North Carolina Central University - The Secret Game - March 12, 1944

North Carolina Central University - The Secret Game - March 12, 1944

My 2013 Sportsmen of the Year: The Grambling State Tigers

“I think our young men this year got some things accomplished by stepping out of the box, doing some things that you normally don’t do. A lot of people got behind them from that. I’m proud of them for doing that. I actually cried because I saw myself in that position years ago. And to see them in the position they were in this year just really brought tears to my eyes.’’

– Former Grambling State head coach Dennis “Dirt” Winston.

NEW HAVEN, CT (BASN): When looking back at some of the top sports moments in 2013, we’re always reminded of the usual suspects. 

From the Ravens’ Super Bowl run, through Louisville’s double titles in college hoops and baseball, and the back-to-back miracle finishes at Auburn University, 2013 was another eventful year in pro and college sports. 

However, when I look back at the most significant sports moment of the past 12 months I can’t help but look back in deep respect to the actions of the Grambling State University football team. 

When you realize the seemingly daily barrage of scorn and ridicule that many young (and older) black men get in mainstream media these days, the stand that these student-athletes took was very admirable. 

While this season was one of the worst years on the field in school history, their 1-11 record was just a small barometer as to what was privately going on and off the field. 

However, it did lead to a defining moment for the university and the young Tigers. For those who may have forgotten the true facts of the incident, allow us to remind you. 

Shortly after former standout QB Doug Williams was fired as head coach in September, the Tigers squad (already frustrated by Williams’ dismissal) requested a meeting with university officials — both academic and athletic. 

Not only were they seeking some clarity on Williams’ dismissal, the players also wanted to raise concerns about the team’s below average training conditions and their recent travel arrangements to road games. 

Several media reports stated that the GSU weight room had the look of not being renovated for many years. It was also reported that the team took long bus trips to road games as far away as Kansas City and Indianapolis, some 650 and 750 miles away from campus, respectively. 

For the latter of those trips, the team left campus at 6 p.m. on a Thursday night and did not arrive in Indianapolis until 9 a.m. on Friday for a Saturday game according to SI.com. 

This all came to a head in late October when the Tigers were scheduled to travel Jackson State. Without a resolution to their grievances, the GSU players walked out of a meeting with the school brass and decided not to play their SWAC rivals. 

While many national media yokels tried to pass the Tigers off as “spoiled brats” and “over privileged athletes”, I and many others saw this not a random act of defiance, but a group of student-athletes who truly realized the power that they hold. 

When you realize the recent college sports scandals of the past few years, the student-athletes have at times been unfairly depicted as kids taking advantage of a system that has been “out of control”. 

Whether you’re talking about the “tats for pants” program at Ohio State, Dez Bryant and Deion Sanders sharing of a Fatburger, or Johnny Football’s expensive penmanship, mainstream media always has felt the need to demonize the kids involved; especially if they’re African-American athletes! 

The real message that was missed in regards to the Grambling State incident is the real power that all student-athletes all really hold. 

When you have an athletic organization (i.e., the NCAA) that still uses a 1940′s mentality while raking in a 2013 payroll — an using a non-profit status — trying rule and exploit those athletes with iron fists. 

Then you add college presidents and other officials who look to get their pounds of flesh as well, it points to even more exploitation of these “student-athletes”. And yes, I can hear all of their supporters saying “Hey! They get a free education!” 

Let’s get really real. If those kids weren’t talented athletes, would State U be even looking at those kids? And also, when you look at the gobs of money generated by college football and college basketball compared to a scholarship — which must be approved by these very same powers that be every year? 

To quote that scholar Chad Ocho Cinco (aka Chad Johnson), “Child, please!!” 

I think the best quote that really sums up the entire incident comes from Ramogi Huma, the President of the National College Players Association, a college athlete advocacy group that became very visible just after the GSU affair. 

Speaking to USA Today, Huma said that Grambling players “came together to identify various issues to have their voices heard.” 

