Malcolm Brogdon's foundation plans to work with the Pacers to improve voter turnout in Black communitiesNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
Pacers G MALCOLM BROGDON launched the “Brogdon Family Foundation,” an organization he will "chair with his mother (JANN ADAMAS) serving" as Exec Dir. The foundation will "oversee various initiatives aimed to bring social justice and education reforms domestically as well as provide access to clean water in African countries." It plans to work with the Pacers "as well as local and state officials to improve voter turnout and reduce voter suppression in Black communities." Brogdon has "received commitments to join the initiative" from 10 NBA players and three WNBA players: Raptors G KYLE LOWRY; Nets Fs GARRETT TEMPLE, JOE HARRIS and JUSTIN ANDERSON; Bucks G DONTE DIVINCENZO; Pistons G TIM FRAZIER; Hawks Fs KEVIN HUERTER and DE'ANDRE HUNTER; Suns G TY JEROME; Grizzlies F ANTHONY TOLLIVER; WNBA Chicago Sky G DIAMOND DESHIELDS; Atlanta Dream G BETNIJAH LANEY; and Indiana Fever G VICTORIA VIVIANS (USA TODAY, 7/22).
FINANCIAL MOVES: The coronavirus crisis is "fueling a craze for blank-check companies, and the billionaire owners of pro sports teams are cashing in." Bills and Sabres co-Owner TERRY PEGULA said that he is aiming to raise $300M by "selling shares in East Resources Acquisition Co., a blank-check company that’s looking to scoop up bargains in the energy space." A few days earlier, on Friday, Penguins co-Owner RON BURKLE said that he was launching a $300M "blank-check company that’s looking to acquire a 'business that is proprietary-sourced, has strong or promising franchises, and has attractive risk/return prospects.'" Sources said that blank-check companies are a "natural fit for sports-team owners, who are typically seen as smart, well-connected and skilled business people" (N.Y. POST, 7/22).
NAMES: Mississippi State RB KYLIN HILL yesterday received a "key to the city" of Columbus, Miss., in recognition of "a heroic stand in the face of adversity." Last month, Hill tweeted: "Either change the flag or I won't be representing this State anymore & I meant that." Hill said, "I just thought, we have all these big time athletes, who have a voice, but won't speak on it. So I said, 'Why not me?' That's the thing, you can't be scared to speak up" (Columbus COMMERCIAL DISPATCH, 7/22)....Duke assistant football coach GREG FREY is "suing Florida State for money he says he’s owed following his February 2019 firing." He seeks "nearly $700,000" (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 7/22)....Ducks G RYAN MILLER is selling his Hollywood Hills home for $2.995M. In addition to the 2,400-square-foot home, there is a "garden courtyard in front and a tiered backyard with a swimming pool, dining area and putting green perched above" (L.A. TIMES, 7/22).
IN MEMORY: Former Univ. of Idaho AD BILL BELKNAP died Friday at the age of 81. After 10 years leading Vandal athletics, Belknap "became executive director of the university’s foundation." He returned to athletics as Commissioner of the Southland Conference. He was AD at Wichita State for six years before retiring in '99 (Spokane SPOKESMAN-REVIEW, 7/22).
