Thursday, January 29, 2015

A New Member Being Added to Legion of Boom?

Is Richard Sherman Fully Prepared?

Besides the fact that All Pro CB, Richard Sherman is preparing physically and mentally for the Superbowl, he is also now challenged with the fact that he is expecting the birth of his first child.

After injuring his elbow in the NFC Championship game, Sherman had to pay a visit to the doctor's office, but he also had to pay a visit with his girlfriend to find out the birth details on his expected child. Richard Sherman was very surprised to find out that his son wont be born in the next few days. In fact, he's likely to be born this weekend. To be safe about the situation, Richard Sherman flew his girlfriend Ashley Moss to Arizona. If she goes into Labor, they plan to have their child at a local hospital. 

The obvious dawning question, what happens if Richard Sherman's girlfriend goes into labor during the Super Bowl? When asked about his literal game time decision, he said "We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Sherman said. "We're not thinking about the possibility." They have also determined a name for their son but they aren't going to reveal it to the general public. 

Going into the big game on Sunday, Sherman says he will use the anticipation of his son as motivation and an inspiration to give it his all. He feels "As a parent, you want to set a great example for them, so I guess, to a degree, a lot of things are riding on it. It's someone that actually depends on you for everyday living and Everything they do is dependent on you and how you provide and how successful you are." 

Dealing with something as special as birth, there's' a lot that comes into play. Now adding to that a moment another tremendous opportunity and event as the Superbowl, Richard Sherman definitely has a lot on his plate. In many regards, the birth of your child is described to be one of the best moments of your life. But on the other hand, NFL players describe winning a Superbowl to be almost on the same platform. Peyton Manning described it to be "It truly is a great feeling. The guys on Sunday will learn that when you win a championship, it’s not just you that wins; it’s your whole family. There are millions of people involved who all feel like they’re winning a championship, and that’s pretty special."

Its nice to see a calming and different side of Richard Sherman. We can see him to be more than the overly confident defensive back. We tend to hear him making harsh remarks and trash talking his competition but now he's a future dad and is facing the decision of a life. Superbowl XLIX Weekend will definitely be one to remeber for Richard Sherman. 

LS

Monday, January 5, 2015

Stuart Scott, Gone but Never Forgotten

The Sports World Mourns it's love one, Stuart Scott

Growing up, I became a bit of a sports junkie.  Waking up and sitting on the couch to watch Sports Center, became a every weekend thing. There was a guy on the show that seemed to be very different compared to the other anchors, but he seemed to draw you in. I grew up play a bunch of sports. Anything sports related or that you kept score in, my friends and I were involved in. From watching Stuart Scott and the urge to one day be on Sports Center, I made it my lifetime goal to go on a play college sports and make it to the pros in some form or fashion. 

The more I watched Sports Center, the more my love for sports grew. Eventually, I found myself as a full scholarship athlete at one of the most prestigious Universities in the United States. At Fordham University I pushed my way to a significant roll as a football squad and a participant of the Track & Field Team.

But mainly, Stuart Scott taught me that you should be different. He influenced me greatly to pick something your good at and succeed in it and don't pay too much attention to your naysayers but mainly to the people who genuinely support you. Throughout my sports career, I've kept that message in the back of my mind. Similarly to Stuart Scott, I've had my fair share of ups and downs. From season ending injuries, to loved ones passing in crucial times of my life. From his work as an African American journalist, I grew a passion for writing and chose a major that would help me broaden my skills. As a near college graduate, majoring in Communications and Media Studies, Stuart Scott gave me the motivation to create my blog. With Stu, he wasn't afraid to take risks and he was extremely real. I've learned you have to be very opinionated and genuine. From watching Stuart Scott, I realized that anything is possible. He was able to survive and put his twist on journalism as a whole.

From his "radical" approach to sports, his urban mannerisms, rap references and just great at being cool, Stuart Scott became an important part of Sports Center. Through his work, he not only made a young kid from Ft Worth, Texas laugh and love sports, but everyone who watched him grew a liking for his work.

Stuart Scott paved his way with his crafty catchphrases, like "Booyah and Cooler than the other side of the pillow." Some people viewed his style of journalism and urban way of speaking as way left. Compared to his counterparts on a white American sports journalism network, he was dramatically different in his approach to Sportscasting. Stuart Scott never once faked who he was. On and off air, Stuart Scott can be recognized as one of the most influential, charismatic, energized, heart warming human beings on Sports television.


