usatoday--2020-09-09--'It's nothing but pain': The latest on the cases of violence against Black people that sparked Ameri

'It's nothing but pain': The latest on the cases of violence against Black people that sparked America's summer of racial reckoning

As the days tick down on a summer of racial reckoning in the U.S. , the debate over police brutality and racial injustice shows no signs of cooling down , and it figures to play a significant role in the November elections .
The Aug. 23 police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha , Wisconsin , and last week ’ s revelations about the death of Daniel Prude after being restrained by law enforcement officers in Rochester , New York , have further stoked the fires lit by the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of high-profile incidents of violence against Black people – almost all by police , all but one fatal – that have prompted widespread protests and a national discussion about systemic racism .
'We need structural change ' : Activists see progress after George Floyd 's death but say more must be done Other such instances include the fatal March 13 shooting of Breonna Taylor in Louisville , Kentucky , by officers who barged into her apartment with a no-knock warrant ; the deadly June 12 shooting of Rayshard Brooks by an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and the Feb. 23 murder of Ahmaud Arbery , a jogger who was confronted in Glynn County , Georgia , by two white men who said they were protecting property in the area .
All victims were Black and none is known to have been in possession of a firearm at the time of the encounter , although Taylor ’ s boyfriend had a gun and fired at one of the officers .
Blake , whose family said he ’ s paralyzed from the waist down , is the only one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicate Black people , who represent 13 % of the U.S. population , are three times more likely to be killed by law enforcement than white people .
Here 's the status of each case : A video showing Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd ’ s neck for nearly nine minutes — as Floyd gasps that he can ’ t breathe — struck a raw nerve in a nation used to hearing about such encounters but not seeing them in graphic detail .
In bodycam video released later , bystanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to no avail .
All four officers who responded to the call about Floyd allegedly passing a fake $ 20 bill were fired and are facing various charges , with Chauvin ’ s count of second-degree murder the most serious one .
The three other former officers , Thomas Lane , J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao , have been charged with aiding and abetting murder .
In late August , Chauvin requested the charges against him be dismissed for lack of probable cause .
The other three officers also filed motions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to rule on any of the motions , and he ’ ll hear oral arguments on behalf of Thao and Lane on Friday .
The trial is tentatively set for March 8 .
The emergency room technician , who was 26 , and her boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , were in bed when police burst in with a battering ram at 12:40 a.m. seeking a man she had dated whom they believed to be a drug dealer .
When Walker fired a shot that struck Sgt .
Jonathan Mattingly in the thigh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Myles Cosgrove responded with more than 20 rounds , hitting Taylor five times .
Walker said Taylor was alive for at least five minutes after being shot but did not get medical attention for more than 20 minutes , the Louisville Courier Journal of the USA TODAY Network reported .
Hankison was dismissed from the force in late June for “ wantonly and blindly ’ ’ firing 10 shots inside the apartment , according to his termination letter , and Louisville has banned no-knock warrants through a measure known as “ Breonna ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most meaningful actions so far to come out of the case , which is being investigated by the Kentucky attorney general and the FBI .
No officers have been charged .
No arrests were made following Arbery 's death for more than 70 days , until video of his encounter with Gregory McMichael and his son Travis McMichael came to light .
The McMichaels , who later said they suspected Arbery of being a burglar , were armed while chasing him and trying to cut him off with their pickup truck .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen jogging , then tussling with Travis McMichael over the latter ’ s shotgun as shots are heard and Arbery drops to the ground .
Father and son have been charged with murder and aggravated assault .
Their neighbor , William “ Roddie ’ ’ Bryan , who recorded the video footage , was also charged with murder .
No active law enforcement officer was involved in the incident , but Gregory McMichael is a former policeman .
A George Bureau of Investigation agent testified in June that Bryan said he heard Travis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting Arbery , and that McMichael had used the term several times on social media and in text messages .
On June 24 , the McMichaels and Bryan were indicted on murder and other charges by a grand jury .
On Aug. 6 , the McMichaels filed a motion requesting bond , which was previously denied to Bryan .
They await trial .
What seemed like a routine DUI stop turned deadly when Brooks , who had been cooperative and even congenial with Atlanta police officers , suddenly wrestled them to the ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tasers after they tried to handcuff him in the parking lot of a Wendy ’ s restaurant .
In a sequence captured on video , officer Garrett Rolfe is seen pursuing Brooks , 27 , and shooting him twice from behind .
Rolfe was fired the next day and later charged with 11 counts , including felony murder , while fellow officer Devin Brosnan was placed on administrative duty and charged with aggravated assault .
Brooks ’ killing by a white officer , a little over two weeks after the Floyd 's death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and increased demands for accountability .
Though this incident was not as clear-cut as Floyd ’ s , law enforcement experts questioned whether Rolfe had to resort to deadly force .
In early August , Rolfe sued Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and interim Police Chief Rodney Bryant , contending he was justified in his actions against Brooks .
Rolfe is out on bond but is not allowed to leave the state .
Blake was shot seven times in the back by police officer Rusten Sheskey , who was responding to a call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the incident , which shows Blake walking toward the driver ’ s side door of his SUV and opening it before Sheskey grabs his shirt and shoots him , incited several nights of sometimes-destructive demonstrations in Kenosha .
Authorities say that on the third night , 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse of Antioch , Illinois , gunned down two protesters and wounded another with an AR-15-style rifle .
Rittenhouse has been charged as an adult with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder .
Though Blake , 29 , survived the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On a video from his hospital bed recorded Saturday , he described his ordeal saying , “ Every 24 hours , it ’ s pain .
It ’ s nothing but pain .
It hurts to breathe .
It hurts to sleep .
It hurts to move from side to side .
It hurts to eat.
” The reason for the shooting remains unclear .
Investigators have said Blake acknowledged having a knife , although it hasn ’ t been established whether it was in his possession at the time he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has opened a civil rights investigation into the case .
President Donald Trump visited Kenosha after the unrest and promoted his law-and-order message but did not talk with Blake ’ s family .
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden visited with the family in person .
All three officers involved have been placed on administrative leave .
Prude , 41 , died of asphyxiation a week after being forcefully restrained March 23 by Rochester police officers who found him naked on the streets in the wee hours .
His family said he was having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows officers handcuffing Prude and later putting a so-called “ spit hood ’ ’ on him even though he did not resist arrest or act violently .
He was ranting , clearly disturbed , and PCP was found in his system .
Prude ’ s death was ruled a homicide , with the PCP a factor as well .
Prude ’ s case remained largely under the radar until Sept. 2 , when his family released a compilation video of the incident , setting off several nights of protests that at times turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attorney General Letitia James said she would empanel a grand jury to look into Prude ’ s death .
On Monday , naked protesters demonstrated in front of the Rochester Public Safety Building wearing mesh hoods .
On Tuesday , Rochester Police Chief La ’ Ron Singletary and other high-level members of the department resigned amid accusations of a cover-up .
Seven officers involved in the arrest have been suspended but no charges have been filed .

