Maia Chaka becomes first Black female official in NFL history

Maia Chaka made history on Sunday, as she became the first Black woman to officiate an NFL game.

Officiating in Sunday's New York Jets at Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, North Carolina, Chaka is the third on-field female official in the NFL, joining Sarah Thomas, the first permanent female game official, and Shannon Eastin, who was the first woman to officiate an NFL game.

Chaka, a health and physical education teacher, spent time as a referee in the NCAA's Pac-12 conference and Conference USA, as well as in the short-lived Alliance of American Football in 2019.

She entered the NFL's Officiating Development Program in 2014, a program designed to offer top officiating prospects in the collegiate ranks "exposure to in-game experiences that NFL officials face, to determine if they have the ability to succeed," according to the NFL.

Los Angeles Rams Aaron Donald named the NFL's defensive player of the year.

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald were named the NFL's offensive and defensive players of the year.

Donald received 27 votes, edging out the Pittsburgh Steelers' T.J. Watt, who picked up 20 votes.

Donald won defensive player of the year for the third time in four years, also taking home the award following the 2017 and 2018 seasons. He joined Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt as the only players to earn the honor three times since it was first presented in 1971.

Donald led all players with 54 pressures this season, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. He also led the league for the third straight season in pass rush win rate as an interior defensive lineman (24.2%), despite being double-teamed on 65.7% of his pass rushes (third-highest rate in league).

[SOURCE: ESPN]

Brian Banks in Theaters Today

Brian Banks is being released in theaters today.

The movie is the inspirational true story of Brian Banks, an all-American high school football star who finds his life upended when he's wrongly convicted of a crime he didn't commit. Despite the lack of evidence, Banks gets railroaded through a broken justice system and sentenced to a decade of prison and probation. Years later, with the support of Justin Brooks and the California Innocence Project, Banks fights to reclaim his life and fulfill his dreams of playing in the NFL.

The movie is directed by Tom Shadyac and stars Aldis Hodge as Brian Banks, Greg Kinnear , Melanie Liburd, Xosha Roquemore,Tiffany Dupont, Sherri Shepherd, Jose Miguel Vasquez, and Morgan Freeman.

WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW

Carolina Panthers sign Eric Reid although he is suing NFL over National Anthem protest

NFL safety Eric Reid signed with the Carolina Panthers Thursday, in a move that could complicate his suit against the league over his protests during the National anthem.

Reid, who was the first to join Colin Kaepernick in kneeling during the National Anthem to protest policy brutality and systemic racism, claims he lost his job with the San Francisco 49ers and was blackballed from the league over his protests.

"We made this decision based on the fact he's a good football player,'' Panthers owner Marty Hurney told ESPN. "He's played at a very high level the last few years. We think he can come in and help us win games.''

Kaepernick, who is more popularly associated with the protests, congratulated Reid on Thursday.

Congrats to my brother @e_reid35, all pro safety who should have been signed the 1st day of free agency, who has signed a football contract.

He was the first person to kneel alongside me. Eric is a social justice warrior, continues to support his family. and communities in need.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

NY Giants star Odell Beckham meets with survivors of NJ bus crash

Prior to Thursday night’s preseason finale between the New York Giants and New England Patriots, superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., fresh off signing a five-year, $95 million contract extension, stopped to greet several survivors of the Paramus NJ school bus crash.

.@OBJ_3 stops to meet survivors of the Paramus school bus crash who are here for tonight’s game. pic.twitter.com/MWrSxOD5L5

— New York Giants (@Giants) August 30, 2018

NFL Players Union files grievance against NFL's new national anthem policy

The NFL Players Association announced Tuesday it filed a grievance against the league's new national anthem policy.

The Union released the following statement:

The NFLPA union filed its non-injury grievance today on behalf of all players challenging the NFL’s recently imposed anthem policy. The union’s claim is that this new policy, imposed by the NFL’s governing body without consultation with the NFLPA, is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement and infringes on player rights.

In advance of our filing today, we proposed to the NFL to begin confidential discussions with the NFLPA Executive Committee to find a solution to this issue instead of immediately proceeding with litigation. The NFL has agreed to proceed with those discussions and we look forward to starting them soon.

Rep. Keith Ellison To Boycott NFL Over Anthem Protest Policy

Despite being a NFL fan U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison says he will be boycotting the NFL this season in the wake of the league’s new policy on kneeling during the national anthem.

