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Posts published in “Sports”

Number-One NBA Draft Pick Anthony Bennett Signs with Cleveland Cavaliers

By goodblacknews on August 21, 2013

AP_Anthony_Bennett_NBA_Draft_Basketball_hagl_16x9t_384CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers have signed Anthony Bennett, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, to his guaranteed rookie contract.  Financial terms were not immediately known, but the deal can be worth up to $22.8 million over four years.  Bennett was somewhat of a surprising selection by the Cavaliers, who believe the 6-foot-8, 240-pounder from UNLV can play power forward. He’s recovering from shoulder surgery, but the Toronto native is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. He averaged 16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds as a freshman with the Runnin’ Rebels.
The Cavs also said they have finalized their deals with first-round pick Sergey Karasev, a guard from Russia, and second-round selection Carrick Felix from Arizona State.  Karasev helped lead Russia to the gold medal in the World University Game this summer.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press via espn.go.com

Long-Distance Runner Mo Farah Wins World 5,000-Meter Title to Claim Historic Double-Double

By goodblacknews on August 16, 2013
Mo Farah
Mo Farah, right, holds off his rivals to win the 5,000m world title in Moscow. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
This was Mo Farah‘s immortal race: the victory he called “the sweetest by far”, the triumph that thrust him deeper into the realm of athletics‘ gods. Under cooling Moscow skies Farah fended off a sustained counterattack from Hagos Gebrhiwet and Isiah Kiplangat Koech to win his fifth global title, two more than any British athlete in history. He also became only the second man, after Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele, to achieve the double-double of 5,000m and 10,000m golds at the Olympics and the following world championships. This is the company Farah now keeps.
But it was harder than last year: Farah admitted so himself. The teeth had to be gritted and clamped with 100m to go as greyhounds from Kenya and Ethiopia sniffed out and scampered after their prey. His battle roar was also delayed until moments before the line, when his lungs demanded release and he finally accepted that victory was safe. Then came the familiar gestures: eyes kindled and hands open in astonished glee before his body flopped on the track, tension escaping like air from a popped balloon after a job well done.
“I never thought in my career I would achieve something like this,” said Farah, who won 5,000m gold in 13min 26.98sec, a step ahead of Gebrhiwet and Koech who took silver and bronze in the same time of 13:27.26sec. “This was very tough – it was all left to the last two laps and I had a lot of pressure. It was hard this year, harder than last year.”

WWE Wrestler Darren Young tells "Today" Show: ‘I’m Gay and I’m Happy’

By goodblacknews on August 16, 2013

“I’ve been suppressed in these feelings for so long in my life,” said Young, 29. “I just need to be happy. To the day I’m six feet under, I will always say ‘I want to be happy.’ And I’m happy now.”  Young wrestles for World Wrestling Entertainment and has received support and praise from his colleagues and company. The WWE released a statement midday Thursday congratulating Young on his announcement:

“WWE is proud of Darren Young for being open about his sexuality, and we will continue to support him as a WWE Superstar.”

As comfortable as Young appeared in the candid interview, he told Lauer Friday he had been living in fear he would be “outed” by someone in the wrestling world before he was ready.  “I was terrified,” Young admitted. “And I think anybody in my shoes would feel the same way. But, you know it took some guts.”  Young revealed to Lauer he spoke with NBA veteran and current free agent Jason Collins Thursday night. Collins, who announced he was gay earlier this year in an article for Sports Illustrated,  served as an inspiration to Young and even gave him advice on how to handle increased public attention.
Young said he expects a mixed reaction from the crowd the next time he steps in the ring but is more concerned with his role moving forward.  “At the end of the day, I want to be able to be a role model,” Young said. “I want to be a role model to people that are afraid to come out. I want to be there. I want to be able to speak at different functions and educate and tell my story.”  One of WWE’s premiere pay-per-events, SummerSlam, is Sunday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
article by Todd Johnson via thegrio.com

Jamaican Sprinter Usain Bolt Wins 100-Meter World Title as Lightning Strikes

By goodblacknews on August 12, 2013

A bolt of lightning strikes just after Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt wins the 100-meter title at the IAAF world championships in Moscow. (Olivier Morin / AFP/Getty Images / August 11, 2013)
A bolt of lightning strikes just after Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt wins the 100-meter title at the IAAF world championships in Moscow. (Olivier Morin / AFP/Getty Images / August 11, 2013)

Usain Bolt actually needed encouragement from the crowd to strike his famous “lightning bolt” pose after reclaiming the 100-meter world title on Sunday.  Maybe that’s because the usually ebullient Jamaican runner has found a new gimmick.  An incredible photo has surfaced, showing a bolt of lightning striking overhead at the IAAF world championships in Moscow just after Bolt crossed the finish line in 9.77 seconds, well ahead of American runner-up Justin Gatlin (9.85).