'It's nothing but pain': The latest on the cases of violence against Black people that sparked America's racial reckoning
Show Caption Hide Caption Systemic racism: What is it exactly and how do we fight it? The movement to end systemic racism has never been stronger. How can you be part of the solution to end it? Associated Press, USA TODAY
As the days tick down on a summer of racial reckoning in the U.S., the debate over police brutality and racial injustice shows no signs of cooling down, and it figures to play a significant role in the November elections.
The Aug. 23 police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and last week’s revelations about the death of Daniel Prude after being restrained by law enforcement officers in Rochester, New York, have further stoked the fires lit by the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
They’re part of a series of high-profile incidents of violence against Black people – almost all by police, all but one fatal – that have prompted widespread protests and a national discussion about systemic racism.
'We need structural change': Activists see progress after George Floyd's death but say more must be done
Other such instances include the fatal March 13 shooting of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, by officers who barged into her apartment with a no-knock warrant; the deadly June 12 shooting of Rayshard Brooks by an Atlanta policeman after an arrest went awry; and the Feb. 23 murder of Ahmaud Arbery, a jogger who was confronted in Glynn County, Georgia, by two white men who said they were protecting property in the area.
All victims were Black, and none is known to have had a firearm at the time of the encounter, although Taylor’s boyfriend had a gun and fired at one of the officers. Blake, whose family said he’s paralyzed from the waist down, is the only one of the six to have survived.
Studies indicate Black people, who represent 13% of the U.S. population, are three times more likely to be killed by law enforcement than white people.
Here's the status of each case:
Could Black Americans get reparations for centuries of slavery? Lawmakers have been trying to pass reparation bills for descendants of slaves. Here's why it's taken so long - and how it might work. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
George Floyd
A video showing Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes – as Floyd gasps that he can’t breathe – struck a raw nerve in a nation used to hearing about such encounters but not seeing them in graphic detail. In body cam video released later, bystanders are heard pleading for Floyd, 46, to no avail.
All four officers who responded to the call about Floyd allegedly passing a fake $20 bill were fired and are facing various charges, with Chauvin’s count of second-degree murder the most serious one. The three other former officers, Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, have been charged with aiding and abetting murder.
In late August, Chauvin requested the charges against him be dismissed for lack of probable cause. The other three officers also filed motions to dismiss. Judge Peter Cahill has yet to rule on any of the motions, and he’ll hear oral arguments on behalf of Thao and Lane on Friday.
The trial is tentatively set for March 8.
Breonna Taylor
The emergency room technician, 26, and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, were in bed when police burst in with a battering ram at 12:40 a.m. seeking a man she had dated whom they believed to be a drug dealer.
When Walker fired a shot that struck Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly in the thigh, he and officers Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove responded with more than 20 rounds, hitting Taylor five times. Walker said Taylor was alive for at least five minutes after being shot but did not get medical attention for more than 20 minutes, the Louisville Courier Journal of the USA TODAY Network reported.
Hankison was dismissed from the force in late June for “wantonly and blindly’’ firing 10 shots inside the apartment, according to his termination letter, and Louisville has banned no-knock warrants through a measure known as “Breonna’s Law.’’
Those are the most meaningful actions so far to come out of the case, which is being investigated by the Kentucky attorney general and the FBI. No officers have been charged.
Ahmaud Arbery
No arrests were made after Arbery's death for more than 70 days, until video of his encounter with Gregory McMichael and his son Travis McMichael came to light.
The McMichaels, who later said they suspected Arbery of being a burglar, were armed while chasing him and trying to cut him off with their pickup truck. In the video, Arbery, 25, is seen jogging, then tussling with Travis McMichael over McMichael's shotgun as shots are heard and Arbery drops to the ground.
Father and son have been charged with murder and aggravated assault. Their neighbor, William “Roddie’’ Bryan, who recorded the video footage, also was charged with murder. No active law enforcement officer was involved in the incident, but Gregory McMichael is a former policeman.
A George Bureau of Investigation agent testified in June that Bryan said that he heard Travis McMichael use a racial slur after shooting Arbery and that McMichael had used the term several times on social media and in text messages.
On June 24, the McMichaels and Bryan were indicted on murder and other charges by a grand jury. On Aug. 6, the McMichaels filed a motion requesting bond, which already had been denied to Bryan. They await trial.
Rayshard Brooks
What seemed like a routine DUI stop turned deadly when Brooks, who had been cooperative and even congenial with Atlanta police officers, suddenly wrestled them to the ground and ran away with one of their Tasers after they tried to handcuff him in the parking lot of a Wendy’s restaurant. In a sequence captured on video, officer Garrett Rolfe is seen pursuing Brooks, 27, and shooting him twice.
Rolfe was fired the next day and later charged with 11 counts, including felony murder. Fellow officer Devin Brosnan was placed on administrative duty and charged with aggravated assault.
Brooks’ killing by a white officer, a little over two weeks after Floyd's death in Minneapolis, further inflamed racial tensions and increased demands for accountability. Though the incident was not as clear-cut as Floyd’s, law enforcement experts questioned whether Rolfe had to resort to deadly force.
In early August, Rolfe sued Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and interim Police Chief Rodney Bryant, contending he was justified in his actions against Brooks. Rolfe is out on bond but is not allowed to leave the state.
Jacob Blake
Blake was shot seven times in the back by police officer Rusten Sheskey, who was responding to a call about a domestic disturbance. Cellphone video of the incident, which shows Blake walking toward the driver’s side door of his SUV and opening it before Sheskey grabs his shirt and shoots him, incited several nights of sometimes destructive demonstrations in Kenosha.
Authorities say that on the third night, 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse of Antioch, Illinois, gunned down two protesters and wounded another with an AR-15-style rifle. Rittenhouse has been charged as an adult with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
Though Blake, 29, survived the shooting, he may never walk again. On a video from his hospital bed recorded Saturday, he described his ordeal saying: “Every 24 hours, it’s pain. It’s nothing but pain. It hurts to breathe. It hurts to sleep. It hurts to move from side to side. It hurts to eat.”
The reason for the shooting remains unclear. Investigators have said Blake acknowledged having a knife, although it hasn’t been established whether he had it at the time he was shot.
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the case. President Donald Trump visited Kenosha after the unrest and promoted his law-and-order message but did not talk with Blake’s family. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden visited with the family in person.
All three officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
Daniel Prude
Prude, 41, died of asphyxiation a week after being forcefully restrained March 23 by Rochester police officers who found him naked on the streets in the early-morning hours. His family said he was having a mental health crisis.
Bodycam video shows officers handcuffing Prude and later putting a “spit hood’’ on him even though he did not resist arrest or act violently. He was ranting, clearly disturbed, and PCP was found in his system. Prude’s death was ruled a homicide, with the PCP a factor in his death.
Prude’s case remained largely under the radar until Sept. 2, when his family released a compilation video of the incident, setting off several nights of protests that at times turned violent.
On Saturday, New York Attorney General Letitia James said she would empanel a grand jury to look into Prude’s death. On Monday, protesters demonstrated in front of the Rochester Public Safety Building wearing mesh hoods. On Tuesday, Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary and other high-level members of the department resigned amid accusations of a cover-up.
Seven officers involved in the arrest have been suspended, but no charges have been filed.


usatoday--2020-09-09--I'm a licensed gun owner but I haven't carried in years. Why? I'm Black and I'm scared.

