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Travis Hunter Cements NCAA Legacy As Historic 2024 Heisman Trophy Winner

December 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Travis Hunter, the best football player in college football, was awarded the coveted Heisman Trophy on Saturday night (Dec. 14) in New York City with Coach Prime and son and Colorado quarterback Sheduer Sanders in attendance. In two years with Colorado, Hunter has produced some of college football’s greatest highlights ever as a two-way player at Wide Receiver on offense and Cornerback on defense. The 21-year-old (#12) was among four candidates, winning with narrow voting results. Overcome with emotion, the Colorado star thanked those who supported his journey. “I thank God, man. I never thought I’d be in this position,” Hunter said during his acceptance speech.

During his emotional speech, Hunter paid tribute to his father, Travis Hunter Sr., who couldn’t attend the ceremony. “Dad, I love you,” he said. “For all the struggles you went through… now look at your oldest son. I did it for you.” On Saturday, Hunter became the first receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since Alabama’s DeVonta Smith in 2020, the first defensive back and two-way player to win since Michigan’s Charles Woodson in 1997, and the first Colorado player to win since running back Rashaan Salaam in 1994.

Travis Hunter Makes History As The Second-Ever He12man Trophy-Winning Receiver

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Hunter received 552 first-place votes, narrowly defeating Ashton Jeanty, who garnered 309. The two-way player is one of the most sought-after football stars in the upcoming NFL Draft and promised to be one of the top five first-round picks. Hunter and the Colorado Buffaloes with play in their first bowl game since Coach Prime took over at the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, on December 28.

Hunter’s Heisman victory cements his place as one of college football’s most versatile and electrifying players. His ability to dominate on both sides of the ball is a rare gift, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Colorado is currently 9-3.

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Snoop Dogg Is Getting His Own College Football Bowl Game, Making NCAA History

May 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Snoop Dogg’s impact on football is rapidly becoming undeniable. In addition to his musical contributions to the sport, like his and Chris Stapleton’s 2023 Monday Night Football theme song and his performance alongside Dr. Dre at the 2022 Super Bowl, Snoop’s efforts in youth football in his hometown, Long Beach (as immortalized in his Amazon Prime comedy film, The Underdoggs), have sent a number of players from the ‘hood to the pros. This December, he’ll make college football history with the first-ever Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented By Gin & Juice By Dre And Snoop.

The Arizona Bowl, established in 2015 and featuring teams from the Mountain West and Mid-American Conferences, will become the first NCAA bowl game to be presented by an alcoholic beverage company. As the Doggfather points out in his press statement for the partnership, The Snoop Youth Football League has become a launching pad for college football, so the connection makes more sense than it may appear on the surface. “I’ve sent many players through my SYFL to colleges (and the NFL) so it’s only fitting that I bring the ‘juice’ back to college football,” Snoop said. “Dr. Dre and I are excited to bring our brand to the next level with this partnership, and we’re going to make the Arizona Bowl into a game day experience like never before.”

The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented By Gin & Juice By Dre And Snoop will air on December 28, 2024, at 2:30pm MST.

Teams Await Bracket Reveal For March Madness

March 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

With a 68-60 win over Stony Brook, Drexel became the final women’s basketball team to secure an automatic berth to this year’s March Madness. It ends a semi-chaotic Championship Fortnight that saw a handful of major upsets. However, Portland was the only major “bid-stealer” in their upset of Gonzaga. Despite this, the 32 automatic berths include two first-time dancers and a handful of teams ending lengthy droughts. This includes Eastern Washington, who appear in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1987. Later today, 36 teams will join the 32 conference champions.

Furthermore, the bracket reveal will answer several pressing questions. For example – who takes the final two No. 1 seeds? South Carolina and Iowa are locked in, which leaves USC, Stanford, and Texas all vying for the last two spots on the top line. ESPN currently favors the two Pac-12 schools despite Texas’ Big 12 title. Another question will surround which bubble teams make it and which miss the tournament. Will Columbia finally make March Madness before Abbey Hsu graduates? Or did losing to Princeton in the Ivy League title game seal their fate?

Oklahoma Could Miss Out On March Madness Hosting Duties Due To Scheduling Conflict

Meanwhile, an interesting situation surrounds Oklahoma. Oklahoma could be named as one of the top-16 seeds in the tournament, which would typically come with the right to host first- and second-round games. However, a scheduling conflict could mean that Oklahoma may miss out on that opportunity. The Big 12 gymnastics tournament is scheduled to be hosted at Oklahoma’s basketball arena on the same weekend as the opening rounds of March Madness.

