NASHVILLE, TN — The coaching staff of Eddie George includes one former NFL head coach and the son of another. George announced his full staff last week for the upcoming 2021 fall season, his first as head coach of the Tennessee State Tigers. The biggest name is former Las Vegas (they were Oakland when he coached them) Raiders and Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson. Jackson’s most recent position had been as an assistant to former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis in 2018. Jackson will be the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Former Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher’s…
Author: Ron Wynn
These NBA playoffs have been distinguished by two things. One is the unpredictability of outcomes, with both the top seeds in each conference already eliminated, and teams like Milwaukee, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Clippers posting surprising and historical victories in their various rounds. But the bigger and better trend that’s resulted has been the success of Black coaches. Three of the four teams still in contention for an NBA title have African Americans in charge on the sidelines, and it’s possible both of the clubs vying for the crown will have Black coaches. That puts a positive spin on…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Clarence Williams III had a long and distinguished career that included appearances on Broadway and in multiple films. But for many in the baby boom generation Williams, who passed on June 3, 2021 at 81, will be forever remembered for a pair of iconic performances. They came in the ABC television series “The Mod Squad” and the film “Purple Rain.” He portrayed Linc Hayes on “The Mod Squad” and Prince’s father in “Purple Rain.” The cause of death was confirmed by his management as colon cancer. Williams became a household name in 1968 as…
Every athlete eventually will be defeated by age. While some like Tom Brady or Lebron James seem to defy the usual impact of getting older (though this year James started to show signs of its effect), even they eventually will have to give way to younger replacements. But nowhere is this topic being discussed more lately than in the tennis world, mainly because two of its greatest legends are now facing constant questions about retirement. Venus and Serena Williams have been the greatest sister act in sports history period. Their influence and accomplishments aren’t just tennis achievements, they’re cultural milestones…
By Ron Wynn Shemekia Copeland has more than upheld the grand blues tradition of her late superstar father Johnny Copeland. Sunday she was the biggest winner at the 2021 Blues Music Awards (BMAs) among those honored in 25 categories. The 42nd annual ceremonies coincide with the 42 annual celebration of Black Music Month. Copeland won the top honor, the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award. She also repeated as Contemporary Blues Female Artist award winner from 2020, and her LP “Uncivil War” earned Contemporary Blues Album honors as well. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram continued his winning streak from 2020 with…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Neither Vanderbilt, the defending NCAA baseball champion or Tennessee accomplished their primary goal at last week’s SEC tournament. But both did reach their secondary goals and will be among seven SEC teams hosting regional tournaments for the forthcoming NCAA College World Series. The SEC took seven of the 16 available spots for regional events. A total of 64 teams will be attempting to reach Omaha, the site of the College World Series. Each regional consists of four teams playing in a double-elimination format. All the events run from Friday through Monday. Regional winners advance…
This should be the best time of the year for the NBA. The playoffs are in full stride, and teams aren’t playing in an isolated bubble, but in front of hometown crowds. Many states are relaxing COVID-19 protocols and allowing fans to return, something that was initially viewed a another big plus. But increasingly the issue of fans misbehaving at games is becoming a major one, as this past Sunday saw yet another ugly incident in the first round that involved someone in the stands displaying deplorable conduct during or after a game. This time a Boston Celtics fan threw…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The major theatre chains are now easing mask mandates as many jurisdictions are also cutting back on COVID-19 protocols. The general trend now is moving towards allowing fully vaccinated patrons to enter a theater without wearing face coverings. However, masks will still be required for all customers if mandated by local authorities — such as in Los Angeles, the country’s largest moviegoing market. “Consistent with the latest CDC guidance and following consultation with public health experts, AMC Theatres guests who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear face coverings at AMC locations,…
By Ron Wynn In an ideal partnership, Cafe Mocha, the nation’s number one nationally syndicated radio show for women of color, is joining forces with the country’s foremost showcase for Black creative sounds, The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). This year’s Salute THEM Awards will be streamed from the Museum, 510 Broadway, Sunday at 6 PM CST; followed by broadcast on BNC TV at 9PM CST. The ceremony will be hosted by Café Mocha Gracie Awards Winners Loni Love, Yo-Yo, and “Ain’t Too Proud” Broadway star Saint Aubyn. The event is sponsored by AARP and Toyota, with musical…
Last week for the second time in recent months Tennessee State University’s athletics program was in the national news. The Eddie George hiring got them major attention both in and out of the sporting arena, and the same was true when an announcement was made that the school was exploring the possibility of adding hockey to its array of varsity sports. TSU is conducting a feasibility study in partnership with the National Hockey League, Nashville Predators, and College Hockey Inc. The results of this study are expected to be released late this fall. If TSU is successful in adding…