I am an Army combat veteran and an NRA-certified pistol instructor .
I own guns for hunting and personal protection .
I have possessed concealed carry licenses in Virginia and North Carolina .
I believe in the Second Amendment , but I won ’ t even consider carrying a firearm openly in public .
I haven ’ t exercised my right to carry a concealed handgun in more than four years .
It has become clear to me that open carry and concealed carry are white privileges — permit or not .
Despite having a license : I am afraid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry a gun in public .
I have good reason to be afraid .
In 2016 in Minnesota , a Black school cafeteria worker named Philando Castile was killed during a routine traffic stop after merely mentioning the fact that he was legally in possession of a concealed firearm .
Tamir Rice , a 12-year old Black boy in an open-carry state , was murdered by officers in just seconds for holding a toy gun .
John Crawford III was murdered in a Walmart holding a BB gun that was for sale in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more to mention .
On the other hand , just last month , when a 17-year old white male shot three people in Kenosha , Wisconsin , killing two , police wouldn ’ t even accept his surrender .
Despite the fact that he was armed with an AR-15 and onlookers clearly identified him as the shooter , the police let him walk by .
Before eventually being arrested , he crossed state lines and got to sleep in his own bed the night he killed two people and wounded another .
Compare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities in protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis .
Peaceful protesters — many of whom were Black — were harassed , arrested , pepper sprayed , tear gassed and beaten .
Meanwhile , white counter-protesters again showed up openly carrying guns to intimidate them , making clear they were ready to use deadly force while police looked on .
Increasingly , white protesters use open carry not just as an expression of privilege , but as a way to intimidate Black Americans .
At a neo-Nazi rally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removal of Confederate statues , and at racial justice counter-protests , guns have been used as an implicit symbol of white supremacy .
That was on clear display when a St. Louis couple threatened Black Lives Matter protesters with an AR-15 and a pistol , and despite being charged with felonies , they were featured speakers at the Republican National Convention .
Day after day , the country that was founded on the words “ All men are created equal ” demonstrates that white citizens may carry firearms in protest , while Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all .
But none of it surprises me .
Black gun ownership has always been treated differently .
An early post-bellum purpose of the newly formed Ku Klux Klan was to confiscate guns from Blacks in the South — even if the guns had been obtained through service in the Union Army .
Lawmakers and law enforcement have long seen Black gun owners as a threat .
In 1967 , after a group of armed Black Panthers peacefully marched on the California state capitol in 1967 , a state law banning open carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reagan .
But no such law was passed this year after armed protesters demanded the end of stay-at-home orders at the Michigan capitol .
During the 2015 Ferguson protests , a group of Black men were arrested on suspicion of firearm possession despite being completely unarmed , while a group of heavily-armed white militia men was allegedly granted permission by police to walk through the same city at the same time .
In each case , what these men are demonstrating is their privilege as white people to open carry guns wherever they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sometimes explicitly , threaten violence if they don ’ t get their way .
In obtaining my concealed carry license , I underwent training before being granted the privilege .
It wasn ’ t nearly as comprehensive as my military weapons training , but it was something .
Meanwhile , open carry is permitted by default as a result of the silence of the law in 41 states — which means that almost anyone who possesses an AR-15 or shotgun can legally carry in public , with no training requirement .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fight for racial justice , but when it comes to open carry , we can take action sooner .
States must prohibit firearms at demonstrations held on public property or at capitol buildings .
If you want to protest , bring signs , not guns .
The NRA : The National Rifle Association faces its worst nightmare : accountability Weak open carry laws should never be used to enable armed intimidation or suppression of the constitutional right to assemble and peacefully protest .
More states should follow the example of the handful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firearms in public , by prohibiting it or requiring a license .
And where we have these laws , they must be equally enforced .
I carried a firearm on behalf of this country in uniform .
But I can ’ t feel safe carrying my own firearms here at home .
Something must change .
Justin McFarlin is a service-disabled veteran of the war in Iraq , a former U.S. Army officer with over a decade of aerospace and defense experience , and a member of the Everytown for Gun Safety Veterans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : @ justinkmcfarlin

I'm a licensed gun owner but I haven't carried in years. Why? I'm Black and I'm scared. Open carry and concealed carry are white privilege at protests and everywhere. I'm a Black, trained, licensed veteran afraid authorities will kill me.
I am an Army combat veteran and an NRA-certified pistol instructor. I own guns for hunting and personal protection. I have possessed concealed carry licenses in Virginia and North Carolina. I believe in the Second Amendment, but I won’t even consider carrying a firearm openly in public. I haven’t exercised my right to carry a concealed handgun in more than four years.
The reason: I am Black.
It has become clear to me that open carry and concealed carry are white privileges — permit or not. Despite having a license: I am afraid of being killed by police if I carry a gun in public.
I have good reason to be afraid. In 2016 in Minnesota, a Black school cafeteria worker named Philando Castile was killed during a routine traffic stop after merely mentioning the fact that he was legally in possession of a concealed firearm. Tamir Rice, a 12-year old Black boy in Ohio, an open carry state, was fatally shot by police in just seconds for holding a toy gun in 2014. That same year, John Crawford III was slain in a Walmart holding a BB gun that was for sale in the store.
There are too many more to mention.
White protesters intimidate with guns
On the other hand, just last month, when a 17-year old white male shot three people in Kenosha, Wisconsin, killing two, police wouldn’t even accept his surrender. Despite the fact that he was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and onlookers clearly identified him as the shooter, the police let him walk by. Before eventually being arrested, he crossed state lines and got to sleep in his own bed the night he killed two people and wounded another.
Compare that with the excessive force used by authorities in protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Peaceful protesters — many of whom were Black — were harassed, arrested, pepper sprayed, tear gassed and beaten. Meanwhile, white counterprotesters again showed up openly carrying guns to intimidate them, making clear they were ready to use deadly force while law enforcement looked on.
Increasingly, white protesters use open carry not just as an expression of privilege but also as a way to intimidate Black Americans. At a neo-Nazi rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 against the removal of Confederate statues, and at racial justice counterprotests, guns have been used as an implicit symbol of white supremacy.
That was on clear display when a St. Louis couple threatened Black Lives Matter protesters with an AR-15 and a pistol in June, and despite being charged with felonies, they were featured speakers at the Republican National Convention.
Day after day, the country that was founded on the words “all men are created equal” demonstrates that white citizens may carry firearms in protest, while Black citizens have limited rights to protest at all.
Mass shootings: Limiting magazine capacity saves lives, doesn't infringe on rights
But none of it surprises me. Black gun ownership has always been treated differently. An early post-bellum purpose of the newly formed Ku Klux Klan was to confiscate guns from Blacks in the South — even if the guns had been obtained through service in the Union Army.
Lawmakers and law enforcement have long seen Black gun owners as a threat. In 1967, after a group of armed Black Panthers peacefully marched on the California Capitol, a state law banning open carry was enacted nearly immediately under Gov. Ronald Reagan. But no such law was passed this year after armed protesters demanded the end of stay-at-home orders at the Michigan Capitol.
During the 2015 protests in Ferguson, Missouri, after the police killing of Michael Brown, Black men were arrested on suspicion of firearm possession despite being unarmed, while heavily armed white men claimed they had police permission to walk through the same city at the same time.
White privilege and threats of violence
In each case, what these men are demonstrating is their privilege as white people to open carry guns wherever they want and the ability to implicitly, and sometimes explicitly, threaten violence if they don’t get their way.
In obtaining my concealed carry license, I underwent training before being granted the privilege. It wasn’t nearly as comprehensive as my military weapons training, but it was something. Meanwhile, open carry is permitted by default as a result of the silence of the law in 41 states — which means that almost anyone who possesses an AR-15 or shotgun can legally carry in public, with no training requirement.
This country has a long road ahead in the fight for racial justice, but when it comes to open carry, we can take action sooner. States must prohibit firearms at demonstrations held on public property or at capitol buildings. If you want to protest, bring signs, not guns.
The NRA: The National Rifle Association faces its worst nightmare: accountability
Weak open carry laws should never be used to enable armed intimidation or suppression of the constitutional right to assemble and peacefully protest. More states should follow the example of the handful that already regulate the open carry of firearms in public, by prohibiting it or requiring a license. And where we have these laws, they must be equally enforced.
I carried a firearm on behalf of this country in uniform. But I can’t feel safe carrying my own firearms here at home. Something must change.
Justin McFarlin is a service-disabled veteran of the war in Iraq, a former U.S. Army officer with over a decade of aerospace and defense experience, and a member of the Everytown for Gun Safety Veterans Advisory Council. Follow him on Twitter: @justinkmcfarlin