ESPN currently has the Sooners as a five-seed in a quadrant hosted by Colorado in Boulder. However, the Sooners’ regular season title plus Gonzaga’s shock loss in the WCC title game could see Oklahoma move up to a four-seed. Due to rules about when teams from the same conference can play each other, that would see Oklahoma and Kansas State, the current five-seed in Gonzaga’s quadrant, swap places. However, due to Oklahoma’s scheduling conflict, Gonzaga would still have the option to host the games in Spokane.

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NCAA Sued Over Transgender Inclusion Policy

March 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

A group of current and former college athletes, led by former Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, has sued the NCAA over its policy allowing transgender athletes to compete. The lawsuit primarily focuses on the inclusion of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas (Penn) at the 2022 NCAA National Championships. Gaines, who has become a right-wing anti-trans advocate since graduating, finished joint fifth with Thomas in the 200-yard final. However, Gaines claimed she was excluded from celebrating because Thomas was handed the fifth-place trophy and not her. Another plaintiff is Tylor Mathieu (Florida). Mathieu finished 9th in 500 free qualification. This meant she missed out on the final, which Thomas won.

Of course, it’s far from the first time Thomas has been the target of right-wing attacks. The right-wing media, Gaines included, lost their collective minds when it was reported that Thomas had been nominated for “NCAA Woman of the Year”. Except she hadn’t. She had been nominated as Penn’s candidate for the Ivy League nomination but ultimately wasn’t selected.

Brittney Griner Defends Inclusion Of Trans Athletes

Lia Thomas — (Photo by Mike Comer/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, WNBA star Brittney Griner reiterated her support for the trans community. The press conference was also part of a launch of a campaign between the Mercury and the Bring Our Families Home campaign. Bring Our Families Home seeks to help free American political prisoners held overseas. Griner was freed after spending nine months in a Russian jail on drug charges. Furthermore, her imprisonment, which occurred days before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was widely seen as a political detention.

Griner, who is a cisgender woman, has long been an advocate for the rights of transgender athletes. When asked about the recently passed House bill, Griner said that she “definitely will be speaking up against that legislation and that [trans ban] law expected to be passed.” Continuing, Griner said “Everyone deserves the right to play. I think it’s a crime to separate someone for any reason.” While not segregated because of her gender, Griner has experience on what it is like to be yourself. Identifying as lesbian, Griner was reportedly told by her college coach Kim Mulkey to not be openly gay while on her Baylor Bears squad.

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Drake Gave His Memorable Kentucky Locker Room Meme A Hilarious (But Heartfelt) Modern Update

March 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

This past weekend saw the beginnings of most NCAA conference basketball postseasons, which means March Madness has begun. Drake, the walking meme and ardent Kentucky Wildcats fan whose love for the team apparently knows very few bounds, commemorated one of his most memorable team-related moments ten years on.

Back in October 2014, Drake launched a thousand memes, one truly horrendous airball, and even a cease-and-desist from the University itself when he attended UK’s Midnight Madness event to kick off the team’s 2014-15 campaign. In addition to starting the lint roller meme and prompting the near-universal ridicule that inspired him to get his jump shot form together, Drake joined the team in their film room, suited up like he was just another player hoping to get some playing time in John Calipari’s system.

Drake in the film room with UK pic.twitter.com/ehVgZM3nvv

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) October 18, 2014

Ten years later, though, all the players from that photo have moved on, with Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, Trey Lyles, and Tyler Ulis all joining the NBA in the years since. Coach Cal is still around, but when Drake headed to the film room to get pic, he did so all by his lonesome. “Oh hell nah all my brothers left me,” he captioned the photo. Of course, his “brothers” were happy to roast him a bit in the comments. Booker wrote, “Mann we left when u did.”

It’s all in good fun, of course, and you can bet that should they make it to the Big Dance, Drake’s bet on the team will be sizable, as always.

Kemba Walker Net Worth 2024: What Is The Basketball Star Worth?

March 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kemba Walker has etched out an illustrious career in the NBA. It culminates in a net worth of $80 million by 2024, as reported by Sportskeeda. Walker’s journey from the playgrounds of the Bronx to the bright lights of the NBA is a testament to his hard work, determination, and the sheer talent that has made him one of the premier players in the league. His financial success is paralleled by his achievements on the court, where he has consistently demonstrated his value as a player capable of changing the course of a game with his dynamic playmaking and scoring abilities.

Ascension To NBA Stardom

Kemba Walker’s basketball journey is one of continuous growth and relentless pursuit of greatness. Incredible achievements marked his college career at the University of Connecticut. Most notably, he led his team to an NCAA championship in 2011. This victory elevated his status as a top-tier college player and set the stage for his entry into the NBA. Drafted as the 9th overall pick by the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) in the 2011 NBA Draft, Walker quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the franchise, showcasing his skills as both a scorer and a leader. His tenure with Charlotte and subsequent stints with teams like the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks have been highlighted by multiple All-Star selections, further cementing his status as one of the league’s elite guards.

