All posts by Sheila Ray Reed

Texans cash in on the Bills for 23-17 win at NRG

Courtesy of Chris Allen, C. Allen Media
Courtesy of Chris Allen, C. Allen Media

The Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills went into Week 4 with a record of 2-1. Both teams needed the win, yet it was hard to tell since both teams didn’t manage to score in the first quarter. Both offenses looked like a big wrestling brawl on the field dropping balls, missing passes, tugging, pulling and not putting any points on the board.

The Bills came back in the second quarter and put 10 on the board with an EJ Manning touchdown pass to wide receiver Sammy Watkins and a field goal by kicker, Dan Carpenter. Deep into the second half with less than a minute on the clock Fitzpatrick connected with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a 35-yard touchdown with the Bills leading 10-7 in the half.

Courtesy of Chris Allen, C. Allen Media
Courtesy of Chris Allen, C. Allen Media

At the top of the 3rd Quarter with the Texans possessing the ball, Fitzpatrick threw an interception that ended in the hands of outside linebacker Nigel Bradham. Two plays later, something magical happened, Manning threw a pass which was intercepted by JJ Watt on the 20. Watt brought it for an 80-yard touchdown. Texans led 14 to 7.
A 41-yard field goal by Texans kicker Randy Bullock earned the Texans three more points putting them out front with a 17-7 lead after a 12-play, 42-yard drive guided by Fitzpatrick.

Early in the fourth quarter Bullock scored again with a 55-yard field goal. After the kickoff, Bills wide receiver Mike Williams caught a, 80-yard touchdown. The score was Texans 20 and Bills 14.

The Texans responded with a 50-yard field goal with less than five minutes to go for a 23-17 lead. This was Bullock’s fourth field goal in the game. With only a 1:14 left on the clock Buffalo tried to go deep for a touchdown but it was intercepted by Texans defensive back Darryl Morris.

Even though it was a victory for the Texans, Fitzpatrick performance was not that good. He threw for 268 years with two interceptions. The Texans might consider bringing in backup quarterbacks, Ryan Mallett or Tom Savage to get some field time on the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Courtesy of Chris Allen, C. Allen Media
Courtesy of Chris Allen, C. Allen Media

Texans shine in 2014 game day opener

Houston Texans fans rolled out of NRG Stadium with victorious faces celebrating the Texans 17-6 win over Washington for the game day opener.

Game Day Opener record attendance at NRG, crowd of 71770.
Game Day Opener record attendance at NRG, crowd of 71770.

Defensive end JJ Watt recently made headlines with his record breaking contract extension. Today’s performance proved why he is worth every buck of his $100 million deal.  Watt racked three tackles, a sack, a blocked extra point, a fumble recovery and stopped a play with the palm of his hand with his signature swatt pass.

  Safety, D.J. Swearinger clamping down on Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III
Safety, D.J. Swearinger clamping down on Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III

The scoring action started in the second quarter when Washington fullback Darrel Young rushed up the middle for a touchdown. No additional point accompanied the play as JJ Watt went up and blocked the extra point.  It wasn’t long after Washington put 6-points on the board that the Texans went in to score.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald connected with De Andre’ Hopkins for a 76-yard touchdown. The Texans led 7-6.   On the next drive, Texans running back Alfred Blue blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown putting the Texans up 14-6 at halftime.

It was a not a good day for Washington quarterback Robert Griffin, III (RG3).  The Texans defense wore him out.  D.J. Swearinger joined JJ Watt to let RG3 know this was not Waco, TX where the Baylor Bears just unveiled a statue of their former star player.  RG3 went down with three sacks from the mighty Texans’ defense.

 Running Back, Alfred Blue going in for touchdown after blocking punt return.
Running Back, Alfred Blue going in for touchdown after blocking punt return.

In the third quarter, JJ Watt did what he does best, seized opportunity.  Watt recovered a fumble after a spoiled attempt by RG3 to Alfred Morris on the Texans’ seven-yard line.

During the next drive, Swearinger took down tight end (TE) Niles Paul and caused a fumble after a 48-yard pass from RG3.  Texans safety Kendrick Lewis recovered the ball at the 9-yard line.

The Texans didn’t put up any scores with the two second-half fumbles. They punted after the first one and the other was lost by Arian Foster after a long Texans’ drive.

The fourth quarter sealed the game for the Texans with a 42-yard field goal by kicker Randy Bullock.

Fitzpatrick had 206 yards passing. Foster ran for 103 yards and Andre Johnson had 93 yards receiving.

