Colin Kaepernick is the one battle Jay-Z can’t win
The rapper’s freestyle and “offensive” have come back to bite him
Culture
Mbappé’s move to On is about influence and ownership
The Swiss sportswear company is giving the French superstar equity and a seat at the table as it launches a new football category
Sports
‘Love is stronger than anger’: Nick Johnson’s courageous college football story endures at Earlham
From football depths through his wife’s life-and-death struggle, one man’s journey at his Division III alma mater in Indiana
Culture
‘A Different World’ finds its next generation
The iconic HBCU sitcom returns after 33 years with new students, familiar faces and the same commitment to Black stories.
HBCU
Alabama A&M quarterback Quad Brown, the ‘Unc’ of HBCU football, believes he has more left to prove
Now in his eighth season of college football, he says: “I’m fulfilling my purpose. I’m going to continue to do that until God tells me, ‘All right, it’s time to put the football down'”
Sports
Kyler Murray at a crucial point in NFL career
Former No. 1 pick already facing injury questions with Minnesota Vikings
Sports
Who are college sports really being protected from?
Question centers on why ‘student-athletes’ aren’t being allowed a seat at the table
HBCU
8 memorable ‘money game’ upsets in HBCU football
Traditionally, guarantee games have meant big losses but big checks for HBCU programs. During these past matchups, the underdogs prevailed
Sports
‘You either win or you learn’: Nick Johnson’s courageous college football story endures at Earlham
From football depths through his wife’s life-and-death struggle, one man’s journey at his Division III alma mater in Indiana
HBCU
Norfolk State alum Diamond Johnson’s goal is the WNBA. The Upshot League may help her get there.
She finished the new domestic league’s inaugural season as its second-leading scorer
COACHES CONVERSATIONS
Culture
Comedian Chico Bean begins his marathon journey in ‘Major’
As he prepares for the New York City Marathon, he explores the run clubs, communities and culture redefining what it means to become major
Culture
‘The American Carnival’: Halftime power rankings Part 3
With football here, who the next halftime performer could be is still anyone’s guess
Sports
Deshaun Watson’s debut makes matters worse in Cleveland
Watson hardly made a convincing case to remain the starter
Sports
Davante Adams and the Super Bowl pursuit
Los Angeles Rams receiver talks about his health entering Year 13, Sean McVay, Super Bowl expectations and more
Culture
Macklemore, Chris Brown and Kanye West: Three tours in one America
What three major concert tours reveal about protest, punishment and celebrity power
Sports
Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton — win or lose — are heroes at US Open
Nearly 60 years after Arthur Ashe’s Grand Slam triumph, Black men’s tennis stars are beloved for more than just major championships
Tyler Adams Diary
Culture
September’s best sneaker drops: Your guide to this month’s must-have releases
Manga-inspired collaborations by Adidas and Nike, everyday staples from New Balance and Saucony, a new PE and more
Sports
All over a hat: MLB umpire turns memorable debut into entry point into America
Doug Eddings didn’t ruin Hancel Rincon’s first Major League Baseball appearance. But he made a young pitcher’s moment about himself.
Sports
Awa Fam and Dominique Malonga are focused on the present, but their future in Seattle looks bright
The dynamic international prospects are only 20 years old, yet optimism abounds that the pair, plus rookie guard Flau’jae Johnson, will restore the Seattle Storm to title contention
Sports
Clippers-Kawhi saga a win for player empowerment, a rare rebuke of NBA ownership
There’s now hope for billionaire team owners to be held accountable
Sports
Daejon Love’s 49ers scam merits more than just laughs
The focus has shifted away from victims and accountability for Love’s actions
Culture