Avery Braxton
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Award winning Sports Anchor for @ATLNewsFirst
I report on Atlanta area sports and blab about my life sometimes.
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Articles by Avery Braxton
Falcons name Tua Tagovailoa starting quarterback for Week 1 against Steelers
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa their starting quarterback for Sunday’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tagovailoa started the Falcons’ first and third preseason games, completing 10 of 13 passes for 117 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also received the majority of the first-team repetitions during training camp, the team said.
Georgia Tech to kick off season with rare Thursday night game at Bobby Dodd Stadium
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) —Georgia Tech will open the 2026 college football season Thursday night against Deion Sanders and Colorado at Bobby Dodd Stadium. It will be the 30th Thursday night game in the stadium’s history. Players said they are looking forward to the atmosphere of a night game to open the season. “First game of the season. I’m excited to see all the fans get out there.
Atlanta United signs defenders Júnior Alonso, Paulo Díaz to bolster backline
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Atlanta United has signed defenders Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz, the club announced, marking the first of several planned additions during the summer transfer window. The signings come one game after Atlanta United returned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup break. The club is 3-10-2 and sits 14th in the MLS Eastern Conference. The signings Díaz, a center back from Santa Cruz, Chile, signed through the 2027-28 season, with club options for 2028-29 and 2029-30.
Atlanta Dream look to end five-game skid before All-Star break
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Dream are in the middle of their first five-game losing streak since 2024, the longest active streak in the WNBA. With just five games remaining before the WNBA All-Star Break in Chicago, head coach Karl Smesko said the stretch has brought a renewed sense of urgency to the team. “When you’re 12-4 sometimes you don’t have the urgency to realize, ‘Hey, this can bite us at some point,’” Smesko said.
Congolese fan steps in for viral statue pose after superfan’s visa denied
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — When a well-known Congolese superfan was denied a visa to enter the United States, another fan stepped in to carry on his signature tribute — and the moment went viral. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is competing in the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. Michel Kuka Mboladinga, or “Lumumba Vea,” is known as Congo’s biggest fan.
Native American high school baseball players showcase talent at Truist Park event
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Forty-seven high school baseball players of Native American descent participated in the fifth annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park over the weekend, representing 32 tribes across 19 states and Canada. The two-day event, hosted by the Atlanta Braves, included a pro-style workout on Saturday and an all-star game on Sunday.
Georgia Tech president excited to help Atlanta host 2026 FIFA World Cup
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera will not have to go far to watch his native Spain in the FIFA World Cup this summer. Cabrera, who grew up in Spain, said he plans to attend Spain’s two group stage matches in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, renamed Atlanta Stadium for the World Cup, and the semifinal game if the team advances. “I’ve never watched them play live in a World Cup, so this is going to be a first time for me,” Cabrera said.
Falcons teammates, coaches react to Drake London contract extension
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — On Monday, the Falcons made wide receiver Drake London’s four-year $141 million contract extension official. The huge deal shows that even with a new front-office regime, the Falcons know where the talent lies and are committed to keeping this strong offensive core intact. London was entering the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, but new head coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear that London is exactly what the Falcons need.
Atlanta Sting power soccer team gives athletes with disabilities a competitive outlet
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — As excitement builds across the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup, the Atlanta Sting are making a name for themselves on the court. The Atlanta Sting are a power soccer organization that uses specialized wheelchairs to compete in the fast-paced adaptive sport. “If you see it for the first time, it can be pretty wild — all the spin kicks, passes and attempts to score,” said Atlanta Sting player Eric Dornan.
Ahead of World Cup, Atlanta Sting brings power soccer to Georgia
ATLANTA, Ga. — The Atlanta Sting are racking up goals on the court as soccer in the United States heats up ahead of the World Cup. The Sting are a power soccer organization that uses specialized wheelchairs to play the game. “If you see it for the first time, it could be pretty wild. All the spin kicks and passes and trying to score on goal,” said Eric Dornan, an Atlanta Sting player. The specialized wheelchairs sometimes make the game sound more like NASCAR than soccer.
Ahead of World Cup, Atlanta Sting brings power soccer to Georgia
ATLANTA, Ga. — The Atlanta Sting are racking up goals on the court as soccer in the United States heats up ahead of the World Cup. The Sting are a power soccer organization that uses specialized wheelchairs to play the game. “If you see it for the first time, it could be pretty wild. All the spin kicks and passes and trying to score on goal,” said Eric Dornan, an Atlanta Sting player. The specialized wheelchairs sometimes make the game sound more like NASCAR than soccer.
Dream host Sun in Commissioner’s Cup opener
COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — The Atlanta Dream return to Gateway Center on Tuesday to face the Connecticut Sun in the opening game of the Commissioner’s Cup, the WNBA’s in-season tournament with a $500,000 prize on the line. Atlanta went 3-2 in Commissioner’s Cup play last season and was a tiebreaker away from reaching the Cup final. The top team in each conference during Cup pool play advances to the championship game.
