Latest Articles

• Deandre Ayton Faces 25-Game Suspension

  Oct 25, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  Deandre Ayton Faces a 25-Game Suspension

  

  by Z. Roney

  10.25.2019 Deandre Ayton is poised for a break-out year this season. The 6-11, 250 lbs center was selected 1st overall in the 2018 draft, and has so far failed to disappoint, averaging 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds in his rookie season en route to an All-Rookie First Team selection. This season is his chance to display his improvements from last year, and assume a larger role for the Phoenix Suns; he can further prove to his fans that he can meet their expectations and realize his full potential. However, that chance will come at a much later time than anyone would've hoped.

   

  The other night, Deandre Ayton found himself banned for 25 games when he tested positive for a diuretic, which are usually used as masking agents, violating the league's anti-drug policy. Such a suspension could last nearly 2 months, potentially keeping him sidelined until mid-late December. At the moment, plans for the NBPA to seek arbitration is underway; their appeal is based on the argument of “unintentional ingestion”, and claims that Ayton did not have any other banned substance in his system. They hope to reduce the severity of the penalty; however, in the meantime, Ayton's absence will definitely be a blow to the Suns' overall performance. Aron Baynes or Frank Kaminsky is likely to start in his place until the issue is resolved.

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• Skylar Diggins-Smith Opens Up About Playing The Entire 2018 WNBA Season Pregnant

  Oct 25, 2019 Azariah manning 0 Comments

  Skylar Diggins-Smith Opens Up About Playing The Entire 2018 WNBA Season Pregnant

  

  by Azariah Manning

  10.25.2019  WNBA powerhouse Skylar Diggins-Smith expressed her journey with pregnancy and playing the
   whole 2018 WNBA season pregnant with her son who was born in April. With the ballers' decision to sit out of the 2019 season, she expressed the backlash she has received from fans and the media . This led her to expose the unfortunate circumstances professional female athletes endure who are mothers, and her journey specically.

  "I played the ENTIRE season pregnant last year! All star, and led league (top 3-5) in
  MPG….didn’t tell a soul." — Skylar Diggins-Smith (@SkyDigg4)+October 19, 2019

  
  The 4x WNBA Allstar, still made her full salary for the 2019 season. It is still uncertain as to why she took to social media to explain her story. Many believe it has to do with not feeling fully supported by her organization, The Dallas Wings. Diggins-Smith also tweeted:

  “Having no support from your own organization is unfortunate”
  — Skylar Diggins-Smith (@SkyDigg4)+October 18, 2019

  
  Diggins-Smith signed a multi million dollar deal with the Dallas Wings and has been an elite
  player for the organization. The wings finished the 2018 season with the number 8 seed in the league. Diggins –Smith averaged new career highs in assists. Even though during the 2019 season she was paid in full, Diggins was not shy enough to field her frustrations with the organization.

  
  “People called me a quitter, said I gave up on my team, etc., etc. Not knowing I took two FULL months away from everything because of postpartum depression. With limited resources to help me be successful mentally/physically,” she tweeted. Diggins-Smith stance to speak up about the inhumane and expectations organizations and fans may have on professional female athletes, has not gone unnoticed as she reveals that she dealt with post partum depressions. She expressed the importance of mental health after giving birth.

  “Not knowing I took two FULL months away from everything because of postpartum depression. With limited resources to help me be successful mentally/physically. But just wait though….KEEP THAT SAME ENERGY.”

  
  Diggins-Smith is one of the many female professional athletes who endure a lack of support or celebration when embracing motherhood. With her tweet this may help spark a change within professional female athlete organizations.

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• Kawhi Is Here!

  Oct 25, 2019 Diaz M 0 Comments

  Kawhi Is Here!

  

   

  by Diaz Mackie

   

  10.25.2019   Coming into this NBA season, I truly thought that LeBron would instantly put his stamp on this season, reclaiming his seat as the best player in the league. The season is young & perhaps he still will do just that. In fairness, I must admit I’ve been LeBron bias for most of his career. I’ve been a hater. I’m from Detroit & he was a division rival & my loyalty runs deep. I hated Jordan also in his day for the same reason. The ONLY times I ever rooted for Jordan in the finals,  is whenever they played Utah. I hated Utah and Boston for my own reasons. I say all of that to say this... I do believe that I was wrong. 

   

   

     I believe LeBron’s time as top-dog on the court, is over. Giannis is a great player, but it’s not him either. KD, if he comes back to old form, the beast also and also not him. Kyrie and Steph, not them. Harden, nope, but I dislike his game, being honest. Kawhi, YES! He has no flaws in his game.

