By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The Tennessee Titans removed any doubts they are serious about going for a Super Bowl title this season with two major signings in the last five days. Over the weekend they announced former Seahawks and Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, regarded as the top free agent on this year’s market, had signed a one-year deal with the team. Clowney was the number one pick in the 2014 NFL draft. That followed last Thursday’s signing of longtime New England kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Gostkowski, a four-time Pro Bowl kicker, previously played 14 years with the Patriots.…
Author: Ron Wynn
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Halle Berry’s three-decades plus Hollywood career, which includes winning Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe awards, gets another first this week as she’ll discuss her directorial debut “Bruised” at the Toronto Film Festival. Berry is also the featured star in the production about a disgraced MMA fighter Jackie “Justice,” seeking redemption and a career revival. Berry will be featured on Friday as part of the Festival’s “Conversation With” series organizers told The Hollywood Reporter Monday. Berry previously produced the thriller “Kidnap” in 2017, and was also part of “John Wick: Chapter 3.” But she hadn’t…
By Ron Wynn Award-winning actress Regina King is cautiously optimistic about her new film “One Night in Miami,” which debuts this week at the Venice Film Festival. King told Variety that the film may or may not open more doors for Black women directors, but if the reception were good, perhaps things would definitely improves on that front. “Unfortunately, across the world, that’s how things seem to work. One woman gets a shot and if she does not succeed, it shuts thing down for years until someone else gets a shot,” King said, speaking from the U.S. at a “One…
John Thompson always did things his way, whether others approved or not. He was a high school standout and successful college player who later enjoyed a solid pro career as the backup center to legendary Bill Russell on the Celtics. An imposing figure at six feet, 10 inches, he didn’t shy away from hot button social issues, particularly after he became a coach. But before that he played on two Celtic title teams during his time in the NBA. However, Thompson spent more time learning about coaching, getting tips from another legend, Arnold “Red” Auerbach. That prepared him for what…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — As training camp ended last week, expectations for the Tennessee Titans are dramatically higher than they’ve been in several years. This season finishing 9-7 and sneaking into the playoffs as a wild card will not be considered a successful year. At minimum, the club wants a return to the AFC championship game, and at best winning the Super Bowl. Wresting the division title away from the Houston Texans and getting a home playoff game are primary objectives, and to achieve them the Titans must address some questions that, if left unresolved, will probably prevent…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — In a year where little has been normal or gone as expected in the sports world, the 2020 US Open will be the first in history played without fans in attendance. The COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to ensuring the stands will be empty, has also wrecked havoc with the field, as many of the top men and women aren’t participating. Yet there’s still enormous interest in the tournament for one main reason. Serena Williams continues pursuing the elusive 24th Grand Slam title, which would tie her with Margaret Court for the most in history.…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — While jazz fans have long been aware of Terence Blanchard’s brilliance as a trumpeter since his days with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in the early 80s, far more people are aware of his excellence as a composer for various film and television projects. He’s scored many of Spike Lee’s films, earning an Oscar nomination and Grammy award for “BlacKkKlansman.” Most recently he’s provided the score for Lee’s Netflix film “Da 5 Bloods” and also for Regina King’s upcoming film “One Night in Miami,” which will be screened at this year’s Venice International…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — There was immense grief and sadness nationwide on Friday, but there was substantially more in Black neighborhoods and homes as the world received the stunning news that the marvelous actor Chadwick Boseman had died at 43 of colon cancer. The shock became even more pronounced when more information revealed he’d been suffering from it for four years, and had been working some of his finest acting roles around chemotherapy sessions. Boseman kept his condition such a secret even many considered his closest associates had no idea he was even ill, let alone suffering from…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The ongoing effort of NASCAR to increase diversity and inclusion regarding Blacks and other people of color has resulted in an unprecedented move with both local and national implications. Dover Motorsports COO Mike Tatoian announced last Saturday that Erik Moses had been named new president of Nashville Superspeedway. Moses becomes not only the first Black person in charge at the Nashville Superspeedway, but the first to be president of any NASCAR track. The Superspeedway has been closed since 2011, but is slated to reopen June 20, 2021. The main reason for Moses’ hiring, aside…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The Tennessee State Tigers have turned to the Southeastern Conference in their bid to improve the fortunes of their women’s basketball team. Last Wednesday they announced the hiring of 17-year veteran coach Tywaune “Ty” Evans as the new head coach of the Lady Tigers. Both Athletic Director Dr. Mikki Allen and TSU President Glenda Glover were enthusiastic about the hiring of Evans. “Ty Evans will bring an abundance of energy, enthusiasm, and a winning mentality to the Tennessee State University women’s basketball program,” AD Allen said during a virtual press conference. “Coach Evans comes…