In Greensboro, Jeff Mills noted new Nashville Superspeedway President ERIK MOSES is the the first African American to hold that title at any NASCAR track, and that is a "big deal, and he knows it." However, he is "trying to take it in stride." Moses said, “The symbolism of being the first to do anything is not lost on me. I have received some really nice messages from people who tell me it means a lot to them, to see progress and to see someone like me have this opportunity. ... But there’s no pressure. I intend to be successful. And if I’m not successful, it won’t be because of the color of my skin” (Greensboro NEWS & RECORD, 9/5).
KEEPING IT LOCAL: The Rams partnered with rapper and Watts-raised community activist STIX to produce a "music video addressing social inequality," which premiered Sunday during the team's annual charity dinner. The rapper also "penned a public service announcement that Rams players will read and will be released ahead of the season opener" Sept. 13 against the Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. The partnership comes as after a "summer of intense protests and racial unrest, the Rams are exploring new avenues to support historically underserved populations." Stix: “The Rams are very aggressive when it comes to giving back. They took a Pop Warner team in Watts and named it after them. That aggressiveness makes a difference, and they are doing good things in the community that I come from" (L.A. TIMES, 9/6)....Falcons RB TODD GURLEY is partnering with the Univ. of Georgia Athletic Association (UGAAA) across several initiatives. Gurley will serve as a mentor and featured speaker for student-athletes on topics such as social justice, creating value beyond sport, financial literacy and entrepreneurship (UGAAA).
NAMES: Falcons Owner ARTHUR BLANK in his new book, "GOOD COMPANY," addresses MICHAEL VICK's dogfighting scandal and why, "through the good and bad," he "never gave up on Vick." Vick even was "able to retire as a Falcon" in '17. Blank: “I believe in redemption and second chances, and I wanted to give him the opportunity to show that he had learned from his terrible mistakes." "Good Company" goes on sale Sept. 15 (SI.com, 9/5)....The Broncos have become the latest NFL team to "hire a female assistant coach for the first time in franchise history." Coach VIC FANGIO on Saturday announced the team named summer intern EMILY ZALER to a "full-time position on the coaching staff" (N.Y. POST, 9/7).
IN MEMORY: BOB ROBERTSON, who called Washington State football games "for more than 50 years, has died at the age of 91." Robertson, who died at his home on Sunday, was "inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004 when he received the Chris Schenkel Award" (AP, 9/7)....Former poker player and analyst MIKE SEXTON died Sunday at 72 due to prostate cancer. Sexton was inducted into the Poker HOF in '09 and "served as one-half of a commentary team for the World Poker Tour alongside VINCE VAN PATTEN from the tour's first TV broadcast in March 2003 through 2017" (ESPN.com, 9/7).