The Democrat from Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District announced his boycott on Twitter, saying that he won’t be watching as long as league owners penalize on-field protests.

I’m a massive football fan, but I will not be watching the NFL if they keep the kneeling ban in place. I hope the owners realize that freedom of expression is as American as you can get. https://t.co/6irkWfGxcK

— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) June 1, 2018

NFLPA Statement on NFL's New Anthem Policy

In response to mostly African American players kneeling to protest police brutality and racial inequality, NFL owners passed a resolution on Wednesday that allows players to remain in the locker room during the national anthem but those who are on the sidelines will be required to stand. Teams -- not players -- will be fined for any actions deemed disrespectful.

The National Football League Player's Association released the following statement:

NFLPA Statement on New Anthem Policy

The NFL chose to not consult the union in the development of this new “policy.” NFL players have shown their patriotism through their social activism, their community service, in support of our military and law enforcement and yes, through their protests to raise awareness about the issues they care about.

The vote by NFL club CEOs today contradicts the statements made to our player leadership by Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Chairman of the NFL’s Management Council John Mara about the principles, values and patriotism of our League.

Our union will review the new “policy” and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement.

Rev. Jesse Jackson: NFL owners have 'plantation mentality'

Reverend Jesse Jackson, the noted civil rights activist, wants to have an extensive conversation with Texans owner Bob McNair.

In the wake of a firestorm of controversy following McNair saying "We can't have the inmates running the prison," at a recent NFL owners meetings, Jackson was sharply critical of the remarks in a telephone interview Sunday with The Houston Chronicle. Jackson accused owners, including McNair, of having a "plantation mentality."

Jackson added that there should be sanctions against McNair for his comments. McNair has apologized publicly in a statement and privately to his players and stated that he wasn't referring to players in those remarks. said he reached out to McNair and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and hasn't heard back from them.

Jackson suggested that the NFL provide extensive details about what was said at the closed-door meeting regarding players' national anthem protests.

"They really should make the minutes of that meeting public," Jackson said. "I understand there were some other things said that were just as bad from other owners. They have kind of a plantation mentality. The players are objectified in some sense. Mr. McNair is a product of the South. They act like he's a victim or misunderstood, but those players have made him a wealthy man.

"Mr. McNair said he's sorry, but he also said what he said in an uninhibited way when he's in a private meeting with the other owners. There should be some kind of sanctions. Other owners heard him talk that way and they shouldn't condone that kind of talk."

Jackson believes there's an opportunity to bring people together through this situation.

Read more: Rev. Jesse Jackson: NFL owners have 'plantation mentality'

Michael Bennett Discusses Violent Police Incident In Las Vegas Police

Seattle Seahawks star Michael Bennet has accused Las Vegas Police of throwing him to to the ground and threatening to blow his head off after he and others fled what many believed were gun shots. He like the others fleeing was seeking safety but believes that police singled him out for being black. Bennet discusses his altercation with Las Vegas police at a news conference. Bennet is obviously distraught and explained how he feels lucky to be alive.

Colin Kaepernick thanks fans for support

A day after a rally in support of him outside the NFL's offices in New York, Colin Kaepernick thanked the participants in a tweet on Thursday.

On Wednesday more than 1,000 people crowded the area around the league's midtown Manhattan offices. Many of those fans wore jerseys with his name and demanded Kaepernick be signed by the start of the regular season on Sept. 7.

On Twitter, Kaepernick wrote: Thank you to everyone who went to support yesterday. My faith always has been and always will be in the power of the people!

[SOURCE: UPI]

Spike Lee holding rally for Colin Kaepernick at NFL headquarters

Spike Lee doesn’t like the way unemployed former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick continues to be shunned by the NFL and he’s doing something about it.

The noted film director and writer announced with a tweet Tuesday he is staging a rally to support his fellow social activist Kaepernick at NFL headquarters in New York on Aug. 23.

pic.twitter.com/AejLPaaWHD

— Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) August 8, 2017

Richard Sherman makes good on scholarship promise

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman told a Virginia high school student last year that he would give her a personally funded scholarship if she brought up her grades.

And now, he's making good on his promise.