“At the end of the day, without the players, there’s an empty stadium. That’s the real power that they and all student-athletes have. And at Grambling State, they decided to wield it”. 

Just between you and me, don’t think that others aren’t watching this as well.

Gimme 5: A quintet of HBCU standouts head for the NFL Combine

NEW HAVEN, Ct. (BP) -- Just over two weeks after the Baltimore Ravens won their second Super Bowl, the NFL returns to the spotlight with their yearly Scouting Combine.

Dubbed by some wags as the "Underwear Olympics", some 300 or so former college players will be given another opportunity to show their talents.

Each February, some of the best college football players are invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., where executives, coaches, scouts and doctors from all 32 NFL teams conduct an intense, four-day job interview in advance of the NFL Draft. 

Among those players, a group of five HBCU standouts will try to leave a lasting impression on teams with the hopes of getting a call from them during the final weekend in April. 

If given the opportunity, these players will follow in the footsteps of past standouts like Hall of Famer Buck Buchanon (Grambling State) or the late Steve McNair (Alcorn State). 

Not to mention active HBCU players like Jacoby Jones (Lane College), Tavaris Jackson (Alabama State), and Robert Mathis (Alabama A&M).

Here's a look at the five hopefuls:

OT Terran Armstead, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Vitals: 6-5, 305 lbs

Bio: A three-time All-SWAC selection, Armstead was also an eight-time SWAC champ in track and field. Over his career for Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Armstead has played in 37 games. He started all 12 games at left tackle in his senior season. Armstead was impressive during the East-West Shrine Game, where he performed extremely well. He was also called on to play in the Senior Bowl as an injury replacement for Tennessee's Dallas Thomas. 

What they're saying about him: He can likely stay outside, although some teams might see him as a guard. He could find himself as a Day 2 pick before all is said and done (NFL.com).

OT Rogers Gaines, Tennessee State

Vitals: 6-7, 320 lbs.

Bio: After redshirting his first year on campus and then only playing a combined 11 games as a reserve, Gaines blossomed in 2011. During his first year as a starter, Ohio Valley Conference coaches voted him second-team all-conference for his efforts. Gaines was a Phil Steele second-team preseason All-American heading into 2012.

What they're saying about him: He dominated many of the players he faced at the FCS level with his pure size and athleticism. Gaines also shows a bit of a nasty streak at times. While he is a project, a team will likely give him a shot late in the draft based on his upside (NFL.com).

ILB Brandon Hepburn, Florida A&M

Vitals: 6-2, 242 lbs.

Bio: Hepburn was the Rattlers' leading tackler in 2012 with 86 total. He was awarded to the Allstate/AFCA Good Works Team, the first member in FAMU football history. Earned a degree in biochemistry and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in the field. After being invited to the Raycom All Star game in Montgomery, Alabama, Hepburn opened the eyes of NFL scouts, after making a huge interception on a batted pass.  

What they're saying about him: His postseason performance has given him a boost in his status. Could be a fifth or sixth rounder (Various scouting reports).

OT Jamaal Johnson-Webb, Alabama A&M

Vitals: 6-6, 306 lbs.

Bio: The first Alabama A&M player ever invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, Johnson-Webb has been a two-time All-SWAC selection.  As a right tackle in 2011, Webb was successful in anchoring a line that gave up only 22 sacks on 399 passing attempts and 1,805 rushing yards in 2011. In 2012, the offense finished fifth in total offense, fifth in scoring offense, fifth in passing efficiency and second in red zone offense. Webb never played football until his senior season of high school.

What they're saying about him: Jamal is the most athletic lineman I’ve ever coached. He is a hard worker who has developed into an NFL prospect (Pro liaison and AA&M offensive line coach Cedric Pearl).

OLB Keith Pough, Howard 

Vitals: 6-3, 236 lbs.

