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NEWSTALK GRENITA LATHAN named HISD acting superintendent
P2 NATIONAL STEPHON CLARK shooting draws community cries for justice
P3 FEATURE KASE LAWAL opens Unity Bank in Atlanta
P8 TOP EVENTS
HARRIS COUNTY INVESTIGATES SHOOTING OF UNARMED BLACK MAN P2
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Volume 87 | Number 22
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DeCory
Bob McNair
shines at Apollo
talks anthem protest
The 14-year-old is moonwalking his way from school talent shows in Houston to the legendary talent show competition at the Apollo, hosted by Steve Harvey. Now, the world will hear him perform on “Showtime at The Apollo.” Dr. Dyrren Davis and Jason Johnson at the Omega Youth Leadership Forum
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The Houston Texans owner is once again talking the NFL into a tough spot while attending the league’s meetings. McNair argued against the player protests that have roiled the league and said the fans expect players to stand for the flag.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 29 | 2018
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HISD names acting superintendent Defender News Services
The HISD Board of Education unanimously voted to name Chief Academic Officer Grenita Lathan as interim superintendent of the state’s largest school district. Lathan was tapped to serve as interim leader while trustees search for a permanent replacement for Richard Carranza, who stepped down after nearly a year and a half with the district. She will assume the role of acting superintendent on April 1. “I am grateful for the opportunity to help our schools achieve educational excellence,” Lathan said. “We are on the right path, and I want to ensure all our students have quality educational opportunities that will prepare them for college or career. I’m fully prepared to lead the district in this season of swift transition.” Lathan, a 26-year veteran educator, joined HISD in 2015. She has served as chief academic officer since the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year. She previously served as the chief school officer in the HISD Office of School Support for the district’s north area. Prior to that, she served as the chief school officer over elementary transformation schools during the 2015-2016 school year in which she led more than 20 schools out of an “improvement required” state rating to a “met standard” rating.
Grenita Lathan
“Dr. Lathan has a track record of turning schools around,” said Board of Education President Rhonda SkillernJones. “We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber on our leadership team, and we hope this will be a seamless transition as we continue to move the district forward.” Lathan previously served as superintendent of schools for Peoria Public Schools.
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County authorities review shooting of unarmed Black man Defender News Services Houston area authorities continue their investigation into an incident in which an unarmed Black man was fatally shot by a deputy on March 22. Cell phone video shows Danny Ray Thomas with his pants around his ankles approaching the Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy, who is backing away with his gun pointed at Thomas’ chest. The video is jumpy and doesn’t show what happens next. But moments later it shows Thomas lying prone in the street as the deputy attends to him. Thomas, 34, died from a single gunshot wound. “We hold the public’s trust as sacred, and we know that this trust must be earned every single day,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. “I will personally see to it that our investigation is conducted fairly, thoroughly, and expeditiously.” Markeeta Thomas, Danny’s sister, said she didn’t believe the deputy needed to use lethal force against her brother. “You clearly could have Tased him,” she said, her voice thick with tears. “He wasn’t trying to shoot you. He wasn’t trying to do anything.” A sheriff’s office spokesman said no weapon was recovered. Because the shooting occurred in the jurisdiction of the Houston Police Department, that agency will conduct a joint investigation with the district attorney’s office, Gonzalez said. Police said witnesses saw Thomas in the intersection with his pants around his ankles about 1 p.m. Thursday, while “talking to himself and hitting vehicles as they passed by.” Thomas hit a white vehicle, police said, prompting an altercation between himself and the driver. Deputy Cameron Brewer saw the altercation from his squad car as he drove up to the intersection. He exited his car and ordered Thomas to stop, authorities said. According to police, Thomas ignored the commands. “Fearing for his safety, the deputy discharged his duty weapon, striking Thomas once in the chest,” a statement said. Thomas was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Thomas’ sister said the video appears to show he was not in his right mind and had been dealing with a family tragedy. His wife, Sheborah Thomas, was charged in 2016 in the drowning of their two children, ages 7 and 5, in a bathtub.
