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Passing the Torch
I can imagine that whenever the name of 15-year old tennis phenom Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff is brought up that a certain young lady in the city of Houston face lights up with excitement. It’s as if she is looking at a direct reflection of herself on television. Before Venus and Serena Williams was ripping through the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) at a rapid pace, there was another African American young lady who paved the way for them as well.
The Champ Has Returned
WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo returns home for title fight
The energy and excitement of the Kinetix Fitness Center was felt immediately upon entering its doors. Music blaring amongst the loud chatter, I just knew something special was going but it wasn’t until the crowd disbursed that finally, right there sitting in the center of the circle, was none other than the unbeaten Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo; the man responsible for all of the enthusiastic presence inside of Kinetix.
Astros routed by Blue Jays on Father’s Day
“Even though they didn’t get the win it is always a pleasure to see my son play,” said Sam Bregman who is the father of Astros All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman after the game as he made his way towards the clubhouse. The elder Bregman was one of four fathers (Hector Rondon Sr., Cionel Perez Sr., and Lourdes Gurriel Sr.) of current Astros player to throw out the first pitch to their sons on Father’s Day.
Astros Sign First And Second 2019 MLB Draft Picks
The Houston Astros have been busy since the conclusion of the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft. They have signed 19 of their 40 selections including their top-two picks who were able to visit the park this week to meet with the media and take batting practice with the team.
Astros rookies lead them to a victory over the Blue Jays 7 -2
Behind a strong performance from two rising stars from the Astros farm system. The Houston Astros defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 7 -2 in front of a home crowd of 38,012 on Saturday at Minute Maid Park. With that win the Astros are 48-23, which gives them their best 71-game start in franchise history.
Texans Coach Answers Questions About General Manager Firing
Texans head coach Bill O' Brien walked to the podium and looked out into a packed media work room full of reporters waiting to ask him the million-dollar question every Texans fan wanted to know.
Brian Gaine Out As Texans GM
Friday's are usually slow days for the media as no one really expects anything to break going into the weekend news cycle. I guess no one mentioned that to the Texans franchise. Houston fired their General Manager Brian Gaine after less than two years of service with the organization.
Wrapping Up
Texans Rookies and Veterans Complete 2019 Organized Team Activities
The Houston Texans wrapped up their final OTA’s practice at the Houston Methodist Training Center. Now the free agents who were invited to participate in the all voluntary drills will wait to hear back from the Texans for the chance to participate in training camp. Those who do will have an opportunity to be a part of the organization for the regular season.
Competitive Edge
Houston Texans complete the second week of Organized Team Activities
“They line up in a bunch formation and they all have the same moves coming off the line,” says Texans defensive back Jonathan Joseph as he discusses a certain team the Texans will face this upcoming season with his positions coach. “Sometimes they switch the alignment of the receivers to throw you off,” he continues.
XFL Returns to Houston
Oliver Luck stood at the podium and flashed his huge smile that most Houstonians remember from his time as a quarterback for the Houston Oilers, CEO of Houston Sports Authority, and President/GM of the Houston Dynamo. Luck was in town to announce the new coach and general manager of the XFL team that will begin play in Houston at TDEC Stadium at the beginning of 2020.
The Finer Things
Astros hot start has fans reminiscing about the 2017 World Series run.
One thing I heard growing up from my other relatives, family, and friends was that I was spoiled. Being the first-born child actually comes with some perks, but I digress. Houstonians over the last three years must feel like spoiled kids when it comes to the Astros because they have become accustomed to the team being in first place come this time of the year.
Missed Opportunity
Rockets lose crucial Game 5 to the Warriors to fall 3-2 in the series
Famous actor Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther, Creed) not to be confused with the famous basketball legend Michael J. Jordan, turned down a role in a movie I am sure he thinks about and regrets to this day.
