Dome Pondering

 3 Up 1. Derek Chauvin Verdict - I gave my thoughts and reactions to this verdict this week, and even as I now reflect on the week, it's still a bit remarkable what went down. This gets the top nod because justice was served - in a way that it usually isn't. And yes, accountability was present. What we saw last summer was a peak into life not widely understood in America. While there is so much negativity and unrest that has emerged from the case/scenario, often overlooked are the ways it's taking us closer to where we need to be as a nation. Regardless of the growing pains.  2. Chloe Zhao - Zhao took home some serious hardware for Best Director and for Best Picture ( Nomadland ). She is the first woman of color and the second woman ever to win for Best Picture. That's pretty freaking awesome.  3. Jacob deGrom - No one is performing on the level that is deGrom right now. The dude is easily the best in the world at the moment and is actually getting BETTER as he moves ...

There is little doubt that the verdict of the Derek Chauvin trial is historic - in the result and in occurrence. It ranks up there with the likes of the OJ Simpson verdict, of which I was a young child, of which that I will always remember where I was, my feelings, and the aftermath.  I wanted to let the moment, and even the loud aftershocks, settle before sharing my thoughts or writing this post. As you saw from news channels, columns, Twitter, and everywhere and anywhere else this verdict was discussed, the thoughts, opinions, and discourse became skewed, partisan, and unfortunately, a tool for various agendas.  In many respects, the trial, and verdict further exposed so much of what we have to work on - away from the obvious of racial and systemic equality. 

This is going to be a variety Dope Sports Threads as I'm focusing on a random assortment of ideas here, but you know what, whatevs.  Nike has been sooooo heavy as of late in the mainstream sports platform in regards to new collections of uniforms (and announcements of new collections) as well as honing in on new opportunities - so yeah, that's what ties this post together. The opportunities in creation and presentation - and of course, the clash with the traditional presentation of what we know from sports.

  3 Up 1. St. Louis Elects First Black Mayor - It's kind of crazy to think that the newly elected Tishaura Jones is the first black woman elected as the Mayor of St. Louis - but then again, considering ALL of history, it's really not all that crazy. Representation matters in governance, and we're seeing a lot more of it across the country.  Jones' comments after the win are also interesting, "We are done avoiding race and how it holds this region back."  The election also saw an uptick in voter turnout as well.  2. St. Vincent and Grenadines Relief Effort - I'm cheating on this "up" as I'm tied to the situation, but it's awesome, nonetheless. This week, the island of St. Vincent had two massive volcano eruptions leading to evacuations, resource shortages, devastation, and ash covering the island and neighboring islands as well. The relief efforts for those displaced have been amazing from the many Caribbean and West Indian individuals to ...

The NEW WNBA uniforms have been unveiled, and of course, I'm here to weigh in on the new look for the league. Powered by the creativity and design of Nike, the new designs drastically overhaul the aesthetic on-the-court look for all twelve teams and also changes the representation and aura of how the league is presented.  After all, let's be honest, the WNBA's uniforms have taken some major hits in the last few years. This is especially so as they increased the size and/or number of sponsorships to the jerseys to increase revenue. It reached the point where uniforms were no longer distinct to the brand of each team, and even more so, undesirable and unattractive.  The women deserve better. In this latest rollout that celebrates the 25th Anniversary (yes, 25 years already!) of the league, Nike crushed it. All of the looks are amazing.

Well, it's time to wrap up this long week of pro wrestling. One final night, typically just Wrestlemania, but now the last installment of all that wrestling goodness! And quite frankly, I more open to committing to two nights of Wrestlemania that are wrapped nice and tight and constructed for three-hour shows, rather than the never-ending marathon that recent one-day Manias have become.  Under this format, there is an energy and focus allowed for each night attributed to the viewer. And the product doesn't suffer from a completely burned-out crowd. But really, this is all obvious.  With that said, Sunday's showing wasn't as good as Saturday. If I could sum up my reason for that feeling - I just think looking back on Wrestlemania 37, Saturday's moments are what I'll remember, or remember first. 