localbriefs MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER IS ASKING City Council to approve the purchase of land for construction of a new state-of-the-art Sunnyside Multi-Service Center and Health Clinic, about a quarter mile from the current facility. In addition to the 6.5-acre tract for the new center, the city has acquired 1.47 adjacent acres for a new park in an area that has been designated by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department as in “very high need” for it. “I’m pleased that we were able to find a solution that responded to community concerns. The new location will provide a community and health center that Sunnyside deserves and will be proud of,”
the mayor said…….YELLOWSTONE COLLEGE PREP WILL OPEN its doors to serve students in Third Ward in August 2018. The unique charter school model was approved by the state in 2017 and is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis. Yellowstone College Prep is a free 5th-8th grade middle school open to all students. The school provides small class sizes, rigorous academics, state-of-the-art technology, character education, bus service, robust family engagement and community partnerships. With over 15 years of experience in Third Ward, the school said faculty and staff are committed to the intellectual and emotional growth
of students. An open house will be held, Saturday, April 14, at 10 a.m. at 3000 Trulley St., Suite 200. More information is available at yellowstoneschools. org…….MISSOURI CITY WILL HOST A LONG-RANGE Financial Forecast on April 5 at 7 p.m. in the Community Center in City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Pkwy. The forum will feature an economic forecast for the region. Staff will also provide an overview of the fiscal year 2019 budget planning, public input and City Council adoption process. The symposium will offer an opportunity for residents to share input. For details or to RSVP call 281-403-8500.
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U.S.briefs PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S APPROVAL RATING has rebounded to its highest level since the 100-day mark of his presidency, even as his approval ratings for handling major issues remain largely negative. Overall, 42 percent approve of the way Trump is handling the presidency and 54 percent disapprove. Approval is up seven points overall since February, including sixpoint increases among Republicans (from 80 percent to 86 percent now) and independents (from 35 percent to 41 percent now). Trump’s approval rating remains below that of all of his modern-era predecessors at this stage in their first term after being elected, though Trump only trails Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama by four points at this point in their first terms……..TENNESSEE HAS AWARDED A MAN $1 MILLION after he spent nearly 32 years in prison for a crime that DNA evidence cleared him of. Lawrence McKinney, 61, was imprisoned in 1978 for rape and burglary before being freed in 2009. The Nashville attorney who has represented McKinney for the last six years described the outcome as “bittersweet” for McKinney, who was only formally exonerated from the crimes within the last three months. The $1 million compensation is the highest permitted by the state and the highest it ever granted.…….A BLACK DEMOCRATIC GROUP in Jacksonville, Fla. reportedly clapped back against a state committeeman over racist remarks. Duval County Democratic State Committeeman John Parker put his foot in his mouth by referring to African-Americans as “coloreds” and saying “s” being f**ked up after integration,” according to a written statement distributed to the county’s Democratic Black Caucus members. Parker was at a restaurant with two Black men at the time. The Democratic Black Caucus of Florida filed the complaint asking for Parker’s immediate resignation for the remarks, which were made after a January Duval County Democratic meeting.
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 22 MARCH 29, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer
Jodie B. Jiles
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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Sacramento police killing sparks demands for action Defender News Services
National scrutiny is growing around Sacramento police amid more protests over the shooting of Stephon Clark, 22, an unarmed African-American man. Civil rights groups are demanding that federal and state prosecutors investigate the officers involved in the shooting. “They didn’t have to kill him like that,” said Clark’s grandmother, Sequita A demonstrator holds a sign calling for justice in the fatal police shooting of Stephon Clark. Thompson, at a press conference at City Hall. pants was breaking into vehicles, authorities said. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg said When police spotted the man, they chased him Clark’s death, though still under investigation, “was to a backyard, where, authorities say, he turned and wrong,” and he pointed to the need for not only more advanced toward the officers “while holding an obadministrative change, but also a reckoning with ject which was extended in front of him.” racism itself. “The officers believed the suspect was pointing “Our kids and men don’t feel safe,” Steinberg a firearm at them. Fearing for their safety, the officers said. “There is no danger if we do the right thing, fired their duty weapons, striking the suspect mulif we push aggressively to change what must be tiple times,” the Police Department said in a prepared statement. changed.” Clark was pronounced dead at the scene. Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Clark’s family, One issue that has received scrutiny is a moment called the shooting a “tragic, senseless killing.” in police videos when an officer is heard saying, “Hey, “He made no threat against the police, and the mute,” before the sound cuts off. police offered no warning to him. They didn’t idenSacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn said the muttify themselves,” Crump said. ing issue is part of the investigation, adding that “it builds The incident began on March 18 when Sacrasuspicion.” Hahn said he did not know whether race mento police officers responded to the 7500 block played a role in the officers’ actions, adding, “I think race of 29th Street around 9:15 p.m. after receiving a call factors into almost everything in our country.” that a 6-foot-1 man wearing a black hoodie and dark
Parkland student says media ignored Blacks Defender News Services
Marjory Stoneman Douglas student David Hogg blames the media for failing to highlight the voices of his Black classmates. Hogg is one of the many students who led the recent “March for Our Lives” gun control rally in Washington, D.C. “My school is about 25 percent Black, but the way we’re covered doesn’t reflect that,” Hogg said. National media outlets have been criticized for unequal coverage of Black children who suffer from school shootings as opposed to those in Parkland, who are mostly white. Leading the way in those critiques are students themselves. A group
from Douglas also traveled to Chicago to talk with high school students there about ways to address gun violence. In an op-ed at NBC.com, actor LeVar Burton supported Hogg’s critique of the media, adding that America’s gun problems stem from its failure to acknowledge its faults, including those of racism. “People of color in this country, in this culture, tend to not matter as much as those who are white; that is the truth of America,” Burton wrote. “In the Black Lives Matter movement, young Black people have been shouting from the rooftops until their voices are raw and hoarse, and America hasn’t listened.”
