Dave Winfield’s statue is coming to St. Paul. For journalist Mitchell Palmer McDonald, the celebration brought back a memory of a promise Winfield kept to a young reporter, one that changed everything.
Sports
Local and national sports reporting and commentary by the state’s leading African American sportswriters, including award-winning columnists Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, with a special emphasis on the local prep scene and disparities in sports administration and media coverage.
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.
Posted inAnother View
Black women losing ground as WNBA head coaches
Seattle’s Noelle Quinn is the only Black woman head coach in the WNBA this season. Just two years ago, there were six Black head coaches in the league.
Posted inSports
Wrestling champ surprised to find herself coaching — and loving it
Kenya Sloan has been named the first women’s wrestling head coach at Delaware State. The national champ and undefeated high school athlete now leads the first HBCU program of its kind.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Twins’ Lewis takes injury in stride
Royce Lewis is rehabbing with the St. Paul Saints after another hamstring injury. The 24-year-old Twins infielder says he feels good and hopes to return soon.
Posted inLynx/WNBA
Courtney Williams’ biggest fan is her dad
Don Williams is a fixture at Lynx games, proudly cheering for his daughter Courtney Williams, the team’s starting point guard.
Posted inWNBA
Angel Reese reclaims viral moment with ‘Mebounds’ merch launch
WNBA star Angel Reese turns internet trolling into a power move with Mebounds, a new merch line benefitting her foundation and promoting empowerment.
Posted inSports
Social media’s sports coverage lacks cultural literacy
Tonya McKenzie is calling out how Black athletes and coaches are portrayed in sports media and pushing for more Black voices in leadership and commentary roles.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Women of color still “dramatically under-represented” in coaching
The 2024–25 Women in College Coaching Report Card shows women of color remain vastly underrepresented in NCAA head coaching roles—just 7.5% nationwide. Also: Garcia’s NBA Draft status and Diamond Johnson’s 3XBA debut.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Lynx off to one of their best starts
The Lynx moved to 12-1 with an 82-66 win over the Sparks, led by Kayla McBride’s 29 points as they continue their dominant WNBA season.
Posted inAnother View
Hall of Fame inductees: ‘Greatness is never a solo performance’
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (WBHOF) Class of 2025 didn’t disappoint the packed Tennessee Theatre of family, coaches, teammates, media and others on Father’s Day eve, a Saturday night.
Posted inSports
Talking games and cookies
MLB pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson is blending baseball and business with his cookie brand The Cozy Cookie, now available at Target Field. The 24-year-old shares how sports, family, and sweet tooth moments inspired the launch.
Posted inAnother View
College athletes get paid, but many questions linger
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.
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 inThe Prep Scene
Outstanding season for Kimmons
Senior guard Antwan Kimmons led Concordia-St. Paul to its first NSIC title and NCAA tournament win, capping a historic season with All-American honors and the CSP Athlete of the Year award.
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 inThe Prep Scene
Student athletes honored at Winfield Awards
The 49th Annual Winfield Awards celebrated 20 student athletes and two community leaders in a heartfelt ceremony honoring excellence across St. Paul.