HOUSTON – Sylvester Turner, a University of Houston alumnus and former mayor of Houston who was elected to Congress last year, died Tuesday night.  He was 70 years old.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Sylvester Turner,” UH President Renu Khator said in a prepared statement. “He was a natural-born leader, humble servant and proud UH alum, who made a profound impact on our University, city and state. Most significantly, he never forgot his humble beginnings and used his platform to uplift and encourage young people to chase their dreams. He was a role model for our students, showing that no matter your zip code, race or income bracket, you can reach the highest heights. He will be sorely missed.”

Turner, who was born and raised in Houston, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at UH in 1977. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Turner returned to Houston where he started his own law firm and occasionally lectured for the UH Law Center’s continuing legal education programs.

After more than two decades of service in the Texas House of Representatives, Turner was elected mayor of Houston in 2015 and served two terms, guiding the city through several challenges, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. When his close friend and political ally U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died last July, he successfully ran to replace her and was sworn into Congress in January.

Turner was a proud and vocal supporter of the University, recognizing its symbiotic relationship with the city. For his unwavering dedication and service, Turner received UH’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the Elected Public Official of the Year award and the Pioneer of Public Service Award. And in 2023, he was awarded the President’s Medallion, the University’s highest honor. The Sylvester Turner Academic Distinction Scholarship and the Sylvester Turner Scholarship Endowment Fund in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences were established in his honor.

During a memorable commencement speech in 2018, Turner reminded CLASS graduates of the resilience and determination that define Cougar Pride.

“The road will not always be easy, sometimes it will be highly challenging. But Cougar Pride don’t turn back,” he said. “Live your life in such a way that when all is said and done, be able to say you have no regrets. Go Coogs – make your history as only you can.”

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation’s fourth-largest city and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the country, UH is a federally designated Hispanic, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution with enrollment of more than 46,000 students.

C.J. Stroud Leads Texans to Dominant Win

In Houston, C.J. Stroud overcame a slow start to lead the Texans to a convincing 32-12 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite some early difficulties, including an interception, Stroud found his rhythm and finished the game with 282 passing yards and one touchdown..

The turning point came late in the second quarter when Stroud made a remarkable play on third-and-16. After fumbling the snap and getting the right bounce, he recovered the football and completed a 34-yard pass to Xavier Hutchinson.  

The play changed the game’s momentum and eventually sparked a 99-yard touchdown drive that gave the Texans their first lead. The recovery displayed the poise and ability of CJ Stroud to turn a potential disaster into an opportunity.

Stroud’s performance was awe-inspiring in the middle of the field, where he completed 13 of 16 passes for 223 yards and a score on in-breaking routes. His connection with receiver Nico Collins was exceptional, as the wide receiver finished with seven catches for 122 yards and a touchdown.

Jayden Daniels Delivers in Clutch for Commanders

In Tampa Bay, Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a thrilling 23-20 victory over the Buccaneers, marking the franchise’s first playoff win in nearly 7,000 days. Daniels threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing remarkable composure in his NFL Playoff debut.

The rookie quarterback made his most critical contribution in the game’s final moments. With the score tied at 20-20, Daniels led a game-winning drive that ended with Zane Gonzalez’s 37-yard field goal as time expired.

Jayden Daniels is the first rookie starting QB to win a road playoff game since 2012 pic.twitter.com/UZowHHveDf

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) January 13, 2025

During this drive, Daniels made a crucial play by scrambling for a first down on third-and-2, enabling the Commanders to run down the clock before attempting the winning kick.

Daniels showcased his dual-threat abilities throughout the game, making plays with both his arm and legs. His skill in extending plays and delivering accurate throws under pressure was crucial to Washington’s success.

Historical Context and Future Implications

In recent years, Stroud and Daniels joined an elite group of young quarterbacks to win playoff games. Stroud became just the sixth quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game in each of his first two seasons. In Washington, Daniels joined C.J. Stroud and Brock Purdy as rookie QBs to win playoff games in the past three seasons.