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Houston teen star shows out at Apollo Defender News Services
Fourteen-year-old DeCory is moonwalking his way from school talent shows in Houston to the legendary talent show competition at New York City’s Apollo Theater, hosted by Steve Harvey. After nailing “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson, he’s reached over 2 million views on YouTube. Now, the world will hear him perform the cover song “When A Woman Loves” by R. Kelly this season on “Showtime at the Apollo,” which airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. on FOX. “It was an amazing moment when I found out I would be performing at the Apollo,” DeCory said. “Having the opportunity to perform for one of the ‘livest’ audiences made me feel like I made it to the big league and closer to my dreams!” DeCory is described as an electrifying, high-energy pop/R&B artist coupled with an old soul. After deciding early on to become an entertainer, it meant that his evenings, weekends and summers were forever changed with countless hours of dedication to perfecting
and Louisiana region. “The moment he told me he wanted to become a full-fledged entertainer, I explained to him the sacrifices it was going to take to achieve greatness,” his manager and father D’Juan Baham said. Baham evaluated the next move for DeCory’s career, choosing between a drive to SXSW and a ticket to New York. “We could spend three hours driving to Austin for a showcase where people could hear him once or fly to New York City and Local entertainer DeCory will perform on “Showtime at the wait in line for three hours Apollo” and debut a new single. for a showcase that would change his life,” Baham said. his vocal, choreograph and DeCory and his family have been counting performance abilities. His down the Apollo episodes of which his perforhard work earned him the mance will be viewed on national television. Spring Branch’s youth musiTo build the momentum, DeCory will debut his cal ambassador role where single “Wait a Minute” this week. he performed to his first full “The song talks about the peer pressure of stadium audience at the age people attempting to distract me from my goals,” of 11. DeCory said. “I’m telling everybody to ‘Wait a Today, his credentials Minute’ so I can stay focused.” include singing the National Anthem for the DeCory is the recipient of the 2016-2017 “I Houston Texans, Running of the Bulls 5K, New AM Spring Branch” award, exemplifying “Every Orleans Pelicans vs. Dallas Mavericks game, child, collective greatness, collaborative spirit, limand for three consecutive years at the Spring Branch ISD convocation. On any given day, you itless curiosity and moral compass.” His ultimate goals are to share his gift of music with the world can find DeCory performing to thousands at while inspiring others to find their inner greatness.” various venues, community outreach locations, Follow him on all social media at “ImDeCory.” conventions and festivals throughout the Texas
what’sup “Black Panther” has out-grossed 2012’s “The Avengers,” making it the top-grossing superhero movie ever in North America. It finished the weekend with approximately $630 million compared to $623 million for “The Avengers.” Since its opening weekend, “Black Panther,” starring CHADWICK BOSEMAN, LUPITA NYONG’O, LETITIA WRIGHT, MICHAEL B. JORDAN and DANAI GURIRA, has topped every week, the first movie to do so in North America for five weekends in a row. Worldwide, the movie has earned $1.2 billion making it only the 14th film in history to do so. It had the second largest opening weekend
for a Marvel film, following “The Avengers” and it is the fourth film to top $100 million in its first two weekends. Twitter confirmed that Marvel’s latest offering has been tweeted about more than 35 million times. That pushes it ahead of the previous record-holder, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015); 2017’s “The Last Jedi” now ranks third..…..Hip-Hop mogul RUSSELL SIMMONS has been slapped with a $10 million lawsuit alleging that he raped a woman after a concert. Simmons, who has been the subject of multiple sexual abuse allegations from women and stepped down from Def Jam records and his other businesses, maintains his
innocence…….JOHN LEGEND will be doing his part to spread the Good News this Easter Sunday. The “Glory” singer will play Jesus Christ in NBC’s live version of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” set to air Sunday, April 1 at 7 p.m. The beloved rock musical takes the “there’s two sides to every story” approach examining how fame can warp a person’s perception and asks what happens when Jesus Christ isn’t just a prophet, but also a celebrity and remixes that tale to include elements of ego and the power of fame. BRANDON VICTOR DIXON of TV’s “Power” and Broadway’s “Hamilton,” portrays Judas Iscariot.
