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…
Author: Ron Wynn
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…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The Memphis Grizzlies have shocked the NBA world by reaching the playoffs this season the hard way. They had to defeat both the San Antonio Spurs at home and the Golden State Warriors on the road as the ninth-place finisher. But they did both those things, surviving a brilliant 39-point outburst from Steph Curry in the Golden State game and despite blowing a nine-point lead in the final two minutes and having to win in overtime. Ja Morant’s brilliance (35 points, six assists, six rebounds, four steals) keyed the 117-112 win and the Grizzlies…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — One of the most innovative and edgy comedies on broadcast, cable TV or streaming services will be back next season. HBO announced this week that Robin Thede’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show” would receive a third season. Thede, the creator, showrunner, executive producer, writer and star of the Emmy-nominated narrative comedy show, told Variety.com that making the show has been a dream come true. “I’m honored to continue our incredible series and wonderful partnership with HBO, Issa Rae, JAX Media and our entire producing team,” she added in a statement. The first season debuted…
By Ron Wynn Lee Daniels is one of the most prolific and versatile creative figures in Hollywood at the moment, and he’ll be quite busy this upcoming season. He also has a new deal with 20th Television, a Disney backed studio. The deal was announced this week, and comes on the heels of Daniels and his company (Lee Daniels Entertainment or LDE) returning to broadcast television for the 2021-22 season. They’ll be doing both “The Wonder Years” update at ABC and “Our Kind of People” at Fox. “I’m beyond grateful to continue my partnership with 20th, Dana Walden, Karey Burke…
By Ron Wynn The Nashville Predators did a lot of things right in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes, yet find themselves down 2-0 going into Friday night’s third contest at Bridgestone Arena. Their hopes of getting a split in Game 2 Wednesday night were erased due to the razor sharp goaltending of Hurricanes rookie Alex Nedeljovic and the offensive prowess of Sebastian Aho. Nedeljovic stopped all 32 Predators’ shots, while Aho scored the game’s first goal in the opening period and then got a second one with 53 seconds remaining to seal what ultimately…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Despite being ranked second in the nation most of the season, the Vanderbilt Commodores face a tough battle just to win the SEC Eastern Division, let alone defend their NCAA title. The Commodores dropped the final game of their series against the 14th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels Sunday, and begin the week with a 17-9 SEC record. They are a half game behind Tennessee (18-9), who also dropped two of three games over the weekend to top ranked Arkansas. The Razorbacks not only remain atop the national standings, they lead the SEC East with a…
The WNBA’s 25th anniversary season has begun, and a league that many predicted wouldn’t survive has not only stayed in business, but greatly broadened and expanded its reach and exposure. Though it still doesn’t get anywhere near the coverage given either men’s pro or college basketball, there are now more WNBA games on different networks through a new deal that puts the WNBA on multiple cable and broadcast entities. But there are also major changes. All 12 WNBA teams will have new uniforms, and Nike has created three looks for each franchise. There’s also a new Wilson basketball being used…