11-1-2023

The Pitt News Basketball Preview

men’s Basketball preview pg. 2

Women’s Basketball preview pg. 4

Annika Esseku | Contributing Editor

T h e i n d e p ende nt st ude nt ne w spap e r of the University of Pittsburgh | PIttnews.com | November 1, 2023 ­| Volume 114 | Issue 53 pittnews.com

November 1, 2023

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THE

Season Preview

MANOR Pitt men’s basketball looks to finally build ‘championship’ program in 2023-24 r o

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When Jeff Capel was hired as the Pitt men’s basketball head coach in 2018, he set the bar high for both himself and the program.

“I stand here today honored, excited and ready to go — and to build this back into a championship program,” Capel said in his introductory press conference. “And I have absolutely no doubt that that’s something we will do.”

Over the course of his first four seasons at the helm, Capel failed to deliver on his promise. The Panthers record over those four seasons was 5169, and they never finished with a record above .500.

That was until last season.

Despite the Panthers having an offseason full of setbacks and Capel entering the season on the hot seat, the Panthers found a way to win. And they won consistently en route to a 24-12 record and a birth in the NCAA tournament. The winning didn’t stop there, as the Panthers won two tournament games before being eliminated by Xavier in the Round of 32.

Heading into this season, Capel and the Panthers look to return to the NCAA tournament, and are led by one of the key contributors on last year's team. Senior forward Blake Hinson joined the Panthers as a transfer last season, and his impact was felt instantly.

The sharpshooting Hinson averaged 15.3 points and six rebounds per game to go along with 38% shooting from beyond three-point range. Hinson — a second-team preseason AllACC selection — has stepped up as the unquestioned leader for the Panthers frontcourt and their roster as a whole.

Along with Hinson, Pitt returns junior center Federiko Federiko and sophomore forward Guillermo Diaz Graham. Federiko will spearhead the Panthers defensive unit. With 58 last year, Federiko leads all returning ACC players in blocks.

Guillermo Diaz Graham, in his first season as a Panther, averaged just 3.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. He showed signs of potential throughout the season, especially in the NCAA tournament, which gives evidence that he’ll have an increased role in 2023.

Senior forward Will Jeffress — the longesttenured Panthers on the roster — joins the trio as a returning Panther in the frontcourt. But unlike the others, Jeffress didn’t play a crucial role for Pitt in its tournament run last season. Jeffress suffered a foot injury prior to last season and was subsequently sidelined for the entirety of it.

After losing junior center John Hugley to

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Oklahoma last season, Capel knew he had to add to the frontcourt. Capel did so by adding redshirt junior forward Zack Austin via the transfer portal and flipped first-year center Papa Amadou Kante’s commitment from Michigan.

Austin averaged 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks last season at High Point, along with 33% three-point shooting. Austin adds defensive Head coach Jeff Capel stands with players to watch a pracversatility and shot block- tice drill during an open practice at the Petersen Events ing that complement Center on Friday, Oct. 13. Ethan Shulman | Visual Editor Federiko’s game well.

Joining them in the backcourt is a very inexpeWhile Austin will see instant game action as a rienced group as well. Senior guard KJ Marshall probable starter, Amadou Kante will miss the en- only appeared in 16 games across his non-consectirety of the 2023-24 season due to a knee injury utive two seasons at Pitt. First-year guard Marlon suffered in September.

Barnes Jr. and graduate student guard Michael While the frontcourt carries experience, the Hueitt didn’t see huge roles in the preseason.