These performances bode well for the future of both franchises. Under Stroud’s leadership, the Texans have now advanced to the divisional round for the second consecutive year.  

The Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Daniels, improved from a 4-13 record last season to a 13-5 playoff contender.

Stroud and Daniels will encounter more formidable challenges as the playoffs progress. The Texans need to demonstrate their ability to compete against the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Commanders are preparing to face the top-seeded Detroit Lions in the NFC divisional round.

In NFL history, there have been 3 instances of a team having 0 turnovers & 0 punts in a game behind a rookie starting QB (reg or post).

All 3 were by the @Commanders & Jayden Daniels (Week 2, Week 3 & tonight). pic.twitter.com/Pz3qTO9PUy

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) January 13, 2025

Based on their Wild Card performances, these young quarterbacks have displayed they have the talent and composure to lead their teams on potential deep playoff runs.

Next week, the favorites from the AFC and NFC will stand in the Texans’ and Commanders’ paths to New Orleans.

Be sure you follow on X (Twitter) @KTMOZE and @blacksportsinc to never miss another Saints breaking news story again.

“It’s my time,” Girmay said. “Now we are really part of the big races. We have a lot victories so it’s our time, it’s our moment. I never cry, but inside I am, I just have no words.”

“This is so important for cycling,” said Aike Visbeek, the performance director for Girmay’s Intermarche-Wanty team. “Now the world can see what is possible when we give these guys a chance.”

A victory for all of Africa.

Biniam Girmay’s 2024 Tour de France run will go down in the history books. #TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/QnPB3bg8TE

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) July 21, 2024

The “African King’s’ Historic Wins

Girmay’s journey in the 2024 Tour de France has been nothing short of spectacular. He became the first Black rider to win a stage in the competition’s history, clinching stages 3, 8, and 12. Only Tadej Pogacar, the Tour’s champion, had more stage wins than Girmay, with six.

Girmay, 24, held off Wout Van Aert and Pascal Ackerman to don his third vest, proving he was a formidable cyclist after an exciting Stage 12 triumph. Joe Rindl reported that the “‘African King’ has battled through visa issues and loneliness since he moved to Europe six years ago.”

“I’m just super happy for the future of Africa and the future of cycling”

Biniam Girmay spoke to Matt after the green jersey podium ceremony #TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/45bNtdz1Ao

— ITV Cycling (@itvcycling) July 21, 2024

Girmay’s Impact and Legacy

Bini’s success in his second Tour de France has been a source of immense pride for Eritrea, the African continent, and black sports fans worldwide. 

“To be one of the big symbols of Africans, a big pressure I know, but on the other hand, it’s really powerful to push me,” Girmay stated.  

“So to see Girmay not only be competing but to also win a much coveted stage is incredible. He’s proven himself to be amongst the best riders in the world,” Mani Arthur noted, who manages the Black Cyclists Network.

Girmay may surpass the moniker of being known as the “African King” if he continues trending upwards in the world of cycling.

MVP Arike Ogunbowale scored 21 points in the third quarter and finished the contest with 34 points all in the second half with three rebounds, six assists, and a pair of steals. Her effort led the youthful Team WNBA to a surprising victory.  It was a night of individual brilliance as incoming league sensations etched their names into the WNBA All-Star rookie record books. Cailin Clark’s 10 assists and Angel Reese’s 11 rebounds were standout performances.  

MVP, MVP, MVP!

With 34 PTS, 3 REB, 6 AST Arike Ogunbowale is named the @ATT #WNBAAllstar Game MVP for the 2nd time in her career! pic.twitter.com/SfJrdzECFB

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 21, 2024

Nneka Ogwumike scored 14 points, Kelsey Mitchell scored 13, and Angel Reese added 12 points with her first WNBA All-Star double-double.  USAB Women’s National Team had guard Breanna Stewart leading the squad with 31 points and ten rebounds in the loss. A’Ja Wilson posted 22 points (6 rebounds), Brittney Griner hit 10 points (7 rebounds), and Diana Taurasi notched 13 (6 rebounds).