usatoday--2020-09-09--Opinion: Thunder lost a good coach in Billy Donovan, but 'it's no one's fault' that this era ends

Just don ’ t go celebrating that reality .
There aren ’ t a ton of great coaches walking Planet NBA , which is why Billy Donovan soon could resurface in Philadelphia or Chicago or an NBA port in need of a skipper .
Here you go .
Donovan ’ s winning percentage of .608 ranks 11th all-time among coaches with at least five years of NBA experience .
That ’ s out of 124 coaches .
I assume that makes you feel a little worse , and I assume you realize the next guy will have no chance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s departure , announced Tuesday night by the Thunder , came after his five-year contract expired , and Sam Presti was unable to provide a road map for future success .
Kevin Durant , Russell Westbrook , Serge Ibaka , Victor Oladipo , Carmelo Anthony , Paul George , Chris Paul , Shai Gilgeous-Alexander .
Donovan coached them all in his five Thunder seasons .
But the spigot of stars soon could close .
Maybe this off-season , maybe next off-season , maybe mid-season , whenever that is .
The Thunder soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near you .
Donovan , 55 and in no mood for a rebuild , decided two in the bush trumped a bird in the hand .
“ Sometimes the arc of things just don ’ t align , ” Presti said .
“ It ’ s no one ’ s fault.
” Will Donovan be attractive on the coaching market ?
Probably .
He ’ s got experience with winning teams .
He ’ s got good communication skills and had zero problems with players , other than Durant ’ s occasional social-media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Donovan is a company man , which by coincidence is attractive to companies .
Donovan ’ s work in two precarious seasons — the first year without Durant and the first year without Westbrook — was superb .
The Thunder won a ton of close games and overachieved .
Donovan ’ s work when Westbrook and George were tag-team partners was pedestrian .
Win totals of 48 and 49 , followed by first-round playoff eliminations .
Therein lies Donovan ’ s chief shortfall .
A lack of playoff success .
The Thunder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Game 6 doesn ’ t happen — if Andre Roberson hadn ’ t found foul trouble , allowing Klay Thompson to go crazy , or if Westbrook and Durant hadn ’ t picked the worst time to play their worst — maybe there ’ s an NBA championship banner flying in Chesapeake Arena , and Donovan is an Oklahoma hero on the level of Rodgers and Hammerstein .
But Game 6 did happen , and the Thunder hasn ’ t won a playoff series since .
Donovan ’ s “ tactical competency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donovan ’ s hiring , was hit-and-miss , which frankly is the NBA standard .
Tactics are overrated when Westbrook is your point guard .
You go as he goes , and he goes at warp speed with little regard to schemes .
Donovan ’ s final two teams , plus the 2016-17 Westbrook-as-lone-soldier team , were far better defensively than offensively , which might surprise the masses .
Donovan ’ s only elite offensive team was the Durant team of 2015-16 .
Easy to have a good offense when Kevin Durant is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Challenges of isolated life add to NBA players ' playoff stress But Donovan gave young players room to grow .
Lu Dort and Darius Bazley of recent vintage , but Roberson , Domantas Sabonis and Jerami Grant , too .
That ’ s an underrated element of coaching .
Donovan didn ’ t really connect with Oklahomans , not the way Scotty Brooks or even Byron Scott did in Hornet days .
But who cares ?
No one comes to the arena to see Mike Budenholzer or Frank Vogel coach .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we have the utmost respect for him , ” Presti said of Donovan .
“ The things he did will be remembered for a very long time.
” The first part is true .
The second part is not .
In the NBA , coaches rarely are difference-makers .
Donovan was not .
The Thunder played hard for and rarely quit on Donovan , who generally had the ears of his players .
Can ’ t ask for much more .
There ’ s only one Gregg Popovich .
And now Donovan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a league that produces few great coaches .
Berry Tramel can be reached at btramel @ oklahoman.com .