First-round number-one draft pick Jadeveon Clowney left late in the second quarter because of a knee injury.  Late reports have indicated that Clowney has a lateral torn meniscus tear.  Clowney is set to meet with doctors on the prognosis of his right knee.

Defensive End, JJ Watt shows RG3 & Washington who house it is.
Defensive End, JJ Watt shows RG3 & Washington who house it is.

Coach Bill O’Brien said they will know better as the week goes on about Clowney’s injury.  “I am no sure about the status, but I will say right now that think it’s going to be ok.  He may miss some time.  He may not,” said O’Brien.

Game-day at NRG Stadium had a record attendance of 71,770, the second largest crowd in game history and the largest in game opening.

 

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com

 

Former NBA player turns philanthropist

For the past three years, former NBA player and Coach John Lucas has given back to the community through his foundation.  His annual golf tournament has raised funds and awareness to promote a healthy living program geared toward drug and alcohol prevention.  This program is extremely close to Lucas as he was a former drug abuser and now wants to help other athletes steer clear of such vices.

John Lucas

The John Lucas Foundation also provides mentoring and coaching and leadership development along with financial support for youth with services geared toward life skills development and academic achievement.

Lucas also partners with the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department in support of “Basketball and Beyond,” a program to revitalize basketball, life skills, wellness and leadership at more than 20 facilities. Through Foundation resources, Lucas has provided a program for over 1000 children and youth in the last two years.

“This event is a great way for people to learn more about what we do, play golf with a few sports legends and community stars, while at the same time, donating to the foundation. These valuable contributions will allow us to continue to give people a second chance at achieving their dreams,” said Lucas.

The John Lucas Foundation Champions Celebrity Golf Tournament tees off on Friday, September 19th at 8:00 a.m. on the Memorial Park Golf Course located at 1001 E. Memorial Loop in Houston, TX 77007.

This year’s chairs are NBA Hall of Famer, Julius Ervin “Dr. J.” and former Houston Rocket, Vernon Maxwell.  Other NBA players along with current sports stars and celebrities will be on the green putting and swinging for charity.

This annual occasion is designed to share information about the non-profit, network with community and corporate partners and raise funds for the foundation’s charitable and educational services.

“This event is a great way for people to learn more about what we do and to play golf with a few sports legends and community stars, while at the same time, donating to the foundation. These valuable contributions will allow us to continue to give people a second chance at achieving their dreams,” said Lucas.

Four person teams will play a Scramble Format, with team prizes awarded to the top finishers.   An awards luncheon and silent auction will take place after play.

Registration fees are $1250 for a Celebrity Foursome, $800 for a Foursome and $250 for individual players. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, donating silent auction items or to register, visit www.johnlucasfoundation.org.

The SPORTS WHISPERER WITH SHEILA RAY-REED

Not so “gay” for Michael Sam

This Labor Day weekend was not a merry time for the NFL’s first openly gay player Michael Sam as he landed on the 2014 NFL roster cuts. The seventh-draft pick was release by the St. Louis Rams after he lost out to rookie Ethan Westbrook who landed a spot on the Rams’ final roster spot.

St. Louis Rams releases DE Michael Sam
St. Louis Rams releases DE Michael Sam

There was speculation that Sam would land on the Rams 10-player practice squad. That didn’t happen either. Sam is now a free agent. I wonder who he’s kissing now.


JJ Watt #99, a $100 Million-Dollar Man

What makes Houston Texans JJ Watt so special? Let me tell you. He works hard, he has a great attitude and people like him. Turn on your TV set and you will most likely catch him in a commercial or two.

You heard the saying attitude is everything well that might just be true. Last season when the Texans had the worst season record in the league with 12 loses and 4 wins, some of its premier players lost their cool on the field.

Even though JJ Watt didn’t like how his team was playing, he kept his cool and didn’t mumble or grumble. Even during a game against the Seattle Seahawks last year when Watts injured his nose, he didn’t stop or complain he continued to play with a bloody nose. Now that’s what you call leadership and tenacity.

Houston Texans DE JJ Watts has 99 reasons plus one to play ball.
Houston Texans DE JJ Watts has 99 reasons plus one to play ball.

During this year’s training camp, he was there setting an example for all. Once again, working hard and showing his gratitude to the fans.

Well it has all paid off, the two-time first-team All Pro and 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is now what we call a very wealthy man.

News broke this Labor Day weekend that Watt has signed a lucrative extension with the Texas for a $100 Million Dollars. The deal guarantees Watts $51.8 Million and $16.5 Million annually for six years.