   

   

     During free agency, I hoped and prayed that Kawhi would go to Los Angeles and play for the Clippers. The storyline is as if written by an Hollywood screenwriter. The “Prodigal Son” returning home, playing for the “Little Brother”, “JV” team instead of the glamorous Lakers. Leading the Clippers to a championship and supplanting the Lakers, while reigning over the NBA. Great story line, right? The drama between houses & personal battle between Kawhi and LeBron head up.

   

   

     “King James”, from Cleveland , not fully embraced by his new house, still trying to earn their approval. All while standing in the shadows of giants, Magic and Kobe. Kawhi’s personality on the court, machine-like. 

   

   

    However, there’s a piece of his personality that I didn’t notice. Kawhi currently has a new commercial airing for New Balance. In the commercial Kawhi is driving an old school drop-top 1967 Chevy Impala (the car Ice Cube drives in his “Good Day” video), they zoom in on his keys in the ignition & there’s just a CROWN. A direct shot at LeBron. Then the commercial has a sign saying “Kawhi Town”. Kawhi WANTS to directly take it to LeBron as the “Prodigal Son” for the throne of not just the NBA, but the kingdom of Los Angeles.

   

   

     Kawhi seems to have a natural dislike for “King James”. Tuesday night may have been the gasoline on the fire. Leonard who rarely speaks, grabbed the mic to welcome the fans to the start of the 2019-2020 NBA season. It was a home game for Kawhi and the Clippers, but they were playing “Big Brother” the Los Angeles’ Lakers, LeBron and newly acquired Anthony Davis.  The Lakers share the Staples Center and has championship banners all over the building. 

   

   

     Tuesday night something happened that I and I truly believe, nor did Kawhi expect. The crowd booed Kawhi as he greeted the fans, for there were more Laker fans in attendance than Clipper fans. I can see that adding that extra chip on Kawhi’s shoulder for the remainder of this year. Giving him more reason to go after LeBron and the Lakers. Solidifying the fate of the NBA and directly the Lakers and LeBron James. Naming claims to Los Angeles as his throne and presenting a new generation Clipper Nation as Los Angeles premier team. The battle for L.A.

   

   

     However as fore mentioned, I could be wrong, but it makes for a great storyline. This season should definitely be exciting and it couldn’t have come at a better time. 

   

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• Lakers vs. Clippers, Opening Night

  Oct 23, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  

  by Zachary Roney

  10.23.2019  Opening night for the NBA season featured a highly anticipated match-up between two title-contenders – a battle of Los Angeles. The Lakers and the Clippers both had major acquisitions this past summer, and this was their first official chance at showcasing their new rosters. As expected, their game was nothing short of entertaining, with the Clippers claiming a lead in the second quarter and maintaining it for the rest of the game. Kawhi Leonard led the game in scoring, with 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. LeBron James had 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists; and Anthony Davis had a double-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. The final score was 102-112.

   

  This is only the first of what could be many match-ups between these teams; in addition to the remaining games they'll play in the regular season, there is a high chance they'll meet at some point in the playoffs. Furthermore, neither team had the chance to boast their full roster last night, with Paul George sitting out for the Clippers, and DeMarcus Cousins and Kyle Kuzma being out for the Lakers. It goes without saying that this will be a fantastic rivalry for the future, one that will provide entertainment and suspense at every turn.

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• Three Athletes making Herstory

  Oct 20, 2019 Azariah manning 1 Comments

   

  

  

   

  by Azariah Manning

  10.20.2019  It was a great week for woman in sports all over the world, herstory was made,… yes herstory was made  as three Black, talented and resilient women went to break world records and be at the top of their game in their respective industry. These three women go by the names of Simone Biles, Coco Gauff and Brigid Kosgei. Biles , the ambiguous  Olympian continued to add to her gymnast legacy not only by executing two signature moves  that will honor her name, but also  receiving her 24th medal at the World Championship, making her the most decorated gymnast of all time, she also didn’t stop there receiving her 25th medal another gold in her floor exercise.  Across the globe in Austria, Coco Gauff became the youngest professional tennis player in history to win a WTA championship. Gauff had lost in the qualifying rounds, but was able to redeem herself, after a player had stepped down due to an injury. Gauff was able to prove the importance of second chances and how to overcome losses. Over in the United States, Brigid Kosgei broke the women’s world marathon record , along with winning the Chicago Marathon for the second year in a row. The Kenyan native went on to excel as she made history with an astonishing ability to run 26.2 miles in 2 hours, 14 minutes and 4 seconds.  These women have proven to excel all around the world exhibiting  elite  athleticism and talent.

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