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The Houston Sun celebrates 32nd Anniversary Scholarship Pillar Award Luncheon

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By Dianna Johnson

The Houston Sun Newspaper celebrated its 32nd Anniversary on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the historical Buffalo Soldiers National Museum located in Houston’s Museum district. The anniversary luncheon was a celebration of recognition of THS great achievements and civic services for the community. It was also a platform to honor prominent individuals throughout the city of Houston. Educators, Doctors, Lawyers, local business owners, Executives, and Community Activist were a few among the honorees that the Sun recognizes as Pillars of Success. Young Jordan Bush got the program started by toasting the honorees with jazz and classical music during the VIP reception followed by young Marcaus Nickle’s introduction of, the Master of Ceremonies, news anchor Jose Grinan of KRIV-TV, FOX 26 morning news was the host for the afternoon.

The Pillars of Strength who hold the Light is an award created by Dorris Ellis Robinson, cofounder of The Houston Sun Newspaper to recognize the accomplishments, achievements and contributions that others have provided for the Houston community through their boundless efforts to bring forth change and positivity to the city. “Whatever you choose to do in life, do something for the people,” said Ellis Robinson, words given to her from the great Dr. Martin Luther Jr. when she was a young girl. “These honorees are holding the light by their service to Houston which illuminates the path for others.”  Ellis Robinson continued. The event began with the introduction of the Pillars of Strength honorees.

Honoree are as followed: Lauren Anderson, Houston Ballet;  Eugene Barrington Ph.D. Retired Texas Southern University Professor; Lois C. Ray, Realtor; Pastor Kirby John Caldwell, Windsor Village United Methodist Church; Karen Franklin, World Youth Foundation; Attorney Anthony Griffin, Kathy Johnson Green, Experience in Dance; Mark Holley, Holley’s Seafood and Oyster Restaurant; Rev. Michael Crow, Barber Memorial MBC; Rev. Samuel Smith, Mt. Horeb MBC in Freedmen’s Town; Christina Sanders, Young Political Scientist; Gladys House, Freedmen’s Town Association; Dr. Howard Harris, Jazz Professor and Founder of the People’s Workshop; Jean Jones, Educator and Community Volunteer; Power 4 Life Ministries, Rev. Catherine Smith and Minister Madelyn Traylor; Honorable Al Edwards, Fred Hoyer, VP Bayway Lincoln; Deborah Barriere, Retired educator and community volunteer; Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, PhD., Texas Southern University Museum Director and Professor, and Honorable Francis “Sissy” Farenthold

At the start of the ceremony, Mayoral hopeful Sylvester Turner, stopped by to extend congratulations on the Houston Sun Newspaper 32nd Anniversary Scholarship & Pillar Awards and to acknowledged the newspaper for its continuous support and coverage on community electoral and political campaigns throughout the city of Houston.

The event proceeded with a magnificent melody by Texas Southern University’s School of Music students, Julio Peterson and Ashton Jones. Following, each honoree was given an award of recognition for their achievements and services and given a moment to embrace the audience with words of gratitude.

A silhouette saluting the honorees was presented by Freje Davis, a former student of honoree, Lauren Anderson, the first African American principal dancer for the Houston Ballet. The heartfelt performance brought tears of joy to Anderson and others in the room. Anderson was so grateful to be considered as an honoree amongst other prominent pillars of the community. “I was shocked at the invite and honored to be part of a group of distinguish men and women,” said Anderson.

As the anniversary came to an end, a Presentation of Lights ceremony  began with every audience member receiving  a light in representation  to wish each individual a lifetime of greatness and success. Host, Jose Grinan closed by asking every veteran pillar in the room to stand for acknowledgment of their contributions for making a positive impact for bettering the community. “I want to thank you all for all that you have done,” said Jose Grinan, “because of your legacy we are able to do what we love, and because of you the Houston Sun will continue to thrive for 32 more years to come.”

Other participants in the program was second and third generation Robinsons, the children and grandchildren of Lonal Robinson and Dorris Ellis Robinson. Participants were: Sirrod and Dorcaus Robinson, and grandson of  the couple, Marcaus Nickle. Present in the audience was Rashaud Williams, the 6 month old grandson of  the founders and son of  Dorcaus Robinson. . Each honoree brought their guests to share in his or her honor and they filled the room with positive energy and excitement.

It took a stellar Steering Committee to make the event a success and Mrs. Thelma “Lady J” Johnson lead the way as honorary chairperson with Co-chairperson Helen Graham. Other committee members were: Dorris Ellis Robinson, Dorcaus Robinson, Priscilla Graham, Patricia Sullivan, Ruby Mayes, Lakesha Lewis, Dr. Jessica Randall, Amber Cloud, Christopher Allen and Sheila Ray Reed.