The race took place in a heavy downpour, which led to a slow start by Bolt, the two-time reigning Olympic champion and world record holder in the event.  But he quickly overtook Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist who upset Bolt during a meet in Rome earlier this year.  Bolt, who lost the world title two years ago due to a false start, did nothing flashy as he crossed the finish line or afterward, straying from the usual antics his fans have become accustomed to.
But, then again, Mother Nature seems to have taken care of that for him.
article by Chuck Schilken via latimes.com

Obama: Russia Has "Big Stake in Making Sure" Olympics Work for LGBT Community

By goodblacknews on August 8, 2013

1375839549000-AFP-521918111-1308062140_4_3In an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, President Barack Obama on Tuesday night said that he expected Russia to welcome gay and lesbian athletes to the 2014 Sochi Olympics because the country has “a big stake in making sure the Olympics work.”  The conversation stemmed from a question Leno asked about the treatment of the LGBT community in Russia, which Leno characterized as a place where “homosexuality is against the law.”
A top Russian government official recently stated that, even during the Olympics, the country would enforce a new law that prohibits “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations around minors.” The law, signed by Russian president Vladimir Putin in June, also bans public events that promote gay rights and public displays of affection by same-sex couples.
The International Olympic Committee has stated publicly that athletes and visitors attending the 2014 Sochi Games in Russia will not be affected by the anti-gay legislation.  “I mean, this seems like Germany,” Leno said. “Let’s round up the Jews, let’s round up the gays, let’s round up the blacks. I mean, it starts with that. You round up people who you don’t — I mean, why is not more of the world outraged at this?”
President Obama responded that he had “no patience for countries that try to treat gays or lesbians or transgender persons in ways that intimidate them or are harmful to them.”

President Barack Obama Honors Negro League Players at White House

By goodblacknews on August 6, 2013
NegroLeaguePlayers
Former baseball players in the Negro League, from left to right, Pedro Sierra, Minnie Minoso, Ron Teasley, and the last living owner of a Negro League team, Minnie Forbes, of the Detroit Stars, far right, talk outside the West Wing of the White House following their meeting with President Barack Obama, Monday, Aug. 5, 2013. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President Barack Obama on Monday honored former baseball players in the Negro League, a haven for African-American players who for decades were prevented from competing with white players in professional baseball.  The White House said Obama invited about a dozen players to the White House to mark their contributions to American history, civil rights and athletics. The players competed for teams like the Philadelphia Stars, New York Black Yankees, Indianapolis Clowns and Boston Blues.

The Negro League thrived in the early part of the 20th century. Its decline started after Jackie Robinson in 1947 became the first African-American to play Major League Baseball in modern times, clearing the way for other black players to compete in the major leagues. The league disbanded a few years later.

Copyright The Associated Press via krmg.com

WNBA All-Stars Team Up For Fit Clinic

By goodblacknews on July 30, 2013
WNBA All-Star Ivory Latta does push-ups with kids from New London Parks and Recreation during a WNBA Fit Clinic at BDJMS in New London, CT on Friday July 26, 2013. (Credit: Carrie Healey)
WNBA All-Star Ivory Latta does push-ups with kids from New London Parks and Recreation during a WNBA Fit Clinic at BDJMS in New London, CT on Friday July 26, 2013. (Credit: Carrie Healey)

