One of the greatest basketball players in history will end his career soon. Kobe Bryant, a professional basketball player with the Los Angeles Lakers, will retire from basketball at the end of his 20th season. He played in 17 all-star games and has 5 NBA titles. Bryant announced his retirement through a poem that was posted to the player’s website. Although there was controversy early in his career, he’s been seen as a mentor to younger players. The fans in Los Angeles have a special relationship with Bryant, although he is famous across the country. Listen to hear an announcer for the LA Lakers, talk about the career of Kobe Bryant and what we all can learn.
Story Length: 3:55
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AIR DATE: 11/30/2015
November 25, 2015
5:05
Playing basketball can be difficult in a hijab, the traditional clothing for Somali girls that is robe-like and covers their hair. Shoes can get caught in the dresses, scarves fall over the eyes, and there are so many layers it can get too hot. In the Twin Cities of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a high school girls’ team redesigned their uniforms. The goal of the new uniforms was to balance a culture of modesty with playing sports. The Somali girls had input into creating the design to produce something that isn’t restrictive but is also cute. Listen to hear how these uniforms were created and the response by other teams across the country.
Read MoreApril 3, 2015
8:16
Basketball fans across the country are preparing for the exciting end of March Madness, the NCAA basketball tournament. As Kentucky drives towards a undefeated season, this story remembers a time when the Southeastern Conference (SEC) was not integrated. Despite the Voting Rights Act of 1964, racism in the South was still commonplace and public. Perry Wallace stepped onto the basketball court for Vanderbilt University in 1966 and became the first black varsity athlete in the Southeastern Conference. Listen to learn more about the climate of Southern basketball in the late 1960s and how Perry Wallace survived and thrived.
Warning: Quotes in this story contain strong language.
Read MoreMarch 23, 2015
4:18
With college basketball’s March Madness Tournament heating up, all eyes are on college sports and the money they generate. From ticket sales, to merchandise, and TV rights, college sports bring more than just pride to their schools; they also generate huge amounts of money. College athletes are awarded scholarships to cover tuition, but they don’t get paid anything else. Is this fair? Athletes are speaking out and telling their stories of financial need. Listen to hear about one former college athlete who is challenging this system in court.
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