Sami Zayn challenging Muslim wrestler stereotypes and Trump ban

Rami Sebei better known as WWE superstar Sami Zayn, spoke out against President Trump’s Muslim ban in the United States due to the injustice being served to these countries. Sami Zayn is tearing the stereotypes of Muslim Wrestlers by competing at the highest level.

Zayn, a Syrian Muslim born in Quebec, Canada, is a professional wrestler for the WWE. In the past the WWE portrayed Muslim wrestlers as the United States vs them. For example the Iron Sheik or Muhammed Hassan were characters that were looked upon as villains against American wrestlers. Sami Zayn is changing the perception of Muslim wrestlers as he is looked upon as one of the premier wrestlers on the WWE roster.

“Now I get to just be me -- and hopefully being me strikes a chord with a lot of young Arabs and non-Arabs, honestly. We're really not all that different," Zayn said to ESPN in a 2017 interview. 

Zayn emphasizes the big misconception of Arabic people where they are portrayed as radicals due to ignorance. This very ignorance is what led to the Muslim Ban.

I can't articulate how truly disgusted I am right now. #MuslimBan

— Sami Zayn (@iLikeSamiZayn) January 28, 2017

"The fear, hatred & division sold to us is a much bigger problem than our struggling brothers and sisters are. CHOOSE an open heart over anger," Zayn told ESPN in 2017.

He implies that his “struggling brothers and sisters,” are a problem, but the racial discrimination that Arabic people face is a much bigger issue. In today’s day and time no ethnicity should be facing inequality of any kind especially in the United States.

Due to WWE’s position in the wrestling industry Zayn has this platform to speak out and influence the younger generation. He’s paving the way for Muslim wrestlers to be looked at for their talent instead of their religion.

“With great power comes great responsibility,'" Sebei said in an ESPN interview. "With a platform that big, and with an opportunity this big, whether you want to be a role model or not, this puts you in a position where you have to be your best; it's really your duty to be the best that you can be.”

Zayn wants to emulate how important it is for a celebrity to maintain a positive image for their fans and followers. Celebrities are often more influential than they assume and they forget how “loud” their voice really is.

As a wrestler with Arabic descent Zayn often disagrees with the WWE's portrayal of Arabic wrestlers, especially when they’re seen as villains. He hopes that the WWE could have a more positive self image for their wrestlers. Zayn is an example of many celebrities that show the youth that it possible to make it big in America, it inspires them to strive harder.

"I think it's important for youngsters from all walks of life to have some sort of representative that they can look up to and aspire to be and let them know there's a chance for anybody from any background," Zayn said in an interview with ESPN cited from wrestlingnewsworld. 

"That's the spirit of America, right"? "Anybody from any background can make it anywhere with enough hard work. I think the more people from all walks of life who speak up and the more diverse success stories we have, the better that is for our youngsters growing up, knowing they can attain those same goals just like anybody else."

Authored by Anamul Hoque and Mohammed Kabir

DeAngelo Williams strides against breast cancer

In 2015, DeAngelo Williams chose to wear special eye black in support of Breast Cancer Awareness despite imminent penalties. Williams has been very vocal, calling for support. Williams feels a responsibility to advocate for those who must fight breast cancer.

“Breast cancer, whether I like it or not, is part of my family's story.” Williams wrote in a 2014 Sports Illustrated article. “That's why I am so passionate about raising awareness, because I have seen firsthand how it can impact others.”

DeAngelo Williams’ mother and four aunts all fought and died from Breast Cancer, and he’s been watching them suffer most of his life. In honor of his family members and those with breast cancer, he chose to wear the eye black and was than fined for this small first-time uniform infraction. He then continued his campaign dying the tips of his hair pink.

“When breast cancer took my mom, it met its biggest enemy,” Williams told the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance.

Williams has consistently advocated for breast cancer awareness. Worrying not of the penalties and fees, Williams has used his status as an NFL player to reach audiences. He believes women should get tested more and rather than waiting for October breast cancer should be thought of year round.

"It's not just about October for me; it's not just a month, it's a lifestyle. It's about getting women to recognize to get tested," Williams told Lisa Salters of ESPN in 2015.

Williams continues to push for a cure because he knows how it affects people first hand. He payed for 53 mammograms to honor his mom who had died from breast cancer. Williams has founded “The DeAngelo Williams Foundation” which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the eradication of breast cancer. Despite all his efforts, Williams is far from satisfied.

"I don't ever feel like I do enough," Williams told Molly Grantham from WBTV.

Authored by Gabriel Cuilan, Bruce Mayfield

Donald Sterling's racist comments spark league wide movement

You are a professional basketball player for a team in the midst of the golden era of their franchise, leading a first round playoff series against your biggest rivals two games to one; geared up and ready to roll, the adrenaline and confidence of your team is at an all time high ... and then your owner grabs a hammer and tears it to shreds. That was the case with Donald Sterling, the then owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, who made insensitive racial comments against African-Americans in April 2014.

