Mets Showed Soto The $$$

Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

By Matthew Kennedy 

For almost a century the New York Yankees stood alone at the summit of North American sports. Not only was their financial backing unmatched, but they had a certain aura around them that convinced both players and fans of each new generation to bet on them. They signed the biggest names, made the boldest moves, and time and time again proved that in baseball, cash is king. Not only did the Bombers draft and sign elite prospects like Mickey Mantle, Thurman Munson, and Derek Jeter, they also consistently singled out the right star players for trades and in free agency that almost always paid off in championship rings. From Reggie Jackson to Paul O’Neill to Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees ability to play their cards right and go “all in” on the right piece has been crucial to their unparalleled success. 

But the landscape in New York has shifted. The Yankees’ perennial shadow, the New York Mets, now stand poised to challenge the status quo. Under the ownership of Steve Cohen, the Mets refuse to settle for mediocrity in a city that demands greatness. Their most audacious move yet? Luring Juan Soto—one of the game’s brightest stars—away from their crosstown rivals with a record-shattering $765 million, 15-year contract. At just 26, Soto is already a World Series champion and a lock for the Hall of Fame. Though his lone season in the Bronx helped the Yankees reach their first World Series in 15 years, it is the Mets who have secured his talents for the rest of his career. In many ways, this signing feels like the Mets taking a page from the Yankees’ playbook, going “all in” to rewrite their legacy.

For the Mets, Steve Cohen’s era has brought unprecedented ambition and a willingness to spend big, matched by a newfound confidence to win over a loyal fan base. Despite a decade of free-agent misfires, fate seemed to smile on the Mets last season, rewarding their boldness with an unexpected trip to the NLCS. Ironically, that playoff run was driven less by high-priced stars and more by under-the-radar contributors (aside from Francisco Lindor) and a core of affordable yet clutch performers.

The decision to invest so heavily in Soto is undoubtedly a gamble, but it’s a move Yankees fans know all too well. For decades, the Bronx Bombers thrived on similar risks, while the Mets languished as spectators to their success. Even in the 2000 Subway Series, the Mets were never truly seen as a threat, further encapsulating the Yankees refusal to take them seriously. Now, however, Mets fans see this moment as karmic justice—a long-overdue shift in the power dynamic between the two franchises. For a team that spent generations as New York’s punchline, stealing the Yankees’ thunder feels like poetic retribution. 

But it all doesn’t matter unless the Mets win a title, and that’s something they haven’t done since 1986. Big bucks or not, World Series are won mostly by grit, determination, and a certain gene that can’t quite be put into words – and certainly cannot be bought. We will see if the Mets have it this year. One thing is for sure though: Juan Soto has gone from perhaps the most beloved player in the Bronx to public enemy #1. His betrayal can never – and will never – be forgiven.

On a quiet day in South Dakota, Travis Duffy found himself at the center of a baffling police confrontation. The YouTuber, known for his barbecue channel “Last Call Heroes BBQ,” was waiting for his chicken meal at a gas station when he snapped a few Snapchat messages to friends. Unbeknownst to him, one of the images may have inadvertently included a fellow customer. Hours later, Duffy’s evening took an unexpected turn as Brandon police officers appeared at his front door, questioning his intentions.

The officers, responding to a woman’s complaint that she had been photographed in public, admitted Duffy had broken no laws. However, they insisted on inspecting his phone, raising questions about whether the interaction crossed a line. While visibly uneasy, Duffy complied, handing over his phone—despite having no legal obligation to do so. Critics argue that the encounter highlights a troubling trend of law enforcement misinterpreting the rights of citizens.

For former police officer-turned-activist Abiyah Israel, the situation was a glaring example of overreach. Through his YouTube channel, “We the People University,” Israel educates viewers on their rights in such encounters. “He didn’t have to open the door, let alone show them his phone,” Israel remarked in a critique of the Brandon Police Department’s actions. “This was not illegal. The officers should have dismissed the call entirely. Their job is to enforce the law, not intervene in lawful activities like taking pictures in public.”

