usatoday--2020-08-28--NBA, NBPA agree to resume playoffs Saturday and outline more social justice initiatives

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. — The NBA will resume its postseason Saturday after holding a series of meetings Thursday with the league 's owners and players union on how to further address systemic racism through various team and league-wide initiatives .
In a joint statement , NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA players union executive director Michele Roberts reported having `` a candid , impassioned and productive conversation yesterday between NBA players , coaches and team governors regarding next steps to further our collective efforts and actions in support of social justice and racial equality . ''
The NBA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postseason restart `` with the understanding that the league together with the players will work to enact the following commitments : ►The NBA and its players have agreed to immediately establish a social justice coalition , with representatives from players , coaches and governors , that will be focused on a broad range of issues , including increasing access to voting , promoting civic engagement , and advocating for meaningful police and criminal justice reform .
►In every city where the league franchise owns and controls the arena property , team governors will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to convert the facility into a voting location for the 2020 general election to allow for a safe in-person voting option for communities vulnerable to COVID .
If a deadline has passed , team governors will work with local elections officials to find another election-related use for the facility , including but not limited to voter registration and ballot receiving boards .
►The league will work with the players and our network partners to create and include advertising spots in each NBA playoff game dedicated to promoting greater civic engagement in national and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access and opportunity . ''
OPINION : NBA 's bubble ca n't protect players from all pandemics OPINION : Bucks decision not to play will alter course of history Saturday 's games will be Magic-Bucks ( 3:30 p.m .
ET , ESPN ) , Thunder-Rockets ( 6:30 , TNT ) and Blazers-Lakers ( 9 , TNT ) .
On Sunday , the Celtics open their Eastern Conference semifinals against the Raptors at 1 p.m .
ET on ESPN .
That game will be followed by two Game 6s : Clippers-Mavericks ( 3:30 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TNT ) .
As USA TODAY Sports and other outlets had reported , the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers initially said they wanted to halt the playoffs amid frustration on whether the league 's platform was truly enough to enact change with systemic racism .
NBA players became increasingly frustrated this week after police officers in Kenosha , Wisconsin , shot Jacob Blake , an unarmed Black man , seven times in the back .
Blake is paralyzed from the waist down .
The Milwaukee Bucks declined to take the court for Game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at Advent Health Arena .
Less than an hour later , the NBA announced the Thunder-Rockets and Lakers-Blazers games were postponed .
The NBA announced Thursday afternoon that it would postpone games that day , which included the Nuggets-Jazz , Celtics-Raptors and Clippers-Mavericks .
The NBA hosted a Board of Governors ' meeting Thursday at 11 a.m .
ET , which coincided with the league 's players meeting to discuss whether they wanted to resume the season .
NBA players and team governors representing the league 's 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference call Thursday afternoon with league officials , the NBA players union and Michael Jordan , who serves as the league 's Labor Relations Committee Chairman .

NBA, NBPA agree to resume playoffs Saturday and outline more social justice initiatives
Show Caption Hide Caption Protest to tangible change: What NBA players really want going forward USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the demand from NBA players after boycotting playoff games. USA TODAY
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The NBA will resume its postseason Saturday after holding a series of meetings Thursday with the league's owners and players union on how to further address systemic racism through various team and league-wide initiatives.
In a joint statement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA players union executive director Michele Roberts reported having "a candid, impassioned and productive conversation yesterday between NBA players, coaches and team governors regarding next steps to further our collective efforts and actions in support of social justice and racial equality."
The NBA and NBPA said they agreed to the postseason restart "with the understanding that the league together with the players will work to enact the following commitments:
►The NBA and its players have agreed to immediately establish a social justice coalition, with representatives from players, coaches and governors, that will be focused on a broad range of issues, including increasing access to voting, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for meaningful police and criminal justice reform.
►In every city where the league franchise owns and controls the arena property, team governors will continue to work with local elections officials to convert the facility into a voting location for the 2020 general election to allow for a safe in-person voting option for communities vulnerable to COVID. If a deadline has passed, team governors will work with local elections officials to find another election-related use for the facility, including but not limited to voter registration and ballot receiving boards.
►The league will work with the players and our network partners to create and include advertising spots in each NBA playoff game dedicated to promoting greater civic engagement in national and local elections and raising awareness around voter access and opportunity."
MORE: Nearly 100 NBA employees stage walkout in support of players
OPINION: NBA's bubble can't protect players from all pandemics
OPINION: Bucks decision not to play will alter course of history
Saturday's games will be Magic-Bucks (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), Thunder-Rockets (6:30, TNT) and Blazers-Lakers (9 ,TNT). On Sunday, the Celtics open their Eastern Conference semifinals against the Raptors at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN. That game will be followed by two Game 6s: Clippers-Mavericks (3:30, ESPN) and Nuggets-Jazz (8:30, TNT).
As USA TODAY Sports and other outlets had reported, the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers initially said they wanted to halt the playoffs amid frustration on whether the league's platform was truly enough to enact change with systemic racism. NBA players became increasingly frustrated this week after police officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, shot Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man, seven times in the back. Blake is paralyzed from the waist down.
The Milwaukee Bucks declined to take the court for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at Advent Health Arena. Less than an hour later, the NBA announced the Thunder-Rockets and Lakers-Blazers games were postponed. The NBA announced Thursday afternoon that it would postpone games that day, which included the Nuggets-Jazz, Celtics-Raptors and Clippers-Mavericks.
The NBA hosted a Board of Governors' meeting Thursday at 11 a.m. ET, which coincided with the league's players meeting to discuss whether they wanted to resume the season. NBA players and team governors representing the league's 13 playoff teams also participated in a video conference call Thursday afternoon with league officials, the NBA players union and Michael Jordan, who serves as the league's Labor Relations Committee Chairman.
Follow USA TODAY NBA writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


usatoday--2020-08-28--RNC vs. DNC: Different speakers for divergent messages

After eight days of rival political conventions , one message unified the dozens of speakers in both the Democratic and Republican conventions : the 2020 election is the most important in U.S. history .
Both conventions were radically different than those of any other in U.S. history because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Save for President Donald Trump 's closing speech at the White House Friday night , cavernous convention halls were replaced by socially distant and virtual presentations .
From the live and recorded messages to the people delivering them , that 's where the similarities stopped .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and change led by former Vice President Joe Biden , while Republicans said Trump 's administration was good for the country and needed to continue .
The RNC 's focus on Trump was clear .
While he and Biden appeared every day throughout their convention weeks – either live or recorded – Trump 's acceptance and final speeches combined were more than four times longer than Biden 's .
Biden and Trump 's appearances were nearly equal throughout the conventions .
The gender balance of the speakers at the two conventions was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who spoke in prime time : Both parties brought nearly the same number of speakers to the stage each night during their three-hour , prime time slots .
Hover over any of the circles for the speaker 's name and title .
Individuals with overlapping circles spoke together .
Some spoke on multiple days and are depicted on just one of the days that they appeared .

George Petras and Jim Sergent, USA TODAY

After eight days of rival political conventions, one message unified the dozens of speakers in both the Democratic and Republican conventions: the 2020 election is the most important in U.S. history.
Both conventions were radically different than those of any other in U.S. history because of the coronavirus pandemic. Save for President Donald Trump's closing speech at the White House Friday night, cavernous convention halls were replaced by socially distant and virtual presentations.
From the live and recorded messages to the people delivering them, that's where the similarities stopped.
The Democrats called for getting out the vote and change led by former Vice President Joe Biden, while Republicans said Trump's administration was good for the country and needed to continue.
The RNC's focus on Trump was clear. While he and Biden appeared every day throughout their convention weeks – either live or recorded – Trump's acceptance and final speeches combined were more than four times longer than Biden's.
Biden and Trump's appearances were nearly equal throughout the conventions.
The gender balance of the speakers at the two conventions was also noticeable. Here are all the individuals who spoke in prime time:
Both parties brought nearly the same number of speakers to the stage each night during their three-hour, prime time slots. Hover over any of the circles for the speaker's name and title.
Individuals with overlapping circles spoke together. Some spoke on multiple days and are depicted on just one of the days that they appeared.
SOURCE USA TODAY reporting; C-SPAN; USA TODAY research


usatoday--2020-08-28--Opinion: After watershed week, MLB needs to amplify Jackie Robinson's entire legacy

