google-site-verification=cXrcMGa94PjI5BEhkIFIyc9eZiIwZzNJc4mTXSXtGRM Columbus Crew’s Wilfred Nancy understands that being a black coach in MLS is about more than just winning - 360WISE MEDIA
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Columbus Crew’s Wilfred Nancy understands that being a black coach in MLS is about more than just winning

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“Do you understand the unexpected? That’s the way it was for me,” says Wilfried Nancy, leaning forward as we sit on the Goat Tree Cafe in Santa Barbara, California, on a sunny day.

The Columbus Crew head coach’s journey is punctuated by firsts. Of eight Black coaches in the 29-year history of MLS, Nancy is the primary to win the MLS Cup. Often it is an orchestrated fate, a hand-picked circumstance, a celestial alignment to be “first,” and Nancy, having knocked the door off its hinges in December 2023 in Columbus, Ohio, stands high in the doorway, leading the trail for others.

I nod and say to myself, “Yes, I do know that word ‘unexpectedly.’

Nancy’s way of pondering might be aptly described as follows: the past is prologue. “I’m a present-moment guy. For me, the past is something that helps me construct the long run,” said the 46-year-old. “Yes, I have a clear vision of who I want to become as a person and also as a coach. But I can only control the present moments. That’s why I learned to live in the present moment and be myself.”

Known in league circles for his ability to adapt tactics based on his teams’ strengths, he creates game plans that are each dynamic and effective.

“My code is: be yourself, because everyone else is already taken,” he said.

Columbus Crew coach Wilfried Nancy before their match against Atlanta United FC at Lower.com Field on February 24 in Columbus, Ohio.

Jason Mowry/Getty Images

Columbus Crew co-owner Dee Haslam, who leads essentially the most diverse front office and technical staff in the MLS league and is the primary woman to win the MLS Cup twice, is not surprised by Nancy’s success.

“Well, I tell you, we go through a pretty intense process when we’re selecting coaches, we talk to a lot of people who know him from all sides,” Haslam said. “We knew he was an incredible leader, a great communicator and a really, really good person who exuded passion and enthusiasm for the sport.”

Nancy said, “When I came upon Columbus wanted me, yes, I had one other offer. The people I work with are really essential. Is there a connection to my vision and organization? And for me, as I sat with them, a lot of the values ​​that we share are the identical.

None of that is lost on crew captain and four-time MLS Cup champion Darlington Nagbe, who is entering his 14th season in MLS.

“You always look around the league and see how few black coaches there are,” Nagbe said. “I feel like when Wilfried came here it was just a great opportunity, at the right club, with the right players, you know?”

Robin Fraser, the 2021 MLS Coach of the Year runner-up who led the Colorado Rapids to the Western Conference regular season title, said: “A club that supports, senior management that supports, Haslams and when you add all the right ingredients together and then you will get the same results as them.”

Senior management is led by President and CEO Tim Bezbatchenko.

“You definitely need to make sacrifices for the nice of the entire, the club or the team. But it’s amazing when the whole lot comes together like last yr,” Bezbatchenko said. “The pay is great.”

As “Bez” and I sit in crew training in the course of the final week of preseason on the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club, he expresses his gratitude for the chance to do what he loves. “We are in a fortunate situation,” he said. “The attitude is, let’s do something really meaningful. Let’s be brave, let’s be brave.”

Columbus Crew coach Wilfred Nancy speaks at a press conference during MLS media day on the Miami Convention Center on January 11 in Miami.

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Nancy’s story is not just about achievements on the sector, however the essence of a coach whose journey can leave a mark on the craft.

“How do I communicate my why? My reasons are clear, but I need to convince you that it’s not for me, but because you believe it’s good for you,” Nancy said about how she communicates with players. “So broadcasting is about understanding people. This is the most important nuance.”

Nancy focuses his gaze. “You need empathy. And when you do not feel comfortable with that, you are in trouble. My job is to not win because I do know I actually have to win. However, I would like to develop some tools so that players can assist them, and I treat it as teaching and as a every day job. I actually imagine in sensitivity. Sometimes as a coach you’ve gotten to be vulnerable as a human being.

We talk, exchanging thoughts, ideas and principles, from his insight into the sport as a former center back, to training drills that provide three or 4 solutions.

Nagbe who is the very best player in the world holding the ball under pressure, said: “Coach really wants the guys, not just me but a group of guys, to take control and help shape the identity of the team,” he said.

I would like to be myself and take a look at to win the best way I would like. Yes, I would like to encourage people. To encourage people, you’ve gotten to think outside the box,” said Nancy.

Nagbe said: “Obviously he has orchestrated the best way he wants us to play, but he wants us to steer the culture, lead the dressing room and lead that way. I would like all these people to take control and take responsibility for what we are attempting to do.

“Even if we try something, if we expect something, if we try it, we’ll do it. It doesn’t work, don’t mind throwing it away. He’s not too happy with it. He’s blissful that we tried it, it’s a process and he’s blissful that we took ownership and tried something different.