With The 23rd Pick in the 2019 NFL Draft the Houston Texans Select: Tytus Howard
"Our scouts were on him as early as August," said Texans General Manager Brian Gaine as he addressed the media after the completion of the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Houston selected offensive tackle Tytus Howard out of Alabama State with the 23rd pick and Howard was elated about the team giving him an opportunity to play on the next level.
Correcting A Mistake
Rockets Defeat the Jazz 118-98 to Go Up 2-0 In the 2019 NBA Playoffs
“Never let a mistake become a problem. Correct the mistake and you will solve the problem,” is what my late Pastor Steve Crampton from Bissonnet Baptist Church use to tell me all the time. The Rockets learned from their mistake they made last year in a game 2 loss and took care of business this year by defeating the Utah Jazz 118 – 98.
Happy to Be Home: Astros sweep A’s and Yankees to go 6-0 at Minute Maid Park
Back in the summer of 2011, I was deployed in Kabul, Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. When you are scheduled to be in a warzone for a certain amount of time, the military grants you leave, which is a vacation in civilian terms.
The Unsung Hero: Eric Gordon Is An Intricate Part of the Rockets Success This Season
With less than a week left in the 2018-19 NBA season, the Houston Rockets are looking to secure the number three seed in the Western Conference playoffs. If the cards fall right they may even be able to move up behind the Golden State Warriors for the number two spot if the Denver Nuggets have a couple of setbacks and Houston wins out. The Rockets needs to stay in that spot to avoid an early matchup with the 2018 NBA Finals champs Golden State Warriors.
No Doubt: James Harden Is On Pace to Win His Second NBA-MVP Award
There was a pretty big game on Wednesday night between the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks. It was a showdown between two of the hottest teams in the NBA. The Bucks have the best record in the Eastern Conference and the Rockets are in a dogfight for third in the West behind Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets. But that’s not why there was a sold-out crowd at the Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin.
Houston Texans Surprise United Airlines Passengers and Employees at George Bush International Airport Terminal
United Airlines passengers and employees receive surprise visit from the Texans
The off-season in the NFL is normally a time for rest, family time and workouts to get prepared for a rigorous schedule that begins with training camp in July and runs through the end of the year. But for Texans cornerback Jonathan Joseph, linebacker Dylan Cole, and defensive tackle Carlos Watkins, it was work as usual. Just not their regular day jobs. Along with their mascot Toro and cheerleaders, the players teamed up with United Airlines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport for a meet and greet with airline personnel and customers.
Great Run Comes to an End
Prairie View A&M loses to Fairleigh Dickinson in the first game of the 2019 NCAA tournament
As I stepped on the illustrious campus of Prairie View A&M University in the fall of 1997, I will never forget that sense of pride and family atmosphere I felt run through my body. It was like the spirits of the “Unknown 8” (The first known class of the Alta Vista Agriculture & Mechanical College for Colored Youth who enrolled and began their studies March 11, 1878) was walking with me. Until you have been on the first state supported college in Texas for African Americans and the second oldest public institution of higher education in the state, you won’t know the jubilation of screaming out, “Who Ya Rooting For” at all sporting events.
Streak Busters: Golden State Halts the Rockets Win Streak at Nine Games
It’s not often that a game that starts at 8:30 pm in the middle of the week will get so much attention, but then again this was no ordinary game. The Golden State Warriors were in town to take on a Houston Rockets team that has seemed to have their number this season. The reigning champs had lost three in a row to the Rockets coming into this game with Houston defeating them in Oracle 118-112 last month without James Harden, who was out with a sore neck and flu-like symptoms.
Clear the Launching Pad
The Rockets have taken off since the All-Star break by winning six in a row
Don’t look now, but the Houston Rockets have quietly put together a quiet six-game winning streak. Their second longest streak this season. With all the attention focused on James Harden’s 30-point plus game coming to an end against the Atlanta Hawks, the Rockets have just gone about their business by making up ground in the Western Conference. They are currently in third place in the playoff standings and that means a lot from a team that was in 14th place earlier in the season.
