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LOS ANGELES RAMS INAUGURAL FAMILY DAY

LOS ANGELES RAMS ANNOUNCE DETAILS FOR INAUGURAL FAMILY DAY

Open Practice at LA Memorial Coliseum Saturday, Aug. 6 at 3 PM

Free Tickets Available TODAY – Aug. 2 at 10 AM on Ticketmaster

The Los Angeles Rams announced today details for their inaugural Family Day to be held on Saturday, August 6 at 3:00 PM PT at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Rams Family Day is a free event but fans must register for a ticket in order to attend starting today, August 2 at 10:00 AM PT on Ticketmaster.

Rams Family Day gives fans an opportunity to see the team for the first time in the Coliseum, a week before they take the field against the Dallas Cowboys for the first NFL game in Los Angeles in 22 years. Guests will watch the team practice and will have access to activities around the stadium.

Gates for Family Day open at 1:00 PM on August 6.  Parking will be available starting at 10:00 AM in lots around the Coliseum on a first-come, first-served basis and will cost $20.00 (cash only).  USC Gameday Traffic Flow will be in effect for guests driving to the Coliseum (see the attached maps).  Due to limited parking, fans are encouraged to “Go Metro on Game Day,” including to access Family Day.  More information can be found at https://www.metro.net/riding/gameday/.

CBS 2 LA, the English Preseason home of the Rams, will have a presence outside the Peristyle Entrance and CBS talent including Jill Arrington, Rick Garcia, Jim Hill, Garth Kemp, Stephanie Simmons and Sharon Tay will be available to fans from 1-3 PM.  ESPN LA, the English Flagship Radio partner of the Rams, will broadcast on the field live from 4-6 PM.  The Cedars-Sinai Kids’ Zone will feature Rams inflatables and other activities for young fans.  Official Rams’ merchandise will be available for sale and concession stands will be open across the venue.

The Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for all games at the LA Memorial Coliseum this year as well as at Family Day. The Rams strongly encourage fans to not bring any type of bags, but outlined below is what is permissible. Fans will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package, or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching queue lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium:

  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” (Official clear plastic tote bags are available at ramsfanshop.com or at your local Albertsons, Vons or Pavilions), or
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
  • Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
  • An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, seat cushions, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.

PAC-12 USC Trojans Football Outlook 2016

USC Head Coach Clay Helton during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2016. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 14, 2016 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
USC Head Coach Clay Helton during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2016. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 14, 2016 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Head Coach Clay Helton will enter his first fall camp with the Trojans after taking over the helm mid season. University of Southern California also hired Lynn Swann as the new Athletic Director to take all teams to next level. So what can we really expect from this new era, QB, Coaches and more.

This Trojans team returns 13 from last year 9 offense, 4 defense. Players to watch this season will be Tailback Ronald Jones II who will fit in Helton plan to be a more physical and tuff. Could Tailback U be back, would be safe play with Max Brown now under center. Brown will have some great weapons from JuJu Smith-Schuster who lead team last year with 1,454 yards and 10 touchdowns. Once the double team comes expect Senior WR Darreus Rogers to show up big last year he averaged 10.3 yards per catch. Up front senior Zach Banner will be leader, they have all five positions returning starters. It’s not the sexiest positions but offense line having all returners will be huge if they stay healthy.

Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster breaking away for Touchdown. Photo by Jordon Kelly
USC Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster breaking away for Touchdown at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Ca. ( Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

On the defense for front seven linebacker Cameron Smith is one of only two back for the Trojans. Smith had a breakout game versus Utah with three interceptions and a touchdown to show off his versatility to stop run and the pass. Coming off the highs of competing at the Olympic Trials cornerback Adoree’ Jackson will focus on defense but you know can’t keep his explosiveness off field. On opposite side will be fellow future NFL player Iman Marshall, both corners can lock up man to man. A nice surprise will be Freshman Jack Jones who should play a lot in 2-4-5 defensive set up.

USC will be a force in PAC-12 South with all the talent they have but their schedule will either set them up for greatness or just an average year. The Trojans open up on the road against the National Champions Alabama. Who could ask for better measure stick then that, can they shake up college football on September 3rd?

Prediction: 2nd PAC-12 South, Holiday Bowl

PAC-12 Oregon Ducks Football Outlook 2016

Oregon Coach Mark Helfrich during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2016. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 14, 2016 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

The Oregon Ducks finished off their 9-4 season in disappointing fashion losing to TCU . They lost a 31 point lead in the second half after Vernon Adams and a host of players went down with injuries. The Ducks have been predicted as the third-place finisher in the Pac-12 North by the media.

