, audience they were flat at the start and played without purpose or focus to open the game.

The Washington Football Team made two costly turnovers in the first quarter and couldn’t keep the Giants from scoring. Antonio Gibson fumbled after a 20-yard catch on Washington’s first offensive play that set up a 50-yard TD reception by Austin Mack. Isaiah Wright muffed a punt minutes later, leading to a Wayne Gallman 2-yard TD run. Rivera’s defense was ranked 4th in the NFL, but that doesn’t equate to wins. Immediately, down by 13 points, the hole was too deep although they managed to still be in position to win late in the fourth quarter.

Their weakness on offense remains, where it appears the franchise is back to finding it’s next starter to make them a contender through the NFL Draft. Both active quarterbacks played and once each looked to be finding a rhythm, yet catastrophic occurrences hit both leading to their demise.  Kyle Allen started and suffered another ankle injury leaving the game on a cart and after surgery figures to be lost for the rest of the season. Alex Smith was 24 of 32 for 325 yards with a TD. He connected with Terry McLaurin a 68-yard catch and run for a score, which was the team’s most explosive play of the year. His three interceptions, however, ultimately killed the team, including two on their final drives in the fourth quarter.

It wasted two epic performances by McLaurin and Cam Sims who combined for 10 catches for 225 yards as the offense was finally able to push the ball downfield. 

”We had a chance without those (last) two,” said Smith, who will start in Detroit with Allen out. ”The second one is the one that really hurts. I felt like we were rolling, really had them on the heels.” 

Now Dwayne Haskins is back in play as the backup to Smith, while Rivera tries to remain optimistic about their chances to win an awful division. He could be caught in a numbers game of his own, which has nothing to with stats down the stretch.  If Washington loses to the Lions on Sunday and Dallas on Thanksgiving, Rivera may be forced to play their first round pick simply to evaluate him further to make certain he’s the future of the franchise.  They’ve now lost all four games to Giants starter Daniel Jones, who was picked nine spots ahead of Haskins in 2019 when New York traded up to draft him.

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Howard Coach Howard Blakeney (right) said that while player Makur Maker (left) is already making a positive impact on the locker room, one player cannot change the trajectory of a whole team. (Courtesy Photo)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Howard University Basketball Coach Kenny Blakeney understands that the weight of expectation grows heavier in the face of reality. If there is a college basketball season, the Bison fans are expecting a massive improvement because of the transcendent talent they landed in prospect Makur Maker. Maker is projected to be an NBA Lottery Pick in 2021 and expected to dominate the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, giving them a chance to win a championship. 

Blakeney knows it will take more than one player to make up a team better when they lost 25 of 29 games last year.

“People fail to realize that we finished 4-29 last year,” Blakeney said during the MEAC virtual basketball media day.  “As great a player as is there is no way that one player alone will make up for 25 games.”

However, Maker has invigorated the basketball program and the university. Howard symbolically became “America’s HBCU” when Sen. Kamala Harris became former Vice President Joe Biden’s democratic running mate. He was the most prominent figure in searches for information on the university. Blakeney has used this time during the offseason to not only lay the foundation of the upcoming season on the court, but to help his players develop a greater awareness of how politics works.

The players have been active in voter registration efforts by working with the When We All Vote organization, which was founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama, actor Tom Hanks, NBA All-Star Chris Paul and Janelle Monet among others. Unlike last season, when Howard went to Barcelona, Spain to play in a series of exhibition games, this team bonded during a time of social unrest that played out in an area not far from their campus.

“It’s our civic and social duty to get students actively involved in the process,” Blakeney said.  

Maker’s presence on his teammates has already been felt during preseason workouts and practices. Blakeney has given the most highly touted recruit in the history of the program high marks for a “professionalism” about the way he has carried himself and the ethic he brings to their locker room has spread throughout the program already. He is the younger brother of Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker and the cousin of basketball player Matur Maker of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA G League. They are of Sudanese descent and learned the game in Australia while developing more in Canada and the United States. Watching their ascent to the professional ranks has apparently taught him lessons that he shares by words and actions that speak for themselves.

“He doesn’t say much, he leads more by example,” Blakeney said.  

Blakeney added that he has been reliant on his college coach and mentor Mike Krzyzewski for encouragement and guidance frequently as he looks to build the program. From a purely basketball standpoint he is developing a roster full of “positionless” players, which personifies the influence of foreign basketball on concepts in the USA. The second year coach built this year’s roster with versatile athletic players, who are tall enough to play in the post, but quick enough to play on the perimeter- similar to the skill set of players such as LeBron James.

The post DMV HBCU Report: Howard Coach Tempers Expectations appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) hugs Washington Football Team quarterback Kyle Allen (8) after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Kyle Allen couldn’t have picked a better time to play his best game for the Washington Football Team. Allen, who replaced Dwayne Haskins as starting quarterback, heads into the bye week with an even greater endorsement than one from his coach. After leading the team to a 25-3 win over the Dallas Cowboys to end a five-game losing streak, Allen has now won the locker room.

Allen was at his best on the worst day of weather this season and made Scott Turner’s offense look brilliant. Kyle Allen tossed two second-quarter touchdown passes and Antonio Gibson ran for a career-high 128 yards as the Washington Football Team won for just the second time in their last nine meetings against their most bitter rival in Landover. Allen finished the game 15 of 25 passing for 194 yards and two touchdowns.  Gibson ran for 120 yards and a TD that included a 40-yard scamper.

However, Allen pushed the ball downfield, which has been frustrating the coaching staff all season despite the cold, driving rains. After finding Terry McLaurin on a 52-yard touchdown pass with 9:54 left in the first half he then connected with tight end Logan Thomas for a 15-yard score with just over three minutes before halftime to 22-3.  Allen did the most damage to the Dallas psyche in the second quarter. Allen did the most damage to the Dallas psyche in the second quarter.

For the first time this season Washington’s offense had a rhythm and they were able to stretch the field.  Receiver McLaurin may have been Haskins college teammate at Ohio St. but has never looked to be in sync like he was with Allen.  McLaurin and tight end Logan Thomas exploited the historically inept Dallas defense that finally showed balance for the first time this season.  Washington’s first offensive series ended when they were stopped on fourth and goal from the two yard line, which proved to be the last meaningful play the Cowboys showed a semblance on that side of the ball.

Washington (2-5) fell in line as the latest team to destroy the beleaguered Cowboys. They bludgeoned Dallas offensively for 397 yards while the defense held the Cowboys to 142 while controlling the ball for more than 36 minutes.  If the game had been a boxing match, it would’ve been stopped somewhere in the middle of the third quarter.

The win now breathes new life into the NFC East division title hopes for a team that seemed on the verge of a mutiny two weeks ago.  There will be no controversy during the bye week, and they  host the N.Y. Giants at FedEx Field following the break. Allen’s last six quarters marked the most efficient offensive period of the entire season and with a bad division out there for the taking, Washington can legitimately start thinking they could finish as the best of the worst on their way to the NFL playoffs.

The post Washington Stops Dallas As Allen Becomes Their Leader appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera speaks with inside linebacker Jon Bostic (53) during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct.18, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 20-19. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Ron Rivera believes “It’s all about your messaging,” yet the message was mixed throughout their first six weeks.

“We don’t have the pieces, but we’re making progress.”

The goal for this season remains confusing. The first year head coach of the Washington Football Team admits the team is a work-in-progress and they are trying to create a new culture of winning. However, the chance to win the NFC East, arguably the worst division, remains viable, despite their 1-5 record.

“The division is sitting right there,” Rivera said during Monday’s zoom call with local media. “I think you go for it because it’s there.”

After last week’s loss to the winless New York Giants, who were playing without their best player, it may have become prudent to pump the brakes on the prospects for a special season.  Either the season is about changing the culture or winning a division.  This roster doesn’t have the ability to do both.

“It’s about the message and I think my message has been consistent,” Rivera said. “Our young players have to learn to work together and put themselves in a position to win.”

Rivera’s strength and calm during the offseason controversy that preceded his tenure created a sense that things were changing. However, the vacillating between transparency and reality are now obvious. Dwayne Haskins was expected to compete and win the starting QB job by performing well against a tougher schedule to open the season or he would be replaced. Apparently, the audition before his new coach wasn’t satisfactory and he’s been replaced by a player that was in the moving van with him.

Three of Haskins losses were to Arizona, Cleveland and Baltimore who have a combined record of 12-5.  Meanwhile Kyle Allen, who came with Rivera from Carolina, takes over during a much easier stretch of games. Allen started the loss to the Rams (4-2) before he was knocked out of the game. He followed with last weekend’s loss to the Giants (1-5) and face the (2-4) Cowboys this Sunday before the bye week, then a rematch with the Giants at FedEx Field. All winnable games, which could keep them in the division race.   

Haskins has basically been deactivated indefinitely and replaced by Allen, who did drive them on a late game that would have won the game had it not been for a Dustin Hopkins missed field goal in the first half.  Cosmetically, the game did look better than it did when the Baltimore Ravens took them behind the woodshed for a beatdown the week before.  Allen seemed to have better command of the offense; he was more efficient at running offensive coordinator Scott Turner’s system. 

However, it was his fumble that led to the Giants’ winning score.  No matter how good the performance was by Rivera’s standards, it still ended with a loss.  The Washington Football Team has still lost five consecutive games and his assistants haven’t put this young team in position to win.  Everyone, except Haskins, seems to be getting an extended learning curve since there wasn’t a conventional offseason while Rivera is using a plausible chance to win a bad division as the reason to potentially ruin a young quarterback’s chance to compete for the starting job anymore.

The post Rivera Sends Mixed Messages, Team Loses 5th Straight Game appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Tiffany Hoyd won an Emmy for her participation as one of three MLB Network’s Sports Emmy Award winning studio show teams. (Courtesy Photo)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Tiffany Hoyd arrived at Howard University in 2015 anything other than a baseball fan.  The southern California native wanted to be announcer and was also an analyst for many of the Bison football games that were mostly less than competitive.  However, she worked hard and never wavered from her passion to work in sports media.

Hoyd, a 2019 graduate, is now officially one of the “Hidden Figures” in baseball journalism.  She was part one of three MLB Network Sports Emmy Award winning studio show teams for 2020, which flew under the radar thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoyd earned her Emmy as an broadcast associate for the network’s signature news program’s production “MLB Tonight”.

“This truly is a blessing and I can’t say I saw it coming,” Hoyd told the
AFRO.  “I’m super blessed to have been there.”

MLB Tonight is a highlight driven studio program which is the 24-hour baseball network’s version of ESPN’s Sportscenter.  Hoyd was never really passionate about the sport and previously interned with the Los Angeles Rams in hopes of working within the National Football League upon graduation. However, her initial postgraduate opportunity came when she and the fledgling young network came together through her HBCU networking while at Howard.

Hoyd earned ESPN’s Rhoden Fellowship, named after Morgan State Graduate and former New York Times columnist Bill Rhoden, which gave her the chance to expand her circle of contacts in a sport where diversity has always been challenging and opportunities of color were virtually nonexistent. Major League Baseball’s history of prejudice, segregation, and sexism is as much a part of it’s legacy as tobacco juice and pine tar. The sport was segregated for nearly a half century on the field.  News agencies were traditionally reluctant to give women an opportunity to cover it’s games. 

“I must admit the network was truly committed to diversity,” Hoyd said.  “A lot of my peers were from HBCUs and there were a lot of people who looked like me among the younger generation behind the scenes in broadcast operations.”

However, before graduating, Hoyd met Hall of Fame baseball writer Claire Smith in a chance encounter at Howard.  Smith was the first Black female baseball beat writer when she started covering the New York Yankees for the Hartford Courant in 1983. She would later become a baseball writer and columnist for the New York Times, which was unheard of as late as the 1990s.