Sterling at the time was in a relationship with his then-girlfriend V.V Stiviano. In September of 2013, Stiviano posted an Instagram photo of her and Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, which irritated Sterling.

"It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you're associating with black people", Sterling told Stiviano in the recording. "You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want ... but the little thing I ask you is ... not to bring them to my games".

Of course, Sterling’s comments had a number of negative responses from players and owners alike. 

“There is no room for Donald Sterling in the NBA”, Lebron James said during an interview before a Saturday playoff game against the Charlotte Bobcats in 2014.

The owner of the Miami Heat, Mickey Arison, also called the comments, “appalling, offensive and very sad.” Other legends such as Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kevin Johnson spoke out against Sterling’s remarks.

The biggest impact Sterling’s racist comments had was on the team itself, and their response was just as significant. Before their Game 4 playoff game against the Golden State Warriors, a game which they lost by a significant margin, the players took off their warmup shirts and left them on the floor. In the locker room before the game, "We are one," was written on the dry-erase board, which was the message players and coaches talked about before taking the court. The Clippers players also, in an attempt not to display the team’s logo, turned their red shooting shirts inside out and began to practice.

During the game, players wore black wristbands and black socks. The leader of the team, superstar point guard Chris Paul attempted to unify the team, declaring,

"We're going to be one, everything we do, we do it together," Paul told ESPN in 2014. "Stay together, play ball...we worked hard to be where we are..."

Sterling’s comments wasn’t just a nuisance to the players and coaches, but the city of Los Angeles as a whole. The Los Angeles chapter of the NCAAP cancelled its plan to award Sterling with its lifetime achievement award, and as a whole, the Clippers lost considerable fan support and money. Numerous sponsors, including Chumash Casino and CarMax severed their ties with the team, while other sponsors temporarily suspended their respective relationships.

It was obvious that the NBA needed to act in order to improve publicity. On April 29, 2014, newly instated commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling from the NBA for life and fined him $2.5 million. He also moved to force Sterling to sell the team based on a “willful violation of the rules.” Sterling challenged the league at every turn, but it was to no avail, as the NBA approved the sale of the team to billionaire Steve Ballmer. The Board of Governors unanimously ratified the deal 29-0, and Sterling was ousted as owner.

The NBA’s quick disposition of Sterling earned considerable praise around the league. Clippers coach Doc Rivers, who has expressed doubt about whether he'd honor the two years left on his contract if Donald Sterling remained the owner, called it "an amazing new day in Clippers history."

“I couldn’t be more excited to work together with Steve as we continue to build a first-class, championship organization," Rivers told CbsSports.com in 2014. "I am already inspired by Steve’s passion for the game, his love of competition and desire to win the right way and I know our players and fans are going to be inspired as well.”

Three years after the ordeal, the stench of Sterling as owner occasionally lingers around the franchise. After beating the Golden State Warriors in a grueling seven game series that year, they lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals. Although, the Clippers are still in the midst of the most successful period in franchise history, they’ve yet to achieve a NBA finals berth, or Western Conference for that matter.

Donald Sterling’s comments had huge repercussions regarding the team’s playoff run, and one must wonder if this fiasco, despite ousting him as owner, prevented the team from achieving even more success. Nevertheless, it’s comforting for NBA fans and players alike to know that situations like this does not go unnoticed, and it portrayed  the NBA's willingness to stand up against immoral social standards.

Authored by Arik Armstead and Matthias Granja

Randy Orton takes strong stance against National Anthem protests

WWE superstar Randy Orton has voiced a strong opinion in the ongoing protests concerning the National Anthem and the fight for rights in America. Orton has took a strong stance on Colin Kaepernick and his decision to kneel during the National Anthem, as he feels that kneeling during the National Anthem is not the right way to go about the issue.

NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has carried out many protests in favor of the Black Lives Matter movement. He has decided to kneel down during the National Anthem before every game in attempt to show people that he will not stand by and do nothing while black people are oppressed throughout the country.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

Sports writer and podcast host David Zirin backed Colin Kaepernick’s actions in a contentious tweet.

If you're sneering that it doesn't take courage to raise your fist during the anthem, then you're one of the reasons why it takes courage.

— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) September 20, 2016

WWE star Randy Orton went against Zirin’s remarks in another tweet that counteracted Zirin’s beliefs.

“Sneering? More like shaking my head. Courage? Lol riiiight. Courage. That’s what it takes to stand up and fight, not raise a fist,” Orton said.

The next day, a woman questioned Orton’s remarks in a tweet regarding the Black Lives Matter movement.

“Black people are dying randy. Where's your anger for that,” the woman asked.

