Multi-sport star Jim Thorpe signs MLB contract with Giants

On February 1, 1913, 25-year-old multi-sport star Jim Thorpe—who won two gold medals at the  1912 Olympics—signs a Major League Baseball contract with the New York Giants. The signing comes on the same day Thorpe returns his Olympic medals to Sweden for a violation of amateur rules. Years earlier, he was paid to play minor league baseball.

READ MORE: How Jim Thorpe Became America’s First Multi-Sport Star

“The peerless athlete, chaperoned by Glenn Warner, his guide, philosopher and friend, arrived early in the morning from Carlisle [Pennsylvania], and on the same day that his prizes as amateur athlete were being returned to Sweden affixed his name to the document which will give him a fat stipend as a ball player,” The New York Sun reported.

“Pop” Warner coached Thorpe at Carlisle Indian Industrial School.

Thorpe didn’t seem upset that he was forced to return his Olympic medals, The Sun reported.

Added the newspaper: “For a greater part of the day the offices of the New York club were filled with fans, rooters, bugs and nuts. Thorpe was the reason.”

Warner, a legendary football coach, said the popular Thorpe wasn’t a “freak attraction” for the Giants. 

“I haven’t any doubt that he will develop into a first class ball player,” he told The Sun. “He has the ability, mental and physical. He’d rather have played baseball at Carlisle than gone to the track team and was always at me to let him play ball, but he was too valuable on the track team and so played baseball only occasionally.”

In addition to competing in track, football and baseball, Thorpe was adept at basketball, boxing, lacrosse, swimming, hockey, handball and tennis. He even won an intercollegiate ballroom dancing championship. 

In his first MLB season, Thorpe—an outfielder and pinch-hitter—played only 19 games, batting .143. He played six seasons in the big leagues, finishing his career with the Boston Braves in 1919. Thorpe’s career batting average was .252.

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NCAA suspends SMU football program for 1987 season

On February 25, 1987, the NCAA suspends the Southern Methodist University football program for 1987 season for repeated rules violations but stops short of imposing the so-called “death penalty.” Still, the sanctions are the most severe levied by the NCAA against a major college football program.

The NCAA also significantly reduced the number of football scholarships SMU could offer the next two seasons and banned it from playing home games for the 1988 season. The NCAA could have banned the university from playing for two seasons. The Dallas-based university, however, elected not to play in 1988.

“Not only is Southern Methodist University a repeat major violator, but its past record of violations is nothing short of abysmal,” said an NCAA report. The probation was SMU’s seventh since 1958 and the third of the 1980s. 

SMU reportedly cooperated with the NCAA to expose a slush fund for players financed by boosters. 

“At first it’s shock. Then you get mad,” SMU defensive back Jimmy Young, a redshirt freshman, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “It’s hard to pinpoint who all you’re mad at. You’re mad at the school. You’re mad at the NCAA. You’re mad at people you don’t even know because they (former players) are the ones who got us into this.”

But some thought SMU got off easy.

“It’s the NCAA’s version of cryogenics,” wrote Los Angeles Times columnist Scott Ostler of the penalty. “Freeze the football program and bring it back to life when someone finds a cure for flagrant cheating.”

The sanctions crippled the school’s football program for more than a decade. In its first season back, in 1989, SMU finished 2-9. The following two seasons, SMU won two games, and the program did not have another winning season until 1997.

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In epic Super Bowl upset, Jets make good on Namath guarantee

On January 12, 1969, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, the New York Jets of the American Football League defeat the NFL’s Baltimore Colts, 16-7, in Super Bowl III—a result considered one of the biggest upsets in sports history. Days earlier, Jets quarterback Joe Namath guaranteed a victory by New York, an 18-point underdog.

The win was the first in the Super Bowl for the AFL, which merged with the NFL for the 1970 season.

Before Super Bowl III, an NFL coach said, “Namath plays his first pro football game today.” But the Colts, who had a 15-1 record entering the game, trailed 16-0 after three quarters.

Namath, a four-year-veteran and former University of Alabama star, completed 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. 

“We overcame our critics,” Namath told reporters in a jubilant Jets locker room. “Most people predicted a 42-13 loss.”

In the fourth quarter, backup quarterback Johnny Unitas—subbing for ineffective NFL MVP Earl Morrall—led the Colts on their only scoring drive.

Said Baltimore coach Don Shula: “We had more opportunities in the first half and just couldn’t get the blamed thing going. I don’t think we did anything right.” 

Shula said the key to the game was Namath’s ability to exploit Baltimore’s weaknesses. 

