google-site-verification=cXrcMGa94PjI5BEhkIFIyc9eZiIwZzNJc4mTXSXtGRM ‘Here we go’: Washington Commanders fans react to Jayden Daniels’ call-up - 360WISE MEDIA
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‘Here we go’: Washington Commanders fans react to Jayden Daniels’ call-up

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WASHINGTON — As DCity Smokehouse staff prepare plates of brisket, pulled pork, rib suggestions and Meaty Palmer and Big Snoop sandwiches within the kitchen, all eyes are on the various televisions dotted across the local barbecue joint.

Some people eat meals, others send text messages on their phones. At least one person sits on a stool and rubs his face while waiting.

The smell of spicy barbecue sauce fills the air. Auntie hairstyles may be found at many tables. The evening host updates the status of Thursday night’s draft in a small restaurant.

As expected, the Chicago Bears will select former USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the primary overall pick. There is light applause as Williams is a Washington product who led Gonzaga College High School to the 2018 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship.

Next up are the hosts, the Washington Commanders. Former LSU quarterback and current Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels was the consensus pick No. 2 in ESPN’s mock drafts prior to tonight, so it’s almost certain that he will likely be the one chosen. However, former UNC quarterback Drake Maye is also chosen.

Daniels, who threw 40 touchdowns and 4 interceptions last yr, looks to be the subsequent dynamic NFL quarterback. He’s big (6-foot-10), has a powerful arm, and his speed has been compared to quarterback Lamar Jackson, the two-time MVP of the Baltimore Ravens.

For fans who have not had a player like this in greater than a decade since Robert Griffin III was drafted in 2012, Daniels may very well be the one to finally – finally – make the Washington franchise relevant again. And do it as a black quarterback. There’s at all times hyperbole in situations like this, but Daniels may finally be that guy.

When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell steps up to the rostrum to announce the commanders, everyone within the restaurant stops in his tracks.

“Here we go,” one fan shouts, “Jayden to the rescue.”

Daniels was chosen.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is helped off the sphere after suffering an injury throughout the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 9, 2012 in Landover, Maryland.

Patrick Semansky/AP Photo

Washington fans have had terrible draft pick luck through the years. Receiver Terry McLaurin, a third-round pick within the 2019 draft, was a very good pick, but ask him about bad picks they usually can easily name them: Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Chase Young, Jonathan Allen, Ryan Anderson. “…We chose Patrick Ramsey,” said Lionel Redd, 44, who’s wearing a T-shirt that reads: “I’m proud he hates the Cowboys.”

But turn the query around and ask fans about their top draft picks and all of it comes back to one name: Griffin.

The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner burst onto the scene in his first game for the Washington Redskins in 2012, completing over 73% of his passes for 320 yards, two touchdowns and a further 42 yards on the bottom. More would come later in his rookie season, as Griffin dazzled along with his legs and arms, totaling 4,015 yards and 27 touchdowns.

The future looked vibrant for each Griffin and the franchise. That was until Griffin tore his ACL within the playoffs, never regained his superstar form from his first season, and left the team in 2016.

“I just wish he knew how to take care of himself and learn to skate,” Redd said. “He might have won the Super Bowl.”

For those interviewed for this story, an important takeaway from Thursday’s selection was that commanders chosen someone who could contribute immediately and who would remain because the starter for a while. The last Washington quarterback to lead the team in passing yards for five straight seasons was Mark Rypien (1989-1993).

If Daniels stays on target, he’s destined to be a long-term command option on the position.

In five college seasons (three at Arizona and the last two at LSU), Daniels amassed 12,750 passing yards, 3,307 rushing yards and 123 total touchdowns. His most impressive season got here in 2023, when he threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns after which rushed for a further 1,134 yards and 10 scores. Daniels did this by playing error-free, throwing just 4 interceptions and being sacked 22 times (down from 43 in 2022).

Daniels has a powerful arm (nation-leading 11.7 yards per attempt) and might run the ball in addition to any starting player within the league. Daniels is not shaken by various defensive coverages or situations wherein coordinators determine to attack him. As Daniels’ 8.4-yard cross-country average last yr shows, he also can take off.

Before the Commanders selected Daniels, fans on the DCity Smokehouse were asked who they wanted the team to select. Most of them fell on Daniels, praising him for his speed and, more importantly, his passing ability.

“First and foremost, he throws,” said Kenny Anyikud, 32, a Washington native.

Cedric “DJ Mello T” Curtis, a hometown musician who has written many anthems in regards to the Washington franchise (“Let’s Go Redskins,” “Commander Stomp”), notes Daniels’ big arm and quick release but is worried in regards to the quarterback situation a leaner frame (Daniels weighs 210 kilos) holds his own within the NFL.

