By STEPHEN WHYNO, AP Hockey Writer The NHL will celebrate Black History Month for the first time, shifting its focus in February from its wide-ranging “Hockey Is For Everyone” campaign to emphasize racial diversity in the sport. The league and NHL Players’ Association will announce the joint initiative Friday morning. It includes a traveling mobile […]
Category: National Sports
Posted inMaryland Sports, National Sports, NEWS, Prince George's County News, Sports
Durant Establishes Education Program in Prince George’s County
By Mark F. Gray, Staff Writer, mgray@afro.com Golden State Warriors all star and two time NBA champion Kevin Durant defies all logic when it comes to the perception of what role he should play on the basketball court. He is the size of a conventional big man who can be as dominant on the inside then plays […]
Posted inMaryland Sports, National Sports, Sports
DeCosta: Former Ravens Intern Lands Dream Job as Team’s GM
By DAVID GINSBURG , AP Sports Writer OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — In his new role as general manager of the Baltimore Ravens, Eric DeCosta has no intention of filling the shoes of his highly successful predecessor, Ozzie Newsome. “I have size 10½ feet and I think Ozzie is a 13, so there you go,” DeCosta […]
Posted inNational Sports, Sports
Hard Rock Casino Testing Online Sports Betting in New Jersey
By WAYNE PARRY, Associated Press ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Atlantic City’s Hard Rock casino has begun offering online sports betting just over a week before the Super Bowl. The casino received permission late Friday from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to begin so-called “soft-play” testing of equipment and systems for online sports […]
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Naomi Osaka Wins Australian Open for 2nd Major, Top Ranking
By HOWARD FENDRICH , AP Tennis Writer MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — So close to victory, Naomi Osaka suddenly was letting the Australian Open final slip away. Three championship points? Gone. A sizable lead? Soon all gone, too. She was playing poorly. She yelled at herself. Slammed a ball. Tugged at her visor’s pink brim. Trudged to […]
Posted inNational Sports, Sports
Curry Accent: Brothers Steph, Seth Curry in 3-Point Contest
By STEVE REED , AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The NBA’s All-Star weekend is shaping up to be quite the family affair, with the Curry brothers facing each other in the 3-point contest. Stephen Curry told ESPN he and brother Seth Curry of the Portland Trail Blazers will square off Feb. 16 in Charlotte, […]
Posted inMaryland Sports, National Sports, NEWS, Prince George's County News, Sports
MLK Justice Fighters: Gary Russell, Sr.
By Mark F. Gray, Staff Writer, mgray@afro.com What’s in a name? If you’re Gary Russell it means a “bloodline of royalty.” However, in real world vernacular it means raising world champions who are leaders in their community. The senior Russell is the patriarch of Maryland’s first family of boxing. As father, coach, mentor, manager and husband he […]
Posted inMaryland Sports, National Sports, NEWS, Prince George's County News, Sports
MLK Justice Fighters: Jimmy Garvin
By Mark F. Gray, Staff Writer, mgray@afro.com “Golf is the carat, but education is the key.” That is the mantra that continues to fuel the life of community service, which drives Marlton Golf Course general manager and African American Golf Hall of Famer Jimmy Garvin. Garvin is a DMV transplant who learned the game, which became his […]
Posted inBaltimore News, Books, BUSINESS, D.C Sports, National Sports, NEWS, Sports
Former Wizard Star Promotes New Book at Frederick Douglass High School
By J. K. Schmid, AFRO Baltimore Staff “When the police stop you, there are different rules that you have,” Etan Thomas told the AFRO. “That’s just the way that it is.” Thomas, a retired 9-year Washington Wizard turned author and activist, visited Frederick Douglass High School during a Fatherhood Summit. Part of the visit was the […]
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1 Point Away, Serena Stunned by Pliskova at Australian Open
By HOWARD FENDRICH , AP Tennis Writer MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Four times, Serena Williams was only one point — a single point — from closing out a victory in the Australian Open quarterfinals. On the first such chance, at 5-1, 40-30 in the third set, she turned her left ankle awkwardly. The owner of […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, Music, National Sports, Sports
Meek Mill, Jay-Z and Sports Owners Back Justice Reforms
By DEEPTI HAJELA , Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — A coalition of big names in sports and entertainment is taking on criminal justice reform. Rappers Meek Mill and Jay-Z and the owners of the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and the Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots came together in New York City on Wednesday to […]
Posted inAfro Briefs, National Sports, Sports
Saints’ Defensive Back Williams Faces Drunken Driving Charge
By The Associated Press NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams has been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, among other traffic charges. Police spokesman Aaron Looney told news outlets that the 25-year-old Williams was arrested early Wednesday after an officer said he was driving at 80 mph (129 kph) in […]