Orton responded in yet another tweet regarding the issue, claiming that the issue is not limited to a certain race.

“Americans are dying. Pigment of skin doesn't matter. American people matter,” Orton stated.

Orton then doubled down on his opinions on the ongoing protests when interviewed in a podcast on the radio show Heated Conversations on Houston's Sports Radio 610, hosted by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T. 

“I basically said that Americans are dying, no matter the color of their skin, Americans are dying. And I also said courage is what it takes to stand up and fight, not kneel or raise the fist during the National Anthem.”

Orton was crystal clear in expressing his opinion on Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the National Anthem. He went on to explain how he has nothing against Colin Kaepernick.

"The issues he's kneeling for, I respect that he is kneeling for those issues," Orton said to Booker T. "I just disagree with his way of showing that it's an issue to him. You hear a lot of people say 'he sat the bench, he's looking for attention', whether that's true or not. Listen he's got a voice he's in the public eye, that's what all those social media followers are for.

"I want to hear what the man has to say. And in the recent weeks he's talked about what his issue was, and again I respect those issues man this world is a scary place. People are dying. There's a lot of issues and everyone needs to unite together, as hard as that may seem Book, and talk about the issues. Kneeling when the National Anthem is played, when the Pledge Of Allegiance is played, I just disagree with the way that he did it. That's all."

A report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed Colin Kaepernick, former San Francisco 49er quarterback and free agent, will be standing for the national anthem before games next season.

“Kaepernick no longer wants his method of protest to detract from the positive change that he believes has been created, sources told ESPN. He also believes the amount of national discussion on social inequality — as well as support from other athletes nationwide, including NFL and NBA players — affirmed the message he was trying to deliver,” Schefter said in March of 2017.

Though Kaepernick is still 100% behind the cause, his kneeling may have cost him his career.

“No GM will go near him ever again,” an anonymous NFL GM stated.

While Kaepernick’s actions and remarks may have placed a major dent in his career, Orton continues to play a huge role in the WWE. This coming April Orton will be headlining the biggest pay per view in the WWE, Wrestlemania, as he faces Bray Wyatt, his former companion, for the WWE championship.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera expresses strong opinions on immigration and race

Ron Rivera has expressed strong opinions about immigration and race in contrast to the ideas of our new president. Rivera, the only Hispanic coach in the NFL and one of three Hispanic men to ever coach in the NFL, has a unique perspective on the issues of immigration and race. Athletes and coaches of professional sports teams have recently commented on many social and political issues, especially revolving around the policies of newly elected President Donald Trump.

Growing up in a military family, Rivera was never exposed to racism until the eighth grade when he moved back to the United States when he was called a “wetback.” Hearing this was one of the few times he was really "ticked off" by someone speaking to him in that manner. Another form of racism that he experienced was from a teammate who made a couple of racist comments while he was playing at the University of California-Berkeley; however, he said that while he was in the NFL he never experienced any form of racism.

While playing in the NFL he was asked to be a role model for Hispanics and was often looked up to by kids in the Hispanic community. When asked about a growing popularity of football in the Hispanic community he felt as if it had grown a lot with there being a lot of youth leagues for football in Puerto Rico and Mexico. He thinks that this growth of football within the Hispanic culture is a wonderful thing.

As he has become a coach and because of the higher stress put on issues of immigration, he has been forced to be more defensive of his ideals. His ideas on immigration are different from those of the President. In his eyes, immigrants are just a group of people that are trying to make better lives for their families and he believes that’s what it’s really about.

“That’s what America is built on, and we can’t lock people out because of that,” Ron Rivera said in an interview with Ahiza Garcia of CNN Money on February 27th 2017.

He and Cam Newton, his quarterback, both feel an increased pressure to perform because of their race according to Rivera.

“He wants to present that you can be successful as an African American quarterback, I struggle with that because at the end of the day it should really be about your merit,” said Rivera in the same interview with CNN Money.

He feels a responsibility because of his race that he is obligated to do well to give that same image for the Hispanic community.

“I feel that I have to do well, and I’m at that level now,” Rivera said.

Ron Rivera disagrees with the president’s ideas on Immigration. He believes that because he is the only Hispanic coach he has an obligation to speak out about race and immigration. He believes that in America people of color have to do more to prove themselves as an athlete.

'Banana Boat Crew' delivers powerful message to begin 2016 ESPYs

During the 2016 ESPYs, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul, together known as the “Banana Boat Crew,” spoke out on the rise of social justice and racial profiling. As prominent figures in the NBA and influential models for those that admire them, they took the stage as an opportunity to influence change and work towards solidarity. They addressed the issues together as not only athletes, but members of the community as well.

Throughout their respective careers, James, Paul, Anthony, and Wade have been superstars that in the NBA have developed a large fan base, not just in the United States, but worldwide. Their celebrity status has allowed them the opportunity to be vocal regarding issues that exist in our society. They have taken advantage of this opportunity during their careers, and view it as a responsibility as a social figure. Anthony addressed his duty as a citizen in a Guardian editorial he wrote in 2016.