Opinion: Thunder lost a good coach in Billy Donovan, but 'it's no one's fault' that this era ends
Show Caption Hide Caption How mental health presents biggest challenge inside NBA bubble What I'm Hearing: USA TODAY Sports' Mark Medina discusses how mental health and the stresses of being inside the NBA bubble has become an issue players are talking about as the playoffs press on. What I'm Hearing, USA TODAY
Bad news for Oklahoma City basketball: the Thunder lost a good coach.
Good news for OKC basketball: the Thunder didn’t lose a great coach.
Just don’t go celebrating that reality. There aren’t a ton of great coaches walking Planet NBA, which is why Billy Donovan soon could resurface in Philadelphia or Chicago or an NBA port in need of a skipper.
Here you go. Donovan’s winning percentage of .608 ranks 11th all-time among coaches with at least five years of NBA experience. That’s out of 124 coaches.
I assume that makes you feel a little worse, and I assume you realize the next guy will have no chance of approaching that kind of winning.
Donovan’s departure, announced Tuesday night by the Thunder, came after his five-year contract expired, and Sam Presti was unable to provide a road map for future success.
Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, Victor Oladipo, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George, Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Donovan coached them all in his five Thunder seasons.
But the spigot of stars soon could close. Maybe this off-season, maybe next off-season, maybe mid-season, whenever that is. The Thunder soon could be headed for a tank job near you. Donovan, 55 and in no mood for a rebuild, decided two in the bush trumped a bird in the hand.
“Sometimes the arc of things just don’t align,” Presti said. “It’s no one’s fault.”
Will Donovan be attractive on the coaching market? Probably. He’s got experience with winning teams. He’s got good communication skills and had zero problems with players, other than Durant’s occasional social-media nonsense to justify his Golden State decision. Donovan is a company man, which by coincidence is attractive to companies.
Donovan’s work in two precarious seasons — the first year without Durant and the first year without Westbrook — was superb. The Thunder won a ton of close games and overachieved.
Donovan’s work when Westbrook and George were tag-team partners was pedestrian. Win totals of 48 and 49, followed by first-round playoff eliminations.
PLAYOFF SCHEDULE: Second-round matchups, dates, times and TV
Therein lies Donovan’s chief shortfall. A lack of playoff success. The Thunder has lost five straight playoff series. If Game 6 doesn’t happen — if Andre Roberson hadn’t found foul trouble, allowing Klay Thompson to go crazy, or if Westbrook and Durant hadn’t picked the worst time to play their worst — maybe there’s an NBA championship banner flying in Chesapeake Arena, and Donovan is an Oklahoma hero on the level of Rodgers and Hammerstein.
But Game 6 did happen, and the Thunder hasn’t won a playoff series since.
Donovan’s “tactical competency,” the term Presti used upon Donovan’s hiring, was hit-and-miss, which frankly is the NBA standard. Tactics are overrated when Westbrook is your point guard. You go as he goes, and he goes at warp speed with little regard to schemes.
Donovan’s final two teams, plus the 2016-17 Westbrook-as-lone-soldier team, were far better defensively than offensively, which might surprise the masses. Donovan’s only elite offensive team was the Durant team of 2015-16. Easy to have a good offense when Kevin Durant is on your roster.
IN THE BUBBLE: Challenges of isolated life add to NBA players' playoff stress
NUGGETS: Coach fires back after Clippers' guard trashes Nikola Jokic
But Donovan gave young players room to grow. Lu Dort and Darius Bazley of recent vintage, but Roberson, Domantas Sabonis and Jerami Grant, too. That’s an underrated element of coaching.
Donovan didn’t really connect with Oklahomans, not the way Scotty Brooks or even Byron Scott did in Hornet days. But who cares? No one comes to the arena to see Mike Budenholzer or Frank Vogel coach.
“He did a great job for us and we have the utmost respect for him,” Presti said of Donovan. “The things he did will be remembered for a very long time.”
The first part is true. The second part is not. In the NBA, coaches rarely are difference-makers. Donovan was not.
The Thunder played hard for and rarely quit on Donovan, who generally had the ears of his players. Can’t ask for much more. There’s only one Gregg Popovich.
And now Donovan is gone. A good coach in a league that produces few great coaches.
Berry Tramel can be reached at btramel@oklahoman.com.


usatoday--2020-09-09--LeBron does it all for Lakers in Game 3, retains his dominance even to his wife's annoyance

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. — One game captured LeBron James ’ greatness through 17 years .
It showcased his dominant scoring .
It displayed his precise playmaking .
It demonstrated his timely blocks .
So perhaps it might not be surprising that James played a major part in the Los Angeles Lakers cementing a 112-102 Game 3 win over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday .
By scoring 36 points , grabbing seven rebounds , distributing six assists and recording four blocks , James showed once again how he has mastered all parts of his game while giving the Lakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conference semifinals .
But how does James fulfill this job description so consistently ?
At 35 years old ?
When opponents circle him on the scouting report ?
When he has done all of this for the past two months on the NBA campus , while also becoming one of the league ’ s leading voices addressing systemic racism ?
“ I ’ m not going to tell you exactly what I do .
Because I would be giving my opponents a lot of my ingredients , ” James said .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not enjoying what I do on a day-to-day basis inside the bubble getting ready for a game .
Let ’ s just say that .
I spent a lot of time , a lot of time on my body.
” The NBA allowed players ’ family members to visit the Disney campus this week , which coincided with eight teams leaving following the end of the first round of the playoffs .
James declined to have his two sons ( 16-year-old Bronny ; 13-year-old Bryce ) and five-year-old daughter ( Zhuri ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much to do on this quarantined site .
James ’ wife , Savannah , has arrived here .
But she might not have much to do here , either .
Not with James preoccupied with keeping his body and mind sharp .
Not with James spending most of his free time studying game footage .
“ Nobody spends more time focused on his body than LeBron James , ” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said .
Vogel does not have the same window into James ’ regimen as he does , obviously .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James is “ incredibly diligent around the clock ” with his sleeping habits , morning weight-training sessions and massage treatment .
Shortly after the Lakers hired Vogel as head coach last summer , he arrived at the practice facility only to see James there at 6 am “ getting his work in.
” Therefore , it should not be surprising James played well enough to minimize James Harden ’ s scoring ( 33 points ) , Russell Westbrook ’ s bounce-back game ( 30 points ) , Anthony Davis ’ dominance ( 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rondo ’ s resurgence ( 21 points , nine assists ) .
James accomplished much more .
James surpassed Derek Fisher for most playoff wins in NBA history ( 162 ) .
James cemented his fourth playoff game where he had at least four blocks and his first since he matched that total when the Cleveland Cavaliers played the Indiana Pacers on April 17 , 2017 .
And James surpassed Julius Erving for 12th place on the NBA ’ s all-time blocks list in the postseason ( 242 ) .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dreamed of .
I never came into the league as a kid thinking , ‘ I ’ m going to be No .
1 in playoff wins , ’ ” James said .
“ I just want to be part of a winning culture and be a winning player and do whatever it takes to help my teammates win.
” Still , James ’ teammates have trouble processing what he has accomplished .
When Davis heard that latest milestone during his post-game press conference , he just shook his head .
Then Davis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was sitting nearby thumbing through his phone while waiting for Davis to finish his interview .
“ Nothing ’ s surprising for us .
The things he ’ s able to do at this age is still unbelievable , ” Davis said .
“ I feel like every game he ’ s breaking another record .
So I ’ m glad I ’ m his teammate and get to witness it firsthand this season .
He ’ s going to continue to break more and continue to get better for however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed like he ’ s drinking from the fountain of youth.
” OPINION : Winning era could end as Thunder and Billy Donovan part ways As a result , James performed what Vogel called “ super-hero plays ” in Game 3 .
He scored 29 first-half points , which represented two things .
This marked the highest point total in a first half of any game this season and the most in the playoffs since having 30 points against Boston on June 7 , 2012 .
James ’ scoring output ( 47.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marked the highest of any Lakers player in the past 25 postseasons , according to Elias Sports Bureau .
Then , James made a series of 3-pointers , step-back jumpers and drives to the basket .
James also recorded a two-handed dunk off a fast break .
“ What he ’ s able to do on the floor still , head still touching the rim , still taking big shots , still playing physical ?
” Davis said .
“ It ’ s all a testament to hard work and the dedication to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James ’ defense is a testament to the same thing .
James blocked Rockets guard Eric Gordon from behind when he drove to the basket .
James swatted Harden in front of him at the rim .
Toward the end of the third quarter , James performed the “ LeBron chasedown ” at Rockets guard Austin Rivers .
“ Nobody impacts winning more than LeBron James , ” Vogel said .
“ That ’ s true for this season and it ’ s why he should be MVP .
And , honestly it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the game .
No one impacts winning more than LeBron James.
” The scary part ?
James believes he can still play better .
James has admitted the struggle playing without fans .
He has conceded he lost momentum from when the NBA halted the season because of the coronavirus outbreak on March 11 .
Though he still stayed disciplined with off-season workouts at home , James went four months without playing any five-on-five .
“ I ’ m in a better rhythm .
I don ’ t want to say I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love to be , ” James said .
“ Just being in the bubble , there are things that are uncontrolable .
From a rhythm standpoint , I ’ m not where I ’ d like to be .
But it ’ s all about playing basketball efficiently and being effective out on the floor with my minutes .
Whatever it takes to try to help my team win.
” Even if it requires James to spend his free time not the same way his wife would prefer .

