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Rams release film on trailblazing RB Kenny Washington, who reintegrated NFL

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Rams release film on trailblazing RB Kenny Washington, who reintegrated NFL


INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Kenny Washington starred on the soccer area greater than 75 years in the past at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Rams shared his life story within the intimate setting of the refurbished Miracle Theatre in downtown Inglewood, a stone’s throw from the crew’s new-era residence at SoFi Stadium.

Most individuals are acquainted with the story of Jackie Robinson — how in 1947 he overcame overt racism to interrupt the colour barrier in turning into the primary Black participant to compete in Main League Baseball within the trendy period.

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However few know the journey of Robinson’s baseball and soccer teammate at UCLA. Washington completed the identical factor in skilled soccer a 12 months earlier, turning into the primary Black participant to reintegrate the NFL after a 12-year ban on Black gamers. 

Years earlier, Washington, Robinson and Woody Strode, identified nationally because the “Gold Mud Gang,” starred within the backfield for the Bruins. In 1939, Washington grew to become the primary UCLA participant named an All-American. 

To convey consideration to Washington’s accomplishments, the Rams partnered with black-owned manufacturing firm The BLK Originals to create “Kingfish: The Story of Kenny Washington,” a 20-minute movie chronicling the gifted runner’s profession. The Rams premiered the movie to staff and different invited dignitaries on the cozy theater on Market Avenue. 

“This movie wouldn’t have been doable with out this group utilizing Kenny’s legacy to assist encourage at this time’s group,” stated Rams COO Kevin Demoff. “As a result of this story from 77 years in the past is as related as ever at this time. Once we take into consideration breaking limitations, creating alternatives, making change and perseverance within the face of adversity within the Los Angeles group — all of that which Kenny did — that every one stands true for what we’re speaking about proper now.” 

The movie consists of former Rams gamers Isaac Bruce, Marshall Faulk and Steven Jackson plus present L.A. defensive coordinator Raheem Morris all discussing the influence Washington has had on their lives.

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“Generally when telling the story, the ugly reality wants to return out,” Jackson stated within the movie. “And since that reality is so distasteful at instances, you simply strive to not inform the story in any respect. As younger folks proceed to discover the historical past of the sport and why we’re in a position to do what we do, it’s not as a result of we confirmed up sooner or later and placed on cleats.  

“It’s as a result of there was somebody who stood within the hole. And Kenny Washington stood in that hole for lots of Black athletes.”

Washington died in 1971. Attending the premiere was his granddaughter, Kysa Washington, who served as a part of a panel to debate the movie after the viewing. 

“We’re humbled, proud and now the brand new phrase is happy,” Washington stated. “Excited that the remainder of the world will get to know the knowledge that we had been raised with. In our family, we had a number of this data, however a number of it wasn’t available to everybody else.” 

On March 21, 1946, 27-year-old Kenny Washington signed a contract with the Rams after taking part in six years for the Hollywood Bears of the Pacific Coast Skilled Soccer League, for which he was the highest-paid participant.

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When the Cleveland Rams relocated to Los Angeles to play within the Memorial Coliseum in 1945, the Black group pressured the crew to combine as a result of public funding was used to construct the stadium. 

Washington and former UCLA teammate Strode joined the Rams, whereas Marion Motley and Invoice Willis signed with the Cleveland Browns. Dubbed “The Forgotten 4,” these gamers had been honored by the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame final 12 months for his or her contributions, receiving the Corridor’s Ralph Hay Award. 

In 2021, author Bob Glauber partnered with former NFL receiver and Los Angeles native Keyshawn Johnson to publish “The Forgotten First,” a ebook detailing the gamers’ reintegration of the league within the Forties.

“It is an necessary story to inform,” stated Glauber, who additionally served on a panel after the displaying of the movie. “And it must be instructed, once more, time and again.”

Johnathan Franklin, a former soccer standout at UCLA now serving because the Rams’ director of social justice and soccer improvement, shall be tasked with getting the phrase out concerning the movie. Franklin stated the Rams plan on having a screening occasion digitally obtainable to all 32 NFL groups on the finish of the month. 

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It can be considered freed from cost on YouTube.

“We wish to inform the world who Kenny is,” Franklin stated. “He’ll be a hero not simply in Los Angeles, however all through the whole United States.” 

Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for greater than a decade, masking the Los Angeles Rams for Sports activities Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma Information Tribune. Comply with him on Twitter at @eric_d_williams.

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Washington

Crews fighting fire at scrap yard in Washington County

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Crews fighting fire at scrap yard in Washington County


WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio (WTAP) – First responders are on the scene of a fire at a scrap yard in Washington County.

Not much information is known at this time, but what we do know is the fire is at Guernsey Scrap Recycling.

According to the Reno Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Jon Bradford, departments from Reno, Williamstown, Devola, Salem, Little Muskingum, and Marietta are on the scene. All of those departments are shuttling water to the scene.

Scrap yard fire(none)

The fire is contained in one area of the facility. Reno VFD is using the MOV Drone Works drone to help fight the fire. The owner of the scrap yard is in a crane helping to move items to assist firefighters.

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It is not known what started the fire. And Chief Bradford says nobody was injured, and nobody is at risk.

WTAP has a reporter on the scene and will have more information as it becomes available.

See an error in our reporting? Send us an email by clicking here!



