With a $2.8B settlement in House v. NCAA, schools can now pay student-athletes directly. Critics say the move raises new concerns about gender and racial equity in college athletics.
Charles Hallman
Charles Hallman is a contributing reporter and award-winning sports columnist at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Hoopster Hall of Fame inducts three more Black women
WNBA greats Sylvia Fowles, Alana Beard, and Cappie Pondexter entered the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame on June 8, 2025. MSR was the only Minnesota media present, continuing its leadership in women’s sports coverage.
Posted inAnother View
Anti-DEI push has ‘struck fear’ among college officials
At the 2025 Black Student Athlete Summit, Dr. AJ Keaton spoke on NIL and identity — warning that anti-DEI backlash is shrinking school support for Black athletes.
Posted inLynx/WNBA
Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inducts three Black players
Sylvia Fowles headlines the 2025 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class, joining Alana Beard and Cappie Pondexter in celebrating their legacy and impact on the game.
Posted inSports
It’s back to the Saints for Twins’ only Black pitcher
Twins pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson returns to St. Paul, focusing on improvement, faith, and a new splitter to get back to the majors.
Posted inSports
Top 100 elite youth camp wants only the best of the best
The NBPA Top 100 elite youth camp returns June 9-13, bringing top high school players together for skill development, leadership training, and life lessons.
Posted inCoaching while Black
MLB manager’s advice to hopefuls: ‘You gotta nail the interview’
In this Coaching While Black feature, Los Angeles Angels Manager Ron Washington reflects on leadership, resilience, and the challenges Black MLB coaches face.
Posted inAnother View
BSA Summit focuses on needs of Black student athletes
The Black Student Athlete Summit marked its 10th year, bringing together Black student athletes, educators, and leaders to focus on life and success beyond sports.
Posted inSports
Pioneering broadcaster shows young Black women what’s possible
Black females historically have been underrepresented in sports broadcasting. But Cindy Brunson as a youngster found a Black woman who would serve as an inspiration for her to eventually go into broadcasting herself.
Posted inAnother View
Sky fans assess new all-Black coaching staff
Chicago Sky fans shared mixed feelings about the team’s all-Black coaching staff, rising ticket prices, and early struggles in the 2025 WNBA season.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Transfer portal, NIL add to the pressure on Black coaches
The double-edged new normal in college athletics today is the transfer portal and NIL (name, image and likeness). Since it was introduced in 2019, the number of men’s and women’s basketball players in the portal has increased each year from hundreds in 2019 to thousands in 2025.
Posted inLynx/WNBA
Majority Black league’s first team with all-Black coaches
For the first time in WNBA history, the Chicago Sky has an all-Black coaching staff, a milestone in a majority Black league and a powerful statement on representation.
Posted inTwins/MLB
Twins’ Buxton leads by example
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton is the second fastest player on the basepaths in Major League Baseball. According to Statcast, Buxton is averaging 30.2 feet per second, his highest speed since 2019.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Maryland college baseball suits Burnsville native just fine
Freshman infielder Paul Jones II is the only Minnesotan on the University of Maryland baseball team. The Burnsville native and Cretin-Durham Hall graduate’s recent homecoming was a big hit.
Posted inSports
Broadcaster Brunson baffled by Mercury blindside
Veteran broadcaster Cindy Brunson is taking her first summer off from calling WNBA games since 2022, but it was not in her original plans. The Phoenix Mercury, after interviewing her several weeks ago, decided not to hire her for their regular broadcast team.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
From the Court to the Kitchen: Sam Willis Keeps Giving Back
Former baller Sam Willis joins Blacklight on Sports to reflect on his basketball past, mentorship work, and his South Minneapolis restaurant, Just Turkey.
Posted inCoaching while Black
Losing coach hopes for better days
Jazmone Turner’s first season as Delaware State WBB Coach was not without its ups and downs. It also can make a coach, even one as experienced as Turner, self-question what they are doing.
Posted inCoaching while Black
Losing coach sees bright future
Malikah Willis came to Maryland Eastern Shore last April with over 23 years of collegiate coaching experience. She has various roles, including lead recruiter at most of the 12 schools Willis has served as an assistant coach.
Posted inLynx/WNBA
Looking ahead to WNBA 2025
Opening day for the 2025 WNBA season is Friday, May 16. “This year the talent has never been greater,” stressed Shimmy Miller on America’s longest running women’s pro basketball league and perhaps the hardest in pro sports for players to make a team roster.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Angel Robinson on Basketball, Coaching, and Giving Back
Angel Robinson, a Minnesota basketball standout and Hall of Famer, joins Blacklight On Sports to talk about her journey from championship player to mentor and coach.