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Linda Brown Thompson, who as a young girl was the student at the center of the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education that declared school segregation unconstitutional, has died in Topeka, Kansas. She was 76. The Peaceful Rest Funeral Chapel in Topeka confirmed it is handling funeral arrangements for Brown. Born in 1943, Brown was in the third grade in 1950 when she was denied admission to an all-white elementary school in her hometown of Topeka. She lived 20 blocks from her segreLinda Brown gated school, but just five blocks from the all-white school. Kansas schools at the time were segregated by state law. Brown’s father, Rev. Oliver Brown, sued the school district in 1951. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) took up the case, which was combined with segregation suits against school districts in other states when it came before the Supreme Court. Future Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall was the lead attorney for the NAACP. In a unanimous ruling in 1954, the court declared school segregation an unconstitutional violation of the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection under the law. The ruling, written by Chief Justice Earl Warren, struck down the “separate but equal” doctrine that had served as the basis for segregation of public facilities since the 1896 case Plessy v. Ferguson. “Sixty-four years ago a young girl from Topeka brought a case that ended segregation in public schools in America,” Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer told the Topeka Capital-Journal. “Linda Brown’s life reminds us that sometimes the most unlikely people can have an incredible impact and that by serving our community we can truly change the world.”
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DEFENDER | MARCH 29 | 2018
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Saving Money on PROM
Teens, parents can trim their budgets By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender It’s prom season and the average family will shell out roughly $900 on prom expenses. Preparing for a perfect night – from the outfit to the arrival – can cause parents undo stress. But slashing the costs doesn’t mean that you have to dash your child’s dreams for the night. You can easily trim the budget without it being obvious that you’ve done so, as long as you know where to cut costs. The Defender has compiled 10 tips to save money on the big night.
1 Enter to Win the Defender Experience Prom Edition where four friends will get a night to remember
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Say “yes” to the dress. The dress is the most important part of prom to a lot of girls. Designer dresses can start at $350 and increase from there. For parents and teens on a budget, a more affordable option is to find a dress on sale or a “like new” used dress. Many sites offer discounted prom dresses that are just as good as full price designer dresses. Shopping secondhand, like at a high-end consignment store, can also save a ton of money. Apps like Poshmark, where people buy and resell used clothing, are always full of dresses. Check local Facebook groups and social media, where girls will resell their likenew dresses for cheap. Be wary of ordering from online sites that ship from countries like China, because those might not always look like the beautiful advertisement picture. Don’t try to adhere specifically to today’s style of prom dress. If you like a different style, go for what you think is pretty. If you find a dress in your budget that doesn’t fit well, have it altered. Most dry cleaners can do this starting around $10 and you’ll look like a million bucks. You can also have a dress swap with friends from different schools or see if the school or local theater department will rent you something from past productions.
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Save money on accessories. Many retail stores have accessories that are affordable or on sale yearround. Secondhand and consignment stores are great places to find jewelry as well, and there are always good deals online.
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Find alternatives to get hair and makeup done. You can cut costs by having a friend or family member take control of hair and makeup. This can easily save you between $50 to $300.You can get great deals by getting hair and makeup done by someone who is not quite yet a prof but is close enough to do a professional looking job – for a lot less money. Makeup counters have sales associates who will do your makeup for free (though it’s typically expected that you buy cosmetics). Be aware that this tactic may be used by many other girls too, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance to make sure they can squeeze you in. You can also watch plenty of YouTube videos and practice until you get it right. If one of your friends is handy with makeup or hairstyling, ask them for some help getting ready for the day. Local beauty schools often offer a discounted price so that’s an option as well.
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Eat, drink and be merry – at home. Parents can consider hosting a dinner party for the prom-goers at home. Go all out and have siblings serve as wait staff. The weather is generally very nice during prom season, not too hot and not too cool, so consider doing a prom picnic or potluck, and enjoy the nice weather before going inside to dance.
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Dine out on a budget. If you do head out to a restaurant, don’t be afraid to break out the coupons. Sign up for group buying daily deals sites like
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Check out more ways to save money on prom at www.DefenderNetwork.com days, there’s no shame in capturing it all on your IPhone or Android.
7 Groupon and Living Social. Some local businesses will put on special bargains around prom time to draw in customers. Also, don’t forget to use restaurant coupons for discounts!