“He not only made me believe—he made us all believe,” said Jets rookie safety John Dockery said of Namath. “I never saw another fella like him in my life.”

READ MORE: 10 Things You May Not Know About the First Super Bowl

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IOC finds fraud, awards second gold in Winter Olympics skating event

On February 15, 2002, the International Olympic Committee announces it has sufficient evidence of fraud by a French judge and awards a second gold medal in pairs figure skating at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The decision comes after days of rumors and behind-the-scenes investigations.

READ MORE: Winter Olympics History

As part of a vote-trading scheme, a French judge allegedly succumbed to pressure from her federation to award a gold medal score to Russian pair Yelena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze, leaving Canadians Jamie Sale and David Pelletier with the silver.

Four days earlier, the Canadians skated a nearly flawless routine that received loud cheers from the crowd at the Salt Lake Center. In the Russians’ final skate, Sikharulidze bungled the landing on a jump. But the pair was awarded the gold in a 5-4 vote that was booed loudly. 

“We took a position that was one of justice and fairness for the athletes,” said IOC president Jacques Rogge about the awarding of a second gold.

Joked Pelletier at a news conference the following day: “We do hope we get the bronze, too, so we can get the entire collection.”

The International Skating Federation suspended the French judge, Marie-Reine Le Gougne. Valentin Piseyev, the president of the Federation of Russian Figure Skating, said the awarding of a second gold was dictated by pressure from North American media.

The scandal led to a revised judging system aimed to better represent performances and to safeguard against the manipulation of scores.

In 2012, Le Gougne insisted she was a scapegoat. “My life was devastated,” she told Reuters. 

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Free Webinar on Marijuana Vaping Prevention and Education on Thursday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m.

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) invites parents, staff and community members to join a free Marijuana Vaping Prevention and Education webinar this Thursday, December 9, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The webinar provides important information about the harmful effects of vaping, details on how vaping is blurring the lines between tobacco and marijuana use, and the negative impact these dangerous trends have on youth brain development, academic success and social engagement.

To register for the Marijuana Vaping Prevention and Education webinar, submit questions and join the live event visit browardschools.com/SchoolClimateandDisciplineEvents.

The webinar will be available in Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian-Creole through closed captioning.

For more information, contact BCPS School Climate and Discipline Department at 754-321-1655.

View Marijuana Vaping Prevention and Education Event flyer

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BCPS Awarded Districtwide Accreditation for Five More Years!

BCPS Awarded Districtwidw Accreditation for 5 More Years!Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is proud to earn Districtwide Accreditation for five more years from Cognia, a global network of educators. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. The last re-accreditation process took place in the 2016/17 school year.

The announcement by Cognia on Friday, December 3, regarding the Districtwide Accreditation followed a weeklong virtual visit by 16 education experts from across the country. The comprehensive review evaluated the District’s adherence to rigorous performance standards for providing students with a high-quality education and ensured mechanisms remain in place to maintain continuous improvement.

For the Accreditation Engagement Review, the Cognia team conducted more than 230 interview sessions with School Board members, Interim Superintendent, District administrators, teachers, staff, labor representatives, parents, students and community stakeholders. The team also virtually visited 48 schools to observe District and school practices and analyzed comprehensive performance data and supporting documentation.

“We are so proud to have once again earned Districtwide accreditation – carrying forward Broward County Public Schools tradition of excellence,” said School Board Chair Laurie Rich Levinson. “This achievement is something our entire community can be proud of and is a testament to the education our students are receiving at every level.”

“We are thrilled to be accredited for five more years,” said BCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright. “Thank you to our dedicated teachers and staff for their commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, and for going above and beyond to ensure we are providing a high-quality education for our students and families.”

Watch remarks from School Board Chair Levinson and Interim Superintendent Dr. Cartwright: https://www.eduvision.tv/l?eAttmAt.

 

 

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”  

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has nearly 261,500 students and approximately 110,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 93 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 170 different countries and 147 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools and download the free BCPS mobile app.

 

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Broward Technical Colleges Lead State Again with Most Earned Industry Certifications

December 2, 2021 

BCPS students outperform their state counterparts for the 6th consecutive year

BCPS students outperform their state counterparts for the 6th consecutive year

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) career and technical education students at Broward Technical Colleges have again ranked No. 1 in the state, earning the highest number of industry certifications for the 2020/21school year. Students at Atlantic Technical College, McFatter Technical College and Sheridan Technical College outperformed their counterparts in the state by earning 698 credentials. 

