Tag: President

Broncos owners make first hire, name Damani Leech team president

Broncos have named Damani Leech team president. George Paton will continue to run football operations — Leech will handle the business side.

The Denver Broncos’ new ownership group wasted no time making changes in the team’s front office.

Denver has hired Damani Leech as the new team president, Broncos owner/CEO Greg Penner announced Thursday. He will report to Penner, who released the following statement:

“As we sought to identify a dynamic, forward-thinking and inspiring leader to guide the Broncos into this exciting new chapter, Damani stood out among several very qualified candidates,” Penner said. “There was a high degree of interest in this opportunity with the Broncos, which speaks to the reputation of this organization and Damani’s strong credentials.

“Damani is highly regarded throughout the National Football League for his leadership, strategic vision and collaborative spirit. As a former college player with executive experience at both the NFL and NCAA levels, Damani understands the value of teamwork and knows what it takes to win — on and off the field. Most importantly, he leads with integrity, empathy and respect. I’m confident Damani will help the Broncos grow across all areas of our business and make our staff, partners and fans proud of this organization.”

Leech will not be directly involved in the team’s football operations. He is not replacing former president of football operations John Elway — he’s replacing former team president/CEO Joe Ellis, who stepped down from that role after new ownership took over earlier this week.

Leech, like Ellis before him, will be primarily responsible for managing the business side of the team, including the club’s stadium operations.

“It is a tremendous honor to join Broncos Country during such an exciting time for one of the premiere franchises in all of sports,” Leech said. “Greg and the other partners are visionary leaders, and the trust they have shown in me is deeply humbling. I’m thrilled to support our world-class ownership, leadership team and staff on this journey to drive innovation and growth throughout every area of the Denver Broncos.

“With a championship history and heritage, the Broncos are a remarkable organization that has a special connection with its fans and community. Speaking with George Paton during this process, it’s clear that this team is positioned to succeed on and off the field. I can’t wait to work alongside ownership, George, Coach [Nathaniel] Hackett, the players and staff to help this flagship franchise reach the next level of greatness.”

Before joining the Broncos, Leech served as the chief operating officer of NFL International from 2019-2022. He’s been an executive with the NFL since 2015 after having served in the NCAA’s national office for 17 years.

Going forward, Penner will serve as the team’s day-to-day owner and CEO under majority owner Rob Walton. Paton will continue to run the team’s football operations under Penner while Leech runs the business side.

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Seahawks president Chuck Arnold signs contract extension through 2027

Seattle Seahawks president Chuck Arnold has signed a contract extension to remain in his position through 2027.

The Seattle Seahawks have signed president Chuck Arnold to a contract extension, keeping him with the team through 2027.

Arnold began his career with the Seahawks as an intern in 1994 and will be entering his 28th season with the team this year.

“Chuck continues to do an exceptional job working with and supporting the football operation while assuring that the entire Seahawks organization remains an engaged and invested community leader unafraid to tackle tough challenges in our region,” Jody Allen, chair of the Seattle Seahawks, said via the press conference. “Stability, quality, and consistency of leadership is a key ingredient to our continued success and winning culture. I remain excited for the future of this organization both on and off the field.”

In addition to his duties with the Seahawks, Arnold also directs the management of Lumen Field, the Lumen Field Event Center, and WAMU Theater.

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Chris Spielman to join Detroit Lions as Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO

The Detroit Lions announced that former linebacker Chris Spielman to join the team as Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO.

The Detroit Lions announced that former linebacker Chris Spielman will join the team as Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO.

Spielman spent eight years with the Lions after they selected him in the second round of the 1988 draft, and he led the team to NFC North (then Central) division titles and an appearance in the 1992 NFC Championship Game. He was a team captain, a Pro Bowler, and team MVP.

After Spielman’s playing career was complete, he entered broadcasting and has spent time across multiple networks including ESPN, FOX, and was the color commentator for the Lions preseason games the last seven seasons.