At the close of the debriefing, planning began for the 33rd anniversary celebration with a presentation of the Key Stone Awards. We will be seeking to honor Houstonians who are central stones at the summit of Houston’s arch, that hold the city together. Sponsors included: Bayway Lincoln, Windsor Village UMC and Texas Legislative Black Caucus.

 

Dorris Ellis The Houston Sun 1520 Isabella Street Houston, TX 77004 713-524-0786 713-524-6786 Fax Serving Houston Since 1983

 

Community, Lifestyle, News

Philanthropic experience and giving traditions of African Americans to be explored in new exhibition at Buffalo Soldiers Museum

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HOUSTON, TX  — The groundbreaking exhibition Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited will open on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. The touring exhibition will explore the African-American philanthropy experience and giving traditions grounded in faith, mutuality, responsibility and social justice.
The exhibition illustrates Black philanthropy through highly innovative presentations, including luminous photographic prints on metal, iPad kiosks, video and interactive digital apps featuring music, poetry, photography, narratives and more. It comprises over a dozen vignette stories and more than 50 black-and-white images that depict facets of giving across generations. Images and stories composing the exhibit are from the book “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists” by author Valaida Fullwood and photographer Charles W. Thomas Jr. Monika Rhue, library director at Johnson C. Smith University, serves as project manager for the exhibit’s grant-funded tour, and Prairie View A&M University Office of Development and Buffalo Soldiers Museum are the host. “Centuries-old cultural customs and beliefs about giving, though rarely acknowledged as ‘philanthropy’ in African-American communities, have long been an integral and transformational force in lives and communities throughout American society,” Fullwood said.

“African Americans are often left out of the conversation around philanthropy unless fame and wealth are associated, or they are being portrayed only as beneficiaries or people in need,” said Fullwood. “But African Americans actually give a higher percentage of their discretionary income to charitable causes than any other racial group in this country. This exhibition will help reframe the discussion and reclaim the root meaning of the word philanthropy, which is ‘love of what it means to be human.’” News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Dr. Camillia Rodgers, Executive Director Buffalo Soldier National Museum 3816 Caroline, Houston, TX Tel: 713.942.8920.
The exhibition will be on display through November 13th before continuing traveling to several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and cultural institutions across the South and other regions. In addition to the exhibition, corresponding public programs will allow groups to explore a broad range of topics related to philanthropy, including the Historical Characteristics of Philanthropy in the African American Community (October 13th), Next Generation Giving (October 27th), and the Corporate Impact on Philanthropy (November 10th) at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, 6pm. To schedule a guided tour and learn more about programs and educational forums, email the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum at info@buffalosoldiermuseum.com Exhibition Sponsor and Partners Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited is made possible by a $96,665 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and $124,494 in matching funds and resources.

The James B. Duke Memorial Library at Johnson C. Smith University, in partnership with author Valaida Fullwood, photographer Charles W. Thomas Jr. and New Generation of African American Philanthropists giving circle, will manage the exhibition’s grant-funded national tour through June 2016.  The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement.  Johnson C. Smith University, founded April 7, 1867, is an independent urban university located in Charlotte. Under the leadership of Dr. Ronald L. Carter, the University continues to evolve into a 21st century higher education institution, building upon its long legacy of producing compassionate and forward-thinking leaders. Ranked 17th among Historically Black Colleges and Universities by U. S. News & World Report (2014), it is recognized as one of the best comprehensive colleges in the South.  New Generation of African American Philanthropists is a giving circle founded in 2006 that promotes philanthropy—the giving of time, talent and treasure—among African Americans in the Charlotte region, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life within our communities. Additional sponsors and partners include, the Houston Arts Alliance, City of Houston, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Divinely Inspired Events, Ujima South, HiMac Center for Creative Thinking, Prairie View A&M School of Architecture, and the Office of Development.
Exhibition-related Programs • Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Exhibit Grand Opening Reception, Buffalo Soldiers Museum 6:00pm – 9:00pm Music by Kathleen Harrell and Award Winning Song Writer, Kathy Burrell, of Yourweh Music – more – After events on opening day, a series of scheduled programs at the museum will accompany the exhibition during its local run through November 13th. Dr. Lason Hines, Captain Paul Matthews, Dr. Camillia Rodgers, Phyllis Darden-Caldwell, Carmetha Williams, Nelson Bowman, and Dr. Lauretta Byars, the exhibit’s Houston Planning Team, is responsible for exhibit program development and coordination.