“Personally, I think Daniels is too light in the butt,” Curtis said, comparing Daniels’ physique to Griffin’s.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels celebrates with fans after being chosen by the Washington Commanders with the second overall pick in the primary round of the NFL Draft on April 25 in Detroit.

Paul Sancya/AP Photo

In addition to Daniels’ ability on the sphere, he also represents more of the Washington region. Racism has permeated every crevice in American sports, however the Commanders find themselves within the unlucky position of being the last NFL team to racially integrate their roster. The first black quarterback to start and win the Super Bowl was Washington’s Doug Williams in 1987. Since 2005, the team has drafted three quarterbacks in the primary round: Jason Campbell, Griffin and Dwayne Haskins.

Being a black quarterback in Washington means something. While the remainder of the world probably doesn’t think much of Griffin the player anymore (Griffin currently works for ESPN as an analyst), his name remains to be respected within the district thanks to only one season of service. For an area that is almost 45% black, Washington is exclusive in its association with black quarterbacks. Williams, for instance, still often visits Ben’s Chili Bowl, the neighborhood’s top Black-owned restaurant.

Melvin Hines, founding father of DCity Smokehouse, one other Black-owned establishment, has been a lifelong Washington fan, dating back to when his father had season tickets to Redskins games. Although the years under Daniel Snyder’s ownership have tested Hines’ faith, he still watches every game and is willing to host a draft party for the team’s fans. While winning was an important think about deciding the commanders Thursday night, Hines knows how necessary it’s to have someone who looks like Daniels playing here.

“Seeing a black quarterback is inspiring,” Hines said. “Seeing a black quarterback thrive makes me feel a little better.”

Hines has an 8-year-old son who loves the NBA because he sees the faces of black players and identifies with them. He wants the identical from the preferred team within the district.

“It means a lot to these young people,” he said.

Gabriel Olaiya is a friend of Anyikuda who also grew up in Washington. While Olaiya can list all of Daniels’ strengths as if he were writing a scouting report, it means something to him that a black point guard plays on his favorite team.

“I will always stand up for our people,” Olaiya said. “Absolutely.”

Anyikud imagines what a man like Daniels could do along with his fan base. Most Commanders home games, especially against NFC East rivals the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, can sometimes feel like away games given the sheer variety of opposing fans within the stadium. A player like Daniels can change that.

“It’s called Chocolate City, so why not?” Anykiud said. “Why not bring back Chocolate City? Put more butts within the seats.

But a player’s race doesn’t necessarily equate to success. In football, all the pieces is dependent upon winning. And for musician Curtis, the band’s success sets a precedent.

“The only colors I identify with, brother, are burgundy and gold,” he said, referring to the Commanders’ team colours. “And green for the dollar.”

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels waves to fans after a 49-39 victory against Missouri at Faurot Field/Memorial on October 7, 2023 in Columbia, Missouri.

Ed Zurgi/Getty Images

While Daniels’ success is dependent upon him becoming the second coming of Jackson moderately than Griffin, it isn’t entirely up to him. The coaching staff, offices and team property are integral to player development. Until recently, commanders were a multitude from top to bottom.

Ron Rivera was fired as coach in early January after going 26-40-1 in 4 seasons. And that pales compared to the damage Snyder has done to the franchise since becoming majority owner in 1999. Attendance was among the many lowest within the league, Snyder was repeatedly accused of sexual harassment by former employees, and the franchise was subject to quite a few state and federal inspections. investigations. Snyder was also known for meddling in football decisions, including the drafting of Griffin and Haskins. Washington had a record of 164-220-2 from 1999 through 2022.

In 2023, Snyder sold the team to a consortium led by Josh Harris.

“Now that Daniel Snyder is gone, there is no disrespect,” Redd said, before catching himself. “Well, to hell with him, I’m sorry.”

Redd believes the team is finally in good hands with Harris, who also owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, and recent general manager Adam Peters, who won Super Bowls as a scout with the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos.

And meaning Daniels actually has a likelihood to succeed.

“I definitely want us to show that now that we have a new owner and new management, we’re going to treat him better and act differently than Dan Snyder unfortunately did,” Redd said.

After Daniels’ selection was announced, I asked Hines how he felt. In his opinion, “we’ll see” because he isn’t very aware of Daniels’ game. Hines notices the energy within the room after the dial – Curtis doing the “Commanders Stomp” – and tells him the band is heading in the suitable direction.

Washington has had many starts and stops, but one draft pick has filled the team’s fans with optimism for the primary time in an extended time. Who knows who Daniels will ultimately change into? But for now, the Commanders are a team value supporting.