It Had to End One Day
James Harden’s historic scoring streak comes to an end against the Hawks
“You can’t guard James Harden one-on-one,” says Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce. “He’s an elite talent with elite skills and it’s more about the work, make him work,” he says in his post-game press conference.
Getting the Band Back Together: Houston Welcomes Back Center Clint Capela to the Starting Lineup
In 2014, one of the best hip-hop duos known to date, Outkast, reunited to play dozens of venues around the United States including Coachella, which is the biggest summer music festival around. It had been nearly 10 years since Big Boi and Andre 3000 had been on stage, but once they hit that stage it was like they never had a layoff.
Decisions: Rockets Search the Buyout Market to Make Additions to the Roster
The 2019 NBA All-Star game will be played this weekend at the home of one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Yes, Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan will roll out the red carpet for athletes of all sports, entertainers, and business people. This weekend will also be a time of reflection and catching up with family for those NBA players who will not be in attendance. And last but not least, it will be a chance for fans to wonder what their team will do to improve on the second half of the season.
Super Matchup: Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots Prepare for Super Bowl 53
It is that special time of year again for all football fans. A time where many will make their way to the local grocery store and purchase an abundance of food to feed all the people that will attend the party at their house. Yes, you guessed it. Super Bowl LIII is Sunday, February 3, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Strong Case
Harden Pours In a Season High 57 Points Against the Grizzlies
The 2018-19 NBA season has started off with a bang, but no louder sound can be heard than that of starting shooting guard for the Houston Rockets, James Harden. Yes, I know that there has been plenty of stories and news articles about the phenomenal season he is having, yet it is nothing like witnessing it firsthand. As I sat on press row at the Toyota Center on Monday night when the Rockets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 112-94, I was in amazement of what I was seeing.
Texans Come Up Short Against the Colts Ending Their 2018 Season
“I think this organization has a very bright future. We have a great young quarterback. We’ve got a lot of really great guys in the locker room. They have a passion for the game. We just didn’t get it done today,” were the words Houston Texans head coach Bill O’ Brien to reporters after the Texans lost their Wild Card playoff game to the Indianapolis Colts 21 – 7 at NRG stadium. Houston ended their season with an overall record of 11-6, which included a nine-game winning streak and the 2018 AFC South Divisional Championship title.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Texans face the Colts to start Wild-Card Weekend in the NFL
Have you ever heard the saying, “Where the rubber meets the road?” It is considered the moment of truth. Imagine having a project that you have been working on for months and today is the day you have to present it. All of your efforts and preparation leads you to that one moment where you must display everything you have worked so hard on. As we approach the beginning of NFL playoff weekend, The Houston Texans knows exactly what that cliché means and will have to prove it against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Champs Are Here: The Texans defeat the Jags to win the AFC South Division
Muhammad Ali, who was one of the greatest boxers to ever live once uttered a phrase that was heard throughout the boxing world and in homes all across the country. “The champ is here,” he said with the confidence of an individual who just knew that he would not lose. I am certain that’s how the Houston Texans felt in the last game of the regular season with the AFC South divisional title on the line. Houston defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars by a score of 20 – 3 in front of a home crowd of over 71, 000 who celebrated the victory with them.
M.A.S.H.: Texans Lose the Game and Key Players In the Loss to Philadelphia
From 1972 until 1983, CBS aired a television show based off of the 1968 novel written by Richard Hooker. M.A.S.H told the weekly stories about the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital that was based out of Uijeonebu, South Korea during the Korean War. The soldiers stationed there were in charge of taking care of the wounded soldiers who were wounded during the battle.
Intensity Is An Action Word: Rockets bounce back from early season woes to regain winning form
On December 7th, Houston Rockets backup point guard Eric Gordon made a statement that was not only heard around the Rockets locker room but the entire city of Houston. The team had just dropped its second game in a row, a loss to the Utah Jazz where the team was very lethargic.
