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Kim Roberts Hedgpeth First Black American Named as CEO of National U.S. Soccer Body

March 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
kim roberts hedgpeth 200x300 Kim Roberts Hedgpeth First Black American Named as CEO of National U.S. Soccer Body

Kim Roberts Hedgpeth First Black American Named as CEO of National US Soccer Organization (Photo credit: Zimbio)

Kim Roberts Hedgpeth became the first black America named as chief executive of a major national U.S. soccer organization. She was named National Executive Director of the American Youth Soccer Organization. Kim Roberts Hedgpeth will begin her new role on April 1.

“We see Kim as the ideal person to support the change management of the AYSO Strategic Plan,” said AYSO President Paula Berriz, in making the announcement.  “We believe that Kim’s diverse and successful background brings many talents and unique capabilities that will impact our organization in many new and exciting ways as we approach our 50 year anniversary.  Kim is a proven leader for our national staff and is a very welcome and important addition to our organization.”

Hedgpeth helped negotiate and implement the 2012 merger of AFTRA and the Screen Actors Guild. Upon completion of the merger of the two unions, she chose to step down from her executive role to pursue personal projects.  Source

Filed Under: Black Sports News Tagged With: , , ,

FSU Sprinters Ronell Mance and Stephen Newbold Suspended After Poolside Shooting Incident

March 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Two top sprinters at Florida State University — Ronell Mance and Stephen Newbold, were suspended from the university hours after they were arrested following an early-morning poolside shooting incident. SMH.

Ronell Mance, who won a silver medal in the 2012 Olympic Games  in the 4x400m relay and Stephen Newbold, a MVP at the recent Atlantic Coast Conference indoor track and field championships, were arrested after police were alerted that shots were fired at the off-campus apartment complex at about 3:30 a.m.

Stephen Newbold was arrested for discharging a firearm in public and resisting without violence. Ronell Mance, who also goes by Joshua, was arrested for the unauthorized use of an ID and resisting without violence. He reportedly had Newbold’s ID with an altered date on it, which is considered a third degree felony in Florida.

If the allegations are true, Ronell Mance and Stephen Newbold just jeopardized their own careers. How incredibly stupid.

Filed Under: Black Sports News, Crime News Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Michael Vick Cancels Appearances to Promote New Book Amid Multiple Death Threats

March 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment
MICHAEL VICK FINALLY FREE 209x300 Michael Vick Cancels Appearances to Promote New Book Amid Multiple Death Threats

Michael Vick Cancels Appearances to Promote New Book Amid Multiple Death Threats

MICHAEL VICK CANCELS APPEARANCES AT BOOKSTORES:  I must admit, I have no intention of purchasing Michael Vick’s new book, “Michael Vick: Finally Free,” because I am not a big fan of his, but it’s very troubling to learn that he cancelled appearances to promote his book at three Barnes and Noble bookstores after receiving death threats. Multiple death threats have also been made against his family, store employees and store property. People are crazy.

Vick was set to sign copies of his book, “Michael Vick: Finally Free” at three Barnes and Noble locations: in Atlanta, New Jersey and Exton, Pa. All have been cancelled because of safety concerns. The Atlanta appearance was scheduled for this Saturday.

“While we stand by Michael Vick’s right to free speech and the retailers’ right to free commerce, we cannot knowingly put anyone in harm’s way, and therefore we must announce the cancellation of Mr. Vick’s book-signing appearances,” said Byron Williamson, president of Worthy Publishing. “We’ve been assured these threats of violence, which have been reported to the police, are being taken very seriously by local authorities.”

There has been a recent uptick in what a source close to Vick calls “credible threats of violence” directed toward the Eagles quarterback and his family. Source

So, Martha Stewart lied under oath, served time in prison and Macy’s and J.C. Penney are fighting in court over who has the right to carry her wares in its stores. Better yet, ‘Junk Bond King‘ Michael Milken, who almost brought down Wall Street, served two years in prison, paid millions in fines and settlements for civil lawsuits, but was welcomed with open arms. Michael Vick served his time and paid his debt to society. Don’t get me wrong, dogfighting is barbaric and reprehensible. I have been a dog owner for many years and absolutely found his dogfighting enterprise sickening, but he paid his debt to society. He’s allowed to rebuild his life and seems to have become a better person.