Why fire Bo now?

Who would have ever thought after the MLB 2014 Civil Rights Game at Minute Maid Park this year that Houston Astros’ Manager Bo Porter would get his walking papers three months later. Well that is exactly what happened.

General Manager Jeff Luhnow fired Porter who has served almost two seasons as manager of the Astros, and gave his reasons for doing so during a press conference on Labor Day of all days.

Bo Porter fired from Houston Astros as General Manager after almost two seasons.
Bo Porter fired from Houston Astros as General Manager after almost two seasons.

“This decision was not made because of our current level of competitiveness in the Major Leagues. I recognize that our win-loss record is largely a product of an organizational strategy for which I am responsible,” said Luhnow. “Rather, I made this decision because I believe we need a new direction in our clubhouse.”

Luhnow has been described as having a strong personality and Porter’s personality has been described as fiery and emotional. Only way this combination can mix well is if there is a consistent 90% win and 10% lost record. That is not the case with the Astros. The team currently sits at a 59 wins and 79 losses.

But why fire Bo now when the team went 15-14 last month. Maybe it’s that Luhnow is the boss and the two just don’t like each other.

Bench Coach Dave Trembley was also fired as well mostly likely for good measure.

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com

Red Turns Heads in New Orleans

The great thing that I love about New Orleans, it is the one city whenever you visit; you know you are going to have a good time and experience some unexpected pleasant surprises. During my visit that is exactly what I experienced a fantastic time with some grand surprises.

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I was told about the Annual 5K Red Dress Run but had no idea of its magnitude. Pictured this, there were at least 5,000 guys and girls decked out in their fancy crimson dresses and running shoes in the early daylight starting out in downtown New Orleans and making their way throughout the assigned running route as they raced toward the narrow historical streets of the French Quarters.

It was a spectacular sight to see all of these people in red gowns, minis, maxis and even tutus running for a worthy cause. Many appeared to be season runners while others like in any other marathon mark their own time as they made their way to the finish line. As for me, I fitted right in as I just happened to have on my red dress although I didn’t donned any running shoes.

Once in the Quarters, the red dress runners did what most people in the Quarters do feast on libations and scrumptious food. It sounds so licentious. And yes it was, all for a good cause with proceeds going to various charities.

One of the loveliest surprises was my hotel, Hotel le Marais, part of the New Orleans Hotel Collection. It’s an upscale hide-a-way in the midst of the Quarters located on Conti Street just around the curve from Bourbon Street. This lavish French Quarter boutique gives no clue of its extravagance from the outside, but wow when you stepped through the front door you are engulfed into an opulent sanctuary.

Hotel le Marais prides itself on casual elegance and that theme is repeated throughout the picturesque property that boasts a fashionable lobby that leads to the lively sophisticated and stylish Bar Vive where I met Marc Becker director of sales development for the New Orleans Hotel Collection, and some of the locals who gather there monthly to socialize and talk shop.
Adjacent to the Bar Vive are French doors that open to a relaxing salt water pool centered in the middle of an intimate French style courtyard that is decorated with high-end designer outdoor sofa chaise loungers and dining sets.

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I really relished sitting in the courtyard each morning enjoying the scrumptious continental breakfast. It was so tranquil. This was a nice way to start your day before stepping outside into the festive French Quarter.

Well there is an interesting aura about the breakfast. When I thought of continental breakfast I was thinking more along the lines of juice, coffee and pastries. That is not the case with Hotel le Marais complimentary morning cuisine. It’s more on the lines of a marvelous traditional breakfast selection of sausage links, bacon, scramble eggs, boiled eggs, variety of cereals, milk, pastries coffee, tea, orange juice, cranberry juice and apple juice, yogurt, biscuits , toast, bagel, bananas and apples.

This is just a classy hotel all around. My room was the double bed deluxe. It came with all of the amenities one expects from a first class establishment: Wi-Fi and high speed internet access, flat-screen television with multiple cable channels, plush pillow-top comfortable beds; and my favorite was the soothing grey wall porcelain walk-in shower complete with all of the deluxe bath amenities. Love it.

Being in New Orleans one has to dine at some of it fabulous restaurant and I did. I had lunch at the Red Fish Grill. It was so delicious and the manager, chef and staff were gracious and on point. The Red Fish Grill located at 115 Bourbon Street and is owned by Ralph Brennan the family name that is synonymously with fine Cajun cuisine.
Executive chef, Austin Kizner prepared me a super delicious meal starting with flash fried BBQ Oysters with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce. You have to try this appetizer. It is so delicious and if you have to share you probably should order two portions. This was one of my favorite dishes along with my entrée the award winning Wood Fired Grilled Gulf Red Fish and crabmeat with Tasso fritters.