According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Sherman's initial conversation with Hershai James occurred last year at a charity event hosted by his former teammate Michael Robinson. Sherman challenged James to make the honor roll at Varina High School as a senior, and she did.

"It goes back to knowledge is power, and if you have knowledge, you're going to be as powerful as you ever want to be," Sherman told the newspaper. "Nobody stops anybody from reading and educating themselves. Mike is only trying to empower these kids to be everything that they can be, and if we can help with that with our presence, with our [autographed] jerseys [for an auction], with our words, we'll do everything we can."

The exact amount of the scholarship is being kept private. James plans to attend Norfolk State.

"When my senior year began, I definitely had the scholarship in my head as motivation," James told the newspaper. "With being a senior, the year is really stressful. Having something to look forward to helped. It's like saying my hard work and dedication had paid off."

ESPN.

CHARLIE STRONG NAMED HEAD COACH OF USF FOOTBALL

USF Director of Athletics Mark Harlan announced today the appointment of Charlie Strong as the fourth head coach in USF football program history.

A two-time Big East Coach of the Year and a vital part of two national championships at the University of Florida, Strong served head coaching stints at the University of Texas (2014-16) and the University of Louisville (2010-13).  Overall, in his 34 seasons as a collegiate coach, Strong spent 15 seasons working in the state of Florida.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Charlie, his wife, Vicki, and their children Tory, Hailee and Hope, back to the state of Florida and to our Bulls family,” Harlan said. “Charlie is a tremendous leader and mentor for our student-athletes and a widely-respected coach with a resume full of achievements at the highest levels of college football. He combines a drive to win with great integrity and deep, long-standing connections in the state of Florida.  The future of USF football is very bright under his direction.”

Established as a charismatic leader, strong recruiter and one of the best defensive minds in college football, Strong experienced great success as a defensive coordinator in the SEC for 11 seasons, including helping the University of Florida and head coach Urban Meyer win national championships in 2006 and 2008.

 “I would like to thank President Genshaft and Mark Harlan for their confidence and belief in me,” Strong said. “I am humbled that we have a shared commitment to take this university and this football program to even greater heights.  Some of the best football talent in the country is right here in the Bay Area and throughout the state of Florida, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with the young men in the USF football program and build on the strong foundation already in place.”  

As a head coach, Strong led Louisville to back-to-back Big East Championships in 2011 and 2012 and posted a 37-15 record in four seasons leading the Cardinals. He reached a bowl game every season, including a 33-23 victory over Florida in the 2013 Sugar Bowl, completing an 11-2 season. Strong’s 2012 Louisville team finished 13th in the final Top 25 rankings and his 2013 team, which competed in the American Athletic Conference, finished ranked 15th with a 12-1 mark, and posted back-to-back bowl victories for the first time in program history.

“We are especially excited to welcome Charlie Strong to the University of South Florida,” said USF System President Judy Genshaft. “He joins our football program at an incredibly exciting time, and we look forward to seeing him build on our ongoing foundation and momentum. The board of trustees and I believe he brings outstanding leadership and experience, and is sure to be a tremendous resource to the entire USF System.”

Strong departed Louisville for the University of Texas in 2014.  At Texas, he rebuilt the roster, put his stamp on the culture and elevated the program’s infrastructure while posting a 16-21 record, leading the Longhorns to one bowl game in three seasons.  His tenure at Texas included wins over No. 10 Oklahoma (2015), No. 12 Baylor (2015) and No. 10 Notre Dame (2016) while securing two Top-10 ranked recruiting classes.  Overall, as a head coach, Strong has coached in six bowl games (3-3) during his career.

Strong also held positions on the coaching staffs at Florida, Texas A&M (1985), Southern Illinois (1986-87), Mississippi (1990), Notre Dame (1995-98) and South Carolina (1999-2002).

He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Florida in 1983.  Strong spent 15 seasons as an assistant at Florida over four stints, including seven years as the defensive coordinator, the last five of which were under current Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer.  Strong also served on two of coach Lou Holtz’s staffs, spending the first two years of his Notre Dame tenure under Holtz, as well as four more as defensive coordinator at South Carolina under the Hall of Famer.

From 2003-09, Strong’s defensive units at Florida produced 13 All-Americans and seven first-round NFL Draft picks. His units regularly ranked among the best in the nation statistically and allowed an average of just 17.6 points per game over that span, which ranked ninth in the country.

