By Nunnie Robinson, WG Sports Editor
We left you last week with the assurance that sports just keeps on giving, listing several upcoming events while failing to mention the Masters, the first golf major of the year. Tiger Woods’ close companion, Rory McIlroy, joined him, Jack Nicklaus, and Nick Faldo as one of the only two-time consecutive champions, elite company indeed.
Going into the 18th hole, Rory held a two-shot lead over a charging Scottie Scheffler, who finished the final round with a 68 and was the only player who came within inches of a birdie on 17. In classic Rory fashion, his tee shot on 18 went wide right into the trees. However, instead of playing it safe and avoiding a potential playoff, he hooked the ball around towering trees, landing in a bunker. From there, it took three additional shots, resulting in a bogey on 18, the last a tap-in to secure his place in history, finishing one shot ahead of Scheffler.
Speaking of Tiger and his travails, the car accidents and subsequent arrests due to alcohol or pain-management medication, the prevailing belief is that he sorely misses his father’s guidance and influence. His father, a Green Beret, introduced him to golf at an early age. The sex scandal and failed relationships have further dimmed his image, the most recent being his involvement with the ex-wife of a Trump relative. He joins a growing list of wealthy Black celebrities who, in the eyes of some, have distanced themselves from their heritage, racial identity, and the ongoing struggle associated with the African American experience.
No matter how Tiger defines his racial identity, he has demonstrated that all the riches in the world won’t buy happiness or contentment. His influence on young Black golfers has not met expectations. If he surrounds himself with people who genuinely care about his well-being, his impact on the golf world, his influence on future golfers, especially minorities, and his personal achievements are still there for the taking. I’d love to see him take a stab at Nicklaus’ majors record. His body and his mind need holistic healing – the eternal optimist in me.
If America can elect a moronic imbecile like Donald Trump to a second term, anything is possible.
The WNBA Draft was held last night on ESPN. UConn Huskies women’s basketball star Azzi Fudd was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings, joining last year’s No. 1 pick and former Huskies teammate Paige Bueckers.
UCLA Bruins women’s basketball led all schools with six players drafted from their 2026 NCAA championship team.
The Miami Heat face the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte in a one-game play-in, with the winner advancing. Are the Heat becoming the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NBA – consistently competitive but far from championship caliber?
The NFL Draft is approaching at warp speed. One of the athletes under the most scrutiny is Ty Simpson, as debate continues over whether he’s worthy of a first-round pick. Meanwhile, Jeremiyah Love, arguably a top-five talent, must contend with the declining value of running backs in today’s NFL versus his natural athletic gifts, which will impact where and by whom he is drafted.
And if that doesn’t satisfy your sports cravings, the NCAA Track and Field Championships across all divisions are just around the corner.