The Historical Characteristics of Philanthropy in the African American Community, Buffalo Soldier National Museum October 13th at 6:00pm Sponsored By: The HiMac Center for Creative Thinking, Entrepreneur Innovation & Organizational Development; and Divinely Inspired Events This discussion will center on the historical perspective of giving in the African American community, and the characteristics of giving back. The discussion moderator is Jeffrey L. Boney, Entrepreneur and Radio host.

The Next Generation of Giving, Buffalo Soldier National Museum October 27th at 6:00pm Sponsored By: Ujima South This discussion will focus on the charitable habits and engagement of generations Y and Z in giving within their communities

Community, News

HCC opens doors for voter registration

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HOUSTON [Sept. 17, 2015] – Houston Community College (HCC) is committed to doing its part for National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 22. HCC has teamed up with Neighborhood Centers Inc. to provide Harris County residents an easy and efficient way to register to vote.

A deputy voter registrar will be on hand at the West Loop Campus on September 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then from 4 to 7 p.m. to assist in the registration process. West Loop Campus SGA volunteers will work alongside Neighborhood Centers, Inc. employees. The help is free and open to public with hours designed to fit work schedules.

Harris County residents over the age of 18 will need to bring a valid Texas driver’s license or a Texas personal ID number. Individuals will also need to know the last four digits of their social security numbers.

For more information about HCC and its involvement in the community, visit hccs.edu. Media is welcome on the West Loop Campus premises, 5601 W. Loop South, Houston, TX 77081, for live shot opportunities or stories related to this event. Contact Kristi Powers, Community Outreach Coordinator at 713.718.7768.

Man voting in polling place
Student Mark Elliot gets the message out for early voting.

About HCC

HCC is one of the country’s largest single-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities for 113,000 students annually. HCC is composed of 12 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. To learn more go to www.hccs.edu.

News, Sports

TSU Tigers, SWAC champions proceed to NCAA March Madness

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TSU, Coach Mike Davis gives his famous bull-horn victory call.
TSU, Coach Mike Davis gives his famous bull-horn victory call.

The No. 1 ranked Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Texas Southern University (TSU) men’s basketball team declared victory against the Southern University Tigers on March 14, at the Toyota Center for the SWAC Men’s Championship Title beating the Southern Tigers 62-58

TSU actually had the SWAC championship title in its pocket the night in the 90-77 semifinal win over Prairie View A&M.   The Southern Tigers were actually playing in a barred phase due to poor academic performance.  In February, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) banned all Southern University athletic programs from postseason play because of poor grades.

For the record if Southern would have beat TSU, in the SWAC Championship game, the Southern Tigers would have not advanced to the NCAA.  The Saturday win for the TSU Tigers just made their automatic SWAC bid to the NCAA bid just that sweeter.

This is the second consecutive year for the TSU Tigers (22-12, 16-2 SWAC) to step into the NCAA March Madness.  They will go up against the powerful Arizona Wildcats.  The Wildcats are second seeded (31-3).  The action will take place in Portland, Ore in the second round of the NCAA West Region.

TSU should not be taken lightly.  In regular season, the Tigers had some surprising wins against Michigan State (74-61) and Kansas State (58-56).  Plus the Tigers’ not-so- secret weapons, the self-assured coach, Mike Davis who is ready for any opportunity and challenged.

He told a local CBS sports radio show that the big non-conference wins gave his guys a sense of pride.  “I told the guys they have to play against really good basketball teams so they can understand the process. When we played Michigan State and won, Kansas State and Mexico State, our guys realized you can win basketball games without having a lot of great talent,” said Davis.

News, Sports

2015 SWAC basketball playoff action at Toyota Center

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The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) will swing into action on Tuesday, March 10 at the Houston Toyota Center with both Texas Southern University (TSU) men’s and women’s teams holding the top bracket spots.

Texas Southern University senior, Madarious Gibbs 3# will play his last game as a TSU Tiger in the 2015 SWAC championship.
Texas Southern University senior, Madarious Gibbs 3# will play his last game as a TSU Tiger in the 2015 SWAC championship.

The Texas Southern men won 11 of their last 12 games to finish 16-12 in league.  Overall they landed 19-12.  TSU will face the winner of Alcorn State (5-25, 4-14 SWAC) and Grambling State (2-16, 0-18 SWAC) in the last quarterfinal game of the day on Wednesday, March 11, at 8:30p.m.

Alabama State University (18-9), 14-4 SWAC) defeated Jackson State University (11-20, 9-9 SWAC) to secure the No.2 seed.  The will take on No. 7 seed Mississippi Valley State University (6-25, 5-13 SWAC) Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.

