By Nunnie Sylvester, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Though MLB is heading toward the final stretch leading to the playoffs and World Series, I don’t think baseball has gotten the national attention it deserves despite the numerous innovations designed to attract more fans and increase minority participation, especially those from the inner cities. The scheduling overlaps combined with unrestrained seasonal conflicts delight in confusion and consternation. The WNBA, for example, had a mid-season pause because of the Paris Olympics, but have resumed play, full steam ahead, with Catlain Clark setting assist records and the New York Liberty, led by Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionesco appearing to be the league’s best team. Football on every level – pro, college, high school – draped in its overwhelming popularity, unintentionally overshadows baseball and most other sports. And there are some athletically gifted players on the diamond, i.e., Elly Della Cruz, Cincinnati Reds; Juan Soto, New York Yankees; Bobby Witt, Jr., Kansas City Royals; and Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners et. al. The point is simple: having to make viewing decisions based on overlapping sports can minimize a sport’s appeal and ability to attract new fans. Nostalgically speaking, fall was for football, winter basketball, and spring & summer track and baseball. With the advent of so many new sports and choices for spectators, I’m acutely cognizant that this is 2024, not 1965.
The Jordan Chiles controversy regarding the legitimacy of the bronze medal hasn’t been resolved based on US coaches’ contention that crucial information was directed to an incorrect email. I don’t think it’s fair to either Jordan or the Romanian athlete. Just award a bronze to both and cease the bubbling international, impending disaster.
And now we know the truth: Former Dolphins coach, Brian Flores, was fired because of his personal disdain, denigration, and overt criticism of Tua as a pro quarterback. It was rumored that Flores preferred and wanted to trade for Deshawn Watson. Management obviously felt differently, leading to Flores’ abrupt departure.
Robert Griffin III’s shocking firing by ESPN has called into question the network’s motive for dismissal. Allegedly, his somewhat poignant criticism of FSU’s constant lamenting after not being selected to participate in CFP may have crossed the line. Similarly, Sam Ponder, NFL Countdown host who was also fired, has been outspoken in believing that transgender athletes shouldn’t be permitted to compete against female athletes strictly from a biological standpoint. We’ll delve into more as facts dictate.
Of Note: Pressley Harvin III of the San Francisco 49ers is the only Black punter presently in the NFL. You might recall that the Oakland Raiders’ Marquette King held that title until he officially retired in 2017.