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Skip hiring a professional for pictures. In this selfie-era, this may be a no-brainer. But for parents, it may be tempting to hire a professional to document the big night. Since a good photographer can start at $150 and up, consider taking your own photos or roping in someone who can take photographs that look professional for a fraction of the price (perhaps a friend or family member who is known to take good looking photos). Or with the high-quality of cell phones these
he Houston area for over 85 years
Find alternative means of transportation. Transportation can get really costly. If your teen just has to have a limo, consider splitting the cost. A limo seating seven people can total somewhere around $100 an hour, many with a four-hour minimum, plus a tip for the driver. Splitting the limo price with other couples who are also attending the prom is probably the most cost-effective way of footing the bill, and it can be fun to arrive together as a group. Either way, be sure to shop around to get the best deal. Generally speaking, the cost of hiring a limo will rise as you get closer to prom night, so it can pay to book early for a good deal. Another way to save money but arrive in style is to rent a nice car. This is a lot cheaper than renting a limo, and it can be really fun. Just make sure that you pick a rental car company that is okay with 18-year-old drivers. Driving yourself is the most cost-efficient so-
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lution if you are old enough to drive. Having someone drop you off and pick you up is an affordable option as well.
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Forgo corsages. Instead of guys buying girls corsages and girls buying guys boutonnieres, go to prom with a group of friends. That way no one has to pay for flowers for someone else to wear. You can also buy flowers at your grocery store or online and then create the corsage the day before the prom – saving a lot of money at the florist.
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Limit your splurges. It can be difficult not to spurge on your kids. If you feel you must splurge, limit it to one area. For instance, let your child go to a nice restaurant, but skip renting a limo.
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Be realistic about what you can afford. Prom is a big deal to teenagers, but it’s only one night out of their entire lives. It shouldn’t cost a fortune – especially when paying for college is looming on the horizon. Talk to your kids about the budget you’ve set aside for the prom and work together on ways to save money, without squashing the fun. That way, you’re teaching your kids how to be responsible with money and bonding with them during the planning process at the same time.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 29 | 2018
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AFTER HURRICANE HARVEY
Fate of flood control projects unclear Texas Tribune
Large-scale projects long considered essential to easing Houston’s flooding woes went to the top of the area’s to-do list after Hurricane Harvey inundated large swaths of the nation’s fourth largest city. Seven months later, local officials are still looking for funding to undertake plans that include a new reservoir, deeper and wider bayous and a coastal barrier system – all of which have fallen victim to a lack of money or political will in the past. Yet local leaders insist this time will be different, saying they’re committed to making the projects a reality, even as they wait to find out how much money they might get from the state and federal governments and whether local taxpayers will be willing to help out. “There’s been a whole lot of talk over the years, but now it’s time to get it done in the post-Harvey era,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said at a recent community meeting. One thing that’s giving Turner and others hope is that billions of federal dollars have been allocated to pay for flood-mitigation projects. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has promised $1 billion for areas affected by Harvey, though Houston will be competing with other Texas communities for that funding.
Funding is needed for projects designed to ease Houston’s flooding woes.
Congress in February provided $15 billion to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for floodcontrol projects nationwide, some of which could go to the Houston area. Houston, which was founded on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou around the mid-1800s and rises barely above sea level, has long been susceptible to flooding. But recent growth has made the problem worse. The area has more pavement, which generates more stormwater runoff, and has lost wetlands that could soak up that runoff. Big projects Houston-area officials are eying include building a third reservoir for the area,
at a cost of about $500 million. They also want to complete the excavation and widening of six local bayous, a $1.3 billion project, part of which has proceeded in starts and stops for more than 20 years due to inconsistent funding. And they want to undertake a project known as the coastal spine, which was first proposed after Hurricane Ike in 2008. That $6 billion to $10 billion project – also called the “Ike Dike” – proposes barriers to protect the area from storm surge coming into Galveston Bay. Whichever projects are ultimately funded, they will likely take years to build.
Texas-based Unity Bank opens in Atlanta Defender News Services
Unity National Bank, the only African-American owned bank in Texas, has opened a new branch in Atlanta. “We actually were approached by the citizens of Atlanta to consider opening there,” said Kase Lawal, chairman of Unity. “They explained that another minority-owned bank was shut down and the bank which took over the locations closed them. Unity has a rich history of serving the communities, the bank’s footprint.” Lawal saw the opportunity to continue their mission Unity Bank has opened in Atlanta. owned bank in Texas, Unity is expanding of helping under-served comto markets where we believe we can make munities. a difference to the communities we proudly “The African-American owned banks are serve,” he said. going away at an alarming rate,” he said. “It Longtime Atlanta banker George Anis important for any community to have a drews will spearhead the bank’s efforts in the financialinstitution that understands the comgrowing Atlanta market. munity needs and wants. Having the bank “Andrews is a very experienced banker owned by African-Americans only enhances who knows the Atlanta community very sensitivity to the customers it serves and well,” Lawal stated. products it offers. Unity National Bank has been serving the “By expanding, Unity is insuring it will financial needs of the minority communities continue to grow and be there for future in Houston since 1963. generations. As the only African-American
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Texans owner sounds off on national anthem Defender News Services
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T:4.79”
Bob McNair
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11/19/18
T:3.25”
Fresh off his deposition earlier this month in quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s collusion complaint against the league, Houston Texans owner Bob McNair is once again talking the NFL into a tough spot while attending the league’s meetings. In a closed session of league meetings in New York last October, McNair made comments about “inmates running the prison” that became a controversial flashpoint for protesting NFL players. McNair has once again raised eyebrows with comments about protests. “Our playing field is not the place for political statements [and] not the place for religious statements,” McNair told reporters, this time adding in the new wrinkle of “religious statements.” “It’s the place for football…Fans are our customers. You can replace the owners and the league will survive. You can replace the players, although the game won’t be good.