Bio: The MEAC's Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, Pough recorded 72 total tackles, 44 solo, with 10.0 for a loss of 50 yards during the 2012 campaign.  Pough became the FCS all-time record holder in tackles for a loss with 83 to cap his four-year collegiate career with the Bison.  He ranks 13th in totl tackles as well as in tackles for a loss in the conference.  He also recorded 3.5 sacks for a loss of 35 yards, two quarterback hurries, one block, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and earned his first-career touchdown in a come-from-behind victory over Delaware State.

What they're saying about him:  Pough is a tackles-for-loss machine, using his length and speed to chase ballcarriers from behind, as well as attitude to attack them in the hole. His tall, lean build and movement skills could make him a mid-round pick for teams looking for a coverage ‘backer or potential blitzing threat on the weak or strong sides of the formation (NFL.com).

Tony McClean can be reached via e-mail at tee-mac@thebatchelorpad.biz.

Armstead, Hepburn are only HBCU picks in NFL Draft

NEW YORK (BP) -- They were all-league standouts for their teams in their respective conferences. 

Subsequently they were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in February to show their talents.

Now less than two months after that weekend in Indianapolis, Florida A&M linebacker Brandon Hepburn and Arkansas-Pine Bluff offensive tackle Terron Armstead got the call that every college football player waits for.

These pair of HBCU athletes are now headed to the National Football League.

It began last Friday when the three-time All-SWAC selection and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff lineman was selected the No. 75 pick overall in the third round by the New Orleans Saints during the 2013 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-5, 306 pound Armstead becames the 504th player from a SWAC member institution taken in the NFL Draft and the first player since 2011.  To cap his collegiate career, he helped lead UAPB to the 2012 SWAC Football Championship title, its second conference title overall in football. 

UAPB finished first in the SWAC in rushing offense (204.7 ypg) and second in sacks against. In his senior season, he started all 12 games, playing in a total of 32 games during his career.

At the 2013 NFL Combine, Armstead ran a remarkably fast 4.71 sec 40-yard dash, which is the fastest 40 yard dash time of any offensive lineman at the combine since it first began in 1982.
Armstead is also an eight-time individual champion in indoor and outdoor track & field.

Then on Saturday, Hepburn was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round as the 245th  pick overall. He became the second FAMU Rattler gridder to be drafted in three years as former Rattler defensive back Curtis Holcomb was selected in the seventh round by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2011 draft.

The 2012 season was probably the most memorable season for Hepburn as he was award to the All State/AFCA Good Works team, the first member in FAMU football history and the first HBCU player to be selected in the history of the award. 

In addition, he earned second team All-MEAC honors and was a Preseason All-MEAC selection.   He finished the season as the team leading tackler with 86 tackles (60 UA, 26 Asst.), 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, one fumble recovery and one force fumble.

Hepburn finishes his career at FAMU with 163 career  tackles (109 UA, 54 Asst); 15.0  tackles for loss,  11 pass breakups, two force fumbles, one fumble recovery and  7.5 sacks.   

Imagined and -Realized: My friend, Roland Rogers

“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.”
– John Lennon
by Tony McClean, Editor-In-Chief, Emeritus BASN

NEW HAVEN (BASN) — That classic line from the late Beatles’ song “Imagine” has been uttered and repeated for many years. However, its message and impact has never touched me more than it has the past few days.

The sudden passing of my friend and colleague Roland Rogers, the CEO of the Black Athlete Sports Network, has left many of us who either worked with or had him touch our lives feeling very sad. I’ve been very blessed to work with many talented folks over the years while in the sports media business.
Roland was no exception. In many ways, he set himself apart from anyone who I called my boss.



I first joined BASN way back in 2002 just after one of my many journeys while surfing the net. However, I never thought that over a decade later, the impact and interactions that had with so many during my time at “The Soul of Sports” would still be felt to this very day.

I wasn’t one of the original folks that started BASN back in the day. However, I definitely believed in the site’s basic mantra. Roland wanted BASN to be “the definitive place on the Internet to find coverage of Black athletes and Black involvement in sports at all levels”.

