Beyonce helps to honor Kap
COLIN Kaepernick has a major supporter in Beyoncé.
The superstar singer stunned the audience at the Barclays Center on Tuesday when she made a surprise appearance to present Kaepernick with Sports Illustrated’s Muhammed Ali Legacy Award, which he received after beginning the social justice protest that has swept the NFL the past two seasons.
“His message is solely focused on social injustice for historically disenfranchised people. Let’s not get that mistaken,” Beyoncé said of Kaepernick.
Kaepernick then emerged onstage to a rousing ovation, and began a stirring speech in which he opened up about his motivation for taking a knee during the national anthem before games in an effort to bring forth systemic change regarding the treatment of people of color in America.
“I accept this award not for myself, but on behalf of the people,” Kaepernick said. “Because if it was not for my love of the people, I would not have protested. And if it was not for the support of the people, I would not be on this stage today.” — Peter Sblendorio
NO DECISION ON STANTON
New Miami Marlins CEO Derek Jeter says the team has made no decision regarding right fielder Giancarlo Stanton, who is on the trading block following an MVP season.
The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals are considered front-runners to acquire Stanton, with both teams offering a package of prospects. But the major-league home run champion can veto any deal because his record $325 million, 13-year contract includes a no-trade clause.
l Banned from baseball for life, former Atlanta Braves general manager John Coppolella apologized Tuesday for rules violations that led to major sanctions against the team and “cost me my dream job and my future in the game that I love.”
l The Phillies have hired Rob Thomson as bench coach.
Thomson spent the last 10 seasons with the Yankees as bench coach (2008; 2015-17) and third base coach (2009-14).
V. KLITSCHKO IN BOXING HALL
Former heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, four-division world champion Erik Morales, and light-middleweight champion Ronald “Winky” Wright have been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.