Category Archives: Sports

Sports

Texans come out of Oakland with a 30-14 win

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Week 2 for the Houston Texans brought them a victory on the road beating the Oakland Raiders, 30-14. This week the offense got its time to shine along with the unstoppable defensive end JJ Watt. Watt delivered the first touchdown of the game. Yes, a JJ Watt tight end touchdown.

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) celebrates after a 40-yard rush and is greeted by teammates photo credit AP/Ben Maggot.
Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) celebrates after a 40-yard rush and is greeted by teammates photo credit AP/Ben Maggot.

On the first offensive drive, running back Arian Foster had five runs. On the fifth run, Foster took the ball to the goal line. On the next play, Watt lined-up as a tight end and was wide open, all by himself in the corner of the end zone. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick aimed in and connected with Watt for the touchdown catch. Lesson learned, any team coming up against the Texans should always keep its eyes on Watt.

The next score came late in the quarter with an Arian Foster run for a touchdown. The extra point put the Texans up 14-0. On the next drive, Raiders’ Quarterback, Derek Carr threw an interception to Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson. The Texans put up three for a field goal. The Texans had a half-time lead 17-0.

The third quarter brought the Texas another score after the Raiders fumbled its first possession away. Fitzpatrick connected with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a 12-yard touchdown pass to go up 24-0.

Houston scored again in the final minutes of the third quarter with a 39-yard field goal by placekicker Randy Bullock. The quarter ended with a Texans lead, 27-0.

The fourth quarter gave way to the Raiders first score of the game when running back, Darren McFadden ran in from the goal line following a pass interference call on the Texans’ cornerback A. J. Bouye. The Raiders were on the board with the Texans leading 27-7.

Nine minutes into the fourth, Houston scored again with a field goal giving them a 30-7 lead. With just a little over 10-seconds to play, the Raiders put up seven on the board. The final score Texans 30 and Oakland 7.

Fitzpatrick finished with 14 for 19 passing for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Foster had 138 yards and a touchdown on 28 carriers and Randy Bullock made fields goals from 33, 39 and 46 yards. This was a good day for the Texans with a win and no turnovers.

The 2-0 Texans will meet the 0-2 Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, September 21 at 12 Noon. The game will be broadcast on CBS.

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com

News, Sports

Texans shine in 2014 game day opener

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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

 

News, Sports

Former NBA player turns philanthropist

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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.

Community, News, Sports

Yates celebrates with huge pep rally, Basketball Champs

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Jack Yates Senior High School celebrated two championships awarded to them after playing Dallas Madison two years in a row and falling short by a few points.

Dallas Madison had to forfeit of their trophies due to playing with an ineligible player during their 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 season.

The school was filled with pride as well as bittersweet emotions as the championship team came into the jammed packed auditorium minus one player, Artreal Jones, who passed away during the summer.

Yates Marching Band under the leadership of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Alum, Gerald Bryant cranked out popular tunes until the program began.

97.9 the Box hosted the event and introduced State Representative Alma Allen who spoke on the behalf of State Rep. Sylvester Turner, Councilmember Dwight Boykins, District D, and a spokesperson for State Senator Rodney Ellis.

State Rep Alma Allen congratulated the team and said, “It takes everyone to win a championship,” as she turned he attention to the band. The Yates Band has made news also as they are in dire need of uniforms.

“We will raise the money for the uniforms,” said Allen. She donated a $1,000 followed by Council member Boykins who too donated a thousand and the Legislative Black Caucus that donated $1,500. The State Rep. went on to say they will commit whatever it takes to get the uniforms and no band shouldn’t have uniforms.

The crowd went wild and the ceremony began. Each player was given a medal and two trophies were passed around. An honorable moment occurred when the family of Artreal Jones was called up to receive his medal. Coach Greg Wise personally spoke about Jones and his leadership and value to the team which brought tears to his family’s eyes.

As confetti danced around, the band played and the crowd cheered, Coach Wise made an announcement to recruit for the next championship team.

Congratulations Jack Yates Basketball Team!!!

