Basketball trailblazer, Earl “Bigcat” Lloyd the first African American ever to play in the NBA (National Basketball Association) passed away on Thursday at the age 86. Lloyd made his debut in 1950 for the Washington Capitals.During the same year three other black players were drafted by the NBA but Lloyd was the first one to make it to the court.
NBA’s first African American player Earl Lloyd played for nine seasons passed away February 26 at age 89.
Known for his defense, Lloyd was selected in the ninth-round of the 1950 draft. He played for nine seasons in the NBA. His first game was on October 31, 1950 against the Rochester Royals.He only had a seven game stretch with the Washington Capitals before the team folded in January of 1951.
He was picked up by the Syracuse Nationals (currently the Philadelphia 76ers) where he spent six seasons.Lloyd went on to play two seasons with the Detroit Pistons in 1958-60 before he retired.He also coached the Pistons in 1971-72 season where he was 22-55 and the first nine games in the 1972-73 season.
Lloyd helped the Syracuse Nationals win the 1955 NBA Championship Title.In 2002, he was inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Lloyd said he encountered virtually no racist treatment from his teammates and opponents during his time in the NBA.However the spectators were not so tolerant.In a posting on the National Basketball Association website Lloyd solution to dealing with racist audiences was to play harder and ignored them.
“Fans would yell stuff like, ‘Go back to Africa.’And I’m telling you, you would often hear the N-word. “My philosophy was if they weren’t calling you names, you weren’t doing anything. You made sure they were calling you names, because you were hurting them,” said Lloyd.
The three other African Americans to play in the same season were Chuck Cooper, Nathaniel Clifton and Hank Dezonie.
The 2015 Toyota SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) Basketball Tournament which runs March 10 -14 at the Houston Toyota Center will be shaking it up for the fans with a line-up of name performers in addition to some spell-bounding competitive basketball.
On Friday March 13, Hip Hop Trio Salt-N-Pepa featuring DJ Spinderella and R&B quartet 112 will perform some old-school magic. The following day, Saturday March 14, debonair rapper Rick Ross and friends will take the stage in a post-championship concert.
Iconic female rap group Salt N Pepa will be performing at the upcoming 2015 SWAC Basketball Championship Tournament and Concert Series
The SWAC 2015 Concert Series will continue on Sunday with a special performance from The Forever Charlie Wilson Tour with his special guests musical sensations Kem along recording artist Joe, “I Wanna Know”.
All-session booklets, which include admission to all of the tournament games and select ancillary events, are available for just $125. Individual session passes and tickets to the championship night games are also available.
Patriots’ defensive end, Malcolm Butler and the 2015 Chevy Super Bowl truck that MVP Tom Brady intends to hand over to him.
The New England Patriots’ defense end Malcolm Butler said that he had a vision that he would do something big in the Super Bowl, and he did.It happened during the last play of the game.The score was 28-24 with the Patriots leading.The Seahawks were in possession of the ball at 2nd-and-goal at the 1-yard line.They even had two-timeouts, with 1:38 left in the final quarter of the game.
Then something strange happened, that prophecy that Butler had.It came to fruition.
With the opportunity to win the game and become back-to- back Super Bowl champions, Seattle’s quarterback Russell Wilson dropped-back and threw the ball into the end zone for the winning scored.
He thought, instead Butler jumped in front of intended wide receiver Ricardo Lockett and grabbed the ball and it was all over for the Seahawks.
The phenomenal game sealing interception by Patriots’ Malcolm Butler to seal Super Bowl XLIX win.
This phenomenal play sealed the win for the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX.
Many considered the Seahawks’ decision to throw the ball in that position strange instead of just running it, especially with the two time-outs.Well it just goes to show you visions can be credible.
After the game when asked about the incredible play by an on-field reporter, Butler tried to tell the reporter about the vision but she didn’t fully comprehend what he was saying.
“I knew, I would do something big in this game, I had a vision,” said Butler as he pointed up to the sky.
The reported looked dumbfounded and skirted around his response and attempted to go into another question about the big play in hopes of getting a different response from Butler.
He politely responded, “You wouldn’t understand.”
The following day on Good Morning America (GMA), he went into detail about the revelation with host, Robin Roberts.
“The vision that I had about me doing something big in the game was even confirmed by my mom,” Butler told Roberts.
“I really believed it was when I called an Uber driver for my mom.My mom called me and said the guy (Uber driver) spoke nice of me.”