LeBron does it all for Lakers in Game 3, retains his dominance even to his wife's annoyance
Show Caption Hide Caption How mental health presents biggest challenge inside NBA bubble What I'm Hearing: USA TODAY Sports' Mark Medina discusses how mental health and the stresses of being inside the NBA bubble has become an issue players are talking about as the playoffs press on. What I'm Hearing, USA TODAY
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — One game captured LeBron James’ greatness through 17 years. It showcased his dominant scoring. It displayed his precise playmaking. It demonstrated his timely blocks.
So perhaps it might not be surprising that James played a major part in the Los Angeles Lakers cementing a 112-102 Game 3 win over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday. By scoring 36 points, grabbing seven rebounds, distributing six assists and recording four blocks, James showed once again how he has mastered all parts of his game while giving the Lakers a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals.
But how does James fulfill this job description so consistently? At 35 years old? When opponents circle him on the scouting report? When he has done all of this for the past two months on the NBA campus, while also becoming one of the league’s leading voices addressing systemic racism?
“I’m not going to tell you exactly what I do. Because I would be giving my opponents a lot of my ingredients,” James said. “But let’s just say my wife is not enjoying what I do on a day-to-day basis inside the bubble getting ready for a game. Let’s just say that. I spent a lot of time, a lot of time on my body.”
The NBA allowed players’ family members to visit the Disney campus this week, which coincided with eight teams leaving following the end of the first round of the playoffs. James declined to have his two sons (16-year-old Bronny; 13-year-old Bryce) and five-year-old daughter (Zhuri) visit, saying they would not have much to do on this quarantined site.
James’ wife, Savannah, has arrived here. But she might not have much to do here, either. Not with James preoccupied with keeping his body and mind sharp. Not with James spending most of his free time studying game footage.
“Nobody spends more time focused on his body than LeBron James,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said.
Vogel does not have the same window into James’ regimen as he does, obviously. But Vogel became more forthcoming, sharing that James is “incredibly diligent around the clock” with his sleeping habits, morning weight-training sessions and massage treatment. Shortly after the Lakers hired Vogel as head coach last summer, he arrived at the practice facility only to see James there at 6 am “getting his work in.”
Therefore, it should not be surprising James played well enough to minimize James Harden’s scoring (33 points), Russell Westbrook’s bounce-back game (30 points), Anthony Davis’ dominance (26 points, 15 rebounds) or Rajon Rondo’s resurgence (21 points, nine assists).
James accomplished much more. James surpassed Derek Fisher for most playoff wins in NBA history (162). James cemented his fourth playoff game where he had at least four blocks and his first since he matched that total when the Cleveland Cavaliers played the Indiana Pacers on April 17, 2017. And James surpassed Julius Erving for 12th place on the NBA’s all-time blocks list in the postseason (242).
“It’s very humbling and something I never dreamed of. I never came into the league as a kid thinking, ‘I’m going to be No. 1 in playoff wins,’” James said. “I just want to be part of a winning culture and be a winning player and do whatever it takes to help my teammates win.”
Still, James’ teammates have trouble processing what he has accomplished. When Davis heard that latest milestone during his post-game press conference, he just shook his head. Then Davis turned his head and stared at James, who was sitting nearby thumbing through his phone while waiting for Davis to finish his interview.
“Nothing’s surprising for us. The things he’s able to do at this age is still unbelievable,” Davis said. “I feel like every game he’s breaking another record. So I’m glad I’m his teammate and get to witness it firsthand this season. He’s going to continue to break more and continue to get better for however he continues to play. But it seemed like he’s drinking from the fountain of youth.”
NBA SCHEDULE: Second-round matchups, dates, times and TV information
EASTERN COFERENCE: Heat eliminate Bucks to advance to conference final
OPINION: Winning era could end as Thunder and Billy Donovan part ways
BUBBLE: Challenges of isolated life inadd to NBA players' playoff stress
As a result, James performed what Vogel called “super-hero plays” in Game 3.
He scored 29 first-half points, which represented two things. This marked the highest point total in a first half of any game this season and the most in the playoffs since having 30 points against Boston on June 7, 2012. James’ scoring output (47.5% of the Lakers’ points) also marked the highest of any Lakers player in the past 25 postseasons, according to Elias Sports Bureau. Then, James made a series of 3-pointers, step-back jumpers and drives to the basket. James also recorded a two-handed dunk off a fast break.
“What he’s able to do on the floor still, head still touching the rim, still taking big shots, still playing physical?” Davis said. “It’s all a testament to hard work and the dedication to take care of his body so.”
James’ defense is a testament to the same thing. James blocked Rockets guard Eric Gordon from behind when he drove to the basket. James swatted Harden in front of him at the rim. Toward the end of the third quarter, James performed the “LeBron chasedown” at Rockets guard Austin Rivers.
“Nobody impacts winning more than LeBron James,” Vogel said. “That’s true for this season and it’s why he should be MVP. And, honestly it’s probably true in the history of the game. No one impacts winning more than LeBron James.”
The scary part? James believes he can still play better.
James has admitted the struggle playing without fans. He has conceded he lost momentum from when the NBA halted the season because of the coronavirus outbreak on March 11. Though he still stayed disciplined with off-season workouts at home, James went four months without playing any five-on-five.
“I’m in a better rhythm. I don’t want to say I’m physically where I’d love to be,” James said. “Just being in the bubble, there are things that are uncontrolable. From a rhythm standpoint, I’m not where I’d like to be. But it’s all about playing basketball efficiently and being effective out on the floor with my minutes. Whatever it takes to try to help my team win.”
Even if it requires James to spend his free time not the same way his wife would prefer.
Follow USA TODAY NBA writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


usatoday--2020-09-09--10 changes to watch for as college football season kicks off