“[Speaking out] is not really about politics,” Anthony said. “There’s nothing political about taking a stand and speaking on what you believe in. When I chose to speak out, it was a matter of being honest, speaking from the heart about what’s going on and calling on my colleagues to step up, get out there and put pressure on the people in charge to not let this happen anymore.”

The ESPYs is an annual award show for individual and team athletic achievement and other sports-related performances. The ceremony is broadcasted on ABC and ESPN, where millions of viewers tune in to see their favorite athletes get recognized. With the increased publicity of racial profiling and retaliation within society, prominent athletes took the stage to raise awareness for these issues. They commenced the award show with brief, powerful speeches on the importance of solidarity and change.

“We stand here accepting our role in uniting communities to be the change we need to see,” Paul said during his speech at the ESPYs. “We stand before you as fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, [and] uncles.” 

Wade addressed the rise of police brutality in recent years, particularly against African-Americans as a source of the tension in society. He condemned the offenders, and also called on athletes like himself to help modify the culture in America, no matter how difficult it may be.

“Not seeing the value of black and brown bodies has to stop,” Wade said to the audience. “Now, as athletes, it’s on us to challenge each other to do even more than we already do in our own communities. And the conversation, it cannot stop as our schedules get busy again. It won’t always be convenient. It won’t. It won’t always be comfortable, but it is necessary.”

Together, the four stars spoke out on the issues plaguing society as communal members and harbingers of change. Like everyone else, they were tired of the societal inequalities and injustice that has reigned supreme against African-Americans and minorities for hundreds of years. The problems were not new; however, the methods of change and raising awareness in efforts of reaching solidarity as a community has become a mission for these NBA stars.

“The system is broken,” Anthony urged in his ESPYs speech. “The problems are not new. The violence is not new, and the racial divide is definitely not new. But, the urgency for great change is at an all-time high.”

James, arguably the best player of his era, echoed the thoughts of hopelessness that many Americans feel today. He finished their collective speech by calling for everyone to look at their actions and see where they could improve to benefit society.

“We all feel helpless and frustrated by the violence,” James said. “It’s time to look in the mirror and ask ourselves what are we doing to create change. ...We all have to do better. Thank you.”

Authored by Armani Damiron and Michael Stern

Alex West: The rising dragon of HSMSE

Alex West has shown her potential this season as a junior for the High School For Math Science and Engineering’s girls' basketball team. Her impact on the team as a leader and valuable scorer played a large role throughout the season and in the playoffs. 

In the 2015-2016 season, West averaged only six points per game. She looked to her team for inspiration for the next season, specifically coach David Scheiman and team captain Annabelle Shultz.

“Mostly Annabelle and Scheiman [have helped me improve] because they knew I had the potential and I have finally been achieving what they always thought I could do,” West said.

West showed great improvement this season as she averaged 14 points per game and led the division in assists. The Lady Dragons finished the season 10-1 and faced Eleanor Roosevelt in their first playoff game, where they suffered a heartbreaking 50-45 loss. West performed well in the playoff contest, scoring 16 points and making key defensive stops.

She attributed their playoff appearance to the strength of the entire team. The team's chemistry improved as the season went along.

“This year we [were] more of a team even [when] we lost," she said. "We are bonded closer together. Scheiman has focused more on the technique behind our shooting and layups, so we have become more consistent and we have had better practice of this.”

Scheiman described technical improvements in West’s play that has raised her confidence on the court. As her role in the offense has grown, so has her output.

“Her dribbling, her shooting, and her on and off-court leadership [has improved], she has been very vocal on and off the court," Scheiman said. "She’s starting to come into her own and feels a lot more confident dribbling and shooting this year.”

As a coach, Scheiman saw potential and growth in West both on and off the court. Since freshman year he was impressed by her athleticism and fierce determination.

“On the court she’s a leader," he said. "She’s a fierce competitor and a lot of the other players will follow her on that effect. Off the court, she is the leader amongst her grade and people look up to her. So pretty much, for Alex for next year the girls [will] look up to her, so if she leads the way they will follow her."

West will be looking forward to playing her last season with the Lady Dragons next year. Scheiman has high expectations for her next season as a leader both on and off the court, as well emerging as a top player in the league with Shultz’s departure.

“I would like to see her anywhere from a 15 to 20 point scorer," Scheiman said. "I would like to see her averaging five rebounds per game. I think she can be a top player in the league, she’s very good in basketball and she can do that next year.”

Although she suffered a crushing loss in the playoffs after improving immensely, West held her head high in hopes of winning it all next year.

“We’ll practice harder, play harder, and I’ll do my best to lead the team,” she said.