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What do you do after a good lunch in the French Quarters; well you walk it off by taking in the talents of the street performers, people watching and stopping by the specialty and antique shops and making a purchase or two.

Then when you need to retire for a while, you can walk right down the street to your sanctuary, Hotel le Marais and enjoy the lobby for a while and visit Bar Vive and get a cool refreshing beverage and relax.

Dinner that evening was over in the business district at Vitascope Hall located inside the Hyatt Regency. This is a great place to take a break from the French Quarters and see another side of New Orleans. It is a sophisticated lively huge bar that offers a selection of craft beers and custom-made cocktails where you can enjoy sports on the big flat screens. What better food to order when in a sports bar then beef ribs and fries. This is a cool hangout to watch sports and the atmosphere was very lively.

The following day, I was in for a treat. I had dinner at the remarkable Arnaud’s restaurant. This is a very enchanting and historical establishment that offers numerous dining options under one roof. There is the Jazz Bistro, Main Dining Room, The renown French Bar 75, Remoulade known as the casual side of dining at Arnaud’s, and a collection of private dining rooms.

Upstairs houses the Germaine Cazenane Wells Mardi Museum. It honors the daughter of the restaurant founder, Count Arnaud. Germaine was a diva in the true sense of the word. She reigned as queen over 22 Mardi Gras Balls from 1937 to 1968. The museum displays 13 of her elaborate Mardi Gras gowns in huge glass showcases. It is a phenomenal sight to see and quite spectacular. It just leaves you in total awe one being the intricate details of the gowns resonates pure royalty.

Lisa Sins of Arnaud’s showed me the many wonders of the restaurant. She introduced me to a beverage name after the French 75 Bar. It is a mixture of fine Courvoisier, lemon juice, Moet and Chandon champagne. It was superb and smooth.

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The dining experience was equally impeccable. It began with Arnaud’s famous Puff Soufflé potatoes. These delicious crispy potato puffs are beloved for their tastes and texture. Next on the menu were the turtle soup and the seafood gumbo. This was the best gumbo I have ever eaten. The roux wax cook to perfection. The deep thick dark base could have stood on its own without the shrimp, chicken or sausage. It was divine. For my entrée, I chose, Pompano Duarte, a sautéed fillet topped with gulf shrimp, tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs and crush chili peppers. The entire dining experience at Arnaud’s was splendid.
The evening was capped off with a sensational jazz trio at Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, a very warm and upscale setting.

On your next visit to New Orleans, Hotel le Marais is a must. You will be talking about it for days.

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com

Happy 142nd Birthday Emancipation Park

Children at Emancipation Park guessing whose birthday it is.
Children at Emancipation Park guessing whose birthday it is.

Friends of Emancipation (FEP) Park surprised the children of Emancipation Park’s Summer Recreation Program with pizzas, a variety of delicious looking cupcakes, assorted juices and ice cream to celebrate the 142nd Birthday of the historical park founded by free slaves on July 19, 1872.

The birthday surprise had the children laughing, running and playing and guessing whose birthday celebration it was. “It’s her birthday,” one of the kids said while pointing at FEP President, Dorris Ellis. Then they all started laughing and telling her happy birthday and giving her big hugs. “No, no, no, it’s someone else’s birthday, someone that really enjoys have you all here,” she said with a huge smile.

 Friends of Emancipation Park Boards Members, Dorris Ellis, Jacqueline Bostic, Jackie Bostic, Jackie Gilmore,  JoAnn Johnson( Park Director) and Alma Thompson setting-up pizza station.
Friends of Emancipation Park Boards Members, Dorris Ellis, Jacqueline Bostic, Jackie Bostic, Jackie Gilmore, JoAnn Johnson( Park Director) and Alma Thompson setting-up pizza station.

After several more guesses by the eager children, the correct answer came hurdling out of a crowd of children surrounded by a couple of young adults who work at the park. “It’s Emancipation Park’s birthday,” the group shouted in unison. Some other curious children then asked,” How old is Emancipation Park?” The same group who guessed the birthday answer came up the age of the park, “142- years-old,” they rang out with merriment.

