Latest news with #Floyd
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Brooklyn Nets jersey history No. 21 - Eric Floyd (1982-83)
The Brooklyn Nets have 52 jersey numbers worn by over 600 different players over the course of their history since the franchise was founded in 1967 as a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), when the team was known as the "New Jersey Americans". Since then, that league has been absorbed by the NBA with the team that would later become the New York Nets and New Jersey Nets before settling on the name by which they are known today, bringing their rich player and jersey history with them to the league of today. To commemorate the players who played for the Nets over the decades wearing those 52 different jersey numbers, Nets Wire is covering the entire history of the franchise's jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team. The 22nd of those 52 different numbers is jersey No. 21, which has has had a total of 26 players wear the number in the history of the team. The eighth of those players wearing No. 21 played in the (then) New Jersey (now, Brooklyn) Nets era, guard alum Eric Floyd. After ending his college career at Georgetown, Floyd was picked up with the 13th overall selection of the 1982 NBA Draft by the Nets. It was the first of two stints with New Jersey, with the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs in between the start of his second stint in 1994, his last in the NBA. During his time suiting up for the Nets, Floyd wore only jersey Nos. 21 and 12 and put up 4.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU makes history with its first female lead football announcer
Alabama A&M University has made history by naming Thai Floyd as the first woman to serve as the football team's full-time play-by-play announcer. Alabama A&M is an HBCU in Huntsville, Alabama, and competes in the SWAC. Floyd will call Bulldogs games throughout the 2025 season. A proud Florida A&M alumna, she brings years of experience as a broadcast journalist. Most recently, she worked as a digital media specialist for Alabama A&M athletics. According to her biography, Floyd has covered sports at every level. That includes high school, college, and professional events. Her work has appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia, HBCU Legends on Sports Illustrated, and ESPN's Andscape. She has also worked for ESPN+ and ESPNU as a sideline reporter and play-by-play commentator. Her assignments have included FBS bowl games and the Celebration Bowl. Floyd expressed her deep appreciation and sense of purpose for the opportunity: This opportunity is a dream realized, and I'm deeply grateful to be trusted with it. To be the first woman to serve as the full-time voice of Alabama A&M football - and possibly the first to hold this role at any HBCU - is bigger than me. It's about legacy, representation, and reminding young Black girls that we belong in every room, every booth, every broadcast. She went on to honor one of her biggest inspirations: I've looked up to Tiffany Greene for over a decade - she's poured into me, inspired me, and paved the way. Now, I just hope to continue the work she started and be that same light for someone else. With this historic appointment, Floyd not only becomes a trailblazer for Alabama A&M in the SWAC, but also a powerful symbol of progress across the HBCU and sports media landscape. The post HBCU makes history with its first female lead football announcer appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Maryland churches could openly endorse candidates from the pulpit, under IRS proposal
Churches could make political endorsements without fear of losing their nonprofit status, if a recent IRS settlement agreement is approved by a federal judge in Texas in a lawsuit brought by churches. (Photo by Capt. Joe Bush/U.S. Army) The Rev. L.K. Floyd believes church leaders should have the liberty to speak to their congregations and support certain political candidates, especially when it comes to improving their communities. Floyd, pastor at Heart Changers Baptist Church in Silver Spring, said Friday some people may believe that allowing that only helps evangelical Christians, pointing to white evangelicals like the late Rev. Jerry Falwell Sr. who established the Moral Majority in 1979 as a political organization pushing a 'pro-family' agenda. 'Not allowing the Black church, in particular, to be able to speak from the pulpit their political views, and also to be able to endorse their candidates and focus and support their agendas, I believe would be dangerous and problematic,' Floyd said. 'When there is something that is unjust … we must speak truth to power.' Now, the Internal Revenue Service agrees. In a proposed settlement filed last week, the IRS agreed with the National Religious Broadcasters that churches and other houses of worship should be allowed to formally endorse political candidate without endangering their nonprofit status under the tax code. A U.S. District Court judge in Texas still has to approve the agreement, which would settle a lawsuit by two Texas churches, the Intercessors for America and the National Religious Broadcasters that challenged the 'Johnson Amendment' to the Internal Revenue Code. That 1954 amendment was introduced by then-Texas Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson, and said that nonprofit organizations can maintain tax exempt status if they refrain from political campaigning. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE There's no specific deadline for the judge to make a decision. A lawyer with the IRS didn't respond to an email for comment. A lawyer for the plaintiffs declined to comment Thursday. The seven-page court filing states the amendment violates the plaintiffs' First and Fifth Amendment rights to freedom of speech and free exercise of religion, as well as their rights to equal protection under the law. It said merely speaking from the pulpit does not violate the Johnson Amendment rule against participating in or intervening in a political campaign. 