Duffy, who described the incident as humiliating, later expressed his frustration online. In a video shared with his audience, he recounted how he was publicly accused of inappropriate behavior in front of his neighbors. “I was bullied in my own front yard,” he said, adding that his surveillance cameras captured the entire exchange. The footage, which he posted on YouTube, has since sparked widespread discussion about privacy and the boundaries of police authority.

The Brandon Police Department defended their actions, claiming they acted appropriately. But critics, including Israel, argue that the officers’ suggestion for Duffy to “refrain from taking pictures of other people in public places” was an unlawful order. “Knowing your rights is essential,” Israel emphasized. “Never waive them. Always record these encounters and stand firm on your rights.” The case has ignited conversations about the balance between public freedom and law enforcement discretion, illustrating the delicate line between vigilance and overreach.

The sudden death of Amanda Sylvester, a promising 15-year-old volleyball player, has ignited fierce scrutiny over emergency response practices in College Park, Georgia. Amanda collapsed during practice at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex, and while fire department medics arrived promptly, an ambulance was delayed for over an hour. By the time her mother rushed her to the hospital in their family van, it was too late.

City officials are grappling with questions about the lapse in care, as public anger mounts over Grady EMS’s delayed response. The service admitted that the initial call had been classified as “low acuity,” only to be upgraded later when a unit was finally dispatched. Amanda’s condition deteriorated rapidly after arriving at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where she went into cardiac failure and passed away despite efforts to revive her.

Catherine Murray, the director of the Dream Chasers Volleyball Club, where Amanda was a team member, expressed outrage at what she called an “unacceptable” delay. “We’re responsible for these kids, and we need a better system to protect them,” she said, echoing sentiments shared widely across the grieving community.

The city’s response has included an investigation into the breakdown of coordination between the fire department and EMS services. College Park City Manager Dr. Emmanuel Adediran defended the actions of local emergency responders, stating that all protocols had been followed. But critics argue that the tragedy exposes systemic issues in healthcare response, particularly in cases involving youth athletes.

Meanwhile, the Dream Chasers Volleyball Club has rallied around Amanda’s family, launching a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral costs, legal fees, and other expenses. The fundraiser, which has so far raised nearly $13,000 of its $500,000 goal, serves as a stark reminder of the community’s collective grief and determination to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Sorry Times For Big Blue Fans

Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

By Samori Benjamin

The Giants fell to the New Orleans Saints Sunday afternoon 14-11 at the Meadowlands. The Giants have not won a home game this season and at 0-7 they are the only team in the NFL yet to win a home game. Drew Lock made the start for the Giants for the second straight week. He completed just 21 of 49 passes for no touchdowns and one interception. The Giants only touchdown of the game came on a one-yard touchdown run by Tyrone Tracy which brought them to within three points with 4:14 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Giants would get the ball back two other times with the first drive ending with an interception and the final drive ending with New Orleans blocking a 35-yard field goal attempt by Giants Kicker Graham Gano in the final seconds. “Disappointing game, it came down there to the end with a blocked field,” said Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll after the game. “It’s a disappointing outcome to the game.” The Giants record now stands at 2-11. They play Lamar Jackson, Derick Henry, and the high-powered Baltimore Ravens this Sunday at home with three games remaining after that.

A night of music turned into a scene of chaos at the Ideal Sports Bar in southeast Atlanta, where a confrontation between a performing band and patrons spiraled into a violent melee. The incident, which left multiple people injured, was reportedly triggered by racially and politically charged remarks during the performance, igniting tensions that escalated beyond control.

Witnesses recounted the moments leading up to the brawl, which began with heckling from patrons following comments made by band members. The atmosphere grew increasingly hostile when a patron reportedly used a racial slur directed at the band’s Black members. Security footage later showed one of the musicians, a young Black guitarist, provoking an older white patron near a pool table, further stoking the confrontation.

