NBA star Russell Westbrook scoring big with own philanthropy
Russell Westbrook is known for his magic on the basketball court, his finely honed fashion sense and his media interviews that have spawned memes and GIFs across social media. Last month, he unveiled plans to expand his Russell Westbrook Why Not? Ad___Q: The name of your foundation is called The Russell Westbrook Why Not? Thatโs where the Russell Westbrook Why Not? ___Q: You recently partnered with the LA Promise Fund to launch the Russell Westbrook Why Not?
Isaiah Thomas returns to score 19 points, US beats Bahamas
Thomas scored 19 points in his first competitive game in more than a year, helping the U.S. to a 93-77 victory over the Bahamas on Friday in a FIBA AmeriCup qualifying game. The 32-year-old Thomas is a two-time NBA All-Star who scored 28.9 points per game for the Boston Celtics in the 2016-17 season. AdThomas โ like many NBA players โ had some trouble adjusting to the ball and the way the international game is officiated. Along with Thomas, the other noteworthy name was seven-time All-Star Joe Johnson, who finished with 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Travis Munnings scored 22 points for the Bahamas (1-4).
O'Neal hosting SHAQ Bowl on Super Bowl Sunday
(AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)Fans looking for pregame entertainment before the Super Bowl will have another option this year. Shaquille O'Neal will be holding the virtual SHAQ Bowl on Feb. 7. It's one of the few events taking place in Tampa, Florida, since many parties that traditionally take place during Super Bowl week have been canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The SHAQ Bowl takes the place of Shaq's Fun House, which had been held the past two years in Atlanta and Miami. The SHAQ Bowl also has its own halftime show with Migos and DJ Diesel performing.
Lamentation for sports in 2020: A year of living virally
File-This Jan. 28, 2020, file photo shows a remembrance board at a memorial for Kobe Bryant near Staples Center in Los Angeles. LeBron, on court, gives heartfelt shout,A declaration: โMamba out.โSports still reeling by Super Bowl,Where Patrick Mahomes takes control. Defying odds, even reason,Baseball makes it through its season,Leaving summer and into fall --Bob Gibson โs time, October ball. Through it all, a truth emerges:Games go on while COVID surgesAnd records fall, that much is clear --Consider Tara VanDerveer. But weโll toast, of course, donโt think twice --Take a deep breath and roll the dice.
NBA, NBPA say sparking social change will be goal of restart
FILE - In this Feb. 15, 2020, file photo, Chris Paul, of the Oklahoma City Thunder, speaks during NBA All-Star basketball media day in Chicago. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association said Wednesday, June 24, 2020, that dealing with racial matters will be a shared goal during the resumed season. The issues of systemic racism and police brutality in our country need to end, union president Chris Paul said. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)NEW YORK The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association said Wednesday that dealing with racial matters will be a shared goal during the resumed season. The issues of systemic racism and police brutality in our country need to end, union president Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder said.
In Europe, Kobe Bryant recalled for his 'Italian qualities'
โHe had a lot of Italian qualities.โโHe spoke Italian very well. Kobe Bryant spoke fluent Italian and often said it would be a โdreamโ to play in the country. โHe was a supernatural,โ Italian coach Ettore Messina, who worked with Bryant as an assistant for the Lakers, told the AP via text message while traveling with his current club, Olimpia Milano. Itโs very sad that his family has been devastated like this.โDating from his time in Italy, Bryant was a lifelong soccer fan. AC Milan, one of the clubs that Bryant supported, tweeted: โWe have no words to express how shocked we are to hear of the tragic passing of one of the greatest sportsmen of all time and Rossonero fan, Kobe Bryant.