Panthers’ backcourt lacks it. Coming out of last Sophomore Jorge Diaz Graham — twin season, it seemed that Dior Johnson — a former brother of Guillermo — played forward for the four-star recruit for the Panthers — would make Panthers last season but spent much of this sumhis debut as a Panther in 2023. mer practicing with the backcourt. If Jorge Diaz But after his arrest for aggravated assault last Graham can effectively learn the position, it will fall, he missed the entirety of last season. In Au- benefit the Panthers' backcourt. gust, the University announced Johnson’s deparWhile Capel filled holes in the backcourt, ture from the team and from Pitt as a whole for questions still arise. The most realistic scenario for undisclosed reasons. the Panthers is for Leggett, Carrington and Lowe The lack of Johnson, along with the gradua- to play rotating minutes in the Panthers backcourt tion of Nike Sibande, Greg Elliott and first-team while Barnes, Hueitt, Marshall and potentially all-ACC selection Jamarius Burton, leave mas- Jorge Diaz Graham develop their games. But gosive holes and question marks about the Panthers’ ing from a first-team All-ACC selection in Burton backcourt heading into the season. to three inexperienced guards is a drop-off. The One way Capel filled these holes was by ac- Panthers just hope it isn’t a large one. quiring junior guard Ishmael Leggett from the Despite the questions in the backcourt, the transfer portal. Leggett averaged 16.4 points, 5.8 experience of the frontcourt has most media outrebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals last season for lets placing the Panthers in the middle of the pack Rhode Island. in the ACC in 2023-24. On paper, this is the most Capel ultimately went with a youthful move- talented Panthers roster in the Capel era, with ment in the backcourt, with first-year guards Ja- four former four-star recruits and a reigning Allland Lowe and Carlton “Bub” Carrington likely ACC second-team selection. seeing a big role in their first seasons. The duo But basketball is played on the court, not on of four-star prospects both had respectable high paper. The Panthers must build chemistry and school careers in Houston and Baltimore, respec- consistency if they want success in a loaded ACC. tively, and are talented additions to the Panthers If they do so, the Panthers can finish at the top of backcourt. the ACC, return to the NCAA tournament and But in college basketball, experience matters, continue to build the “championship” program especially at the guard position. Time will tell how Capel promised years ago. the first-year Panthers handle their big roles. For The Panthers host Pitt Johnstown at the PeCarrington, though, expectations are high as he tersen Events Center for an exhibition on Nov. 1 was tied for fourth for the preseason ACC Rookie before hosting North Carolina A&T in game one of the Year award. on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.

November 1, 2023

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News

Applied Improv for Lawyers course takes novel approach to teaching future lawyers

Anna Kuntz Staff Writer

Third-year law student Emma Ryan felt excited to take Applied Improv for Lawyers with Professor Ben Bratman after hearing it would combine her passion for theatre with her goal of becoming a lawyer.

“The skills related to theatre and lawyering have a surprising amount of crossover,” Ryan said. “I was excited to try a new, interactive class that could be both fun and challenging that integrated another interest of mine.”

Bratman currently teaches 19 students in his Applied Improv for Lawyers class at Pitt’s law school. The class is structured in two ways — either a circular discussion or “on your feet” exercises, which consist of different improv scenarios. Bratman said he begins each class with warm-up exercises that focus on active listening, eye contact and paying attention to non-verbal communication. He conducts these exercises in either a large or small group of students.

“Just like the improv performer who goes onto the stage alone to start a scene gets support from a teammate who comes out soon after to join the scene, each of my students who steps out in an exercise needs and gets support from their classmates,” Bratman said.

Bratman decided to create the Applied Improv for Lawyers class after noticing the connection between improv comedy and lawyering. Bratman said he is a fan of improv comedy because humor develops “organically” from scenes made up on the spot.

“Five years ago, I read a bit about the concept of ‘applied improv,’ the idea that techniques used by improv performers could be harnessed to help people in applied settings,” Bratman said. “Not with a goal of doing a performance on stage or being funny, but rather with a goal of becoming more confident and comfortable with themselves, in relations with others, and in their work.”

Bratman began taking improv courses in 2018 and quickly realized that he could use what he learned to both improve his performance as a professor and help students prepare for the demands of the law field.

“I became a much more confident, more relaxed and better teacher,” Bratman said. “I decided I wanted to try to help law students get that same benefit as future lawyers. I think this is especially important when we consider the very stressful, high-pressure environment that prevails in much of the legal profession and in the more traditional law school classroom.”

Ryan said taking the Applied Improv for Lawyers course requires students to be “incredpittnews.com

ibly vulnerable” and taught her the importance of resilience.

“I've gotten to bond with students that I haven't necessarily interacted with in the past,” Ryan said. “Professor Bratman has created a safe space to test your lawyering skills as long as you are willing to fall flat on your face in the process.”

Bratman said because a career as a lawyer requires the ability to work well with people, his class is not about studying or learning law, but about “learning and practicing core lawyering skills and growing as a professional.” “[Lawyers] represent and help clients in much the same way that doctors treat patients,” Bratman said. “As a result, like doctors, [lawyers] need what are sometimes called the soft skills, but that I prefer to call human skills.

