THE VILLAGER Page 8 ~ April 6, 2012 www.theaustinvillager.com Sports J’Covan Brown Magic Johnson Makes History Enters His Name for With The Dodgers The NBA Draft

By: Terry Davis

@terryd515

Austin- Junior guard J’Covan Brown will forgo his senior year at the University of Texas. Brown is coming off J’Covan Brown his best year at Texas. He led the Big 12 Conference in scor- thank the entire coaching staff, and being around my team- including Coach Terry (now mates every day. But the time ing with 22 points per game. Magic Johnson. Photo by Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images Brown was named to the the head coach at Fresno has come for me to pursue a United States Basketball Writ- State) and Mrs. Randa (Dr. career in professional basket- Erving “Magic” controlling partner, as cancer.” ers Association player of the Randa Ryan, Senior Associ- ball and take care of my daugh- Johnson has thrilled fans well as Earvin “Magic” Earvin “Magic” year for Region VII. Region ate AD for Student Services). ter, Jordyn. This has been a dif- for years as basketball Johnson, Peter Guber, Johnson stated, “I am VII includes Arkansas, Loui- I’m not sure anyone re- ficult decision, but it is the best player for Michigan State Stan Kasten, Bobby thrilled to be part of the siana and Texas. ally knows how much I love decision for myself and my fam- and the Los Angeles Lak- Patton and Todd Boehly. historic Dodger franchise Statement from J’Covan UT. It was always my dream ily. I’ll continue to go to class ers. Johnson and his in- Frank McCourt and intend to build on the Brown: to be a Longhorn, and I have and complete the spring semes- vestment group purchased stated, “This agreement fantastic foundation laid Brown thanked I want to lived that dream and become ter here at Texas, and I will the Los Angeles Dodgers with Guggenheim reflects by Frank McCourt as we thank the fans and everyone at a better person. There were come back to finish my degree out of bankruptcy from its both the strength and fu- drive the Dodgers back The University of Texas for a lot of reasons to come back in the future. previous owner Frank ture potential of the Los to the front page of the their support over the last three to school next year, most im- Texas head coach Rick McCourt. Angeles Dodgers, and sports section in our years. I especially want to portantly getting my degree Barnes said, “Our staff wishes J’Covan and his family nothing Johnson is part of the assures that the Dodgers wonderful community of but success as he moves for- Guggenheim Baseball will have new ownership Los Angeles.” ward. We’ve literally seen Management LLL. The with deep local roots, The Dodgers were J’Covan grow up and mature purchasing group includes which bodes well for the based in Brooklyn before before our eyes over the last Mark R. Walter as its Dodgers, its fans and the moving to Los Angeles. three years here, and we are Los Angeles community. The purchase by Johnson proud of the man that he has We are delighted that and his group marks the become. We respect his deci- this group will continue first ownership by an Af- sion and understand his need the important work we rican American in MLB. to provide for his daughter.” have started in the com- The Dodgers was also the munity, fulfilling our com- first franchise to have an mitment to building 50 African American base- Ricky Williams’ Statue Is Unveiled Dream Fields and help- ball player in MLB with signature dreadlocks. Will- ing with the effort to cure Jackie Robinson. iams played for Texas from 1995 to 1998. While at Texas Williams, he won ev- ery award that was possible to win. In his senior season he won the Heisman Trophy. Williams was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 1999 NFL Draft with the 5 pick. In his second year with the Saints he was named to the NFL Pro Bowl. Williams played for three teams in the NFL over his 11 year career. Williams also played for the Miami Dolphins and the Bal- timore Ravens. Williams played with the Ravens in the 2011 season and announced his retirement after the sea- son ended. When asked about the statue dedication Williams said, “It still hasn’t hit me yet. I got a chance last summer to go up and see the statue as it was being finished and it was Ricky Williams. Photo by Terry Davis cool. It was cool to be a part By: Terry Davis back Ricky Williams before of it, but to actually see it in One of the most popu- the beginning of the Orange the ground –it was clay when lar Texas Longhorns will be and White game this year. I saw it- actually didn’t see it remembered forever. Texas The statue is a life size in the ground, in its finished unveiled the statue of the like- likeness of the former run- form. It’s going to be neat. ness of former star running ning in full pads and with his I’m looking forward to it.”

Hometown Heroes Ricky Williams, his family, and his new statue. Photo courtesy UT Athletics.