WNBA All-Star players teamed up with R&B singer Trevor Jackson and Miss USA Erin Brady to help dedicate a newly refurbished basketball court and conduct a fitness clinic for elementary students on Friday at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School (BDJMS) in New London, CT.  The middle school court was recently refurbished by Bona, the official hardwood floor care partner of the WNBA.  Bona and Jamba Juice, a WNBA FIT partner, helped conduct the fitness clinic that included 75 boys and girls from New London Parks & Recreation.
Maya Moore, Tina Charles, Ivory Latta, Allison Hightower and Lindsay Whalen were among the all-stars who helped put on the Fit Clinic for young students. The players lead different stations and drills for the children, including working on lay-ups, shooting and even jumping rope. “There are a lot of elementary school kids here getting the chance to participate in different activities,” Minnesota Lynx player Maya Moore told theGrio. “It’s all to encourage them to enjoy a healthy, fit, active lifestyle, and just to have fun.”
“I’m glad I continue to make them proud,” the former University of Connecticut star said about her college fans. “Being back in Connecticut is always great.”  Moore said she enjoys giving back and being “a good role model for the kids here.”
“It’s nice to be out here today, give back to the community and the kids,” Connecticut Sun guard Allison Hightower said. “It’s very important because if you’re not active now, you won’t be active when you’re older.”
“We’re trying to get [the children] active, show them the different things they can do at home or at school,” Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun) said.

EBC Suspends Summer Tournament To Host Trayvon Martin Invitational

By goodblacknews on July 23, 2013

A Black ANd White Photo Of Trayvon Martin
On Friday, July 26th the Entertainers Basketball Classic (EBC) will suspend their summer tournament for one weekend to host the Trayvon Martin Invitational in memory of the slain Florida teen.  In conjunction with Vibe Magazine and NYC radio station Hot 97, the tournament will host New York’s elite streetball teams (within the tri-state area), top NBA players and celebrities who will come together at the legendary Rucker Park. There will be 2 games every night at 6pm & 8pm with the winning teams of each game advancing toward the Invitational Championship game which takes place on Monday, July 29 at 8pm. Bringing young and old together, the EBC in conjunction with activist Kevin Powell will host community leaders at the park to speak to the Harlem fans and attendees.
CEO and founder of EBC, Greg Marius states “This is an extremely difficult time for many people, I can not begin to express my sympathy with Trayvon Martin’s family but only show my support by joining together as a community to make a difference. If we do not make a stand for all the injustices now, who will?”

Kobe Bryant Memorabilia Earns $433,531 in New Jersey Auction, Raises Money for The Bully Project

By goodblacknews on July 22, 2013
Kobe BryantA pair of Kobe Bryant‘s 2000 NBA championship rings brought in a combined $282,337, in an auction that closed Saturday morning. The monthlong sale, held out of West Berlin, N.J., by Goldin Auctions, brought in a total of $433,531 from Bryant’s memorabilia. “Collectors surely recognized that these are historically significant pieces of memorabilia that are rarely made available for a player like Kobe Bryant,” said Ken Goldin, Founder of Goldin Auctions.
Goldin Auctions will donate $62,565 of the proceeds to the Bully Project, one of Bryant’s favored charities. “We’re delighted to have been chosen to benefit from the auction of these once-in-a-lifetime items from Kobe Bryant,” said Lee Hirsch, the director of “Bully.” “Athletes set a powerful example when they speak out against bullying and we deeply appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in this auction for helping us to amplify this message.”
Bryant’s memorabilia, including high school uniforms, rings and an All-Star medallion, was provided to Goldin Auctions by Bryant’s mother, Pamela, after a family dispute over ownership was settled out of court.
article by Eric Pincus via latimes.com

Serena Williams Defeats Johanna Larsson to Win Swedish Open

By goodblacknews on July 22, 2013
la-sp-serena-williams-20130721
Serena Williams reacts during her victory over Johanna Larsson, 6-4, 6-1, in the final of the Swedish Open on Sunday.(Bjorn Larsson Rosvall / Getty Images / July 21, 2013)
Serena Williams won her 53rd WTA title by beating Johanna Larsson, 6-4, 6-1, in the final of the Swedish Open on Sunday at Bastad. The 24-year-old Swede broke to lead 3-1 in the first set before Williams fought back to 3-3. Larsson advanced to 4-3 before caving in to the American’s strong serve and losing the next three games.  Williams dominated the second set, breaking Larsson’s serve twice.  Williams also defeated 76th-ranked Larsson in their only previous match in the Fed Cup earlier this year.
article via latimes.com