The altercation quickly descended into physical violence, with punches thrown and pool cues wielded as weapons. Amid the chaos, furniture was overturned, and one woman, associated with the band, was pinned against a pool table and struck repeatedly. Video captured the frenzied scene, which included bloodstains on the floor and patrons scrambling to avoid the brawl.

The bar’s owners addressed the incident in a social media statement, condemning the violence and announcing a ban on all individuals involved in instigating the fight. They acknowledged the role both parties played in escalating the conflict and emphasized plans to implement stricter screening of bands to avoid future incidents. “There is no room for hate at the Ideal Sports Bar,” the statement read, underscoring their commitment to cooperation with law enforcement.

The incident has sparked broader discussions about tensions in public spaces and the responsibility of venues to maintain safety. As investigations continue, the local community and the bar are left grappling with the fallout from the violent evening, which exposed deep-seated issues that extend far beyond a single night’s events.

In a vibrant celebration marked by a second-line parade, New Orleans unveiled a historic marker under the Claiborne overpass, commemorating a once-thriving Black business district. The marker stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a community uprooted decades ago by the construction of Interstate 10, a project that destroyed a hub of Black entrepreneurship and culture.

The bustling stretch of Claiborne Avenue was once the lifeblood of Black New Orleans, a thriving corridor of shops, theaters, pharmacies, and other businesses that flourished from the 1830s until the 1970s. Barred from shopping on Canal Street due to segregation, Black residents built their own economic stronghold under a canopy of oak trees, fostering a self-sufficient community that served generations. This cultural and economic vitality came to a sudden halt when highway expansion plans began to encroach on the area.

The development of Interstate 10 marked the demise of Claiborne Avenue’s prosperity. The first signs of upheaval were the oak trees being cut down, followed by the displacement of businesses and families. For those who lived through it, the destruction was abrupt and deeply traumatic. “It was a devastation for those of us that were here,” said Raynard Sanders, executive director of the Claiborne Avenue History Project. He recalled the lack of warning before the project began, with trees disappearing overnight and the community left reeling.

The marker, a project of the Plessy and Ferguson Initiative in partnership with community organizations, pays homage to the district’s significance. Founded by descendants of the men involved in the landmark Plessy vs. Ferguson case that institutionalized segregation, the initiative seeks to preserve and promote the history of Black resilience. Keith Plessy, a descendant of Homer Plessy, highlighted the marker’s role in honoring the businesses, trees, and people who thrived in the area before the interstate altered the landscape.

While the physical district no longer exists in its original form, its legacy endures in the spirit of modern efforts to uplift local Black businesses. The marker’s placement and accompanying celebrations not only commemorate a rich history but also inspire hope for a renewed sense of community and empowerment along Claiborne Avenue.

30 Points Not Enough For Wagner

Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

By Samori Benjamin

The Orlando Magic fell to the New York Knicks on Tuesday night 121-106 at Madison Square Garden. The game was also an Emirates NBA Cup Tournament game where going in, a spot for the quarterfinal round was at stake. The Knicks and Magic were in the same group, Group A, in this tournament, and the winner was in position to win the group and move on to the knockout round. However, even with the loss, Orlando will still move on to the quarterfinal-round of the tournament. They qualify for the Wild Card spot because they have the highest point differential in the tournament among the teams who finished second in their group in the Eastern Conference. The other two teams out of the Eastern Conference to advance to the knockout stage are the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks.

After losing their best player Paolo Banchero to injury in the first couple weeks of the season and beginning the season 3-6, the Magic had won 12 of their last 13 games going into Madison Square Garden. The Knicks were up by 30 points for much of the second half to the point where it was hard to believe the Magic were nearly unbeatable over the previous three weeks. “16 turnovers for 32 points,” Orlando Head Coach Jahmal Mosley said after the game to explain his team’s sudden stinker of a performance. “That’s what happened. We coughed it up and gave them easy baskets. It’s hard to win a game when you turn the ball over 16 times for 32 points, just giving points away and they got all easy baskets in that situation.” 

