Author Archives: themodeljournalist

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About themodeljournalist

Sports journalist who is happy that Kevin Durant finally got his first ring.

NBA Free Agency is Here!

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Rumors and reports have been swirling for months but, today marks the official beginning of negotiations between players and teams. Contracts cannot be officially signed until July 6th.

Two of the biggest names the league (and everybody else) is monitoring are 2-time Finals MVP winners, Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant. Leonard is coming off of an NBA Finals win with the Toronto Raptors and Durant is going to miss the entire 2019-2020 season after suffering an Achilles injury. Both players have a lot of mystery surrounding their free agency decisions but, are reported to be taking meetings with multiple teams. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported early Sunday morning that both players are seriously considering the Los Angeles Clippers.

While we’re on the topic of Los Angeles, let’s talk Lakers free agency. Just a few months ago, saying “Los Angeles Lakers” was met with laughter and now they are in the front of the pack to potentially land another star. After landing Anthony Davis, there are still a lot of roster spots that need to be filled and with players like J.J. Redick, Jimmy Butler and De’Angelo Russell available, do the Lakers opt for depth over another superstar?

Another story to keep a close eye on is the Houston Rockets. In the last two years, the Rockets have made it to the playoffs but, lost some close ones to the Golden State Warriors. They seemingly have all the right pieces but, just can’t put it together consistently on the floor in the post season. It’s been reported that the Rockets are looking to land Jimmy Butler from the Philadelphia 76ers. The reason to keep a close eye on this developing story is what the Rockets will have give up to get Butler. The Rockets can offer Clint Capela, Eric Gordon or a number of other players but, given Capela’s improved play and Gordon’s sniper-like shooting, will they be able to get complementary replacements?

The Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets have also been discussed destinations for Kemba Walker and Kyrie Irving respectively, the two top sought after PGs. Walker has spent his career with the Charlotte Hornets and averaged almost 26 points per game last season.  Boston will be looking to replace the departing Irving, who at the start of the season was all in on Boston and then decided that was no longer the case a few months ago. It has been reported that Irving is seriously considering the Nets as his next destination. The Celtics also have another asset in Terry Rozier, who might be willing to stay due to the departure of Irving but, will gain interest from other PG-needy teams.

There are a slew of other free agents that are available including Al Horford, Danny Green, Patrick Beverly, J.J. Redick and Deandre Jordan. All veteran guys that could add depth and solid minutes wherever they land.

Los Angeles Rams v. New Orleans Saints

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As an Eagles fan, I had to dry my tears before I could get down to the business of writing about the NFC Championship game this upcoming weekend.

NFC Championship Game

Los Angeles Rams v. New Orleans Saints

January 20, 2019

The Superdome is one of the toughest places to play for the visiting team. The Rams know this all too well. In Week 9, the Rams suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Drew Brees and one of the best offenses in the league. Drew Brees passed for 340+ yards and 4 touchdowns, Alvin Kamara joined Jim Brown as one of the only players younger than 23 to have 3 touchdowns in 3 games and Michael Thomas’ 72-yd touchdown reception sealed the deal.

Jared Goff is not without weapons on the offensive side. The backfield duo, Todd Gurley and CJ Anderson, combined for 273 yards rushing, a franchise playoff record in the Rams win over the Dallas Cowboys. Although the Ram’s passing game has missed Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks have both contributed to the success of the offense without Kupp. In their last meeting, Brandin Cooks, former Saint, had a solid 6 receptions for 100+ yards and Robert Woods has been Goff’s most reliable target throughout the season.

Both offenses have the ability to put points up but, defense will most definitely be the difference maker in this game. The Saints defense will be without defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and the Rams front trifecta of Ndamukong Suh, Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers are going to make it difficult for a run game to be established. Also to note is that Aqib Talib did not play in the previous meeting but, will be on the field this Sunday.

A Glamorous Dining Experience: Le Train Bleu

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The next time you find yourself in Paris, France, dining at Le Train Bleu is a must!

This unique Parisian restaurant is nestled at the top of the stairs inside Gare de Lyon, yes the train station! It was a bit tricky for my friends and I to find (especially when our Uber driver dropped us off down the street) BUT, once inside…..

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An immediate feeling of luxury. The ceiling is filled with exquisite paintings, gold gilding and booth seating modeled after the dark blue sleeping cars from its namesake. There are a total of 41 paintings throughout the various rooms of the restaurant.

The menu lists a variety of traditional French dishes including duck foie gras, the leg of lamb and the Tartare beef seasoned to your taste and delivered table side on a silver serving trolley.

 

Dinner is a bit on the expensive side but, the atmosphere, the food and the wine are well worth the money spent!

 

‘Just Do It’: Colin Kaepernick featured in 30th Anniversary Nike ad campaign

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Over the weekend, the new Nike 30thanniversary ‘Just Do It’ ad campaign was revealed. The ad features former NFL quarterback, Colin Kaepernick.

Kaepernick has been signed to Nike since 2011 but, has not played in the NFL since 2016. It is worth noting that Kaepernick is involved in an ongoing legal battle with the NFL, a long-time, trusted partner of Nike.

Kaepernick shared the ad on social media with the featured message: “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”

At the beginning of the 2016 NFL season, Kaepernick was seen sitting during the National Anthem in an effort to raise awareness around police brutality and social injustice against people of color. Later in the season, he began kneeling instead of sitting, at the advice of Nate Boyer, a former U.S. Army Green Beret. Kaepernick has not been signed to a team since the end of the 2016 season.

Nike’s decision to endorse Kaepernick has garnered a range of emotional responses from fury and ire to recognition and validation. Angry consumers have posted videos on social media of their burning Nike gear. Other consumers are posting comments in support of the brand’s bold decision.

Although Kaepernick has been kept out of the NFL, he has remained silently vocal about equality for all. From keeping his $1 million donation promise to continuing his philanthropic work in oppressed communities, Kaepernick is doing what he set out to do when he first sat down on that sideline bench: shine a light on social injustice and inequality.