Nunnie on the Sideline

By Nunnie Robinson, WG Sports Editor  

Heading into the Daytona 500, future Hall of Famer Chase Elliott was the clear fan favorite. After capturing the pole, he appeared poised to claim the only major crown that had eluded him. Instead, fate intervened. Tyler Reddick, driving for 23XI Racing—co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin—avoided a massive crash that wiped out several top contenders and surged ahead to win the race, leading only the final lap.

The victory came amid lingering tension surrounding 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, which was settled after 15 grueling months of negotiations. The irony was hard to miss: had the outcome been unfavorable, Jordan’s future in NASCAR as a minority owner might have been in jeopardy. As a team often associated with DEI initiatives, 23XI Racing has faced pointed criticism from segments of the NASCAR community, making the triumph all the more significant.

The National Basketball Association continues to wrestle with concerns about its All-Star Weekend, particularly declining attendance and questions about player effort. In response, the league experimented with new formats, including a round-robin tournament featuring three teams: World, Stars, and Stripes. The World squad showcased international standouts such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, Victor Wembanyama, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Stars highlighted rising talents like Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Cade Cunningham, and Chet Holmgren, while the Stripes featured established American veterans including Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry.

The double-elimination, score-capped format drew positive reviews, though sparse attendance in Los Angeles signaled there is still work to be done. The younger Stars team ultimately won the tournament, with Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards earning MVP honors.

In college basketball, Winston-Salem State University dismissed head coach Corey Thompson just two days before a rivalry matchup with Shaw University and only weeks ahead of the CIAA Tournament. His 12–37 record over two seasons likely played a role, though speculation persists about possible philosophical differences or internal issues contributing to the decision.

Meanwhile, at Kansas State University, head coach Jerome Tang publicly criticized his players for poor effort and failing to represent the university with pride. With the team sitting last in the conference, the university ultimately fired him for cause. If that designation holds, the school may avoid paying the remainder of his contract; if not, it could owe a substantial buyout. As Tang delivered his pointed remarks, there was a palpable sense that his tenure was nearing its end. In today’s era of lucrative NIL deals and heightened expectations, the pressure on players and coaches alike has intensified—creating a relentless “win now or else” environment.