Team WNBA’s biggest lead was 20 points, including 16 fast-break points, with the bench players contributing 54 points on the evening.  The National Team staged a late, dramatic rally, bringing the game within eight points before the final buzzer, adding a thrilling finish to the game.

The unprecedented pairing of the James family members will etch a new chapter in the history of the National Basketball Association, sparking intrigue and appreciation among LeBron and Lakers fans.

Bronny James left USC after one season. He didn’t light up the scoreboard and highlight reels, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and .7 steals in 20 minutes of game action. James’ best performance was against Oregon State when he posted 15 points.

Though execs and scouts were shy about selecting Bronny James during the draft, he’ll have no better instructor for being a professional basketball player than his father and new head coach, J.J. Redick. Drafting James will also secure re-signing LeBron James Sr., who can agree to the option for another season by Jun. 29. If he re-ups with the Lakers for this season, he’s projected to earn $51.4 million.

Bronny James must first make the Los Angeles Lakers. However, father and son will grace the basketball courts together this preseason, which will tip off in October. The first will be against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 7. They will play the Warriors again on Oct. 13 at Crypto.com Arena, giving the Lakers fans their first glimpse of the James Duo on their home floor.

Jaylen Brown, who added 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists, was named the NBA Finals MVP. While averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and five assists per game, Brown was a key factor in the Celtics’ success in winning in front of the Celtics home crowd.

After accepting the Bill Russell Trophy, Brown graciously attributed part of his success to his teammate Jayson Tatum, who could have been named the MVP for his Finals performance.

“It was a full team effort,” Brown stated. “I share this with my brothers. My partner-in-crime, Jayson Tatum. He was with me the whole way. We share this s— together.”

The Celtics star Tatum was a pivotal player in the game. He scored a game-high 31 points, and was instrumental with 11 assists and eight rebounds. He averaged 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the NBA Finals.

Boston Celtics forward-guard Jaylen Brown received seven of the 11 votes for #NBAFinals MVP from a media panel covering the series. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum received the other four votes.

Complete voting results pic.twitter.com/i9g51gD10S

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 18, 2024

Also, Tatum became the sixth player in NBA history to win the championship while leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists throughout the playoffs. He joins Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Hakeem Olajuwon, Larry Bird, and Tim Duncan as the only men to accomplish the feat.   

Jayson Tatum becomes the 6th player in NBA history to win the championship while leading their team in PTS • REB • AST in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/9YGtPemINr

— StatMamba (@StatMamba) June 18, 2024

“Jayson, I can’t talk enough about his selflessness,” Brown said. “I can’t talk enough about his attitude. It’s just how he approached not just this series or the Finals but just the playoffs in general.”

Tatum surpassed Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant for scoring 2,695 points, the most points in the NBA Playoffs by any player before the age of 27. After all the legendary Celtics to play in the other 17 NBA championship teams, Tatum is the first to score 30+ points and 10+ assists in a Finals game.

HAKEEM BUTLER, UFL OPOY

By the end of the season, Butler led the league in yards per reception with an average of 14.5 yards. He also ranked No. 4 in total receptions and No. 2 with five receiving touchdowns in his second season.

He was tied for 6th in the league in scoring with 31 points (5 touchdowns and 1 1-point PAT). Additionally, he ranked 7th in all-purpose yards for the league-leading St. Louis team.

Hakeem ‘Always Open’ Butler

Congratulations on a great season, @410Keem pic.twitter.com/2u6QW6wVhx

— United Football League (@TheUFL) June 7, 2024

Butler earned All-UFL and All-XFL First Team honors.