Stuart Scott was brought to ESPN to appeal to a more youthful and diverse audience, and he nailed it! From any point of view, when you think ESPN, you think Stuart Scott. As an african American , he became one of the most influential and popular faces of sports journalism. Over his close to 20 years on ESPN, he quickly grabbed the attention and appeal of its millions of viewers from every demographic you can think of.


Stuart Scott would typically cover sports with most African Americans, like the NFL & NBA but transitioned to covering any sport featured on ESPN.


The Vice President of ESPN, Al Jaffe,  knew that Stuart Scott's style was dramatic and different but people would just have to learn to adapt and love because he simply was changing how they covered sports. His right hand man, buddy on air and fellow news anchor described Scott to be nothing short of greatness. Stan Verrett called him a trailblazer, " Not only because he was black obviously, but because of his style, his demeanor, his presentation. He did not shy away from the fact that he was a black man, and that allowed the rest of us who came along to just be ourselves." --ESPN

This past Sunday, January 4, 2015, was one of the saddest days in history next to the death of Michael Jackson. Stuart Scott had been dealing with Cancer for close to 7 years. Time after time, Stu was able to kick Cancer's ass and continue the good fight as one of the most popular newscasters ever. But during his speech at this past years ESPY Awards, many knew it was only a matter of time because he didn't look like the same strong and energetic Stu. In fact, he had had several surgeries leading up to the awards ceremony and many didn't think he'd be able to make the trip. But knowing who we were dealing with, many weren't surprised to see Stuart Scott walk up that stage and deliver a momentous message.

He left us with the words,"When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer," he said that day. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live. So live and fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight, then lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you. That’s also very, very important. I can’t do this 'Don’t give up thing' all by myself."-- Stuart Scott

Stuart Scott's ESPY speech was very influential and heartwarming. As an African American, his words were dramatically touching. As a mentor and an icon for the African American community, he was able to create the message that we should all have hope in any circumstance and continue our paths to success. Stuart Scott embraced raced and a sense of style that every person could relate to. He created a much different view of blacks in the mainstream media and proved that anything is possible.



Hit hard and saddened by the loss, many feel the sadness as one of our angels taken to Heaven. Stuart Scott left a legacy that many can only strive to touch the surfaces of. Prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. May God bless his soul and the people he touched.


Rest Easy Stuart Scott.
July 19, 1965 - January 4, 2105

LS

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Jones Remains Victorious at UFC 182

Battle of Light Heavyweights 



Vegas--Jon Jones took on Daniel Cormier saturday night and successfully defended his light heavyweight title. 

Weeks before the bout, there was an exceptional amount of trash talk exchanged between the fighters. Jones, coming into the fight with a record of 20-1, had nothing but the upmost hatred for his counterpart Daniel Cormier. The two in fact exchanged blows at a press conference in August, that ultimately set the hate in stone and set a fire that would blaze seconds after the bell rung for the fight round of the championship fight.

Jones being known for his dominate style of fighting and Cormier being undefeated and never taken to the ground in his career, had the sports world on edge leading up to the fight. Cormier, coming into the fight as an Olympian Wrest for the US, would have his hands full with Jones possessing an 84.5 inch reach. 

During every press conference, D.C. made the promise to Jones that he would give him one, if not the most brutal fight of his career. He was successful in the manner of giving Jones a great fight but was no match for the champ in the end.

Jones seemed untouchable minus the close elbows, shoulders, and upper cuts that DC landed throughout the fight. DC known for his crafty wrestling, was only able to successfully take the champ down one time, forcing him into the corner. Jones then slipped his way back to a dominant position and landed some serious elbows and body punches. 

Both fighters were exhausted at about the 2 minute mark of the 3 round. Jones found himself backed down by a pressing Cormier but was able to take him down 4 times , via body slam.

A controversial eye poke is what helped give DC a breath and small window of rest in the 3rd round. Hands to his opponents eyes, has been a part of his negative style of fighting. 

But towards the end of the fourth round, DC was slowed down by the powerful slams of Jon Jones, which ultimately won him the last two rounds. Over and Over, Jones was able to but Cormier on his backside, landing elbows and quick jabs that showed DC was more susceptible than previously thought of by UFC fans. 

The fifth and final round was a dog fight. Although, again Jones backed an exhausted Daniel Cormier into the corner landed shot after shot and handed DC his promised first professional loss. 

With this victory, Jon Jones moves into 3rd place of the UFC's title defenses. 

LS