'Bona fide communications internal to a house of worship, between the house of worship and its congregation, in connection with religious services, do neither of those things, any more than does a family discussion concerning candidates,' the proposed settlement says. 'Thus, communications from a house of worship to its congregation in connection with religious services through its usual channels of communication on matters of faith do not run afoul of the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted,' it says. The settlement also acknowledged the IRS 'has not enforced the Johnson Amendment against houses of worship for speech concerning electoral politics in the context of worship services.' University of Notre Dame law Professor Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer said in an interview Thursday that the IRS hasn't been enforcing the so-called Johnson amendment for at least the past 20 years. 'Many religious leaders have become bolder and bolder in inviting candidates to come speak at their church, calling them up to get praised, or saying other things that clearly indicate support of a candidate and not have the IRS open up an audit or threaten their types of status as a result,' said Hitoshi Mayer, whose areas of research include election and tax law and political activity by churches and other religious organizations. 'It gives churches that perhaps were hesitant to engage in this activity because they were worried about the IRS a green light to do so,' he said. Even if the judge decides not to approve the settlement, and asks both parties to go back and try again, Hitoshi Mayer said the IRS acknowledges 'we are not going to enforce the Johnson amendment' against churches and other houses of worship. At least it wouldn't happen during the Trump administration, he said, because President Donald Trump (R) said during his first term in office he wanted to repeal the amendment. Under shadow of deportation, Latinos find light at Hyattsville church On Wednesday during a lunch with African leaders, Trump said, 'I love the fact that churches can endorse a political candidate. If somebody of faith wants to endorse, I think it's something that I'd like to hear. Those people were not allowed to speak up. Now they're allowed to speak up. I think it's terrific.' Jeff Trimbath, president of the nonprofit Maryland Family Institute, called the IRS court filing 'a watershed moment.' 'For too long, many pastors have operated under the chilling belief that the law prevented them from equipping their congregations on how to think biblically about civic engagement, candidates, and public policy,' Trimbath said in a statement Tuesday. 'The IRS made it clear: there is no such prohibition. Let's pray this leads to pulpits that are once again unafraid to preach the whole counsel of God — including His truth for the public square.' Not all religious groups are on board. Ashley Hildebrand, senior adviser with Catholics for Choice based in Washington, D.C., hopes the judge rejects the settlement, especially given what it could mean for the separation of church and state. 'If the church can endorse a political candidate, it is just one more way that priests could preach from the pulpit and further alienate people in the pews,' Hildebrand said Thursday. 'If we allow the pulpit to be weaponized or put into service of a political agenda more so than it already is, we are essentially allowing a very well-organized religious force to mobilize its base in pursuit of a partisan agenda,' she said. 'That is inherently dangerous.' No matter what the judge decides, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said it plans to maintain its stance of not endorsing or opposing political candidates. 'The IRS was addressing a specific case, and it doesn't change how the Catholic Church engages in public debate,' the conference's spokesperson Chieko Noguchi said in a statement Tuesday. 'The Church seeks to help Catholics form their conscience in the Gospel so they might discern which candidates and policies would advance the common good.'
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Pink Floyd's 1971 Pompeii gig finally gets vinyl release
PINK Floyd at Pompeii is truly a historic musical document - capturing as it did a band on the cusp of superstardom. Originally filmed in the ruins of Pompeii in 1971, it was released as a concert movie the following year which saw the band take its first step towards global domination with the release of the seminal Dark Side of the Moon album. This gig was unusual simply because it involved the band jamming in the ruins of the Coliseum sans crowd. So there is none of the irritating whoops and over-enthusiastic cheers that colour many a live recording. This is a band spreading its wing, marking its shift from psychedelic upstarts to progressive-rock colossus; this performance highlighting an outfit brimming with ideas and concepts. The early psych workouts such as Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun and Careful with that Axe, Eugene are perfect accompaniments to the eerily deserted surroundings of the Italian ruins. Interspersed with shots of bubbling volcanic lava and steaming tar pits, the visuals were the perfect accompaniment for the haunting music. After the master tapes to the film were discovered in a vault by a Floyd legacy curator (yes, they employ such staff), plans were put in place to update the motion picture and the touched up version got a theatrical release on April 24 on IMAX screens worldwide. Meanwhile, the audio tracks got an upgrade as well