“Hats off to the ancestors,” Hoyd said.  “To sit across and listen to her stories and words of encouragement was amazing.  I will always remember her telling me to keep your head down and don’t look up and keep moving forward.

Hoyd has always been unassuming choosing to stay behind the scenes while matriculating at Howard.  She found her niche working in the sports information department led by its Hall of Famer former director Ed Hill.  With her Emmy in hand Hoyd is looking to break another ceiling in sports, though now on sabbatical while in law school at North Carolina Central University as she works towards becoming a sports executive in the future. 

“I don’t want to see it stop here,” Hoyd said.   “I’d like to see more people moving in the direction of executive producers and management to really become influencers.”

The post Hoyd Becomes A Hidden Figure Of Sports Journalism appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

With Dwayne Haskins out, and Kyle Allen injured, Alex Smith returned as quarterback after his injury in November 2018. (Courtesy Photo)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Making Dwayne Haskins inactive couldn’t mask the other deficiencies of the Washington Football Team last week at FedEx Field. Haskins wasn’t in the building after a week where coach Ron Rivera waffled between giving his starting quarterback a vote of confidence then demoting him to the third team, which caused a massive distraction.

The Los Angeles Rams, coached by two former burgundy and gold offensive assistant coaches, pushed all the right buttons and scored on their first three possessions before the storm clouds opened as they punished Washington in a 30-10 victory. This loss dropped them to 1-4 and exposed the ongoing ineptitude that is the offensive line compounded by questionable play calling.

Washington still can’t protect their quarterback as both Haskins’ heir apparent Kyle Allen and the returning Alex Smith were sacked eight times and routinely punished whenever they dropped back to pass. Allen was knocked out of the game running for his life in the second quarter leading to the first appearance by Smith in almost two years.  He was clearly more comfortable in Scott Turner’s offense and led them on a touchdown drive before his premature exit from the game.

“I thought Kyle handled himself pretty well,” Rivera said. “He took us down, we scored a touchdown, we moved the ball. He made some good decisions and it’s unfortunate he took the shot that he did. I would’ve loved to have seen him finish the game.”

Smith returned after suffering a compound fracture in his leg that resulted in a broken tibia and fibula on Nov. 18, 2018. The injury was thought to be career ending after it was infected with flesh-eating bacteria and needed 17 surgeries to repair. 

The driving rains made the second half offense negligible for both teams.  Smith finished 9/17 for 37 yards and was able to consistently take the punishment yielded by his offensive line.  He wasn’t the problem with the offense and finally gave Washington the chance to try and push the ball downfield with a deep passing game for the first time this year.

“This was very surreal,” Smith said.  “It was kind of nice in that situation not having to think about it. You just go out and do it.”

Rivera is changing the culture because the effort on defense continues even while their offense remains dazed and confused.  Washington’s defense shows flashes of toughness, but still gives up too many big plays.  Their blown coverages and trend of slow starts continued for the sixth consecutive game – dating back to last season – Washington trailed by at least 10 points, which was a hole that proved to be insurmountable once again.

Haskins’ days in Washington appeared numbered and the trade rumors started once last Sunday’s game ended and despite losing four straight games, Washington finds itself one game from first place with a chance to win four of their next five games. Between now and Thanksgiving, with two winnable games versus the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys, they could position themselves to make a run at the NFC East title in December.

Rivera apparently has settled on Smith as the team’s starter moving forward as they try to make a plausible run at the playoffs.

The post Haskins Out As Washington QB, Smith Returns From Injury appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Baltimore Ravens’ Marlon Humphrey (44) and Matt Judon (99) celebrate a fumble recovery against the Washington Football Team on Oct. 3. Next up, the Ravens will host its AFC North opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

By Demetrius Dillard
Special to the AFRO

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson achieved a historic milestone in Week 4 of the regular season. Winning 31-17 over the Washington Football Team on Oct. 4, he reached career marks of 5,000 yards passing and 2,000 yards rushing, quicker than any other player in NFL history.

As the third-year signal caller continues to distinguish himself as a transcendent dual-threat quarterback, he said he is more focused on making a postseason run than the accolades and accomplishments. 

“…I’m focused on trying to win a championship. We still have bigger fish to fry right now. Those types of things, I feel like I’ll cherish those later,” Jackson said when asked what breaking the record meant to him.

“Our offense did a pretty good job today, but not just the offense, all phases. I still feel like we have room for improvement.”

Despite throwing his first interception of the season, Jackson completed 14 of 21 passing for 193 yards and two touchdowns while tallying 53 rushing yards on seven carries for another touchdown to lead Baltimore (3-1) to a much-needed bounce-back win after a 34-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week.

In addition, running back Mark Ingram ran in for a touchdown on 34 yards rushing and tight end Mark Andrews caught three crucial passes, totaling 57 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

“Just a really big win. That’s really an important win,” Coach John Harbaugh expressed, also acknowledging how well Washington played.

“We ran the ball well, made some huge, very important conversions in the pass game, but that was kind of the key to the pass game right there,” Harbaugh added. 

After both clubs swapped three-and-outs and cornerback Marlon Humphrey forced a Washington fumble, the Ravens got on the scoreboard first. From the Washington 34, Jackson launched a 33-yard pass to Marquise Brown, which was followed by a one-yard scoring run by Ingram toward the end of the first quarter.

Both teams punted to close out the first and the Ravens led 7-0 entering the second and held the lead for the duration of the game.

Next, the Ravens will host AFC North opponent Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m.

Marlon Humphrey Signs Major Contract Extension

Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey has become the second-highest-paid cornerback in the NFL after the team signed him to a five-year, $98.75 million extension.

The team made the announcement Oct. 1, keeping the All-Pro fourth-year player in Baltimore through the 2026 season.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve really enjoyed this organization, this city, these fans, the people around me, and so it was really big for me to stay a Raven. So I was really excited to sign that extension,” Humphrey said in a press conference.

“For me, being the highest paid never really was a factor. The biggest thing for me was just staying a Raven,” Humphrey admitted. 

Thus far in his career, the 24-year-old has recorded 153 tackles, eight interceptions, five forced fumbles and 45 passes defensed, garnering recognition as one of the most promising young talents in the league.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats cited by ESPN, Humphrey has allowed the third-lowest completion percentage among defensive backs since entering the NFL in 2017.

The Hoover, Ala., native will reportedly receive $40 million guaranteed, believed to be the most lucrative deal for a Ravens defensive player in franchise history.

“He’s one of those players that he can play in any era,” Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale said. “How important I can’t express because of the type of person that he is and the player, for what he does for us.”

The post Jackson’s Historical Mark, Humphrey Lands Major Contract Extension appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Georgetown paid tribute to beloved coach John Thompson Jr., with a virtual memorial on Oct. 3.

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

The biggest basketball hall of famer of Georgetown University was remembered during a virtual memorial service on campus Oct. 3.

The service was non-traditional and hosted by his former broadcast partner and talk show host Rick “Doc” Walker. Thompson, who died on Aug. 30, was remembered for a life of coaching people hard with tough love and preparing them for life athletics, while becoming contributors to society.

“John always worked hard, never took breaks and expected the same from the people around him,” Walker said.

Thompson was praised as a coach, mentor and life changer by a host of prominent national figures and former players spanning generations. He was a towering figure who gained notoriety around the country through the expansion of cable TV into the days of social media including “Big John’s” presence as an ambassador to former President Barack Obama. 

“To know him is to respect him,” Obama said in a recorded presentation.  “He recognized how important it was to build talented basketball players into men.  We now see this through the examples during this new golden era of activism today.” 

Phil Knight, founder of the Nike shoe company, praised Thompson for  being a vital contributor to the success of it’s brand.  Knight made Thompson the first Black member of the company’s board in 1980 and the Georgetown merchandise became one of it’s most popular college brands. The former CEO remembered that initially the coach wasn’t “affable”  when they met, but his perspective on urban culture was invaluable to the overall growth and success of the company.  During a video the company produced to honor him that was scheduled to have been released this month to celebrate their 40-year relationship with Thompson, the former coach was remembered for “a soft quiet voice that echoed.”

“John proved to be a great board member,” Knight said. “He brought great insight on society in general to the company.”

However, it was his impact on the young people on and off the basketball floor he coached or counselled during and after his career that were what the hour-long ceremony proved to be about.  Thompson coached during a remarkable era, but impacted generations at Georgetown through mentorship of students that stretched beyond just men’s basketball players.  

“He used to watch everybody practice from that old chair in McDonough ,” said former women’s basketball player and current ACC Network broadcaster Monica McNutt.  “He literally gave me contacts and talked to people on my behalf who helped me catch my break.”

Coach Thompson was also remembered by his four Hall of Fame former players and several others who still seemed bewildered by his passing. To those who played for Thompson during the peak of his career, he was a second or surrogate father. 

“When I got the news that he’d passed it was like losing my second father,” said current Georgetown coach Patrick Ewing.  “I know he is somewhere in heaven right now cussing me out, but looking out for me at the same time.”

The post Georgetown Says Goodbye To John appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

While the Washington Football Team lost to the Baltimore Ravens, coach Ron Rivera remains confident and supported by his players as he battles cancer. (AP Photo)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Through one month of the Ron Rivera era in Washington the crisis of leadership within the professional football franchise is no more. In a sign of unity with their coach, who is fighting a battle with cancer, the players and coach took the field wearing “Rivera Strong” sweats– in a regional rivalry game where they were the prohibitive underdog.

Facing his fate with the aggressiveness of the 1986 Chicago Bears defense that he played on, Rivera has restored credibility in the locker room and on the sideline that hasn’t been there since Joe Gibbs retired for the second time, while fighting skin cancer. After a 1-3 start, the culture of toughness, which the organization has lacked, is now on firm ground, despite an offense that remains well behind them and was again the culprit to the team’s ultimate demise last weekend.

”I had my moments where I felt pretty strong,” Rivera said. ”Other times I waned a little bit. ”

Dwayne Haskins got the dreaded vote of confidence from head coach Ron Rivera immediately after the Washington Football Team’s demise in Cleveland. However, with the Baltimore Ravens lurking, Haskins was put on notice that he could’ve been replaced by Kyle Allen if he didn’t perform better, according to multiple reports before kickoff.

The problems for Washington were not Haskins in the 31-17 loss to the defending AFC East Division champions. While he didn’t play well enough to win the offensive doldrums facing the burgundy and gold as the learning curve continues for a quarterback who consistently proves to be a work in progress.

On a day where Haskins would’ve had to play a near flawless game for Washington to have any chance at winning, he was anything but; he finished 32/45 for 314 yards with a rushing touchdown and was sacked three times. While Haskins didn’t cost them any turnovers, his inaccuracy and decision making continue to be a major problem that lacks direction. 

The organization’s decision to release Adrian Peterson and rely on a trio of inexperienced running backs behind an offensive line that hasn’t produced the dividends they were expecting through the first month of the season, has only stunted his growth.

Statistically Haskins outplayed reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, who was a pedestrian 14/21 for 193 yards and a 51-yard touchdown run that was effectively the knockout blow late in the second quarter.  However, if Washington is to be successful as their prodigy grows potentially into a franchise changing quarterback, Haskins shouldn’t be in a position to pass that many times in an offense that he has only made four NFL starts in, without benefit of a full offseason to develop with his first time offensive coordinator Scott Turner.

“There were four games last year where I let Scott work as in Charlotte and took a hard look at those films during the offseason,” Rivera said.  “I’m starting to get a feel for what he’s trying to do and I like what I’m seeing so far.”