BREELAND SPEAKS, UFL DPOY

Michigan Panthers defensive end Breeland Speaks as the 2024 UFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Speaks led the UFL with 9.5 sacks during the regular season. He also led the league with 13 tackles for-loss.

The one, the only … BREELAND SPEAKS

Congratulations to THE Defensive Player of the Year @Bspeaks9 x @TheUFL pic.twitter.com/IAHDPWNgx6

— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) June 7, 2024

 USFL & XFL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

The Birmingham Stallions will host the Michigan Panthers in the USFL Conference Championship Game, which will kick off at 3 PM ET at Protective Stadium on Saturday, June 8.

The XFL Conference Championship is scheduled for 7 PM ET on Sunday, June 9, with the St. Louis Battlehawks facing the San Antonio Brahmas at The Dome at America’s Center.

The inaugural season will conclude with the 2024 UFL Championship Game, supported by the U.S. Army, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis on June 16.

Jason Kidd (Dallas) and Joe Mazzulla (Boston) are about to add their names to a select list. They will follow in the footsteps of the 1975 NBA Finals clash between KC Jones (Washington) and Al Attles (Golden State), and the 2017 NBA Finals where Mike Brown (interim-Golden State) and Tyronn Lue (Cleveland) met. This is a rare occurrence that underscores the historical significance of the moment.

BLACK HEAD COACHES IN THE NBA FINALS

• 2024: Jason Kidd (Dallas) vs. Joe Mazzulla (Boston)
• 2017: Mike Brown (Golden State) vs. Tyronn Lue (Cleveland)
• 1975: Al Attles (Golden State) vs. K.C. Jones (Washington)

Golden State has won two NBA titles under black head coaches.

2024 NBA FINALS BLACK HEAD COACHES: JASON KIDD vs. JOE MAZZULLA

The Mavericks are on the verge of their second championship, needing just four wins. In 2011, they triumphed over the Miami Heat in the Finals. Jason Kidd, currently the head coach, served as Dallas’ point guard back then, while Dirk Nowitzki, playing as power forward, was crucial in their championship quest.

The Celtics are pursuing their 18th NBA title in the storied club’s history since their last championship in 2008. Another NBA Finals victory will eclipse the Los Angeles Lakers for the most NBA world championships.

On Thursday in Boston, Mazzulla will be on the bench for his second game. Last year, he helped head coach Ime Udoka in the NBA Finals. However, they lost the series 4-2 to the Golden State Warriors.

1975 NBA FINALS BLACK HEAD COACHES: K.C JONES vs. AL ATTLES

Jones versus Attles was the “first championship game or series in any of the major U.S. professional sports leagues to feature two black head coaches or managers.”  Also, if my memory recalls correctly, Attles – North Carolina A&T – is the first head coach from an HBCU to win an NBA title.

Attles bested Jones as the Warriors defeated the Bullets, 4-0, as Rick Barry won the 1975 NBA Finals MVP Trophy.   The future Hall of Famers a part of the series were Jamaal Wilkes, Rick Barry, Elvin Hayes, Wes Unseld, K.C. Jones (player and coach), and Al Attles (coach).

2017 NBA FINALS BLACK HEAD COACHES: MIKE BROWN vs. TYRONN LUE

During the NBA Finals, a pivotal moment in the Warriors’ journey, Mike Brown stepped up as the interim head coach. With Steve Kerr sidelined due to severe back pain, Brown took charge and led the team to a perfect 12-0 record in the 2016-17 NBA playoffs. His strategic decisions and ability to rally the team were instrumental in their ultimate victory, winning the NBA championship in five games against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

A LOOK AT THE NBA’S BLACK HEAD COACHES

In 2022, there were some unexpected dismissals of black head coaches. For example, Milwaukee let go of their first-year head coach Adrian Griffin mid-season. Despite a strong performance with a 30-13 win-loss record, which placed them second in the Eastern Conference, Griffin was released after just 43 games.