Financial Acumen & Endorsements

Beyond his basketball earnings, Kemba Walker’s net worth has been significantly bolstered by his savvy financial decisions and lucrative endorsement deals. Aligning with major brands, Walker has leveraged his on-court success and charismatic personality into partnerships that extend his influence beyond the basketball arena. His endorsements and wise investment strategies have played a crucial role in building his financial portfolio, showcasing his insight in navigating the business aspects of his career. This strategic approach to his finances and brand management is a key component of his overall success, underscoring the multifaceted nature of professional athleticism today.

Impact On & Off The Court

Kemba Walker’s influence extends far beyond his financial success and basketball achievements. Known for his philanthropy and commitment to the community, Walker has utilized his platform to give back and inspire the next generation of athletes. His involvement in various charitable endeavors and youth programs emphasizes the importance of giving back, highlighting his role as a mentor and positive figure in the community. This aspect of his career enriches his legacy and illustrates the broader impact successful athletes can have in shaping society and encouraging positive change.

Kemba Walker’s net worth encapsulates his basketball career’s financial rewards and broader contributions to the sport and society. His journey from a hopeful young athlete to an NBA superstar is a narrative of perseverance, talent, and strategic foresight. As Walker continues to leave his mark on the game, his legacy as both a player and a person will undoubtedly continue to grow, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential figures in contemporary basketball.

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Johnny Manziel To Boycott The Heisman Awards In Support Of Reggie Bush

March 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Johnny Manziel has announced he will boycott the annual Heisman Awards in support of Reggie Bush. “After careful thought and consideration I will be humbly removing myself from the Heisman trophy ceremony until @ReggieBush gets his trophy back. Doesn’t sit right with my morals and values that he can’t be on that stage with us every year. Reggie IS the Heisman trophy. Do the RIGHT thing @NCAA the ball is in your court,” Manziel wrote on X.

Bush lost his 2005 Heisman trophy in 2010 after the NCAA concluded that he had received impermissible benefits to attend USC. However, Bush has argued that he should be welcomed back into the fold of the NCAA. This is due to the age of NIL and other benefits that athletes can now receive. The NCAA has long denied a return for Bush.

Reggie Bush Sues The NCAA

After careful thought and consideration I will be humbly removing myself from the Heisman trophy ceremony until @ReggieBush gets his trophy back. Doesn’t sit right with my morals and values that he can’t be on that stage with us every year. Reggie IS the Heisman trophy.

Do the…

— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) March 2, 2024

Last year, Reggie Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA. “The lawsuit is based on the NCAA maliciously attacking his character through a completely false and highly offensive statement that was widely reported in the media and substantially and irreparably damaged his reputation,” according to law firm McCathern, PLLC. The statement in question was provided to media outlets in July 2021. It came when the NCAA announced their new NIL policy. Specifically, it was the answer to enquiries about whether the policy would mean the reinstatement of Bush’s expunged records.

“Although college athletes can now receive benefits from their names, images and likenesses through activities like endorsements and appearances, NCAA rules still do not permit pay-for-play type arrangements,” the statement said. “The NCAA infractions process exists to promote fairness in college sports. The rules that govern fair play are voted on, agreed to and expected to be upheld by all NCAA member schools.” Bush, the 2005 Heisman winner, had his collegiate record expunged in 2010. It was a result of an investigation that found he had accepted “impermissible benefits” during his time at USC.

Read More: Johnny Manziel Apologizes To Drake

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Angel Reese Joins Elite LSU Club With 2000th Point

February 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Angel Reese became the sixth LSU WBB player to score 2000 points as she surpassed the mark in a dominant win over Tennessee. Reese joined Joyce Walker, Seimone Augustus, Julie Gross, Cornelia Grayden, and Sylvia Fowles in the exclusive club. Reese began her career at Maryland, where she scored 719 points. However, she is now forever linked with the Tigers. Reese’s mark stands at 2006 after scoring 11 against the Volunteers.

Reese and LSU are second in the SEC. However, that is as close to a regular season title they will get this season as South Carolina will guarantee themselves that honor with a win over Kentucky. Instead, Reese and company will look to finish out the season against Georgia and Kentucky before turning their attention to the SEC tournament and then, a March Madness tournament they will enter as defending champions. LSU is currently a four-seed in ESPN‘s latest bracketology.