Here are some of the comments left on Barnes & Noble Atlanta store’s Facebook page:

–Wish I could get to Atlanta and slap you across the head w my copy of “the Lost Dogs” at this signing. You have no right to come and request an audience or to be a role model AND you especially do not deserve to own a dog. Eff Barnes and noble, pet smart and you. I hope u burn – Oxman, Grumpy, Dayz, Taco, Mama and Demi.

–I hope you have a slow painful death.

–Michael Vick you sick f*ck should be shot or even better dragged behind a car till u all most dead.. then we all must be there to watch you suffer!!! here where i am from would have put a tyre over you and set you alite, i really hope one day you read this all…

–Vick, Vick, Vick..you’re such an intolerable *ss. I hope someone snaps your neck on the field. Douche.

Filed Under: Black Sports News Tagged With: , , , ,

REPORT: Oscar Pistorius Selling Shares in Race Horse, Property Due to Spiraling Legal Bills

March 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment
300px Oscar Pistorius Daegu 2011 REPORT: Oscar Pistorius Selling Shares in Race Horse, Property Due to Spiraling Legal Bills

REPORT:  Oscar Pistorius Selling Shares in Race Horse, Property Due to Spiraling Legal Bills (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Oscar Pistorius is starting the feel the pinch of spiraling legal costs in his murder case for the death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The Daily Mail reports he is selling property and shares in one of his race horses, Tiger Canyon, as he tries to raise money to fight the premeditated murder charges.

His friend Mike Azzi, who Pistorius calls Uncle Mike, was quoted in the Sunday People as saying: ‘We spoke about one or two of the horses. He’s asked me to try to get people to buy them for him because he has no form of income any longer.

‘He’s selling off all his property and everything because of the legal costs.’ His legal costs are mounting and once the trial begins they will soar further.

Pistorius’ lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike and Oakley have been suspended, ending one of his income streams. There are also concerns the Olympic and Paralympic star may be suicidal. Mr Azzi, a race horse trainer, said Pistorius is a ‘broken man’ who is on the verge of killing himself. Source

Police are confirming that Oscar Pistorius‘ two dogs were on the property at the time of the murder. So, if there was an intruder, wouldn’t the dogs have barked? The Daily Mail reports the police said a witness has come forward confirming to have heard shouts and screams coming from the residence before Reeva Steenkamp was murdered.

REPORT: Oscar Pistorius Selling Shares in Race Horse, Property Due to Spiraling Legal Bills
Filed Under: Murder Charges, Oscar Pistorius Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Harold Hunter, First Black Basketball Player to Sign with NBA, Dies at Age 86

March 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Harold Hunter, the first black athlete to sign with a NBA team, the Washington Capitols in 1950, died Thursday at age 86. Hunter, who was a graduate of Sumner High School, died at his home in Hendersonville, Tenn. Though he never played a game with the NBA because he was cut during training camp, he later became the first black man to coach the U.S. Olympic team and was the first black coach to lead both men’s and women’s teams to the NAIA national tournament.

Harold Hunter, who was a 5-9 point guard, attended North Carolina Central after graduating form Sumner. In 1950, he was named the most valuable player of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association tournament, which his team won. He was inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame in 1997.

Hunter played semi-professional in the Eastern League for two seasons after being cut by the Washington Capitols. He opted for a coaching career after turning down an offer from the Harlem Globetrotters.  He ranks second in all-time coaching wins at Tennessee State, where his record was 172-67 from 1959-68, producing 17 NBA players.

Harold Hunter is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, a son, Harold Jr. and a daughter, Micki. His funeral is expected to take place March 16 in Tennessee.

 

Filed Under: Sports News Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Oscar Pistorius’ Dad, Henke Pistorius, Blames ANC for ‘White Levels of Crime’ in South Africa

March 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment
300px Oscar Pistorius%281%29 2. Memoria%C5%82 Kamili Skolimowskiej Warszawa%2C 2011 09 20 Oscar Pistorius Dad, Henke Pistorius, Blames ANC for White Levels of Crime in South Africa

Oscar Pistorius’ Dad, Henke Pistorius, Blames ANC for ‘White Levels of Crime’ in South Africa. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The family of Oscar Pistorius is distancing itself from a racist comment made by the paralympian’s father,  Henke Pistorius, who was quoted by the Telegraph, saying the f family owns hand-guns for self-defense and suggesting that the ruling ANC party shares the blame for “white levels of crime.” The ANC has called the comments racist. In other words, Henke Pistorius believes the ruling ANC government is not protecting white South Africans adequately.

