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A platform is powerful, ask Kee Whetzel of Oregon State

By
Jevone Moore
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Pre-game stance for Houston before the NFL Houston Texans vs Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017. (Photo Credit: Jevone Moore)
Kee Whetzel of Oregon State during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2018. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 25, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Hollywood, CA – What would you do with a platform, some use it, some abuse it and some chose to just be quiet.

In today’s society many people have a platform and in the case of Oregon State linebacker Kee Whetzel chooses to wear a band that simply says 1 Corinthians 13 that talks about LOVE – FAITH – HOPE.

This small symbol allows Whetzel to express and proclaim his Faith. He also has a tattoo on his right bicep with it.

“If You Don’t Stand for Something, You’ll Fall for Anything,” Alexander Hamilton

It’s a breath of fresh air to see an athlete to take advantage of a platform like football.

We are all too familiar with the NFL players taking a knee for social injustices, that was led by Colin Kaepernick a few years back.

Some don’t want to admit it but Kaepernick’s stance narrowed down his opportunities to be back on a NFL roster. But while he had the platform before millions, he kneeled for others.

In Mexico City, John Carlos along with Tommie Smith they raised their fist with a black-glove and heads bowed to display America still had a long way to go back 1968.

Years later Carlos says,  “I didn’t do anything special, I just had an opportunity.”

All throughout sports history you can look at different athletes using their platforms. There are tons of athletes who have started foundations for the youth to express that someone cares. These programs allow youth to see there is more to life than a few square blocks around them.

Next time you watch a NFL or College game look at their cleats or their wrist tape. You might find a scripture, or an area code depending on who it is.

Freedom of speech, expression is a great thing when we are allowed to use it. It takes courage to stand or push an agenda.

One thing I know, passionate people go hard for what they believe in.

Stand tall and use your platform; whether it’s big or small.

PAC-12 Media Day 2018 Action Packed

By
Press Release
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(Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Hollywood, CA – The  kickoff to an exciting PAC-12 season has begun with Media Day 2018 at Hollywood & Highland inside the Dolby Theater on Wednesday.

The day was action packed for the coaches, players, and the media who were on hand for this single day event. With everything going on in a few different places it was almost sensory overload. Luckily with the fun photo booth that was on hand was set up for Slow Motion.

With the addition of five new high profile coaches coming into the conference the coach talent level keep rising high and higher. Just imaging putting all twelve of them inside of a football think tank, nothing would be impossible.

Kicking off the day was PAC-12 Commissioner Larry Scott giving us a view of the conference from 30,000 feet in the air across all sports.

“Last year, the Pac-12 brought home 12 NCAA Championships, more than twice the next highest conference, and that’s in addition to ten runner-up finishes on top of that, said Scott, “The total number of Pac-12 Championships now stands at 513. We’ve led the nation in NCAA titles for 13 straight years, 17 of the last 18 years, and 52 of the last 58 years.”

Each team brought along two players to represent their school to the media on hand. It was a resounding sound bite, I’m honored and glad to be here.

On the field this year in College Football there were some rule changes and a big one was on Special Teams. With the change in fair catch that can neutralize a great return specialist.

Fair catch of free kicks

  • If a player on Team B makes a fair catch, the ball becomes dead where caught and belongs to Team B on that spot.
  • If a free kick is caught behind a team’s 25-yard line, the ball belongs to the receiving team at its own 25-yard line. The ball will be put in play midway between the hash mark unless relocated before the play clock is at 25 seconds.

So anytime a kick is short of end zone make sure fair catch because you will get ball at 25. This can be a big switch in field position.

The PAC-12 this year has some key matchups with other Power 5 conferences to allow for some explosive football for the country to see.

BIG NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE GAMES

Sept 1 Oregon State at Ohio State                          Sept 1 Washington at Auburn

Sept 8 UCLA at Oklahoma                                        Sept 8 Colorado at Nebraska

Sept 8 Michigan St at Arizona St                             Sept 15 USC at Texas

Stay tune for the best sound bites form the coach’s during media day.