You can’t replace the fans. If you don’t have fans, you’re dead. “I think we all need to respect our flag and respect our country,” McNair added. “I think we’ll figure out a way to make sure that we do that. We’ll have discussions about it.” Texans head coach Bill O’Brien, on the other hand, seems determined to stay firmly in the middle of the road. “I’ve said many, many times over the last year that I respect everybody’s opinion. My personal opinion is, and I know it’s the opinion of the organization, I really believe this, players have a right to express themselves. We have very smart players that feel strongly about social issues. I believe in that. I believe in our players’ right to express themselves and I respect everybody’s opinion in the matter, and that’s really all I have to say about it. That’s what I’ve said all along. It is what it is,” O’Brien said. A resolution on the issue could come at the owners’ next scheduled meeting in May.
For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and veterans. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2018 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 29 | 2018
sports
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All eyes on San Antonio for Final Four By MAX EDISON Defender
Ben Richardson Loyola, Chicago
The field is set, the floor has been waxed and all eyes now gaze toward San Antonio as the last phase of March Madness unveils itself. The men’s Final Four will be live from the Alamodome. Seasoned blue-bloods like Villanova, Michigan and Kansas join this year’s Cinderella team, LoyolaChicago, to determine the best college basketball team in America. Semifinal action begins March 31 at 5:09 p.m. with Loyola-Chicago facing Michigan. The second game pits Villanova against Kansas starting at 7:49 p.m. The championship game is Monday, April 2 beginning at 8:30 p.m. Here’s a look at the four teams. Loyola-Chicago Ramblers – They entered the dance as a No. 11 seed, and no one outside of the campus gym gave the team much chance of getting out of the opening weekend, let alone making it to the Final Four. Even though they were champions of the Missouri Valley Conference with a record of 15-3 (32-5 overall), there were doubters. After they beat Miami, Tennessee, Nevada and Kansas State, folks are giving the Ramblers a newfound level of respect. The Ramblers are a seasoned, balanced team with five players averaging double figures. Junior Clayton Custer is the team’s leading scorer (13 ppg). Guard Ben Richardson is the MVC Defensive Player of the Year. It is a guard-oriented team, and big man Cameron Krutwig (6-feet- 9, 10 ppg, 6 rpg) provides the perfect balance with both an inside/outside game. Having an experienced, veteran team that doesn’t shrink under pressure, plus the added support of 98-year- old-chaplain Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, will make Loyola-Chicago a tough team to beat. Michigan Wolverines – Their calling card is outstanding defense. They held a hot shooting Florida State team to 31.4 percentage shooting in the Elite Eight. Amazingly they contested 90 percent of FSU’s shots. The Wolverines are riding the wave of a 13-game winning streak. It’s a good thing the Wolverines play such outstanding defense because their offense has been inconsistent throughout the tournament. Michigan will rely on junior guard Charles Matthews (13 ppg) to jumpstart the offense. At 6-feet-6, Matthews has the physical tools to wear down smaller opponents. Likewise, they will count on 6-foot-11 junior forward Moe Wagner (14 ppg, 7rpg) and 6-foot-8 senior small forward Duncan Robinson (10 ppg) to wear down a smaller Loyola-Chicago squad. If the Wolverines find their shooting touch, their stifling defense can be tough for an opponent to come back from. Kansas Jayhawks – The champions of the Big 12 (13-5, 31-7 overall) are as formidable as their historic resume indicates. Ironically Kansas won the national championship in 2008, the last time it was held in San Antonio. The Jayhawks are led by Big 12 Player of the Year, senior guard Devonte’ Graham (17 ppg, 4 rpg, 7apg). Graham is flanked by fellow sharpshooters Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (14 ppg) and Malik Newman (14 ppg). A balanced team, the Jayhawks feature 7-foot sophomore Udoka Azubuike (14 ppg, 7 rpg) at center. He gives Kansas a distinct advantage as long as he can stay out of foul trouble. Coach
Charles Matthews, Michigan
Bill Self has the talent and depth to win it all in San Antonio. They’re battle tested having survived a thrilling overtime victory over Duke in the Elite Eight. The Alamo City has been good to them in the past. Can lightning strike twice? Villanova Wildcats – Among the four teams in the Final Four, Villanova most recently won a national championship (2016). The Wildcats finished second in the Big East (14-4 conference, 34-4 overall). They finished the season No. 2 nationally in both the AP and Coaches Polls. They have been ranked No. 1 at various times during the season. Long story short, the Wildcats are an extremely good team and they know it. They are paced by the sensational junior guard tandem of Mikal Bridges (17.8 ppg) and Jalen Brunson (19 ppg.). Bridges and Brunson are forecast as lottery picks by NBA scouts. The Wildcats are a unique team. They led the nation in scoring, averaging 87 points per game on 50 percent shooting from the field while averaging close to 12 3-pointers. Not only can Villanova blow you away offensively, they lock you down defensively. The Wildcats have held five consecutive teams to under 37 percent scoring in the tournament.