For the sixth consecutive year, Broward Technical Colleges have ranked at the top in the state. The achievement of technical college students in earning industry certifications qualifies the District for $698,000 from the state, as part of the Florida Department of Education’s postsecondary Florida Career and Professional Education Act (CAPE). Beginning in 2014, the legislature agreed to fund nationally recognized industry certifications earned by postsecondary students in 29 occupational programs. Since its inception, BCPS technical college students have earned more than 4,700 credentials and the three technical colleges have received over $4.2 million in additional funding. 

“We are extremely proud of our students for earning this honor once again,” said BCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright. “Their focus on continuous improvement motivates them to lead and innovate in all aspects of their education and lives. Congratulations to our students, staff, teachers and school leaders for continuing to make Broward County Public Schools the best in the state.” 

Broward Technical Colleges offer more than 70 certificate programs for careers in architecture and construction; arts,         A/V technology and communications; business management and administration; education and training; health science; hospitality and tourism; human services; information technology; law, public safety and security; manufacturing; marketing, sales and service; transportation, and distribution and logistics. To learn more about Broward Technical Colleges, visit browardtechnicalcolleges.com.

Photo caption: Broward Technical Colleges students participate in the Network Support Services program.

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”  

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has nearly 261,500 students and approximately 110,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 93 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 170 different countries and 147 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools and download the free BCPS mobile app.

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BCPS Counts Down to the Hour of Code Computer Science Education Week is December 6–12

December 2, 2021

#BrowardCodes

Interim Superintendent to Code with Students on Monday, December 6

The countdown is on for Computer Science Education Week and the Hour of Code, which take place December 6–12, 2021. The ninth annual global movement raises awareness about the importance of expanding computer science in schools and encourages students to complete at least one hour of computer coding during the weeklong celebration.

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) was the first district to partner with Code.org in 2013 and is now a national leader for expanding access to computer science – with courses, curriculum and activities at every District school. Through computer science, students increase their problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills and creativity, all of which will positively impact them throughout their education and lives. It also opens doors to high demand, high wage career options.

During Computer Science Education Week, BCPS activities for the Hour of Code take place at all District schools. This year’s theme is #CSEverywhere. Students participate in lessons using a variety of computer science tools, including Code.org, Minecraft Education and Scratch – to experience how computer science can change the world.

BCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright will kick off activities for the Hour of Code with students at Parkway Middle School of the Arts on Monday, December 6, at 9 a.m. Parkway Middle is located at 3600 N.W. 5th Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. Media are invited to cover this event.

 

To learn more about Computer Science in BCPS or for additional information about scheduled activities, contact Dr. Lisa Milenkovic, BCPS Applied Learning Department, at 754-321-2623 or visit browardschools.com/browardcodes.

 

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”  

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has nearly 261,500 students and approximately 110,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 93 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 170 different countries and 147 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools and download the free BCPS mobile app.

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Governing body for U.S. golf is founded

On December 22, 1894, the Amateur Golf Association of the United States—later renamed the United States Golf Association—is formed in New York to govern the sport. Five charter golf clubs join to form the association—Newport (Rhode Island) Golf Club; St. Andrews Golf Club in Westchester County, New York; Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois; Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York; and The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts.

The Amateur Golf Association of the United States became necessary when the Newport Golf Club and St. Andrews Golf Club hosted amateur tournaments in the summer of 1894 and each labeled their tournament the national championship. Before the final day of the latter tournament, it was announced that in the ensuing months, an association composed of the five clubs would be formed, develop a written set of rules for the sport and oversee a universally recognized championship.

The following fall, the association hosted the first U.S. Amateur Championship at the Newport Golf Club as well as the first U.S. Open. Charles Blair Macdonald, a prominent course architect, defeated Charles E. Sand, 12 and 11, to win the U.S. Amateur Championship. An unheralded 21-year-old Englishmen, Horace Rawlings, took home the Open the following day. The first-place prize was $150. In 2021, the first-place prize was $2,500,000.

A few weeks later, in 1894, the association also hosted a U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, which took place at the Meadow Brook Club in Hempstead, New York. In 18 holes, Lucy Barnes won after carding a 132. (In 2021, Yuka Saso won the U.S. Women’s Open with a four-round average of 70.)

As golf grew in popularity, the USGA was tasked with ensuring that only the best players would be eligible to compete for its championships. In 1911 and 1912, Leighton Calkins, a member of the USGA executive committee, introduced two important concepts to golf that remain today: handicapping (a British system of averaging a player’s score over three rounds) and the objective of par.

On the former, Calkins wrote, “The object of handicapping is to put all players on the same lever, and if an allowance of a certain number of strokes is to be made to the less skillful player because he cannot play as well, some allowance ought to be made to the more skillful player because he cannot improve as much.”

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