LAFC blows lead to Galaxy again, finish in a draw

By
Eric Ramos
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July 26, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela #10 during the Los Angeles Football Club vs LA Galaxy at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 26, 2018. Jevone Moore

Los Angeles, CA- A bitter rivalry is brewing in Los Angeles. The rematch almost played out like the first one. The 22,000 fans in attendance cheered hysterically as LAFC and the Los Angeles Galaxy played to the very end.

Similar to their first matchup, LAFC blew a 2-0 lead they had for more than 80 minutes. The Galaxy notched two late goals to equalize it, 2-2, on Thursday night at Banc of California Stadium.

“We have ourselves to blame again,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “If our football continues in the right way, if we still make the right passes, we get the third goal. It’s on us.”

In the first match at the StubHub Center, Galaxy scored three goals in the final 20 minutes to win, 4-3. In tonight’s rematch, the Galaxy scored twice in the final 10 minutes to steal a point.

LAFC defender Walker Zimmerman said it’s a rivalry and they let down the fans. It’s something we grow from, he added.

“Had a good 80 minutes,” Zimmerman said. “But their chances came off our mistakes. Mentality is something we’ll have to work on.”

LAFC controlled most of the match and continued to apply pressure while doing well to defend Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the first half.

Los Angeles FC got on the board in the seventh minute with Carlos Vela’s header in the center of the box. Adama Diomande saved the ball from going out of bounds on the right side and crossed it inside the box where Vela slammed it passed the goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.

Mark Anthony-Kaye won a free kick when he was fouled by Galaxy’s Perry Kitchen but was injured in the process. Eduardo Atuesta came in for Anthony-Kaye and as soon as the referee blew the whistle, Lee Nguyen’s free kick curled into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.

“We have a lot to learn and improve,” Vela said. “We at an important moment in the season and we want to do good things, we have to be a better team.”

The Galaxy cut the lead in the 82nd minute when Romain Alessandrini fired a shot into the left post passed Taylor Miller. A minute later, Miller made a diving save on a close-range shot by Ola Kamara.

In his first Major League Soccer appearance, newly acquired 21-year-old Andre Horta made a bad pass into his own defensive half that was intercepted by Kamara who dribbled around Taylor to send the shot into an empty net.

“We had plenty of chances to get the third goal,” Bradley said. “Let’s not let the whole discussion to turn into a poor back pass at 2-1.”

LAFC remains in second place in the Western Conference with 36 points while the Galaxy sit in fourth place with 32 points.

“LAFC was the better team but we got chances and we took care of those chances,” Ibrahimovic said. “One point in the end is a good result for us.”

 

Washington Huskies picked to win the PAC-12 in 2018

By
Press Release
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Colorado Buffalos vs Washington Huskies at Levi's Stadium on December 2, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

For Immediate Release // Wednesday, July 25, 2018

LOS ANGELES – WASHINGTON was chosen the favorite to win the 2018 Pac-12 Conference football title in a vote of 42 media members who cover Pac-12 football. The Huskies received 37 votes to earn the preseason nod over defending Pac-12 Champion USC. The Huskies garnered 40 first-place votes to hold down the top spot in the Pac-12 North Division, while USC tallied 22 first-place votes to edge out UTAH (14 first-place votes) to win the South Division.

Washington (249 points) was the overwhelming selection to capture the North Division ahead of STANFORD (198) and OREGON (178), which each picked up single votes to win the division.

The media expects the South Division to provide a competitive race with USC (225) topping Utah (209) and ARIZONA (178), which picked up three first-place votes. UCLA collected two votes, and COLORADO one vote, to represent the South Division in the Pac-12 Championship Game.