Mikal Bridges, Villanova
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Devonte’ Graham, Kansas
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h.s.zone Atascocita star Gilmore repeats at Rice meet mons said. “I don’t want to over-race him so I’m happy.” Simmons added that Gilmore’s 56-second second lap at Rice was indicative of something else. This was not unchartered territory for Christian “Happy” “It shows his strength. That’s what I’m impressed with,” Gilmore. Simmons said. “The best thing about Happy is he does not want The Atascocita High School senior standout middle to lose. That’s his biggest strength. He’s got guts and he’s a great distance runner had seen these familiar faces before and he was kid and a great athlete.” certainly no stranger to the Gilmore won at the event or the venue. district meet a year ago and Some of the top high advanced all the way to the school track and field talent Find out which Cypress Ranch girl put state meet where he finished in from across the Lone Star State sixth place. He’d like another on a show at the Lopez track meet. assembled at Rice University shot at the state level. for the 36th annual Victor Lo“I wanted to come back pez Classic recently and Gilmore was the defending champion in and get better and faster in my first lap,” Gilmore said. “Hopethe boys’ 800-meter run. fully I can go back to state and make a difference.” Coming down the stretch it was anybody’s race with GilmGilmore has college scholarship offers on the table but has ore clinging to a narrow lead and holding off a competitive field yet to commit. Right now, he’s more concerned about the Ataswith a winning time of one minute, 58.20 seconds to repeat as cocita High School mile relay foursome that he’s a part of. the event’s 2018 boys’ 800-meter champion. “I want our guys to get back to a time in the 3:16.00 range,” Trent Nolen of Kingwood (1:58.61) finished second and the he said. Summer Creek duo of Travis Jacobs and Solomon Brent settled for third and fourth. “I race against these guys a lot and some of them are in our district,” Gilmore said. “I know the runners from Kingwood and Summer Creek are fast and always on me so I know what to expect. “The first lap I got out a little slow but was able to pick it up on the second lap and I was able to edge them out,” said Gilmore, whose season’s best is 1:53.02 while still seeking a sub-1:51.00. Gilmore has good vibes at the facility that sits in the lap of the Texas Medical Center. Last year he set a personal-record time (1:54.00) in winning the 800 meters. “I like this meet and there’s a lot of competition here,” Gilmore said. “It’s always one of my closest races and one of my season’s best peaks.” Atascocita head boys track coach Todd Simmons is liking what he’s seeing from Gilmore. “He’s raced a lot lately, at TSU last week, and he’s run a lot of races. He was a little conservative on the first lap today,” Simmons said. “A 57-second first lap is not that fast. “But at the same time, he ran a mile relay yesterday, ran a 4x800 meter relay, the 800 prelims and he’s got a 4x400 relay later tonight,” SimBy DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
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About Christian Gilmore
Birth date – April 14, 2000 Birth sign – Aries Favorite subject – History Possible college major – Computer engineering Favorite meal – Gumbo
MARCH 29 | 2018 | DEFENDER
11
sportsbriefs TSU wins bowling crown In a closely contested match, Texas Southern University edged Jackson State University to win its first SWAC bowling conference championship since 2006. The match came down to the final and decisive game. TSU’s Samantha Kriner knocked down nine pins in her final two rolls as TSU edged Jackson State by just one pin 190-189 to claim the conference title. TSU’s Brittany Torres was named the championship’s Most Valuable Bowler. Torres closed 12 out of 14 frames with seven strikes and five spares in the championship match. TSU will head to the NCAA tournament by receiving the first automatic bid in SWAC history. The NCAA Bowling Championship will be held April 12-14 in Clayton, Mo.
