Category Archives: Sports

Welcome Back!! Seattle Seahawk’s Richard Sherman Returns to Alma Mater

Fresh off a brain buster of a Trig problem, Sherman is more comfortable in the gym. Image Photo: LA Times

Fresh off a brain buster of a Trig problem, Sherman is more comfortable in the gym. Image Photo: LA Times

Whoever said you could never go home again never met Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman. He made a surprise stop at his old high school –Compton Dominguez High–to give the grind hard and reap the benefits spiel.

May sound cliché but he did beat the odds in getting out of South Central, getting accepted to Stanford and really crushing statistics entering the NFL. So, listen up kids.

According to LA Times, Sherman praises his parents for giving him a good foundation by being hard-working and supportive. Not everyone has it like that, unfortunately. Sherman is sympathetic to that, saying that’s how many fall through the cracks. However he still suggests being responsible for your choices.

It’s one of many visits the cornerback has made to his old stomping grounds, but a first for tackling Trig problems on the blackboard. Brave man…to be fair he got an assist from a kid  I’m guessing studies complex math problems like Sherman does those X and O’s.

After sprinting out the classroom, Sherman held a Q&A session in the school gym and took selfies with the teens. Best. School. Day.Ever. Unless you’re a Patriots fan.

The mentoring meetup will be televised as a commercial, so keep your eyes peeled.

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY | Basketball Team Refuses to Play Against Rival Team for Good Reason

The Gainesville Texas Tornadoes make a surprising entrance into the game. Photo courtesy: CBS News

The Gainesville Texas Tornadoes make a surprising entrance into the game.
Photo courtesy: CBS News

In honor of the NCAA tournaments (how’s your bracket looking?) that are hijacking TV screens across the nation, this week’s FEEL GOOD Friday story is about two rival basketball teams and redefining what un-sportsmanlike behavior means.

The basketball team at Vanguard College Prep—-a private school in Waco, Texas—-turned down a showdown with the Gainesville,Texas Tornadoes, a juvenile detention center team, because they would have an unfair advantage. Not in terms of their skills on the hardwood but with crowd participation.

Instead of taking advantage of the Tornadoes Achilles heel, Vanguard players recruited volunteers from their school to cheer on the opposing team. Watch what happens next below:

Source: CBS News

IF YOU BLINKED Woman Crush | Mo’ne Davis Creates Kicks for Charity

Mo'ne Davis holding her newly unveiled sneaker collection. Photo Courtesy: ShoesbyMade Instagram

Mo’ne Davis holding her newly unveiled sneaker collection.
Photo Courtesy: ShoesbyMade Instagram

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Mo is reinventing the throw like a girl stereotype. Photo Courtesy: shoesbymade instagram

As if we needed another reason to love Mo’ne Davis. The Little League legend gives us one more. The 13-year-old is creeping into pro athlete territory by releasing a custom sneaker–with a baseball styled stitch–that will benefit other young girls like herself.

I never thought at the age of 13 I’d be a role model, but having young girls look up to me is pretty cool!

ESPN reports Mo is working with shoe company M4D3 and the “Because I am a Girl” initiative to unveil a limited edition sneaker collection, which 15 percent of sales will go towards helping impoverished girls.

As if that’s not enough. Mo has a memoir in the works.

Girls really do run the world.

Serena Williams Supports UNICEF’s 1 in 11 Challenge

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Now that the powerhouse Tennis champ has the extra shot of energy, she’s using it to support UNICEF’s 1 in 11 challenge. To represent the 1 in 11 children around the world out of school.

To change those numbers, UNICEF, FC Barcelona Foundation and Reach Out to Asia have teamed up to start three pilot education programs that marry sports with schooling.

The orgs are raising money to jump start the programs in three of the most impoverished countries–Indonesia, Nepal and Bangladesh–and expand from there.

To take the 1 in 11 challenge, grab a ball (doesn’t matter what kind) and a camera or smart phone. Shoot a short innovative (no pressure) film using the ball or making it an accessory. Then, blast the short film on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr with #1in11 and nominate two friends to take the challenge.

Finally, and most importantly, make a donation, if possible.

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Keep tabs on the 1in11 challenge as you could win some cool offerings. Including a Serena Williams autographed Murakami Flower ball. To see the full list of prizes click here.

The challenge runs from Jan. 11th to Feb.13th. Winners will be chosen based on originality and creativity of the videos.

Who knows? Maybe this will be the new ice bucket challenge.

Allen Iverson Coaches Basketball Team for Charity

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Former 76ers baller Allen Iverson headed to the Philippines earlier this month to volunteer his b-ball skills–not as a player but debuting his coaching abilities–to American and Asian street players. Iverson’s roster consists of of Larry Williams aka “Bone Collector,” for his bone crushing skills battling against defenders and Taurian “Air up There” Fontenette , a slam-dunk champ.

The “All In” charity basketball game had Iverson facing off against Philippines most winningest coaches, Tim Cole, who had NBA veteran Eddy Curry in his arsenal.

Cole took the win, but the real victors are those that’ll benefit from homes built as a result of the charity game.