Angel Reese Calls Out Barstool Sports For “Double Standards”

However, Reese isn’t just comfortable taking shots on the court. Last month, Reese criticized Barstool Sports for a “double standard” in how they reported on two instances of the same celebration. “Lol I’ve seen this before,” Reese said in response to a post on X about Barstool‘s reporting of celebrations performed by Ja Morant and Quinn Ewers. On December 26, Ja Morant faced scrutiny for performing the “Rock Ya Hips”, a dance move popularized in New Orleans. Morant used it to troll the Pelicans. However, the celebration was initially misreported as a gunfire celebration. “Ja spraying imaginary bullets into section 113 after slam,” was the way that Barstool reported it on social media. However, when Texas QB Quinn Ewers did the same celebration during the Sugar Bowl, Barstool said that Ewers was “having fun”.

Of course, Reese is no stranger to the ire of Barstool. The outlet, and its founder Dave Portnoy, were some of the bi ggest critics of Reese after she hit Tony Yayo‘s “You Can’t See Me” during the National Championship. Barstool‘s coverage has long been criticized for racial bias, especially against Black athletes.

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Three College Swimmers Killed In Horrific Car Crash

February 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The University of Wyoming is reeling after three members of their varsity swim and dive team are reported to have died in a car crash in Colorado. According to police, the crash occurred yesterday afternoon on US 287 just south of the Colorado-Wyoming border. The athletes have been named as freshman Carson Muir, sophomore Charlie Clark, and junior Luke Slabber. Two other athletes were injured but are expected to survive, according to the school. However, the two injured athletes have not been named. The southbound SUV, which swerved and rolled, was not on an official school trip. Additionally, more details will not be available until a full investigation into the crash is conducted.

“My thoughts and prayers are with our swimming and diving student-athletes, coaches, families and friends. It is difficult to lose members of our University of Wyoming family, and we mourn the loss of these student-athletes. We have counseling services available to our student-athletes and coaches in our time of need,” Wyoming AD Tom Burman said in a statement. Additionally, the NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships take place in Minneapolis and Knoxville next month.

Horrifying Repetition Of History For Wyoming

University of Wyoming Mourns the Loss of Three UW Swimmers Killed in Crash on U.S. Highway 287 >> https://t.co/QxbPorIooW pic.twitter.com/eHdccqPpQe

— Wyoming Athletics (@wyoathletics) February 23, 2024

However, long-tenured members of the Wyoming athletics department will be thinking back to 2001 tonight. On the same highway three members of their swim & dive team just lost their lives, eight members of the cross country team died in 2001. Furthermore, Clint Haskins, a Wyoming student at the time, swerved into oncoming traffic and caused the crash that killed the eight athletes. Haskins was the only survivor of that crash and later pled guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide. Furthermore, he would serve nine-and-a-half years in prison as as result.

“We are heartsick at the news of this terrible tragedy for our university, our state, our student-athlete community and, most importantly, the families and friends of these young people,” University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel said in the statement about this week’s tragedy. This remains a developing story.

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Caitlin Clark Closing In On NCAA History

February 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Caitlin Clark is on the precipice of history. The Iowa Hawkeyes senior is now just 66 points away from setting a new women’s NCAA record for career points. After dropping 38 against Maryland, Clark moved her tally to 3462 points. The current women’s NCAA record is held by former Washington Husky Kelsey Plum and sits at 3527. Earlier this week, Plum told reporters that she was “excited” to see Clark break the record that she set in 2017.

However, there are two more scoring records firmly within Clark’s reach. First is the women’s record for major college basketball. That mark stands at 3649 and dates back to the pre-NCAA days of the AIAW. Then there is the all-time NCAA record, held by LSU legend Pete Maravich. Pistol Pete’s mark sits at 3667. Clark is currently averaging 32.4 points per game. If Clark matches her average across Iowa’s final seven regular-season games, she will close out conference play with 3739 points. Once all postseason games are accounted for, Clark could set the record at close to 4000 points.

Clark Still Coy About Draft Declaration

However, despite her historic season, no one is quite sure if Clark will be headed to the WNBA Draft this year. Clark is the presumptive No. 1 pick in the draft and would join former South Carolina standout Aliyah Boston in Indiana if chosen. However, before the season, Clark revealed that her mind wasn’t fully made up yet. “I’m going to know when I need to know. I think it’s very similar to my college decision. It’s like I’m in the recruiting process again. It’s really not something I think about every day or let weigh on me. I’m focused on helping this team be the best they can be. The biggest thing is I’m just going to trust my gut. I’m not going to do a lot of research on what’s better. I’m going to trust my gut and go with that,” Clark said.

Clark, who turns 22 in February 2024, is part of the final class of players who can declare for a fifth year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been one of the best, if not the best, players in women’s college basketball during her time at Iowa. She won National Player of the Year last year and was second in scoring average as well as first in assists and made threes. Players have until 48 hours after their final game of the season to declare for the draft.

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