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Tag: Syracuse

  • Syracuse Coach Slams NCAA Bracket Fairness

    The NCAA Women’s Tournament is known for its intense matchups, but sometimes the draw can feel downright brutal. That’s exactly how Syracuse coach Felisha Legette-Jack felt after her team, the Orange, suffered a massive blowout loss to the powerhouse UConn Huskies in the Round of 32.

    A Lopsided Game and a Coach’s Frustration

    UConn, a perennial powerhouse with 12 championships under their belt, showed why they’re feared. They came out firing, ending the first quarter with a commanding 33-8 lead, including a staggering 31-point run. By halftime, the score was a daunting 65-12. While the second half saw a more even competition, the damage was already done.

    Ultimately, UConn secured a dominant 98-45 victory, sending Syracuse home. But for Coach Legette-Jack, the sting of the loss wasn’t just about the score; it was about the perceived unfairness of the tournament bracket itself.

    Questioning the Bracket’s Fairness

    In the post-game press conference, Legette-Jack didn’t hold back. She expressed her deep frustration with having to face UConn, or similarly dominant teams, year after year in the tournament. “For us to do what we’ve done, to continuously have to come to UConn, and every single school that I go to…It’s unfair to the young people,” she stated.

    She questioned if there was something personal against her, but her main grievance was the bracket structure. Unlike the men’s tournament, where games are often held at neutral sites, top women’s teams host on their home courts, giving them a significant advantage. “After being in this business for 37 years, and to have to come and be in this particular bracket every fricking year is unacceptable. It’s wrong,” Legette-Jack declared.

    For us to continue to come to Connecticut year after year after year is, to me, it’s a personal attack, because I just think that we are way better than what we performed today. — Felisha Legette-Jack, Syracuse Head Coach

    Legette-Jack, who has experience on selection committees, believes there are ways to create more balanced brackets. She suggested being placed on a lower seed line, like a 10-seed, to avoid such consistent matchups against top-tier programs. Despite her team’s strong 26-9 season record and 12-6 ACC performance, the draw presented an uphill battle.

    While she acknowledged and saluted UConn’s program and coach Geno Auriemma for their incredible success, her plea was for greater fairness and opportunity for other teams in the women’s game. It’s a conversation about bracketology and competitive balance that resonates throughout the sport.

    What are your thoughts on the NCAA bracket selection process for women’s basketball? Let us know in the comments!

  • Toosii Commits to Syracuse Football

    It’s official! Rapper Toosii, born Nau’jour Grainger, is returning to his roots and pursuing a lifelong dream. The 25-year-old artist has officially committed to playing Division I football for his hometown team, the Syracuse Orange.

    A Dream Decades in the Making

    This commitment marks a significant moment for Toosii, who has been vocal about his passion for football. He shared his excitement on Instagram, declaring, “COMMITTED. For every kid who ever had a dream, make it reality.” He expressed deep gratitude for the strength to chase this dream, especially when others doubted him, and felt a divine calling when Head Coach Fran Brown reached out.

    Toosii, who moved from Syracuse to North Carolina at age 12, sees this as a full-circle moment. His declaration, “Cuse I’m coming home,” signifies a powerful return to the city where his journey began.

    The Road to Division I

    This isn’t just a sudden whim; Toosii has been diligently training and working towards this goal. Earlier this year, reports surfaced of him training at North Carolina State’s facilities. He even proclaimed on social media, “I’m gon be the first artist to go back and go D1 for football. I’m pushing myself everyday. #Myfirstlove.”

    His dedication paid off, as he received an offer from Sacramento State in September. He expressed his disbelief and gratitude, stating, “Man the lord is powerful. Blessed to receive an offer from Sacramento State.” While his decision to balance music and collegiate football has raised some eyebrows, the overwhelming support he’s received is a testament to his determination.

    Looking Ahead for Toosii and Syracuse

    It remains to be seen what position Toosii will play or how long he’ll be able to commit to college football, given his music career. Details about his academic journey are also unclear. However, his high school football background at Rolesville High School in North Carolina, where he played wide receiver, kick returner, and punt returner, provides a solid foundation.

    The Syracuse Orange football program is aiming for a turnaround after a challenging 3-9 season in 2025, which ended with an eight-game losing streak and a last-place finish in the ACC. Time will tell if Toosii’s unique talent and drive can contribute to the team’s resurgence.

    What are your thoughts on Toosii’s incredible journey from music to Division I football? Share your excitement in the comments below!

  • Rapper Toosii Commits to Syracuse Football

    We’re used to seeing artists transition from the sports field to the music studio, but rapper Toosii is planning a bold reverse journey! The 25-year-old artist, whose real name is Nau’jour Grainger, has officially committed to playing football for Syracuse University, signaling a significant return to his athletic roots.

    A Dream Realized: From Music to the Gridiron

    On December 1st, Toosii shared a powerful image of himself in a Syracuse football uniform, making his commitment public. He shared a heartfelt message on social media, stating, “For every kid who ever had a dream, make it reality.” He expressed gratitude for the strength to pursue his passion despite doubters and acknowledged the divine guidance he felt when Head Coach Fran Brown reached out.

    This move comes after Toosii announced in August that he was taking a break from music to focus on football. He even shared clips of himself training, boldly declaring his ambition to be the “first multi-platinum recording artist to go back to school and play DIVISION I football.” It seems he’s determined to make that statement a reality.