Oregon returns a loaded wide receiver unit, one of the best running backs in college football, and they bring in a new defensive coordinator who has a track record of turning around defenses (as a head coach). Brady Hoke might be the difference for the Oregon defense this year he brings in a aggressive 4-3 style. The defense is going to be on the field a long time because of the high flying offense. Their numbers might not look amazing but if they turn mistakes into turnovers. Oregon’s offense should return to form next year.

Darren Carrington, Dillion Mitchell, and Pharaoh Brown should lead the receiving group. Carrington and Mitchell should be one of the most dynamic receiving duos in college football. Pharaoh Brown might be one of the best stories in college football. His leg injury was so bad that amputation was a possibility at one point. The depth that Oregon brings in at wide receiver rivals any year in the past 10. Charles Nelson, Dwayne Stanford, and the Olympian Devon Allen round out the loaded group. The real problem is going to be getting all these guys touches in games so they don’t lose interest in games.

Royce Freeman is a beast. If healthy he is going to be unstoppable. The Ducks are going to go as far as his broad shoulders will take them. If he has a season like last year a trip to New York will be in his future and the Ducks might be playing on New Year’s Day once again.

Dakota Prukop and Travis Jonsen are battling it out right now for the starting quarterback position. They both showed signs they could lead the team during the spring game. Neither is a finished product but with the offensive weapons around them the offense should once again be close to scoring 50 points a game and leading the Pac-12 in scoring.

The real question though is on defense. Will Hoke and his 4-3 defense be able to turn around what has been historically one of the weaker units in the Pac-12 on defense? They turn out NFL players but as a unit normally the numbers don’t show up. The defense is young on the defensive line, but Henry Mondeaux is expected to be the next big time player by a lot of people in the media. One of the positives about the secondary is it can’t be worse than last year. Oregon gave up 306.5 yards per game. Hard to stop any team when you give up 300 plus yards a game.

The Ducks should be improved on offense and defense this season. Look for Oregon to surprise the experts on the East coast and get into a New Year’s Day Bowl.

USA Basketball Before Rio 2016

USA Basketball on display with History of Past & Present stars at the Air Hanger in Hawthorne, Ca. on July 24, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Hawthorne, Ca – USA Basketball before Rio 2016, The Olympics has had USA team dating back to 1936. Over the years names, rules have changed and now has the format we see today. Nike being the brand for Team USA they had their Air Hanger set to display greatness.

Nike took you back in time with the greats memorialized by their Jersey’s and shoes through past Olympics. After exiting the hall the hanger had full size court with Jordan Brand Jet & Nike Aston Martin. All players on the Nike court were wearing AIR JORDAN XXXI “USA” from the AIR Exchange.

History Key Years

In the beginning the United States joined the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as a member in 1934 and it was the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) that FIBA first recognized as the organization that was responsible for USA teams in international competitions.

The 1936 Olympic Basketball Games Committee originally consisted of six representatives of the AAU, four representatives from the NCAA, and three other representatives, two of which were appointed by the American Olympic Committee.

In 1972, the Olympic Trials were still controlled by the Olympic Basketball Games Committee, however, the Trials format was changed and 66 athletes were invited to tryout, 28 from the NCAA, eight from the AAU, junior college, NAIA and U.S. Armed Forces ranks, and six at-large.

In 1992, for the first time no actual Olympic Trials were held for the men. Instead, because NBA players were now eligible to play, USA Basketball’s 12-member Men’s Olympic Team Subset Committee, chaired by C.M. Newton, reviewed player performances from the 1990-91 and 1991-92 basketball seasons. The ’92 committee consisted of five NBA representatives, four NCAA reps and two at-large reps.

The selection of the 2004 U.S. Men’s Olympic teams was again similar to 1992, 1996 and 2000, with the players’ performances in the preceding NBA season used as the trials process. The Senior National Team Committee that chose the 2004 U.S. Team was chaired by Stu Jackson of the NBA and consisted of nine voting members, seven appointed by the NBA and two athlete representatives. The 10 player selections made to complete the roster were made in the Spring of 2004 and were based on player performances during the 2003-04 NBA season.

Now what will this USA Basketball team do in Rio 2016? #UNITE #JORDAN #NIKE


 

BPRSLA – Welcome Back to LA – RAMS

The Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles presents The Brand Building Series:
The Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles presents The Brand Building Series: "Welcome Back to LA" Cocktail Reception with The Los Angeles Rams Communication Team at Mosaic Hotel in Beverly Hills, Ca. on July 21, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Beverly Hills, CA – The Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles hosted The Los Angeles Rams Communications Team for a Cocktail Reception. This event was one of many in The Brand Builder Series put on by BPRSLA, “Welcome Back to LA”.