Arnold Pistorius, the athlete’s uncle, has issued a statement saying that the family is “deeply concerned about the comments made by Oscar’s father, Henke Pistorius, to the Telegraph about the family using its weapons to defend themselves against crime in South Africa, and especially about his comments that the ANC government is not willing to protect white South Africans.” The statement was released through the family’s public relations machine. 

The Pistorius family owned 55 guns, the local Beeld newspaper reports. ”Some of the guns are for hunting and some are for protection, the hand guns. It speaks to the ANC government, look at white crime levels [sic], why protection is so poor in this country, it’s an aspect of our society,” The Telegraph quotes Henke Pistorius as saying.

ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said the party “rejects with contempt” Henke Pistorius’s claim that the government was not willing to protect white people.

“Not only is this statement devoid of truth, it is also racist. It is sad that he has chosen to politicize a tragic incident that is still fresh in the minds of those affected and the public,” he said. Source

Oscar Pistorius shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, February 14, claiming he thought she was an intruder.  Was it “white levels of crime” that prompted Oscar Pistorius to discharge his gun in a restaurant?

Old habits die hard. The truth always rears its ugly head. Henke Pistorius seems to harbor racist views that white are the only victims of crimes, presumably at the hands of blacks in South Africa and should get special treatment. Wasn’t Mozambican taxi driver Mido Macia murdered recently in Daveyton. Was the due to “white levels of crime?” It would seem statistics don’t bolster Henke Pistorius’ claims, since blacks bear the brunt of the crime committed in South Africa. Well, so much for his “white levels of crime” theory. Shameful and yes, racist.

Oscar Pistorius Dad, Henke Pistorius, Blames ANC for White Levels of Crime in South Africa
Filed Under: African News, Murder Charges, Oscar Pistorius Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Dennis Rodman Defends Kim Jong-Un Friendship Comment, Says We Have “Prison Camps” in U.S. Like North Korea

March 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment
300px Dennis Rodman%2C 2001 Dennis Rodman Defends Kim Jong Un Friendship Comment, Says We Have Prison Camps in U.S. Like North Korea

Dennis Rodman Defends Kim Jong-Un Friendship Comment, Says We Have “Prison Camps” in U.S. Like North Korea (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman had a testy exchange with ABC’s “This Week” with George Stephanopoulous over his controversial trip to North Korea and his comment that Kim Jong-Un is his “friend for life.” Rodman downplayed the trip saying he’s not a diplomat. George Stephanopoulous challenged Dennis Rodman (a huge waste of time) on North Korea’s atrocious human rights record, to which he responded:

“I don’t condone that. I hate the fact that he’s doing that. I didn’t talk about that. I saw people respected him, his family. He’s only 28. He’s not his dad. He’s not his grandpa. He is 28 years old. He’s very humble. He’s a very humble man. He don’t want war, that’s one thing he don’t want. He loves power. He loves control, because of his father, you know, stuff like that. But he’s just…he’s a great guy. He’s just a great guy. You sit down and talk to him,” said Rodman.

When Stephanopoulos went after Rodman on not talking about North Korean death camps he said, “We do the same things here.” A dumbfounded Stephanopoulos replied, “We have prison camps here in the United States?” Source

If anyone thought Dennis Rodman could be the voice of reason, they have another thing coming. He made this trip a ridiculous event. It is pretty clear that Dennis Rodman has enjoyed the benefits of living in a country as great as the United States and has failed to do his homework about North Korea and Kim Jong-Un’s ancestors.