Dream fall to Aces in home opener despite sellout crowd
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Dream fell to the Las Vegas Aces, 85–84, Sunday in their home opener at State Farm Arena. The first of five games at State Farm Arena extended Atlanta’s home sellout streak to 45 games, though the crowd left disappointed after a narrow finish. “The crowd was into it. That was fun, right? That was fun. We’re a little disappointed that we didn’t do what we intended to do and send everyone home happy,” Dream head coach Karl Smesko said.
Hawks prepare for pivotal Game 5 in Madison Square Garden
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks have each held serve at home, splitting two games apiece between Madison Square Garden and State Farm Arena. With the series now tied 2-2, it shifts back to New York for a pivotal Game 5. The intensity has steadily ramped up, and the Knicks showed clear urgency in Game 4, determined to avoid heading home facing a 3-1 deficit. The Hawks know they’ll need to match — and exceed — that energy. “We’ve always been desperate.
Falcons prepare for first NFL draft with GM Ian Cunningham at the helm
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — As it stands Monday, the Atlanta Falcons have five picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Without a first-round pick, general manager Ian Cunningham and head coach Kevin Stefanski will look to make every pick count in their first draft as a front office duo. Stefanski and Cunningham are trying to find their rhythm as the draft approaches. Evaluating talent has been a fun exercise while the pair learns each other’s strengths.
US Soccer trains in Atlanta ahead of friendlies at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
MARIETTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The U.S. men’s national team is using Atlanta United’s training ground in Marietta to prepare for two friendlies that will help shape the final roster for this summer’s World Cup. Stars in camp include Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream and Patrick Agyemang. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino faces key decisions as the group narrows ahead of a roster deadline in May. “This is part of the job you do. With national team it’s always going to be competitive.
KSU football looks to elevate in second year under Jerry Mack
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — It’s back to business for the Owls. Monday marked the beginning of spring practices for Jerry Mack and Kennesaw State football. After a conference championship season in year one, Mack is looking to elevate the program once again. “Last year was great. 10 wins. That’s awesome, but I think we’ve closed the chapter on that and (the team) has done a great job of focusing on this team that we have right now,” Mack said.
Hawks face crucial stretch with revamped roster
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — With just 23 games remaining in the regular season, the Atlanta Hawks are entering a pivotal stretch that will define their postseason hopes. This is no ordinary playoff push. The franchise is doing it with a roster that looks dramatically different from the one it opened the season with. The changes have been significant.
Morehouse, 285 Lacrosse generate lacrosse interest in Atlanta
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — When sports fans think of Atlanta and HBCUs, lacrosse is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But one organization and one HBCU in the heart of Atlanta is looking to change the narrative around one of the fastest games on grass. If you peeked through the fence at Morehouse’s B.T. Harvey Stadium on Saturday, you might have thought it was a football game being played, but it was a lacrosse game between Army West Point and Michigan.
Hometown ties power Georgia Tech’s 2026 roster
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — When Karen Blair took over as Georgia Tech’s women’s basketball coach, she knew recruiting Atlanta would be a priority. The 2026 roster features six players with ties to the metro area, and several teammates share longstanding relationships. “We knew we wanted to find players who were from the area — from Georgia,” Blair said. Brianna Turnage, an Atlanta native, spent three seasons at Florida State.
Atlanta United channels ‘Spirit of 96′ in new team kit
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Atlanta United is channeling the spirit of the 1996 Summer Olympics with new alternate uniforms that combine the iconic Centennial Olympic green with the club’s signature gold. The Five Stripes unveiled the uniforms at the Delta Flight Museum for season ticket holders with help from former Olympians and gold medalists, marking 30 years since the Games transformed the city.
Bill Lucas: Breaking baseball’s color barrier in the Braves’ front office
ATLANTA, Ga. — Bill Lucas broke one of baseball’s most significant color barriers not on the diamond, but in the executive suite, becoming Major League Baseball’s first Black general manager while helping build a dynasty for the Atlanta Braves. Yet Lucas, who spent his entire career with the Braves organization, refused to make a spectacle of his achievement. “I’m a general manager who just happens to be Black,” Bill Lucas Jr., Lucas’ son, recalled his father saying whenever the subject arose.
Bill Lucas: Breaking baseball’s color barrier in the Braves’ front office Original
ATLANTA, Ga. — Bill Lucas broke one of baseball’s most significant color barriers not on the diamond, but in the executive suite, becoming Major League Baseball’s first Black general manager while helping build a dynasty for the Atlanta Braves. Yet Lucas, who spent his entire career with the Braves organization, refused to make a spectacle of his achievement. “I’m a general manager who just happens to be Black,” Bill Lucas Jr., Lucas’ son, recalled his father saying whenever the subject arose.
New Fayetteville facility, soccer star seek to gamify soccer training
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — With the World Cup’s arrival in North America, soccer is at a fever pitch in the United States. A new facility in Fayetteville is looking to revolutionize how young athletes train in the beautiful game. Sogility held its grand opening Saturday to a swell of youth soccer fans ready to improve. “The idea is just really, we want to provide kids an opportunity, a safe place to play, to develop,” said Sogility President Jimmy Carson.