“Here we go,” Hines said.

Martenzie Johnson is a senior author at Andscape. His favorite moment within the cinema is when Django asks, “Do you want to see something?”

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Brittney Griner exposes Putin’s exploitation of racial tensions in America in a new memoir

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Brittany Griner, jersey, Baylor University, Russian, penal colony, coming home, Russia


The memoir of WNBA superstar Britney Griner, co-authored by New York Times bestselling creator Michelle Buford, debuted at No. 1 on Amazon’s bestseller list and received dazzling reviews for honesty and intimacy.

At one point in her memoir, Griner questioned how far the Black Lives Matter movement has gone against black queer people, writing that she believed Russian President Vladimir Putin used her detention and imprisonment as a bargaining chip.

“Black lives matter. We hear it on the streets, but how much are black lives really value? Judging by our history, it doesn’t appear to be much, and when you’re gay, even less. For Putin, my value was being a pawn. My arrest gave him a bonus in his clash with the West. “He was well aware of the long history of racial tension in America and knew how to use it to his advantage,” she wrote.

Griner detailed her disappointment in the idea that she had brought shame and disgrace to the family’s name upon receiving news of her arrest. “I cried because I let my father down. Griner’s name has now been sullied throughout the world: moron, drug dealer, stupid. It hurt because I knew I had given the world a weapon. When you’re black, your behavior is never just about you. It’s about your entire community.”

Griner also described bouts of depression and disgust on the shower conditions in the Russian prison where she was initially held.

“It was horrible, exposed pipes on every wall,” she wrote. “Long strands of hair are all over the floor and collecting in the drains. A bloody tampon was stuffed between two tubes. As disgusted as I was by the scene, I was equally repulsed by the stench. I stripped down and found the cleanest part of the floor. I turned on the tap and rusty brown water came out. I closed my eyes tightly, trying to forget where I was. I thought about Relle (her wife Cherelle), the house and everything I had left behind. Water dripped from my dreadlocks onto the floor, splashing the hell I had endured. I sat there for a good 30 minutes until I knocked on the door for the guard to let me out. It was the nastiest shower I’ve ever taken. That was the best too.”

When Griner was transferred to a different, more notorious Russian penal colony, her depression deepened and he or she cut her hair short. “I was frozen, sick, had my hair cut,” she wrote. “The girl I was was lying on a pile of dreadlocks on the concrete floor. (…) In a labor camp in Russia in the middle of winter, I found out how tough I am.”

Griner also revealed that letters from family and friends kept her awake while she waited. She was released in December 2022 in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, often called the “Merchant of Death.”

Griner does resumed play in the WNBA in the Phoenix Mercury team, which drafted its first overall pick in 2013. Griner can also be currently seeing a therapist and is an outspoken advocate for the United States, which secured the discharge of Paul Whelan, a former Marine held in Russia since 2018 on suspicion of espionage.

The United States denies the accusations. However, Griner wrote that she “will not rest until Paul Whelan is fired.”


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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‘I’ve got time today’: Deion Sanders steps into fray after Shedeur’s son faces backlash for ripping off former Colorado player who criticized his father

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Deion Sanders

Since taking on as head football coach, Deion Sanders has brought unprecedented attention to the University of Colorado, though his arrival has also been polarizing.

However, Sanders’ commitment to caring for his five children has not modified. Shortly after Coach Prime’s oldest child, Deiondra Sanders, became embroiled in a love triangle, Sanders reaffirmed her position as her biggest supporter.

Deion Sanders' son Shedeur is speaking out to defend his dad's coaching skills after being slammed by former athletes.
Deion Sanders’ son Shedeur is speaking out to defend his dad’s coaching skills after being slammed by former athletes. (Photo:@deionsanders/Instagram)

“I really like you, honey, and I’m glad you said you would not have a baby to maintain a person. You’ve at all times had a MAN in your life that you just call DADDY and I won’t ever allow you to down, especially when I’m on my feet,” the Colorado soccer coach wrote within the comments of his daughter’s March 8 Instagram post.

On May 1, Deion Sanders took to social media to defend his son, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who faced backlash after calling out his former teammate.

“People don’t hate you because they don’t really know you.” Coach Premier wrote on X, which gave the impression to be a veiled shot at Shedeur’s critics.

“They look as much as you in a negative way. They realize they cannot be you, think such as you, talk such as you, or walk in your shoes. It bothers them. Always smile whenever you see them since it makes them admire you rather more in that negative way.

Sanders also responded on to the person who mentioned Colorado’s record from last season.