As this is a full-time role, Spielman will be stepping away from his current broadcasting position at FOX to immediately help Shelia Ford Hamp and Rod Wood in their search for a new general manager and head coach. He will sit in on all interviews moving forward and will go back and revisit the three internal interviews the Lions conducted last week.

“I am humbled and excited about the opportunity to be involved with the franchise that is truly a part of me,” Spielman said in a press release. “The opportunity to work with Rod Wood and every single person in the Lions organization can’t get here fast enough. To Lions fans everywhere, I will do everything in my power to help Mrs. Hamp and the Ford Family achieve their vision of something we can all be proud of.”

Bringing in a football minded advisor in Spielman, to assist business-minded Wood and new principal owner Hamp in their search is a wise move, as it will give them a trusted perspective outside of their own.

Hamp and Wood also issued statements:

Hamp: “Chris Spielman has been a tremendous ambassador for the Detroit Lions since the day he first put on a uniform as a rookie in 1988. He brings great passion for people and the game of football, and we are thrilled to have him on board to help lead our team. This position is a full-time opportunity for Chris that will allow him to work across various departments on both the football and business sides of our organization.”

Wood: “This is an exciting day for the Lions organization. The Ford Family and I look forward to working with Chris and leaning on his knowledge and advice as we take the next steps as a team. His relationship with our team and our city will serve as a strong foundation for him in helping to fortify and sustain our organization’s culture.”

Additionally, the Lions announced that Barry Sanders (former Lions Hall of Fame Running Back), Rod Graves (Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation Executive Director), Mark Hollis (Rock Ventures Vice President of Business Development) will serve as advisors in the teams search for a GM and head coach.

Warriors gift new Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with special signed Steph Curry jersey

The Golden State Warriors congratulated Oakland native and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with a special signed Steph Curry jersey.

After reaching over 270 electoral college votes, multiple news outlets project former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris to clinch the 2020 Presidential race.

Following the projected Biden-Harris victory, the Golden State Warriors had a special gift for the new Vice President-elect.

The Warriors honored the Oakland native’s historic victory with a new “Oakland Forever” edition signed Stephen Curry No. 30 jersey. On the jersey, the Warriors two-time Most Valuable Player had a special message for Harris.

On the jersey, Curry penned “To Kamala, Bay Area —> D.C. Congrats!!”

Via @warriors on Twitter:

In August at the Democratic National Convention, Curry and his family endorsed the Biden-Harris campaign in the 2020 presidential election.

Following the Biden-Harris projected victory, former and current members of the Golden State Warriors, including Draymond Green, Shaun Livingston and Eric Paschall weighed in on social media.

Via @Money23Green on Twitter:

Via @epaschall on Twitter:

Via @ShaunLivingston on Twitter:

The new Vice President-elect is a longtime fan of the Golden State Warriors and has been spotted at games inside Oracle Arena in the past. In 2018, Harris congratulated the Warriors on another-run to the NBA Finals.

Via @KamalaHarris on Twitter:

Voters wrote in Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes in 2020 Presidential election

Voters in a few counties in Kansas City wrote in Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on their ballots.

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes could have a career in politics ahead of him. He’s already receiving votes for the highest office, even though he isn’t running in any election, besides the race for another Super Bowl title. According to WDAF-TV reporter Harold R. Kuntz, Mahomes received write-in votes for in the 2020 U.S. presidential election in both Clay County and Jackson County.

Mahomes, of course, has been very involved in the current election and raising awareness about voting. He helped initiate the plan to turn Arrowhead Stadium into a polling place on Election Day. When things hit a snag, he volunteered to pay for the voting machines needed to get things back on track, splitting the costs with the Chiefs organization.

“I think Arrowhead ended up being a great spot for people to kind of come together, go out and get your vote,” Mahomes told reporters on Monday. “Being a great place, where it seemed like everything went smooth and was ran well. It’s super exciting and hopefully, we can continue to do that.”