courtesy of a Steve Wilson (of Porcupine Tree fame) mix. It was released on vinyl for the first time on May 2 and given that it has been on Discogs 'Most Wanted' vinyl releases of 2025 list since that date, it has taken some time to arrive on these shores. For Floyd fanatics, the wait would have been worthwhile as this double vinyl set is lovingly presented. From the poster, gatefold sleeve and most importantly, the mastering has been done to a pleasingly exacting standard. This is not a some half-hearted cash grab as everyone knows the surviving members of Floyd are all mega-rich. They had agreed to sell their recorded output, name and likeness to Sony in a deal reportedly worth US$400 million (RM1.6 billion) in October last year. The production is pleasingly crystal clear and full-bodied, especially Nick Mason's drums. Listen to the extended percussion workout on One of These Days and that almost elusive PRAT (pace, rhythm, and timing) that audiophiles hanker after is present and audible. The far-out instrumental jams that were early Floyd staples are present in the form of Echoes and Saucerful of Secrets, the former setting the tone for this album with its famous sonar ping that invites listeners to immerse themselves completely in proceedings. Make no mistake, there will always be a demand for Floyd music hence Sony's eye-watering investment in the brand. This is a worthy addition to the band's canon and it is not just for Floyd aficionados but fans of psych- and prog-rock will have plenty to pique their interest. Vinyl copies are available on back order from Teenage Head Records and are currently retailing at RM220 each. Expect prices to go upwards significantly once the scarcity factor kicks in. It may be pricey but it is well worth the investment, especially if one has a predilection for all things Pink Floyd. Casual fans may want to consider alternative formats such as compact disc or even Blue-Ray, the latter having the additional benefit of having the concert footage as well as interviews and bonus material. But do note this vinyl pressing is quite possibly the best audio edition available. That alone makes it supremely worthwhile.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Pink Floyd's 1971 Pompeii set finally gets vinyl release
PINK Floyd at Pompeii is truly a historic musical document - capturing as it did a band on the cusp of superstardom. Originally filmed in the ruins of Pompeii in 1971, it was released as a concert movie the following year which saw the band take its first step towards global domination with the release of the seminal Dark Side of the Moon album. This gig was unusual simply because it involved the band jamming in the ruins of the Coliseum sans crowd. So there is none of the irritating whoops and over-enthusiastic cheers that colour many a live recording. This is a band spreading its wing, marking its shift from psychedelic upstarts to progressive-rock colossus; this performance highlighting an outfit brimming with ideas and concepts. The early psych workouts such as Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun and Careful with that Axe, Eugene are perfect accompaniments to the eerily deserted surroundings of the Italian ruins. Interspersed with shots of bubbling volcanic lava and steaming tar pits, the visuals were the perfect accompaniment for the haunting music. After the master tapes to the film were discovered in a vault by a Floyd legacy curator (yes, they employ such staff), plans were put in place to update the motion picture and the touched up version got a theatrical release on April 24 on IMAX screens worldwide. Meanwhile, the audio tracks got an upgrade as well courtesy of a Steve Wilson (of Porcupine Tree fame) mix. It was released on vinyl for the first time on May 2 and given that it has been on Discogs 'Most Wanted' vinyl releases of 2025 list since that date, it has taken some time to arrive on these shores. For Floyd fanatics, the wait would have been worthwhile as this double vinyl set is lovingly presented. From the poster, gatefold sleeve and most importantly, the mastering has been done to a pleasingly exacting standard. This is not a some half-hearted cash grab as everyone knows the surviving members of Floyd are all mega-rich. They had agreed to sell their recorded output, name and likeness to Sony in a deal reportedly worth US$400 million (RM1.6 billion) in October last year. The production is pleasingly crystal clear and full-bodied, especially Nick Mason's drums. Listen to the extended percussion workout on One of These Days and that almost elusive PRAT (pace, rhythm, and timing) that audiophiles hanker after is present and audible. The far-out instrumental jams that were early Floyd staples are present in the form of Echoes and Saucerful of Secrets, the former setting the tone for this album with its famous sonar ping that invites listeners to immerse themselves completely in proceedings. Make no mistake, there will always be a demand for Floyd music hence Sony's eye-watering investment in the brand. This is a worthy addition to the band's canon and it is not just for Floyd aficionados but fans of psych- and prog-rock will have plenty to pique their interest. Vinyl copies are available on back order from Teenage Head Records and are currently retailing at RM220 each. Expect prices to go upwards significantly once the scarcity factor kicks in. It may be pricey but it is well worth the investment, especially if one has a predilection for all things Pink Floyd. Casual fans may want to consider alternative formats such as compact disc or even Blue-Ray, the latter having the additional benefit of having the concert footage as well as interviews and bonus material. But do note this vinyl pressing is quite possibly the best audio edition available. That alone makes it supremely worthwhile.