On top of that Orlando let six Knicks players score in double figures.  “As they turned up the pressure and turned up the heat and we didn’t see the ball go through a couple of times I think that changed our demeanor a little bit. Overall, this is a great experience for us to have, to go through, to play in the Garden in this environment against a very good basketball team. Now we got to be able to bounce back.” Mosley said.”

The Wagner brothers Franz and Mo scored 30 and 20 points apiece for the Magic against the Knicks. It was not enough for a team that had been on an impressive surge. “I think we didn’t have our usual effort and physicality on defense. They got into a rhythm, and we really didn’t at any point of the game offensively,” Franz Wagner said postgam. 

Orlando will play at Milwaukee next Tuesday night for the right to go to make the Semifinals of the NBA Cup which will be played in Las Vegas December 14^th. “We earned our way into the quarterfinal. Obviously not our best game today but that’s why you play every minute in the other games. It feels weird after a game like this to advance but yea, that’s just part of it.”

Kat and Knicks Playing for the Cup

Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

By Andrew Rosario

Another Triple Double For Hart

Photo: Specia to the NY Beacon

The New York Knicks are on a roll. When they hosted the Orlando Magic (15-7) Wednesday night they came into the game having won 6 of their last 8 games. After the Knicks easily handled Orlando 121-106, they upped their record to 13-8 (7-2) at home winning 7 of their last 9 games.

It looked like it would be a dog fight for New York as Orlando came out on fire hitting their first 3-point attempts taking an early lead 9-2 lead. The Knicks would close the gap to 9-6 after two Jalen Brunson free throws. The Magic extended their lead to 14-6 when New York decided to start playing defense. The Knicks closed out the Magic on a 30-13 run to finish the quarter 36-27. They never looked back.

4 of the Knicks 5 starters scored in double figures in the second half with Myles (Deuce) Mc Bride adding 10 points off the bench as he connected on 3 of 4, 3-pointers from downtown. The result was a 20-point (71-51) halftime lead. The onslaught continued in the third quarter as Orlando allowed 35 more points with New York taking a 106-75 lead going into the final quarter the fourth quarter was merely a formality and garbage time with the Magic winning their only quarter of the night 31-15 in the 121-106 loss. ln the end, Karl Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 23 points, Brunson finished with 21and Mc Bride 18 as he drained 5 of 7, 3-pointers. Not lost was Josh Hart adding another triple-double with 13 rebounds.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau was thrilled at how the team shared the ball. “l love how unselfish we were,” he began. “l thought we made great reads. When we got kin to the paint, just making the extra pass, creating the right space and then cutting which got us going downhill.”

The win catapulted the Knicks into the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup tournament Wednesday, December 11^th when they host the Atlanta Hawks. Before that, New York will host the Hornets Thursday night, Detroit Saturday night before going on the road to face the Raptors Monday night.

It may only be a mid-season tournament but it is something the team has its eyes on. Said Towns, “NBA Cup bringing out the best of all of us.”

Kat and Knicks Playing for the Cup

Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

By Andrew Rosario

Another Triple Double For Hart

Photo: Specia to the NY Beacon

The New York Knicks are on a roll. When they hosted the Orlando Magic (15-7) Wednesday night they came into the game having won 6 of their last 8 games. After the Knicks easily handled Orlando 121-106, they upped their record to 13-8 (7-2) at home winning 7 of their last 9 games.

It looked like it would be a dog fight for New York as Orlando came out on fire hitting their first 3-point attempts taking an early lead 9-2 lead. The Knicks would close the gap to 9-6 after two Jalen Brunson free throws. The Magic extended their lead to 14-6 when New York decided to start playing defense. The Knicks closed out the Magic on a 30-13 run to finish the quarter 36-27. They never looked back.