Iverson’s two-day give back visit also included a press conference and basketball clinic for Filipino kids. Iverson and Cone schooled at least 80 kids–aged 10 to 14–on how to play basketball, according to Philstar.

It’s nice to see the once MVPer in the headlines for something other than his fleeting fortune.

Ballin’ 4 Boobs!!! Breast Cancer B-Ball Brings Out R.Kelly, Bobby Valentino and Many More

The victors at the #ballinforboobs event in ATL. Photo Courtesy: Facebook

The victors at the #ballinforboobs event in ATL. Photo Courtesy: Facebook

Big name stars hit the hardwood in ATL this past weekend for breast cancer awareness. The first annual “Ballin’ for Boobs” event held at Morehouse College, and hosted by Love and Hip Hop: ATL’s Karlie Redd and a local radio station raised  money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Hooping it up were R. Kelly, who put in work as a coach and player, Shawty Lo, Bobby Valentino, Q Parker of R&B group 112, R.L. of R&B group Next, Wingo of R&B  group Jagged Edge, Case and 2 Chainz, who also served as a coach.

Do you think after the game they combined melodies? Just sayin…that’s a lot of R&B singers on the B-ball court, take advantage of it.

But I guess they were too winded from the game to take the mic. Singing trios Bliss and Havok Jones performed for the crowd.

The event reportedly brought out hundreds of ATL-ans, including Momma Dee of L&HHATL, and was the vision of Pamela D. Hogan and Janet Jackson of Boss Chix, an event planning company. More photos below.

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R.L. and Case pose for the cameras. Photo Courtesy: Instagram

Bobby V attempting to dunk against R.Kelly. Image Courtesy: Instagram

Bobby V attempting to dunk against R.Kelly. Image Courtesy: Instagram

Slam Dunk or Foul? Dwayne Wade Partners with SANDALS for Youth Charity Program

Dwayne Wade in Turks & Caicos with kids from Sandal Foundation. Image Courtesy: Instagram

Dwayne Wade in Turks & Caicos with kids from Sandal Foundation. Image Courtesy: Instagram

Newlywed Miami Heat baller Dwayne Wade is taking his charity Wade’s World Foundation overseas. The NBA champion will take his philanthropic talents to the Caribbean (and, of course Miami) where he’ll enlighten at-risk teens about the benefits of a good education. And provide sports and rec centers for them to stay fit.

Not unlike what he does in the states, except this go ’round he’s teaming up with Sandals Resorts Foundation, an org that matches Wade’s World Foundation mission to create education and environmental projects for teens. In Sandals case, they cater to Caribbean communities–Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Bahamas, Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada and Barbados– they have their resorts in.

The “game changer” program (yes, that’s the official name) aims to upgrade 11 multipurpose sports courts in the Caribbean and South Florida for kids to have a place to play and stay fit.

So why did the M.I.A baller decide to venture into foreign territory with his charity?

The opportunity to partner with the Sandals Foundation was a natural progression to the work we do and affords us the chance to continue to expand our reach internationally providing today’s youth with safe and fun places to learn explore and develop their potential.

Those willing to water those seeds of promise can make a donation to the game changer program here, or if you wanna give your fingertips a workout text GAME to 41444 to donate.

Honestly, I wasn’t too excited to hear that Mr. Gabrielle Union was partnering with the resort, given their homophobic past. Learning years ago that they banned same-sex couples from their resorts cast a shadow over their sandy white beaches, for me.

Yet, nothing is forever, including same sex bans, but I can’t lie and say I don’t feel some type of way about it. On one hand it’s a fitting way to synchronize two charities with one specific goal: enriching kids lives. Buuttt they’ve banned a whole group of people based on their sexual orientation for 23 years. Two decades!?. I know it’s time to let it go. The ban has been lifted. It’s a new day. Maybe so, but does it give anyone else pause over what kind of teens (is it straight AND gay or “Or”?) their willing to help?

Let me know what you guys think below.

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tinacharlesIn other sports related news, WNBA player Tina Charles slashed her salary in half to jump start her charity Hopey’s Heart Foundation, which purchases and distributes defibrillators to local schools around Michigan. The New York Liberty center launched the org in her aunt’s honor, who died of organ failure last year, and spent over $14K (she makes $100,000, according to Black Enterprise) purchasing 10 defibrillators for donation before she passed.

She’s raised $48K for the foundation so far and wrote a $50,000 check to go towards the charity’s goal of getting 100 defibrillators.

No qualms about this one. You go girl.

Ludaday Weekend Recap: Rapper/Actor Ludacris Hosts Annual Charity Weekend

Ludacris joined by ATL Mayor Kasim Reed. Photo Credit: Ludacris Facebook

Ludacris joined by ATL Mayor Kasim Reed.
Photo Credit: Ludacris Facebook

Happy post-Labor Day, post-BBQ, post-no white pants allowed season. Summer is unofficially a wrap–just don’t tell Mother Nature because she’s still beaming 80° weather over our heads in the Big Apple–and what better way to give it a fond farewell than having a ludicrously philanthropic blowout by the self-proclaimed man himself.

