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. 

Moe's N.F.L Mock Draft 2021 2.0 *Updated 3/29*

With Free Agency now over, and a couple of trades. Here's a look forward to what teams may due, moving into next season for their respective first round picks;

No Trades in Draft Order applied. 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence QB - Clemson

*The only obvious choice in this years draft. He was a stud in college and has all the tools to pull Jacksonville back to respectability. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

2. New York Jets - Zach Wilson QB - BYU

*I still believe the Jets should stick with Darnold and pick Sewell but after the 49ers have moved up to #3. Added the performance from Zach Wilson, take your guy.  *1.0 Pick - Penei Sewell O.T. - Oregon

3. San Francisco 49ers - Justin Fields QB - Ohio State

*If you trade up this high, there's only one reason, Quarterback. I like Trey Lance but you cannot knock Justin Fields talent and experience. He can sit a year then be ready in Kyle Shanahan's Offense.            *1.0 Pick - Trey Lance QB - North Dakota State.

4. Atlanta Falcons - Trey Lance QB - NDSU

*The Falcons have a lot of holes to fill but with the age and contract of Matt Ryan. You have to look to the future in this spot. Trey Lance falls down and can sit and learn behind the Pro Bowler Matty Ice.                                   *1.0 Pick - Zach Wilson - QB BYU.

5. Cincinnati Bengals - Penei Sewell O.T. - Oregon

*Your QB is Joe Burrow, now get him some help for the next ten years. 

*1.0 Pick - Kyle Pitts - TE - U. Florida

6. Miami Dolphins -  Ja'Marr Chase - LSU

*Looks like Tua will get his chance to start a full year after this years trade.                                                   *1.0 Pick - Devonta Smith WR - Alabama.

7. Detroit Lions - DeVonta Smith WR - Alabama

*With the trade for Jared Goff settled, the Lions surround him with talent. They get the highest prospect. *1.0 Pick - Jaylen Waddle WR - Alabama.

8. Carolina Panthers - Kyle Pitts TE - U. Florida

* The Panthers will lose out on all four top Quarterbacks, unless they move up to grab one. If they stay put, they can still get talent on the outside to help McCaffrey get loose.                                                    *1.0 Pick - Justin Fields QB - Ohio State.

9. Denver Broncos - Micah Parsons LB/Edge - Penn State

*John Elway is still searching for a QB but with the top four gone. You look at that next Hybrid type that can replace Von Miller in Micah Parsons. He's Strong, Fast, and can get to the QB.                                *1.0 Pick - No Change.

10. Dallas Cowboys - Rashawn Slater  OT - Northwestern

*After significant injuries that depleted a great offensive line. The Cowboys need to re-tool and get back to what they do best. Handing it to their bell cow Eziekel Elliott and play action down field with hopefully a healthy Dak Presscott. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

11. New York Giants - Jaylen Waddle WR - Alabama

*With a surprising free agency, the Giants have the luxury of picking the best on the board. If he's here, take him. *1.0 pick - Gregory Rousseau DE/Edge - U of Miami

12. Philadelphia Eagles - Kwity Paye DE/Edge - Michigan

*They traded back to get additional picks, Smart move. They start at Defensive end with one of the best.  *1.0 pick - JaMarr Chase WR - LSU

13. Los Angeles Chargers - Olijah Vera-Tucker OT - USC

*With a promising young QB. This team needs help on the Defensive side of the ball in the Offensive heavy AFC West Division but, protect the Quarterback.                                                                            *1.0 Pick - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB - Notre Dame.

14. Minnesota Vikings -  Gregory Rousseau DE/Edge - U of Miami

*The once revered defensive line is gone. With a identity on Offense and a young secondary now with experience. Look for Coach Zimmerman to find someone to get to the QB.                                             *1.0 Pick - Kwity Paye Edge - Michigan.

15. New England Patriots - Mac Jones QB - Alabama

*Belichick has to start somewhere and why not start with someone who just won a National Championship with your friend/colleague Nick Saban. He can make all the throws, he isn't flashy and just gets the job done. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

16. Arizona Cardinals - Caleb Farley  CB - Virginia Tech

*This was one of the most prolific Offenses to watch last year and a defense who just couldn't cover late in games. With Patrick Patterson's time ticking, the Cardinals get secondary help, they need. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

17. Las Vegas Raiders - Christian Barmore DT - Alabama

*The Raiders aren't far off from contention but they need more help on the defensive side of the ball. The one weakness was up the middle as teams ran the ball more and more especially in the Red Zone. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

18. Miami Dolphins - Azeez Ojulari DE/Edge - Georgia

*With the Offensive side of the ball pretty much covered. Though they could use a RB here, I think you go to the next big need. Brian Flores has done a tremendous job and this unit gets better by adding a pass rusher to help a young secondary. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

19. Washington Football Team - Patrick Surtain II CB - Alabama

*With a defense that is already one of the best in the league, they do need help with coverage. Patrick Surtain II will help fill that void. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

20. Chicago Bears - Christian Darishaw OT - Virginia Tech

*No matter who's at QB or who's at WR they need to fix this Offensive Line. Too many pressures is a large part to why they can't get any kind of play at QB. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

21. Indianapolis Colts - Jaycee Horn CB - South Carolina 

*This is a ready playoff team that needs a QB. With the top QB's gone, they're going to have to let some Free Agents go in order to sign or trade for a Veteran. With that being said, the glaring hole is at the Corner position and that gets filled with one of the better Cornerbacks in Jaycee Horn. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

22. Tennesse Titans - Joseph Ossai DE/Edge - Texas

*This defense needs a pass rusher. They can get a WR in the later Rounds but the need at this point is getting the QB. Jadeveon Clowney probably will not return. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

23. New York Jets - Najee Harris RB - Alabama

*The help for Darnold continues and arguably the best back in the draft. Najee can do everything you need and the Jets need him to do it all. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Trevon Moehrig S - TCU

*The Steelers secondary has been an issue and they end up with the best Safety in this class. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars - Travis Etienne RB - Clemson

*For the first time in a long time, we will see two RB's taken in the first round. These two are that good. Travis Etienne will be a day one starter in Jacksonville. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

26. Cleveland Browns - Jayson Oweh DE/Edge - Penn State

*The Browns have to help Myles Garrett with a running mate to take away some of the double teams he sees. With an identity on Offense of run first, the Browns find a decent rusher in Oweh. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

27. Baltimore Ravens - Nick Bolton LB - Missouri

*I'd like to see Baltimore find another weapon for Action Jackson but with a defense that will lose players to Free Agency, they fill holes at LB with Nick Bolton. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

28. New Orleans Saints - Jaelan Phillips DE-Edge - Univ. of Miami

*With Drew Brees likely to retire a Hall of Fame Career. Tom Brady likely to return with a team behind him. The Saints have to get pressure on Brady and they can do that with Phillips. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

29. Green Bay Packers - Kadarius Toney WR - Univ. of Florida

*Please get him a playmaker and I think they will. Toney is that slot big play WR they're missing.        *1.0 Pick - Olijah Vera-Tucker OT - USC.

30. Buffalo Bills - Javonte Williams RB - North Carolina

*He's a playmaker and that's exactly what the Bills need if they want to overcome the Chiefs.               *1.0 Pick - Kadarius Toney WR - Univ. of Florida.

31. Kansas City Chiefs - Samuel Cosmi OT - Texas

*This is a need beyond needs. With injuries on the O Line derailing the season. They need depth at the position. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Alex Leatherwood OT - Alabama

*You want to win another ring, you have to protect Tom at all cost. *1.0 Pick - No Change.

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.