The media has correctly selected the Conference Champion in 30 of 57 previous polls, but only three times in the last 11 polls. Following are the results of the preseason media poll (points 6-5-4- 3-2-1, first-place votes in parentheses):

North DivisionSouth Division
SchoolPointsSchoolPoints
1. Washington (40)2491. USC (22)225
2. Stanford (1)1982. Utah (14)209
3. Oregon (1)1783. Arizona (3)178
4. California1084. UCLA (2)116
5. Washington State985. Colorado (1)80
6. Oregon State456. Arizona State72

 

PAC-12 TITLE GAME CHAMPION: Washington (37 votes)
Others receiving votes: USC (2), Oregon (1), Stanford (1), UCLA (1)

The 2018 Pac-12 Football Championship Game will take place Friday, Nov. 30 and will be telecast to a national audience on FOX at 5 p.m. PT. The Championship Game will match the winner of the North Division vs. the winner of the South Division at Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Fever lose their focus down the stretch

By
Jevone Moore
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Breanna Stewart making a move during the Seattle Storm vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 24, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Indianapolis, In – The Indiana Fever got hot late in the 4th quarter to pull within eight points at 72-80 with 2:05 left on the clock. Then that lapse of concentration jumped out as the Seattle Storm went on 12-0 run to win 92-72 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

All season this team shows flashes of greatness but just can’t keep the focus for the full 40 minutes of play.

“We didn’t finish the game, we fizzled, and I’m extremely disappointed,” said Fever coach Pokey Chatman.

Seattle was led Breanna Stewart with 26 points, 10 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season.

This season has been a good learning experience for the Fever rookies.

Kelsey Mitchell had the hot hand scoring 26 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

“It speaks volumes to her gift,” said Chatman about Mitchell, “That is the part of her game that will always garner the most attention. But beyond that, I’m happy with the progress she has made in other facets of her game.”

The consistent Fever veteran Candice Dupree knocked down 14 points while pulling down 12 rebounds in losing effort.

“Yeah.  I mean we just kind of gave up the last two minutes,” said Dupree, “We’ve got to be better.  We can’t relax at the end.  Because I think two minutes out we were down by like nine points or something like that and we lose by 20.  So we can’t let that happen.”

The next stop for these teams will be WNBA All-Star break for the first and last place teams at this point in the season.

Big Ten Announces Football Preseason Honors

By
Press Release
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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Saquon Barkley (26) of the Penn State Nittany Lions in the game between the Washington Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 30, 2017 at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced its 2018 football preseason honors on Monday in conjunction with the start of Big Ten Media Days at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. A media panel selected the 10-member preseason list, with five representatives each from the East and West Divisions.

Ohio State fielded a pair of honorees on the East Division roster, while Penn State was represented by senior quarterback and unanimous selection Trace McSorley. The Buckeyes were represented by junior defensive end Nick Bosa and sophomore running back J.K. Dobbins. Michigan junior defensive lineman Rashan Gary and Michigan State junior quarterback Brian Lewerke rounded out the East Division lineup. McSorley garnered Big Ten football preseason honors for the second consecutive season.

Wisconsin paced the West Division with two standouts selected. The Badgers saw senior linebacker T.J. Edwards and sophomore running back Jonathan Taylor earn recognition. Iowa junior tight end Noah Fant, Nebraska senior wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr., and Northwestern sophomore linebacker Paddy Fisher completed the West Division honorees. Fant, Morgan Jr., Fisher, Edwards and Taylor garnered Big Ten football preseason honors for the first time in their careers.

The 2018 Big Ten preseason honors list features the reigning Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year in Bosa and the returning Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year in Taylor, who are among nine All-Big Ten selections on the squad. Bosa, Edwards, Gary and Taylor were first-team All-Big Ten picks last year. Other second- and third-team All-Conference honorees last year who made this year’s preseason honors list include Dobbins, Fant, Fisher, McSorley and Morgan Jr.

