Black Excellence | TSN

Pittsburgh Pirates

Bonds at peace with legacy as he enters Pirates Hall of Fame

Barry Bonds was touched in a way he didn't expect when the Pittsburgh Pirates called to let him know he was being inducted into the club's Hall of Fame. So when the moment arrived on Saturday, Bonds leaned into it.

Golden State Warriors

Attles, former Warriors player coach, GM, dies at 87

Al Attles, who played, coached and served as general manager over decades with the Golden State Warriors, died Tuesday at the age of 87.

Olympics

De Grasse wins seventh career medal, anchors Canada to gold in men's 4x100m relay

After anchoring Canada to relay gold Friday, Andre De Grasse is now tied with swimmer Penny Oleksiak as Canada's most decorated Olympian.

Olympics

For female athletes of color, scrutiny around gender rules and identity is part of a long trend

Female athletes of color have historically faced disproportionate scrutiny and discrimination when it comes to sex testing and false accusations that they are male or transgender, historians and anthropologists say.

Olympics

Canada's Liendo wins silver, Kharun takes bronze in men's 100m butterfly

Canada's Josh Liendo took home a silver medal and Ilya Kharun won the bronze medal in the men's 100m butterfly on Saturday at the Paris Olympics.

Olympics

Richardson rallies US women for 4x100 relay gold, men DQ'd

Sha'Carri Richardson won her first Olympic gold medal Friday night, bringing the Americans from behind in the anchor lap to win the 4x100 relay.

Olympics

Final image of Biles at Olympics was symbol of joy - and where sport is going

Biles, the unequivocal Greatest of All Time, and Chiles, a three-time Olympic medalist whose journey back to the Games was a testament to talent and grit, dropped down to one knee. It was a show of respect to Andrade, whose excellence is symbolic of a sport that is getting more diverse, more inclusive and perhaps more positive as it goes.

Olympics

Biles closes Olympics with silver in floor exercise finals

American gymnast Simone Biles didn't get the golden sendoff she hoped. Biles earned silver in the floor exercise finals on Monday after a routine that included a couple of costly steps out of bounds.

Olympics

Biles wins women's vault, earns seventh career Olympic gold

Simone Biles earns her 10th career Olympic medal, her seventh gold, by winning the women's vault final for a second time.

Olympics

Careers of Olympians like Biles mirror rise of adult gymnastics

The demographics surrounding the sport are shifting, and not just at the elite level, where Simone Biles and the oldest women's team the U.S. has ever sent to the Olympics.

Olympics

Biles wins gold in all-around, becomes oldest Olympic women's champ since 1952

Simone Biles holds off Brazil's Rebeca Andrade in all-around, becomes oldest Olympic women's gymnastics champ since 1952.

Olympics

Biles leads Team USA to gold medal at women's artistic gymnastics

The American gymnastics star and her singular brilliance powered a dominant U.S. women's team in the finals inside a raucous Bercy Arena on Tuesday night.

Olympics

Simone Biles has redefined her sport -- and its vocabulary. A look at the skills bearing her name

The 27-year-old American star has been intent almost from the start on pushing the sport in new directions by doing things that have never been done before.

Atlanta Braves

Braves launch Hank Aaron week as US Postal Service dedicates new Aaron forever stamp

The Atlanta Braves launched Hank Aaron Week on Wednesday when the U.S. Postal Service dedicated a commemorative forever stamp honoring Aaron during a ceremony at Truist Park.

Olympics

Biles leads charge of older gymnasts at Olympics who are redefining their sport

It still happens to Simone Biles. Even now, after two Olympics, six world championships, and a decade-plus in the spotlight.

Olympics

Noah Lyles finds fame but not much privacy at Olympic Village

Athletes at the Olympics are showering Noah Lyles with the first big taste of celebrity he's been working so hard to make his own.

Olympics

Shilese Jones pointing toward 2028 Olympics following knee injury at US trials

American gymnast Shilese Jones is aiming for the 2028 Olympics after a left knee injury ended her shot at reaching Paris.

Olympics

Biles, Richardson, Osaka comebacks highlight issues facing Black women

These Black women athletes at the height of their careers have been vocal about mental health, public critique and other personal struggles.

Olympics

Lyles looks to be the star of the Olympics, and bring all of track along for the ride

Winner. Entertainer. History maker. By the time the Paris Olympics are over, Noah Lyles hopes to be all of that, and maybe more. The confident 26-year-old sprinter thinks he can win medals, break records and bring the entire sport of track and field onto America's screens for more than 10 days every four years.