He had me at that statement. When he would later give me with the title of Editor In Chief of the site, I was humbled and honored. The fact that he entrusted me with his vision and the direction of the site was one of the greatest gifts bestowed upon me.

Now it was always cookies and cream. Yes, we had our differences. Yes, we would bark at each other at times. But it was never out of lack of love or respect for each other. We all had the same basic vision, but we had different ways of reaching it.

Roland was a man who wore many hats. Many of you may or may not know that he had several ventures into politics while serving at BASN. He would many several runs as Mayor of New York City because of his displeasure with Mayor Bloomberg and his policies.

The mayoral runs spoke to Roland’s passion about issues within the black community. When Roland had a cause he believed in, he went after it full blast. Nothing ever seemed impossible to him. It goes back to the Lennon line I spoke of previously.

Roland always dreamed of doing things big. I feel it was his strength and his weakness at times.



Many colleagues reading this will long remember the seemingly endless meetings within and outside the staff. The times when Roland was “working on some stuff” that never seemed to come to fruition. The projects that had good intentions, but were either forgotten or not pursued.

One such project that did get started, but of a small level was “BASN Radio”. Roland was looking for this to be a 24-hour sports network — similar to the 24-hour radio stations in New York (WFAN), Chicago (WMVP), and Los Angeles (KSPN).

It was ambitious. But with a staff of barely 20 folks, it was just impossible to cover the shifts.

It did however spawn three shows that still exist to this very day. “The Batchelor Pad” (hosted by myself and L.A. Batchelor), “Soul Tree Radio: In The Raw” (hosted by Michael-Louis Ingram) originally called “The Sports M.C.’s” was another, and “The Gray Leopard Cove” (hosted by Gary Norris Gray).

All three of these shows still follow Roland’s basic mantra in being “the definitive place on the Internet to find coverage of Black athletes and Black involvement in sports at all levels”. In many ways because of these shows, Roland’s dream still lives.

When I left BASN, I left on a good note. There was no bitterness. In fact, the last time I talked to Roland, I was razzing him about his beloved Bills. We also talked (or should I say whined) about the present situation with our Mets.

All in all, the thing I’ll always remember about Roland was his passion and his desire to venture into so many things. Again, I go back to the Lennon line which in retrospect really speaks to the kind of person that Roland was.

As I’ve told many of my BASN colleagues, I will do anything and everything in my power to Roland’s dream alive. Because he believed so much in me, I feel that I owe this to him, his family, and his lasting legacy.
Rest in Peace, my friend. You have and will be missed by us all.

Note: This article was written by Tony McClean, Editor-In-Chief, Emeritus BASN

My Favorite Female Journalists

NEW HAVEN, Ct. (BP) -- For most of last month, the sports world celebrated the 40th anniversary of Title IX, the amendment that all but put an end to sexual discrimination in regards high school -- and most importantly -- collegiate sports.

While that form of sexual bias has made the sporting field a bit more equal, the battle within the press box and locker rooms of sports tells another story. Unlike that old cigarette Virginia Slims commercial, they've not "come a long way" since the days of Phyllis George and others because of the old boy network that still exists.

Today, I'll give you a brief list of some of my favorite female sports journalists.

1. Doris Burke -- The BEST current basketball analyst in any network. She can do the NBA, NCAA, or WNBA. No pretentious bullshit from Ms. Burke. I'll take her over ANY (and I do mean ANY) hoop talking head. Her talents were wasted by ABC/The Mouse when she was regulated to the sidelines during the NBA Finals.