By this time, the kids were ready to move on to the good part of the Friends of Emancipation (FEP) Park surprised the children of Emancipation Park’s Summer birthday celebration; the yummy treats. They had to wait a few more minutes for one of the FEP volunteers, Rev. Robert Gilmore to bless the food. The kids then lined-up and made their way to the celebratory eats that they were to consume in style.

The tables popped with a cheerful display of color with bright chartreus tablecloths adorned with birthday theme confetti down the center of each table. It was a festive setting and the kids enjoyed it all as they sat down and ate and talked with each other.

 Friends of Emancipation volunteer Rev. Dr. Robert Gilmore and children saying a blessing before the birthday meal.
Friends of Emancipation volunteer Rev. Dr. Robert Gilmore and children saying a blessing before the birthday meal.

Emancipation Park was originally purchased to celebrate the Texas Emancipation Holiday “Juneteenth.” Until the 1950s it was the only public park and swimming pool in Houston opened to African Americans.

Currently the park is under renovation. The 10-acre project will include refurbished landscapes, playgrounds and the renovation of the two historic buildings and the addition of a new building and plaza. The recreation center will be repurposed as a community center and the famous pool-house will be renovated and expanded all in the fall of 2015.

The new Emancipation Park will be an inter-woven tapestry of buildings and landscape that will celebrate the park’s rich history while embracing the present and future of its community.

Venetian Las Vegas: Do Come Inside

There are many stylish casino designed hotels and resorts that line the 4.2 miles of the Las Vegas Strip. Glitz, glamor and eye-catching attractions embellish one of the most well-known skylines worldwide. However, there is one hotel that is one of a kind. The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino’s exquisite architecture sets this landmark apart from the rest.

You can actually hear the people admiring the hotel’s beautiful Renaissance artwork on the high arch ceilings with bursts of oohing and ahhing during check-in and as they stroll through the hotel’s palatial promenade.

The Venetian provides all of the guestroom amenities that one expects from a first class hotel and much more. When I walked into my suite, it was much grander than I had imagined. I was greeted by 650 square feet of pure luxury and marble flooring. My bed chamber included a plush king-sized pillow-top bed with a relaxing lounger at the foot and a flat screen stylishly mounted on the wall surrounded by spectacular art work.

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Just a few feet away was the sunken living area with its own flat screen and a comfortable full sized l-shaped sofa-sleeper and an office area that offered all the technological amenities to conduct business as well as a dining area and an oversized bay window with remote control handcrafted curtains and tailored-made pleated drapes that overlooked the lively Vegas Strip.
The bath area reflected the spaciousness of the bed chamber and sunken living quarter. It provided a 130-square ft. sanctuary with a Roman tub and a separate glass enclosed shower. The sink was a double sided vanity and a 17 inch flat-screen hung inside as well, but I can tell there was no need for me to watch television because the ambiance was so plush there and just pure relaxation. The quality body wash, shampoo/conditioner and other bath amenities kept my skin supple and my hair soft and shiny. I really didn’t want to leave my suite. But The Venetian has so much more to see and experience.

The Venetian offers over 30 restaurants from fine dining to casual dining. I chose to enjoy my meals at the Grand Lux Café which is located on the casino level, which is more on the casual dining side. I really enjoyed the atmosphere plus the wide selection of food. My favorite was pasta with ground beef and with pieces of slow roasted short rib, smoked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, a touch of garlic and a mildly spicy marinade; and of course a Greek salad- Yummy. By-the-way the Grand Lux offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

One of the best ways to shop is just to sometimes browse; known as window shopping. The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian will give you an eyeful of beautiful things even if you don’t make a purchase you can add to your wish-list for later. The Grand Canal Shoppes has more than a 160 signature stores and for us shoe-nistas; Tory Burch, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin are among the favorites. And the ever-popular Michael Kors right in sight has a signature shop with a host of handbags that range from the high-end to the moderate price point. And in the midst of it all is The Venetian famous gondola ride, this is a must, even though I didn’t partake but will on my next Vegas outing.

One huge attraction that I didn’t missed out on was the Motown Human Nature Show exclusively at The Venetian. This stage-show will dazzle you for days. Okay, picture this, four talented blue-eyed Aussies, yes I mean the kind from Australia. They have the Motown sound down complete with all of the steps, moves and oh-yeah those voices, with blended perfect harmony.
Venetian CDC 2014

These guys; Andrew Tierney, Phil Burton, Toby Allen and Mike Tierney brought all of Motown’s favorite songs, showmanship and impeccable sleek polished image packed in a 2 ½, hour-show and entertained with their melodic and energetic renditions of “My Girl”, “Tears of a Cloud”, “Stop in the Name of Love”, “Uptight-Everything is Alright”, “I Will Be There”, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and “My Girl” and “Get Ready” among other Motown top picks. These musical selections and Human Nature’s intoxicating performance had the crowd rocking and standing to its feet throughout the performance.