On Thursday, No. 3 Southern University (16-16, 15-5 SWAC) will face No. 6 Alabama A&M (9-19, 8-10 SWAC) at 2:30 p.m.  Then No. 4 Prairie View A&M University (14-17, 12-6 SWAC) against No. 5 Jackson State University in the final quarter matchup at 8:30 p.m.

After finishing the season tied, The TSU Lady Tigers (19-10, 16-2 SWAC) split the regular season title with Southern (18-10, 16-2 SWAC), and edged past in the tiebreaker for the No.1 seed.  TSU lost only one game after a 15-game win streak heading into the tournament.

They will take on the winner of the Alabama A&M (6-23, 5-13 SWAC) and Mississippi Valley (4-25, 2-16 SWAC) on Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m.  As the No. 2 seed, Southern faces No. 7 Grambling (10-19, 7-11 SWAC) at noon.

Day two of the women’s tournament pits No. 3 Jackson State (13-16, 10-8 SWAC) vs. No. 6 Alcorn State (10-17, 9-9 SWAC) in the first header at noon on Thursday.  In the second game, No. 4 Alabama State (14-14, 10-8 SWAC) takes on No. 5 Prairie View (13-17, 10-8 SWAC) at 6p.m.

The 2015 SWAC tournament will open Tuesday, March 10, with a doubleheader, beginning with the No. 8 Alabama A&M women against Mississippi Valley at 6 p.m. and ending with the No. 8 Alcorn State men taking on no. 9 Grambling State.

The semifinal game will take place on Friday, March 13 at noon and 6 p.m. with the championship broadcasting live on ESPN3 at 2 p.m.

News, Sports

Basketball trailblazer Earl Lloyd passes at 86

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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.
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.

NBA trailblazer Earl Lloyd the first black player to hit the court.

            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.

News, Sports

A vision gives New England Patriots Super Bowl XLIX win

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Patriots' defensive end, Malcolm Butler and the 2015 Chevy Super Bowl truck that MVP Tom Brady intends to hand over to him.
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.
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.
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.

Entertainment, Lifestyle, News

Hometown fame composer Jason Moran “Holed Up” in Houston

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Selma's movie composer, Jason Moran playing it up on his favorite instrument.
Selma’s movie composer, Jason Moran playing it up on his favorite instrument.

If you have seen the critically acclaimed movie, Selma, then you know that the sound track is equally compelling as the film.  The arranger of the powerful sound track is composer jazz pianist and native Houstonian Jason Moran.  The songs “Bloody Sunday”, “Final Speech” and “Cager Lee” are actually performed by the musical prodigy.

            Growing up, Moran’s parents cultivated his musical and artistic talents by enrolling him into various top-notched musical training programs such as the renowned Yelena Kurinets Suzuki Music School where he received classical piano training and the Houston Symphony Young Artist Competition where he showcased his tuneful melodic talent.  His artistic gifts broaden even farther into the arts from spending time in museums and galleries.

 Now Moran is back in Houston in conjunction with Da Camera of Houston and The Menil Museum where you can see him pay homage to visual artist fellow Texans Robert Rauschenber and his “Holed Up” project.  Rauschenber has had a major influence on Moran’s work.  This event will be held at the Menil Museum on February 5th.

            In the meantime, Moran is schedule to appear and perform at several events around town starting tonight. The schedule of events is listed below: 

 

Saturday, January 31, 7:00 PM, Eldorado Ballroom: Listening Party with Jason Moran playing and discussing his favorite recordings, co-hosted by Tierney Malone, Homecoming Residency Host Committee member and host of KPFT’s Houston Jazz Spotlight. 2310 Elgin St. Free

Monday, February 2, 9am to Noon Special edition of KPFT’s Houston Jazz Spotlight, featuring an interview with Jason Moran and an extensive selection of his music. Hosted by Tierney Malone. KPFT radio HD-3. kpft.org.

Thursday February 5, 7:00 PM at The Menil Collection:Artists Talk with Jason Moran, Robert Pruitt and Sarah Rothenberg. The creators of “Holed Up” discuss their creative process. Free

Saturday, February 7, 8:00 PM, Cullen Theater, Wortham Center:  Tickets required

News, Sports

Seahawks and Patriots headed to Super Bowl XLIX

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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.
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
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.
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.

News, Sports

Texans win over Ravens 25-13

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Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson reflecting on his history making moment of the 10th man in NFL history to make 1000 or more receptions.
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.
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.
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
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.

 

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com