Butler Continued, “The driver felt I was going to do something fantastic in the game.So I just prayed on it and I just went out and played as hard as I could, and it turned out great,”
Even though Butler didn’t received the MVP award, its recipient Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady said he intends to give Butler the 2015 red Chevrolet truck, the prize that came along with the MVP award.“A guy like Malcolm who makes that type of instinctive play, that’s one of his strong suits.It came off as a great play.Someone had to make it.It happen to Malcolm,” said Brady.
Super Bowl XLIX, MVP the incomparable, New England quarterback Tom Brady.
“I would love to give him that truck,” Brady said. “I would love to do that.I’m going to figure out how to make that work.”
Butler was undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft.On May 19, he was signed by the Patriots.In his rookie season, Butler appeared in 11 games one-start, recording 15 tackles and three defensive passes.
He made his first start at defensive back against Miami on December 14, 2014 finishing with two tackles.
Now in 2015, he is known as that guy who made the phenomenal play in Super Bowl XLIX via his special vision and hard work.
Who would have ever though that the Seattle Seahawks would go into overtime against the Green Back Packers to win the NFC Championship after they were down by 16 points to quarterback, Aaron Rogers and company? What excitement and the biggest comeback ever in a conference title game. The final overtime score was 28-22. Seattle won the Super Bowl last year and are now headed to Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX. It has been 10 years since a defending champion has had a back-to-back Super Bowl appearance
Super Bowl defending quarterback, Russell Wilson on his way back to Super Bowl XLIX to face the Patriots.
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Rogers summed up the defeat with these words, “This is one of the one’s that’s going to stick with you because of the way it ended. Every loss in the playoffs is difficult. This one, being just a few minutes from going to the Super Bowl, obviously is a little more difficult, he said.
The AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts was a blowout and didn’t generate an ounce of excitement as in the NFC big game. The Patriots hammered the Colts beating them 45-7. Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes and running back LeGarrette Blount ran for three more touchdowns and Patriots kicker, Stephen Gostkowski topped it off with a field goal to advance to the Super Bowl.
New England’s quarterback Tom Brady gearing up for Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, in Arizona
This will be New England’s 8th Super Bowl Appearance in franchise history and 6th with Brady and Coach Bill Bellichick.
It should be a rousing game Super Bowl match-up between the Seattle Seahawks with the best defense in the league and Brady and Bellichick’s Patriots who has the most impressive offense in the league.
One thing for sure though, Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, AZ on February 1st will have many folks watching the footballs to make sure their air pressure PSI (Pressure for Square) is in NFL compliance.
After the blow-out between the Patriots and Colts, it was brought to the attention of the NFL that 11 of 12 footballs used on offense were found to be underinflated by two pounds per square inch.
According to Fox Sports, the league was already planning to inspect the balls at halftime. Earlier reports had claimed that Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson notice something was not right about a ball he intercepted from Brady.
This what a dozen deflated footballs look like.
Five days later after the Patriots victory and allegations of Brady knowingly played with deflated balls in the NFC championship game, a press conference was held for Bellichick and Brady to address the matter.
When asked by one reporter if he was a cheater, Brady replied, “I don’t think so.” Brady went on to say that he feels like, he has always played within the rules. And that he would never do anything to break the rules. “I believe in fair play, and I respect the league,” Brady said.
Coach Bellichick backed him up and said, “We have followed every rule to the letter and we welcome the league’s investigation in this matter. A couple of days later, when asked Seattle’s Russell Wilson about the issue, he said, “deflating has nothing to do with us.”
One thing for sure, in Super Bowl XLIX, all eyes will be on every football to make sure they are in NFL compliance.
Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson reflecting on his history making moment of one of only the 10th man in NFL history to make 1000 or more receptions.
Texans quarterback Case Keenum fresh off of an NFL practicing squad gets his team ready for victory.
The now (8-7) Texans led by quarterback Case Keenum, shut the Baltimore Ravens down game day Sunday, December 21, beating them 25 to 13 at NRG Stadium with impressive performances from kicker Randy Bullock, running back Arian Foster, JJ Watt and the defense, and a history making day for wide receiver Andre Johnson.
After being summons by the Texans earlier this week straight off of the St. Louis Practice Squad, Keenum was eager and performed well against Ravens seasoned quarterback Joe Flacco. Keenum threw for 185 yards with one interception. Flacco threw for 195 yards with three interceptions and two touchdowns
Bullock made up for missed touchdown opportunities by the Texans. He put up 18 points of field goals from the 20, 25, 30, 33, 35 and 39. The six for six field goals were a franchise-record.