Haskins biggest mistake was taking a sack on first and goal in the third quarter after Kendall Fuller’s highlight reel caliber interception that gave Washington a chance to pull within a touchdown. After that gigantic miscue, they were never really in a position to win the game.

While Rivera struggles through the effects of chemotherapy, the team finds itself in the title chase by playing in the NFL’s worst division. There are signs he likes the way the defense is developing and they have given Washington a chance to stay in all four games this year.  With a favorable October schedule – including the Rams, Giants and Cowboys – by Nov. 1, they could be a legitimate playoff contender, which could change the complexion of the season moving forward.

“Special situations call for certain decisions,” Rivera said.

The post Washington Remains Confident Despite Ravens Loss appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

In this March 9, 1985, file photo, Georgetown NCAA college basketball head coach John Thompson poses with player Patrick Ewing after Georgetown defeated St. John’s in the Big East Championship in New York. John Thompson, the imposing Hall of Famer who turned Georgetown into a “Hoya Paranoia” powerhouse and became the first Black coach to lead a team to the NCAA men’s basketball championship, died Aug. 30 at 78. (AP Photo/File)

By Bobby Bancroft
The Associated Press

John Thompson was remembered as a coach but also as so much more during a virtual memorial held on Oct. 3 in conjunction with the Georgetown University and the Thompson Family through Facebook Live.

The 78-year-old Basketball Hall of Famer died on Aug. 30 and was fondly described by those that knew him best — former players, colleagues, and others in the local community — as a leader, mentor, and social activist.

Former President Barack Obama was one of the first speakers and he focused less on Thompson’s impact as Georgetown’s coach from 1972 to 1999 and more on his effect on life in general.

“What made coach Thompson special, what compelled us to celebrate his life today is what he did to build young men,” president Obama said before rattling off the names of all-time Hoyas greats Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, Alonzo Mourning and Allen Iverson. 

Obama spoke of the boycott Thompson took in 1989 against NCAA Proposition 42 after he felt it was biased against underprivileged students and also his meeting with local drug kingpin Rayful Edmond III that same year after it was believed that he was fraternizing with his players.

“He was brave then and it’s astonishing in hindsight. We haven’t banished injustice from our society, far from it. But we are living through a golden age of young Black activism. We’re living through a golden of activism on the basketball court too,” Obama said. “Coach Thompson didn’t like it when people called him a pioneer but there’s no doubt his example has echoed down the generations. There’s no doubt his imprint endures.” 

Thompson’s former players Ewing, Mutombo, and Mourning all spoke as well as coaching peers Jim Boeheim and Nolan Richardson and Nike co-founder Phil Knight.

Ewing, who was Thompson’s star player on the 1984 National Championship team and is now the current Hoyas coach, started out a theme of the afternoon which was the tough love shown by the 6-foot-10 coach who strolled the sidelines with his signature white towel over his shoulder for three decades.

“I felt like I’ve lost a father,” Ewing said. “I know he’s in heaven looking down on me cursing me out like he does from time to time but also with pride in the work we’re doing here.”

Knight said he knew Thompson in a variety of ways for over 50 years and wanted him early on to be the first African-American on his board of directors when Nike went public because he knew nobody would take him as a token.

“John proved to be a great member and he had a great insight,” said Knight. “He wasn’t just a basketball coach he contributed enormously to society in total.”

Thompson’s Hoyas would be one of Nike’s signature teams as he served on the board for 30 years.

In forming the Big East conference there is no doubt that Georgetown and Syracuse played vital roles as college athletics became more mainstream. Thompson’s biggest challenge came from Boeheim who had nothing but nice things to say.

“He always will be Big John,” Boeheim said. “I’m just proud I had the opportunity to compete against him for so many years.”

Despite retiring as a coach after 27 years, Thompson never left Georgetown and put in 48 years at the school.

Georgetown president John DeGioia described Thompson as one of the most influential figures in school history.

“He led us to a place where we might be better able to live up to our ideals,” DeGioia said. 

“He had a very different idea of what it meant to be a head men’s basketball coach. He demanded the best of us and brought out the best of us. He held us true. We were privileged to be at Georgetown at the same time that John Thompson was here. We are the university that we are today because of John Thompson.”

The post Basketball Hall of Famer John Thompson Remembered at Virtual Memorial appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Wisdom Martin, a Jackson State University alumnus, said the school hiring Deion Sanders can change the game for HBCU sports and culture if he’s successful. (Courtesy Photo)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Wisdom Martin, one of the longtime hosts of Fox 5 D.C.’s morning programming, is anything but apologetic about his HBCU experience at Jackson State University (JSU).  While he rarely wears any of his alma mater’s swag on air, he is a fervent supporter of the Southwestwern Athletic Conference (SWAC), which has become the premiere conference in Black College football.

However, once Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, who played with the Atlanta Falcons, the San Francisco 49ers, the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Football Team and the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in 2005, became the head coach at one of the great programs in college football, all objectivity was lost.  Martin is one of the thousands of JSU fans who feel that Sanders’ place on an HBCU sideline brings unprecedented enthusiasm and credibility back to a sports enterprise that was decimated by desegregation.

“Right now we are flying high on cloud nine,” Martin said on the SportsGroove 2.0 podcast. “The SWAC is winning and Jackson State is winning.  About the only thing that would make it better is if “Coach Prime” can bring us a championship in his first season. The SWAC is all that.”

Sanders officially became JSU’s new head coach on Sept. 21 – early into HBCU Week – and immediately became a trending topic on Twitter.  However, the former NFL Network analyst instantly energized a fan base and restored hope, while bringing credibility to an alumni  who takes finishing in second place as being the first loser.

“This guy is a hall of fame player with three championship rings,” Martin said. “When a coach like Deion can go into a recruit’s house and the athlete’s family recognizes him from his playing career or the kid remembers him from a reality show, that changes the game. As long those boosters and alumni groups stay out of the way and give him a chance to get his staff and system in place glory may be restored.”

The city of Jackson is the capital of Mississippi and is the only place in the state where the locals care more about the fate of their “Blue Tigers” more than they do Ole Miss or Mississippi. In a one team sports town, Jackson State is the top cat. Their games and the coach’s radio program air locally on the ESPN Radio affiliate and Sanders inherits a program whose legacy ranks with the elite programs in college football history and it may be the greatest in that state. Hall of Famers Lem Barney, Jackie Slater, Robert Brazile and the once all-time leading rusher in NFL history Walter Payton give the program it’s tradition. However, at a place where every season is filled with championship or bust expectations, Martin hopes that any success at JSU filters down through other HBCU programs.

“Everybody’s excited right now, but I hope there’s patience with Deion Sanders,” Martin added.  “I hope that he’s organized coming out the gate and we see some focus and discipline so the program shows signs of improvement.”

“This is a transitional moment for HBCUs. It is bigger than just what happens on the football field. If he is successful it may open the doors for other high profile former coaches to consider coaching at HBCUs. This is a great move to put us all in the spotlight.” 

The post Fox 5’s Martin Praises Alma Mater Jackson State For Hiring Sanders appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

While Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins takes blame for their 34-20 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Coach Ron Rivera said he will stand by Haskins despite the “lumps” that come with the young QB learning on the field. (Courtesy Photo)

By Mark Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

There is always a learning curve when a young quarterback is developing. Dwayne Haskins Jr. wasn’t up to the challenge of the Cleveland Browns last weekend and that missing link was key to their demise, which is not a comforting thought with the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson heading to FedEx Field this weekend.

Haskins was awful in his first trip to the Buckeye state since leaving Ohio State, where Washington mortgaged a significant part of its future to move up and select him with the no. 2 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. To this point, Haskins has been buffered by the unprofessionalism of former head coach Jay Gruden, who stunted his rookie year’s development through a reluctance to give him meaningful practice time with the first team. 

However, last Sunday there were no excuses for Haskins futility. He finished 21/37 for 224 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in their 34-20 loss to the Browns. Haskins was the defensive player of the game for Cleveland as his turnovers accounted directly for 17 points that were the difference in this loss. The three interceptions were the most since his first game as a starter versus the New York Giants last year.

Haskins completed two touchdown passes to Dontrelle Inman, but he had two unforced errors that were atrocious before halftime, which helped Cleveland open a 17-7 lead at the break. To his credit, Haskins never lost his composure and helped the team rally from both mistakes only to fumble and give the momentum back to the Browns, who spent most of the fourth quarter playing ball control and protecting the lead in the second half.

”My teammates did a great job trying to keep my head up knowing there were plays I wish I could have back,” Haskins said. ”I’m going to make sure I’m better and take the blame for what I did and get better from it.”

Washington rookie defensive end Chase Young led the terrorizing of Cleveland’s Baker Mayfield before a groin injury shut him down for good in the second quarter. Young started the game tied for the NFL lead with two-and-a-half  sacks and the Browns focused on slowing him down. He didn’t record a tackle before getting hurt, but his pressure led to sacks by Jonathan Allen and Ryan Kerrigan. 

The defense ultimately wore down in the fourth quarter after  trying to bail them out from the multitude of Haskins’ mistakes. If head coach Ron Rivera’s patience is being tested by the struggles of his young quarterback he’s not showing it. Rivera took his lumps with his former quarterback Cam Newton and vowed to remain committed to the same program he used during the growing pains of his early years with the Carolina Panthers.

“The only way we’re going to truly find out where Dwayne is and what he can do for us is to put him out on the field and get him exposed,” said Rivera.

“That’s what we did with Cam Newton. Look where he is today. Cam Newton was the league MVP because we trusted him, we took our lumps with him. I’m going to take my lumps with Dwayne right now. As long as he continues to do things that show you he can make things happen, I’m going to support the young man.”

Washington was able to stay close with the Browns because Cleveland doesn’t understand how to play winning football yet. Baltimore will be a different challenge altogether. Haskins must play better or the Ravens will run them off FedEX Field Sunday by halftime.

The post Rivera Stands By Haskins Despite Growing Pains In Cleveland appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Washington Football Team defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) talk during the Sept. 20 game in Glendale, Ariz., where the Washington Football Team lost 30-15. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri
)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

When DeAndre Hopkins was sent from the Houston Texans to the Arizona Cardinals it must have flown under the radar how it would affect week two for Washington. Hopkins, who is on the short list of candidates for best receiver in the NFL terrorized Washington as the burgundy and gold got a heat check in the desert.

Hopkins caught eight passes for 68 yards with one touchdown for the Cardinals 30-15 win.
”There was never a doubt in our mind that we’d start like this,” Hopkins said. ”The team in the locker room we have is a lot of veterans, a lot of good young guys. To be 2-0 is what we expected.”

 It was clear, however, that Washington’s commitment to making sure he wasn’t the electrifying force, which has made him an all pro, that kept him somewhat in check.   

Washington’s defense had no answers for Arizona’s Kyler Murray, who is morphing into the 2020 version of 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Murray finished the game with 286 yards passing and a touchdown, while rushing for 87 yards and another two scores. He took what the defense gave him than he did more as the Cardinals opened a 20-0 lead as the trend of slow starts continued for Washington.

”We played two teams today, them and ourselves. That’s the truth of the matter,”  said Washington coach Ron Rivera. ”We hurt ourselves in that first half. We get into third-and-long situations and give up big plays. We take the ball away and we give it right back. We force a punt, we fumble the football. We can’t do those things.”

In their personal battle of second year quarterbacks Murray proved to be light years ahead of Dwayne Haskins. Haskins, once again started slow and wasn’t able to rally the troops as he did against the Philadelphia Eagles a week earlier. He finished a respectable 19/33 for 223 yards with a touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin.