On Tuesday, Chiefs team president Mark Donovan called Arrowhead Stadium’s election set up the “most efficient voting/polling station” that he’d ever been to. As of his press conference, around 9:00 a.m CT, between 500-1000 people had already cast their votes at Arrowhead. By noon, there was no average wait time to cast a ballot at the stadium.

As for Mahomes’ future in politics, Chiefs fans don’t have to worry. He’s not thinking of officially running for office anytime soon.

“It’s funny getting written in and stuff like that, but that’s not anywhere where I’m thinking right now,” Mahomes said. “I’ll have to think of a slogan or something like that.”

When he does run for office, you can expect he’ll have devised a catchy campaign slogan.

What do you think Mahomes’ campaign slogan should be, Chiefs Kingdom? Be sure to send us your best submissions on Facebook and Twitter.

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Steph and Ayesha Curry appear at DNC to endorse Joe Biden in the 2020 election

Steph and Ayesha Curry appeared in a virtual video at the 2020 Democratic National Convention to endorse Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

Stephen Curry had a busy Thursday.

After serving as the Golden State Warriors representative at the NBA Draft Lottery, Curry joined his wife Ayesha to make an appearance during the final night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

In a pretaped video surrounded by their family, Steph and Ayesha endorsed Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Ayesha opened the video stating, “We want to ensure that our kids live in a nation that is safe, happy, healthy and fair.” The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player followed saying, “we’re voting for Biden.”

Steph and Ayesha were then joined by their daughters Ryan and Riley for some questions about politics and the upcoming election.

After the Curry family’s video, the former Vice President chimed in on Twitter to thank Steph and Ayesha.

Via @JoeBiden on Twitter:

Curry responded to Biden’s thank you with praise for his formal acceptance speech at the DNC. The point guard called the speech “amazing.”

Via @StephenCurry30 on Twitter:

Curry joined fellow NBA All-Star LeBron James to endorse Biden. In an interview with Cari Champion and Jemele Hill, the Los Angeles Lakers forward said he would “for sure” support Biden and Kamala Harris in the 2020 election.

Watch the Curry family’s DNC video via @DemConvention on Twitter:

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Gators News: August 13, 2020

The hits keep coming this week, with college football still trying to figure out if, when and how it will play amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The hits keep coming this week, with college football still trying to figure out if, when and how it will play a 2020 fall season amidst the novel coronavirus pandemic.

At the top of the news, USA TODAY Sports’ Paul Myerberg asks if the College Football Playoff can go on despite the Big Ten and Pac-12 bowing out of the year. With the madness and uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought into the sports world, is a championship among the remaining teams really worth it?

Meanwhile, in Columbus, Ohio State will not pursue a fall season despite rumors to the contrary, according to Athletic Director Gene Smith. The OSU AD offered the following statement.

“Ohio State has continued its communications with the Big Ten Conference regarding a scenario to still play fall football game but has now determined that this would not be an allowable opportunity for us to move forward. We are 100 percent focused on supporting the health and safety and academic success of our student-athletes and on working with the Big Ten to develop a spring plan for our sports as expeditiously as possible.”

And last, but not least, Dan Wolken gives his opinion on Nebraska bailing out on Big Ten, claiming that it may be more than bluster. The Cornhuskers have themselves in a bit of a pickle, but it has yet to be determined if it was the right move or not.

Around the Swamp

It’s great to be a Florida Gator!

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Florida Governor DeSantis: ‘We want you guys to be able to play’

DeSantis’ comments came the same day that the Big Ten and Pac-12 announced that they were canceling all sports for the fall 2020 season.

Speaking to the media at Florida State University on Tuesday alongside Seminole players and university President John Thrasher, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he still wants to see football played in Florida this fall despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He also extended an invitation to schools and conferences whose seasons have been canceled to compete in the state.

DeSantis’ comments came the same day that the Big Ten and Pac-12 announced that they were canceling all sports for the fall 2020 season, with the intent being to postpone them until the spring. DeSantis, however, said he sees value in the sport being played on time.