Texans kicker, Randy Bullock making franchise history with six for six field goals.
The Texans only touchdown in the game came by way of Foster. It was a brilliant play. With only seconds left in the half, Foster ran to the right, drew in the Ravens’ defense and threw a five-yard halfback pass to tight end, C.J. Fiedorowicz in the end zone for the score. Foster had 95 yards rushing including a 43 yard run.
The leading candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Number 99, Watt did his thing again as he does on every game day. Watt led the Texans with eight tackles. Watt tackled Flacco to stop a two-point conversion attempt after a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The fans went wild after the play, when Watt gave his signature finger “no-no” wave.
Keenum all smiles after his 2014 quarterback debut with the Texans
Texans fans cheered when Johnson reached the groundbreaking mark of 1,000 receptions. He went in today’ game with 996 receptions. He had six receptions for 65 yards. He is only the 10th player in NFL history to make this achievement of 1000 or more receptions.
“It puts you in an elite group. I never thought I would be in this situation,” said Johnson after the game. “You can say everything you want when you first come in the league about how good you want to be but you have to go out there and play and put the numbers up and things like that.”
Johnson continued, “It was just so special to do it here because we have fans that have been riding with us for a long time. I’ve been here to experience a lot of things that have went on with this organization. It was just fun to do it here.”
Today’s win keeps the Texans playoff hopes alive. There are several things that need to happen in Week 16 for this to happen. The Cleveland Browns must beat the Indianapolis Colts, the Kansas City Chiefs must beat the San Diego Chargers.
And the Texans must beat the Jacksonville Jaguars who they will host next week in the season’s final game at NRG Stadium.
This is all possible, because who will have thought that Keenum would be the starting quarterback for the Texans after he was release by them during the practice squad.
It was a fine day at the Texans NRG Stadium, roof open for the second time this season and the weather above was picture perfect and the field below was picture perfect as quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a franchise-record six touchdowns sending the Tennessee Titans back home with a (2-10) record.
Texans’ fan flaunts her JJ Watt poster in a message to the Titans at NRG Stadium.
All Photos by C. Allen Media
Fitzpatrick’s performance proved that his two-game benching was a time of deep reflection, and if chance arose for him to be at the helm again, he would show them, and he did.This time around he was accurate, decisive and confident.
Texans’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in touchdown position.
He used his playing ground wisely and threw 9 receptions for 238 yards. Two of Fitzpatrick’s touchdown passes went into the hands of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.This was also a fine day for Hopkins as he racked up a career high of 238 yards.
The scoring action, actually started early with a Fitzpatrick eight-yard hit to tightend Ryan Griffin on the opening drive.Running back Arian Foster, back in play after a groin injury, showed the crowd that all is well, when he went in for a seven-yard touchdown pass, Texans leading 14-0.
The Texans’ lead expanded with a 37-yard field goal by kicker Randy Bullock with 3:25 remaining on the clock, 17-0.
A fine day at NRG Stadium with roof opened.
Then with only 38 seconds left before the half-time break, Fitzpatrick hit Hopkins with that first 58-yard scoring play to put Houston up 24-0.
Texans’ fans out in solidarity at Texans & Titans game art NRG Stadium
Early in the third quarter, Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger connected with wider receiver, Kendall Wright to put the Titans on the board, 24-7.
That would be Mattenberger’s last touchdown reception of the game.A few plays later, he was taken down by a JJ Watt tackle.Back-up Jake Locker had to be called-in to lead the Titans.
The Titans next score of the game came when cornerback Jason McCourty stole the ball from Texans wide receiver, Andre Johnson and ran for a 62-yard touchdown, narrowing the lead 24-14.
The scoreboard widen again, late in the third quarter 31-14, when Hopkins made his second touchdown.Johnson made up from the earlier striped ball, and reached up for a Fitzpatrick pass in the end zone, widening the lead 38-14.
Texans’ wide receiver, Andre Johnson putting his name on an end zone TD.
In the fourth quarter, Watt found himself on the receiving end of a 1-yard touchdown, his fifth of the season, making the score, 45-14.
Titans’ wide receiver, Nat Washington managed to catch a 25-yard reception touchdown from Locker late in the fourth.The final score 45-21 with a Texans’ win.
In the post-game press conference, Fitzpatrick said, “I didn’t now know if I’d ever have a chance to play again.It’s an eye-opener for me not to take it for granted.”