Dennis Rodman Defends Kim Jong Un Friendship Comment, Says We Have Prison Camps in U.S. Like North Korea
Filed Under: Asia News, Sports News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Reeva Steenkamp’s ‘Joburg Dad’ Cecil Myers: Oscar Pistorius Was “Hasty, Impatient and Very Moody”

February 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Reeva Steenkamps Joburg Dad Cecil Myers: Oscar Pistorius Was Hasty, Impatient and Very Moody

Reeva Steenkamp’s ‘Joburg Dad’ Cecil Myers: Oscar Pistorius Was “Hasty, Impatient and Very Moody” (Photo credit: Twitter)

REEVA STEENKAMP’S ‘JOBURG DAD’ SPEAKS:  The murder of Reeva Steenkamp continues to weigh heavily on my mind. Why did this young woman have to die? Why do many women fall victim to domestic violence and domestic violence murders? We may never know if Reeva Steenkamp was the victim of domestic violence, but some people who were close to her are painting an unflattering picture of Oscar Pistorius. The Daily Mail is the only outlet reporting that the family of Reeva Steenkamp was told by police that her skull was crushed, possibly with a cricket bat that was found bloodied in the bathroom. The family reportedly viewed her body and saw extensive injuries, in addition to the gun shot wounds.

Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius crushed his girlfriend’s skull with a cricket bat before shooting her dead, police have told her family.

Details of the post-mortem examination of South African model Reeva Steenkamp were withheld from last week’s bail application hearing.

But grieving relatives who saw her body before Tuesday’s cremation in Port Elizabeth described horrific injuries from the cricket bat, and entry wounds from 9mm bullets fired by Pistorius.

They were also briefed about the model’s death by police and lawyers from the state prosecutor’s office. Source

That bloodied bat will play a crucial role in the trial and it will be interesting to hear what the forensics have uncovered. Oscar Pistorius’ defense was forced to detail its case in order for him to get bail. He said he used the cricket bat to break down the bathroom door. The prosecution didn’t have to reveal everything they discovered. It should be noted that the forensics haven’t come in and Oscar Pistorius could be in a jam if his account of what transpired doesn’t match the forensics. The fact that Reeva Steenkamp locked the bathroom door raising some red flags and when he screamed at the door, why didn’t she answer to say it’s me.

Cecil Myers, affectionately called her “Joburg dad” had the grim task of identifying her body. He was interviewed by the City Press and said, “The way she looked . . . that will remain with me forever.” Myers echoes the same sentiment as Reeva Steenkamp’s father, Barry Steenkamp, who said Oscar Pistorius will have to live with his conscience, whether he is telling the truth or not. Cecil Myers said, “she was my little girl, and he shot her four times from behind a closed door. One shot may have been a mistake – but four times?” That’s the position many are taking. One shot may be a mistake, but four, sound like some level of premeditation. He said his last contact with Reeva Steenkamp, hours before her murder, was in the form of a text message, saying  ”hi guys, I’m too tired. It’s too far to drive. I’m sleeping at Oscar’s tonight. See you tomorrow.”

Reeva Steenkamp’s best friend’s dad is painting a troubling picture of Oscar Pistorius — a dark side. Cecil Myers characterized Oscar Pistorius as “moody” and that he was very nice and charming when he and Reeva started dating but once they actually started going steady, that charm started to dissipate. Classic signs of an abuser. How many victims of domestic violence can look back and say, yes, that’s how my abuser reeled me in and got me comfy. Myers said, Pistorius stopped coming inside their home to say hello. ”He just dropped her and picked her up. That’s not right. I call it respect. If you’re in a relationship and you pick up the ‘daughter’ in the house, at least come in and say hello.”

“She went with Oscar to a sports-awards evening. And after that he wouldn’t leave her alone. He kept pestering her, phoning and phoning and phoning her.“Oscar was hasty and impatient and very moody – that’s my impression of him.“She told me he pushed her a bit into a corner. She felt caged in. I told her I would talk to him. I told him not to force himself on her. Back off. He agreed, but his face showed me what he was thinking: ‘Oh, this guy is talking nonsense.’ He did cool down a bit. Then they started going out steadily, and she was more at his home.“I once talked to her about Oscar’s moodiness. She didn’t answer me.”