Subsequently, the Buck hired Doc Rivers but failed to reach the conference finals. Cleveland terminated J.B. Bickerstaff after he won 99 regular-season games in his final two seasons. More puzzling is that Bickerstaff had 170 wins in five seasons and guided the Cavaliers to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The 2023 Racial and Gender Report Card (RGRC), gave the NBA an A+ rating for its racial hiring practices with a score of 96.5. In the 2022-23 season, NBA officials recorded that 70.4% of the players were black and 82.5% were people of color. White players were 17.5% of the league that season. Also, only five black chief executive officers and presidents for NBA teams existed in 2022-23: Cynthia Marshall (Dallas), Fred Whitfield (Charlotte)), James Jones (Phoenix), Masai Ujiri (Toronto), and Koby Altman (Cleveland).

Hopefully, the trend of black coaches competing one-on-one for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy will continue. The two occurrences since the 1975 K.C. Jones-Al Attles meeting slightly suggest the NBA has a positive outlook for black head coaches and most men who look like them in the league.

Welcome to the WNBA, Angel Reese. No champion can say they don’t welcome the battles without having the battle scars as proof. The Sky’s rookie continues to play steadily with the Chicago Sky during their 86-82 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Saturday night. Reese had a couple of hard falls at the hands of veteran forward Alyssa Thomas. The last tumble was from a Flagrant 2 penalty, resulting in Thomas’ ejection from the contest.  

It’s like Alyssa Thomas was deliberately trying to take Angel Reese out. She’s notorious for playing like this & could’ve seriously injured Angel. Alyssa shouldn’t have even joined the #WNBA & should’ve gone into the WWE instead because this is ridiculous. It’s embarrassing… pic.twitter.com/oq8aporAQb

— Sha Hartley (@shahartley) May 26, 2024

Media and fans posted negative commentary about the level of physicality of Thomas’ play, but Reese’s postgame remarks shed a different light. “It’s not just because I’m a rookie,” Angel Reese said. “I’m a player. I’m a basketball player. They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. I mean, I want them to come at me every day. I want them to come at everybody. I mean, they’re not supposed to be nice to me. I hope you all know that.”   

Angel Reese on that hard foul by Alyssa Thomas which led to an ejection: “They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. … They’re not supposed to be nice to me. … Thank you AT for sending a message to me because I got back up and I kept going.” pic.twitter.com/tZUsMjSm8g

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) May 26, 2024

Whether people agree or not, basketball is a contact sport in which hard and tough fouls occur by accident and on purpose. “They’re not supposed to be nice to me or lay down because I’m Angel Reese or because I’m a rookie. Like, thank you, AT, for sending the message to me because I got back up, and I kept going, and kept and kept pushing. Like, me and AT have been cool since we were in Maryland. So I know it’s no hard feelings, and I appreciate her for going out here every day for today.”

Angel Reese tonight

13 points
5 rebounds
44% FG

pic.twitter.com/HA4txsGgdT

— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) May 26, 2024

Reese finished the highly competitive matchup against Thomas with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.   After four professional games, the rookie forward has averaged 12.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 assists.  

One aspect of her game you can admire, is her willingness to clash and extend playing time. Reese’s minutes have gone from 26, 25, 31, to 33, as head coach Teresa Weatherspoon is developing trust in her young player.

BIG3 First-Round Selections

• No. 1. – Brandon Moss  (3 Headed Monster – Rashard Lewis, coach)
• No. 2. – Larry Sanders (Ball Hogs | Rick Barry, coach)
• No. 3 – Henry Sims (Tri-State | Dr. J, coach);  Amir Johnson is a member of Tri-State
• No. 4 –  Roscoe Smith (Triology | Isaiah Briscoe, captain)
• No. 5 –  Abraham Millsap  (Aliens |  three brothers on the same team)
• No. 6 – Dominique Johnson (Killer 3s )
• No. 7 – Darnell Jackson (Ghost Ballers | George Gervin)
• No. 8 – Deshawn Stephens  (Power | Nancy Lieberman)
• No. 9 – Jeff Ayrs (The Triplets| Lisa Leslie)
• No. 10 – Nasir Cole (3’s Company | Michael Cooper)
• No. 11 – Jaylen Johnson  (Bivouac | Gerald Green)