Fitzpatrick started for nine games, than was bench for two games for Ryan Mallett, who is out for the season, after he suffered a chest injury last week.
With all eyes around the football nation on Watt’s outstanding season and his five touchdowns, Watt humbly stated, “I don’t think, I could have imagined scoring one touchdown anywhere.Five right now is very cool,” he said.
Popular Texans’ player #99 JJ Watt, the man who shines in any gridiron position.
The Texans are still in the playoff contention at (6-6), and have a chance to be the wildcard in their division.They will play the (2-10) Jacksonville Jaguars on December 7, at Ever Bank Field in Jacksonville.
All eyes were on the Texans’ new starting quarterback #15, Ryan Mallett as he played in his first NFL game against the Cleveland Browns on their home turf at First Energy Stadium. The frigid 30° degree temperature didn’t stop Mallet and squad from laying a frosty 23-7 win over the Browns.
Texans new starting quarterback Ryan Mallett throws his first touchdown pass to defensive end JJ Watt at Cleveland Browns’ First Energy Stadium, final score Texans 23 – Browns 7.
Mallett scored his first touchdown in the middle of the first quarter with a two-yard pass reception caught by the unstoppable JJ Watt as he waited in the end zone.The Texans took a 7-0 lead.What a better way for Mallett to get notice by collaborating with the NFL’s best defensive player.
The Browns tried to score right before the end of the first quarter with a field goal attempt by kicker, Billy Cundiff but the 38-yard attempt failed to make it through the goal post.
The Second quarter action began with a couple of JJ Watt Snafus with him running into kicker, Spencer Lanning during punt time allowing the Browns to get possession of the ball twice.The Browns failed to convert the opportunities in points though.
A couple of plays later, Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer, found wide receiver Andrew Hawkins where he ran for a 32-yard touchdown, putting up the Browns 7 on the scoreboard and tying the game, 7-7.
The Texans came back with just 29 seconds left in the half.Mallett scored his second touchdown with a 20-yard pass to tight end Garrett Graham.Texans lead the half 14-7.
After the break, Texans kicker, Randy Bullock hit a 46-yard field goal to make t a 17-7 game, giving Houston a 10-point lead.
In the third quarter, neither team put points on the board.There was still some action though.Browns, wide receiver Marlon Moore fumbled a kickoff ball and the Texans recovered it but the called was overturned.The quarter ended with Texans still up 17-7.
In the final quarter, the Texans put up two more field goals with a 37-yard kick goal by Randy Bullock followed by a half-field 50-yard kick giving the Texans six points. The final score Texans 23 over the Browns 7.
A good day for Mallett, he completed 20 of 30 passes for 211yards.An even better game day for JJ Watt, in addition to his touchdown, he recorded a strip sack and made five tackles.Watt is the first defensive lineman to score four times in a season since 1948.
The Texans now stand (5-5).They will host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, November 23 at NRG Stadium.
The Texans charged into NRG Stadium with their Battle Red jerseys on and blazing and ready for business against the Philadelphia Eagles. This was the Texans fourth home game and even though the weather outside was picture perfect at 72 degrees mildly cool and sunny. Management elected not to open the stadium to the crisp blue skies.It might have been a wise choice since the Texans lost another game they could have won.
First quarter action began with the Philadelphia Eagles striking first with a 59-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Nick Foles to wide receiver Jeremy Maclin putting the Eagles up on the board 7-0.
The Texans came back with a Foles’ interception intended for wide receiver Riley Cooper but was scooped up by Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye, for a 51-yard touchdown to put the Texans up 7 with the Eagles to tie the game.
The Eagles would score again but without its first string quarterback. Foles fell with two back-to-back sacks by Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus near the end of the first quarter. He was taken out of the game and replaced by back-up quarterback Mark Sanchez. It was later revealed that Foles had suffered a shoulder and collarbone injury.
Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick waves to loyal Texans fans.
Sanchez got into field-action quickly taking his first drive 60-yards in six plays moving the ball along the field. He scored his first touchdown of the season with a short left pass to wide receiver Jordan Matthews for an 11-yard score. Eagles lead Texans 14-7.
It took the Texans a couple of drives to get back on the scoreboard due to an illegal block penalty by tackle Duane Brown. Fitzpatrick threw a deep right 56-yard touchdown pass to running back Arian Foster to tie the game 14 to 14.