He takes Oscar’s testimony that he and Reeva were madly in love with a pinch of salt. “I think she loved him, but it was no massive love affair.”Was he ever worried about Reeva and Oscar? “My answer to that is ‘no comment’, and that’s probably enough of an answer. There’s a dark side to him. And all we’re left with now is a huge emptiness.” Source

Some may think Oscar Pistorius is walking free at this juncture. But he isn’t. He will never be free nor will ever be looked at the same way again. Whether he is acquitted of premeditated murder and given a lesser charge, he will have to live with the blood of Reeva Steenkamp on his head and his hands. Too many women are losing their lives at the hands of their significant-others.  Oscar Pistorius, the South African hero, inspirational role model who overcame adversity and the international celebrity, is now a murderer. Whether it was accidental or the result of domestic violence, he will never go back to life as usual and he shouldn’t. It’s funny that Oscar Pistorius is reportedly about to accept delivery of a pricey supercar — a 204 mph 3.8 liter McLaren MP4-12C Spider that he ordered last year. He has reportedly vowed not to drive it because of the image it would portray. He has the car but the Steenkamps and Myers don’t have Reeva.

Here’s a graphic of what the police found in Oscar Pistorius’ home (City Press):

Filed Under: African News, Murder Charges, Oscar Pistorius Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Red River High School Probes Students Wearing Ku Klux Klan-Style White Robes, Hoods at Hockey Game

February 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment
kkk hoods north dakota hockey match 246x300 Red River High School Probes Students Wearing Ku Klux Klan Style White Robes, Hoods at Hockey Game

Red River High School Probes Students Wearing Ku Klux Klan-Style White Robes, Hoods at Hockey Game (Photo credit: Twitter)

SHAMEFUL: Three students at Red River High School in North Dakota are in hot water after they donned Ku Klux Klan-style white robes and hoods Friday night during a state hockey semifinal game at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. The photograph of the three was taken by Shane Schuster, who uploaded it to Twitter where it caused an uproar.

Red River’s principal, Kristopher Arason, said the school’s investigation found that the students put on the attire after Red River’s first goal and wore it for about 30 seconds to a minute. Um, that’s 30 seconds to a minute too long. The actions of the three students was clearly planned and very offensive.

Wearing white at a hockey game doesn’t mean donning KKK-style garb. This was offensive and should not be excused with a slap on the wrist.

Filed Under: Race in America, Sports News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Oscar Pistorius Granted Bail by Magistrate Desmond Nair

February 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Oscar Pistorius bail decision:  Magistrate Desmond Nair is in the process of making a decision about granting Oscar Pistorius bail in the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. He said “bail can only be granted if he is convinced the defendant meets three criteria – he will not flee the jurisdiction; he will not try to intimidate witnesses; he is not himself a dangerous person,” BBC reports.

OSCAR PISTORIUS GRANTED BAIL BY MAGISTRATE DESMOND NAIR

I don’t think anyone expected Oscar Pistorius not to be granted bail, considering that the state did not prove its case why he should be kept behind bars. This is a throwback to the O.J. Simpson case in which Mark Fuhrman and others bungled the investigation.

After four days of combative hearings, a South African magistrate on Friday granted bail for Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee track star accused of murdering his girlfriend, in a case that has horrified and fascinated the nation and much of the world.

The magistrate said Mr. Pistorius did not represent a flight risk and was not likely to interfere with state witnesses. “The accused has made a case to be released on bail,” he concluded, while the prosecution had not established a case for detaining him. Pistorius family members in the packed courtroom shouted, “Yes!”

Magistrate Nair set bail at 1 million rand, about $112,000, and ordered a series of conditions before the case was adjourned to June 4. Mr. Pistorius was told to relinquish firearms and passports and to avoid his upscale home in a gated community where he shot to death his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in what he has called an accident and prosecutors have called premeditated murder. The home is now a crime scene.

The unusually tight restrictions on Mr. Pistorius also included a prohibition on making contact with witnesses. The athlete was further told that he could not leave the Pretoria area without official permission and could not use drugs or alcohol while the trial is pending. He was instructed to report to a police station twice a week. Source

The only thing I found disturbing was the celebrating in the court by members of Oscar Pistorius’ family. Reeva Steenkamp was murdered and there is nothing to celebrate. That was in poor taste and insensitive on their part. He may be free now, but there is a court case looming and no matter what the outcome, Oscar Pistorius will always be remembered as the man who killed Reeva Steenkamp. That’s a sentence he isn’t likely to escape, no matter how the magistrate rules in the trial.

pixel Oscar Pistorius Granted Bail by Magistrate Desmond Nair
Filed Under: African News, Murder Charges, Oscar Pistorius Tagged With: , ,
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