Nancy, like many black coaches who worked tirelessly under the radar, lit up the whole coaching community.

“I was happy when he got the job,” Fraser said. “Obviously he did exceptionally well. I all the time thought he was a really classy guy, the best way he handled himself. My first thought was that I used to be very blissful for him. And my second thought was: f…! I used to be presupposed to be the primary. I absolutely appreciate the importance.

“Last yr I went to Columbus and we exchanged texts and congratulatory letters and stuff like that over time. I do not know Wilfried’s wife in any respect, but he told me that she told him to say hello and phone me. We really felt that there weren’t a lot of us and that we must always maintain one another.

Sometimes essentially the most inspiring people do not understand that they encourage other people. But Nancy understands the duty.

“For me, trophies and stuff are not the most important thing,” Nancy said. “There is something more important than a trophy. Yes, I want to be inspired again by great humility, but I also want to convince people that we can do a lot.”


This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Reggie Bush brings back the Heisman Trophy

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Reggie Bush Gets Heisman Trophy Reinstated


Former NFL quarterback Reggie Bush won the Heisman Trophy while attending the University of Southern California in 2005. He gave up the honor in 2010 after NCAA officials discovered he had accepted improper advantages. After years of fighting to regain the trophy, the NCAA restored the honor on April 24.

Heisman Fund announced that he reinstated Bush due to changes in college athletics which have occurred over the past few years.

“I have always acted honestly and in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA,” Bush said. “The allegations against me were baseless and unsubstantiated, and I am grateful that the truth has finally prevailed.”

The fund said it might get the trophy back and USC would receive a duplicate of the Heisman Trophy, awarded to school football’s most eminent player. The replica shall be placed alongside seven other Heisman trophies won by the famed school. Starting in December, Bush shall be invited back to all future Heisman ceremonies.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his achievements at the collegiate level,” Michael Comerford, president of the Heisman Trust, said in a written statement. “We have considered the tremendous changes in college athletics over the last few years, deciding that now is the right time to bring back the Reggie Trophy. We are very happy to welcome him back.”

The Heisman Trust said the NCAA’s latest rules allowing athletes to receive compensation for his or her name, image and likeness modified that call due to the NIL contracts now offered to students.

“Recognizing that compensating student-athletes is accepted practice and appears prone to remain so, these fundamental changes in college athletics have led the Trust to come to a decision that now could be the appropriate time to return the trophy to Bush, who was undoubtedly the 2005 college football player of the 12 months “

reported that Bush was given his Heisman Trophy at the conclusion of the April 24 summit meeting outside Jacksonville, Florida.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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At the age of 20, Coco Gauff is forging a new path

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This week, Coco Gauff dominated the Mutua Madrid Open and advanced to the third round, beating Dutch Arantxa Rus 6-0 in each sets, the first “double bagel” of her profession to date. After becoming the youngest person since Serena Williams in 1999 to win a Grand Slam title at the US Open, Gauff was not only hailed as tennis’ next big phenom, but additionally captured the attention and hearts of social media users and celebrities around the world . However, as she recently said Time magazine.she’s just getting began.

“I always knew I wanted to try to win a lot of Grand Slams,” said Gauff, who was honored by Time100 magazine as one of its 2024 Players of the Year. “Sometimes after winning, people lose motivation. It wasn’t a personal challenge for me.”

Following her historic victory, Gauff received praise and congratulations from the likes of Snoop Dogg, Magic Johnson, Spike Lee and Michelle Obama, who invited the 2023 Grand Slam champion to their home and reminded her that “When the demands of fame overwhelm you, it’s OK to say no.

Even though Gauff is only 20 years old, she’s no stranger to setting boundaries to guard her mental health. At the 2020 US Open, the budding tennis star lost in the first round after which lost in the second round of the French Open a few weeks later.

“I tried to live up to other people’s expectations. It kind of crossed my mind,” Gauff said, explaining how that mindset influenced her throughout 2022 as she reached her first major championship final. “It was like life or death. It was hard to breathe… I lost that match before I even stepped on the court.

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Throughout her life, Gauff overcame adversity each on and off the field. From skipping the crawling and walking stage at nine months old to beating Venus Williams at just 15, Gauff’s mindset has helped her meet the growing expectations of her profession.

“I tied my identity too much to tennis,” she told Time, reflecting on how her on-court losses were affecting her mental health. “It’s a lot easier to play for yourself than for other people. I spotted which you could’t please everyone.”

Now Gauff’s success takes her to the Paris Olympics, where she’s going to compete for the United States. Giving him “goosebumps (at the thought of) representing (his) country,” he admits that, like Serena Williams, he “wants to win gold so bad.” However, the tennis star is giving himself grace as he climbs the tennis rankings.

“If I could win every game, I would,” she said. “But I can’t. People don’t go to work and have a good day day-after-day. We just have to present one another grace.”