The 2020 college football season is going to take some getting used to .
There are fewer teams and fewer games and fewer opportunities to enjoy the sport .
On the bright side , these changes are not permanent .
Should health conditions improve , next year 's season will look much more like 2019 than what we hopefully will see in the next three months .
Fans and bands will eventually return .
Game days will feel normal again .
The experience of watching on television will be what we remember .
Even with that optimism for 2021 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the COVID-19 era that will require an adjustment from what is seen as normal .
Here 's 10 things that will look different : The debate on the four teams that will play for the national championship will shift from which conference champion is left out to which conference gets two teams .
Such is the situation with the Big Ten and Pac-12 not part of the conversation .
It 's hard to imagine that second team wo n't come from the SEC given the league 's strength of schedule with all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge for contenders is to avoid pitfalls that could open the door for the ACC or Big 12 to have its second team make the field .
There will be controversy .
There always is .
What happens if an unbeaten Oklahoma or Clemson loses in the conference title game ?
Could that knock out the runner-up in the SEC ?
The other playoff question involves whether the Group of Five can legitimately be part of the conversation .
The American Athletic should have several teams high in the committee rankings .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong claim , this would be the season .
The anticipated competition between quarterbacks Justin Fields of Ohio State and Trevor Lawrence of Clemson for college football 's top individual honor was shaping up to be one of the great races in recent history .
Half of that equation is gone as Fields wo n't suit up this season .
Lawrence now stands as the clear-cut leader to be holding the Heisman in December .
While there 's advantages to being the runaway favorite , there is also scrutiny .
Expectations will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be magnified .
A great season can appear normal when you are under that kind of microscope .
Should Lawrence falter , the door is open to Big 12 standouts Sam Ehlinger ( Texas QB ) and Chuba Hubbard ( Oklahoma State RB ) or new Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler .
In the SEC , there will be someone that emerges .
A surprise winner is not as unlikely as it seems .
LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was an afterthought last year and ended up with the hardware .
No Ohio State-Michigan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ War is also on hiatus .
Wisconsin and Minnesota wo n't play for Paul Bunyan 's Axe , ending the longest uninterrupted college football series , dating to 1891 .
The Apple Cup and Floyd of Rosedale are out , too .
And those are just notable rivalries in the conferences not playing .
The SEC 's decision to pass on non-conference games meant in-state rivalries between Clemson-South Carolina , Florida-Florida State and Georgia-Georgia Tech all were shut down .
The ACC limitation on road non-conference games stopped the annual series between Navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They should be back next year .
It 's going to be strange without them .
The Magnolia State won the coaching lottery this offseason with Mike Leach moving to Mississippi State and Lane Kiffin returning to the SEC at Mississippi .
How Leach 's passing offense does in the SEC will be one of the great chess matches to watch .
The uncertainty surrounding Kiffin involves how much he has matured since his one rocky season leading Tennessee .
He seems comfortable in his first nine months in Oxford .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the surface that will surely bubble to the top .
The new coach to watch closely is Mike Norvell .
Florida State has endured mediocre results for three seasons .
Roster mismanagement under Jimbo Fisher and a frustrating two years with Willie Taggart have left the Seminoles as an afterthought in the ACC race .
Norvell took Memphis to new heights , but the pressure will be on him to produce instant results for a program that has high expectations and seems miles behind Clemson .
Other notable debuts worth watching include Dave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Missouri , Jeff Hafley at Boston College and Jeff Scott at South Florida .
There were supposed to be more than 40 bowl games , but the reduction to 76 playing teams means significantly fewer games with some cancellations and adjustments necessary .
The Citrus Bowl , Outback Bowl and Alamo Bowl lost one of its conference partners .
The Holiday Bowl lost both .
How will they recalibrate ?
The NCAA is still sorting out bowl eligibility given reduced schedules and mostly conference schedules .
Getting to five wins could be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially in the SEC where teams pad schedules with easy non-conference games and usually only need to get two or three league wins to reach the postseason .
That wo n't be the case this season .
When stars walk out the door to the NFL , it leaves an opening for incoming freshmen to immediately make their mark .
This year will be no exception .
Bryce Young will push Mac Jones for the Alabama quarterback job .
Expect him to be on the field at some point and flash the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Clemson had one of the school 's best recruiting classes .
Defensive linemen Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy are two of the elite prospects of the group with Bresee already listed as a starter on the team 's depth chart .
At Texas , running back Bijan Robinson is currently third-string , but do n't expect that to last too long .
His speed will be hard to keep off the field as the Longhorns try to get more explosive with their offense .
You might scratch your head when someone is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
Yes , that 's legal .
It is one of the new rules approved by the NCAA to keep an eye on .
Among the others , players ejected for targeting will be allowed to remain in the bench area for the remainder of the game .
Those ejected in the second half and subsequently suspended for the first half of the next game can be on the sideline at the start of that contest .
The elongated instant replay reviews should be significantly cut down .
There 's a two-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is deemed `` exceptionally complicated '' or involves an end-of game situation .
More scrutiny will be given to pregame activities .
Referees will be in charge of the field 90 minutes before the game instead of 60 .
Players also will have to wear numbers during warm-ups .
This is an attempt to avoid issues between the teams and more easily identify those that are behaving inappropriately .
Traditions are what separate college football from other American sports .
But without tailgating , bands and the other unique aspects of the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in stands or those watching on television will need to be open-minded and appreciate what they have , rather than complain about what is missing .
Given the season looked to be on the edge of collapse last month , it 's fairly remarkable the first big weekend is almost here .
A lot of time and money have gone into getting teams on the field .
It 's been stressful for everyone .
Having games is going to be a relief and should be appreciated even if they 're not what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dan Wolken wrote last week .
the state of finances in college sports has put athletic departments in no position to fire coaches for performance .
Eight-figure buyouts are not feasible .
Even high seven-figure ones are n't likely .
There 's also a tacit acknowledgement that coaches have been limited in their ability to fix problems without the benefit of spring practice and a shortened preseason .
It means Texas and Southern California are probably going to respectively give Tom Herman and Clay Helton a mulligan this season if things go poorly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an uneven playing field given different health restrictions in states , administrators will understand the difficulty of making changes even if fans do n't .
There 's already been several stars opt out of the season .
LSU lost four starters .
Oklahoma is without its top returning running back .
Georgia has to readjust after its projected quarterback decided to walk away .
There could be even more during the season .
Coronavirus breakouts on campuses and among players are going to happen .
Games are going to be moved last-minute or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sidelined , potentially hurting their teams ' chances to make the playoff or causing them to lose out on conference titles .
It 's the sad reality of the pandemic .
Embrace the frustration and hope it does n't happen to your team .