Haskins is playing without benefit of a true running game and when he tried to pass in the first half their offensive line buckled, leaving him to fend for himself. Washington’s inability to occupy the ball with a time consuming drive to give the defense a break before halftime, magnified with the installation of a new offense without a full training camp and offseason, makes the opening weeks of the regular season still preseason offensively.

”A new offense, a new scheme,” Haskins said. ”Basically, on offense the whole team is under 25. It is a work in process. The biggest thing is come to work every day with your lunch pail and try to get better.”

The Cardinals are a legitimate playoff contender and played with swag about themselves throughout the game.  Washington looked unsure early, while Arizona was confident and the outcome reflected the obvious.  These teams are polar opposites in the NFC.

This week Washington faces the Cleveland Browns in an early season litmus test for credibility.  The Browns may not be a championship contender, but this week is a chance for Washington to validate themselves as more than just a one-week wonder. 

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The Washington Football Team opened their NFL season victoriously on Sept. 13. Next up, they face the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 20 at 4:05 p.m., followed by the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

After the most unconventional off season in National Football League (NFL) history, the Washington Football Team opened their 2020 season with a big statement on the NFL’s first Sunday.

Washington defined its new culture by playing with poise from the start. They adjusted to the Philadelphia Eagles’ game plan and played physical defense to win a game that kept the franchise all-time mark from dipping below .500. 

Washington played with organized aggression on both sides of the ball. The team’s first year coach Ron Rivera established credibility in the locker room and the team played well under his direction. The result was a 27-17 thrashing of the Philadelphia Eagles after trailing 17-0 to open the game. 

Once they realized the Eagles’ injured offensive line couldn’t stand up to the pressure led by rookie Chase Young, Washington set a franchise record with eight sacks. 

Dwayne Haskins reportedly played with a confidence he never showed last year after Gruden’s reluctance to develop him because the former Ohio State star wasn’t the player he wanted to draft. Haskins finished an efficient 17/31 for 178 yards with a touchdown and most important no interceptions. He also took the reigns as the team’s unofficial leader in the locker room during a spirited rant at halftime.

“I’ve learned over the years that there’s opportunities in a game or in the locker room before the game to fire guys up,” said Haskins. ”I thought we were kind of in a lull. I was trying to find a way to motivate the guys and we found a way to come back in the second half and win.”

It was a perfect way for Rivera to open the season. Washington has a young and talented roster and seems to have finally found a leader above the chaos of ownership who has a grasp of his locker room and control on the sidelines.

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By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

After the most unconventional offseason in National Football League history, the Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Football team opened the 2020 schedule with different expectations. As dominant as the Ravens were in defeating the Cleveland Browns, it was Washington who made the biggest statement on the NFL’s first Sunday.

Baltimore’s culture is clearly defined and by the end of the first half it was evident that despite the Browns hype coming into Charm City, they weren’t ready to compete against the two time defending AFC North Division champs.  Washington defined its new culture by playing with poise from the start, adjusting to the Eagles game plan and playing physical defense to win a game- that kept the franchise all time mark from dipping below the .500 mark for the first time since 1975- en route to their first opening day win in seven years. 

Briefly, the Ravens again looked vulnerable to the Browns run game that gashed them early in the first half.  Then the 2019 NFL MVP arrived at M&T Bank Stadium and picked up where he left off.  Lamar Jackson finished 20/25 for 275 yards and 3TD and led Baltimore with 45 yards rushing.  He was routinely brilliant- completing passes to seven different receivers from various arm angles inside and outside the pocket.

”To me, he’s obviously the best player in the world, and his arm reflects that,” said tight end Mark Andrews, who caught the first of Jackson’s TD passes.”

 Unlike the soft ice cream that was the burgundy and gold under Jay Gruden and former coordinator Greg Manusky, Washington played with organized aggression on both sides of the ball. Washington’s first year coach Ron Rivera established credibility in the locker room and the team played in his image. The result was a 27-17 thrashing of the Philadelphia Eagles after trailing 17-0 to open the game. A former linebacker with the 1985 Chicago Bears – who the Ravens defense from 2001 has often been compared to – Rivera’s team played with a purpose and a physicality that hadn’t been seen in D.C. since the days of Charles Mann and Dexter Manley.  

Jack Del Rio – a former linebacker coach in Baltimore, who is now the defensive coordinator in the District – let them hunt starting in the second quarter after the Eagles took control of the game. Once they realized the Eagles injured offensive line couldn’t stand up to the pressure led by rookie Chase Young, Washington set a franchise record with eight sacks. 

Dwayne Haskins played with a confidence he never showed last year after Gruden’s reluctance to develop him because the former Ohio State star wasn’t the player he wanted to draft. Haskins finished an efficient 17/31 for 178 yards with a touchdown and most important no interceptions. He also took the reigns as the team’s unofficial leader in the locker room during a spirited rant at halftime.

“I’ve learned over the years that there’s opportunities in a game or in the locker room before the game to fire guys up,” said Haskins . ”I thought we were kind of in a lull.  I was trying to find a way to motivate the guys and we found a way to come back in the second half and win.”

It was a perfect way for Ravens coach John Harbaugh and Rivera to open the season.  They won rather impressively, but each team made enough opening day mistakes to keep their team’s attention during film sessions and during practice.  Baltimore is one of the top three teams in the AFC, but still has to improve the run defense to win a championship. Washington has a young and talented roster and seems finally to have found a leader above the chaos of ownership who has a grasp of his locker room and control on the sidelines.

The post Impressive Wins By Ravens and Washington To Open NFL Season appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Baltimore Ravens and Washington Football Team are relying on young, Black quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Dwayne Haskins Jr. to carry their teams through a successful season. (Courtesy of AP News)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer

Black quarterbacks matter this season if the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Football Team are to take the next steps forward. The Ravens have a generational talent who needs a playoff game win to validate his 2019 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Meanwhile, Washington takes the bubble wrap off their number two draft pick from 2019 in hopes he can resurrect the franchise.

Baltimore has built its franchise around Lamar Jackson, making the Ravens one of the most attractive teams throughout the league. Jackson and the Ravens are on national television five times in 16 weeks and his 94 Madden 21 video game status means he is as big to the NFL’s brand as he is to their championship hopes.

Jackson would be the face of the NFL right now if it were not for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who led the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl win in 50 years last February. The virtuoso’s regular season only personified how his athleticism is a blessing and a curse. He completed more than 60 percent of his passes for 3,127 yards in 2019 with 36 touchdowns, but that was dwarfed by his 1,207 yards rushing, the most in NFL history for a quarterback.

His critics remain convinced that the Ravens will be a better team when he learns to play from the pocket. The convoluted argument that he runs too much to be a championship quarterback continues despite the league’s penchant for drafting field generals who are built to extend plays with their legs as defenses get faster all over the field.

But this is a “show me” season for Jackson. There is undeniable proof that he brings eyeballs to the TV, he can win regular season games and is the face of the Baltimore franchise. However, this was the case with Joe Flacco, delivering in January is what will define him moving forward.  Another transcendent individual season without a playoff victory will create a chorus of doubts regarding his ability to win a championship ringing from local sports talk to national TV.

Washington’s fate is tied to Dwayne Haskins, who was named the starter at the most important position in the District. His development was stunted last year because the deposed former coach, Jay Gruden, never gave him a fair shot. Haskins is not the dynamic playmaker that Jackson is, but Baltimore’s quarterback is not the pure passer that he is either.  

Haskins gets to play with house money this year. First year Head Coach Ron Rivera gave him the starter’s job and he’s tied to the new offensive coordinator Scott Turner. Without the benefit of a conventional offseason because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Haskins has built in reasons to justify wherever he falls short.  

Few NFL analysts doubt Haskins ability to make every pass he needs to, but there are questions about his supporting cast. There is no clearly defined number one receiver and Washington is hoping for a receiving tight end to emerge as their security blanket in the passing game. Washington cut both starting running backs who opened the 2019 season and will rely on a rookie, Antonio Gibson, and second year prospect Bryce Love, who was a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2018 before a knee injury ended his career, to carry that load.

Then there’s the ongoing controversy surrounding the team’s owner Daniel M. Snyder, who has been the monarch of a franchise which has disintegrated from being one of the NFL’s elite organizations to one that has become a civic embarrassment. The team is under investigation for sexual harassment with a simmering debate whether Snyder should sell or whether the NFL should strip the franchise from him despite hiring the first Black president in league history. 

As NFL kickoff 2020 begins, the long term fate of the Baltimore and Washington franchises are directly tied to the success of two young, gifted and Black quarterbacks. Jackson has proven he is a winner and a leader, while Haskins looks to prove he is ready to lead. 

The post Black Quarterbacks Matter to Baltimore and Washington appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Although they lost 10 of their first 14 games of the season, players from the Washington Mystics, such as Ariel Atkins, are using their platforms to advocate for justice reform. (AP Photo)

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Things haven’t worked out for the WNBA champion Washington Mystics in defense of their championship. However, despite their place in the league’s standings, they remain some of the leading voices among athletes who are making social statements from inside the pro-basketball bubble.

Among the resounding images from the demonstrations following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis., was the Mystics fashion statement.  The white t-shirts with black letters spelling out his name – featuring seven red spots signifying the number of shots into Blake’s back – made national headlines as they knelt before the American national anthem then left the floor and joined with the NBA players boycott of their playoff game.

Both league’s suspended play for three days as the solidarity of their movement drew national attention during the Republican National Convention (RNC). The Mystics stood out among the rest of their league speaking with a compelling voice echoing the sentiments of their NBA counterparts.

“We wanted everybody to feel like they were supported,” said Ariel Atkins, who plays guard for the Mystics and spoke on behalf of the team. “Understanding that this isn’t just about basketball. We aren’t just basketball players and just because we are basketball players, doesn’t mean that’s our only platform. We need to understand that when most of us go home, we still are Black, in the sense that our families matter.”

The Mystics are not the same team on the floor that they were at the end of last season.  COVID-19 and the fight for social justice has dramatically impacted their chances to defend their champion.  Their roster was truncated when the WNBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player Elena Delle Donne wasn’t given a medical exemption because of the effects of Lyme disease on her immune system.  Natasha Cloud and  LaToya Sanders, who were starters on the 2019 WNBA championship, chose to sit out this season to focus on social justice reforms. Cloud had already established herself as one the basketball’s loudest voices for change by speaking out against gun violence in the community surrounding the team’s home arena.

“I have a responsibility to myself, to my community and to my future children to fight for something that is much bigger than myself and the game of basketball,” Cloud said. “I will instead continue the fight for social reform, because until Black lives matter, all lives can’t matter.”

Washington remains on the outside of the WNBA playoffs after losing 10 of their first 14 games to start the season. However, they began the final weeks of the regular season just two games behind the Dallas Lynx for the last spot in the postseason.

After a brief shutdown both the NBA and WNBA announced a collaborative effort to influence a potential voter suppression effort around the country. Following the abrupt halt to play that gained worldwide attention, both leagues participated in discussions with their league’s and their ownership.  Their initial results culminated with all 32 of the NBA’s venues – such as Capital One Arena where the Washington Wizards play – now scheduled to be used as a polling place for the Nov. 3 general election.

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By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

The towering figure that stood large among the great leaders from Georgetown University has passed away.  John Thompson, Jr., the first  Black coach to win a national collegiate sports championship, died Aug. 30.  He was 78.

Thompson became Georgetown’s head coach in 1972 and built the program into a national power. He led the Hoyas to three NCAA Final Fours in a four year span.  Within 10 years “Big John,” as he was known to those who were close to him, led them from obscurity to within a Michael Jordan jump shot of winning the 1982 NCAA championship in what is remembered as one of the great games in college basketball history.