With a little less than four minutes left before the half time break a 45-yard field goal by Eagles’ kicker Cody Parkey put Philadelphia up by three points leading Houston 17 to 14.
The third quarter was a bit messy for the Texans. Fitzpatrick threw too many incompletions and wide receiver Andrea Johnson had a reception coming straight to him but it seemed to slide off his hands, and kicker Randy Bullock missed a 39-yard field goal.
The Eagles extended their lead with an 8-yard touchdown run by running back Chris Polk. The Eagles now lead 24-14.
The Texans came back in the fourth quarter with a 7-yard pass from Fitzpatrick to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a touchdown that put the TeBattle Day Red Texans at NRG Stadiumxans within three of the Eagles 24-21.
The remainder of the final quarter was
all Eagles. Sanchez hit Maclin with an 8-yard touchdown pass that extended Philadelphia’s lead by 10 with a final score of 31-21.
The Texans are now (4-5). They are off next week and will meet the Cleveland Browns on November 16.
Battle Day Red Texans at NRG StadiumHouston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick waves to loyal Texans fans.
Snowboarding champion and “Dancing With The Stars” finalist, Amy Purdy who lost both of her legs from a bacterial meningitis infection 16-years ago has a lot to be thankful for and she is sharing her story and inspiring others on Oprah’s “The Live the Life You Want” Eight City Tour which kicked-off in Atlanta in the early fall and will end in San Jose in November. The Houston dates are October 17 -18 at the Toyota Center. Purdy is representing the tour’s title sponsor, Toyota as the Toyota Athlete and Brand Ambassador.
Toyota Athlete & Brand Ambassador, Amy Purdy snowboarding
Her story is one of inspiration and courage. She refused to succumb to a disease that shut down her kidneys, robbed her of her spleen and legs. Instead she decided to fight back and she triumphed. Within seven months after receiving her prosthetics she was back on the fresh white snow doing what she loves; gracefully descending down mountains and standing tall on her snowboard.
“With a grateful heart anything is possible no matter what the circumstances are. You have to push off the obstacles to move forward. I don’t look at myself as a victim or someone who lost their legs. I am thankful for my prosthetics. They have allowed me to travel the world and afforded me many opportunities,” said Purdy.
Purdy was invited by Oprah to share her triumphant story on the “The Live the Life You Want” tour. In addition, Purdy also joins Oprah on stage to recognize extraordinary people in each of the cities who have made a profound difference in their communities. Purdy the presents the recipient(s) with the Toyota Standing Ovation Award, a $25,000 grant to help the recipient(s) to further fund their causes.
Toyota Standing Ovation, recipient Tawanda Jones is flanked by Oprah and Amy Purdy
“I am so honored to be a part of this. I was really touched by the Newark, New Jersey Toyota Standing Ovation recipient, Tawanda Jones, founder of the Camden Sophisticated Sisters Drill Team. This lady has made a huge impact on the lives of the students in her community where only 50% graduate from high school,” said Purdy.
She continued, “Ms. Jones has empowered and inspired these kids to move forward. The amazing factor is that 100% of the kids that has come through her program have all gradated high school. Right now there are 400 students on the waiting list. I hope that the $25,000 will help her find a building and expand.”
Purdy doesn’t like to call herself a motivation speaker but a storyteller and sharer of life stories. She believes in working hard and she sees herself as a perfectionist. I really enjoyed “Dancing With The Stars.” As an athlete, I was used to training for long periods. So, I didn’t mind the intense training. I enjoyed the experience and actually came out as a pretty good dancer. ,” said Purdy.
When speaking to audiences throughout the nation. No matter if the setting is a college campus or a large corporation; there are always two common questions that people asked Purdy. One refers to her pivotal moment in overcoming her crisis and the other refers to her tenure on “Dancing With The Stars.”
“I always tell people that you don’t necessarily overcome but you make it through any difficulty with gratitude. You have to believe and be grateful through situations. Most people wait for things to perfect and that is not it. It is about pushing through an obstacle and moving forward which can open new doors and opportunities,” said Purdy.
Purdy’s story has opened many doors for her and she travels nine months out of the year. When Purdy is not on the road with her speaking engagements, television appearances and acting, she relaxes at her home in Colorado.
Amy Purdy relaxing and enjoying some me-time.
And the day I was speaking with her she was at home carving pumpkins before she got back on the road with the Toyota Standing Ovation Award/Oprah’s Live the Life You Want Tour.
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
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.