As Major League Baseball awakens to a forever altered landscape in the wake of two days of player strikes to shine a light on racial injustice , there is no better time to re-think its celebration of a civil rights icon .
Since 1997 , when Commissioner Bud Selig celebrated the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson ’ s Brooklyn Dodgers debut , ending decades of exclusion for people of color in Major League Baseball , the league has wrapped itself in No .
42 the way a political figure might wrap him or herself in the flag .
In this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Aug. 28 , rather than the usual April 15 , due to the coronavirus-inspired industry shutdown .
In positioning itself as a social institution , the league could place itself on the right side of history , integrating before the NBA , for one , and Robinson ’ s role in the overall civil rights movement gave the sport a permanent thread within the nation ’ s fabric .
But we all know what has been happening since .
JACKIE 'S LEGACY : Sharon Robinson says dad would have supported BLM The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall since the late 1970s , settling in at around 8 % for the past decade .
Managers , front offices , and executive roles at the league ’ s central office are nearly bereft of people of color .
The game ’ s revenues have boomed but its cultural currency has waned significantly , a disease that has dozens of symptoms but perhaps none greater than the difficulty in accessing a sport that seems to grow more expensive to play and watch .
MLB ’ s efforts to grow the game and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but tangible gains remain elusive .
Meanwhile , its embrace of Robinson only grows tighter , starting with the retirement of his No .
42 to having all players wear it on the standard April 15 anniversary to the various cut-and-paste social media platitudes celebrating the man .
All of it is well-intended , from the deeds to the dinero – such as the $ 420,000 the Miami Marlins pledged Friday to the Jackie Robinson Foundation to fund an annual scholarship , and the $ 3.5 million commitment MLB made in renewing its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems like an ideal time to move beyond the workshopped symbolism and toward a fuller , more organic embrace of Robinson ’ s legacy .
This was a startling week for Major League Baseball .
Hundreds of its players – by tradition painfully staid and conservative in comportment and worldview – sat out to protest social injustice .
As Black players expressed why they felt a desire to sit out , a handful of white allies – from Rhys Hoskins to Mike Yastrzemski to Brent Suter and many others – emerged .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from unanimous support .
Ten teams – some partially driven by circumstance – have not yet participated in this strike .
But the action was radical by baseball standards and suggested at least a partial evolution that in some ways mirrored Robinson ’ s .
His qualities most often celebrated are dignity and endurance , tolerance and courage .
Yet at his core , Robinson was a radical , a complex individual who carried the confusion and pain of the actor in the arena of struggle .
Any activist today knows their message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they be branded a hypocrite or asked by those in positions of power and privilege , “ What exactly is it that you want ?
” Robinson ’ s views did not move in a linear fashion .
His history is dotted with critiques of Black activist Paul Robeson for sympathizing with Russia or Martin Luther King Jr. for opposing the war in Vietnam , and even briefly pledging support for Richard Nixon ’ s 1960 presidential bid .
But he eventually saw through the fog of his own war to disavow those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t often hear about on the day he ’ s celebrated .
The Jackie Robinson that baseball needs to know about lent his support to Olympic medalists John Carlos and Tommie Smith , who were exiled for protesting racism and the inclusion of South Africa in the 1968 games .
The fuller view of Robinson includes a man who resigned from the NAACP board because he found it “ unresponsive to the needs and aims of the black masses , ” and who disavowed MLB in 1969 for failing to hire a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be broken until Frank Robinson in 1975 .
The Robinson we ’ ve magnified for feel-good truisms such as that a life “ is not important except in the impact it has on other lives ” has nearly erased the man who wrote that “ in 1972 , in 1947 , at my birth in 1919 , I know that I never had it made.
” That sentiment is expressed in a video MLB released Friday , narrated by Mookie Betts and directed by Emmy-winning Randy Wilkins .
Interspersing clips of Robinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would almost certainly meet Jackie 's approval .
Now , to educate the game 's young .
Since George Floyd ’ s killing in May , we ’ ve heard a lot from ballplayers and managers about “ having difficult conversations ” in the clubhouse about racial injustice .
Those were renewed this week after Kenosha , Wis. police shot Jacob Blake seven times in the back , leading to walkouts that began with Milwaukee ’ s Bucks and Brewers and eventually spread to 20 major league teams .
And as Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unfair policing , a theme has emerged from their white teammates : They had no idea .
That seems startling at first .
Then , you consider that the average young , white ballplayer grew up in a time mistakenly labeled “ post-racial , ” as if having a Black president for up to a third of their lives papered over all inequities .
And then you consider the bubble of so many white ballplayers : From cul-de-sac or gated community to private instructor , travel ball team and then a college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps a handful of Black teammates along the way .
Meanwhile , those teammates are often the only Black players on their respective teams , isolated and disempowered to speak their truths .
In many cases , until this week .
That should never be the case again .
So while MLB celebrates Robinson , it needs to amplify every ounce of his story , and educate its youngest and most impressionable players from the time they enter the game , including the through line that exists to today ’ s enduring structural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted this week , sitting out a handful of games won ’ t erase police brutality , or systemic racism .
And so those “ difficult conversations ” will still occur .
They can be a little easier in the future if the game presents a fuller picture of Robinson .

Opinion: After watershed week, MLB needs to amplify Jackie Robinson's entire legacy
Show Caption Hide Caption Remembering Jackie Robinson amid MLB hiatus What I'm Hearing: How Tim Anderson is remembering Jackie Robinson whatimhearing, USA TODAY
As Major League Baseball awakens to a forever altered landscape in the wake of two days of player strikes to shine a light on racial injustice, there is no better time to re-think its celebration of a civil rights icon.
Since 1997, when Commissioner Bud Selig celebrated the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s Brooklyn Dodgers debut, ending decades of exclusion for people of color in Major League Baseball, the league has wrapped itself in No. 42 the way a political figure might wrap him or herself in the flag. In this ever-unpredictable 2020, that celebration falls today, Aug. 28, rather than the usual April 15, due to the coronavirus-inspired industry shutdown.
In positioning itself as a social institution, the league could place itself on the right side of history, integrating before the NBA, for one, and Robinson’s role in the overall civil rights movement gave the sport a permanent thread within the nation’s fabric.
But we all know what has been happening since.
JACKIE'S LEGACY: Sharon Robinson says dad would have supported BLM
HONORING JACKIE: Mets, Marlins walk off after 42 seconds
The Black player population has been in free fall since the late 1970s, settling in at around 8% for the past decade. Managers, front offices, and executive roles at the league’s central office are nearly bereft of people of color. The game’s revenues have boomed but its cultural currency has waned significantly, a disease that has dozens of symptoms but perhaps none greater than the difficulty in accessing a sport that seems to grow more expensive to play and watch.
MLB’s efforts to grow the game and increase access come in good faith, but tangible gains remain elusive. Meanwhile, its embrace of Robinson only grows tighter, starting with the retirement of his No. 42 to having all players wear it on the standard April 15 anniversary to the various cut-and-paste social media platitudes celebrating the man.
All of it is well-intended, from the deeds to the dinero – such as the $420,000 the Miami Marlins pledged Friday to the Jackie Robinson Foundation to fund an annual scholarship, and the $3.5 million commitment MLB made in renewing its commitment to that organization. Yet now seems like an ideal time to move beyond the workshopped symbolism and toward a fuller, more organic embrace of Robinson’s legacy.
This was a startling week for Major League Baseball.
Hundreds of its players – by tradition painfully staid and conservative in comportment and worldview – sat out to protest social injustice. As Black players expressed why they felt a desire to sit out, a handful of white allies – from Rhys Hoskins to Mike Yastrzemski to Brent Suter and many others – emerged.
To be sure, these actions had far from unanimous support. Ten teams – some partially driven by circumstance – have not yet participated in this strike.
But the action was radical by baseball standards and suggested at least a partial evolution that in some ways mirrored Robinson’s.
His qualities most often celebrated are dignity and endurance, tolerance and courage. Yet at his core, Robinson was a radical, a complex individual who carried the confusion and pain of the actor in the arena of struggle.
Any activist today knows their message must be pitch-perfect and consistent, lest they be branded a hypocrite or asked by those in positions of power and privilege, “What exactly is it that you want?”
Robinson’s views did not move in a linear fashion. His history is dotted with critiques of Black activist Paul Robeson for sympathizing with Russia or Martin Luther King Jr. for opposing the war in Vietnam, and even briefly pledging support for Richard Nixon’s 1960 presidential bid.
But he eventually saw through the fog of his own war to disavow those viewpoints and take actions that we don’t often hear about on the day he’s celebrated.
The Jackie Robinson that baseball needs to know about lent his support to Olympic medalists John Carlos and Tommie Smith, who were exiled for protesting racism and the inclusion of South Africa in the 1968 games. The fuller view of Robinson includes a man who resigned from the NAACP board because he found it “unresponsive to the needs and aims of the black masses,” and who disavowed MLB in 1969 for failing to hire a Black manager, a barrier that would not be broken until Frank Robinson in 1975.
The Robinson we’ve magnified for feel-good truisms such as that a life “is not important except in the impact it has on other lives” has nearly erased the man who wrote that “in 1972, in 1947, at my birth in 1919, I know that I never had it made.”
That sentiment is expressed in a video MLB released Friday, narrated by Mookie Betts and directed by Emmy-winning Randy Wilkins. Interspersing clips of Robinson with modern players and recent protests, it would almost certainly meet Jackie's approval.
“4 Us 2 Remember” reminds us that Jackie Robinson’s legacy lives on through the players who proudly wear 42 and everyone who stands against injustice.
Narrated by @MookieBetts pic.twitter.com/CZgyRLllby — MLB (@MLB) August 28, 2020
Now, to educate the game's young.
Since George Floyd’s killing in May, we’ve heard a lot from ballplayers and managers about “having difficult conversations” in the clubhouse about racial injustice. Those were renewed this week after Kenosha, Wis. police shot Jacob Blake seven times in the back, leading to walkouts that began with Milwaukee’s Bucks and Brewers and eventually spread to 20 major league teams.
And as Black players share their experiences with racial profiling and unfair policing, a theme has emerged from their white teammates: They had no idea.
That seems startling at first. Then, you consider that the average young, white ballplayer grew up in a time mistakenly labeled “post-racial,” as if having a Black president for up to a third of their lives papered over all inequities.
And then you consider the bubble of so many white ballplayers: From cul-de-sac or gated community to private instructor, travel ball team and then a college program or the minor leagues, with perhaps a handful of Black teammates along the way.
Meanwhile, those teammates are often the only Black players on their respective teams, isolated and disempowered to speak their truths. In many cases, until this week.
That should never be the case again.
So while MLB celebrates Robinson, it needs to amplify every ounce of his story, and educate its youngest and most impressionable players from the time they enter the game, including the through line that exists to today’s enduring structural injustices.
As players in every league noted this week, sitting out a handful of games won’t erase police brutality, or systemic racism. And so those “difficult conversations” will still occur.
They can be a little easier in the future if the game presents a fuller picture of Robinson.