The group voted best singers by the Las Vegas Review Journal and Trip Advisor’s #1 show in Las Vegas, Human Nature: The Motown Show is one not to be missed. Ticket prices range from $118 to $74.00 and the performance is held at The Venetian Sands Show Room.

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Human Nature  live at the Venetian

Currently The Venetian is running a special on its Luxury 650 square feet Luxury Open Floor Plan Suite at $159.00 per night. Now that is an awesome deal! For more information on accommodations and Human Nature Motown please contact guest relations at (702) 607-4644.

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
#The Venetian @ Las Vegas
#Human Nature Motown @ The Venetian

WHOA SPURS! 2014 NBA Champions

San Antonio Spurs Center Tim Duncan, Point Guard Tony Park, Small Forward and MVP Player Kawhi Leonard and Point Guard Patty Mills relish in victory as they claim  the NBA 2014 Championship Title over the Miami Heat 104-87
San Antonio Spurs Center Tim Duncan, Point Guard Tony Park, Small Forward and MVP Player Kawhi Leonard and Point Guard Patty Mills relish in victory as they claim the NBA 2014 Championship Title over the Miami Heat 104-87

The Miami Heat stepped into Game 5 down by 3-1 and it appeared at one point that LeBron and crew were on a mission to see a Game 6 as they came out very aggressively and dashed to an 8-0 lead to begin the game; and then continued to sprint with a 22-6 lead over the Spurs in the first quarter. But the Spurs were not having it and shot back hard and by the end of the quarter were narrowing Miami’s lead within seven by a score of 29-22.

In the second quarter, the Spurs bounced all the way back first to tie the game and then to lead by seven and take over the game by 19 at the end of the third quarter with the Spurs up 77-58.
From that point, it was no looking back for Duncan and crew as the Spurs spun out of control with basket after basket. The Spurs reigned victoriously with a 104-87 blowout sending King James home empty-handed; and winning the 2014 NBA Championship title.

Spurs 22-year-old forward Kawhi Leonard received the NBA Finals MVP award. That honor puts Leonard in the class of one of the youngest players to do so, just as his teammate Tim Duncan did 15 years ago also at the tender age of 22. Leonard had 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Just for the record, James finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds and also a team-leading five assists, Dwayne Wade scored only 11 points and Chris Bosh finished with 13 points. Looks like the Heat have a lot of reflecting to do during the off-season. Like who will be playing with whom next year.

This is the fifth NBA championship title for the San Antonio Spurs, with championship wins in 199, 2003, 2005 and 2007, all under the leadership of Coach Gregg Popovich who is only with of three coach in NBA history to win Coach of the Year three times.

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com

2014 Civil Rights Game and Beacon Awards hosted by the Astros

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Less than a week before she died, legendary poet Dr. Maya Angelou canceled an appearance at The 2014 Major League Baseball (MLB) Civil Rights game which will be played at Minute Maid Park on Friday, May 30th between the Houston Astros and the Baltimore Orioles.

Angelo along with NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown and Motown founder and music pioneer Berry Gordy are this year’s Beacon of Life 2014 Honorees. Brown and Gordy will received their awards at the MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon and the Baseball Civil Rights Movement Roundtable Luncheon hosted by Robin Roberts of Good Morning America.

The Astros office said they do plan to still honor the legendary poet in her passing but have not release the details at this time.

The Civil Rights game and its Beacon of Life Award was developed by the MLB in 2007 to pay tribute to those who fought on and off the field for equal rights.

This is the eighth year of the Civil Rights game and the first where the teams will wear the Negro League uniforms. The Astros will wear the uniforms of the Houston Eagles which played for two years (1949-1950) and was the only team from Texas in Negro League History.The Baltimore Orioles will wear the uniforms of the Baltimore Elite Giants which played from 1938 through 1950.

The first 15,000 fans to enter Minute Maid Park will receive a special commemorative Civil Rights Cap.

Chart-topping Aloe Blacc will perform “The Man” before the first pitch, Actress and singer, Jadagrace will sing the National Anthem and recording artist, Jeffery Osborne will treat fans to a special rendition of “America the Beautiful” during the 7th inning stretch.

After the game, the Astros will host a special fireworks show that will have a Motown theme.

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com