LeBron James and the Williams Sisters join: Minority Ownership on the Rise

With all the mainstream media attention going towards the NCAA Tournaments and N.F.L free agency, business transactions by prominent athletes have taken place within this last month. Minority athletes have taken further steps, into acquiring Ownership within realms, unforeseen in the past. The Williams sisters, Venus and Serena; have taken stakes within the Miami Dolphins. Lebron James also take a deeper step into his legacy, acquiring a piece of the coveted Fenway Sports Group that includes the: Boston Red Sox, franchise.

 

They join an elite group of Owners/Partners, within major franchises: Derek Jeter (Miami Marlins), Vivek Ranadive (Sacramento Kings), Michael Jordan (Charlotte Hornets), Kim Pegula (Buffalo Bills), Shahid Rafiq Khan (Jacksonville Jaguars), Arte Moreno (Los Angeles Angels), Marc Lasry (Milwaukee Bucks) to name a few of the major partner holders. Milla Henson for Sportscasting.com shares; “Of the three major Sports Leagues in the U.S., there’s only one outright black Owner, Michael Jordan”. 

 

Many enthusiasts in major outlets have displayed their opinions on the lack of diversity within Ownership. Most visibly known is Stephen A. Smith for E.S.P.N. With this recent move, the Williams Sisters become the first ever African American individuals to hold an ownership stake within the N.F.L. Both Venus and Serena have Hall of Fame careers within Professional Tennis. Coming ‘Straight Outta Compton’ the sisters have solidified themselves as not only prominent Athletes but Businesswomen as well. For a League that only carries 32 teams, this is a huge step towards minorities taking a step into the most lucrative sport in the U.S. 

 

Then there’s the ‘Kid from Akron’ LeBron James and Maverick Carter have become a powerhouse force within Sports and Entertainment. Gabriel Fernandez for C.B.S reports, James has taken a partial stake in the Fenway sports group. Which holds some the most coveted Sporting teams within their respected fields: Boston Red Sox, Liverpool Football Club. LeBron has been the most talked about Athlete since he graced the Sports Illustrated Cover as ‘The Chosen One’ at 18 years of age. 18 years later, the Four-Time Champion, Executive Producer and now Partial Team Owner, LeBron continues to push the envelope and bringing ‘The Chosen One’ promise, into fruition. 

 

As the years pass, hopefully opportunity continues to arise within the Ownership realm. The majority of the leagues Star players and overall staff are built with minority talented individuals. However, there is little to no representation within Ownership boxes, high end Administrative positions and Head Coaching positions throughout all major sports, Why? This is a small win for all aspiring minority owners, but a win, nonetheless. 

 

 

N.F.L Free Agency '21

 With the Salary Cap slated at $183 Million dollars league wide, teams had to make some tough decisions and cut players before the start of the new League year this Wednesday. By doing so, there will be talented help available via free agency, that can help your favorite team fill some holes this offseason. Here are my top ten free agents available thus far:

 

1.     Trent Williams - O.T.

*He’s a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle who can both Pass/Run block with the best of them. 

Best Fit: Kansas City Chiefs

 

2.     Shaquil Barrett – Edge

*Tampa Bay would love to keep him but, with teams limited cap space he can go elsewhere and still be effective. He’s become one of the best pass rushers in the league.

Best Fit: Clevland Browns

 

3.     Bud Dupree – L.B

*His athleticism and speed from sideline to sideline is tops in the league. With this market, he can go anywhere he wants. 

Best Fit: New England Patriots

 

4.     Carl Lawson – Edge

*Lawson has become a consistent force versus the Run and Pass in the league. Cincy has the room to retain Lawson. 

Best Fit: Cincinnatti Bengals

 

5.     Kenny Golladay – WR

“Action” Jackson needs help! Kenny Golladay can provide the playmaker he needs. 

Best Fit: Baltimore Ravens

 

6.     Corey Linsley – C

*One of the better commanders in the middle of the Offensive line. He can help a team get to the next level.  

Best Fit: Los Angeles Chargers

 

7.     Yannick Ngakoue – DE

*He has come on as a pass rushing threat in this league. 