These two great organization used their influence to have a great networking event for all who attended. BPRSLA board member Kenya Friend-Daniel was the brain trust to making an idea a great reality. The Mosaic Hotel pool side was the relaxed inviting venue for building new and fostering existing relationships. BPRSLA President Shawn Turner kicked off the event with introductions and thank you.

LA Rams Senior Director of Communications Artis Twyman addressed the crowd on hand and shared his story of working in Public Relations. Twyman introduced his team Tiffany White Communications Coordinator & Julie Faron Media Relations Manager. This dynamic trio makes the Rams looking good and keeps the world informed.

Be on the lookout for more great events in The Brand Builder Series.

Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles (BPRS-LA) is one of the nation’s foremost organizations for professional image-makers and communications strategists. Since its founding in 1987, National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS) has served as an advocate for African-American PR practitioners. As an affiliate chapter, BPRS-LA focuses on professional development and connecting PR professionals throughout Southern California. We promote diversity of thought and talent, while providing support and education to help today’s professional stay competitive in an ever-changing communications industry.

Los Angeles Rams  are a professional American football team based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Rams compete in the National Football League (NFL), as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) West division. The Rams franchise has won three NFL championships, and are the only franchise to win championships while representing three different cities (Cleveland in 1945, Los Angeles in 1951, and St. Louis in 1999)

Hayes Pullard 2nd Annual Football Camp

NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars Linebacker Hayes Pullard 2nd Annual Football Camp at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles, Ca. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, Ca – The Jacksonville Jaguars have a top linebacker on & off the field in Hayes Pullard. The field was filled for the Hayes Pullard 2nd Annual Football Camp held on July 16th at his alma mater Crenshaw High School. This is just one avenue that Pullard uses his Foundation to give back to the community that has given him so much as a youth. The Crenshaw district will always hold a special place in his heart.


This year camp was just as special as last year with NFL players as coaches for the youth on hand during the offense & defense drills. This included Marqise Lee, Silas Redd, Greg Ducre, Antwaun Woods, Marcus Martin, Paul Richardson, Bene Benwikere, TJ McDonald  and others. You never know how just a few hours of time can change a kids life and springboard their success.

All the kids received camp shirt to wear and a reminder on back, “GUSTO” – Grind Until Success Triumphs Odds – That’s a model each of Pullard’s friends who were deck live by, it’s a mentality that has driven them. This band of brothers who came together to #GIVEBACK may not always been seen but the LOVE is always felt.

Hayes Pullard said, ” I just want to come back and show the love”

LA Sparks Defeat Washington Mystics

Los Angeles, CA – Tonight the Los Angeles Sparks wear the title of the best team in the WNBA for another week with their win over the Washington Mystics 93 – 82.

These last few games have seen the Sparks come out sluggish in the first quarter but once they start warming up they bring the New Los Angeles Showtime. Tonight would be no different. Both teams look like they were still in warm-up mode in the first with a few sparks of life from the Mystics Tayler Hill and Ivory Latta both delivering lead gaining three pointers. But Jantel Lavender, Candace Parker and Kristi Toliver quickly eradicated that lead the last minute of the first quarter. Putting the Sparks within one.

Ivory Latta and Natasha Cloud made the most of their efforts by concentrating on the three-point shot, they were proving to be the most effective tactic keeping them in the game. Essence Carson looking like a lion stocking her prey got hip to the Mystics strategy and went in for the running layup with a ball steeling chaser. The Sparks would never look back and the Mystics would never have another lead in the game.

Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwuike went in for the kill during the third with their air raid of jump shot’s. Emma Meesseman (24 points) tried to put up a good struggle against the Sparks by making opportunities that would let the Mystics tie the game one last time before Los Angeles started their sprint for the win. The Mystic did a little better in the paint tonight then they did in their last match up with the Sparks. But in the end when you have athletes like Nneka Ogwuike (22 points 7 rebounds), Candace Parker ( 26 points ,11 rebounds, 9 assist), Jantel Lavender (20 points, 7 rebounds) Essence Carson ( 2 steals) and Alana Beard ( 3 steals) consistently delivering you numbers like these or better night after night you know exactly why the Sparks are leading the pack in the WNBA.

They Sparks will hit the road for a 7 game road trip  with an Olympic break squeezed in. They will not be back to Staples Center until Thursday September 1st vs. San Antonio Stars.