2. Robin Roberts -- Again another tremendously versatile performer. The only person that I know of that has hosted both "Good Morning America" and "Wide World of Sports" as well as the NCAA Women's Tournament. She could kick Trey Wingo's worthless ass in her sleep. Here's hoping that she can win her latest battle with myelodysplastic syndrome. We'll be praying for her

3. Kimberly Jones -- Yeah, she a "pretty girl". But I've always liked her work on YES Network (football, baseball) and her reporting on WFAN during the Sandusky sex scandal was outstanding. She called on her excellent reporting skills during this period and was a helluva lot more informative than mainstream media was at the time. Unfortunately, she hasn't been seen lately. How dare she be so damn good some idiot probably said.

4. Pam Ward -- I'll admit my bias here because I was lucky enough to work with this talented lady during my tenure at the Mouse. Another versatile performer who can do play-by-play (football, hoops, etc.) and or studio work. I truly believe a lot of the criticism she receives are from folks who still thinks women shouldn't be in the booth and just be barefoot and pregnant. Sadly, he was dropped from her gig as a college football announcer. It's the network's loss.

5. Pam Oliver -- Probably the only real credible "sideline reporter" in the business. She goes beyond the "so and so got hurt on the last play and that shit hurts, Joe". FOX has given her the opportunity to do more weekly interviews to offset the train wreck that is FOX NFLSunday. Oh, yeah -- she's nice on the eyes too.

A Tragic Tale of Prejudice: Remembering Porter Moss

NEW HAVEN, Ct. -- At the peak of his career, righthander Porter Moss was considered one of the finest pitchers in Negro League baseball. The Cincinnati native, born on June 10, 1910, was lucky enough to begin his pro baseball career in his home town team.

A product of West Virginia State College, the man known to many as "Ankleball" was a standout softball player in the Queen City. His unique, submarining motion caught the eye of many baseball scouts.

His career, which included three trips to the East-West All-Star Classic, began in 1934 with the Cincinnati Tigers. The Tigers, charter members of the Negro American League, were founded by another Cincinnati native DeHart Hubbard, the first black to win a individual gold medal in the Olympics. 

Nearly 10 years after making his debut, Moss' life would needlessly be snuffed out due to two acts of recklessness and prejudice. Acquired by Memphis in 1938, Moss helped lead the Red Sox to the first-half championship of the Negro American League. 

Memphis was later declared league champs after defeating the Atlanta Black Crackers.

In 1944, the 5-foot-11 hurler was enjoying a another fine season (8-6 with a 2.34 ERA) with the Red Sox. Little did Moss or his teammates know of what tragic events would take place on June 15 of that year. En route to a game in Tennessee, the team bus broke down forcing them to take the train.

According to reports, a disorderly man was on the train causing a ruckus with passengers. He was approached by the the train's porter and conductor about the ruckus. 

The man would pull a gun on the officials before he would leave the train. As the train was leaving, the man shot randomly at the train on the outside. One of the stray bullets would hit Moss in the stomach. 

He struggled to the next coach as he was gasping for air and holding his bloody stomach. His teammates quickly stretched out their uniforms for Moss to lay on until the next train stop. The next station in Waverly, Tennessee stated that Moss could not be helped. 

The team was told that the town had no doctors or ambulances.

The next stop in Bruceton, Moss was given an injection by a doctor. But he would also in turn tell the team that this town had no hospital facilities and he would have to try the next town.

As Moss continued to bleed and suffer, the next stop in Lexington would also claim to not have any hospital facilities. It wasn't until the train reached the city of Jackson that Moss would finally be taken for his wounds.

Unfortunately, it would prove to be too late for Moss. Nearly 12 hours after he was shot, Moss was given emergency surgery for his gunshot wounds. However at 6 a.m. the next morning, Porter Moss died at the age of 34.

Much like the senseless death of Lyman Bostock some 40 years later, Moss would be killed during the prime of his career. There's no telling the kind of history that could have been written by the right-hander.

While his death is another reminder of how precious life is, Moss will also be remembered as a great athlete and one of the many pioneers that make it possible for us to enjoy the great Black ballplayers of the past and present.

NOTE: The Complete Book of Baseball's Negro Leagues, pitchblackbaseball.com, and The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro League Baseball all contributed to this story.