usatoday--2020-08-28--FCS powers will meet in first college football game of COVID-19 era

There will be college football on Saturday night .
More than five months after the coronavirus pandemic shut down all sports , and even as several major conferences have opted against competing this season while others attempt to manage outbreaks of positive cases , the 2020 college football season will begin roughly as scheduled with a game between two teams from the Championship Subdivision .
Central Arkansas and Austin Peay ( 9 p.m .
ET , ESPN ) were originally scheduled to complete a home-and-home series in Conway , Arkansas , before the pandemic led the two teams to shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Montgomery , Alabama .
Not household names , the schools are among the better programs in FCS .
Both teams reached last season 's playoffs , with Central Arkansas advancing to the second round and Austin Peay reaching the quarterfinals in winning a school-record 11 games under coach Mark Hudspeth , who abruptly resigned in July , citing the need to spend more time with his family .
He was replaced on an interim basis by associate head coach Marquase Lovings .
As the only game of the opening weekend — known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time on ESPN , the matchup is expected to draw an audience starving for football content .
`` This is different , '' said Central Arkansas athletics director Brad Teague .
`` And certainly because we ’ re the only game on Saturday and the first game of the college football season , the first NCAA contest since COVID shut it down in the spring , there is a lot more excitement . ''
The chance to play on ESPN `` is thrilling for these guys , '' Teague said .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For our brand and for our national recognition and publicity , we ’ re very excited about that .
We know it ’ s going to be very positive for us . ''
The season opener provides a glimpse into how teams will handle the logistics of scheduling , planning and playing games while managing the health and safety concerns still posed by COVID-19 .
Programs in the Bowl Subdivision have also been forced to reschedule individual games and even create entirely new schedules as conferences and specific teams drop out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have remained on track to begin the season in September have added conference games to the regular-season schedule .
Both teams will drive to the game on Friday and stay in a hotel overnight .
Austin Peay will travel in four buses , one more than usual , with each bus at half capacity and with one person stationed per row .
Every person in the Central Arkansas caravan will wear an N95 mask while on the bus , Teague said .
Central Arkansas ' testing protocols began with giving every student-athlete a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus — when they returned to campus .
The athletics department has been testing athletes once a week since early August .
There have been 300 tests administered across the past two weeks and just one positive result , Teague said , with the latest round of tests given on Wednesday .
In addition , Central Arkansas is requiring the bus drivers tasked with transporting the team to take a test for COVID-19 and have a negative result .
Austin Peay had an outbreak of 11 positive cases in June , leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for three weeks to recover and reevaluate existing protocols and procedures .
Several programs that discussed the logistics behind traveling to games with USA TODAY Sports said that roster sizes wo n't change but the total size of the normal travel party will decline by removing cheerleaders , bands and superfluous staff members .
The smaller groups from Central Arkansas and Austin Peay will stick to the same distancing protocols used on campus or inside football facilities , limiting the amount of interaction players , coaches and staff members will have outside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little different because under normal circumstances parents and friends could linger in the hotel lobby and hang out with players on the team , '' said Austin Peay athletics director Gerald Harrison .
`` But that 's not happening now . ''
The Cramton Bowl will limit attendance to a quarter of its 25,000-seat capacity , mirroring similar benchmarks used in the Power Five .
Every SEC school that has announced attendance plans will allow capacity around 25 % while adding measures requiring face coverings and prohibiting tailgating while shifting solely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Austin Peay were allotted 400 tickets for athletes ’ families and guests , Harrison said , while the remainder of tickets were sold online .
`` We also understand the scrutiny that ’ s going to come with us playing while many others are not and being the first game when many have pushed back to September .
We understand that , '' Teague said .
`` We ’ re ready to face those questions and talk about our safety protocols that have been in place really since June . ''

First college football game of COVID-19 era kicks off Saturday night: Austin Peay vs. Central Arkansas
Show Caption Hide Caption Why college football will never be the same financially USA Today Sports' Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg explain the financial debt college football will incur from a fall without football. USA TODAY
There will be college football on Saturday night.
More than five months after the coronavirus pandemic shut down all sports, and even as several major conferences have opted against competing this season while others attempt to manage outbreaks of positive cases, the 2020 college football season will begin roughly as scheduled with a game between two teams from the Championship Subdivision.
Central Arkansas and Austin Peay (9 p.m. ET, ESPN) were originally scheduled to complete a home-and-home series in Conway, Arkansas, before the pandemic led the two teams to shift the meeting to the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama.
Not household names, the schools are among the better programs in FCS. Both teams reached last season's playoffs, with Central Arkansas advancing to the second round and Austin Peay reaching the quarterfinals in winning a school-record 11 games under coach Mark Hudspeth, who abruptly resigned in July, citing the need to spend more time with his family. He was replaced on an interim basis by associate head coach Marquase Lovings.
As the only game of the opening weekend — known as Week Zero — and broadcast in prime time on ESPN, the matchup is expected to draw an audience starving for football content.
"This is different," said Central Arkansas athletics director Brad Teague. "And certainly because we’re the only game on Saturday and the first game of the college football season, the first NCAA contest since COVID shut it down in the spring, there is a lot more excitement."
The chance to play on ESPN "is thrilling for these guys," Teague said. "They’re very motivated and very excited. For our brand and for our national recognition and publicity, we’re very excited about that. We know it’s going to be very positive for us."
The season opener provides a glimpse into how teams will handle the logistics of scheduling, planning and playing games while managing the health and safety concerns still posed by COVID-19.
Programs in the Bowl Subdivision have also been forced to reschedule individual games and even create entirely new schedules as conferences and specific teams drop out of competition. The Power Five leagues that have remained on track to begin the season in September have added conference games to the regular-season schedule.
Both teams will drive to the game on Friday and stay in a hotel overnight. Austin Peay will travel in four buses, one more than usual, with each bus at half capacity and with one person stationed per row. Every person in the Central Arkansas caravan will wear an N95 mask while on the bus, Teague said.
Central Arkansas' testing protocols began with giving every student-athlete a gateway test — an initial test for the coronavirus — when they returned to campus. The athletics department has been testing athletes once a week since early August. There have been 300 tests administered across the past two weeks and just one positive result, Teague said, with the latest round of tests given on Wednesday.
In addition, Central Arkansas is requiring the bus drivers tasked with transporting the team to take a test for COVID-19 and have a negative result.
Austin Peay had an outbreak of 11 positive cases in June, leading the university to shut down all athletics for three weeks to recover and reevaluate existing protocols and procedures.
Several programs that discussed the logistics behind traveling to games with USA TODAY Sports said that roster sizes won't change but the total size of the normal travel party will decline by removing cheerleaders, bands and superfluous staff members.
The smaller groups from Central Arkansas and Austin Peay will stick to the same distancing protocols used on campus or inside football facilities, limiting the amount of interaction players, coaches and staff members will have outside of hotel rooms.
"It'll be a little different because under normal circumstances parents and friends could linger in the hotel lobby and hang out with players on the team," said Austin Peay athletics director Gerald Harrison. "But that's not happening now."
The Cramton Bowl will limit attendance to a quarter of its 25,000-seat capacity, mirroring similar benchmarks used in the Power Five. Every SEC school that has announced attendance plans will allow capacity around 25% while adding measures requiring face coverings and prohibiting tailgating while shifting solely to mobile ticketing.
Both Central Arkansas and Austin Peay were allotted 400 tickets for athletes’ families and guests, Harrison said, while the remainder of tickets were sold online.
Unsurprisingly, the game is a sellout.
"We also understand the scrutiny that’s going to come with us playing while many others are not and being the first game when many have pushed back to September. We understand that," Teague said. "We’re ready to face those questions and talk about our safety protocols that have been in place really since June."
Contributing: George Robinson, Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle


usatoday--2020-08-28--Twin uses grandma as decoy in homecoming surprise

Twin uses grandma as decoy in homecoming surprise Sailor Ashley Chorn and her twin sister Angel found ways to stay @ @ @ @ @ them in opposite directions .