Celebrated former Georgetown University basketball coach, John Thompson, Jr., died on Aug. 30, at the age of 78. (Courtesy Photo)

“We know how great he was at X’s and O’s on the sideline, but Big John knew the world,” said syndicated talk show host and former team manager from 1986-1988 Mark Thompson.  “He was there for all of us who were a part of the program as a father figure and prepared us to navigate the world as Black men.”

“He literally saved my life several times when I didn’t even know I was in trouble.”

Two years later, led by current Georgetown coach Patrick Ewing, Thompson, became the first Black coach to win an NCAA championship when he guided the team to the 1984 title.  The Hoyas beat the University of Houston Cougars 84-75 and Thompson made history on the floor of the since demolished Kingdome.

Thompson grew up in the Anacostia projects of Southeast D.C while playing high school basketball at Archbishop Carroll. He was a student athlete at Providence College, then drafted by the NBA’s Boston Celtics. There he played two seasons and won championships playing behind Hall of Fame center Bill Russell.  For six years, he led St. Anthony High School’s basketball team and built a program that won 122 of the 150 games he coached, which served as the apprenticeship for the Georgetown job.

In 27 years, Thompson’s Hoyas went 596–239 and made 20 appearances in the NCAA tournament including a 14-year streak from 1979–1992.  His list of NBA stars include Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Eric “Sleepy” Floyd, Reggie Williams, Othella Harrington, Dikembe Mutombo and Allen Iverson.

Away from the court, Thompson used college basketball as a way to reform lives.  He fought to help bring urban kids into the college environment, serving as a father figure and a life coach.  The result was 74 of the 77 players who remained in the program for all four years received their bachelor’s degree, according to ESPN.

When the NCAA introduced Proposition 48 legislation in 1987, Thompson became an outspoken opponent of a college entrance requirement for student-athletes that was deemed culturally biased. The debate was centered around rules that forced recruits to score a minimum 700 out of a possible 1,600 points on the SAT, or 15 out of 36 on the ACT, while maintaining at least a 2.0 high school grade-point average in 11 mandatory courses to be eligible to compete as incoming freshmen.

According to a New York Times report in 1988, the average S.A.T. score nationally for all students was 906. The average score for Blacks was 728, proving that standardized tests, such as those used under Proposition 48, are culturally biased.

Before Georgetown’s home game against Boston College in 1989, Thompson walked off the Capital Centre court and didn’t coach in protest of the NCAA rule.

Thompson shocked the basketball world by resigning just 13 games into the 1999 season, retired to deal with a divorce and became one of D.C.’s most popular sports talk show hosts and was a college basketball analyst for Westwood Radio Networks.

The post Georgetown Legendary Coach John Thompson Dies At 78 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Demetrius Dillard
Special to the AFRO

What began as an NBA triple-header turned into a nationwide movement in sports due to ongoing racial injustice at the hands of law enforcement.

What led to the sweeping wave of solidarity between hundreds of athletes over the past few days was the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man residing in Kenosha, Wis.

Groundskeepers work on the field as the scoreboard at Oracle Park reads Black Lives Matter at scheduled game time after a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants was postponed on Aug. 26., in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

According to attorney Benjamin Crump, the 29-year-old was breaking up a physical altercation that resulted in Kenosha police being called for a domestic incident. As Blake walked back to his car, where his three children were, police shot him in the back seven times as he opened his car door.

The incident, which occurred on the evening of Aug. 23, sparked social unrest in the state of Wisconsin.

The NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks were the first team to boycott their scheduled first-round playoff game against the Orlando Magic on Aug. 26. The organization released a statement calling the footage of Blake’s shooting “horrendous,” and demanding the Wisconsin State Legislature to apply meaningful measures to address matters of police accountability, brutality and criminal justice reform.

“Despite the overwhelming plea for change, there has been no action, so our focus today cannot be on basketball,” the team statement went on to say “When we take the court and represent Milwaukee and Wisconsin, we are expected to play at a high level, give maximum effort and hold each other accountable. We hold ourselves to that standard, and in this moment, we are demanding the same from our lawmakers and law enforcement.”

Milwaukee Bucks signage is displayed on screens beside an empty court before the scheduled start of an NBA basketball first round playoff game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)

In addition to postponing the game between the Bucks and the Magic, scheduled playoffs matchups between the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trailblazers, and the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder were held off as players and coaches throughout the NBA stood in solidarity with the Bucks. 

Likewise, games slated on Aug. 27 between the LA Clippers and Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz, and Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors were postponed.

“If you watch the video, there was multiple moments where if they (police) wanted to, they could have tackled him (Blake), they could have grabbed him… why does it always have to get to a point where we see the guns firing?,” Lakers forward LeBron James said in a recent interview.

“I know people get tired of hearing me say it but we are scared as Black people in America. Black men, Black women, Black kids – we are terrified.”

The decision by NBA players to put their playoff schedule on hold prompted athletes from other professional sports leagues, including the WNBA, MLB and MLS to opt out of competition. Tennis star Naomi Osaka also announced she would not compete in her semifinal match at the Cincinnati Open on Aug. 27 in protest of the Blake shooting.

The Washington Mystics of the WNBA had the words “JACOB BLAKE” written in all caps on white t-shirts that they wore with illustrations of seven bullet holes on their backs, standing in unity with their NBA counterparts.

Real Salt Lake and Los Angeles FC players gather for a group photo in Sandy, Utah. Major League Soccer players boycotted five games on Aug. 26 night in a collective statement against racial injustice. The players’ action came after all three NBA playoff games were called off in a protest over the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin on Aug. 23. (Yukai Peng/The Deseret News via AP)

“This isn’t just about basketball. We aren’t just basketball players, and just because we are basketball players doesn’t mean that’s our only platform,” said Ariel Atkins, a guard for the Mystics. “If we do this unified as a league, it looks different because this league is close to, if not over, 80 percent Black women.”

Doc Rivers, head coach of the Clippers, became emotional in addressing the racial tension and atrocities that Black people have faced for centuries. “It’s amazing why we keep loving this country, and this country does not love us back,” he said. “We’re the ones having to talk to every Black child. What White father has to give his son a talk about being careful if you get pulled over?”

According to a statement by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, league executives, players and coaches had a productive discussion on Aug. 27 “regarding next steps to further our collective efforts and actions in support of social justice and racial equality.”

How the NBA will move forward as it relates to the timing of games is still being mapped out, but the 13 teams remaining in the Orlando bubble will hold practices Aug. 28 and are expected to resume playoff competition this weekend.

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By DAVID BRANDT, AP Sports Writer

In a typically awkward way, Major League Baseball has been pulled into America’s discussion about racial injustice.

Some teams are playing. Some aren’t. Two teams walked off the field after the national anthem.

But across the sport, one theme became clear: Baseball shouldn’t avoid potentially difficult conversations and decisions regarding social issues. Though the process may be imperfect, there was agreement that coaches, players and teams should speak their mind.

“This is at the forefront now,” said Oakland infielder Tony Kemp, who is Black. “By sitting out tonight’s game, I feel like it’s just a small building block of what we want to see. These couple days are historic times in sports. One day our kids are going to look back and ask us what was going on and what did we do to help bring awareness to these issues in the world and we’re going to say, ‘One game we just decided not to play.’”

New York Mets third baseman J.D. Davis, left, and left fielder Dominic Smith, right, walk off the field with teammates as they and the Miami Marlins protest at the start of their baseball game, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, in New York. The teams jointly walked off the field after a moment of silence, draping a Black Lives Matter T-shirt across home plate as they chose not to start their scheduled game Thursday night. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Oakland’s game at Texas was among seven that were postponed by Thursday evening, along with Philadelphia at Washington, Baltimore at Tampa Bay, Minnesota at Detroit, Colorado at Arizona and Boston at the Blue Jays in Buffalo, New York. Some games were played as scheduled.

The New York Mets and Miami Marlins jointly walked off the field after a moment of silence, draping a Black Lives Matter T-shirt across home plate as they chose not to start their scheduled game Thursday night.

The national anthem was played and all players and coaches stood.

Mets outfielder Dominic Smith — a Black man who wept Wednesday night while discussing the shooting by police of a Black man in Wisconsin over the weekend — then led New York onto the field. Players took their positions, then reserves and coaches filed out of both dugouts and stood silently for 42 seconds. The game was then postponed.

Without much apparent guidance from MLB, teams were left to make decisions for themselves. Some games were officially postponed a few hours before the scheduled start time. Others, like Colorado-Arizona, appeared to be on schedule until a few minutes before first pitch.

St. Louis Cardinals ace Jack Flaherty was frustrated there wasn’t a more unified response. Baseball has sometimes lagged behind its pro sports counterparts in addressing social issues.

“It’s tough because yesterday would have been the day for league-wide action, and it wasn’t able to happen league-wide yesterday,” Flaherty said. “Hopefully it could happen today, but it doesn’t seem like it’s going to be able to happen today.”

The decisions not to play Thursday night came a day after three MLB games were postponed in response to the shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake.

The Phillies met Thursday about 5½ hours ahead of the scheduled start of the game at Nationals Park. After 30 to 40 minutes of discussion, the players decided to not play.

Phillies manager Joe Girardi passed that along in a phone call to Nationals counterpart Dave Martinez, who said the Nationals would join their opponents in sitting out.

“We’re in this together — this fight for equality and social justice,” Girardi said. “In this world, I’ve always believed, there’s two things you can’t live without. It has nothing to do with food and water. It’s love and hope. And I don’t think we’re doing a good job in our country giving that to everyone and I think that needs to be the focus here.”

A statement from The Players Alliance, which consists of more than 100 current and former Black players, said current players will donate their salaries from Thursday and Friday in “supporting our efforts to combat racial inequality and aid the Black families and communities deeply affected in the wake of recent events.”

Baseball has dealt with a slow decline in the number of Black players for decades. In recent seasons, the percentage of Black players has hovered around 8%. For a sport that proudly recognizes Jackie Robinson — who broke MLB’s color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers — the decline has been frustrating for some.

Baseball will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day on Friday. It’s normally on April 15 but was moved because of the COVID-19-altered schedule to Aug. 28, which is the anniversary of the March on Washington in 1963 and also the day in 1945 when Dodgers GM Branch Rickey met with Robinson to discuss breaking the color barrier.

“I think he would be amazed at the lack of progress in his eyes,” said Milwaukee’s Lorenzo Cain, a Black man. “I don’t know personally what he went through but I know the stories. I know for a fact it wasn’t easy for him to be in the situation he was in. He paved the way for guys like me to go out and play this game and be in this position today. I’ll always thank him for that.

“The fact we’re talking about this in 2020, I don’t see the progress in that. It’s almost like we’re going backwards.”

The three games postponed Wednesday — the Cincinnati Reds and Brewers in Milwaukee, Seattle Mariners and Padres in San Diego and the Los Angeles Dodgers and Giants in San Francisco — were being made up as part of doubleheaders Thursday.

Those baseball postponements came after the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks didn’t come out on the floor for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. NBA officials later announced that all three of the day’s scheduled playoff games had been postponed, and games scheduled Thursday also weren’t played.

MLS and WNBA games have also been postponed.

___

AP Baseball Writers Janie McCauley and Stephen Hawkins, and AP Sports Writers Jay Cohen, Jake Seiner, Dave Campbell, John Marshall, Howard Fendrich, Steve Megargee and AP freelance writer Jerry Beach contributed to this report.

___

More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Through the chaos that hopes to restore credibility of this era of transition, the Washington Football Team continues its reform.  

First, they added a woman to the front by naming former NBC Sports Washington anchor Julie Donaldson as their new vice president of media relations, making her the first woman to hold the position in the NFL. However, when they made history last week by naming Jason Wright the team president, the organization finally came full circle.  