Yates Championship players holding their trophy
Yates Championship players holding their trophy

Yates Championship Basketball team
Yates Championship Basketball team

Artreal Jones family, a fallen Yates Basketball player who was on the championship team, accepts his awards
Artreal Jones family, a fallen Yates Basketball player who was on the championship team, accepts his awards
Yates students and Alumni fill the audience.
Yates students and Alumni fill the audience.
Coach Greg Wise
Coach Greg Wise
Yates Championship trophies
Yates Championship trophies
Sports

The SPORTS WHISPERER WITH SHEILA RAY-REED

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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

Sports

Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West Little League Baseball Team wins Little League U.S. Final

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Jackie Robinson West
Jackie Robinson West

South Side of Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West Little League Baseball team just earned a spot in the Little League World Series championship game by defeating Nevada in a 7-5 victory at the U.S. Championship.

Jackie Robinson West is the first team from Chicago since North Roseland in 1967 to qualify for the championship. They will face Asia-Pacific champion Seoul, South Korea, in the world final, Sunday at 2 pm.

Sports

WHOA SPURS! 2014 NBA Champions

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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

News, Sports

2014 Civil Rights Game and Beacon Awards hosted by the Astros

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image

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

Sports

Jadeveon Clowney is the Texans No. 1 Man

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Jadeveon Clowney, draft pick 2014 Houston Texans.
Jadeveon Clowney, draft pick 2014 Houston Texans.

The Houston Texans man of the hour for the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall was 6-foot-5, 266-pound South Carolina defensive end, Jadeveon Clowney, and not the popular Aggie and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, Johnny Manziel, as many had speculated.

Clowney, the NFL No. 1., top pick will be wearing the Houston Texans # 90 jersey, and will be joining Texans’ powerhouse J.J. Watt, the NFL 2012 Defensive and Pro Bowler for what could be one of the most authoritative defensive lines in the league.

The 21-year-old Clowney is fast and forceful and during the NFL Combine showcased his ability and speed by running a 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds out shining many of the running backs.

Texans Coach Bill O’Brien is known for favoring good sized athletic guys who welcome discipline and have positive winning attitudes. He spoke at a post draft press conference and said that Clowney loves winning and that winning is important to him.
“These are the type of guys that we are looking for, we’re looking for guys that are going to come in here and understand that they are part of a team and they’re coming here to work hard,” said O’Brien.

Clowney said to be the number 1 pick is the greatest feeling in the world and he is going to do everything to help the Texans’ program. “I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’m feeling great right now. It’s a blessing man. I appreciated it. I’m just glad to be a part of the Texans team,” Clowney said.

Coach O’Brien and crew have some work to do since the Texans 2013 season was the worst in the league with a 14-game losing streak. O’Brien is the Texans third head coach. The Texans has great hope that he will be the charm to take the Texans to the Super Bowl considering how O’Brien turned Penn State around in a year after the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

The Texans will likely employ a similar system to what the New England Patriots ran under O’Brien in 2011 and what O’Brien ran a Penn State. It’s a fast, aggressive offense that makes use of multiple quarterbacks. Round 4 of the 2014 Draft the Texans scooped-up Pittsburgh senior quarterback, Tom Savage. He stands at 6’4 and brings 235lbs of good sized arms and solid mechanics. He will join Texans quarterbacks Case Keenum, T.J. Yates and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Defensively, the Texans play a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. Clowney will play outside linebacker in the base defense and will use his tremendous pass- rush skills on obvious passing situations.

Johnny Manziel will take his talents to the Cleveland Browns who drafted him with the 22nd overall selection. Cleveland Browns quarterback coach Jimmy Haslam revealed that Manziel sent him a text during the draft urging for the Browns to draft him.

According to Haslam the text read: I wish you guys would come get me. Hurry up and draft me because I want to be there. I want to wreck this league together.”

Sports

Donald Sterling’s racist comments sparks fury

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The hottest story of the weekend has to be the riveting taped conversation between L.A.Clippers Owner, Donald Sterling and girlfriend, V. Stiviano, as to why she wants to be seen in public with Blacks.

The video has gone viral thanks to TMZ Sports and has caused an outrage between former NBA players, such as Magic Johnson, who was mentioned in the conversation, and even civil rights activist such as Al Sharpton.

Many are calling for some type of action to be made in reprimanding Sterling for his comments.

Below are links to video: All videos come from TMZ Sports


Donald Sterling, L.A.Clippers Owner, telling his bi-racial girlfriend, not to be seen with Blacks.

Al Sharpton speaks on what the NBA should do about the Clippers. Courtesy of TMZ SPorts


Former NBA Star Magic Johnson comments on Donald Sterling.

AL Sharpton caught wind of the racial prejudice of Donald Sterling, L.A. Clippers Owner, and is calling for a protest of the NBA!
Courtesy of TMZ Sports