The @thebig3 Draft, LIVE!https://t.co/Yhn8JPIHbv

— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) May 24, 2024

BIG3 Second-Round Selections

• No. 12 – James “Flight” White (Trilogy)
• No. 13 – Ray Nixon (Tri-State)
• No. 14 – Austin Day (Bivouac)
• No. 15 – Mo Charl0 (Ghost Ballers)
• No. 16 –  Shakur Johnson (Three Headed Monsters)
• No. 17 –  Jamario Moon (The Triplets)
• No. 18  – Sean Williams (3’s Company | Mario Chalmers)
• No. 19  –  Hollis Thompson (Ball Hogs)
• No. 20 – Marcus Foster (Power)
• No. 21 – William Felder (Killer 3s | Charles Oakley)
• No. 22 – Dusan Bulut (Aliens)

The 2024 BIG3 Draft Picks pic.twitter.com/2iBNGwQHnI

— BIG3 (@thebig3) May 25, 2024

Season 7 Rosters Who will each team pick up in the draft? pic.twitter.com/NGoGmqZ3mU

— BIG3 (@thebig3) May 24, 2024

The BIG3 announced that the fifth BIG3 Combine will be held at Las Vegas Basketball Center on May 24, 2024, at 10 am PST, followed by the 2024 BIG3 Draft. Both events will stream live on X for the first time. Invited athletes will compete for a limited number of spots in the draft in front of current player-captains and coaches.

“We are thrilled to be returning to Las Vegas for our draft and combine,” said BIG3 Commissioner, Clyde Drexler. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen Vegas transform into a true sports hub that continues to draw more and more basketball talent. I’m looking forward to seeing what these athletes can do. You never know who will show up and where the next star will come from, that’s the beauty of the BIG3!”

Previous combines have produced league standouts and stalwarts, including 2023 BIG3 Champion Quincy Miller, 2023 4^th Man of the Year Dominique Johnson, Royce White, DaJuan Summers, Ryan “Hezi God” Carter, Jodie Meeks, and Jason Richardson.

“The combine is one the most important weekends of our season” said BIG3 CEO and co-founder, Ice Cube. “This league was founded on providing opportunity, and we want to make sure that anyone who can ball, no matter what your name is or where you are from, has a chance to show up and see if they can make it in the BIG3. This year, these athletes better be ready, because you’re not only playing for our coaches, but to the world live on X.”

This announcement follows the release of the full 2024 schedule and a number of key player signings including Nick “Swaggy P” Young, Jeff Teague, Leandro Barbosa, and Mario Chalmers. Tickets for the 2024 season are on sale March 29. Sign up for early access at BIG3.com/tickets. To learn more about the BIG3 go to BIG3.com and follow @thebig3 on X and Instagram. Full broadcast schedule, rosters, and other details will be released at a later date.

ABOUT BIG3:
On January 11, 2017, the BIG3 was born. The first-ever professional FIREBALL3 league is the brainchild of producer, actor, and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, who shared a vision of a player-centric league focused on entertainment and innovation. The BIG3 is a league with no garbage minutes, where trash talk is allowed, and where every point –whether it’s a 4-point or 3-point shot – counts. Any given BIG3 team has hall of famers, icons and trailblazers, and the next best 3-on-3 player.

The league has led the sports industry in diversity and opportunity, becoming the first Black-owned and operated professional sports league (certified by ByBlack), the first professional sports league with a Black commissioner, the first basketball league with female head coaches, and the first professional sports league to allow the use of CBD.

In 2024, Ice Cube was honored at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, where he received the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award, acknowledging individuals making substantial contributions to their community, the first non-player to be recognized.