A native of Batesville, Ark., Strong was a three-year letter winner (1979-81) and three-time all-conference safety at Central Arkansas, which reached the NAIA Playoffs each of his final two seasons. He was also a two-time all-conference performer in track and field and graduated in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Strong was inducted into the Central Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. He and his wife, Vicki, have a son, Tory, and two daughters, Hailee and Hope.

The No. 22/25-ranked Bulls (10-2; 7-1 AAC) will take on South Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field on Dec. 29. Interim Head Coach T.J. Weist will lead the Bulls in the bowl game. USF begins bowl practices on Sunday, Dec. 11 on the USF campus. USF will compete in the program’s eighth bowl game in just its 16th season of FBS football.

[SOURCE]

Obama: Kaepernick exercising his constitutional right

While on a diplomatic visit to China President Obama said that he thought San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was exercising his constitutional right to protest when he sat during the national anthem. Watch more of Pres. Obama stating his views on Kaepernick below.

Veterans show support for Colin Kaepernick #VeteransForKaepernick

By George L. Cook III, proud U.S. Army Veteran. AfricanAmericanReports.Com [EMAIL]

Don't tell conservatives but many veterans like myself were not upset by Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the national anthem. Many of us understand that we served so that Kaepernick would have the right to not stand during the anthem. I and other veterans served not to tell others what they can and can't say but to defend their right to say it. Here are the tweets of several veterans in support of Colin Kaepernick:

I served so that #ColinKapernick has the choice to sit or stand during the national anthem #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/PHhjmUzhkr

— George Cook (@AAReports) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick 8 years served for the Freedom of Speech. 0 years served to protect police brutality.

— Clint Silva (@GremLegend) August 31, 2016

@Kaepernick7 I served 25yrs in the AF to protect everyone's 1st Amend rights. I support you #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/sgEdir8WGf"

— RTED.ORG (@RTED2016) August 31, 2016

Because we demand our country protect all its citizens equally. THAT is what I defended! #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/xOqLAO0b1f

— Robert Young (@robertcyoung) August 31, 2016

I don't agree with all of his points, but I'll fight to the death for his right to say it. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/0jeFlIv5RX

— Isaac wright (@I_Zac33) August 31, 2016

I was a Black man before my service and will still be a Black man when I'm done #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Sjm8Laq9fB

— Dominique Thorpe (@GenuinelySpoken) August 31, 2016

I serve for his right to protest.. I don't serve for Police Brutality.. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Q6GUNTwHDO

— Airbnb Papi (@JoeOnDemand) August 31, 2016

By George L. Cook III, proud U.S. Army Veteran. AfricanAmericanReports.Com [EMAIL]

Michael Bennett: NFL stars must step up, promote social change

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett is calling on NFL players to follow the lead of some of their NBA and WNBA counterparts in using their influence to promote social change. Listen to his statement below.

Zaevion Dobson Honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award

July 13, 2006 ESPY Awards Zaevion Dobson honored

In December 2015, Zaevion Dobson, a 15-year-old high school football star from Knoxville, Tennessee, was forced to make a split-second decision—run to safety or sacrifice himself to protect those around him. Instead of running, Dobson used his body to protect two girls from a barrage of bullets, ultimately giving his life to save theirs. To honor his incredible act of bravery, ESPN today announced that Dobson will be posthumously honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at The 2016 ESPYS Presented by Capital One. Presented annually to individuals whose contributions transcend sports, the award recognizes those individuals who embody the spirit of the trophy’s namesake, tennis legend Arthur Ashe, who dedicated his life to human rights advocacy.

Zaevion Dobson, a sophomore at Fulton High School in northern Knoxville, was considered one of the city’s great success stories as both a promising football player and mentor to his peers. Dobson’s selfless act of bravery made him a national hero. Zenobia Dobson, Zaevion’s mother, will accept the Arthur Ashe Courage Award on his behalf, accompanied by Zaevion’s brothers Zack Dobson and Markastin Taylor.

“The family of Zaevion William Dobson accepts with great appreciation the honorable Arthur Ashe Award on behalf of our beloved young man of valor, who sacrificed himself to save others,” Zenobia Dobson said on behalf of the Dobson family. “Arthur Ashe was a leading example of strength and courage for us as a family, and we feel truly blessed and honored that our Zaevion joins the ranks of honorees. Like Arthur Ashe, Zaevion faced obstacles, but he overcame them. With this award, we know that Zaevion’s name and example will never be forgotten.”