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Jayden Daniels Will Keep Commanders Competitive vs. Lions

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Jayden Daniels Will Keep Commanders Competitive vs. Lions


The Washington Commanders have made many changes to go from a four-win team to three wins away from winning the Super Bowl, but none have been more impactful than drafting quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick.

Daniels may be a rookie, but he plays like an established veteran. That’s why Bleacher Report writer Maurice Moton believes that the Commanders will be competitive this weekend against the 15-2 Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round.

“The Commanders slowed down the Buccaneers’ third-ranked offense in a road victory last week, and Daniels helped position them to kick the game-winning field,” Moton writes.

“Head coach Dan Quinn and coordinator Joe Whitt have molded the team’s defense into a respectable unit throughout the season. In clutch moments, Daniels is far beyond his years.

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“Washington won’t shut down the Lions offense, but along with Daniels, it can do enough to keep the score margin in the single digits.”

The Commanders are still underdogs since the Lions have arguably been the best team in the NFL this season, but Daniels won’t allow Washington to fold. He hasn’t done so yet, so there’s no reason why it would happen now.

Kickoff between the Commanders and Lions is scheduled for tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

• Commanders Preparing for Lions OC Ben Johnson Who Will ‘Test Your Discipline’

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• Dan Quinn Details Commanders Rookie’s Performance in Playoff Game, He Was Impressed

• What Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown Said About Commanders WR, It’s Come Full Circle

• Analyst Predicts Commanders Upset vs. Lions



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George Washington stays unbeaten with 68-41 victory at Capital – WV MetroNews

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George Washington stays unbeaten with 68-41 victory at Capital – WV MetroNews


CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Capital team short on experience and playing for the first time since New Year’s Eve faced quite a challenge Thursday night as it welcomed one of the state’s most polished teams in nearby rival George Washington.

The Patriots showed no sign of letting a nearby rival hang around and continued their stellar start to the season by never trailing in a resounding 68-41 victory.

“Shooting takes pressure off how we have to defend, but our defense has been the key to everything we’ve done to this point,” veteran GW head coach Rick Greene said.

The result prolongs GW’s unbeaten start to the season through at least its first eight games.

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This one was never in doubt as the Patriots’ combination of efficient offense and lockdown defense left the Cougars playing catch-up throughout.

GW’s Chuck Kelley accounted for the game’s first two field goals and scored his team’s first six points, before Gale Lamb got in on the action and went on a personal 7-0 run that upped the Patriot lead to 14-4.

David Robinson, who led Capital with 17 points, scored five in the opening frame to keep his team within striking distance as it faced a 14-7 deficit entering the second.

After Capital’s Grant Barclay provided a bucket to start the second quarter, it was all GW the remainder of the opening half.

Lamb hit a pair of three-pointers around a Kelley transition layup, forcing the Cougars to call timeout 5:05 before halftime as they trailed 22-9.

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At that point, Lamb was 5 for 5 with 14 points.

“He didn’t take a shot he couldn’t hit,” Greene said. “He is a really good shooter and he’s shooting with a lot of confidence. The kids want him to shoot the ball, so if you’re a shooter and you know your teammates want you to shoot it, it gives you that little bit of freedom and relaxation.”

Out of the break in the action, GW’s Noah Lewis scored inside twice, with teammate Sai’Vyon Brown knocking down a three in between. It was 29-9 at that point, and Kelley accounted for the final points of the half on a follow-up basket to send the visitors to the locker room with a commanding 33-11 advantage.

While Lamb and Kelley were both 5 for 5 with 24 combined points through two quarters, the Cougars were shooting 5 for 16 and being out-rebounded, 15-5.

“The guys coming off the bench are trying to match the defensive intensity of the first five, and that’s making us really good,” Greene said.

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Kelley picked up where he left off to start the second half, scoring five points over the first 1:03.

Capital (2-4) upped the pace itself and Trevaun Tyson was the main beneficiary, scoring all nine of his points in the third quarter.

The Cougars doubled the first-half field goal total in the third period alone, making 10-of-15 shots to keep pace with the Patriots for that 8-minute stretch.

“It was a nice conversation at halftime,” Capital head coach Cookie Miller said. “We got them going a little bit and we have to come out like that at the beginning. It was a rough 18 days, but that’s not excuse. We had great practices for us to give that showing, but at the end of the day, hats off to them for knowing their plays and getting into things. They’ve been together for a long time.”

Unfortunately for Miller’s team, Lamb maintained his efficient play and scored nine points in the frame to spark GW’s 22-point quarter.

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That allowed the Patriots to lead 55-32 entering the fourth, and they cruised from there.

GW made 25-of-44 shots to shoot better than 56 percent. Lamb led all players with 24 points and made 7-of-8 shots. Kelley was also 7 for 8 and scored 15.

Noah Lewis chipped in with seven points and a game-high 10 rebounds, while Jeff Harris added five points and eight boards. That duo was instrumental in allowing GW to finish with a convincing 36-16 rebounding edge.

Tyson had half of his team’s boards. 

The Cougars made 18-of-45 shots, but only one three-pointer to the Patriots’ five.

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“Those guys have been together for a long time. Kudos to them,” Miller said. “Greene has them moving and doing what they’re supposed to doing. We’re trying to get on their level and soon we will be on their level.”



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