Tennis

Gauff to be female flag bearer for USA at opening ceremony, joining LeBron

Tennis star Coco Gauff will join LeBron James as a flag bearer for the US Olympic team at Friday's opening ceremony.

NBA

Inside three-time NBA dunk champion Robinson's silent battle and the fight for his life

On Thursday, April 11, a man by the name of Reginald Ballard was sitting at his home in Pasadena, California, when his phone buzzed. The actor, known for his roles on the sitcoms "Martin" and "The Bernie Mac Show," opened a text message from his wife.

- Baxter Holmes

Olympics

Biles and James are among athletes expected to bid 'adieu' to the Olympics in Paris

Icons of their sports. Voices for equality and social justice. Elite performers. Simone Biles and LeBron James lead the list of athletes likely competing at their final Olympics.

NASCAR

Wallace been feeling 'miserable,' calls fine 'best thing'

The 30-year-old Bubba Wallace has long been open about dealing with depression, triggered by both personal and professional struggles. Known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, Wallace acknowledged he hasn't been a beacon of joy at the track as he approaches almost two years since his last Cup Series victory.

Olympics

U.S. men's basketball team has two goals: win gold and see Simone Biles

Among Biles’ biggest fans — literally — going into the Paris Games is a group of fellow Olympians, some of them more than 2 feet taller than she is, most of whom have never been to any sort of gymnastics meet in their lives. But make no mistake: The U.S. men’s basketball team loves her.

NBA

UConn great, four-time NBA All-Star Walker retires

Kemba Walker, a champion at UConn and a four-time All-Star in the NBA, announced his retirement on social media Tuesday.

- Andrew Lopez

MLB

Rickwood festivities celebrate Mays, Negro Leagues greats

MLB planned a week of activities around Willie Mays and the Negro Leagues, including an unveiling ceremony Wednesday of a Willie Mays mural in downtown Birmingham. Those tributes took on a more significant meaning Tuesday afternoon when Mays died at 93.

MLB

Celebrations honour Mays, Negro League players ahead of game at Rickwood Field

As Ajay Stone strolled around historic Rickwood Field and gazed at tributes displayed in honor of Willie Mays and other Negro Leaguers, he clutched a cherished memory under his arm.

Cardinals beat Giants in game at Rickwood Field honouring Mays, Negro Leagues

Brendan Donovan hit a two-run homer and a double and the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in the Negro Leagues tribute game at Rickwood Field on Thursday night.

Remembering The 'Say Hey Kid'

Why there will never be another MLB player like Willie Mays

One of the greatest players of all time, Frank Robinson, was asked once if Willie Mays was the best player he had ever seen.

Tim Kurkjian

Willie Mays Appreciation: The 'Say Hey Kid' inspired generations until his death

Long after “The Catch” and his 660 home runs, and the daring sprints around the bases with his hat falling off, Willie Mays could still command a room like no other.

The Catch: Willie Mays' over-the-shoulder grab in the 1954 World Series 'wasn't no lucky catch'

Willie Mays raced at top speed toward the center-field wall at the spacious Polo Grounds and somehow managed to track down and corral a fast-traveling ball with an over-the-shoulder catch that became the most iconic moment in the Hall of Famer’s decorated career that featured 660 home runs.

Timeline of Willie Mays’ career

San Francisco Giants

Giants legend Mays passes away at 93

Willie Mays, the electrifying “Say Hey Kid” whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players, has died. He was 93. Mays' family and the San Francisco Giants jointly announced Tuesday night he had died earlier in the afternoon in the Bay Area.

MLB

Stars to know as MLB includes Negro Leagues stats, records

Here are some all-time greats to know about with MLB's Negro Leagues statistical update.

- David Schoenfield

MLB

MLBers praise inclusion of Negro Leagues statistics into major league records

Baseball players and fans alike are learning more about the Negro Leagues after the statistics for more than 2,300 players were incorporated into the major league record book following a three-year research project.

MLB

Gibson becomes MLB career and season batting leader as Negro Leagues statistics incorporated

Josh Gibson became Major League Baseball’s career leader with a .372 batting average, surpassing Ty Cobb’s .367, when Negro Leagues records for more than 2,300 players were incorporated Tuesday after a three-year research project.

