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The Whistleblower’s Last Stand
ESPN.com
In Mike McQueary, some see a hero who brought down a monster. Others see a liar who railroaded a legend. At the upcoming trial that will close the book on the Jerry Sandusky scandal, Joe Paterno’s former protégé will have the final word. Don Van Natta Jr. reports.
The Art of Noise
Outside the Lines (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET, ESPN)
Credit: ESPN/ Producer Justine Gubar
From Duke’s Cameron Crazies to the University of Oregon’s Pit Crew, and from fans calling opposing teams’ hotel rooms late at night to making home-made signs insulting the visiting team and coaches, college basketball supporters have put the “fanatic” back in the word “fan.” But do they sometimes cross the line? Missouri’s unofficial and often unorthodox student group, the “Antlers,” have been removed from the arena twice this season because of behavior that was judged to be inappropriate. Shelley Smith reports.
“I think we are the best fan group in the country. Personally I think we have the same effect, if not greater effect, than the Cameron Crazies. There’s 200 Cameron Crazies. We do it like a special forces team, small but effective.” — Emmett Delaney, “Grand Poobah” of Missouri’s Antlers
“You know, I think that there is a case that can be made. But the idea of just because you pay to get into a game means that you can say anything, and I think it’s being tested right now.” – Karl Benson, Sun Belt Conference Commissioner, when asked “Where does the First Amendment, freedom of speech, fit into all this?”
Draft Academy
SportsCenter (Sunday, 10 a.m., ESPN)
“SC Featured” focuses on University of Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles’ participation in the NFL Scouting Combine. This is a preview of ESPN’s four-week series. Draft Academy (debuting April 22), which captures behind-the-scenes, on-and-off the field moments chronicling how NFL hopefuls prepare for the Combine, their individual Pro Days, and the 2014 NFL Draft.
Deportes Celebrates Hispanic Heritage with Greivis Vasquez Feature
ESPN Deportes SportsCenter (Sunday, 11 p.m.)
Reportajes Especiales piece on espndeportes.com.
The NBA celebrates Hispanic heritage this month with Noches ENE-BE-A, and ESPN joins in the celebration with a Reportaje Especial featuring the story of Greivis Vasquez. Long before he became an NBA player, Vasquez spent his days playing basketball on the courts of his homeland in Caracas, Venezuela, a country that he says shaped who he is.
Leagues Must Stand Against Violence
espnW.com
The facts in the Raymond Felton case aren’t all known,
but his case brings up a moment of opportunity to address a social issue.
Jane McManus writes: “Rice, Felton and Pistorius will have their days in court. But since the vast majority of domestic violence incidents go unreported, an awareness campaign about the issue could do real and pervasive good for athletes — and the fans who admire them.”
S.A.S. at UAB
Credit: Affluent Creations Photography
For behind-the-scenes: Stephen A. Smith visits UAB
ESPN First Take’s Stephen A. Smith recently offered a special Black History Month presentation for The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Lecture Series which invites producers, authors, community activists and other notable figures to discuss topics centered around current events, leadership, social responsibility and history.
“Many in attendance were refreshed by both his fairness and frankness – the opportunity to listen to him in a setting that wasn’t a debate allowed folks to hear more of his heart,” said Quang Do, Interim Coordinator of Student Activities and Lecture Series advisor. “He waxed on everything from race relations, to branding, to the particular opportunity that UAB students have to impact the world because of its diversity. It was a truly thought-provoking and mind-opening night.”
Smith, an ESPN NBA analyst and co-host of The Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Ruocco Show on ESPN Radio in New York, joins Ralph Nader, Soledad O’Brien, Chaz Bono and COMMON among those invited to speak by a committee composed of students and faculty members.
Smith (Sports Analyst) and his First Take protagonist Skip Bayless (Sports Columnist) will be honored with 2013 Outstanding Achievement in Journalism awards at the 2014 John Mackey Award Gala April 12 in Baltimore.