The N.F.L Extends to 17 Week Season

The National Football League has decided to extend their regular season games, from 16 to 17 starting this season. For a League riddle with injury concerns, not only for the present but future aliments as well, Owners have pushed for an extended week of Professional Football. According to Nate Davis for USA Today; “For the first time in 43 years, the N.F.L is expanding”. 

 

There has been backlash from a number of players within the League. Another week of regular season brings about more money for Owners and Players alike but, it also risk opportunities for more injuries. This is no coincidence that the N.F.L just signed a brand new 11-year television broadcast deal worth a projected, north of $10 Billion Dollars. For a product that has been in some ways, flawless, the N.F.L is pushing the envelope with this new added week approach. 

 

There are old clichés of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” doesn’t apply for some reason here. The N.F.L has provided a product that has been tops in sport professionally for decades. According to CultMtl, the National Football League has earned over $10 Billion dollars last season alone. With 50% of the Leagues earnings coming directly from Broadcast contracts, it’s no wonder the Owners of the League were pushing for an extended week of play. “Supply and Demand’ rule of economics 101, when Demand is high, Price is High but keep the Supply low.  

Master's at Augusta: Honors Lee Elder

The Masters at Augusta, Georgia has begun. Golf and business have been a hand in hand combination for decades. Often said, “deals get done, on the Golf Course”. It wasn’t until 1975 that the first African American Golfer was allowed to compete, Mr. Lee Elder. The Masters this year honored Mr. Elder, by allowing him to be a part of the Ceremonial grand opening.    

Mr. Elder was a trail blazer during a time that the Country was at a shift. His accomplishment opened the door for some Twenty-Two years later; he’d sit and watch the first African American win the entire Tournament, Tiger Woods. Mr. Woods would go one to win five master’s competitions, being the leading figure for Minority Golfers for the next two decades. The once “Renaissance” urging more Golfers of color to participate, hasn’t been of the present. With a mere one and a half percent of total professional Players being of color. 

 

In 1990, Mr. Robert Townsend became the first Black member at Augusta. The private, most dignified Golf Club in the country, has recently added their ninth member of color to Augusta National, Mr. David Grain. As time continues on, more and more minorities are meticulously becoming more a part of what was once a segregated association. 

 

With a sport that has such an influence on business, serving as a place for private meetings and fair game competitiveness for some of the most influential people in the country. Minorities of this generation continue to embark in this sport at a higher level of representation. Current Professionals of Color who look to continue the legacy left by Elder Lee and Tiger Woods. 

 

 

March Madness: Final Four Preview '21

This is what we’ve missed last year as Fans of March Madness. One game, one shot at history, one opportunity. This year, March Madness has been full of the; unexpected, “Cinderella”, juggernauts and controversial heartbreak endings that make Collegiate Basketball so unique. 

 

Women’s Final Four Juggernauts: #1 South Carolina; #1 Stanford

 

On the Women’s side, everything went according to plan as three out of four number one’s in each region, made the Final Four. South Carolina; Stanford; and the dynasty that is UConn Women basketball. For the most part, South Carolina and Stanford have stormed through their respected paths towards the Final Four. The two most dominant teams will face off against each other for the first time this season. Dawn Staley vs. Coach of the Year Tara VanDerveer will be fireworks this evening. 

 

Controversy: #1 UConn

 

Geno Auriemma’s Huskies have overcome challenge after challenge, this season. Lead by Freshman Guard Paige Bueckers, the Huskies are in line for another run at hoisting another National Championship. This year has already set in stone a controversial ‘no call’ during the Elite eight game against second ranked Baylor. Was it a foul? Or was it just a tough call at the end of the game? Either way, the Huskies now face another worthy opponent, wearing a glass slipper. 

 

Cinderella: #3 Arizona

 

It’s difficult to call Arizona the Cinderella in this story, with such a prominent history. However, in this tournament no one expected the Lady Wildcats to be here, except them. After a close call against BYU, Arizona has handled each test convincingly bringing them to the Final Four. They will face off against the UConn Huskies who are eager to show that the controversial no call versus Baylor, was not in vain. 

 

Men’s Final Four Juggernauts: #1 Baylor; #1Gonzaga

 

Baylor and Gonzaga are the only two remaining number ones left in the tournament. Baylor has stormed back after their brief stoppage due to Covid protocols. With a number of different scoring options in a three-guard look, Baylor has handled every challenge that has come their way. Gonzaga has stayed true to their undefeated season. Throughout the tournament, Gonzaga has dominated each opponent convincingly showing their quest to remain undefeated and the overall number one seed, true. 

 

Controversy: #2 Houston

 

Houston had a close call against Rutgers after a back and forth highly competitive game. The Cougars pulled it out in the end versus Rutgers that could’ve easily closed out late but, couldn’t. Now the Cougars face off against Baylor in a favorable matchup of styles that could place Houston in the National Championship game. 

 

Cinderella: #11 UCLA

The allure of the Bruins historic past has given this years’ team a glass slipper. The Bruins have been the bracket busting team that no one expected. Taking down Michigan, Alabama and BYU. Will the story continue against Gonzaga? As the Bruins try to get to the National Championship.