“Tell your son to stop acting like he’s the coldest one here and then give him season 4-8,” one person wrote. Sanders pushed back, emphasizing his belief that Shedeur can be a top prospect within the 2025 NFL draft.

“He will be number 5 in the rankings. Where are you going, son? Lololol, I have time today. Lololol,” Sanders dismissed.

Sanders has consistently expressed confidence that Shedeur can be one in every of the primary quarterbacks chosen once he enters the draft.

“The rest of college football watches Shedeur and Deion argue over transfers instead of worrying that we won’t go 4-8 again.” one person wrote on X

“Prime will be stunned when he is still available in round 3, lol” other person he wrote. Meanwhile, A one other user X posted a meme depicting an individual flipping burgers and implying that Shedeur would have had a profession in fast food if his father had not been a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Sheduer finished his two-year profession at Jackson State with nearly 7,000 passing yards. He was one in every of the highest-rated college quarterbacks last season, ending with 3,230 passing yards and 27 touchdowns and three interceptions.

He owes this example to former Buffaloes player Xavier Smith, who spoke out against Sanders. Smith, who transferred to Austin Peay last season, suggested that Coach Prime essentially forced him out of the Colorado program. Smith said Athlete that Sanders encouraged him to “hit the portal” because otherwise he risked wasting “a year thinking (he) could earn a spot” on Colorado’s roster.

“He was destroying the guys’ confidence and self-belief,” Smith said in an article published on April 29. “The way he did it showed it could have been done with a little more compassion.”

Smith also accused Sanders of not taking the time to grasp who he’s as a player and an individual.

“I used to be actually getting mad, like tears were coming to my eyes. Because bro, you didn’t even attempt to get to know me,” Smith added. The defenseman is currently in Texas El Paso after following his coach Austin Peay there when UTEP hired Scotty Walden to take over the 2024 team.

Shedeur then jumped into the chat and defended his father in the method. “Ion even remembers him. “The brother must have been very middle at best,” the Colorado point guard wrote in X.

After two full seasons leading the Jackson State football team, Sanders moved to Colorado ahead of the 2023 season. He took over a program that might only manage one win last yr. He immediately made it clear that he intended to pass on this system, but his approach fearful some players, including some players who decided to transfer to other schools.

Former Colorado football player Cormani McClain can also be among the many high-profile players who intend to play for one other school in 2024. However, shortly after the choice to transfer was made, he publicly expressed contempt for the best way he was treated during his time in Colorado and suggested that some people involved within the football program weren’t focused on player development.

“Some people just have to take a step back from certain things sometimes, you know,” McClain said in a video posted to his Youtube channel April 21. “I feel like I just don’t want to play the click game. I actually want to be part of a great, leading program that will develop players.”


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Michael Jordan opens a third medical clinic in Wilmington

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Michael Jordan, medical clinic


Less than five years after six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan opened a medical clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina to serve low-income communities, he has opened his third such facility in Wilmington, North Carolina

Novant Health and Michael Jordan cooperated reopen the third medical clinic in Jordan family town Wilmington. After opening two clinics in Charlotte inside a 12 months of one another (2109 and 2020) and a $7 million donation to every site, the most recent clinic is being funded by a $10 million donation from the previous Chicago Bulls legend.

“Everyone deserves access to quality health care, regardless of where you live or whether you have insurance,” Michael Jordan said in a written statement. “I am truly inspired by the many moving stories of people who are now thriving with the support of our company Charlotte medical clinics. I am confident that the new Novant Health clinic will have a positive impact on individuals and families throughout Wilmington. I am extremely grateful that I could help organize this day in my hometown.”

Novant Health i Jordan opened two Michael Jordan family clinics in Charlotte to maintain people in need who didn’t have access to medical care. Before the clinics debuted, many Charlotte residents didn’t have a primary care physician. The facilities offer whatcomprehensive primary care, behavioral health care and other support services.

The Wilmington facility is a 7,800-square-foot clinic with 12 patient rooms that accepts patients from 8:00 a.m. to five:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Novant Health’s latest Community Care Cruiser vehicle will provide services to individuals throughout the region.

A second clinic is being built for them Wilmington the second Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic, which can be positioned in a different location than the one which has just been launched.

“We know that people face significant barriers to health care, and Novant Health is minimizing these barriers so we can offer essential health care services to those who need them most,” he said Ernie Bovio, president of Novant Health’s coastal region and Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. “Each Novant Health Michael Jordan family practice has been carefully planned to be in the best location in the community. With our care team’s commitment to lifelong well-being, our third Michael Jordan Clinic is already realizing our vision to close health equity gaps by transforming health care, one patient at a time.”


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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