10 changes to watch for as college football season kicks off
Show Caption Hide Caption What to expect from college football this season Sports Pulse: With everything changing in the sports world how will it affect college football this season SportsPulse, USA TODAY
The 2020 college football season is going to take some getting used to. There are fewer teams and fewer games and fewer opportunities to enjoy the sport.
On the bright side, these changes are not permanent.
Should health conditions improve, next year's season will look much more like 2019 than what we hopefully will see in the next three months. Fans and bands will eventually return. Game days will feel normal again. The experience of watching on television will be what we remember.
Even with that optimism for 2021, there are some changes for this season in the COVID-19 era that will require an adjustment from what is seen as normal.
Here's 10 things that will look different:
College Football Playoff
The debate on the four teams that will play for the national championship will shift from which conference champion is left out to which conference gets two teams. Such is the situation with the Big Ten and Pac-12 not part of the conversation.
It's hard to imagine that second team won't come from the SEC given the league's strength of schedule with all 10 games against league opponents. The challenge for contenders is to avoid pitfalls that could open the door for the ACC or Big 12 to have its second team make the field. There will be controversy. There always is. What happens if an unbeaten Oklahoma or Clemson loses in the conference title game? Could that knock out the runner-up in the SEC?
The other playoff question involves whether the Group of Five can legitimately be part of the conversation. The American Athletic should have several teams high in the committee rankings. If an unbeaten champion were ever to have a strong claim, this would be the season.
Heisman race
The anticipated competition between quarterbacks Justin Fields of Ohio State and Trevor Lawrence of Clemson for college football's top individual honor was shaping up to be one of the great races in recent history. Half of that equation is gone as Fields won't suit up this season.
Lawrence now stands as the clear-cut leader to be holding the Heisman in December. While there's advantages to being the runaway favorite, there is also scrutiny. Expectations will be unrealistically high and every mistake will be magnified. A great season can appear normal when you are under that kind of microscope.
Should Lawrence falter, the door is open to Big 12 standouts Sam Ehlinger (Texas QB) and Chuba Hubbard (Oklahoma State RB) or new Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler. In the SEC, there will be someone that emerges. A surprise winner is not as unlikely as it seems. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was an afterthought last year and ended up with the hardware.
Goodbye rivalries, for now
No Ohio State-Michigan. No Southern California-UCLA. The Oregon Civil War is also on hiatus. Wisconsin and Minnesota won't play for Paul Bunyan's Axe, ending the longest uninterrupted college football series, dating to 1891. The Apple Cup and Floyd of Rosedale are out, too.
And those are just notable rivalries in the conferences not playing.
The SEC's decision to pass on non-conference games meant in-state rivalries between Clemson-South Carolina, Florida-Florida State and Georgia-Georgia Tech all were shut down. The ACC limitation on road non-conference games stopped the annual series between Navy and Notre Dame that started in 1927.
They should be back next year. It's going to be strange without them.
Coaches in new places
The Magnolia State won the coaching lottery this offseason with Mike Leach moving to Mississippi State and Lane Kiffin returning to the SEC at Mississippi. How Leach's passing offense does in the SEC will be one of the great chess matches to watch. The uncertainty surrounding Kiffin involves how much he has matured since his one rocky season leading Tennessee. He seems comfortable in his first nine months in Oxford. But there's still some mischievousness lurking beneath the surface that will surely bubble to the top.
The new coach to watch closely is Mike Norvell. Florida State has endured mediocre results for three seasons. Roster mismanagement under Jimbo Fisher and a frustrating two years with Willie Taggart have left the Seminoles as an afterthought in the ACC race. Norvell took Memphis to new heights, but the pressure will be on him to produce instant results for a program that has high expectations and seems miles behind Clemson.
Other notable debuts worth watching include Dave Aranda at Baylor, Eliah Drinkwitz at Missouri, Jeff Hafley at Boston College and Jeff Scott at South Florida.
Shortened bowl season
There were supposed to be more than 40 bowl games, but the reduction to 76 playing teams means significantly fewer games with some cancellations and adjustments necessary.
The Citrus Bowl, Outback Bowl and Alamo Bowl lost one of its conference partners. The Holiday Bowl lost both. How will they recalibrate?
The NCAA is still sorting out bowl eligibility given reduced schedules and mostly conference schedules. Getting to five wins could be a problem for teams in the Power Five, especially in the SEC where teams pad schedules with easy non-conference games and usually only need to get two or three league wins to reach the postseason. That won't be the case this season.
Impact freshmen
When stars walk out the door to the NFL, it leaves an opening for incoming freshmen to immediately make their mark. This year will be no exception.
Bryce Young will push Mac Jones for the Alabama quarterback job. Expect him to be on the field at some point and flash the talent that made him a five-star recruit.
Clemson had one of the school's best recruiting classes. Defensive linemen Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy are two of the elite prospects of the group with Bresee already listed as a starter on the team's depth chart.
At Texas, running back Bijan Robinson is currently third-string, but don't expect that to last too long. His speed will be hard to keep off the field as the Longhorns try to get more explosive with their offense.
New rules
You might scratch your head when someone is wearing the number 0 for the first time. Yes, that's legal. It is one of the new rules approved by the NCAA to keep an eye on.
Among the others, players ejected for targeting will be allowed to remain in the bench area for the remainder of the game. Those ejected in the second half and subsequently suspended for the first half of the next game can be on the sideline at the start of that contest.
The elongated instant replay reviews should be significantly cut down. There's a two-minute time limit for delays unless the call is deemed "exceptionally complicated" or involves an end-of game situation.
More scrutiny will be given to pregame activities. Referees will be in charge of the field 90 minutes before the game instead of 60. Players also will have to wear numbers during warm-ups. This is an attempt to avoid issues between the teams and more easily identify those that are behaving inappropriately.
Different fan experience
Traditions are what separate college football from other American sports. But without tailgating, bands and the other unique aspects of the game experience, fans lucky enough to be in stands or those watching on television will need to be open-minded and appreciate what they have, rather than complain about what is missing.
Given the season looked to be on the edge of collapse last month, it's fairly remarkable the first big weekend is almost here. A lot of time and money have gone into getting teams on the field. It's been stressful for everyone. Having games is going to be a relief and should be appreciated even if they're not what we're used to seeing.
Stability on the sideline
As colleague Dan Wolken wrote last week. the state of finances in college sports has put athletic departments in no position to fire coaches for performance. Eight-figure buyouts are not feasible. Even high seven-figure ones aren't likely.
There's also a tacit acknowledgement that coaches have been limited in their ability to fix problems without the benefit of spring practice and a shortened preseason. It means Texas and Southern California are probably going to respectively give Tom Herman and Clay Helton a mulligan this season if things go poorly.
With so much uncertainty and such an uneven playing field given different health restrictions in states, administrators will understand the difficulty of making changes even if fans don't.
COVID-19 consequences
There's already been several stars opt out of the season. LSU lost four starters. Oklahoma is without its top returning running back. Georgia has to readjust after its projected quarterback decided to walk away. There could be even more during the season.
Coronavirus breakouts on campuses and among players are going to happen. Games are going to be moved last-minute or cancelled. Key players are going to be sidelined, potentially hurting their teams' chances to make the playoff or causing them to lose out on conference titles.
It's the sad reality of the pandemic. Embrace the frustration and hope it doesn't happen to your team.
Follow USA TODAY Sports colleges reporter Erick Smith @ericksmith