Washington made Wright, a former NFL running back who played eight years before morphing into a successful businessman, the league’s first African American to hold the position as Daniel M. Snyder tries to save his ownership of the franchise.

The Washington Football Team named Jason Wright president, becoming the first Black team president in the organization and NFL. (Courtesy Photo)

The last team to integrate on the field is the first to give the power of final say on business decisions to a Black executive as the franchise charts a new direction. Despite this being his first chance to run an NFL organization, there seems to be nothing wrong with his pedigree. He played football at Northwestern University and then professionally for the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals. Now the team has a minority tag team, with head coach Ron Rivera, at the top of the organization’s infrastructure during heightened times of racial sensitivity around the country.  

“There are other reasons it’s historic, but that’s a byproduct of me being the right and qualified candidate at this time,” Wright told ESPN. “All of that is just icing on the cake.”

Wright, 38, is a part of the new generation of front office executives that relies heavily on analytics with a feel for the game and millennial brilliance tempered by no fear. He inherits a franchise that has gone from being one of the premiere NFL franchises on and off the field into a carnival sideshow. It was cursed by his predecessor Bruce Allen’s timeless remark, “We’re winning everywhere but on the field.”

However, there will be no confusion in the apparent remake of the team’s front office. Wright has stated that he is comfortable focusing strictly on the business side of the organization and will leave all the on-field football decisions to Rivera. That reflects a sense of professional maturity that is wise beyond his years and was apparently a key selling point for Snyder.

“If I could custom design a leader for this important time in our history, it would be Jason,” Snyder said in the team’s statement. “His experience as a former player, coupled with his business acumen, gives him a perspective that is unrivaled in the league. We will not rest until we are a championship caliber team, on and off the field.”

Wright, previously had been working as a partner in the D.C. office of McKinsey & Company, a global strategy and management consulting firm. His responsibilities included focusing on helping executive-level managers to become engaged in environmental matters. He also helped McKinsey’s anti-racism and inclusion strategy while helping develop the company’s  Black Economic Forum.

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With the Washington Football Team, he will oversee a new team name with several reports showing he was enthused by the name Redwolves.  Wright will also play a huge role in finding a new home for the team’s stadium in D.C., Maryland or Virginia when the lease at FedEx Field expires in 2027. Before all of that he’ll face the post COVID-19 NFL and how the game is played and watched on and off the field.

“It’s a pivot from what’s been around in the past to a culture that’s being inclusive, that’s transparent, where people are able to thrive on and off the field,” Wright said.  “The NFL, for better or worse, is at the center of so much important dialogue around the role of sport the players finding their voice about the things they care about. It signals a shift, it’s a very exciting thing.”

The post Washington Football Team’s First Black President appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

After his conference postponed its fall sports schedule – including football until next spring – University of Maryland (UMD) head coach Mike Locksley quickly filled the free time on his hands. The first African American full-time head football coach in UMD history launched the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches (NCMFC) on August 13.

Locksley formed the NCMFC as an effort to increase opportunities for Black coaches to advance into head coach and lucrative coordinator jobs in professional and college football.  His non-profit organization hopes to “remove roadblocks, increase awareness and spur action toward fair and equitable hiring at all levels of football,” according to his announcement.

UMD head football coach Mike Locksley announced that he started the National Coalition for Minority Football Coaches (NCMFC) on August 13. (Courtesy Photo)

Despite Locksley’s personal success, he remains vigilant in trying to increase opportunities for the next generation of minority coaches to get their shot at leading programs. His career has been marked by overcoming challenges to develop his professional resume, which includes head coaching jobs at the University of New Mexico before replacing Randy Edsall as the interim coach in 2015 when he was fired in College Park.  

“When I took the Maryland job last year and looked at the landscape of college football, I thought to myself, there’s something missing. I’m on the back nine of my career and the pathway to becoming a head coach is still as difficult as when I got into the business in 1992,” said Locksley. “I wanted to create an organization that would be able to help prepare, promote and produce the next group of coaches coming up through the ranks at every level.” 

Traditionally, many excuses have prohibited Black and other minority coaches from reaching the peak of the profession. For decades, minorities have found it difficult to crack the inner circles of becoming elite candidates before college athletic directors and NFL front office executives to offset nepotism, which has seen their White counterparts given multiple chances after previously underachieving tenures. NCMFC plans to develop a list of coaching candidates who deserve the chance to interview for vacant jobs.

“All we want is a chance to succeed or fail- based on the merits and our God-given abilities,” Locksley said. “Many of us are denied that chance despite our qualifications.”

Locksley hopes the NCMFC education and professional development will improve their coaching acumen, while increasing their visibility before decision makers.  The coalition’s networking opportunities are designed to refine, develop and promote those coaches who are ready to become candidates for future jobs by preparing for an often skewed interview process.

“I worked hard to create opportunities in my career, sometimes with assistance from others, but more often through my own perseverance. I have learned many things,” Locksley said. “I have benefited from those who have gone before me so I feel a sense of obligation to help others.”

The NCFMC Board of Directors features a group of legendary figures in professional and college football.  Former Baltimore Ravens vice president Ozzie Newsome and Super Bowl winning quarterback Doug Williams are joined by Locksley’s former boss Nick Saban along with Hall of Fame executive Bill Polian.

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By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Howard University Director of Athletics Kery Davis is no stranger to being a game changer in the world of sports.  The former HBO TV executive – who made his mark by building their pay-per-view boxing empire – will spend the next three years as a member of the NCAA’s Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee.

According to the NCAA website, the committee will enhance the development and public perception of the sport and make recommendations related to regular-season and postseason men’s basketball. The committee will also prioritize enhancement of the student-athlete educational experience (academically and athletically), and in doing so, promote student-athletes’ personal growth and leadership development.

Howard University Director of Athletic Kery Davis was named a member of the NCAA’s Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee. (Courtesy Photo)

However, the Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee faces one of the most important times since its inception after the 2020 NCAA Basketball Tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 It will also face new challenges to govern the sport.   Major reforms seem to be forthcoming as new policies surrounding players being compensated and retaining control of their likeness figure to be crucial during Davis’ tenure on the committee. Another hurdle facing the committee will be whether to end the “one and done” rule where basketball players can enter the NBA after playing only one season in college. 

 Davis has seen Howard’s brand and national visibility grow since he became athletic director in 2015.  When he hired Mike London from the University of Maryland as football coach and they beat UNLV – in what was the biggest upset in college football history – the entire program was back on the map.  

 He was also the architect of the restoration of the golf program, with the help and philanthropy from NBA all-star and three-time world champion Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors.  The program is expected to tee off next spring with their home being the historic Langston Golf, which was the first course where Blacks could play golf in the District of Columbia.  Curry is believed to have contributed $6 million to the program to sustain it for the first few years.

Davis has been aggressive about using the media to take Howard into the homes of potential student-athletes, while exposing their events to an international audience.  ESPN put the Howard soccer legacy in focus through the documentary “Redemption Song” and former basketball star James Daniel was the subject of a season-long viral program that followed him on the network’s urban contemporary web based platform “The Undefeated.”

The Dartmouth graduate has also been aggressively positioning the  basketball program as a destination for elite talent by scheduling overseas visits to play against teams in Barcelona, Spain.  Davis has also aggressively scheduled Ivy League powers Harvard and Yale to play at Burr Gymnasium on campus over the last two years.  If basketball is played this coming school year, Notre Dame is scheduled to come to Northwest D.C. for a non-conference game.

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By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

There will be no HBCU sports during the fall of 2020 in the DMV.

Once the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) made the official announcement to cancel their sports, Howard University and Morgan State joined Bowie State on the sidelines thanks to the ongoing struggles HBCUs are facing while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Now three of the four Black College conferences have chosen to forgo athletics this year.

This was just another in a series of blows affecting the MEAC, who was planning to celebrate it’s 50th anniversary with the kickoff of the college football season.  Now their season has been sacked as the conference makes plans for a new era without four significant programs to begin during the 2021-2022 season.  However, the conference is exploring the possibility of playing its fall sports schedule during the spring of 2021.

As members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)

“The health and safety of our student-athletes continue to be our number one priority,” said Howard University President and Chair of MEAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick in the official MEAC announcement. “We have made the decision to suspend all sports competitions after careful review of the current conditions and consideration of the potential exposure that regular travel to competitions may cause and ongoing extensive physical contact.”

However, when the MEAC returns to full competition it remains to be seen whether it would still be a sanctioned NCAA Division I conference.  If another football playing institution decides to leave it would no longer comply with the association’s bylaws forcing them into competing at the Division II level. Howard and Morgan have been linked to conversations with the Patriot League and the Northeastern Conference (NEC) respectively as each of the six remaining football schools continue exploring the prospects of playing in another FCS conference in their region.

“There’s no doubt, the MEAC is at a crossroad,” longtime Morgan Stste broadcaster Lamont Germany told the AFRO.  “They’ve got to get the number of schools up to stay compliant with the but nobody knows where the other schools would come from unless it’s a Division I or II P.W.I. (predominantly white institution) who can afford to move up or is looking to move to a closer geographic conference to their footprint.”

Morgan will lose a $450,000 payday after the cancellation of their game against B1G opponent Northwestern which was scheduled for November 14.  The B1G conference – where the University of Maryland is a member – has decided it would play a conference only schedule if there is a season meaning that Morgan was going to be on the outside looking in.

Over the last 18 months the MEAC has lost four of its signature football programs to other conferences.  After Hampton departed to compete in the Big South, North Carolina A&T followed and this was to be their final year.  Meanwhile, Florida A&M and Bethune Cookman recently announced they would be leaving the MEAC to compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) starting with the 2021-2022 season as well. 

“Part of our responsibility is to ensure the mental and physical health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff,” said MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis Thomas in his statement.  “It is imperative that everyone recognize that is our first and foremost responsibility.” 

By taking their passionate southern football fan bases to the nation’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) leader in attendance for nearly three decades – the SWAC has become the HBCU’s power conference already boasting traditional powers such Grambling, Southern, and Jackson State.

The post D.M.V. HBCU Report: Howard and Morgan Sidelined As MEAC Cancels Fall Sports Season appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Micha Green
AFRO D.C. Editor
mgreen@afro.com

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the schedules of Maryland HBCU football programs who will not play big money games or an entire conference schedule.  Bowie State University (BSU) will not take the field as the CIAA cancelled it’s entire sports schedule for 2020. Meanwhile, Morgan State is projected to lose $450,000 because of the B1G Conference’s decision to play a conference only schedule meaning the Bears won’t face Northwestern University this November.  

A rise in COVID-19 cases has led to a pause in schools’ reopening plans in many of the states where CIAA teams reside. It has resulted in uncertainty whether students will return to campus this fall at several schools, so the collaborative effort by the conference’s athletic directors was adopted with safety considerations of the fans, sponsors, and student body. 

In formally making this announcement, the CIAA has ensured neither of the HBCUs two Division II conferences will play sports this fall.  The conference followed the lead of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) who followed the lead of Morehouse College chose to cancel it’s fall sports schedule one week earlier.

With the CIAA cancelling its entire sports schedule for 2020, local programs such as Bowie State and Morgan State Universities, will have to re-evaluate their future plans and funds. (Courtesy Photo)

“The CIAA family is disappointed,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqui McWilliams during their virtual press conference.  “We’re the most resilient conference and have always reinvented ourselves to get better.”

This season will be the first since World War II that the conference will not play football during the fall semester.   The CIAA is a 13-member conference spanning five states: Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina. Differences between the way each state handles their COVID-19 protocols was a major consideration when making the nearly unprecedented consensus.  Unlike their counterparts at HBCU Division I programs, who need to subsidize their athletic department budgets with non-conference big payout revenue games, CIAA schools fund their programs through student activity fees, which keep their athletic programs solvent.  The financial impact will not affect Bowie State as it will Morgan, who will lose almost half a million dollars with the cancellation at Northwestern.