Inglewood Blackhawks Depth Too Much…

Professional Minor League Football Preseason So. Cal Apaches vs Inglewood Blackhawks at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 9, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, Ca – Football never left Los Angeles… Minor League Football has been alive and thriving. This weekend the Inglewood Blackhawks of Southern California Football League hosted a preseason Doubleheader with Pacific Coast Football Conference to wet football enthusiast appetite at Jackie Robinson Stadium on Saturday July 9th.

The main event lived up to it’s billing with the Inglewood Blackhawks defeating the So. Cal Apaches 30 – 8. These two teams normally are at the top of their perspective leagues, so this was great early test for both squads.

The Blackhawks hit paydirt first on a 54 yard touchdown pass reception to Solomon Jones #6 who slipped past the defense. They completed the two point conversion with easy to Jervaughn Johnson #81 to take 8-0 lead 3:32 left 1st quarter. Damien Cartwright #1 got the nod to start at quarterback and was more than a game manager. Cartwright threw four touchdowns for a solid performance.

By halftime they had scored again on 11 yard swing pass to running back Shelton Banks  #22 who dove for the pylon and 16-0 lead. The Apaches had some flashes of greatness in their ground game with Donald Matthews #15. He opened the game showing off some power and a burst of speed. Just think if the offensive coordinator would have kept feeding him the rock? The Apaches brought in Marquel Pee Wee Booker #23 with fresh legs to start the second quarter. Booker had one great run before the Blackhawks defense began to shut things down.

To start the 3rd quarter off the Blackhawks made the Apaches cough up the football on the kickoff. Not the best of starts after already trailing by 16 points. On this short field Cartwright hit another athlete who showed their skills after the catch, this time it was Thyrell Lewis #15. Lewis caught a fade pass for the redzone touchdown and two point conversion to push the lead to 24-0 with 10:50 left.

The Apaches kept fighting to make it a ball game, finally putting points on the board in the 4th quarter with 1:45 left in the game to make 24-8. The Blackhawks still got the last word in by scoring one last time of their own with the clock expiring making the final 30-8.

Las Vegas Trojans kept their balance in the end of R.C. Disciples

The first game was a nail bitter for both teams but in the end the Las Vegas Trojans captured the victory 28-25. The Trojans enjoyed a game changer 95 yard touchdown kickoff return by Juice Bickham #3. Teammate Darius Bratcher #10 will be the one who hunts the Disciples. The game seemed to be over but the Trojans had different plans after allowing a late touchdown to lose the lead. But effort and never stopping till hear the whistle was Bratcher model who made the comeback Sportscenter touchdown by never touching the ground and delivering great heartache. Rogers after the game said, “That’s how you put them away!”

 More game photos can be viewed at www.fullimage360.com

COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT FOR CHANGES IN HOW MUCH TIME STUDENTS PLAY SPORTS

Pac-12 Logos of Pac-12 North, Pac-12 South
Pac-12 Logos of Pac-12 North, Pac-12 South
SAN FRANCISCO -The commissioners of the five autonomy conferences today announced an agreement in concept on changes they will propose that are intended to give students who play sports more time off.  The purpose of the changes is to rebalance the student experience between athletics and campus life, providing students with more time to focus on other college interests, including academics, work experience, travel, and additional rest.The first area of change called “Flex 21” will provide students, in many cases, with at least an additional 21 days in which they are free of required athletic activities during the academic year. These 21 days are in addition to the current rules related to time off.

Recognizing that every sport has different needs, the proposal includes flexibility so coaches, students and athletic directors can come up with a plan that best suits each sport.  The proposed changes are the result of in-person meetings and survey feedback from students, head coaches, faculty, and athletics administrators.

“We believe we have found the right balance between helping students participate in sports while also providing them with more down time,” the commissioners of the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, PAC-12 and SEC said in a joint statement.  “Different sports have different demands and we think the concepts we’ve agreed to will help tens of thousands of students achieve more balance as they pursue their academic and athletic commitments.”

Post Season: Under the plan, all students would be free of required athletic activities for at least one week (7 consecutive days) at the conclusion of the season in order to recover from the season.  Exceptions would exist for the purpose of training for elite national/international events.  (For Spring teams that end their season in summer break, the seven-day period is not necessary as the summer break would accomplish the goal of this requirement – recovery directly after the season.)

Academic Year: To allow students to engage in other collegiate activities, each student would be provided at least 14 additional days during the academic year during which there would be no required athletic activity.  These days-off could take place during the season, if agreed to, or outside the season but must be taken during the academic year.

In Season: Beyond Flex 21, the conferences will also propose that every student playing a sport have at least one day a week free from sports, including travel, during the season.  While current rules require one day a week off, teams may currently use travel days to meet that requirement.  The new proposal would recognize that individual circumstances may require a flexible approach in the application of this proposal, but is intended to provide student-athletes with more time away from athletic activities (e.g., travel delays, etc.).

