Former Twins outfielder Denard Span reflects on his playing career, his role as a broadcast analyst, and his work off the field supporting single mothers through his nonprofit.
Charles Hallman
Charles Hallman is a contributing reporter and award-winning sports columnist at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Benny Roberts on Legacy, Leadership, and Community
The latest Blacklight on Sports podcast spotlights Benny Roberts, Executive Director of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. A proud Rondo descendant and St. Paul Central grad, Roberts reflects on his journey from athlete to community leader, preserving history while building pathways to health, wellness, and opportunity.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Wolves’ announcer Grady goes national
Wolves’ Michael Grady joins NBC & Peacock’s NBA coverage for 2025-26, bringing his voice to a national audience.
Posted inSports
Augsburg’s first Black AD values visibility
Amy Cooper, Augsburg’s first Black athletic director, is focused on representation, community partnerships, and supporting student-athletes.
Posted inAnother View
Another stellar lineup for the NABJ Pioneer Awards
The NABJ Pioneer Awards honored sports and media icons with Ohio ties, from LeBron James to the late Jim Brown.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Tramon Van Leer on Life Behind the Camera
In Blacklight on Sports, Tramon Van Leer shares his path from radio personality to Minnesota’s biggest sports arenas, capturing game moments and delivering analysis.
Posted inSports
Sharing college sports revenue raises equity challenges
As revenue sharing for Division I athletes begins, legal and equity concerns arise. Attorney Kassandra Ramsey explains why this new era in college sports must prioritize fairness and Title IX compliance.
Posted inAnother View
With W valuations up, players demand their fair share
With team valuations soaring and major revenue growth ahead, WNBA players are calling for a new collective bargaining agreement that delivers fair pay, pensions, and profit sharing.
Posted inCoaching while Black
New Mystics head coach ‘humble but enthusiastic’
First-year Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson and longtime WNBA coach Shelley Patterson bring Black excellence and experience to one of the league’s youngest teams.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
John Robinson – Educator. Coach. Community Leader
North High alum and championship-winning coach John Robinson joins Blacklight On Sports to reflect on decades of leadership in Twin Cities schools, sports, and communities.
Posted inSports
Victor Glover: From football to the moon
NASA astronaut Victor Glover, the first Black man assigned to a lunar mission, visited Indianapolis during WNBA All-Star Weekend to speak with kids about STEM, teamwork, and what it takes to fly to the Moon.
Posted inAnother View
Gophers mourn the loss of Sue Jackson and Kevin Smith
Sue Jackson and Kevin Smith, two unforgettable Gopher athletes, passed away this summer. We reflect on their legacy in maroon and gold.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Thornton and Burton Lead Valkyries’ historic first season
The Golden State Valkyries are breaking records and defying expectations in their first WNBA season — and they’re just getting started.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Steven Davis Jr. on Life After the Game
Steven Davis Jr. went from Golden Gophers football captain to life coach and founder of Strive Higher After Sports. In this episode of Blacklight On Sports, he joins Hallman and McDonald to discuss mental health, identity, and helping Black athletes find meaning beyond the game.
Posted inAnother View
Players, coaches show their stuff at NBA Summer League
NBA Summer League gave Minnesota natives Jamison Battle, Dawson Garcia, and Curtis Jones the chance to prove they belong in the league. Coaches used the event to level up, too.
Posted inLynx/WNBA
Black Expo shares city with WNBA All-Stars
The Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration and WNBA All-Star Weekend overlapped in Indianapolis, sparking conversation around timing, impact, and community engagement. Players and vendors shared their thoughts.
Posted inOdds and Ends
HBCU interns work WNBA All-Star Weekend
At WNBA All-Star Weekend 2025, six HBCU students became the first interns in a new program aimed at building Black leadership in sports. Howard’s Beverly Robertson called it “amazing” as she gained experience in communications and media.
Posted inLynx/WNBA
Whalen gladly back coaching
WNBA Hall of Famer Lindsay Whalen returns to the All-Star Game as an assistant coach for Team Collier. After two years away from coaching, the Minnesota Lynx legend says she’s right where she belongs — back in the gym.
Posted inAnother View
NBA Summer League keeps us busy in Vegas
Minnesota Timberwolves guards Terrance Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham are showing poise and potential in their second NBA Summer League. With strong performances and coach praise, they’re part of a broader Minnesota basketball presence in Vegas.
Posted inOdds and Ends
De La Salle grad and Colts rookie is feeling blessed
Indianapolis Colts rookie Jalen Travis reflects on his first months as a pro football player. The DeLaSalle grad and Minneapolis native is embracing the grind of OTAs and looking ahead to fall training camp with a deep sense of gratitude and drive.