However, student-athletes at BSU and throughout the CIAA will not lose their scholarships because of the pandemic.  Though many athletes are on partial subsidy through their intercollegiate athletic participation, the schools have made the decision to continue honoring their previous commitment. 

“It’s not a strain,” said BSU Vice President of athletics Clyde Doughty, chairman of the CIAA Athletic Directors Association. “We will reallocate funds and are looking at all options to be more efficient at spending.”

BSU is coming off back to back CIAA football championships and consecutive trips to the NCAA Playoffs for the first time in school history.  The program has become a perennial Top 25 power in Division II.  However, they will not have the chance to compete for a three peat until Spring 2021 at the earliest. The CIAA athletics directors are currently in the process of developing plans for a schedule to kickoff after the first of next year and there is now word on whether they would play a conference championship game.   Currently, all plans for the 2021 CIAA Basketball Tournament in Baltimore remain in place.      

During this hiatus the conference plans to use the extended offseason for their student athletes to create non-academic learning models that include leadership development, diversity and inclusion programs, which will help them succeed after their collegiate eligibility is over.

“It’s not just about sports,” Doughty said “There are teaching opportunities before us that will serve them 20 to 30 years down the road.”

The post DMV HBCU Report: COVID-19 Costs BSU Its Fall Season, MSU’s Big Pay Day appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

After 87 years, the National Football League (NFL) franchise in Washington, D.C. will change its name.  With sponsors threatening to end their relationships and a social movement against racism sweeping the nation, one of the NFL’s most visible franchises ends an era marked by a checkered past and championships.

The franchise officially announced they would be retiring the team’s name and hopes to honor Native Americans and the military with its new moniker.  They reportedly have narrowed the finalists to a list of four names and are expected to make the change prior to the start of the regular season- if there is one.

The Washington NFL Team announced it will change its controversial, racist-based name. (Courtesy Photo)

Because of NFL licensing and trademark laws, Washington is trying to expedite the move – which normally takes at least one year – as sponsors were reluctant to continue supporting the franchise.  Estimates are that the team was set to potentially lose over $2.4 billion in corporate partnership revenue after several major sponsors threatened to rescind current relationships.  

However, the brief formal press release announcing the name amendment, reflected the same petulance that has marked the organization’s reluctance to make this change.

“Dan Synder and coach Ron Rivera will develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years,”  the statement read.

This, mostly symbolic, gesture follows a legacy where it was the final team to integrate, yet gave the first Black quarterback a chance to win the Super Bowl.  Defiance in the wake of change is a part of this franchise’s legacy- all the while representing the nation’s capital. As owner, Snyder previously had been defiant when addressing the possibility of a name change, telling USA Today in 2013 they would “never” bow to mounting public scrutiny and media pressure.

Snyder, in many respects, followed the precedent set forth by George Preston Marshall, who brought the team from Boston in 1937 and changed its name from the Braves to the Redskins.  Marshall was a vehement segregationist who defied the league’s request to sign Black players until 1962, when Hall of Fame running back Bobby Mitchell integrated the team.  Until recently, the segregationist franchise owner was a member of the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame and there was a statue outside RFK Stadium honoring him.  However, with the rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement, Marshall has been erased from the Hall of Fame and his statue was removed from the Northeast, D.C. property.

There are those around the District in political and corporate circles who privately believe that the team would like to relocate and build its next stadium on the historic RFK site.  However, D.C. leaders had previously been reluctant to move forward with any plans until the team changed the name and many in Congress were uncomfortable also.

Ultimately, it was clear that Snyder’s organization was moved to expedite this process when their financial pipeline to corporate America was going to be severed. When Nike removed all of the Washington team’s merchandise from their online store their surface started shaking. Pepisco and Bank of America followed and the rumbles grew louder. Then FedEX, whose name remains on the team’s stadium, threatened to end its partnership, which could’ve impacted their bottom line and the momentum had shifted for good.

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By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com

Following the George Floyd killing, elite prospects have expressed a renewed interest in competing at Black Colleges.  It was only a matter of time before one transcendent blue chip high school basketball player would sign at an HBCU and change the landscape of college basketball forever.  Howard University may have authored a seismic shift last week by landing five-star recruit, Makur Maker – the sixth ranked overall prospect in the nation.

In making his announcement Maker wrote on Twitter. “I need to make the HBCU movement real so that others will follow. I hope I inspire guys like Mikey Williams to join me on this journey. I am committing to Howard U and coach Kenny Blakeney.”

In the wake of continued systemic racism, top rated high school athletes, such as Makur Maker, who is going to Howard University, are choosing HBCU sports programs. (Courtesy Photo)

Maker, whose cousin Thon Maker plays for the Detroit Pistons, is a 6’11” power forward that was considered the sixth best overall player in America.  There were many analysts who expected that he would forego playing college basketball and head to the pros overseas for at least one season because he was rated by NBA scouts as the 75th best prospect in this year’s draft.  However, Maker signing with Howard marks the highest rated prospect in high school to sign with an HBCU program since ESPN began rating prospects in 2007.

This signing comes as HBCU programs are being considered by top athletes around the country.  The norm has traditionally been as a transfer looking for a better option when circumstances change – such as a new coach, a lack of playing time or injury.  However, Maker’s decision could change the fault lines in basketball recruiting where it takes fewer difference making players to catapult a program such as Howard’s into national prominence.

“HBCU athletics should always be a major consideration for all elite athletes,” Morgan State head basketball coach Kevin Broadus said to the {AFRO}.  “You get the same competition. Everyone plays on the same 94-foot court and there is nothing like the overall HBCU college experience.”

Morgan took the conventional route to land what appears to be a difference maker in their program by signing former Wake Forest guard Sharone Wright, Jr.  Wright is the son of former 10-year NBA veteran Sharone Wright and is expected to make an immediate contribution at the guard position if he is eligible to play this season.  

“I’ve been thinking about this some time now and it has been a difficult time for many people, but mainly us as African-Americans,” Wright tweeted. “It’s saddening to me to know the world will always be this way towards us whether we play a sport or not. It doesn’t matter.”

However, Morgan is being “strongly considered” by blue chip prospect Elijah Fisher for their 2023 recruiting class.  A Toronto, Canada native, Fisher is already receiving heavy interest from major programs including schools like Kansas, Arizona, Florida State, Kentucky, USC, Georgia Tech. He reportedly has received an offer from Morgan and it is believed that he likes the thought of continuing his education on an HBCU campus.

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By Jake Pickering

The Washington Redskins National Football League franchise is a disgrace!  In the year 2020, Washington team owner Daniel Snyder cannot possibly continue to rationalize keeping his ridiculously racist team name in the face of widespread, righteous public condemnation of Snyder’s racist recalcitrance.

Our nation’s capitol’s team name “The Redskins” will be retired before this football season begins, if Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) has anything to say about it:  “The time has ended.  There is no way to justify it.  You either step into this century or you don’t.  It’s up to the owner of the team to do that.”

(AP Photo)

In 1997, Washington, D.C.’s National Basketball Association franchise willingly changed its name from “The Bullets” to “The Wizards”.  So what’s Daniel Snyder’s problem (other than being a bigot)?

As silly as some of these monikers are below, any one of them would be preferable to Washington D.C.’s current NFL team name.  Take your pick, Mr. Snyder.
* Washington Redcoats
* Washington Rednecks
* Washington Redrums
* Washington Red Dawns
* Washington Red Foxes
* Washington Red Lines
* Washington Red Rovers
* Washington Red Tides
* Washington Red Riding Hoods
* Washington Red Sparrows
(Melania Trump can be the team mascot)

Sincerely,
Jake Pickering
Arcata, CA, USA

The opinions on this page are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the AFRO. Send letters to The Afro-American • 1531 S. Edgewood St. Baltimore, MD 21227 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com

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By Sean Yoes
AFRO Baltimore Editor
syoes@afro.com

Wes Unseld was one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history and a world champion with the Washington Bullets. But, he was also known as a man of great integrity, who became a vital community leader in his adopted hometown of Baltimore. Unseld died today from pneumonia according to his family. He was 74.

“It is with profound sadness that we share that our adored husband, father and grandfather Wes Unseld passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by family following lengthy health battles, most recently with pneumonia,” read a statement from the Unseld family.

In this June 12, 1978, file photo, Wes Unseld and his wife Connie hold the keys to their new Thunderbird, presented to him by Sport magazine in New York. Unseld, the workmanlike Hall of Fame center who led Washington to its only NBA championship and was chosen one of the 50 greatest players in league history, died Tuesday, June 2, 2020, after a series of health issues, most recently pneumonia. He was 74. (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler, File)

“He was the rock of our family– an extremely devoted patriarch who revelled in  being with his wife, children, friends and teammates. He was our hero and loved playing and working around the game of basketball for the cities of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., cities he proudly wore on his chest for so many years.”

Known as “The Baby Bull,” Unseld forged a Hall of Fame NBA career with the Baltimore Bullets and then when the franchise moved to Washington, D.C., with a bruising style of play as one of the shortest (at 6’6”) centers in the league.

In this May 25, 1979, file photo, Washington Bullets’ Wes Unseld (41) reaches to block a shot by Seattle Supersonics’ Paul Silas ()35) during an NBA basketball game in Landover, Md. Unseld, the Hall of Fame center who led Washington to its only NBA championship and was chosen one of the 50 greatest players in league history, died Tuesday, June 2, 2020, after a series of health issues, most recently pneumonia. He was 74. (AP Photo/Smith, File)

After his college career ended as a two-time All-American at the University of Louisville, in his hometown, Unseld was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in 1968. That year he averaged 13.8 points and 18.2 rebounds per game and won both Rookie of the Year and league Most Valuable Player honors. He was only the second player in league history (after Wilt Chamberlain) to garner both distinctions.

Unseld played his entire career with the Bullets, was an NBA All-Star five times, four of those times with the Baltimore Bullets and once after the team moved to D.C. in 1973. He led the Bullets to the playoffs 12 of his 13 years and the team finally captured the NBA championship in 1978, when the team defeated the Seattle Supersonics. Unseld was named the championship  series MVP.

In this March 18, 1981, file photo, Washington Bullets’ Wes Unseld, left, and team owner Abe Polling get together prior to a press conference in Landover, Md., where they announced that Unseld would retire as a player at the end of the 1980-81 season. Unseld, the Hall of Fame center who led Washington to its only NBA championship and was chosen one of the 50 greatest players in league history, died Tuesday, June 2, 2020, after a series of health issues, most recently pneumonia. He was 74. (AP Photo/Smith, File)

Although his opponents at the center position typically towered over him, Unseld often dominated them with his intelligence and extraordinary physical strength. “Sure, I gave away inches . But a bigger factor was determination,” he once told the Baltimore Sun. “If they were more determined, they’d win. But if I were more determined,they’d be  hurting.”

After his playing days were over, Unseld went on to become a vice-president, then a coach and later a general manager of the Bullets.

In this May 14, 1998, file photo, Washington Wizards general manager Wes Unseld announces the trade of Chris Webber to the Sacramento Kings for Mitch Richmond and Otis Thorpe at the MCI Center in Washington. Unseld, the workmanlike Hall of Fame center who led Washington to its only NBA championship and was chosen one of the 50 greatest players in league history, died Tuesday, June 2, 2020, after a series of health issues, most recently pneumonia. He was 74. (AP Photo/Brian K. Diggs, FIle)

Later, Unseld solidified his role as a community leader in Baltimore, the city he fell in love with. He and his beloved wife Connie opened the Unselds’ School in Southwest Baltimore, on South Hilton Street. The co educational private school has been in operation for more than three decades, nurturing children from nursery school to middle school. The school has been an institutional anchor in that Southwest Baltimore community for decades.