Zaevion was honored by the sports community in a special tribute before Super Bowl 50 and was recognized by President Obama during a speech in January. The President emphasized that Zaevion’s sacrifice should serve as inspiration for taking action, saying, “He gave his life to save theirs—an act of heroism a lot bigger than anything we should ever expect from a 15-year-old.”

Added ESPYS Executive Producer Maura Mandt, “Zaevion’s actions to risk his own life for others demonstrate the true meaning of the word courage, and his boundless bravery has inspired many. We are proud to honor him with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at this year’s ESPYS. By celebrating Zaevion’s legacy, we hope to bring more attention to this serious issue and continued focus on the tragic loss of lives to gun violence.”

The 2016 ESPYS, hosted by WWE Superstar John Cena, will air live on Wednesday, July 13, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Tickets are available for public purchase at AXS.com. For additional ESPYS news and information, please follow the official Twitter handle: @ESPYS.

The Arthur Ashe Courage Award

The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is presented each year to individuals whose contributions transcend sports. Past honorees include: Jim Valvano (1993); Steve Palermo (1994); Howard Cosell (1995); Loretta Claiborne (1996); Muhammad Ali (1997); Dean Smith (1998); Billie Jean King (1999); Dave Sanders (2000); Olympian Cathy Freeman (2001); Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett and Jeremy Glick, four passengers who lost their lives September 11 on United Flight 93 (2002); Pat and Kevin Tillman (2003); Liberian-born soccer legend George Weah (2004); disabled athletes Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah and Jim MacLaren (2005); Afghan female athletes (2006); and Trevor Ringland and Dave Cullen for their work with PeacePlayers (2007); U.S. Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos (2008); former president Nelson Mandela (2009); the Thomas family of Parkersburg, IA (2010); boxer Dewey Bozella (2011); women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt (2012); Robin Roberts (2013), Michael Sam (2014) and Caitlyn Jenner (2015).

Cleveland Browns’ player is teen’s surprise prom date

Seventeen-year-old Elyria High School senior Elna Wright is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair as a result of a rare progressive disorder. She was crowned homecoming queen, but her boyfriend died last fall and she had no other date. Her parents took to social media, asking if an athlete might escort their Cleveland-sports-crazy daughter. The Browns’ Cameron Erving stepped up. The 6-foot-5, 313-pound guard picked Wright up in a limo bus, posed for photos in the historic downtown square and accompanied her to the dance. Watch the heartwarming video of this story below

The NFL, the media and especially NFL fans are full of sh*t!

We have all seen the horrifying video of Ray Rice punching his then fiancee Janay Palmer . I don't know Ray Rice to call him a thug but I know that his actions in that video were disgusting and the punishment did not fit the crime. I do know that domestic violence is not a damn joke and we as a country need to take it more seriously. I also know that many in the media and fans suddenly jumping on their high horses to bash both the NFL and Ray Rice are full of shit.

You can include the NFL in that too but the NFL produces a product and like any business will do whatever it can to protect that business. The NFL dropped the ball in the both its investigation and in the punishment of Ray Rice and no one will argue that.

Those in the media that are suddenly holier than thou are certainly hypocritical. Many networks ran NFL related stories leading up to the beginning of the NFL stories to get ratings. They did so after seeing the actions of Ray Rice and other NFL players in the past. They ignored that in order to get ratings. Not bashing them just telling the truth. The talking heads on radio screaming and yelling about the NFL also spend more than half their air time talking about the NFL once the season starts. Why? For the ratings.

We the fans though are the ones full of the most shit. We can all sit there and like the media pretend to be holier than thou but we cheer bad guys as long as they are on our team. We over look things if a guy can make a great catch or has breakaway speed. We especially overlook things when our team is winning. We watch every game and buy new NFL related merchandise even though we just brought a bunch last year. We spend millions supporting the NFL. We do this in spite of some reprehensible behavior that players, coaches, and owners have shown in the past. We are in a way condoning that behavior because the NFL while taking a PR hit is not taking a hit where it hurts, its wallet.

So before we point fingers at the NFL and players maybe we need to check ourselves. We are the ones that feed the beast.

George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.com