These are all the communication skills apart from writing, which is separately important.”

The syllabus for the Applied Improv for Lawyers class lists important communication skills for lawyers. These include listening, empathy, mindful presence and awareness of status, confidence and authenticity in verbal and nonverbal communication, adaptability, resiliency and collaboration with others.

Jayme Tocci, a third-year law student, said he decided to take the course to improve his public speaking skills before entering the law field.

“I am not an especially talented public speaker, and I tend to get very anxious in social settings,” Tocci said. “Every class I am challenged to not be preoccupied with my anxiety and to really focus on the topic at hand. Working alongside classmates who are just as willing to buy into the concept makes [the class] a really provocative, growth-inducing experience for me.”

Bratman said utilizing hands-on exercises during class makes practicing law skills less stressful for students.

“I am creating a low-stakes environment where students can practice and develop these various skills without the pressures and stresses that exist in a traditional law school classroom,” Bratman said. “And it’s fun. Students are laughing and smiling frequently during class. Humor happens organically, but it’s not the goal.”

Tocci said he appreciates how each class is opened with warm-up improv games because it helps calm nerves and allows people to be “a little more themselves.” He said he believes the class will improve his conversation skills and ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances.

Find the full story online at

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November 1, 2023

3

Season Preview

Pitt women’s basketball begins a new era under Tory Verdi Alex Porter

He led them to their first postseason appearance since 1998, earning a place in the NCAA tournament once and NWIT After a 10-20 (3-15 ACC) record in twice in his seven years at UMass.

2022-23, the program’s fourth bottomLast season, the Minutewomen played two ACC finish in the last five seasons, particularly impressively. They led the now-Athletic Director Heather Lyke re- A-10 conference in points per game, aslieved head coach Lance White of his du- sists per game and finished second in ties. In his place, Pitt hired head coach rebounds per game. At Pitt, the Panthers Tory Verdi. hope Verdi’s offensive system can find the With a revamped roster, the first-year same elite efficiency. head coach looks to breathe new life into After proving himself in the MAC and the struggling program. The team only A-10, only one question remains — can returns four players from the 2022-23 Verdi’s success continue in a Power 5 conseason. Meanwhile, Verdi brought on ference? eight newcomers — five transfers and To accomplish this, Verdi needs confour first-years. tributions from the returning Panthers Verdi’s blank slate presents an oppor- on the squad. Most prominently captains, tunity for a much-needed reset of Pitt senior forward Liatu King and sophowomen’s basketball. This season marks more guard Marley Washenitz. King the beginning of a new era for the pro- gives Verdi a proven Division 1 player, Junior guard Bella Perkins (10) goes for a layup during Monday night’s exhibition game gram, as Verdi and company hope to having started for the Panthers the past against Point Park in the Petersen Events Center. Bronco York | Staff Photographer build a foundation that can support the two seasons. Last season, King averaged team for years to come.

9.4 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per In his previous positions, Verdi in- game. Expect King’s leadership to shine, overhaul Pitt’s roster. Expect Indian Riv- thing that I do know is that they have one stilled the grit, toughness and winning as she’s often vocal and relentless on the er State College transfer junior forward main ingredient. They're all competitive, mentality that the city of Pittsburgh de- court, fighting for every loose ball.

Rapuluchi Ayodelen’s defense to make an and they want to win.” mands. From 2012 to 2016, Verdi led the Washenitz, on the other hand, had an immediate impact. Last season, Ayodelen Verdi’s dedication to winning will Eastern Michigan Eagles to new heights. immediate impact as a first-year, start- led her squad with 53 steals and 23 blocks. make all the difference. Although the reIn his first year at Eastern Michigan, they ing 16 games. Outside of her duties as a In a career game, she dropped 22 points sults might not show immediately, fans went 8-22. By his third and fourth sea- floor general, Washenitz made her pres- and 20 rebounds over Hillsborough CC. should remain patient as building a culsons, Verdi elevated them to 24-13 and ence felt on the defensive end, recording Junior guard Bella Perkins joins Pitt ture takes time.

22-12 en route to three straight NWIT 25 steals in limited playing time. from the west coast. At USC, the guard “We’re gonna show up and we’re trying tournament appearances.

