Sports
Wrestler’s attorney suggests haircut due to ref’s tardiness
Published
8 years agoon
By
Willie DavidBUENA, N.J. (AP) — A lawyer for a high school wrestler whose dreadlocks were cut offafter a referee told him to lose the hairstyle or forfeit minutes before his match is suggesting the impromptu hair cut was due in part to the referee’s tardiness.
Buena Regional High School wrestler Andrew Johnson, who is black, had a cover over his hair, but referee Alan Maloney , who is white, said that wouldn’t do. Johnson won Wednesday’s match but appeared visibly distraught.
Dominic Speziali issued a statement Monday in which Andrew Johnson’s parents said Maloney didn’t attend the weigh-in that day. They also say that when Maloney evaluated the teen before the match, he didn’t raise any issues with the length of his hair or the need to wear a head covering.
Maloney didn’t respond to a request for comment Monday. The organization that oversees the state’s high school athletics announced Saturday that he won’t be assigned to any matches until the incident is reviewed.
Michael Cherenson, spokesman for the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, said the organization had reached out to groups that assign referees “and they’ve all agreed” not to assign Alan Maloney to any event until further notice
An SNJ Today reporter tweeted a video of Johnson getting his hair cut. The video was shared widely on social media, with users calling the incident “racist,” ″cruel” and “humiliating.”
In the statement issued Monday, Johnson’s parents also thanked those who have shown support for their son.
“Andrew has been deeply moved by the thunderous outpouring of unsolicited support — including from an Olympic wrestler, leading civil rights advocates and elected officials — after the shocking pre-match ultimatum,” the statement said.
“Wrestling has taught Andrew to be resilient in the face of adversity. As we move forward, we are comforted by both the strength of Andrew’s character and the support he’s received from the community. We will do all that we can to make sure that no student-athlete is forced to endure what Andrew experienced.”
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College Football
USF’s Fourth-Quarter Comeback Falls Short in 52–41 Loss to Memphis
Published
3 hours agoon
November 14, 2026By
NISEY LOU S.USF overcame a 21-point deficit to take a fourth-quarter lead before Memphis regained control and secured the win at Raymond James Stadium
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — November 13, 2026 — The University of South Florida football team mounted an impressive second-half comeback but ultimately fell 52–41 to Memphis on Thursday night at Raymond James Stadium.
The Bulls struggled early, falling behind 21–0 in the first quarter, before finding momentum on both sides of the ball. Led by quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, USF rallied to overcome the deficit and briefly take the lead late in the fourth quarter.
Bulls Fight Back
Kromenhoek delivered a standout performance, totaling 416 yards of offense and four touchdowns, including 271 passing yards and 146 rushing yards. Running back Jason Collins Jr. added 108 rushing yards, including a 75-yard touchdown run.
South Florida running back Jason Collins Jr. (#2) races toward the end zone with Memphis defender D. Smith (#3) in pursuit during the Bulls’ matchup against the Tigers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on November 13, 2026. Collins broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run during USF’s 52–41 loss to Memphis.
Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
USF’s comeback reached its peak when Nico Gramatica connected on a 38-yard field goal, giving the Bulls their first lead at 41–38 with 8:04 remaining.
However, Memphis responded with a 76-yard touchdown pass from Marcus Stokes to Jemyri Davis, reclaiming the lead. A critical fourth-down incompletion near the Memphis goal line ended another promising USF scoring opportunity.
MMemphis player No. 6 carries the football toward the end zone during the Tigers’ matchup against South Florida at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on November 13, 2026. Memphis secured a 52–41 victory over the Bulls in the American Conference contest. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
Late Rally Not Enough
Despite overcoming a 21-point deficit, South Florida was unable to complete the comeback.
Following the loss, USF head coach Brian Hartline reflected on the team’s performance:
“We just did enough to not lose by a lot.”
— Brian Hartline, USF Head Coach, in postgame remarks reported by WUSF.
The loss drops South Florida to 6–4 overall and 2–4 in American Conference play, while Memphis improves to 8–2.
The Bulls will look to regroup as they continue their final stretch of the regular season.
Photos by Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
Central Florida News
Osceola Magic Set Franchise Steals Record in 97-89 Season-Opening Win
Published
3 days agoon
November 11, 2026Davison scores 26 points, Branham adds 23 and Osceola records 23 steals to open its season with a victory at Silver Spurs Arena.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Osceola Magic opened their season with a record-setting defensive performance, collecting 23 steals and forcing 35 turnovers in a 97-89 victory over the Oklahoma City Blue on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Silver Spurs Arena.
JD Davison scored a game-high 26 points and Malaki Branham added 23 as Osceola established a franchise record for steals and matched its record for opponent turnovers. Osceola Magic
Defense drives the comeback
Oklahoma City led 31-22 after the first quarter and 44-43 at halftime. Osceola pulled even at 70 entering the fourth quarter, then outscored the Blue 27-19 over the final period.
The victory gave Osceola a 1-0 start and dropped Oklahoma City to 0-2. Zhaire Smith led the Blue with 19 points, while Christoph Tilly contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. gleague.nba.com
Osceola’s defensive pressure helped offset Oklahoma City’s early advantage. The Blue finished just 5 of 29 from 3-point range, shooting 17.2%.
Six Magic players recorded multiple steals, led by Johnell Davis’ career-high six — one short of the franchise record. Davison collected four, Jarron Cumberland had three, and Ace Baldwin Jr., Branham and Mike Sharavjamts each added two.
Malaki Branham leans into his drive while keeping his dribble low as an Oklahoma City Blue defender guards him during the Osceola Magic’s season opener. Photo by Bernie Walls / Florida National News.
Davison and Branham lead the offense
Davison and Branham combined for 49 points, accounting for more than half of Osceola’s scoring.
Au’Diese Toney contributed 14 points in his return to Osceola, including a late 3-pointer that helped secure the victory.
Davis provided another boost off the bench with 11 points and a career-best-tying four assists, complementing his disruptive defensive performance.
Sharavjamts makes professional debut
Sharavjamts posted a team-best plus-12 rating in 24 minutes during his professional debut. Osceola outscored Oklahoma City by 12 points while he was on the floor. Osceola Magic
What’s next for the Osceola Magic?
Following a scheduled road matchup with the Memphis Hustle on Tuesday, Nov. 10, Osceola returns to Silver Spurs Arena to host the Mexico City Capitanes on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. Eastern. Member News
The Magic’s challenge will be to sustain the defensive pressure that helped them overcome an early nine-point deficit in the opener.
Sports
LIV Golf to begin winding down operations Nov. 9 after five years, $5 billion spent
Published
1 week agoon
November 7, 2026By
FNN SPORTSNEW YORK CITY, NY (FNN SPORTS) – LIV Golf plans to begin winding down operations Monday, Nov. 9, following five years and more than $5 billion in spending.
Attorney Matthew Williams outlined the league’s plans during a bankruptcy court hearing Thursday, Nov. 5, in New Jersey. The process includes selling its remaining assets.
“We believe the wind down path is the best path,” Williams told the court.
LIV Golf confirmed the decision after a proposed restructuring deal fell through. The league said it will continue considering alternatives during the shutdown process.
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