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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
College football's calendar needs an overhaul. Would a single transfer portal in January or April make the most sense?
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Can you imagine a summer signing day in college football? What about a single transfer portal? How about spring practices shifted to June? Those are the questions expected to be answered by members of a new committee of power conference administrators exploring ways to overhaul a 365-day college football calendar that was originally built for an amateurism system. College executives are reinventing a dated calendar to marry with the House settlement-related athlete-revenue sharing model set to begin July 1. Advertisement And they are on the clock to do it. 'It is imperative to our industry that we make this decision on the calendar by July 1,' Washington athletic director Pat Chun told Yahoo Sports from Orlando last week at a gathering of athletic administrators. 'Once July 1 hits, teams will start tracking for 2026. We need to know the calendar.' Here in Asheville, North Carolina this week, the 32 Division I conference commissioners gather for their annual summer meeting, where a host of items are on the agenda: the future of NCAA governance (will a separate division be created for the power leagues?); the College Football Playoff format (will adjustments to the selection criteria appease the Big Ten and SEC?); the NCAA tournament (is expansion happening or not?); and the many unsettled concepts tethered to the industry's landmark move to share revenue directly with athletes. Of all the decisions that administrators must make in the wake of the settlement's approval, the football calendar is, perhaps, the most pressing of them. Making matters more difficult is that they don't agree on the most critical piece: the timing of the transfer portal. Advertisement Should it be in January or April? While the majority of coaches want a 10-day portal period in early January, many administrators, as well as coaches in the Big Ten, are supporting an April portal date as a way to more align the portal with the academic calendar (ending in May) and a school's new revenue share cap year (ending in June). The portal's date not only impacts decisions on spring practice but it may determine if a second portal window will continue to exist. For instance, SEC coaches, hell bent on a January portal date, agreed last month that they'd prefer keeping two portal windows over a single window in April. College football's leaders are torn on how to handle the transfer portal moving forward, but they're on the clock after the House settlement decision. () (Paras Griffin via Getty Images) A brewing fight is playing out over the issue between college sports' two perennial conferences — the SEC and Big Ten — as well as the industry's administrative leadership versus many of its high-profile head coaches. SEC coaches want a January portal in an effort to secure next season's team, develop that team during spring practice and avoid one-third of their players transferring after spring. Advertisement Big Ten coaches want a spring portal to more align with their academic calendar (the quarter system) and the revenue-share cap year. 'April (portal) doesn't make any sense,' LSU coach Brian Kelly told Yahoo Sports two weeks ago from SEC meetings. 'You are going to put a business together and 33% of your revenue share (paid players) could be gone in three months? That's stupid. It just doesn't make any sense. (Big Ten coaches) are trying to set it to their academic calendar and they're saying they can't get guys in in January. Come on. We are firm on January and if we have to do a second (portal), we would. But we are firm on January.' A January portal reeks of one-track mind thinking, says Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork. 'With January, we are only worried about one thing and that's the football team,' he told Yahoo Sports from Orlando last week.''Oh! We got to have everybody there for a second semester because I have to get them in spring ball!' Advertisement 'If we want to worry about the financial component and the academic component, the best window is spring,' he said. 'They're only worrying about one thing — the football roster — and I think that mindset is in the past.' Bjork, along with Chun, are members of the House Implementation Committee, a group that studied the calendar at length over the last month and made a recommendation to power conference commissioners to form this new group of conference football administrators. The new group is expected to recommend a new calendar to commissioners in the coming weeks. At the crux of the issue is the new, annual quasi-salary cap imposed on schools — a max of $20.5 million to be shared with athletes in Year 1. A school's cap resets every July 1, signaling the beginning of a new cap year. In an ideal world, says Chun, athlete revenue-share agreements would begin in July and run through the following June — a reason a spring portal makes more sense. But the portal isn't the only thing changing. Advertisement The current signing day model — windows in December and then February — 'doesn't work' in a salary cap environment, says Chun, formerly a member of the NCAA transformation committee who has studied this issue more than most. Institutions can't wait on athletes to choose where to play that deep into the fall or winter. Cap calculations are being made for the next year's revenue-share pool much earlier. 'The days of kids picking one of five hats in December or January are over,' he said. 'If a kid surprises a school with an announcement … that school better have that cap space if that kid picks that hat. And what if he doesn't? Do you then have dead cap space?' The pool revenue that a school doesn't spend does not carry over to the next cap year. Advertisement One thing is clear: Signing day will move up significantly. In a 36-page document released by the NCAA and power conferences last week, a new 'offer' date was established. Schools can formally offer revenue-share contracts to high school prospects Aug. 1 of their senior year. Chun expects that date, or perhaps another date in August or September, will become the new signing date. Could it move to June or July? Maybe, says Bjork. 'Pretty much 95% of our prospects are visiting in the month of June,' Bjork says. 'If they are ready to make a commitment, why not let them sign? Sign immediately. They can see their rev-share and see it all. We've moved up official visits so there's no reason they couldn't sign.' Advertisement The portal is much more of a fight. 