In addition to his wife Connie, Unseld is survived by his daughter Kim, his son Wes Jr., who is an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.

In this April 6, 2013, file photo, former Washington Bullets basketball player and Hall of Famer Wes Unseld, right, is greeted by Irene Pollin, left, wife of the late Bullets’ owner Abe Pollin, during a ceremony to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Bullets only NBA championship, during halftime of an NBA basketball game between the Washington Wizards and the Indiana Pacers, in Washington. Unseld, the workmanlike Hall of Fame center who led Washington to its only NBA championship and was chosen one of the 50 greatest players in league history, died Tuesday, June 2, 2020, after a series of health issues, most recently pneumonia. He was 74. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

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By Alex Murphy
Capital News Service

VOORHEES, N.J. — Athlete eligibility and scholarship availability are two of the biggest questions college coaches are now tasked with moving forward as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the United States.

On March 12, the National Collegiate Athletic Association announced the cancellation of the remainder of winter and spring sports championships. Conferences across the country followed suit as the possibility of a shutdown swiftly became reality.

That meant coaches, particularly those in spring sports, had to abruptly tell their teams and players that their season was over.

“That was probably one of the hardest things that I had to do, is to tell my team that we weren’t going to be able to finish,” Towson University women’s basketball coach Diane Richardson told Capital News Service.

The Tigers had just finished up a walk-through before their first game of the Colonial Athletic Association Women’s Basketball Tournament — where they were the defending champions — when she had to break the news to her players that the tournament was going to be cancelled.

Many tears were shed in the locker room immediately following the news that ended their season.

Some coaches, Like Richardson, had the ability to meet with their teams.

Navy men’s lacrosse head coach Joe Amplo was with the team after practice on the Thursday when the Patriot League and, subsequently, the NCAA, made their decisions.

The team was preparing for a Saturday game against Johns Hopkins University, but in a split-second, everything changed. Amplo told the team to sit tight.

“Normally, they would have left the facility,” Amplo said. “I said, ‘Something’s happening.’ I said, ‘I wanna be together if we find out some bad news,’ so we just kind of hung out in the locker room for an hour or so until it was official.”

Others, like Loyola University Maryland track and field coach Amy Horst, were more than halfway across the country in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Horst woke up to texts the morning of March 12 that the Patriot League was cancelling the remainder of its season. Then, inside the Albuquerque Convention Center later in the day, she became a spectator to colleges and universities finding out in the same space in real time that the NCAA Championships were cancelled.

“It was like ‘I don’t even understand. This can’t happen,’” Horst said. “‘This is not something that I’ve ever in my entire life as a coach thought would be something that could happen.’ To be in that space, it was very surreal.”

For those who had the ability to meet with their teams, like Richardson and Amplo, telling their players the reality of the situation was no easy task. All of the hard work that the players had put in for an entire offseason or an entire regular season was instantaneously lost.

“It was a shocker,” Coppin State University baseball head coach Sherman Reed said. “A couple of guys were looking up and waiting for the next comeback to be, ‘Coach is just playing around.’”

Reed’s team was getting ready for a three-game set with Villanova. When he told Wildcats head coach Kevin Mulvey, his reaction mirrored that of the Coppin State players. The Big East would take the same route later that day.

Spring sports coaches are now faced with even tougher decisions, as the NCAA ruled in favor of an extra year of eligibility for spring sports athletes. Fewer scholarships could become available as players weigh their eligibility possibilities.

“I was expecting that,” Frostburg State University baseball head coach Anthony Williams said. “What it ultimately did lead to (was) more questions: How is scholarship money going to be handled, and all of those sorts of things.”

For players coming back, especially underclassmen, it’s almost like having a taste of playing before playing a full season. But for the seniors, some might have played their final collegiate games.

Seniors in military programs are deployed after four years, so unfortunately for them, their last games were already played.

“For some guys, they were graduating on time and they have jobs lined up,” Williams said. “They couldn’t essentially put their life on hold to come back for another year and incur the costs that it takes to go to school for another year. … But I know that at the end of the day, they have a lot of great memories and we were able to play 13 games together this spring.”

The question now is about the future and what’s next.

In the short term, that means keeping up with practice, which has been much tougher than expected for some.

“All the high school fields or public parks or anywhere that has a lacrosse goal for most of my players to access has been shut down,” Frostburg women’s lacrosse coach Madelyn Manzoni said. “If they don’t have that equipment at their house, we just had to modify things, a lot of it.”

However, the main focus, the long-term focus, is preparation for next season, and even with an unknown end date to the pandemic, the plan is to prepare as if next season is going to happen.

“It’s tough,” McDaniel College men’s lacrosse coach Keith Euker said. “…The best thing that we can do now is continue to build relationships with our current players and also prospective recruits. … As of now, we’re just gonna move forward like we’re gonna be back normally.”

The post Collegiate Coaches Moving Forward Through Coronavirus Concerns appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Alex Murphy
Capital News Service

VOORHEES, N.J. — Student-athletes across the college sports landscape are faced with tough realizations and a new challenge amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic as seasons have been stripped away and preparations begin for next season, which remains up in the air.

Winter and spring sports came to an unfortunate end with the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s March 12 decision to cancel any remaining schedules. That meant for winter-sport athletes, their postseasons would be cancelled, and for spring athletes, more than 75 percent of their seasons were wiped away.

“I remember that week of practice,” Loyola Maryland men’s lacrosse senior Peter Swindell told Capital News Service. “Everyone was trying to focus, but their minds were all somewhere else.”

The Greyhounds were set to play Bucknell on Saturday, March 14, but the Patriot League had also made the same call on that previous Thursday.

Collegiate athletics across the country are at a standstill after the NCAA’s decision to cancel any remaining spring and winter sports championships due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Now, the college sports world looks forward in a time of pandemic. (Alex Murphy/Capital News Service)

“We all knew at that point that it was going to happen just because of everything that was going on in the world,” Swindell said. “It didn’t really seem real to any of us because it all happened so fast.”

A feeling of shock and sadness was shared by other student-athletes across the state and the country.

“From a baseball perspective, it was pretty upsetting for everybody as a whole because at St. Mary’s this year, we had a pretty close-knit group,” St. Mary’s College (Md.) senior first baseman Jay Hammett said.

The Seahawks had gotten out to a 6-3 start when the news hit, and as a closely bonded team, it killed any momentum the program had to compete for a conference championship.

This especially stung for the senior class, who had their final year competing in college abruptly cut short. The NCAA’s recent ruling has granted spring sports athletes an extra year of eligibility.

But for winter sports athletes, there is no extra year, and now, thoughts of what to do after college have taken over.

“In that moment, it didn’t hit me,” Towson University senior gymnast Ally Wesoly said. “…I still don’t think it’s fully processed yet for me, being a senior. I think this is gonna take a very long time to kind of work out and go through.”

For those spring sports seniors, the decision becomes a tough one. Jackson Reilly, a senior on McDaniel College’s men’s lacrosse team, entered his name in the NCAA Transfer Portal, looking for another year while also looking for a master’s program in business, something McDaniel doesn’t offer.

While that’s a possibility for him, he treated the final game of his season as his final game in college and unlike some other schools, McDaniel was able to have closure. Their game on March 14 against St. Mary’s College of Maryland continued as planned, but it would be the final one of the season.

“That Friday, we had just changed our practice time to the middle of the day,” Reilly said. “So, for the first time in my four years, we changed our practice time and just happened to be our last practice ever. The whole week was just different.”

On gameday, additional media outlets, like Inside Lacrosse, were in attendance, and highlights from the game were shown on ESPN’s SportsCenter that night, showcasing an 18-12 McDaniel victory.

The emotions hit him after the final whistle, and Reilly shed a few tears on the field. However, he treated the final result as if he had won it all.

“Obviously, we weren’t national champions, but it was pretty cool to win your last game,” Reilly said. “I never won my last game because I never won any state championships in high school. It was sad that it was over, but the way our last game went for us was perfect. That was the best game we had played all year.”

For those who aren’t seniors, preparation for next year has already begun. For spring sports athletes, the road is a bit easier, conferencing with teammates and coaches while practicing at home.

The toughest part has been figuring out ways to continue to practice, which can be difficult without full use of equipment. However, they are making do.

“After I realized this is going to go on for a long time, I needed to keep a schedule in mind,” Frostburg State University men’s lacrosse junior Shawn Winans said. “Since we can’t go to gyms now, I go to the turf. We have a couple tires there. I do turf workouts about three, four times a week.”

Winter and spring sports weren’t the only sports affected as fall sports are now at a disadvantage going into the 2020 seasons, especially football. Spring practices are now Zoom workouts, but there is no timetable for when these will end.

Navy football junior cornerback Cameron Kinley, a future senior captain for the Midshipmen, grew up in a football family, so it’s been easier for him to find workout partners at home.

“For me, it’s kind of back to the basics,” said Kinley, who is at home in Memphis and must file a report with the academy every morning. “My dad is a former football coach. My brother is a freshman at MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University), so he’s back home with me. We’ve just been working out together just like we used to. I’m fortunate enough to be in that type of situation.”

The post Cancellation of Spring Sports a Tough Call for Student-Athletes appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Micha Green
AFRO D.C. Editor
mgreen@afro.com

Howard University (HU) Athletics announced the passing of former football player Sean Boynes, who passed away on April 2, from complications of the novel coronavirus.

Before becoming a Bison, Boynes fostered his football career in the D.M.V., including about two miles northeast of the University at Gonzaga College High School. 

The D.M.V. was not only his home, but also Boynes’ pride and joy and he spread that delight of his hometown with others.

“Sean was a great person to be around at all times and represented all things D.C.,” said Maryland Delegate Jay Walker (D-26), who was quarterback of the Bison football team during Boynes’ time on the squad.  “He loved the D.M.V. area and all those who represented D.C.– HU, Gonzaga for sure. He was one of the first people to introduce me to GoGo music. He always had a smile on his face and was the person you liked being around.”

Boynes played with the Bison football team from 1991-1993, where he served as both a defensive back and wide receiver and was renowned for his “man coverage skills,” thus garnering the nickname ‘Bump-N-Run,’ according to Howard University Athletics.

He was a member of the legendary 1993 Bison Football team, which went undefeated in the regular season and earned the squad a National Black College Championship. 

Boynes was more than an athlete. He was an academic with a passion for science.

Earning all his degrees from Howard University, Boynes graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1995, Master of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology in 1997 and a received his PharmD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration in 2002.

Boynes served in the medical profession for more than 15 years, beginning his career as a staff pharmacist at Scott Air Force Base.  For eight years, he worked at the John Hopkins Bayview Medical center as an outpatient pharmacy manager. Most recently, Boynes served as the pharmacist in charge (PIC) at AbsoluteCARE Mexican Center and Pharmacy in Greenbelt, Maryland.

With his work as a leading pharmacist, Boynes served on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.  He posted a photo on his Facebook page on March 18 with the words, “I can’t stay home, I’m a pharmacist- Frontliner.”

“He was on the frontline and I’m sure he made it easy to come to work during trying times. Although he lost his fight I know he made an impact on those in need,” Walker said.

Boynes is survived by his wife Nicole and two daughters.

“Losing Sean hits close to home,” Walker told the AFRO. “It’s a reality check that all of us are at risk. He was a husband and father first and foremost and a friend to many. Rest In Peace Sean.”

The post HBCU Sports Report: HU Mourns Fallen Bison appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.