Ludacris kicked off his 9th annual Ludaday weekend, a four day binge on charitable events benefitting the ATL community through the Ludacris Foundation, with a strike! Nope, no one was out, the “Fast & Furious” star launched a celeb bowling tournament Thursday, which attracted Neyo, Lance Goss and Rev Run’s daughter Angela Simmons.

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But, the actual winner of the night was producer Lil Ronnie.

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The Ludaday weekend charity tour took over Banneker High School Friday, with a health talk and improv workout at the gym. Wonder which snatched bod will look the best in their back-to- school clothes…

ludacrisgreetingcrowdThe Ludaday weekend tour bus rolled onto Georgia State University. The new Frosh and upperclassmen were treated to a block party with free food and entertainment by Bobby Shmurda. **raised eyebrows** as nice as it may have been to get Shmoney dance lessons and watch his cap get stuck in the clouds, didn’t this up-and-coming rapper just dodge a drive-by shooting?!! Just saying…y’all be safe.

Rounding out the last two days of the Ludaday weekend was a celeb b-ball game, which Larenz Tate, Dwight Howard, Bow Wow Shad Moss, and Big Tigger suited up for to take to the hardwood at GSU gym Sunday. The victor was, of course Ludacris for the game and hosting a starstudded charity event.

The winning team!!!

The winning team!!!

Sitting courtside was “Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta” stars  Rasheeda and Kirk, no doubt taking a break from the show’s violently explosive reunion show.

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And the Pied Piper of R&B, R. Kelly, chilled with Luda backstage.

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Cheers to the friggin weekend!!!

Ace in the Hole for Charity!! Jamie Foxx and Dwayne Wade Raise Moola for Florida Youth

Three distinguished gentlemen on golf course. Image Courtesy: Jamie Fox Instagram

Three distinguished gentlemen on golf course. (from L. Jamie Foxx, Irie and Dwayne Wade) Image Courtesy: Jamie Fox Instagram

Singer/actor Jamie Foxx and NBA Heat player (for now) Dwayne Wade were swinging the club like Tiger at last month’s 10th annual Irie Weekend. The event–made up of celeb golf matches bringing out Alonzo Mourning, Kevin Dillon and Shawn Marion, a youth workshop Jamie took part in (of course, he did), silent auction, comeback performance from Ma$e and pop up basketball hoops–was to benefit go-to award show DJ and Miami Heat’s official music man Irie’s Foundation.

The IRIE Foundation‘s mission is to develop programs motivating South Floridian kids to stay in school and increase the grad rate. The Foundation keeps tabs on middle schoolers with mentorships and extracurriculars. Then doles out scholarship money once kids reach high school.

The three-day event kicked off with Ma$e rocking the Irie Weekend Hotel at the National in Miami with a welcome concert. Earlier, Jamie met the kids at the FORE Life Golf Clinic event. Friday was the celeb golf tournament where they got pointers from Pro golfer Rickie Fowler (see if it paid off with the video below). Wrapping up the star-studded weekend was a Celeb Bowl where Foundation kids were matched with their famous idols.

Damn. If that’s not a jam-packed weekend…I don’t know what is. Good look, DJ Irie.

CHARITY SHOT: Kevin Durant and Rapper The Game Make a Basketball Bet for Charity

A friendly wager for charity took a turn for the worse between rapper The Game and OKC baller Kevin Durant when TMZ got in the mix of the on-the-fly bet for the kiddies.

Okay, so according to TMZ, last week at a Drake party, Durant stepped to The Game with a philanthropic offer: if the “How We Do” rapper could sink a 3-point shot at NBA range he’d give away $20K worth of his sneakers to The Game’s lil league basketball team Frogg All Stars.

It was all net for The Game’s charity shot, but never received the deets from K.D. on when the kids gear would be delivered. TMZ got wind of the wager, tracked Durant down during his workout for answers and called out the MC for lying about the bet. Not one to let that slide, the Game blasted the baller out on Instagram about the terms of the bet. He even said Drake was a witness to the charity shot.

There was more back and forth until finally the Game released this statement on Instagram about the fracas:

Had a conversation with @easymoneysniper this morning & we both agreed that there was a miscommunication between the middle party which was “TMZ” & that the way the camera man presented it to him was as if he bet me $20,000 cash which wasn’t the case…. We agreed that if I hit the 3 point shot he would get KD gear & his kicks for all the kids in our @froggallstars organization which is close to 130 children…. 130 kids at a price of maybe $150 a shoe & gear after tax equals close to $20,000 give or take so that’s where that # came from. When I woke up & had multiple texts & calls saying KD called me a liar on TMZ, I acted immediately in clearing things up on my end on my page & didn’t have a # on @easymoneysniper to clear it up privately which is what I should’ve done because the situation that was meant to be friendly & charitable to the kids & is now blown out of proportion….
The Game also wrote that K.D. agreed to make good on the bet’s promise and deliver the gear to his lil league team of over 100 players. K.D. re-posted the Game’s message. So all is squared away. Go Frogg AllStars!!!