Twin uses grandma as decoy in homecoming surprise
Sailor Ashley Chorn and her twin sister Angel found ways to stay connected despite their passions taking them in opposite directions.
Militarykind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-26--5 easy tips for budgeting with unpredictable income

Freelancing can be unpredictable .
Make sure your budget is covered .

Finance tips: 5 ways to budget unpredictable income
Freelancing can be unpredictable. Make sure your budget is covered.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-29--Covington Catholic graduate Nick Sandmann hired by McConnell's 2020 reelection campaign

LOUISVILLE , Ky. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell 's 2020 reelection campaign has hired Nick Sandmann , the Kentucky teenager whose recorded encounter with a Native American elder in Washington , D.C , went viral last year .
Sandmann , a Transylvania University student who was once again in the spotlight this week when he spoke at the Republican National Convention , now lists himself as a grassroots director for Team Mitch on his Twitter account .
McConnell is running for another term in the Senate this November , and Team Mitch press secretary Kate Cooksey confirmed Friday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longtime senator 's campaign .
McConnell 's campaign manager Kevin Golden provided this statement on the new hire : `` We ’ re excited to have Nicholas on Team Mitch .
Along with our already strong team , his efforts to bring people together all across Kentucky will be critical to Senator McConnell ’ s victory this November . ''
Nick Sandmann addresses RNC : ' I would not be canceled . '
Sandmann was still in high school in January 2019 when he first attracted national attention after a video he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video showed Sandmann , sporting the signature `` Make America Great Again '' hat supporters of President Donald Trump often wear , and Native American elder Nathan Phillips facing each other as they stood amid a crowd in Washington .
Sandmann was visiting D.C. as part of a trip with classmates from Covington Catholic High School in Northern Kentucky to join the anti-abortion March for Life .
Phillips was participating in the Indigenous Peoples March .
Social media swiftly filled with posts accusing Sandmann of racism , antagonism and privilege .
News outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandmann later sued CNN and The Washington Post , with which he settled for undisclosed amounts of money .
He also has filed lawsuits against five more news companies , including Gannett , the owner of The Courier Journal and USA TODAY .
More : 'Firewall against Nancy Pelosi ’ s agenda ' : How Mitch McConnell became one of Donald Trump 's key confidantes Now , well over a year after that video went viral , Sandmann has graduated high school and is attending college .
He has pushed back against negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In his RNC speech this week , he said he `` would not be canceled . ''
`` What I thought was a strange encounter quickly developed into a major news story complete with video footage , '' he said .
`` My life changed forever in that one moment .
The full war machine of the mainstream media revved up into attack mode . ''
On his Twitter account , Sandmann tweeted Thursday : `` finally got to add more to my bio than just my schools . ''
The McConnell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Welcome to # TeamMitch ! ''

Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal

Covington Catholic graduate Nick Sandmann hired by McConnell's 2020 reelection campaign
Show Caption Hide Caption RNC: Nicholas Sandmann calls out 'cancel culture' Nicholas Sandmann, a teenager who was at the center of an incident at the Lincoln Memorial in 2019, shares his story and support of Pres. Trump. USA TODAY, Associated Press
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's 2020 reelection campaign has hired Nick Sandmann, the Kentucky teenager whose recorded encounter with a Native American elder in Washington, D.C, went viral last year.
Sandmann, a Transylvania University student who was once again in the spotlight this week when he spoke at the Republican National Convention, now lists himself as a grassroots director for Team Mitch on his Twitter account.
McConnell is running for another term in the Senate this November, and Team Mitch press secretary Kate Cooksey confirmed Friday that Sandmann is a paid employee of the longtime senator's campaign.
McConnell's campaign manager Kevin Golden provided this statement on the new hire: "We’re excited to have Nicholas on Team Mitch. Along with our already strong team, his efforts to bring people together all across Kentucky will be critical to Senator McConnell’s victory this November."
Nick Sandmann addresses RNC: 'I would not be canceled.'
Sandmann was still in high school in January 2019 when he first attracted national attention after a video he was in received millions of views.
The video showed Sandmann, sporting the signature "Make America Great Again" hat supporters of President Donald Trump often wear, and Native American elder Nathan Phillips facing each other as they stood amid a crowd in Washington.
Sandmann was visiting D.C. as part of a trip with classmates from Covington Catholic High School in Northern Kentucky to join the anti-abortion March for Life. Phillips was participating in the Indigenous Peoples March.
Social media swiftly filled with posts accusing Sandmann of racism, antagonism and privilege. News outlets across the nation reported the story.
Sandmann later sued CNN and The Washington Post, with which he settled for undisclosed amounts of money. He also has filed lawsuits against five more news companies, including Gannett, the owner of The Courier Journal and USA TODAY.
More: 'Firewall against Nancy Pelosi’s agenda': How Mitch McConnell became one of Donald Trump's key confidantes
Now, well over a year after that video went viral, Sandmann has graduated high school and is attending college.
He has pushed back against negative portrayals of him in the news media. In his RNC speech this week, he said he "would not be canceled."
"What I thought was a strange encounter quickly developed into a major news story complete with video footage," he said. "My life changed forever in that one moment. The full war machine of the mainstream media revved up into attack mode."
On his Twitter account, Sandmann tweeted Thursday: "finally got to add more to my bio than just my schools."
The McConnell campaign's official Twitter account responded: "Welcome to #TeamMitch!"
Follow Morgan Watkins on Twitter: @morganwatkins26.


usatoday--2020-08-28--Trump's RNC speech lacked some coronavirus safeguards. That might have been the point

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump eventually , but hesitantly , yielded to coronavirus guidelines designed to stop the spread of the deadly contagion .
He canceled events , ordered socially distanced seating at news conferences , and eventually wore a mask in public .
Even the Republican National Convention this week was a mostly socially distanced affair , with supporters and administration officials praising the president in Washington , North Carolina and other remote video locations .
Still , it was announced Friday that four people who attended the North Carolina portion of the convention had tested positive .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night when the president threw a made-for-television extravaganza on the White House South Lawn to formally accept the Republican Party ’ s nomination for a second term .
Chairs set up for the more than 1,000 invited guests were jammed close together .
Most of the invitees didn ’ t wear face masks .
In short , as the whole world watched , the president and his supporters openly flaunted social distancing measures – in stark contrast to the strict social distancing and masking on display by Democrats the week before .
Experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Trump is ) trying to give the impression that we 've turned the corner , we 're moving ahead , you 're going to be able to go back to work and go back to school .
We 're going forward , '' said Robert Blendon , professor of Health Policy and Political Analysis at Harvard .
`` Whether or not anybody in the public health world believes that , the president is trying to give that impression . ''
'Have it both ways ' : Trump makes appeal to suburban voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendees who spoke to the USA TODAY Network said they were fine with the protocols , noting people did wear masks at times and that they felt safe .
“ Sometimes I wore ( a mask ) , sometimes I didn ’ t , ” said former Rep. Lou Barletta , R-Penn.
, who attended the speech and noted he was `` impressed '' by how the event was handled .
But even some on the president 's side of the aisle said the lack of masks and social distancing took away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been one of the best ways to acknowledge that the coronavirus rules apply to everyone , said Scott Jennings , a conservative political commentator “ Republicans like to point out that the protestors and rioters are given a pass by the media for violating all public health guidelines , but that argument works better if we are consistent ourselves , ” said Jennings , who worked in the White House under President George W. Bush .
Back and forth on following recommendations Trump and his reelection campaign have been criticized over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adherence to their own administration 's coronavirus recommendations .
Although delegates arriving to the RNC in Charlotte were tested for the virus upon registration , many who attended the convention did not wear masks while gathering in small groups , according to the Charlotte Observer .
Vice President Mike Pence greeted maskless attendees at his RNC remarks at Fort McHenry in Baltimore Wednesday .
After speaking , the vice president was seen giving fist bumps to several people in the crowd .
And following a June rally in Tulsa where thousands of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw a spike in coronavirus cases .
At least eight Trump campaign staffers who attended the rally tested positive .
Patronus Medical Corp. , a medical , safety and health company , said it worked in partnership with the Republican National Committee to make certain proper protocols were in place to ensure the safety and well-being individuals at convention venues , including the South Lawn event .
“ These strict protocols are in full compliance with multiple guidelines set forth by the United States Centers for Disease Control , the District of Columbia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading authorities on health safety , ” said Robert Darling , the company ’ s chief medical officer and former White House physician to President Bill Clinton .
“ Patronus health professionals have been on site to make certain screening has been done on a consistent basis to ensure the convention meets the highest standards of public safety , ” Darling said .
'We 've got to all be in this together' Blendon noted that regardless of Trump 's intent , voters are going to focus more on how they 've been impacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convince people ... it 's getting better , '' Blendon noted .
`` Any evidence that it 's not , just says to people ' I do n't know what to do , I 'm going to vote against the incumbent . '
`` White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows echoed that sentiment Friday , telling NBC , `` I think the vast majority of Americans are more concerned about what 's happening in their backyard than the backyard of the White House . ''
Trump ’ s re-election campaign defended the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of applying a double standard .
“ It ’ s not surprising that the mainstream media refuses to acknowledge the hundreds of protestors harassing and attacking attendees leaving the White House ( Thursday ) night and instead uses it as another pathetic attempt to blame President Trump for a pandemic that has affected countries all over the world , ” campaign spokeswoman Courtney Parella said .
Public health officials have underscored that the best way to prevent spread of coronavirus is to follow social distancing guidelines , wear masks and practice good hygiene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those of us in public health , it 's as basic as seatbelts and life preservers , '' said Shelley A. Hearne , Director of Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health Advocacy .
`` That 's how we 're gon na do it , so regardless of what political party , we 've got to all be in this together . ''
'The faux outrage ... is clearly selective' The lack of social distancing guidelines did n't keep at least 1,000 officials and politicians from attending the president 's speech .
And many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
South Carolina Gov .
Henry McMaster , who has urged his state ’ s residents to “ wear a mask , wear a mask , wear a mask ” was among those seated on the South Lawn for the president ’ s speech .
McMaster did not wear a mask .
His spokesman , Brian Symmes , defended the governor ’ s decision to go maskless .
“ The governor wore a mask throughout the day when it was appropriate until he was seated in a reserved area for governors and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it after the president ’ s speech , ” Symmes said .
Symmes said he doesn ’ t believe McMaster ’ s decision to go sans mask during the president ’ s speech “ is contrary to what he has told South Carolinians they should do.
” Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey ’ s office also pushed back on criticism he received for not wearing a mask during Trump ’ s speech .
Ducey spokesman Patrick Ptak dismissed the condemnation as a consequence of the political “ silly season.
” '' The governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans to assemble , especially during an election year , ” Ptak said .
“ Does n't matter the cause or political affiliation .
This is n't the first campaign event he 's attended , so the faux outrage from the Democrats is clearly selective . ''
Ducey “ wears a mask , ” Ptak said .
“ Like everyone else , he uses common sense about when to have it on , and when he feels comfortable taking it off . ''
Barletta , the former Pennsylvania lawmaker , said being among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ exciting ” and “ gratifying , ” he said .
“ To sit in that setting and watch him talk about his accomplishments in the last four years was very satisfying to me , ” said Barletta , who now is a political consultant and chair of the Pennsylvania delegation for the Trump Victory campaign .
The former four-term congressman gave up his 11th Congressional District seat to take on Democrat Bob Casey in a 2018 U.S. Senate race .
Barletta ultimately lost to Casey by 13 points .
He was one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorse Trump in the 2016 election .
Despite the criticism and concerns about people being unmasked , Barletta said they were not unsafe .
“ I ’ m impressed by how they handled the convention and last night .
There were temperature checks and health screenings at the beginning of day and during the day .
”