The full list of Big Ten football preseason honorees is as follows:

EAST DIVISION
Rashan Gary, Jr., DL, MICH
Brian Lewerke, Jr., QB, MSU
Nick Bosa, Jr., DE, OSU
J.K. Dobbins, So., RB, OSU
TRACE MCSORLEY, SR., QB, PSU

WEST DIVISION
Noah Fant, Jr., TE, IOWA
Stanley Morgan Jr., Sr., WR, NEB
Paddy Fisher, So., LB, NU
T.J. Edwards, Sr., LB, WIS
Jonathan Taylor, So., RB, WIS

Unanimous honoree in ALL CAPS

#B1GFootball

Sparks drop 4th straight home game 78-76

By
Carlos Gonzalez
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Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker #3 in traffic during the Indiana Fever vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 1, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles, CA-  The Los Angeles Sparks lost a close one to the Indiana Fever 78-76 Friday night at Staples Center. Friday’s win for the Fever ends a 5 game losing skid.

Los Angeles Candace Parker led all scores with 24 points, also tacking on 12 rebounds. Teammate Jantel Lavender added 23 points but it wasn’t enough for the Sparks.

“Obviously our team has to play with a purpose, and down the stretch we want to go to certain people,” said Lavender, “With my scoring in the first half I think that I can keep us in the game, but I guess down the line we want to have the game in Candace’s
hands and Chelsea’s hands.”

Candice Dupree and Cappie Pondexter led the Fever with 16 points each. Natalie Achonwa chipped in with 15 points and 9 rebounds.

“Cappie came in and had a tremendous game. She did what Cappie does, so we weren’t surprised by anything,” said Alana Beard, “She’s in a system now where she is able to flow, and she’s playing the game that she likes to play.”

The Sparks started the 4th quarter trailing 66-54. After two back-to-back layups for Los Angeles, the Sparks found themselves down just 4 with 5:08 left in the game. The Fever extended its lead to 77-70 with 2 minutes remaining.

A Parker layup and a Chelsea Gray jump shot brought the Sparks within 3 points with 27 seconds to go. Los Angeles had one last chance to tie the game but an Essence Carson jump shot was no good and the Fever were able to hold on.

“Obviously when you’ve struggled the way we’ve struggled all year, it’s nice to get any win,” said Fever coach Pokey Chatman, “We didn’t quite close it out in the fashion that left anything to be desired, and it was a nail-biter at the end but overall, we handled their runs.”

Unlike most of their contests, the Sparks got rolling early and led 23-15 after the first quarter. The fever battled back and hung with the Sparks the remainder of the first half and went into halftime trailing 40-37.

The Sparks hit the road for a matchup with the Chicago Sky on Sunday.

Los Angeles has lost 4 straight games at home. Its next opportunity to end that streak is Tuesday night when Atlanta Dream comes into town.

LAFC advances to U.S. Open Cup semifinal with 3-2 win over Portland

By
Eric Ramos
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July 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi #9 being guarded by Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara #21 during the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 18, 2018. Jevone Moore

Los Angeles, CA – LAFC forward Carlos Vela collected a loose rebound and sent a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner for a 2-0 lead in the 38th minute.

Los Angeles would hold to defeat Portland FC, 3-2, in a wild shootout on Wednesday night at Banc of California Stadium. The black and gold advanced to the semifinals.

“The Sunday game they tried to defend really well in the middle of the pitch,” Vela said. “Today, there was more spaces to receive the ball and make good chances.”

In the 33rd minute, LAFC took a 1-0 lead after Vela’s cross into the box was attempted to be headed away by Timbers’ David Guzman but the ball went into his own net.

Portland got on the board with Julio Cascante’s header in the second minute of stoppage time. Guzmans’ free kick found Cascante as he slipped behind the LAFC defense to cut the lead before halftime, 2-1.

“We find ways to do things to keep everybody on the edge of their seat,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “We had less control tonight, less possession tonight, but we were dangerous.”