Dez leaving or staying? With the recent free agent signing of Jacksonville receiver Allen Hurns, more and more speculation swirls that Dez Bryant’s time with the Cowboys could soon be up. Last year, Bryant finished with 69 receptions for 838 yards and six touchdowns. Although he led Dallas in all three categories, his production didn’t match the five-year, $70 million contract he signed in 2015. He didn’t have a single 100yard game last season, and he hasn’t had one since November 2016. Bryant is set to make $12.5 million in 2017 and count $16.5 million against the cap. If the Cowboys cut Bryant, the franchise leader in touchdown catches, they could save $8.5 million or $12.5 million, depending on the designation.
Marshall High on board The Fort Bend Marshall High School boys’ track and field squad is usually a factor in every meet they enter. Such was the case at the 2018 Victor Lopez Classic at Rice University where the Buffalos placed second in the 4x100 meter relay (41.12 seconds), fourth in the mile relay (3:18.79), Devon Achane (10.82) and Bryson Stubblefield (10.89) finished 2-3 in the boys’ 100-meter dash while Dominic HoustonShepard swept both the boys 110-meter hurdles (14.16 seconds) and the 300-meter hurdles (36.76). “Our one thought is always development,” said Marshall head boys track coach Lloyd Banks. “The times are going to come and the expectations are always for Mother’s Day weekend in May (state meet). Yet this weekend we’re doing pretty good and we’ll go back to the drawing board and finish up.”
Don’t sleep on Woodlands The Woodlands High School boys’ track and field team is the defending Class 6A team champion and the Highlanders appear to be rounding into mid-season form. Kesean Carter (10.55) and Jake Lanier (21.02) won the 100and 200-meter races at the Lopez Classic, respectively. While both participated on the Highlanders’ gold medal winning 4x100 meter relay (40.50) that is ranked among the best in the country. Sean Stavinoha (166-09.50) took first place in the boys’ discus with teammate Patrick Piperi (162-05) winning the bronze medal. Piperi (62-06.00) and Stavinoha (5303.50) finished 1-2 in the boys’ shot put to give The Woodlands 95 points and the boys’ team title. Atascocita (66.50), Kingwood (59), Marshall (55) and Summer Creek (53) round out the top five.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 29 | 2018
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
OMEGA PSI PHI YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE…….As part make an economic impact in their communities and in the industry. MPAC executive of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Houston Area Coalition of Chapters 81st Ninth director Gary Wilkins and event founder Jalene Mack welcomed persons from District Meeting which took place recently here in Houston, a Youth Leadership every corner of the industry including J Mac, Corey “Funkafangez” Stoot, John Conference was held at the University of Houston. The event featured discussions Holder, Dedra Davis, Dana Jackson, Emilian White, TC Thompkins, David with participants on a wide variety of topics geared toward helping participants grow Fagundes, Kyle Turner, Ernest Walker, Ssugah Chaney, J Kizzee, Charles into strong young men. Everything from the importance of academic achievement, Kizzee, Althria Goebel and countless attendees.…….. 5th ANNUAL LYONS male-female relationships, athletics, the arts, social and civic AVENUE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL……..The Fifth responsibility, faith and Omega Psi Phi’s legacy of service Ward CDC and City Councilmember Jerry Davis hosted the Defender TOP EVENTS were discussed. Attendees included Dr. Dyrren Davis, Jason 5th Annual Lyons Avenue Renaissance Festival, featuring three More photos on defendernetwork.com Johnson, Antonio Knox Sr., Antonio Brown, Ken Douglas, entertainment stages, a kid’s zone, food trucks, youth cheer Nerrick Gasper, Dezmond Howard, Jonathan Hill, Dell squads, high school bands, a celebration of Harvey heroes, and Waler, Albert Benifield Jr., Ja’Koby Banks and many a helicopter egg drop. The theme for this free, family-friendly others……..MPAC 2nd BI-ANNUAL MUSIC SYMPOSIUM……..The Mack event was “Houston Strong and Nickle Proud.” Attendees included State Sen. Borris Performing Arts Collective’s 2nd Bi-Annual Music Symposium created a platform Miles, Kathy Flanagan Payton, Rev. Harvey Clemons, Casandra Garza, Elsie for various music business experts to provide information on the business side of the McGowan, Deputy Samantha Hutchinson, Gentry Carr, Jaileya Prince, Blanca music industry, connect attendees with people in the industry and show them how to Torres, Charlie High, Damali Hill and more.
Dr. Dyrren Davis, Jason Johnson
Jordan Sample, Dezmond Howard, Ja’Koby Banks
Ssugah Chaney, Gary Wilkins, Terri Carter
Kathy Flanagan Payton, Rev. Harvey Clemons
Dave Fagundes, Jalene Mack
Mike Swinson, Elsie McGowan, Ben Miller, Barry Buggs
Dell Waler, Trent Singleton, Jordal Gipson
Charles Kizzee, Ashley Haynes, Haylon Haynes
Damali Hill, State Sen. Borris Miles
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