Joining Washenitz and King, sopho- shot an effective 42.9% from the floor and to win each and every single day,” Verdi Verdi found similar success in his most more guard Aislin Malcolm and senior 40% from three. Perkins’s two seasons ro- said. “You’re going to feel the prepararecent position as head coach at UMass. forward Gabby Hutcherson returned. tating between the bench in the starting tion. They’re going to feel the investment When on the court, lineup provides versatility and necessary from myself and my staff and then they’re Malcolm showed flash- experience to the young backcourt. gonna feel what it feels like to practice es as a sharpshooter, Verdi brought in a veteran presence at a high level each and every single day. leading the team by with the likes of graduate student forward Practices are going to be really hard and shooting 41.2% from Jala Jordan. Pitt marks Jordan’s fourth they’re going to understand that early.” three. In an expanded school, as she made stops at WVU, AuThis commitment to detail should give role, Malcolm’s abilities burn and then Seton Hall. Additionally, Pitt faithful reason for optimism. Alcould prove essential, senior forward Ioanna Chatzileonti joins though postseason appearances should forcing teams to adapt Pitt women’s basketball. Chatzeleonti, a not be expected. However, fans should their defensive spac- native of Athens, Greece, and a 2021 Big still expect the 2023-24 Pitt team to keep ing to her three-point 12 All-Freshman team member, brings contests closer and upset a few more threat. Hutcherson pro- support on the glass. She averaged 5.9 re- teams than their predecessors. vides experience and bounds per game on the Kansas Jayhawks.

As they preview success to come over crucial depth to the Despite each player’s different journey the next season, Panther nation has more squad, as she averaged to this season in Pittsburgh, Verdi re- reason now than ever to support Pitt 17.1 minutes per game mains confident the team will find chem- women’s basketball.

Junior forward Rapuluchi Ayodele (15) high fives teammates and five points per istry.

The Panthers begin their season on while being introduced before Monday night’s exhibition game last season.

“I told them, we all come from differ- Tuesday, Nov. 7, against Yale at the Pegame against Point Park in the Petersen Events Center.

Verdi also utilized ent ships, but we're all in the same boat tersen Events Center.

Bronco York | Staff Photographer the transfer portal to now,” Verdi said. “It is exciting. The one pittnews.com 4 November 1, 2023 Staff Writer

Column

The Oakland Zoo is the best student section in all of college basketball

Brian Sherry Sports Editor

Believe it or not, I’ve only sat in the Oakland Zoo once in my time at Pitt. It was in 2022, when Pitt men’s basketball faced off against Duke during former Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s last game in Pittsburgh.

While my experience with the Oakland Zoo is limited, my one game in the section is something I’ll never forget. The intimate environment of the Zoo and close proximity to the court made me feel like I was actually playing in the game. As I walked through the bright yellow hallway that leads to the section, I felt like I was running out onto the court, ready to take on the Blue Devils myself. Then, when the lights went dim, and the announcers began introducing the players, I felt like they were about to call my name next.

Following the game, I knew I was hooked, craving to get back in the Zoo next season. But life got in the way. School got hard, and my commitment to The Pitt News deepened, making it difficult to get to games as a fan.

Still, my love for the Oakland Zoo is strong. Call me biased, but I believe that the Oakland Zoo is the best student section in college basketball.

But I’m not alone in my love for the Zoo. The Oakland Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the best student sections by fans and media alike. Just last year, Big Game Boomer — a popular fan account on X that boasts nearly 100k followers — ranked the Zoo as the best student section in the ACC. The Zoo beat out some notoriously famous student sections, such as Duke’s “Cameron Crazies” and Wake Forest’s “Screamin’ Deacons.”

The Oakland Zoo is special because of the energy it brings to Pitt basketball.

It’s not called the “Zoo” for nothing, as the students who frequent the section go all out in support of the Panthers. From tossing ripped-up newspapers in the air to decking themselves out in all-gold attire, members of the Oakland Zoo spare no effort to cheer on Pitt basketball.