4 of the Knicks 5 starters scored in double figures in the second half with Myles (Deuce) Mc Bride adding 10 points off the bench as he connected on 3 of 4, 3-pointers from downtown. The result was a 20-point (71-51) halftime lead. The onslaught continued in the third quarter as Orlando allowed 35 more points with New York taking a 106-75 lead going into the final quarter the fourth quarter was merely a formality and garbage time with the Magic winning their only quarter of the night 31-15 in the 121-106 loss. ln the end, Karl Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 23 points, Brunson finished with 21and Mc Bride 18 as he drained 5 of 7, 3-pointers. Not lost was Josh Hart adding another triple-double with 13 rebounds.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau was thrilled at how the team shared the ball. “l love how unselfish we were,” he began. “l thought we made great reads. When we got kin to the paint, just making the extra pass, creating the right space and then cutting which got us going downhill.”

The win catapulted the Knicks into the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup tournament Wednesday, December 11^th when they host the Atlanta Hawks. Before that, New York will host the Hornets Thursday night, Detroit Saturday night before going on the road to face the Raptors Monday night.

It may only be a mid-season tournament but it is something the team has its eyes on. Said Towns, “NBA Cup bringing out the best of all of us.”

The expansion of the program has also led to the formation of new partnerships, most notably with Pharrell Williams’ nonprofit organization, Black Ambition. This collaboration significantly enhances the support network available to participants, offering them a tailored curriculum that includes mentorship opportunities and workshops specifically designed to refine their business acumen and increase their chances of success in a competitive market.

Among the promising new participants is Samad Hinton from Houston, who leads BLK Beetles, a venture dedicated to promoting wellness and community engagement through events that foster connection and health. His innovative approach not only addresses the physical well-being of individuals but also emphasizes the importance of community ties, making a positive impact in his local area. Another notable participant is Andrea Brown, a communications consultant specializing in assisting athletes as they navigate the complexities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements. Her expertise is crucial in helping athletes understand and leverage their personal brands in a rapidly evolving sports landscape, ensuring they can maximize their opportunities while maintaining authenticity.

As the Community LAB program continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs in the sports industry. By investing in diverse talent and fostering an inclusive environment, the program not only addresses systemic inequities but also enriches the sports sector with fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a broader range of perspectives. 

The sports industry is undergoing a significant transformation as an increasing number of Black and Latino entrepreneurs emerge as influential figures, largely due to their involvement in the Community LAB program. This groundbreaking initiative, sponsored by adidas, functions as a social accelerator aimed at empowering underrepresented business owners over an intensive eight-month period. Each participant is awarded a generous grant of $75,000, coupled with access to a comprehensive suite of resources designed to enhance their entrepreneurial journeys. The primary objective of the program is to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment within the sports sector, addressing long-standing disparities and creating opportunities for diverse voices to be heard and valued.

In an exciting development for the upcoming 2024-2025 cohort, the Community LAB program is set to expand its geographical footprint by introducing new locations, including Toronto and Houston, alongside its established hubs in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York. This strategic diversification not only amplifies the program’s impact but also highlights its commitment to nurturing vibrant communities across various regions. By championing diversity and equity, the program seeks to reshape the sports landscape, allowing the unique perspectives and experiences of its participants to shine through their respective businesses, ultimately enriching the industry as a whole.

The expansion of the program has also led to the formation of new partnerships, most notably with Pharrell Williams’ nonprofit organization, Black Ambition. This collaboration significantly enhances the support network available to participants, offering them a tailored curriculum that includes mentorship opportunities and workshops specifically designed to refine their business acumen and increase their chances of success in a competitive market.

Among the promising new participants is Samad Hinton from Houston, who leads BLK Beetles, a venture dedicated to promoting wellness and community engagement through events that foster connection and health. His innovative approach not only addresses the physical well-being of individuals but also emphasizes the importance of community ties, making a positive impact in his local area. Another notable participant is Andrea Brown, a communications consultant specializing in assisting athletes as they navigate the complexities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements. Her expertise is crucial in helping athletes understand and leverage their personal brands in a rapidly evolving sports landscape, ensuring they can maximize their opportunities while maintaining authenticity.

As the Community LAB program continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs in the sports industry. By investing in diverse talent and fostering an inclusive environment, the program not only addresses systemic inequities but also enriches the sports sector with fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a broader range of perspectives.