Costa Rica native Marco Urena gave Los Angeles a 3-1 lead in the 51st minute after he re-directed a shot from Jordan Harvey into Portland’s net.

A minute later, Dairon Asprilla dribbled past three defenders and sent a ball across the face of the goal that went to the left side. Portland defender Vytautas Andriuskevicius came in and fired a shot into the back of the net to cut the lead, 3-2.

“I’m so happy because I’ve been waiting for a long time,” Urena said on his goal. “My first game I got the injury and it was tough. It means a lot to me and I could feel the support from the guys.”

LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller was tested early but came up with back-to-back saves to keep the game scoreless. Dairon Asprilla got inside the box and fired a shot but Miller dove to make the save. The ball came right back to Asprilla who’s first-touch shot was blocked by Miller.

Vela said he feels they are close to winning a title and are working hard to be there and win it.

“This team dreams high,” Vela said. “I’m happy to be here and help my teammates.”

 

Hayes Pullard 4th Annual Football Camp

By
Jevone Moore
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4th Annual Hayes Pullard Football Camp at Jackie Robinson Stadium at Rancho Cienega Park on July 14, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, CA – When the community that raises you with love and reproof you can’t help but give back. That’s what Hayes Pullard III from Crenshaw High has been doing the last four years, giving back to the community.

This year football camp was attended by over 300 youth from the age 6-17 at Jackie Robinson Stadium at Rancho Cienga Park. Pullard brought our former teammates from his communities Crenshaw District, Crenshaw High, USC Trojans and new Los Angeles Chargers family.

Each year with Pullard faithfulness he has grown his event and has aligned with some great sponsors / partners to make this an event the kids will never forget.

This year Los Angeles Lakers youth foundation stepped up again to help with some warm-ups drills to wake the campers muscles up. Then Pullard’s group of peers kicked in with the mentality they attack everything they do.. GUSTO – Grind Until Success Triumphs Odds –

“I love you guys (campers) so much,” said Pullard, “All the folks I brought out here to coach you guys are Alpha Males.”

A new addition to the camp was Sports Academy and their partner Next Up. So there were additional collegiate athletes getting an up close look at how being a professional on the next level.

So not only did the young campers get some training, the collegiate also some learning in too.

Pullard will be competing himself in few weeks for a starting linebacker spot with the Chargers. This will be his 4th season in the NFL fulfilling his dream and giving back at the same time.

To keep up with Hayes Pullard III you can go to www.pullard.com/

Indiana can’t handle the Mercury

By
Jevone Moore
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Brittney Griner blocking Candice Dupree shot early in the first half of the Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 15, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Indianapolis, In – The Phoenix Mercury get their 15th victory of the season at the expense of the Indiana Fever. It took four quarters for them to pull away from the Fever in 101-82 victory.

Every team knows that when you come to Bankers Life Fieldhouse you better be ready for a game. Their record does not fully tell who this gritty team is lead by few Vets with mostly rookies finding their way.

Mercury center Brittany Griner took over the paint and the game leading all scores with 36 points and 12 rebounds.

“We had four paint points in the second half,”  Pokey Chatman said. “You can’t do that. I want to give them credit, but I thought we had to make one more pass, penetration and the kick, to get a little closer, feed the paint.

The Fever was led by Candice Dupree 23 points, 9 rebounds to allow her team to hang around for three quarters.

“We just have to be able to sustain it,” Dupree said. “We did that for three quarters. And then in the fourth, I think we just let up a little defensively and settled on offense. We just have to piece it together.”

Dupree also moved into third on the WNBA’s all-time made field goals list, passing Tamika Catchings. She has now make 2,394 shots in her career.

Diana going to basket during the Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 15, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Teams who watch the film know that playing for the full 40 minutes is the hard part for the Fever to do.

So next up for the Fever they will Face off with another giant in a few days as they look to get that next victory.

 

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