The Oakland Zoo’s passion for Pitt basketball was on full display last season, when the men’s team broke out onto the pittnews.com

Pitt band members celebrate during Pitt men’s basketball’s game against Boston College on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

Ethan Shulman | Visual Editor

national scene and won two games in the energy game with its entire fanbase behind NCAA Tournament. In an incredibly tight it. game against No. 20 Miami, the Oakland While the Oakland Zoo is currently Zoo brought immense energy to the Pan- one of the best student sections in college thers as they tried to upset the Hurricanes. basketball, there was a time when it was Miami ultimately had an opportunity to even better. Making its debut in 2001, the tie the game with seconds to spare, but the Oakland Zoo quickly garnered attention energy in the Petersen Events Center was as one of the best in the sport. just too much for the Hurricanes to hanThe Zoo reached its prime in the late dle. A Hurricanes player missed the final 2000s. With Pitt men’s basketball reachgame-tying shot, which caused the Zoo to ing new heights as a program in the Jamie erupt and allowed Pitt to walk away with a Dixon era, the Oakland Zoo exploded, 71-68 victory. becoming the pinnacle of student secThen, in the Panthers’ First Four match- tions across the country. The section was up against Mississippi State, the Oakland even wilder than it is today, as students Zoo showed out in droves, packing Uni- viciously mocked opposing players and versity of Dayton Arena to near capacity. dressed up in animal costumes to fit the While the game was played at a neutral zoo theme. site, the Panthers still had a near homeBut following the departure of former court advantage as blue and gold filled the head coach Jamie Dixon, Pitt men’s basstands in Dayton. Pitt squeaked out a 60- ketball and the Oakland Zoo underwent a 59 win over the Bulldogs in a gritty, high- dark period. With the team failing to earn November 1, 2023

an NCAA Tournament bid for seven years, the excitement around Pitt men’s basketball quickly dried up.

The Oakland Zoo stayed afloat during Pitt’s period of failure, trying to drum up support for the struggling program. But that all changed last year. Finally, the best student section in college basketball has a quality team to root for.

The real reason the Oakland Zoo is the best student section in all of college basketball isn’t its size or its pregame rituals.

What makes the Zoo truly special is its reliability and passion for its team. No other student section can go through seven years of watching a struggling program and then come back stronger than ever.

No matter how Pitt men’s and women’s basketball fare this season, the Oakland Zoo will still pack into the Petersen Events Center and cheer on the Panthers like it has done for the past 22 years.

5

Culture

August Wilson Center’s Black Bottom Film Festival spotlights Black storytelling

Irene Castillo Staff Writer

After three years of waiting, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center’s film festival has returned to Pittsburgh. The Black Bottom Film Festival, held from Oct. 27 to 29, presented “a vibrant experience that illuminates and celebrates the rich tapestry of African American cinema,” according to its website. The BBFF featured growing powerhouses in the film world, classics from all eras of film and teasers for upcoming documentaries and movies. All of the films featured in the festival related to Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson’s legacy of documenting the Black experience and image, bringing it to life on stages and screens.

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a performing arts center in Downtown Pittsburgh and a hub for the arts in the city.

Named after the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Pittsburgh native, the Center focuses on celebrating art, expression and creation in Black culture across the United States.

The Black Bottom Film Festival told a range of stories, touching on topics such as diasporic identities, mother-daughter relationships, Afrosurrealism and dystopian worlds. Participants in the festival discussed the gray spaces of identity, community and individuality through various mediums, from conversation panels to poetry, music videos, shorts, documentaries and films.

Kevin Michael Smith, teaching professor in Pitt’s Film and Media Studies Department, joked that the film festival was a meeting of Pittsburgh’s “nerds and film junkies” during the panel “Reel Money: Building Pittsburgh’s Film Economy.” The panel marked the beginning of the BBFF, discussing the future of Pittsburgh’s film industry, and young people’s role in growing the art scene in Pittsburgh. Dawn Keezer, executive director of the Pittsburgh Film Office, moderated the panel that featured Smith, actor and director Roger Guenvuer Smith and Gregory Edwards, a dolly grip and member of the Pittsburgh Film Office board of trustees.

Panelists emphasized the importance of getting people from Pittsburgh involved in the film industry, especially in the production world — as lighting technicians, set designers, hair stylists and more. The event’s main sponsor, Citizens Bank, announced they would grant $200,000 to the Pittsburgh Film Office, directly allocating the money to CREATE PA, a workforce training program that offers educational opportunities for aspiring film and theater professionals in the Pittsburgh area.

During the panel, Edwards recalled the start of his career in film, saying accessibility to programs pittnews.com

November 1, 2023

A poster for the student-produced series “Where’s Everybody At?” by the Howard University Film Organization. Image courtesy of August Wilson African American Cultural Center

like CREATE PA is important.

“It would have cut 20 years of my training!”

Edwards said.