Best Fit: Las Vegas Raiders

 

8.     Jamesis Winston – QB

*With the retirement of Drew Brees recently, this is the time for the former coveted pick to perform. 

Best Fit: New Orleans Saints

 

9.     Dalvin Tomilson – DT

*The Giants won’t be able to afford him; He’s young and getting better and better. 

Best Fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

 

10.  Kyle Van Noy – L.B

*A surprise cut as the Captain of the Defense for a good Dolphins team last season. Look for him to return to Boston. 

Best Fit: New England Patriots

Dak Signs Mega Deal to Stay in Dallas

As a writer, this story has become by far the biggest story in Big “D” this off season. As a Giants, I hate to say the Dallas Cowboys did something right. After a three year stretch of playing “Chicken” to see who’d blink first, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys finally signed Dak Prescott to a long-term deal.

 

N.F.L inside reporter, Adam Schefter for ESPN has reported that a four-year, $160 Million dollar contract with a record breaking $66 Million dollar signing bonus has been agreed with both Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys. The former 2016 fourth round pick Draft Pick out of Mississippi State University, deserves every bit of those coins. Compared to his Draft Mates; Jared Goff (Rams), Carson Wentz (Eagles), Paxton Lynch (Broncos), Christian Hackenberg (Jets), Jacoby Brissett (Patriots), Cody Kessler (Browns) and then came Dak Prescott.

 

He has flat out, played better than all of them. Goff (Jared) is now a Detroit Lion and Wentz (Carson) has been rejoined with Frank Reich in Indianapolis. Dak Prescott has been a constant bright spot since his early preseason debut performances back in 2016.  Such a bright spot that Jerry Jones then, was happy to sit and Unhealthy Tony Romo, coming back from injury; to let the kid play. Now, with the price tag in hand, comes the expectation. 

 

According to the reported deal, the length is four years guaranteed with two additional years as club options, so the deal doesn’t hurt the Cap space with the new collective bargaining agreement being up for renegotiations. Since Dak Prescott has stepped into the starting role, he has a 41-27 win loss record; thrown for over 17,000 yards; has 106 Touchdowns vs 40 Interceptions and a Q.B. rating of 97.3. He has been to the Pro Bowl twice in four years, won the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2016. The only blemish you can argue against him, is he’s 1-2 in Postseason play. 

 

Only one win less than his predecessor, Tony Romo. As a Giant fan, I thought I’d never see the day that I’d be happy for a Cowboy. I am utterly happy for Dak Prescott, especially after suffering from a season ending injury last year, that could’ve damaged his career permanently. Dak Prescott deserved what he got, hands down. The Dallas Cowboys Offense looked lost without him scoring over 20 points only four times in the next 11 weeks of the season. This club needs him as their Quarterback and Jerry Jones needs him to help stay relevant in the National Football League. 

 

 

N.B.A Mid Season '20-21 Review

It’s Mid-Season in the N.B.A! With All-Star Weekend upon us, let’s Re-Cap the first half of the season thus far…

 

Best in the League

 

Utah Jazz: #1 Seed West

 

With the best record in the N.B.A the Utah Jazz sit at 27-8. Behind a stout Defense and consistent three-point shooting. Utah has a legit shot, to represent the West in the Finals.

 

Philadelphia 76ers: #1 Seed East

 

Joel Embiid has put together his best season by far. Lead by Head Coach Doc Rivers and consistent play from Tobias Harris. The 76ers are currently holding at the #1 seed.

 

Teams to Watch

Western Conference; L.A. Lakers, Phoenix Suns, L.A. Clippers, Denver Nuggets

 

These five teams all have an argument for a push in the second half of the season. The Lakers will get Anthony Davis back when needed most and LeBron James is having an M.V.P season; 

 

They’re inner-city rivals, the L.A. Clippers have had their issues with injuries and Covid-19 protocols but are still amongst the top teams in the West; 

 

The Denver Nuggets struggle for the first part of the season but have since begun to turn things around. Nikola Jokic is having an M.V.P season and Denver has experience after the past two seasons going deep into the Playoffs; 

 

The surprise team here is the young Phoenix Suns; This team showed in the bubble that they can run with the best of them and by adding Chris Paul, they’ve showed they are for real sitting currently at the #2 seed. 