Overnight:  In addition, students would have a consecutive eight-hour block of free time overnight, between the hours of 9:00 pm and 6:00am.

For example, if a women’s rowing team schedules a 5:30am workout, the team must cease all required athletic activities by 9:30pm the evening before the morning workout.  If a team has a 6:00am workout scheduled, all athletic activities would have had to end by 10:00pm the night before.

In order to implement these proposed changes, head coaches and athletic directors will be required to work with the students on a plan so all parties are aware of anticipated time that will be committed to athletically related activities.  The definition of “required athletic activities” is intended to be broader than the currently countable hours which includes activities such as practice, games, and conditioning. For example, this expanded definition would include, but not be limited to activities such as media requirements and mandatory community service.

“We heard from our students that they would like more certainty in their schedules in order to engage in other activities,” the commissioners said.  “We recognize there will need to be a level of flexibility and reasonableness in carrying out these changes, especially with regard to travel, but students deserve time off and we want athletic departments to work in a sensible and appropriate way to provide it.  We want administrators to have some degree of flexibility in implementing these rules, but they must be mindful that rest is important to a student’s health, in addition to their athletic and academic performance.”

“I’m grateful that college sports leaders around the country have recognized that student-athletes need more time and flexibility to adequately fulfill our academic obligations and to participate in the full spectrum of campus life,” said former California student-athlete Taylor James. “Flex 21 is a step in the right direction, and is a direct result of increased collaboration between athletics leadership and student-athletes.”

These proposals represent an agreement in concept by the membership in each Autonomy 5 conference, noting that each conference retains the right to pursue additional changes if they see fit.  Formal proposals will need to be submitted to the NCAA at a later date in order to be considered at the January 2017 NCAA convention at which time they would be voted upon.

 

SegmentCurrent RuleProposed Changes
In Season
  • No countable athletically related activities during one calendar day per week
  • Travel day related to athletics participation may be considered a day off

 

  • Travel days may not count as days off
Academic Year
  • No countable athletically related activities during two calendar days per week outside the season.
  • 14 Additional Days off.  Can be used during or outside the season
Overnight
  • No countable athletically related activities between midnight and 5 a.m.

 

  • 8-hour block of free time, any time between 9:00pm to 6:00am.
Post Season
  • Varies by sport
  • 7-day recovery time
– www.pac-12.com –

LA Sparks Almost Catch a Fever

WNBA 2016: Indiana Fever vs Los Angeles Sparks game during the 20th WNBA Season at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 6, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, CA – Oh so close but not close enough to get the win was the fate of the Indiana Fever tonight. The Los Angeles Sparks deny them of a win with a final score Sparks 94 Fever 88.

That final score is really no indication of how interesting this game was. The first quarter had the Fever running a little cold, only able to muster up 14 points and just about half of those points could  be credited to Erlana Larkins in the paint. While the Sparks more or less had their way in the defensive rebound department. They came out moving ball around at will and finding the right shots.

By the second quarter it look like the Fever were ready to check out of the game altogether. The Sparks were shooting at 100% from the free-throw line and three point country to maintain a nice cushy 11 point lead. And it only got worse for the Fever by the third. The Sparks started really wearing them down in the paint and aggressively seizing those second chance points enough so to take the lead up to 18 points.

Erlana and Tamika Catchings for the Fever started clicking on all cylinders in the fourth. So much so that the Fever actually believed that they can pull off a come from behind victory. With a little elbow grease from Briann January, Erica Wheeler and Tiffany Mitchell the Fever were able to put up 28 points in a little less than 6 1/2 minutes to bring them within one point of tying the game.

In game closing minutes you might’ve thought that the Fever just might win after Candace Parker went to the line and missed both free throws in a hair raising fashion. But Essence Carson was far too hot in the last quarter for all that, sinking the prettiest three-pointer along with the pair of spot on free throws giving her a grand total of 8 points for the night. After that Parker put the nail in the coffin with a block shot converting it to a running layup And1 farewell free-throw, putting her at 20 points, 2 blocks, 5 assist and 3 rebounds for the night. While the second time Western Conference Player of the Week Nneka Ogwuike finished the game with 23 points, 2 blocks, 3 assists and 3 rebounds. Jantel Lavender earned the title of go getter of the night with her 7 rebounds and 15 points.

Once you factor in the contributions from Alana Beard and Kristi Toliver you can see why this Sparks squad has the best record in the WNBA. The 17-1 Sparks will host Washington Mystics on Sunday July 10th at 4pm.