Guenvuer Smith also said a career in the creative arts was a viable path for aspiring filmmakers.

“There [is] a thing called a life in the arts. And it is worth living, and worth pursuing,” Guenvuer Smith added.

Billy Porter, famed Broadway and Hollywood actor and Pittsburgh native, made a surprise appearance through a pre-recorded video for the festival, supporting CREATE PA and applauding the hairstylists who participated in the program and joined the production of his Pittsburgh production “Anything’s Possible” last year.

From university students trying to get a footing in the world of movies, to grandparents debating their favorite Pittsburgh productions, the film festival audience was packed with Pittsburgh film enthusiasts. The spotlight fell specifically on the younger generations of movie creatives.

The festival screened the student-produced series “Where’s Everybody At?” by the Howard University Film Organization on Sunday evening.

Rachel McCain, director of operations at the organization and a film and television major at Howard University, said she was excited to be involved.

“To even be included in this festival is such an honor, given August Wilson’s legacy in the Black storytelling community,” McCain said.

McCain said August Wilson’s work inspires Black creatives to express themselves.

“Something that always stood out to me is that [August Wilson] always wrote for one audience and that was himself,” McCain said. “I think the most important thing for young Black folks when creating their stories is not to limit themselves …

Tell something that is authentic to you, and that you will enjoy.”

6

Opinion

The NBA needs to face the music

Jake Vasilias

Staff Columnist

Trigger warning: This article discusses sensitive topics, including sexual assault and domestic abuse. The content may be triggering and emotionally distressing to some readers.

This past Tuesday, Oct. 24, National Basketball Association Commissioner Adam Silver joined the hilarious, candid band of former NBA players on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” pregame show for the NBA’s opening night. Silver attended the ring ceremony, presenting the defending champion Denver Nuggets with their bejeweled championship rings.

Lovingly blunt, analyst Charles Barkley ignored a call for a commercial break, saying he had a “serious” question for Silver.

“There’s been a couple disturbing incidents of domestic violence in the NBA right now, what we doing to address that?” Barkley asked. “Because you can’t put your hands on women, man.

And we should be on the forefront in sports… So what are we, as a league, going to do about that?”

Silver returned with a milquetoast response and evaded the question by saying they aren’t in competition with other leagues to be at the “forefront” of the issue. He acknowledged the NBA Players Association for supporting a revised program of counseling and training to address accusations of domestic violence. He ended with, “So, we’re addressing it. We have state of the art counseling professionals dealing with our players, but of course if a guy does cross the line, the consequences are enormous.”

Are they, though? In the last three years, the NBA has not spoken out against four players who faced charges of sexual or domestic assault.

Take Miles Bridges, for example. Bridges was arrested in June 2022 and charged a month later on one felony count of injuring a child’s parent and two felony counts of child abuse.

Mychelle Johnson, his ex-girlfriend and mother to his children, posted a photo of her bruises, detailing the assault. The post showed the discharge from the emergency ward and included her personal statement that Bridges strangled her, concussed her, fractured her nasal bone, bruised her rib and tore the muscles in her neck. Bridges’ arrest led to his absence in the 2022-2023 season, as his contract expired and his team, the Charlotte Hornets, did not re-sign him.

Prior to this season, the Hornets signed him to a one-year, $7.9 million contract.

In April 2023, the NBA concluded their investigation and released a statement that declared Bridges’ punishment to be a 30-game suspension. If that seems light, the NBA equated his absent 2022-23 season — remember, because he was arrested — to 20 of the 30 games, leavpittnews.com

ing him to serve eight more games at the time of Six years later, the late NBA legend Kobe Brywriting this article. This overly generous sentenc- ant was charged with sexually assaulting a 19ing was spoiled by Bridges— he turned himself year old concierge at a hotel in Edwards, Coloin for violating a protection order in which he rado, in 2003. The district attorney defending the threw pool table balls at Johnson’s car with their woman, Mark Hurlbert, accused Bryant of “sexkids inside, threatening to withhold child sup- ual intrusion” through “physical violence.” Crimport. inal charges were dropped in September of 2004, A month prior, on Sept. 12, Houston Rockets but a civil suit filed by the accuser was settled out guard Kevin Porter Jr. assaulted and strangled of court in March 2005. his girlfriend at a Manhattan hotel. The crimiFind the full story online at nal report states Porter fractured one of his girlfriend Ksyre Gondrezick’s neck vertebrae. Gondrezick reported to police that Porter repeatedly punched her above her right eye, causing a deep gash and severe bruising and pain. According to prosecutors, Porter didn't stop until Gondrezick ran out into the hallway, covered in blood. The NBA has remained disappointingly inactive on the violence of these acts, sending a message to survivors. As recent as these may be, this behavior isn’t new.