Michael Collins, Rebecca Morin, Candy Woodall, Maria Polletta and Kirk Brown, USA TODAY

Trump's RNC speech lacked some coronavirus safeguards. That might have been the point
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump accepts nomination on White House stage President Donald Trump has accepted his party's renomination from a massive White House South Lawn stage Thursday night. Trump opened his acceptance speech by mentioning Hurricane Laura, which recently lashed the Gulf Coast. (Aug. 27) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump eventually, but hesitantly, yielded to coronavirus guidelines designed to stop the spread of the deadly contagion.
He canceled events, ordered socially distanced seating at news conferences, and eventually wore a mask in public. Even the Republican National Convention this week was a mostly socially distanced affair, with supporters and administration officials praising the president in Washington, North Carolina and other remote video locations. Still, it was announced Friday that four people who attended the North Carolina portion of the convention had tested positive.
And pandemic precautions were largely cast aside Thursday night when the president threw a made-for-television extravaganza on the White House South Lawn to formally accept the Republican Party’s nomination for a second term.
Chairs set up for the more than 1,000 invited guests were jammed close together. Most of the invitees didn’t wear face masks.
In short, as the whole world watched, the president and his supporters openly flaunted social distancing measures – in stark contrast to the strict social distancing and masking on display by Democrats the week before. Experts suggested that was not coincidental.
"(Trump is) trying to give the impression that we've turned the corner, we're moving ahead, you're going to be able to go back to work and go back to school. We're going forward," said Robert Blendon, professor of Health Policy and Political Analysis at Harvard. "Whether or not anybody in the public health world believes that, the president is trying to give that impression."
'Have it both ways': Trump makes appeal to suburban voters and base in RNC balancing act
Several attendees who spoke to the USA TODAY Network said they were fine with the protocols, noting people did wear masks at times and that they felt safe.
“Sometimes I wore (a mask), sometimes I didn’t,” said former Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Penn., who attended the speech and noted he was "impressed" by how the event was handled.
But even some on the president's side of the aisle said the lack of masks and social distancing took away from Trump's message. Mandating masks would have been one of the best ways to acknowledge that the coronavirus rules apply to everyone, said Scott Jennings, a conservative political commentator
“Republicans like to point out that the protestors and rioters are given a pass by the media for violating all public health guidelines, but that argument works better if we are consistent ourselves,” said Jennings, who worked in the White House under President George W. Bush.
Back and forth on following recommendations
Trump and his reelection campaign have been criticized over the past several months for the lack of adherence to their own administration's coronavirus recommendations.
Although delegates arriving to the RNC in Charlotte were tested for the virus upon registration, many who attended the convention did not wear masks while gathering in small groups, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Vice President Mike Pence greeted maskless attendees at his RNC remarks at Fort McHenry in Baltimore Wednesday. After speaking, the vice president was seen giving fist bumps to several people in the crowd.
And following a June rally in Tulsa where thousands of Trump supporters attended, Oklahoma officials said they saw a spike in coronavirus cases. At least eight Trump campaign staffers who attended the rally tested positive.
More: Biden campaign claims 'Keep America Great' domain, slams Trump's 'promises'
Patronus Medical Corp., a medical, safety and health company, said it worked in partnership with the Republican National Committee to make certain proper protocols were in place to ensure the safety and well-being individuals at convention venues, including the South Lawn event.
“These strict protocols are in full compliance with multiple guidelines set forth by the United States Centers for Disease Control, the District of Columbia Department of Public Health, and other leading authorities on health safety,” said Robert Darling, the company’s chief medical officer and former White House physician to President Bill Clinton.
“Patronus health professionals have been on site to make certain screening has been done on a consistent basis to ensure the convention meets the highest standards of public safety,” Darling said.
'We've got to all be in this together'
Blendon noted that regardless of Trump's intent, voters are going to focus more on how they've been impacted personally.
"The president has to convince people ... it's getting better," Blendon noted. "Any evidence that it's not, just says to people 'I don't know what to do, I'm going to vote against the incumbent.' "
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows echoed that sentiment Friday, telling NBC, "I think the vast majority of Americans are more concerned about what's happening in their backyard than the backyard of the White House."
Trump’s re-election campaign defended the South Lawn setup and accused the media of applying a double standard.
“It’s not surprising that the mainstream media refuses to acknowledge the hundreds of protestors harassing and attacking attendees leaving the White House (Thursday) night and instead uses it as another pathetic attempt to blame President Trump for a pandemic that has affected countries all over the world,” campaign spokeswoman Courtney Parella said.
Public health officials have underscored that the best way to prevent spread of coronavirus is to follow social distancing guidelines, wear masks and practice good hygiene, like washing hands.
"For those of us in public health, it's as basic as seatbelts and life preservers," said Shelley A. Hearne, Director of Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health Advocacy. "That's how we're gonna do it, so regardless of what political party, we've got to all be in this together."
'The faux outrage ... is clearly selective'
The lack of social distancing guidelines didn't keep at least 1,000 officials and politicians from attending the president's speech. And many of the attendees swatted away criticism Friday.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who has urged his state’s residents to “wear a mask, wear a mask, wear a mask” was among those seated on the South Lawn for the president’s speech. McMaster did not wear a mask.
His spokesman, Brian Symmes, defended the governor’s decision to go maskless.
“The governor wore a mask throughout the day when it was appropriate until he was seated in a reserved area for governors and their spouses, and he continued to wear it after the president’s speech,” Symmes said.
Symmes said he doesn’t believe McMaster’s decision to go sans mask during the president’s speech “is contrary to what he has told South Carolinians they should do.”
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s office also pushed back on criticism he received for not wearing a mask during Trump’s speech. Ducey spokesman Patrick Ptak dismissed the condemnation as a consequence of the political “silly season.”
"The governor has been consistent about the right of Americans to assemble, especially during an election year,” Ptak said. “Doesn't matter the cause or political affiliation. This isn't the first campaign event he's attended, so the faux outrage from the Democrats is clearly selective."
Ducey “wears a mask,” Ptak said. “Like everyone else, he uses common sense about when to have it on, and when he feels comfortable taking it off."
Barletta, the former Pennsylvania lawmaker, said being among the crowd on the South Lawn was “exciting” and “gratifying,” he said.
“To sit in that setting and watch him talk about his accomplishments in the last four years was very satisfying to me,” said Barletta, who now is a political consultant and chair of the Pennsylvania delegation for the Trump Victory campaign.
The former four-term congressman gave up his 11th Congressional District seat to take on Democrat Bob Casey in a 2018 U.S. Senate race. Barletta ultimately lost to Casey by 13 points. He was one of the first members of Congress to endorse Trump in the 2016 election.
Despite the criticism and concerns about people being unmasked, Barletta said they were not unsafe.
“I’m impressed by how they handled the convention and last night. There were temperature checks and health screenings at the beginning of day and during the day.”