Chicago Sky

Reese embracing patience, growth in rookie WNBA season

Before being selected No. 7 overall in April's draft, WNBA coaches and general managers offered a mixed bag on Angel Reese's pro prospects. Her skills, competitive fire and energy fueled her sizable upside, while her lack of proven shooting range beyond the paint was considered a limitation. Whether Reese's game would translate at the next level was a prevailing question heading into the draft.

- Alexa Philippou

Tennis

Gauff calls on young Americans to get out and vote: 'Use the power that we have'

She’s the U.S. Open champion. The highest paid female athlete in the world. And a frustrated Floridian. American tennis player Coco Gauff has never been afraid to use her voice.

Tennis

Naomi Osaka has more going on than tennis at the French Open

The big news in Naomi Osaka's life has nothing to do with the French Open or clay-court tennis: Her 10-month-old daughter, Shai, is taking her first steps.

WNBA

Chicago Sky's Angel Reese adds new title -- women's professional soccer team owner

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese can now call herself a professional sports team owner.

Olympics

Simone Biles is stepping into the Olympic spotlight again. She is better prepared for the pressure

If the gymnastics superstar has learned anything in the three years since those strange, uncertain days in Tokyo when she put her mental health and personal safety ahead of her pursuit of more Olympic glory, it is that the battle to protect yourself is never really over.

San Antonio Spurs

Wembanyama shows signs of competing with Giannis, Embiid as Africa's primary NBA star

Wembanyama, the Frenchman of Congolese descent who is the clear favorite to win Rookie of the Year and also a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, has lived up to the lofty expectations of a 7-foot-4 generational talent.

- Leonard Solms

Denver Nuggets

'In the biggest moment, he rises': Canada's Murray delivers again for Nuggets

Jamal Murray's 14-footer with 3.6 seconds left was the difference as Denver beat the Los Angeles Lakers 108-106 to complete a five-game win in the first-round NBA playoff series.

Los Angeles Sparks

Veteran Nurse ready for new opportunity with Sparks ahead of WNBA game in Edmonton

Kia Nurse is ready to have a bounce back season in 2024 with the Los Angeles Sparks and she will have the opportunity to start it on a high note, as her preseason debut with the Sparks will happen in Edmonton against the Seattle Storm at Rogers Place on May 4.

Brianne Spiker

The Shift

Hon. Justice Hugh L. Fraser speaks on his journey from sports to law

Former Olympian, Chair of Hockey Canada Board of Directors and Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Hugh L. Fraser recently sat down with The Shift’s Kayla Grey to discuss his wealth of knowledge when it comes to sport, law, anti-doping and Olympic competition. He also shares thoughts on his brief tenure with Hockey Canada and thoughts around NIL rules for Canadian athletes. On April 20th, he will receive the Luminary Award from The University of the West Indies Toronto Benefits Awards, who this year celebrates 15 years of supporting Caribbean excellence in education.

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NFL

Hall of Fame defensive back Johnson dead at age 86

Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back Jimmy Johnson, a three-time All-Pro and member of the All-Decade Team of the 1970s, has died. He was 86.

NCAA

Sanders not focused on NFL, has 'work to do' at Colorado

Colorado coach Deion Sanders reiterated his commitment to the Buffaloes program after the spring game Saturday, saying he had no plans to leave to follow his sons to the NFL.

- Andrea Adelson

Washington Mystics

Mystics select Canada’s Edwards with No. 6 pick in 2024 WNBA Draft

Canada’s Aaliyah Edwards was taken sixth overall by the Washington Mystics in the first round of the 2024 WNBA Draft on Monday.

MLB

Across MLB, Robinson's 'strength, courage' hailed on his day

Major League Baseball marked the 77th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the sport's color barrier on Monday. Robinson started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, marking the end of the racial segregation that had relegated Black players to the Negro Leagues for decades.

MLB

Robinson remembered around MLB on 77th anniversary of him breaking baseball's color barrier

Major League Baseball marked the 77th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the sport’s color barrier on Monday. Robinson started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, beginning the end of the racial segregation that had relegated Black players to the Negro Leagues for decades.

MLB

In wake of stolen Jackie Robinson statue, Wichita responds

At noon, when Bob Lutz left the old mechanic's garage that had been turned into the gleaming headquarters of the youth baseball league he founded, he liked to look across the street at the statue of Jackie Robinson.

- Anthony Olivieri

Golf

Tiger shares moment with retiring Lundquist at Masters

Tiger Woods and Verne Lundquist will always share a connection at Augusta National. It was only appropriate that they shared a moment at the Lundquist's final Masters.