“We want to make sure that folks know that we value the opportunities for our student-athletes in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.

“I asked President Thrasher and (FSU football coach Mike Norvell) about, hey, if some of these other conferences shut down, can we welcome their players to the state of Florida?” DeSantis continued. “I’m not exactly sure how the NCAA rules work on that. But I can tell you, if there’s a way, you know, we want you guys to be able to play as well.”

DeSantis said that being with the program during an athletic season would provide more structure to players than if the season were canceled and that they’d be more likely to contract the virus without the restrictions programs would put on them.

“That means the world to so many of our student-athletes,” DeSantis said. “We talked about some of the college players who may not necessarily be (going) pro. There’s a lot of high school players who may not be able to get to college on it, but man, that’s an important part of their development.”

DeSantis’ eagerness to resume sports in the state comes in spite of the fact that Florida is currently one of the states most impacted by COVID-19 with over 500,000 confirmed cases and over 8,000 deaths. Though it will be open in the fall and students will be living on campus, the majority of students will be taking classes online, with about 65 percent of total instruction planned to be conducted online.

Thrasher made the case for playing football this fall, citing the best interests of student-athletes.

“What we frankly want to send is a message to some of the other schools that may be teetering on whether or not to play football,” Thrasher said. “We think it’s in the best interest of our student-athletes for us to play football. We can do it safely. And we can do it productively for them, as well as the absolute culture of our university. And certainly, this community of Tallahassee. We’re ready to do it.”

When asked about the economic impact of not having a season, Thrasher said it would be “significant.”

“Football drives everything else,” Thrasher said. “When you have football, you’re able to support the other sports, the Olympic sports and everything else.”

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President Trump weighs in on college football

If you’ve paid any attention to college football players on social media the last day you’ve seen “#WeWantToPlay” take off. Stars from colleges and universities all over the nation have let their thoughts be known that they in fact want to play …

If you’ve paid any attention to college football players on social media the last day you’ve seen “#WeWantToPlay” take off.

Stars from colleges and universities all over the nation have let their thoughts be known that they in fact want to play college football this fall. The biggest name in college football this season and the likely next first overall pick in the NFL Draft was among them.

But it wasn’t Trevor Lawrence who drew the most attention Monday for his cause, but instead the President of the United States of America who jumped aboard the cause.

Donald Trump is on board with college sports returning this fall and athletes not having to miss seasons they’ve worked so hard for.

There’s two sides of this and like society anymore, anyone with a strong belief doesn’t seem to want to hear the other side.

It’s not even 1:00 p.m. where I’m at as I type this and it feels like the day is only going to get crazier for the college football world.

Stay tuned.

Steph Curry shares happy birthday message with former President Barack Obama

As former Potus Barack Obama turned 59 years old on Tuesday, Stephen Curry shared a happy birthday wish with the 44th President.

Since his time in office, Stephen Curry has shared a longstanding relationship with former President Barack Obama. The two-time Most Valuable Player has joined the 44th POTUS for golf, town hall discussions and to celebrate the Golden State Warriors championships.

When Curry hosted Dr. Anthony Fauci in an informational Q&A interview about the coronavirus pandemic in March, Mr. Obama was one of the 48,000 viewers virtually in attendance.

On Tuesday, President Obama celebrated his 59th birthday, and Curry chimed in on Instagram. Golden State’s six-time All-Star shared a photo of the pair together with a birthday message. Curry appeared to visit Mr. Obama while he was mending the hand injury he suffered at the start of the 2019-20 season.

Via @StephenCurry30 on Instagram:

Happy Birthday 44! @barackobama….. I know, I’m pretty funny right?????

Along with Curry, other NBA All-Stars wished the former President happy birthday on social media. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Chris Paul shared birthday messages with Mr. Obama.

Via @KingJames on Twitter:

Via @cp3 on Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

Happy Birthday 44 ✊🏾

A post shared by Chris Paul (@cp3) on

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