This past February, the NBA hosted its annual All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hometown hero Karl Malone — the third all-time leading scorer in NBA history — emerged from a 20-year period of recluse to be honored by his franchise, the Utah Jazz, for his accomplishments along with legendary point guard John Stockton.

Malone was elected a judge for the Slam Dunk Contest and posed for pictures at the center of the court with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James, who surpassed them both two weeks prior to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. In this public celebration of his achievements, the NBA and Utah Jazz swept the abhorrent sexual history of their beloved Malone under the rug, much like they do for other players in the league.

As a 20-year-old sophomore at Louisiana Tech, Malone impregnated 13-year-old Gloria Bell. The family did not file statutory rape charges but elected to file paternity charges, to which Malone refuted and settled outside of court. No amount of career success can wash away this stain of his and the NBA’s legacy — rape is rape.

When asked about it by Salt Lake Tribune reporters at All-Star Weekend, Malone said, “I’m not discussing any of that backlash. I don’t care.

That’s my life, that’s my personal life, and I’ll deal with that like I’ve had to deal with everything. So, whatever.” It seems as though the NBA took a similar approach to ignore reality.

It doesn’t stop there. Third-year coach of the Portland Trail Blazers Chauncey Billups was accused of raping a woman with teammates Antoine Walker and Ron Mercer at Walker’s home in 1997. The Portland Trail Blazers conducted their “own investigation” into the matter, which curiously did involve contacting the accuser or her lone attorney.

November 1, 2023

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PLAY NOW ON OUR WEBSITE PittNews.com pittnews.com

Release Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Nichols Lewis

ACROSS 1 Here, there, or everywhere 7 Weigh station rig 11 12-mo. spans 14 Bit of baby babble 15 Cornfield array 16 Permit 17 “Devilishly delicious” hard cider brand 19 “Blonde” Oscar nominee de Armas 20 Josh of “Frozen” 21 Viral GIF, e.g.

22 Copier need 24 One performing a service, maybe 27 Give, as a passport 30 Wee 31 Many a Maldives formation 32 Endure 35 Young chap 38 Classic sitcom that began with the wreck of the S.S. Minnow 42 __ pro nobis 43 Texter’s “But ... ” 44 Hexa- minus one 45 Promising 48 Causing acute embarrassment 50 Result of appreciation 54 Florida city known for thoroughbred farms 55 Desires 56 Racing circuit 59 Part of some German names 60 Blinkers, and a hint to filling in 17-, 24-, 38-, and 50-Across?

64 Before, poetically 65 “All clear now” 66 Blue alien played

by Karen Gillan in Marvel films 67 Bowen Yang’s show, for short 68 Throw out a line 69 Motown great Knight DOWN 1 Dumbfounded 2 Animated explorer 3 Null and __

November 1, 2023

4 Urge (on) 5 French king 6 Laugh line?

7 David Oyelowo film set in Alabama 8 Atelier tripod 9 Orthopedist’s scan, briefly 10 “Wouldn’t you agree?”

11 Tropical flower used in aromatherapy products 12 “Girls5eva” co-star __ Elise Goldsberry 13 Drummer Ringo 18 Stunt pilot 23 Add-__ 24 Winnow 25 Prefix with pad 26 Tireless, unpaid assistant 27 “It is the greeneyed monster ... ” speaker 28 Step in a cocktail recipe 29 Green thing on a roof 33 Musician Brian who calls himself a “nonmusician”

34 Refuse collectors 36 Prerequisite to a deal 37 Make-or-break time 39 Spanish painter Francisco 40 Washer cycle 41 Eye part 46 Frequent medium for 39-Down 47 __ cling

49 On the way up 50 Sheltered inlets 51 Squirrel morsel 52 Early strings 53 Absurdist playwright Jean 56 Praise 57 Side (with) 58 Free TV spots 61 Can. neighbor 62 Shaving option 63 Org. with Kings and Cavaliers

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

By Jason Reich ©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

09/21/23

09/21/23

8