    The Road to Syracuse

    Before committing to Syracuse, Toosii reportedly visited other programs like Maryland, Duke, and Sacramento State. His connection to Syracuse runs deep; he was born there before moving to North Carolina at age 12. The call from Coach Brown felt like a significant sign, bringing him back to his birthplace to pursue his athletic dreams.

    A Look Back at His Football Past

    While Toosii hasn’t played major college football before, he has a solid foundation. He was a standout player in high school at Rolesville High School in North Carolina, excelling as a wide receiver, kick returner, and punt returner. His high school highlights showcase his athleticism and potential on the field.

    The Syracuse Orange football program is looking to rebound after a challenging 2025 season, where they finished last in the ACC. Only time will tell if Toosii’s unique talent and determination can help lead the team back to its winning ways. It’s certainly an ambitious and inspiring path he’s chosen!

    What do you think about Toosii’s decision to pursue college football? Let us know in the comments!

  • Ex-Employee Accused of Stealing 47 Cars

    Talk about a major heist! Police are on the hunt for a former Avis Budget employee accused of an audacious crime: allegedly stealing 47 vehicles from the Syracuse Hancock International Airport and renting them out. This alleged scheme, which ran from June to August, involved vehicles valued at over $1 million.

    The Alleged Grand Larceny Scheme

    The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Milton W. Thompson III, is wanted on two felony charges: second-degree grand larceny and first-degree scheme to defraud. Authorities have managed to recover 42 of the 47 stolen vehicles, but Thompson remains at large. The sheer scale of this alleged operation is staggering.

    Details on how Thompson managed to steal so many cars and rent them out are still emerging. However, officials suggest that his position as a former employee gave him crucial “inside knowledge” of the car rental company’s operations, which he allegedly exploited to carry out the thefts.

    Investigation and Public Appeal

    While Thompson is the primary suspect, several other individuals have been arrested and charged with unlawful use of a vehicle. The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority has stated they are cooperating fully with the airport police investigation. Avis Budget also released a statement confirming their awareness of the allegations and their cooperation with law enforcement.

    Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Milton W. Thompson III’s whereabouts or any details about the scheme to contact the airport police department. You can reach them at 315-455-3500 or via email at [email protected]. Every bit of information could be crucial in resolving this case.

    Have you heard about this incredible car theft case? What do you think about an employee allegedly stealing so many vehicles? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Aunt Rhonda Tackles Food Deserts in Syracuse

    Imagine your neighborhood grocery store closing its doors, leaving you miles away from fresh produce and healthy food options. This is the reality for many communities, but in Syracuse, New York, one determined woman, affectionately known as ‘Aunt Rhonda,’ decided enough was enough. Her story is a powerful testament to how community leadership can transform a struggling neighborhood.

    From Finance to Food Access: Aunt Rhonda’s Mission

    Rhonda Vesey, or ‘Aunt Rhonda’ as she’s known, is not your typical community organizer. With a background in corporate finance, she left her career in 2020 to tackle a critical issue: the food desert plaguing the Valley neighborhood of Syracuse. After Tops Friendly Markets, the last local grocery store, shut down in 2018, residents were left with limited options, often requiring long trips for basic necessities.

    Vesey channeled her energy into founding Food Access Healthy Neighborhoods Now (FAHNN). This local organization, powered by volunteers, aims to bridge the gap by providing fresh food through initiatives like farmers’ markets in underserved areas. Her personal journey through grief, following her mother’s passing, became a driving force for her activism, as she found purpose and resilience in her mission.

    A Grassroots Campaign for a Grocery Store

    Vesey’s dedication was unwavering. She spent five years tirelessly reaching out to potential partners, leveraging her extensive network. This included contacting grocery store operators across the Northeast, engaging with local, state, and federal officials, and even connecting with developers like Carl Paladino of Ellicott Development.

    Her persistence paid off. In collaboration with A.K. Kaid, a grocery entrepreneur from Buffalo, Vesey spearheaded a successful grassroots campaign. This effort led to the opening of the Super Imperial Market in May 2025, replacing the departed Tops. The new market offers a wide array of fresh produce, meats, prepared foods, and essential grocery items, breathing new life into the community.

    Addressing a Widespread Problem

    The challenge of food deserts isn’t unique to Syracuse. Many American cities, particularly those with significant Black and Hispanic populations, struggle with limited access to fresh food. This often creates barriers for low-income residents who may lack reliable transportation, making it difficult to access healthier options.

    Cities like Muncie, Indiana, face similar issues, with a large percentage of residents living in areas classified as food deserts. Becca Clawson, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank, highlighted the high rates of food insecurity in the region. It’s in these challenging environments that the efforts of individuals like ‘Aunt Rhonda’ become even more crucial.

    We don’t want to see a store leave us again. It can’t happen. — Rhonda Vesey (‘Aunt Rhonda’)

    The Impact of Community Champions

    Rhonda Vesey’s journey from finance professional to community champion demonstrates the power of dedicated leadership. Her work not only addresses a critical need for fresh food but also serves as an inspiration, proving that with passion and perseverance, individuals can create tangible change in their own neighborhoods. The Super Imperial Market stands as a symbol of hope and a vital resource for the Syracuse community.

    What inspiring community leaders have made a difference in your neighborhood? Share their stories in the comments below!