The challenges when lesser known athletes speak out on societal issues
By Jake Meister Medill Reports Athletes are bringing candid and influential voices to social concerns as barriers denying them the opportunity to speak out vanish. Within the past five years, players from multiple sports in addition to the big four (men’s basketball & hockey, football and baseball) are more willing to voice their stands on […]
Game preview: Chicago Fire travel to defending MLS Champions Seattle Sounders for season opener
By Jake Meister Medill Reports After finishing preseason training in Tampa and Los Angeles, the Chicago Fire began preparations for their season-opening match Sunday against the defending Major League Soccer Champions the Seattle Sounders. New head coach Raphaël Wicky said he couldn’t see much of a change in the players’ responsiveness at their first practice […]
The life of an NBA team PR person at All-Star weekend
By Jake Meister Medill Reports Whether Luka Doncic was behind the podium at the Rising Stars Media Day, All-Star Media Day or after the actual games, one man stood by his side as if his life depended on it. It essentially does. Scott Tomlin is the Director of Basketball Communications for the Dallas Mavericks. Anytime […]
The evolution of Bam Adebayo into a modern NBA big man
By Jake Meister Medill Reports Former Chicago Bulls forward Will Perdue and 2020 NBA All-Star Bam Adebayo share roots in Kentucky. When he’s not working as a studio analyst for the Bulls at NBC Sports Chicago, the three-time NBA champion heads down to his home in Louisville. During Adebayo’s lone collegiate season with the Kentucky […]
NBA names All-Star MVP award for Kobe Bryant
By Jake Meister Medill Reports NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Saturday that the All-Star Game’s Most Valuable Player trophy would named in honor of the late Kobe Bryant. The 18-time All-Star and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died in a helicopter crash outside of Los Angeles on Jan. 26. They were among nine deaths in the […]
For legacy Wrigleyville stores, change is good
By Jake Meister Medill Reports Upscale new commercial venues and stalwart old ones are making Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood a year-round destination even when the Cubs’ season ends at Wrigley Field. Whether it’s the slew of swanky new bars and restaurants such as Happy Camper Pizza on Clark Street or the bright lights that populate Gallagher […]
Chicago Fire media day connects coaches and players with supporters
By Jake Meister Medill Reports Chicago Fire head coach Raphaël Wicky is trying to build a winning culture for the men’s soccer club that has struggled to find success over the course of the last decade. “The message to the players on the first day was I want a team of passion, and you have to […]