Building a repute each on and off the pitch, Gauff has landed quite a few brand deals, recognition and articles in publications resembling Vogue. Aside from her fame, the Grand Slam champion is just like every other young adult today: she enjoys time together with her boyfriend, watches TikToks and anime, and speaks out on sociopolitical issues.

“The best thing about Coco Gauff is just her ability to lead a life on and off the court,” she said in the film when asked to explain herself. “On the court he is quite energetic and intense, and off the court he is not mellow but giggly. I feel like I actually have two different personalities. I definitely appear to be I rarely smile when I’m on the court, but off the court it’s the exact opposite.”

She added: “I do tennis, but that’s not who I am. … I would like my legacy to be defined as someone who was obviously a great tennis player, but also someone who put just as much effort and work (into what he does off the court).”


This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Ice Cube Shares Shocking Details About Caitlin Clark’s Big3 Deal, Accusing WNBA Star’s Agents of Sabotage and Working for ‘NBA Mob’ to Block ‘Mega’ Deal

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Ice Cube Shares Shocking Details About Caitlin Clark

Rapper, actor and co-founder of Big3 Ice Cube made headlines in March when it was reported that he had made a “historic” $5 million contract offer to the basketball star Caitlin Clark.

Unfortunately, Clark quickly turned down the offer to deal with her college profession before landing at Indiana, where she’s going to earn just over $300,000 before endorsements. Now Ice Cube has dropped a bombshell, revealing that Caitlin stands to make far more than the reported $5 million within the Big 3 and has likely been blocked by her own team.

Ice Cube shares shocking details about Caitlin Clark's Big3 bid, WNBA star's agents accused of sabotage and working for 'NBA Mob' to block 'mega' deal (Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images; @caitlinclark22/Instagram)
Ice Cube (left) says a cabal prevented him from extending a Big3 offer to former Iowa star Caitlin Clark. (Photos: Paras Griffin/Getty Images, @caitlinclark22/Instagram)

In an article shared with Ice Cube’s official websitethe rapper’s business partner and co-founder of Big3 Jeff Kwatinetz detailed the league’s pursuit of Clark. However, it was the shocking reveal of their offer to Clark that left many fans in awe.

“From a financial standpoint, compared to her paltry WNBA salary, it was a MEGA deal,” Kwatinetz said. “Ten million dollars in salary over two years, multi-million-dollar percentage ownership of the team, fifty percent of the revenue from sales of merchandise derived from her name and likeness, and ownership of the BIG3 documentary with a seven-figure advance. In total, we’re talking about fifteen million dollars or more for playing just ten games a season. While allowing her to play in the WNBA. Absolutely the best of both worlds!”

Kwatinetz also shed some light on the Big Three’s thought process behind the unprecedented offer to Clark.

“As a female athlete playing in BIG3, she not only represents an incredibly fun business, but would also provide our league with a great engine to break down further stereotypes and promote diversity by showcasing women competing at a world-class level against men. That’s why we made an offer to Caitlin,” Kwatinetz explained.

However, the offer of a 3-on-3 men’s basketball league organized by Ice Cube never caught Clark’s eye.

“I found out about Big3 at the exact same time as all of you and my main focus is playing basketball.” Clark told reporters March 29. “Honestly, I don’t talk about these things with anyone. I have other people who deal with this, but they haven’t said a word to me about it.

Kwatinetz placed the blame squarely on sports agents and basketball executives, accusing them of deliberately concealing the offer to Clark.

“We have reason to believe that these agents and executives controlling the sport never even shared our pioneering offer with Caitlin, let alone allowed Caitlin to meet with BIG3 to discuss the opportunity,” Kwatinetz wrote.

He continued: “From our perspective, it appears these representatives should not working for a person customer like Caitlin. They appear to be working for the NBA mafia as their client list features a “who’s who” of NBA players. Do we expect them to select Caitlin over the NBA, the first employer of their highest-paid clients? The NBA is driven by fear and ensures that the industry of agents, lawyers, managers and networks stays in check. This line is meant to prevent the BIG3 from succeeding, even when it stunts the expansion of women’s basketball.

On April 15, Clark was chosen No. 1 within the WNBA draft. However, some fans were shocked to learn that her debut contract would allow her to earn a bit of greater than $1.50 CEO of McDonald’s.

Clark’s name, image and likeness (NIL) transactions were estimated to be price greater than $3 million He3. In the WNBA, Clark could earn about 10 percent of that quantity over 4 years.

According to the WNBA salary structure, Clark will earn $76,535 in 2024, $78,066 in 2025, $85,873 in 2026 and an option of $97,582 in 2027. Clark will likely earn a big amount through endorsements and other marketing channels, but this number stands in stark contrast to what the highest picks within the NBA Draft are.

April 19 Wall Street JournalI reported that Clark was on the verge of signing an eight-year contract price up to $28 million with sportswear giant Nike.

The Big3 band was founded in 2017. Team rosters are mostly made up of former NBA stars who’re within the twilight of their careers.

This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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