usatoday--2020-08-28--Biden campaign claims 'Keep America Great' domain, slams Trump's 'promises'

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden 's campaign bought the web domain containing President Donald Trump ’ s reelection slogan — “ Keep America Great ” — and linked it to a website attacking Trump 's record on various policy issues .
`` Promises made , promises broken , '' the website 's header reads .
`` Trump isn ’ t looking for a second term — he ’ s looking for a do-over .
Here ’ s how Trump ’ s record stacks up against the promises he made to the American people . ''
The former vice president posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , writing that “ Donald Trump promised to be the greatest jobs president God ever created .
Instead , tens of millions of Americans are out of work and we 're facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression .
# PromisesBroken.
” The website lists a number of promises Trump made during his campaign and presidency that the Biden campaign says he hasn ’ t kept .
Under `` national security and defense , '' for example , the website says that `` President Trump has given Russia and China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world , and weakened our alliances , while turning a blind eye to Russian- and Iranian-ordered bounties on U.S. troops .
His reckless withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and abandonment of our Kurdish allies is giving ISIS room to regroup . ''
The website includes quotes from Trump 's `` promises , '' which include declarations made on Twitter , announcements at the White House , and interviews with press .
The troll is one out of Trump 's own campaign playbook .
During the 2015 presidential primary season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for `` Jebbush.com , '' which directed users to Trump 's own campaign website instead of one for his then-rival .
More : Donald Trump rips Joe Biden as a threat to the American Dream and other takeaways from the RNC 's final night

Biden campaign claims 'Keep America Great' domain, slams Trump's 'promises'
Show Caption Hide Caption ‘Keep America Great’ website Is owned by Biden campaign, not Trump’s In politics, if you leave the web domain name for your campaign slogan lying around, someone will take it. Buzz60
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's campaign bought the web domain containing President Donald Trump’s reelection slogan — “Keep America Great” — and linked it to a website attacking Trump's record on various policy issues.
"Promises made, promises broken," the website's header reads. "Trump isn’t looking for a second term — he’s looking for a do-over. Here’s how Trump’s record stacks up against the promises he made to the American people."
The former vice president posted a link to KeepAmericaGreat.com on Twitter Thursday night, writing that “Donald Trump promised to be the greatest jobs president God ever created. Instead, tens of millions of Americans are out of work and we're facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. #PromisesBroken.”
Donald Trump promised to be the greatest jobs president God ever created.
Instead, tens of millions of Americans are out of work and we're facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. #PromisesBroken https://t.co/JzjZu7KKRr — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 28, 2020
The website lists a number of promises Trump made during his campaign and presidency that the Biden campaign says he hasn’t kept.
Under "national security and defense," for example, the website says that "President Trump has given Russia and China free rein to expand their anti-democratic ideals around the world, and weakened our alliances, while turning a blind eye to Russian- and Iranian-ordered bounties on U.S. troops. His reckless withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and abandonment of our Kurdish allies is giving ISIS room to regroup."
The website includes quotes from Trump's "promises," which include declarations made on Twitter, announcements at the White House, and interviews with press.
The troll is one out of Trump's own campaign playbook. During the 2015 presidential primary season, the president's campaign bought the domain for "Jebbush.com," which directed users to Trump's own campaign website instead of one for his then-rival.
More: Donald Trump rips Joe Biden as a threat to the American Dream and other takeaways from the RNC's final night


usatoday--2020-08-28--'What about Breonna?' Protesters surround Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky after RNC

'What about Breonna ? '
Protesters surround Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky after RNC Protesters shouted Breonna Taylor 's name @ @ @ @ @ encircled Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky .
He called them an `` angry mob .
@

Sen. Rand Paul says he was surrounded by 'angry mob' after RNC
Protesters shouted Breonna Taylor's name and demanded justice as they encircled Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. He called them an "angry mob."
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-08-29--Chadwick Boseman's death gives me the courage to keep going. Here's what he meant to me

`` Wakanda Forever '' : A beloved cross-armed salute that signifies so much more following the death of `` Black Panther '' star Chadwick Boseman on Friday at age 43 .
I will never forget bursting with pride when I saw `` Black Panther '' in theaters ( twice ) in February 2018 during Black History Month .
I accompanied several children eager to see someone with the same skin color as them grace the big screen , but I would be lying if I said I wasn ’ t just as giddy .
I understood what this moment meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the plush theater seats , I was surrounded by so much rich culture : Moviegoers wore traditional African headdresses and garments to celebrate our ancestry and the audience collectively burst into applause when Boseman ’ s King T ’ Challa reigned victorious .
In that moment , we all felt victorious because it was so much more than a movie .
Boseman was a hero in the Black community .
Our hero .
No longer cast as a sidekick , Boseman ’ s Black Panther proudly symbolized so much progress .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrated for everything Black culture is in a world that frequently reminds us of what we are n't .
It was n't until Boseman 's death that I learned he was a superhero off-screen as well .
Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 , his family said in a statement Friday , meaning the star was secretly battling the insidious disease while filming a movie that would galvanize us all .
He showed up between surgeries and chemotherapy .
The courage .
The strength .
The selflessness .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his life while inspiring a generation of boys and girls by pushing boundaries and ushering in a new era of representation .
Chadwick Boseman 's best quotes to USA TODAY : On 'Black Panther , ' James Brown and more I saw it in the eyes of the children who were mesmerized by the screen .
They could be anything they wanted .
They could dream the wildest of dreams and see themselves as royalty .
`` Black Panther '' was n't just another stereotype .
Boseman 's character was the king @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nation rich in history , tradition , technology and vibranium – a far cry from the bleak and desolate images of Africa that are often portrayed in films .
Boseman not only brought King T'Challa to life on the silver screen , but also Black icons Jackie Robinson ( 2013 's `` 42 '' ) , James Brown ( 2014 's `` Get on Up '' ) and Thurgood Marshall ( 2017 's `` Marshall '' ) .
He was a prime example of Black excellence .
As the Black community continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injustices , this feels like another blow .
Further insult to injury .
His death hurts , more so after the recent death of another Black icon , Kobe Bryant .
The pain that myself and the Black community feels is unrelenting and at times unbearable .
But the way Boseman selflessly faced his battles should give us the courage to keep going .
If he can do it , we must try .
`` In times of crisis , the wise build bridges while the foolish build barriers , '' Boseman 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the post-credit scene of `` Black Panther . ''
Following the 2018 release of the film , I proudly participated in the ‘ Wakanda Forever ’ salute with my peers as a sign to say that I truly see you .
And tonight I will perform the salute again for Boseman .
I truly see the sacrifice you made and your legacy will forever live on in the generation you inspired .
Rest in power , King .
More : Chance the Rapper and Chadwick Boseman gave the best graduation advice

Chadwick Boseman's death gives me the courage to keep going. Here's what he meant to me
Show Caption Hide Caption Chadwick Boseman, 'Black Panther' star, dies at 43 Chadwick Boseman had been battling colon cancer since 2016, according to a family statement. USA TODAY
"Wakanda Forever": A beloved cross-armed salute that signifies so much more after the death of "Black Panther" star Chadwick Boseman on Friday at age 43.
I will never forget bursting with pride when I saw "Black Panther" in theaters (twice) in February 2018 during Black History Month. I accompanied several children eager to see someone with the same skin color as them grace the big screen, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t just as giddy. I understood what this moment meant for myself and so many people.
In the plush theater seats, I was surrounded by so much rich culture: Moviegoers wore traditional African headdresses and garments to celebrate our ancestry, and the audience burst into applause when Boseman’s King T’Challa reigned victorious.
Chadwick Boseman: 'Black Panther' star dies of colon cancer at 43
In that moment, we all felt victorious because it was so much more than a movie.
Boseman was a hero in the Black community. Our hero. No longer cast as a sidekick, Boseman’s Black Panther proudly symbolized so much progress. I can say that so many people felt celebrated for everything Black culture is in a world that frequently reminds us of what we aren't.
Remembering Chadwick Boseman: His 5 greatest roles, from 'Black Panther' to 'Da 5 Bloods'
It wasn't until Boseman's death that I learned he was a superhero off-screen as well. Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, his family said in a statement Friday, meaning the star was secretly battling the insidious disease while filming a movie that would galvanize us all.
He showed up between surgeries and chemotherapy. The courage. The strength. The selflessness. The resilience. He fearlessly and silently fought for his life while inspiring a generation of boys and girls by pushing boundaries and ushering in a new era of representation.
Chadwick Boseman's best quotes to USA TODAY: On 'Black Panther,' James Brown and more
I saw it in the eyes of the children who were mesmerized by what they saw on the screen. They could be anything they wanted. They could dream the wildest of dreams and see themselves as royalty.
"Black Panther" wasn't just another stereotype. Boseman's character was the king of the fictional country of Wakanda, a nation rich in history, tradition, technology and vibranium – a far cry from the bleak and desolate images of Africa that are often portrayed in films.
Boseman not only brought King T'Challa to life on the silver screen, but also Black icons Jackie Robinson (2013's "42"), James Brown (2014's "Get on Up") and Thurgood Marshall (2017's "Marshall").
'Wakanda Forever': Fans mourn the loss of 'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman
He was a prime example of Black excellence. As the Black community continues to fight for equality against racism and injustices, this feels like another blow. Further insult to injury. His death hurts, more so after the death in January of another Black icon, Kobe Bryant.
The pain that myself and the Black community feels is unrelenting and at times unbearable. But the way Boseman selflessly faced his battles should give us the courage to keep going. If he can do it, we must try.
"In times of crisis, the wise build bridges while the foolish build barriers," Boseman's T'Challa said to the U.N. Assembly during the post-credit scene of "Black Panther."
After the film was released in 2018, I proudly participated in the "Wakanda Forever" salute with my peers as a sign to say "I truly see you." And tonight I will perform the salute again for Boseman.
I truly see the sacrifice you made, and your legacy will forever live on in the generation you inspired. Rest in power, King.
More: Chance the Rapper and Chadwick Boseman gave the best graduation advice


usatoday--2020-08-29--'Wakanda Forever': Angela Bassett, Chris Evans mourn loss of 'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman

Fans and friends are taking to social media to mourn the loss of `` Black Panther '' star Chadwick Boseman .
Boseman , who died at age 43 after battling colon cancer for four years , had portrayed Jackie Robinson , James Brown and Thurgood Marshall in his film career .
But he 's best known as `` Black Panther '' star T'Challa , Marvel 's groundbreaking Black superhero .
On Friday , tributes poured in for Boseman on social media .
Reaction ranged from colleagues recalling what the actor was like in real life to fans commenting on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here 's what he meant to me : Chadwick Boseman 's death gives me the courage to keep going Angela Bassett , his `` Black Panther '' co-star who played his mother , shared a tear-jerking tribute to her `` sweet prince '' on Instagram .
The iconic actress , 62 , posted a photo of her and Boseman from the set of `` Black Panther '' and revealed they were meant to be `` family '' as their story started in 2000 .
`` During the premiere party for Black Panther , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University , his alma mater , he was the student assigned to escort me that day .
And here we were , years later as friends and colleagues , enjoying the most glorious night ever , '' she wrote .
Bassett continued : `` This young man ’ s dedication was awe-inspiring , his smile contagious , his talent unreal .
So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit , a consummate artist , a soulful brother ... ” thou aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All you possessed , Chadwick , you freely gave . ''
Here 's what others are saying : Whoopi Goldberg remembered him as `` 1 of my all time favorite people on the planet '' and a `` wonderful actor & a truly nice man . ''
Oprah Winfrey tweeted , `` What a gentle gifted SOUL .
Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries in chemo .
The courage , the strength , the Power it takes to do that .
This is what Dignity looks like . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ King , '' filmmaker Ava DuVernay wrote .
`` We will miss you so . ''
Josh Gad took to Twitter with one of the last exchanges he shared with Boseman .
`` This was one of my final texts from the brilliant & once-in-lifetime talent , @ chadwickboseman - take this in & celebrate life .
He knew how precious every moment was .
Tonight the Heavens received one of its most powerful angels . ''
`` Here ’ s to an incredible man with immeasurable talent , who leaned into life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Halle Berry wrote , sharing a photo of Boseman .
`` You never truly know what the people around you might be going through – treat them with kindness and cherish every minute you have together . ''
`` Truly a gentleman superstar on screen and in life , '' Gabrielle Union tweeted .
`` Pure excellence and class and grace . ''
`` I ’ m absolutely devastated .
This is beyond heartbreaking , '' wrote `` Captain America '' star Chris Evans along with two photos .
`` Chadwick was special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deeply committed and constantly curious artist .
He had so much amazing work still left to create .
I ’ m endlessly grateful for our friendship .
Rest in power , King . ''
Zoe Saldana , who plays Gamora in `` Guardians of the Galaxy , '' wrote that she 's going to have to tell her children `` that T'Challa has passed . ''
She asked , `` What other king can I tell them about now ? ''
`` What a man , and what an immense talent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all time greats and your greatness was only beginning , '' tweeted Hulk and co-star Mark Ruffalo .
`` It was the highest honor getting to work with you and getting to know you .
What a generous and sincere human being . ''
`` The world will miss his tremendous talent , '' tweeted Chris Pratt , another of Boseman 's Marvel co-stars .
Dave Bautista , also a Marvel colleague , tweeted the hashtag # WakandaForever with a photo of himself in a Black Panther shirt .
`` A true king @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A warrior of light til the very end . ''
`` A deeply gifted man is gone too soon , '' tweeted actor Mark Hamill ( who has encouragingly patted Boseman 's shoulder on TV ) .
`` His memory will blaze on fiercely ... from here to eternity . ''
Democratic presidential nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted that Boseman `` inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes . ''
Sen. Kamala Harris wrote that her friend Boseman was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humble . ''
She continued , with a picture of the two of them : `` He left too early but his life made a difference . ''
Ashton Kutcher thanked Boseman for `` the gifts you gave to us while you were here . ''
Actress Melissa Fumero called Boseman one of her favorite actors .
`` This is crushingly sad , '' she wrote .
`` Truly humbling and so sad , '' director Elizabeth Banks said .
Journalist Jemele Hill remembered positive interactions with Boseman .
`` Incredibly sweet guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really praying for his family and love ones , '' she said .
His best USA TODAY quotes : On 'Black Panther , ' James Brown and more