 

Eastern Conference; Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks

 

In a conference where there is more balance between teams, these two are the ones that look like they’ll be competing late into the season. The Brooklyn Nets added James Harden to go with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in a trade. Since then, Brooklyn has been on a tear and that’s without Kevin Durant, who’s coming back from injury and Kyrie Irving who’s been in and out of the lineup. 

 

Its feels like the Milwaukee Bucks should be better but, the Bucks are right where they need to be. Sitting at #3 seed and only a few games behind the Nets and 76ers. With an adjustment to how the “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokunmpo attacks in the Offense, the Bucks are trying a more balanced attack before the playoffs. 

 

Mid-Season Awards

M.V.P – Joel Embiid – He’s reinvented a position for ‘Big Men’ that’s been extinct for a decade.

D.P.O.Y – Ben Simmons – He’s been dominant on this side of the ball all season. 

R.O.T.Y – LaMelo Ball – No surprise here, his play has put Charlotte into Playoff contention. 

M.I.Y – Julius Randle – He’s changed his game to bring the Knicks into a Playoff team. 

Sixth Man – Jordan Clarkson – When he comes into the game, the energy only increases. 

 

 

It's March: MADNESS is Back!

When March 1^st hits, means it’s time for College Basketball and March Madness. After last years’ cancellations, this year seems to be on the verge of more exciting buzzer beaters, close calls and of course the always pretty, “Cinderella” story. After a season of a dominating top four rotation, Championship week will determine the final outcome. Here are some predictions.  

 

TOP FOUR #1 Seeds:

 

Gonzaga Bulldogs:

 

My favorite and top #1 overall seed is the Gonzaga Bulldogs. The “Zags” have dominated this season with few teams even coming close to challenging this squad. Lead by the Freshman phenom Jalen Suggs, the “Bulldogs” have a legitimate shot to run the table all the through to the Final Four and a National Championship. This team is that good, they’re balanced on both ends of the floor and have a Star in Jalen Suggs. 

 

Illinois Fighting Illini:

 

I know there are many Ohio State Alums’ that will not agree with this but after a tough loss to Michigan State; followed up by a decisive loss to Iowa; Puts the Buckeye’s in a #2 seed in my Bracket. The “Fighting Illini” has beaten Wisconsin twice this year and lost a close game to Ohio State earlier in the season. With a rematch circled on Saturday against Ohio State and a Huge Game Tuesday against another Big Ten Rival, Michigan. Illinois has a chance to make their case. 

 

Michigan Wolverines:

 

Former Fab-Five member Head Coach Juwan Howard deserves a lot of credit for getting the Wolverines back into National Recognition once again. Michigan has all the tools necessary to contend for a #1 seed and a shot at a National Title. They have what the Tournament requires, great shooting and an inside presence with Hunter Dickinson and Franz Wagner who can also stretch the floor at times. The Defense will be the question for them, moving forward in tourney.

 

Baylor Bears:

 

I know they just lost to Kansas but that is the blemish on their season thus far. The Baylor Bears have been winning if you haven’t noticed, against top 25 teams all season. They run the floor at times better than any team in the Nation. They’re athletic on the wings with multiple Guard play; Jared Butler, Macio Teague, Davion Mitchell and Adam Flager can all play. With big games remaining on their schedule against Oklahoma State, West Virginia and Texas Tech. We’ll know just how solidified the Bears are. 

 

Can’t Believe It: They Are Out?

 

Duke Blue Devils:

It’s been a tough year for Coach K and the Duke Blue Devils. Feels like forever since a Coach K team hasn’t been able to close out games, which has been the case all season for Duke. Losing close games against Miami; Michigan State; Notre Dame and most recently Louisville.

 

Kentucky Wildcats:

Coach John Calipari has had his fair share of One and Done Superstars. This is one of those seasons that it just didn’t gel together. Hopefully, they all stay because the kids are not ready.