'I want to develop my team in whatever date in January," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said last month. "Then you work those guys out, you train those guys, you lift, you prepare, you do meetings. You do all this preparation and then that's your team.' A spring portal would mean players spending December-March on 'your campus getting tampered with' and then '33%' of them leaving, Smart said. 'I'm not for that.' NC State coach Dave Doeren says 'you don't want to spend three months training guys who are leaving' while holding spring practice. But what if spring practice were significantly altered? A proposal from the American Football Coaches Association would alter spring drills and provide flexibility for coaches to push some practices to May or June in OTA-style events. Advertisement According to the proposal, coaches can hold six additional padless practices in the summer, with the flexibility to move a portion of the 15 spring practices to summer. 'If you have an April signing day, your spring practice is going to look a lot different than if you have one in January,' said Arizona athletic director Desiree Reid-Francois, a member of the House Implementation Committee. 'It'll impact spring and what you do during the summer.' An April portal would pave the way for college sports to design more of an NFL-like calendar, where free agency follows the competitive season and then summer workouts unfold to develop a new team. 'Everybody has to look at it like this: college football has changed,' Chun says. 'We should not have transfer movement until we crown a national champion. The new calendar needs to prioritize academic progress and retention. To be eligible for the revenue share, those are the two academic criteria. All the studies show, the more you transfer, the more problematic it is for progress to degree.' Advertisement The new group working on the issue is expected to meet soon and include football administrators from the power leagues, as well conference compliance officers and athletic directors. 'There are no easy answers,' Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin sums up the issue. Said Chun: 'We have to give football a chance for sustainability again. We've all said the last environment is unsustainable. Here's our opportunity for sustainability. We have to have an environment that awards the football players that choose to stay, that has sustainability.'
Black America Web
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Chrisette Michele Opens Up About Autism Diagnosis: My Life Finally Makes Sense'
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Chrisette Michele is opening up like never before. The Grammy-winning R&B vocalist, known for her soul-stirring voice and thoughtful artistry, recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with autism. In a moving social media posts, Chrisette shared, 'I just learned I'm autistic. Official diagnosis.' She added , ''They used the word 'Severely.'' The 42-year-old performer, who has been back on stage and reconnecting with audiences, explained that the diagnosis has helped her better understand how she sees and experiences the world. This is major. 'Singing… but learning to strip the mask. One show at a time (the irony). Just… coming to grips with a lot and giving myself room to take it all in,' she wrote. 'My life and its challenges finally make sense. So, so much sense.' While Chrisette has largely kept a low profile in recent years, many still remember the backlash she faced after agreeing to perform at Donald Trump's 2017 presidential inauguration. This decision sparked public criticism, reportedly led to her being dropped by her label, and caused strain. That chapter marked a turning point in her public and professional life. In sharing this diagnosis, Chrisette seems to be entering yet another turning sharing the news, Chrisette's comments sections have become a space of love, solidarity, and emotional connection. One fan reminded her, 'That don't mean nothing. We still love you—all of you—and that won't change. God can still use you and still is, to change the world. Now you just got something else to write about to help more people.' Another simply wrote, 'We love you.' Others expressed appreciation for her honesty, applauding her transparency. One supporter wrote, 'It gives people hope to see that in spite of, you can still have high quality in life; you don't have to hide behind it but you can actually live—and that's what people need to see. YOU ARE A GEM .' Some commenters also shared their own diagnoses, welcoming her into a broader neurodivergent community: 'Welcome to the severely neurodivergent club. You will find your space among us.' Source: Earl Gibson/BET / Getty Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how people communicate, relate socially, and process the world around them. But for far too long, Black women have been left out of the broader conversation about neurodivergence. According to research from the National Autism Association and studies cited by Autism in Black, Black children are typically diagnosed with autism three years later than white children. And when it comes to Black girls and women, many are misdiagnosed or overlooked altogether due to masking – the act of suppressing natural behaviors in order to fit in socially. The 'Best of Me' singer's reflections on 'stripping the mask' speak directly to what so many Black women experience daily. Whether in the workplace, at home, or onstage, many of us are taught to shrink, adjust, and code-switch to be accepted. And this is true whether diagnosed with autism or not. Her words give voice to a truth that too often goes unspoken. Chrisette's announcement is more than a health update—it's a powerful moment of awareness and visibility. Her story reminds us that autism isn't always (or only) diagnosed in childhood. Nor does it always look like what mainstream media portrays. That's why stories like Chrisette's are so important. She ended her posts with a note of more revelations coming later. 'I'll talk more soon,' Chrisette wrote. 'Just wanted to say hi… from stage side.' SEE ALSO Chrisette Michele Opens Up About Autism Diagnosis: My Life Finally Makes Sense' was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Sinar Daily
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Anxiety singer Doechii speaks out on protest crackdown, Gaza during BET Awards win speech