3 Up 1. Wrestlemania Week - Sure, MLB and the Texas Rangers broke opened the box that is the return of a live audience. However, what the WWE produced this week - their biggest week of the year in Wrestlemania Week - was nothing short of spectacular. The WWE flexed its massive event production muscles with a memorable return in front of a live audience. So many props are deserved for all involved.  2. Joe Musgrove - The first no-hitter in San Diego Padres history, Musgrove was absolutely dominant. Adding to the awesomeness of the feet, Musgrove grew up a San Digeo Padres fan...gotta love baseball.  3. Baylor Wins National Championship - Baylor straight-up bullied Gonzaga in the National Championship game. The Bears just looked like a team that wanted it so much more and did just that. The championship is a big deal for a program that was on the verge of folding years ago amidst controversy and scandal. And yes, the Baylor Bears will be back with many returning players from thi...

Well here we are, it's Wrestlemania, baby! It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact this is the 37th installment of this spectacle - man am I getting old! Especially, since they've stopped using the numbers in the event title - you just kind of realize where we are, w hoa, 37! As mentioned in my NXT Stand and Deliver Reviews ( Night 1 and Night 2 ), I've had VERY little interest in this Wrestlemania season and build. Quite frankly, I've felt like the WWE has been the worst of the wrestling companies throughout the duration of existing without a live audience. Yet, regardless of the interest, Wrestlemania is instilled in me, and this one doesn't need the build. It's so much more than the RAW's and Smackdown's leading up to it. The (obvious) poetic beauty of this Wrestlemania is that it indeed will be the first WWE event with a live audience since the pandemic began.  And yes, there is the main event of two black women headlining the event for the f...

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd , we're back!  After an extraordinary Night 1 of NXT, and really of everything that will be this Wrestlemania Week and re-acquainting to this crazy fandom that is pro wrestling, I was ready for Night 2. How could they top it? Quite frankly, how could anything top what we saw from Night 1? I really, really, hold it in that type of reverence and enjoyment - just that good to be honest.  Well, Night 2 was good. No Night 1, but still entertaining...just my opinion. It also made me wonder whether two nights were needed for NXT. Again, not bad, but it's hard to surpass - but yeah, you get the point.  Nonetheless, here are some quick thoughts on Night 2:

For someone who hasn't been engaged in WWE's product for most of 2021 (besides the Royal Rumble, maybe?), "Wrestlemania Week" hasn't felt "Wrestlemania" at all for me. No, I'm not looking to dive into a realm of negativity and soapbox ranting on bashing the WWE's product here. It's just that, for this loooooooong-time wrestling fan who loves everything that is the spectacle that is Wrestlemania, this week, has just been, well, odd. However, as is custom with the things we love, I gave it whirl on the new Peacock platform, and figured, why not? Maybe the events will outdo the lack of interest? Well, I am very happy that I did. Here it is, flat out, with no extra fringe with it - The NXT Brand is amazing! Yes, I'm late to the party on this, but what I watched last night on Night 1 of Stand and Deliver, was everything I enjoy about pro wrestling and everything I want out of it in the current age. 

3 Up 1. Easter Weekend - He is risen! Spiritually, this weekend is one of my favorite Holidays of the year. Happy Easter to those who observe.  2. NCAA March Madness - So far, the NCAA Basketball Tournaments are my pick for Sports Event of the Year. Yes, I'm throwing out early nominations despite not even being halfway through the year! And that includes a year with the pending Summer Olympic Games! So many moments and dramatic endings for the men and women this March - I'm just so thrilled for student-athletes to have their moments. BTW - Kudos to the Stanford Cardinal Women's Basketball team on winning the National Championship. A season of road games, and so more! Well deserved. An Awesome championship game as well!  BTW (part 2) - That Jalen Suggs shot against UCLA... whewwwwww, child!!! 3. Boat Removed from Suez Canal - I said last week that some brilliant minds were going to figure this situation out and you know what? They did! Even as predicted - just remarkable. Ag...

I've found myself engaged quite frequently with many individuals - from various areas and backgrounds - on the issue of race, class, politics, sport, and fitness. Naturally, working in sports will always mash these areas together for me, forever creating nuanced unpacking of the elements always in play - pun intended. The latest discussion - Major League Baseball removing the 2021 All-Star Game from the city of Atlanta due to the newly passed Voting Rights Bill that is SB 202.  Off the reckoning the country is still attempting to work its way through, as well as the visible political divide that hasn't improved, entangled with the death and historical significance that is everything, Hank Aaron, MLB removing the celebration in Atlanta is highly significant, damaging, influential, and complex.