The Tampa Bay Buccaneers completed the goal of being the first team in NFL history to play and win the Super Bowl in their home stadium after blowing out the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 on Feb. 7.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady had a masterful performance, missing only eight throws (21-for-29) while throwing for 201 yards and three touchdowns in the dominant win.
The victory marks Brady’s seventh championship title, giving him more Super Bowl wins than any other team in league history. Brady also won the Pete Rozelle Trophy as the Super Bowl MVP being the only player to win it for the fifth time in his career.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was under duress the entire game against a defense that forced him to throw two interceptions and was sacked three times.
It was the first time that Mahomes has lost a game by more than one possession since Nov. 19, 2016, while playing collegiately at Texas Tech University.
Tampa Bay’s defense limited the Chiefs to only three Harrison Butker field goals. Alternatively, Tampa Bay feasted offensively, with running back Leonard Fournette rushing for 89 yards and a touchdown and tight end Rob Gronkowski hauled in six receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns.
Everything came together for Tampa Bay, but there is optimism in keeping this team together for another run.
“Hell no, I’m not going anywhere,” said Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians about his future with the team after the win. “I’m coming back trying to get two and see after that. This football team, I love these guys.”
Thornton Makes History for Howard Women’s Basketball Squad
Howard University senior guard Jayla Thornton made history on Feb. 7, breaking the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) all-time 3-point record against Morgan State University.
“I’m extremely proud of JT. She deserves all the accolades,” said Howard University Women’s head coach Ty Grace on the record-breaking performance. “This is a great accomplishment, she’s worked hard these four years, and she is reaping the reward. She has more to do.”
Howard also won its fourth consecutive game in that contest against Morgan State University, finishing off their conference foes by two points, 70-68. Thornton led the way with 21 points, and freshman forward Anzhane’ Hutton notched her second double-double of the season.
The Bison didn’t fare well in the next game, though, falling to the Bears 65-61.
Howard will play their final home game against Delaware State University on Feb. 12 and hit the road Feb. 20-21 versus Coppin State University.
CIAA Cancels Spring Sports Season
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announced on Feb. 5 that they voted to cancel all conference scheduling and championship events for spring sponsored sports.
Each school that sponsors the affected sports will have the freedom to schedule competition throughout the season and have the ability to allow teams and student-athletes to compete (if possible) and qualify for NCAA Division II postseason participation should they meet minimum requirements.
“These decisions are never easy, but the mental and physical health as well as the safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and communities continues to be our top priority,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams.
“While there won’t be a traditional conference schedule or championship this spring, the Board agreed that it was important each institution have the option to compete, if they so choose, to ensure balance that supports their student-athletes’ mental health and overall wellness. Additionally, we remain committed to developing opportunities that engage all our student-athletes and celebrate their resilience and success.”
D.C. United Star Midfielder to Play Overseas
D.C. United announced on Feb. 1 that star midfielder Paul Arriola will join Swansea City A.F.C. in the English Football League (EFL) Championship on loan until the end of the 2020–2021 championship season.
Arriola, 25, joined United in 2017 from Club Tijuana in Liga MX (Mexico) and made his debut for the club on Aug. 12. 2017 against Real Salt Lake.
During his time with the Black and Red, Arriola has made an immediate impact, scoring 14 goals and recorded 13 assists in 72 appearances across all competitions and named the Major League Soccer (MLS) Team of the Week nine times.
Arriola can rejoin the team, as United has the option to recall him before the Primary MLS transfer window closes on May 4, 2021. There is no option to buy Arriola in the loan agreement conditions.
“We have spoken with Paul, and we understand how exciting this step is for him in his professional career,” Dave Kasper, D.C. United General Manager and VP of Soccer Operations, said. “We wish Paul the best of luck and look forward to him rejoining our club.”