"I feel like it's my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people," she said. By SINAR DAILY REPORTER 10 Jun 2025 03:28pm Doechii accepts the Best Female Hip-hop Artist award onstage during the 2025 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 9, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin / AFP) SHAH ALAM - American rapper and singer Doechii used her moment on the BET Awards stage to raise awareness of the situation in Gaza and the suppression of ongoing immigration raids and protests happening just miles away from the ceremony in Los Angeles, United States (US). After being honoured as the best female hip-hop artist, a milestone marking her first-ever BET Award, Doechii took a moment to recognise her fellow nominees before shifting the focus to pressing societal issues outside the venue. US rapper and singer Doechii attends the BET Awards 2025 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) "I want to address what's happening right now outside of the building. There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order. "Trump is using military forces to stop a protest. I want you all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What government is that?" "People are being swept up and torn from their families. I feel like it's my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people.... We all deserve to live in hope and not fear. I hope we stand together," she said. Her speech drew applause from the audience at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles where the awards aired live. The BET Awards 2025 celebrated people in Black culture, including writers, musicians, filmmakers and more. More Like This
Black America Web
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Modern Southern Soul: Evolution, Key Artists & Today's Vibrant Scene
Pictured: King George Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Modern Southern Soul music beautifully bridges the past and the present, blending heartfelt traditions with contemporary sounds. Rooted in the deep emotional storytelling of its predecessors, this new wave of Southern Soul captures the spirit of its origins while daring to push boundaries. One defining element of modern Southern Soul is its ability to keep the authenticity of gospel, blues, and rhythm & blues alive, all while incorporating modern production techniques and relatable themes. Artists like King George exemplify this evolution with chart-topping hits like 'Keep On Rollin'' and 'Girl You Got It.' His knack for pairing genuine lyrics with infectious melodies has established him as a driving force in the genre. Other artists are also making waves. Tucka, known as the 'King of Swing,' has reimagined Southern Soul with tracks like the 'Jukebox Lover (Remix)' featuring King George. Meanwhile, voices like J-Wonn, with heartfelt ballads such as 'Mr. Right Now,' and Stephanie McDee, with powerful anthems like 'Let Me Take You There,' highlight the versatility of the genre. These talents merge traditional soul vocals with contemporary beats, creating music that resonates across generations. Modern Southern Soul doesn't just honor its roots; it thrives by offering relatable stories of love, heartbreak, and resilience. Its bold fusion of vintage and fresh elements makes it accessible while still retaining the emotional depth that defines soul music. Thanks to this innovation, Southern Soul continues to thrive, cementing itself as a vital and evolving genre in today's music landscape. Scroll Down For 15 Key Tracks That Capture The Southern Soul Sound! Modern Southern Soul: Evolution, Key Artists & Today's Vibrant Scene was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
10 Contemporary Gospel Singers You Need To Know
Paras Griffin Gospel music has done our culture good over the past century, providing melodic inspiration to get through some our toughest mental battles and touching our souls by way of some of the most dynamic voices you'll ever hear. From the pioneering days of Mahalia Jackson and the pen game of Thomas Andrew Dorsey to the ones we consider legends today like The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams, Mary, Mary — shoutout to our girl, Erica Campbell! — and Kirk Franklin to name a few, it's a genre of music you simply can't help but love regardless of denomination. With the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music making its way to Nashville in August 2025, we couldn't think of a better way to show our appreciation for the genre than by taking a look at compelling new voices carrying it to new heights for the next generation. When looking at the state of contemporary gospel music, it's clear to see that future legends are quickly on the rise. Borrowing inspiration from the ones who came before and oftentimes even collaborating alongside them, many new acts to the game of gospel are making sure to add their own fresh spins while still enforcing the core message that's been clear since the beginning: God is the greatest love. Of the many fresh faces to pop up at the Dove and Stellar Awards over the past few years, there's no denying a handful are leading the pack in being a messenger of His word. These are the artists who younger worshippers are turning to for guidance in battling the temptations of a secular world and struggles with their faith in general being that it's coming from a voice closer to their generational experiences. Some are utilizing even more modern elements from hip-hop and R&B that could even compete (and has been!) with a few top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. We've got love for all those currently making gospel music on any level, but take a look at these 10 rising stars in specific who we seriously recommend adding to your Sunday cleaning playlist if you haven't already. If you loved her as part of Forever Jones, her solo career will be a pleasant surprise. It was amazing to finally see her achieve GRAMMY gold earlier this year in winning 'Best Gospel Performance/Song' alongside Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell, Israel Houghton and Jonathan McReynolds with their collaboration, 'One Hallelujah.' Those who were lucky enough to attend his live taping of Greater earlier this month at Redemption Church Greenville know exactly what we're talking about. Whether it's with Maverick City Music or in her own right, we simply can't get enough of her voice. From a summer tour scheduled to the high anticipation for a follow-up to last year's well-received EP, Covered Vol.1 , our guy Melvin is the man of the hour. Major points for putting an innovative spin on gospel music by way of introducing elements of Afrobeats and Amapiano to the mix. Last year's release of You're Gonna See It (Live) was a testament to his capabilities when it involves carrying the stage of worship for well over two hours. From his exuberant energy to clever lyricism for the Lord, there's no surprise that Pastor Mike has grown into the fan-favorite of gospel. We can't wait to see how his star continues to rise following yet another big win at the 2024 GRAMMYs! Building a full lifestyle brand from cooking to mentorship for women (see: SistHER Inc.), Kierra is reshaping what it means to be a gospel star. SEE ALSO Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