All Good Things Must Come to An End
Colts defeat the Texans 24 - 21 to break the 9-game winning streak
I will never forget my senior year on the varsity football team. We won our first three games of the season and we were on a natural high. After ten years of being bad, our high school was finally seeing success on the football field. And then it happened. In the fourth game of the season, we were finally brought back to earth. We lost, but I will never forget the first words uttered by my coach. “All good things must come to an end,” said our coach as he gazed into the eyes of young men who just had their hearts broken.
Texans Add Notch to Victory Belt
Houston defeats Cleveland and records 9th victory in a row
For all Houston fans, that phrase should have become very familiar to you over the last nine weeks. This past Sunday, the Texans defeated the Cleveland Browns 29 – 13 to extend their winning streak to 9 games and improve their lead in the AFC South to 3 games.
Bitter Sweet: Texans Defeat the Titans to Extend Winning Streak to 8 and Remember the Life of Owner Bob McNair
Even though the weather outside of NRG stadium was a frigid 50 degrees and before you begin to laugh, that is very cold for a city that is used to 75 degrees with humidity added. Inside the stadium was blazing with one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now. The Houston Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 34-17 to extend their winning streak to 8 games. They also completed the first game of a three game homestand (Browns, Colts).
Back-to-Work: Texans Take On the Redskins to Try and Extend the Winning Streak to 7 Games
Back in the 80’s there was a famous Dunkin Donuts commercial that was very popular. Fred the Baker (played by actor Michael Vale) would wake up every morning and utter a phrase that is still relevant to this day.
Tight Rope Act: Texans Extend Their Winning Streak by Defeating the Broncos 19 – 17
Hunter S. Thompson once wrote, “Luck is a very thin wire between survival and disaster, and not many people can keep their balance on it.”
I Told You So: Houston Defeats the Dolphins to Extend Winning Streak to Five-Games
Have you ever heard that saying that goes, “You should always have some form of humility?” Well, that doesn’t apply to me. When I am right I love to scream it to the mountain top that I am, but I am not afraid to admit when I am wrong. Well, in this case I remember the day and the time I predicted the future like Nostradamus. It was Monday, September 24, 2018. I was doing my daily sports radio show (Sportz Talk with Big Sarge M-F 3-5pm on 1140am/92.3fm KYOK) talking about how the Texans had lost their third game in a row by a combined 15 points.
The Streak Continues: Houston Defeats Buffalo to Extend Winning Streak to Three Games
No matter whether you like it or not. The Houston Texans are finding ways to win games. They defeated the Buffalo Bills 20-13 to extend their winning streak to three games as they head into a divisional showdown next week with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Protect the Ball: Panthers 5 turnovers costs them the game against the Jaguars
Any football coach from Pop Warner to the NFL will tell you that your number one priority on offense is to protect the ball. Any time you turn the ball over, especially in the red-zone, you kill your offensive momentum and miss an opportunity to put points on the scoreboard. Prairie View A&M (3-4, 2-1) learned that lesson the hard way in a 38-0 blowout to SWAC rival, Southern Jaguars (3-3, 2-1).
Let's Go Streaking: The Houston Texans host the Buffalo Bills looking to extend their winning streak
In the movie Major League II, a story about the Cleveland Indians starting their second season after overcoming adversity and winning a playoff game. The manager Lou Brown is giving his team a pre-game speech the day after they have finally won a game ending a long losing streak. He stands in the middle of the clubhouse and bellows out very loudly.
The Stars at Night: Texans Defeat the Cowboys In Overtime of the “Battle for Texas”
Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good song. I sing loud and off key all the time. And when I can’t sing, I hum off key just to keep the melody in my head. Some will tell you that music can calm the savage beast. Well on Sunday night in Houston, Texas, there was a song that caused all Texans in attendance to sing very loud and definitely not on the right note or key. “The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas,” blared through the speakers at NRG park and the sold-out crowd could not have been happier.
