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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

News, Sports

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