Letitia Wright shares moving tribute to 'Black Panther' co-star Chadwick Boseman
Show Caption Hide Caption Chadwick Boseman: Chris Evans, other celebs remember the actor Reactions ranged from colleagues recalling what the Marvel star was like in real life to politicians commenting on the impact he had on their lives. USA TODAY
Fans and friends are taking to social media to mourn the loss of "Black Panther" star Chadwick Boseman.
Boseman, who died Friday at age 43 after quietly battling colon cancer for four years, had portrayed Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall in his film career. But he's best known as "Black Panther" star T'Challa, Marvel's groundbreaking Black superhero.
On Tuesday, fellow "Avengers" actress Tilda Swinton appeared at the Venice Film Festival sporting a tan trench coat and a face mask and somberly gave the Wakanda salute.
In a video posted to Instagram Tuesday, Boseman's co-star Letitia Wright delivered a moving tribute.
"for my brother," she captioned the post with dove emojis.
In the clip, which features shots of nature and soft music, she says, "It is written, there is nothing new under the sun. But the sun stood still that morning, refusing to shine. Dark clouds surrounding, confusion setting in. Tears flowing, rivers so deep. I didn't know this is what I was waking up to, my brother, an angel on earth, departed."
She continued, "A soul so beautiful, when you walked into a room, there was calm. You always moved with grace and ease. Every time I saw you, the world would be a better place."
On Monday, Boseman's "Da 5 Bloods" co-star Clarke Peters told "Good Morning Britain" that he regrets the first thoughts he had about the late actor.
"My wife asked what Chadwick was like, you know? And I was really excited to work with him. I said, 'Well, I think he's a little bit precious.' And she said, 'Why?' I said, 'Because he's surrounded by people who are fawning over him. He's got a Chinese practitioner who's massaging his back when he walks off set. He's got a makeup lady who's massaging his feet. His girlfriend is there holding his hand,' " he said. "And I'm thinking, 'Well, maybe the Black Panther thing went to his head.' "
"Hindsight teaches us a lot of things," he added.
The same day, Michael B. Jordan, who starred alongside Boseman in "Black Panther," paid an emotional tribute to his "big brother" and emphasized how he wished he "had more time."
Over the weekend, tributes poured in for Boseman. Reaction ranged from colleagues recalling what the actor was like in real life to fans commenting on the impact he had on their lives.
Read Michael B. Jordan's emotional tribute to 'big brother' Chadwick Boseman
Angela Bassett, his "Black Panther" co-star who played his mother, shared a tear-jerking tribute to her "sweet prince" on Instagram. The 62-year-old actress posted a photo of her and Boseman from the set of "Black Panther" and revealed they were meant to be "family" as their story started in 2000.
"During the premiere party for 'Black Panther,' Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever," she wrote.
"This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother ... ”thou aren’t not dead but flown afar ...”. All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave."
Chadwick Boseman's most beloved moments off-screen:From his Howard University speech to 'Black Jeopardy!'
'Joy, courage and inspiration': Chadwick Boseman encouraged children battling cancer amid his own fight
"Black Panther" director Ryan Coogler wrote a lengthy Twitter tribute to the late actor, remembering him as "an anomaly," a "special person" and a "kind, comforting" soul who "had the warmest laugh in the world."
"He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year," wrote Coogler. "That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he’s left for us."
Read all of Ryan Coogler's tribute:: To 'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman
"Black Panther" star Danai Gurira who plays Okoye, General of the Dora Milaje and the head of Wakandan special forces, paid tribute to Boseman's real life heroism on Twitter Sunday.
"My entire job as Okoye was to respect and protect a king. Honor his leadership. Chadwick made that job profoundly easy. He was the epitome of kindness, elegance, diligence and grace. On many an occasion I would think how thankful I was that he was the leading man I was working closely with," Gurira said in her tribute. "A true class act. And so perfectly equipped to take on the responsibility of leading the franchise that changed everything for Black representation."
"I can't even wrap my mind around this loss," she wrote. " A loss resonating in my own heart as well as around the globe. The children he inspired, my heart aches for them, to lose their hero just as they finally found him. I am so thankful to have taken the Black Panther journey with him. To have known him, spent time in his light and leadership and to call him forever a friend."
Gurira concluded her post with a Zulu phrase. "Lala Ngoxolo Kumkani," she wrote, which is translated to: "Sleep in peace, O king."
Chadwick Boseman's 5 greatest roles: From 'Black Panther' to 'Da 5 Bloods'
Here's what he meant to me: Chadwick Boseman's death gives me the courage to keep going
Here's what others famous fans are saying:
SAG-AFTRA Foundation president and actor Courtney B. Vance paid tribute to Boseman in his fireside chat series Monday.
"I’d like to start by acknowledging a bright light, one of our own, who transitioned on August 28,” Vance says in the video. “Mr. Chadwick Boseman represented the very best of what it means to be an actor, a man, and a strong, resilient, purposeful human being. Despite his battling colon cancer, he selflessly rose each and every day to fulfill his dream – his destiny – of being a part of our worldwide community.
He continued, "We salute and honor him for his eternal contributions to the annals of history. We will forever be grateful to him and his family for his gifts.”
Former President Barack Obama shared a photo to Instagram from Boseman's visit to the White House, noting the actor came to "work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson."
"You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years," Obama wrote.
Former first lady Michelle Obama wrote in an Instagram post that “There’s a reason (Chadwick Boseman) could play Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and King T’Challa with such captivating depth and honesty. He, too, knew what it meant to truly persevere. He, too, knew that real strength starts inside. And he, too, belongs right there with them as a hero — for Black kids and for all of our kids.”
“Rest gently, King," Beyoncé wrote on her website.
Whoopi Goldberg remembered him as "1 of my all time favorite people on the planet" and a "wonderful actor & a truly nice man."
1 of my all time favorite people on the planet Chadwick Boseman has passed away after a 4 years of fighting cancer. An wonderful actor & a truly nice man. R.IP. condolences to his family — Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) August 29, 2020
Oprah Winfrey tweeted, "What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries in chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like."
What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like. https://t.co/U3OOnJVS42 — Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) August 29, 2020
"May you have a beautiful return, King," filmmaker Ava DuVernay wrote. "We will miss you so."
May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so. pic.twitter.com/jdip3RHoXb — Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 29, 2020
Josh Gad took to Twitter with one of the last exchanges he shared with Boseman. "This was one of my final texts from the brilliant & once-in-lifetime talent,@chadwickboseman - take this in & celebrate life. He knew how precious every moment was. Tonight the Heavens received one of its most powerful angels."
Breaking my twitter silence to share some beauty. This was one of my final texts from the brilliant & once-in-lifetime talent, @chadwickboseman - take this in & celebrate life. He knew how precious every moment was. Tonight the Heavens received one of its most powerful angels. pic.twitter.com/Hj8Cb1IfZS — Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 29, 2020
"Here’s to an incredible man with immeasurable talent, who leaned into life regardless of his personal battles," Halle Berry wrote, sharing a photo of Boseman. "You never truly know what the people around you might be going through – treat them with kindness and cherish every minute you have together."
Here’s to an incredible man with immeasurable talent, who leaned into life regardless of his personal battles. You never truly know what the people around you might be going through - treat them with kindness and cherish every minute you have together. RIP #ChadwickBoseman pic.twitter.com/NaNC5GKuut — Halle Berry (@halleberry) August 29, 2020
"Truly a gentleman superstar on screen and in life," Gabrielle Union tweeted. "Pure excellence and class and grace."
Truly a gentleman superstar on screen and in life. Pure excellence and class and grace. https://t.co/yTCGrwZaJM — Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) August 29, 2020
"This is a crushing blow," filmmaker Jordan Peele wrote.
This is a crushing blow. — Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) August 29, 2020
"I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking," wrote "Captain America" star Chris Evans along with two photos. "Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King."
I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking.
Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King💙 pic.twitter.com/oBERXlw66Z — Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) August 29, 2020
Zoe Saldana, who plays Gamora in "Guardians of the Galaxy," wrote that she's going to have to tell her children "that T'Challa has passed." She asked, "What other king can I tell them about now?"
I’m gonna have to tell Cy, Bowie and Zen that T’Challa has passed. What other king can I tell them about now? pic.twitter.com/AFEFxJOFd5 — Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) August 29, 2020
“Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life ... That’s heroism. I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game," tweeted fellow Marvel star Robert Downey Jr., sharing a clip of himself laughing and hugging Boseman.
Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life... That’s heroism. I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game... #chadwickforever @chadwickboseman pic.twitter.com/IFfCSmLrhR — Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) August 29, 2020
"What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning," tweeted Hulk and co-star Mark Ruffalo. "It was the highest honor getting to work with you and getting to know you. What a generous and sincere human being."
All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King. — Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020
Marvel co-star Samuel L. Jackson thanked Boseman for all he gave: "A talented & giving artist & brother who will be sorely missed."
THANK YOU @chadwickboseman for all you gave us. We needed it & will always cherish it! A talented & giving artist & brother who will be sorely missed🙏🏿 RIP — Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) August 29, 2020
"The world will miss his tremendous talent," tweeted Chris Pratt, another of Boseman's Marvel co-stars.
“Chadwick was not only a deeply soulful and powerful actor, but he was such a kind, thoughtful, funny and gentle person," Scarlett Johansson, who co-starred with Boseman in three Marvel films, said in a statement to The Associated Press. "He brightened every ones day every time he walked into our hair and makeup trailer or on set with his beautiful smile.”
Dave Bautista, also a Marvel colleague, tweeted the hashtag #WakandaForever with a photo of himself in a Black Panther shirt.
"A true king," Kerry Washington said about Boseman. "A warrior of light til the very end."
A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. I am without words. May he rise in power. https://t.co/50nfbvZpAq — kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 29, 2020
"In power," wrote filmmaker Barry Jenkins. "Eternally in power."
In power
Eternally in power — Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) August 29, 2020
"A deeply gifted man is gone too soon," tweeted actor Mark Hamill (who has encouragingly patted Boseman's shoulder on TV). "His memory will blaze on fiercely ... from here to eternity."
Just when you thought 2020 couldn't get any worse...
A deeply gifted man is gone too soon. His memory will blaze on fiercely... from here to eternity.#ripChadwick https://t.co/CBVoNBpuII — Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 29, 2020
Democratic presidential nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted that Boseman "inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes."
The true power of @ChadwickBoseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 29, 2020
Sen. Kamala Harris wrote that her friend Boseman was "brilliant, kind, learned, and humble." She continued, with a picture of the two of them: "He left too early but his life made a difference."
Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/C5xGkUi9oZ — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 29, 2020
Cedric The Entertainer posted, "Rest in Power brother Chad!!"
Rest in Power brother Chad!! Sooo sad!! 🙏🏾✊🏾 https://t.co/PttWbt5Bwq — CedricTheEntertainer (@CedEntertainer) August 29, 2020
Actress Danielle Brooks called Boseman an "inspiration" and "hero."
Chadwick Boseman was a hero to me. Seeing him rise out of SC and become so successful, bc of him I knew I would be able to as well. Such an inspiration. RIP. 🕊 — Danielle Brooks (@thedanieb) August 29, 2020
"Heartbreaking," actress Uzo Aduba tweeted.
Heartbreaking. — Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) August 29, 2020
Ashton Kutcher thanked Boseman for "the gifts you gave to us while you were here."
❤❤❤thank you for the gifts you gave to us while you were here. https://t.co/fvgFMCz89v — ashton kutcher (@aplusk) August 29, 2020
Ryan Reynolds tweeted, "Such a brutal loss."
Such a brutal loss. RIP, Chadwick. — Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 29, 2020
Actress Melissa Fumero called Boseman one of her favorite actors. "This is crushingly sad," she wrote.
This is crushingly sad. He is one of my favorite actors. Lots of love to his family and may he Rest In Peace. https://t.co/1Ewj2qB1t2 — Melissa Fumero (@melissafumero) August 29, 2020
"Truly humbling and so sad," director Elizabeth Banks said.
This is heartbreaking. Truly humbling and so sad. Love and light to all those celebrating his life tonight. #RIP https://t.co/LupmsRbGeK — Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) August 29, 2020
Journalist Jemele Hill remembered positive interactions with Boseman. "Incredibly sweet guy. So humble and unassuming. Just really praying for his family and love ones," she said.
Interacted with Chadwick several times. Incredibly sweet guy. So humble, and unassuming. Just really praying for his family and loved ones. — Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 29, 2020
Contributing: The Associated Press, Rasha Ali
Chadwick Boseman: 'Black Panther' star dies of cancer at 43
His best USA TODAY quotes: On 'Black Panther,' James Brown and more