Good Competition: Astros defeat the Indians behind a dominant pitching performance from Gerrit Cole
If you grew up in a house with siblings who played sports, you are very familiar with the competition. Back in 1982, former NBA player Reggie Miller came home from a high school game excited and elated about the 39 points he scored in his basketball game. Now for any other family that would have been great, but not for a family that contained future NCAA champion in women’s basketball, Cheryl Miller.
Early Warning: Astros Gerrit Cole takes the mound in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Indians
Earlier this year, January 13th to be exact, an early morning emergency alert warning of an incoming ballistic attack was mistakenly dispatched to all cellphones in Hawaii. That alert set off a mass hysteria of panic amongst the citizens who were already on edge due to the rocky relationship between the United States and North Korea.
Astros Fever: Verlander sets the tone as the Astros defeat the Indians in Game 1 of the 2018 ALDS
“Well, I started to feel a little sick a couple of days ago when they announced that the game would start at 1 pm today. So, When I woke up this morning, I just couldn’t make it to school. I mean (a dramatic cough), you know (another dramatic cough), I didn’t think it was a good idea to spread what I had to other kids,” said the 10-year old who shall remain nameless to protect his identity. Well, that and if I tell on him I will have to tell on the large number of adults and other children who I guess mysteriously caught the same bug going around Houston and surrounding areas this time of year.
Never Settle: The Houston Astros begin their bid to repeat as World Series Champions
One definition of the word settle is: to make stable; place in a permanent position or on a permanent basis. But for the Houston Astros, they have taken that word and made it a mantra for the 2018 Major League Baseball season. “Never Settle” is plastered over every piece of literature throughout the clubhouse and Minute Maid Park as a constant reminder that the 2017 season is over. Now don’t get me wrong, they were highly successful on last season by winning the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but that was last year.
Texas Two-Step: Houston Texans Takes On In-State Rival the Dallas Cowboys for Bragging Rights
There are certain things that will let you know you are in the state of Texas. No matter how many times you have seen a person they will still greet you with, “Hey. How are you doing?” Manners is a must growing up in Texas and that’s why we always say, “Sir or Ma’am.” You will always hear stories about how this person’s barbeque is better than that person’s because in Texas barbeque is the state food. But nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, speaks louder than “FOOTBALL,” in the great State of Texas and this week’s matchup will definitely have the volume past a ten.
Almost Doesn’t Count: Texans Fall to 0-3 After Another Slow Start Against the New York Giants
There is an old cliché’ that says, “Slow and steady wins the race.” Although it’s a great cliché if you are running long distance, it does not work in the National Football League. The Houston Texans got off to a terrible first half start and it cost them the game. They lost to the New York Giants 27 – 22 to fall to 0-3 on the season and have a tough divisional opponent next week in the Indianapolis Colts. This is not the way they envisioned their season starting, but they can only take it one game at a time.
Keeping It 100: Astros Clinch A.L. West
Some say that “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” I guess the defending World Series champs didn’t get that memo. On a night where the Houston Astros won their 100th game for the second consecutive season, they also clinched another AL West title.
Home Cooking: Houston Texans Plays First Home Game of the 2018 NFL Season Against the Giants
Growing up, I can admit that I wasn’t the perfect angel. I know that’s hard to believe but it’s true. There were a lot of lessons I had to learn the hard way, which would lead my grandmother to always say her favorite phrase before she would politely show me the meaning of it. Literally. “A hard head makes a soft butt.” If the Texans don’t learn from their miscues in a 20 – 17 loss to division rival Tennessee Titans, they will have to learn that phrase the hard way. They start the season 0-3.
Bounce Back: Texans Look to Bounce Back From First Loss of the Season
Polly Campbell once wrote an article in Psychology Today about ways to bounce back after any setback. “Mistakes yield the opportunities and insights we need to ultimately succeed in life," said Campbell. No sentence is more accurate to describe what the Houston Texans must do after a tough loss (27-20) in their 2018 NFL season opener to the New England Patriots. Houston made a lot of mistakes in that game, but none that should hinder them from having success this season.