MLB

On Hank Aaron 715 home run anniversary, HOF announces statue

Baseball's Hall of Fame will unveil a bronze statue of Hank Aaron on May 23 on the first floor of its museum in Cooperstown, New York. The hall made the announcement Monday on the 50th anniversary of Aaron's 715th home run, which topped the record held by Babe Ruth in a career from 1914-35.

MLB

Aaron rose above racist hate in pursuit of Ruth's home run record 50 years ago

Hank Aaron refused to be intimidated by racist hate mail or threats during his pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record.

The Shift

'I'm glad I never made it to the NBA': 7x Mr. Olympia, Phil Heath

Beyond the muscles, the Mr. Olympia titles and the accolades, Phil Heath understands that strength is built from the inside out. He joins Kayla Grey on The Shift to talk about the sacrifice, fortitude and vulnerability it takes to maintain greatness and how his path away from the NBA became the greatest gift of his life. Breaking Olympia: The Phil Heath story is available now.

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San Jose Sharks

Aliu to join Sharks' AHL affiliate on tryout basis

After years of feeling alienated by the NHL and campaigning to diversify the sport, Akim Aliu is getting another shot at playing pro hockey, this time with the San Jose Sharks' minor league affiliate.

NCAA

Ejim's rise at Gonzaga is a testament to her unrelenting work ethic

Yvonne Ejim can do it all. The Calgary native is a force down low, dominant on the glass, a lockdown defender and she does it all with a smile. However, when Ejim arrived at Gonzaga four years ago, it was hardly a guarantee that her journey would turn out the way it has.

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NCAA

Edwards is in no rush for last dance to end

Aaliyah Edwards had 11 points and 11 rebounds Monday night in UConn’s 72-64 win against Syracuse, helping lift the Huskies to their NCAA-record 30th consecutive Sweet 16.

Philadelphia Flyers

Simmonds to sign one-day contract and retire with Flyers

Veteran NHL forward Wayne Simmonds will sign a one-day contract with the Philadelphia Flyers so he can retire with the team, the Flyers announced on Monday.

Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron's 40,000-point club won't see anyone else joining for a long time. Maybe never.

Never say never. There’s a slim chance that someone will one day join LeBron James in the NBA’s 40,000-point club. James crossed the 40,000-point mark on Saturday night, extending the NBA all-time scoring record that he claimed from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar last season.

NCAA

Canada's Ejim named NCAA women's basketball mid-major player of the year

Calgary’s Yvonne Ejim has been named the 2024 Becky Hammon Player of the Year, awarded to the top mid-major player in NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball.

Auto Racing

Rajah Caruth makes leap from computer racer to NASCAR national series winner

Rajah Caruth joins Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace as the only Black drivers to win at NASCAR’s national level.

The Shift

The Shift in The Community: A Different Booklist & Blackhurst Cultural Centre

As another Black History Month comes to a close, we wanted to highlight a special place in Toronto steeped in community and history. A Different Booklist and Blackhurst Cultural Centre operates to preserve, connect and empower Canadians of African and Caribbean descent. Itah Sadu, award winning storyteller and co-owner of A Different Booklist joins Kayla Grey on The Shift to share her thoughts on the importance of the space she's created and her opinion on the value of Black History Month. She also reads her new book, "I AM BIG" which tells the story of a young Black hockey player who is navigating what it means to be big and small in the hockey space. They are joined by Abena Perryman, a member of the Blackhurst Cultural Centre and the mother of the boy who inspired Itah's book.

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The Shift

'His influence made a difference': The Carnegie Initiative Summit Celebrates Herb Carnegie

The Shift had the privilege of attending this year's Carnegie Initiative Summit and spoke with insightful attendees, who talked about what their take aways were from the summit and the impact of Herb Carnegie.

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Curling

How Dimitri Jean-Paul is breaking barriers in the sport of curling

Dimitri Jean-Paul isn't like other curlers. He's a member of the BIPOC community and is also deaf. One day while flipping through TV channels, he stumbled upon the Brier, and has been hooked ever since. TSN's Claire Hanna has more.

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MLB

Robinson statue cleats heading to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

The bronze cleats from a Jackie Robinson statue that was cut at the ankles and stolen last month will be donated to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, League 42's executive director told ESPN on Friday.

Anthony Olivieri

Hockey Canada

Laila Edwards is the first Black woman to play for the U.S. national hockey team

Laila Edwards is a 6-foot-1 sophomore forward for the Wisconsin women's hockey team, she also made history by becoming the first Black woman to play on the American national team.