NASCAR drivers make pit stop at Rock Lobsters game
ATHENS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Fans packed into Akins Ford Arena to catch an Athens Rock Lobsters win Saturday night and had a welcoming party of nine NASCAR drivers on the concourse. NASCAR Night brought Kyle Busch, Clayton Green, Ross Chastain, Carson Hocevar and others to Athens for a night at the track in the arena. “Obviously the South is primarily NASCAR (fans) and it has a lot of life in it still and events like this especially in Athens, Georgia really show that,” Hocevar said.
Falcons players react to head coach, general manager firings
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Falcons fired both head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after a second straight 8-9 season Sunday night. It means next fall there will be new leadership in Flowery Branch. Players on Sunday and Monday expressed support for both men, especially Morris. “I’m behind Ra, he hasn’t changed throughout this whole process,” said Jessie Bates, a Falcons linebacker. One by one, players were vocal about wanting to see Morris back.
Falcons players react to head coach, general manager firinigs Original
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Falcons fired both head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after a second straight 8-9 season Sunday night. It means next fall there will be new leadership in Flowery Branch. Players on Sunday and Monday expressed support for both men, especially Morris. “I’m behind Ra, he hasn’t changed throughout this whole process,” said Jessie Bates, a Falcons linebacker. One by one, players were vocal about wanting to see Morris back.
Football fans, tourists still enjoy New Orleans one year after tragedy
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — This week, the Allstate Sugar Bowl returns to New Orleans one year after a terrorist attack. Early on New Year’s Day 2025, a man drove his truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street and started shooting. More than a dozen people were killed, and dozens more were injured. A year later, New Orleans has returned to its festive roots. Fans of Georgia or Ole Miss and visitors for the New Year are flocking to the French Quarter. Last year’s tragedy is not forgotten, though.
Atlanta ready for soccer glory as World Cup arrives in 2026
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The FIFA World Cup is on a crash course with the United States and the city of Atlanta in 2026. The U.S. men’s team got a favorable draw and a fantastic shot to advance with Paraguay, Australia and a team that’s still to be determined in Group D. The U.S. beat both Paraguay and Australia by a score of 2-1 in the lead up to the qualifying round.
William Whitlow Jr has unfinished business in Memphis
In the era of the transfer portal, it’s rare to see a player stick around for four years, much less five, but that’s exactly what William Whitlow Jr did. Now he is the trusted anchor of the Tigers' defense and determined to complete unfinished business. Whitlow is entering his fifth year of college football, but he is quick to remind anyone how young at heart he still is. "Everybody calls me the old head, because I’ve been here five years," Whitlow said. "It’s still guys here older than me.
Brendon Lewis leaning on experience to win Tigers quarterback battle
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Tigers are less than a month out from the first game of the year on August 30. As of Monday, they have not officially named a starting quarterback. Head coach Ryan Silverfield said it is a full on quarterback competition. For the first time since 2020, the Tigers have a question mark at the starting QB position. Seth Henigan came in and rewrote the Tiger record books as a four year starter. Since the spring three QBs look to make their own mark as the 2025 starter.
Tigers face fresh challenges as fall camp opens for 2025 season
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The goal remains the same for the Tigers' football team every year: make it to the American Conference championship game. It is a goal they haven’t accomplished since 2019. The expectations may be the same, but a new roster has a lot of question marks going into fall camp for head coach Ryan Silverfield. It seemed like the Tigers knew who they were going to be heading into fall camp 2024.
Ole Miss enters fall camp with College Football Playoff expectations
OXFORD, Mississippi — Tuesday, July 29, marked the beginning of fall camp for Ole Miss Football, which is just one year removed from a 10-3 season in which it fell just shy of the College Football Playoffs. Head Coach Lane Kiffin will have to reload for his Rebels to find themselves in the promised land come December 2026, but he made it clear that the expectation is to be square in the mix. "That’s the standard we’ve created. That’s the expectation that we have," Kiffin said.
Ryan Mitchell is ready to bring his own brand of swag to baseball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ryan Mitchell sat between his parents in a sports bar full of friends and loved ones during the second night of the MLB Draft, Tuesday, July 15. The whole bar erupted when he heard his name called 55th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals. "I'm really just appreciative; being able to see your work pay off in the draft," Mitchell said. "I would also say my parents taking a lot of sacrifices; friends, family, coaches, trainers, everybody who has helped me get to this point in life.
Grizzlies introduce rookie class of 'dawgs'
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — When asked about what defines this class of rookies for the Memphis Grizzlies one word kept coming up - "Dawg." "Not everybody gets that dawg title," Cedric Coward said. "Be the hardest-working dawg that you can be," Jahmai Mashack said. “Get a little rowdy and hype myself up to get in that dawg mode, then that’s what I’ll do,” Javon Small said. The attitude was clearly music to the ears of Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman.
Memphis athletics reveals new features to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Tigers fans are patiently waiting for the completion of renovations to the home of the Tigers, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The UofM provided a big update about what its home will look like if fans can wait through just one more season. The originally $220 million project now has a slightly higher price tag, but the Tigers say they are still under budget and that they will finish the project on time.
Pro track stars inspire the next generation of track and field in Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s important to get out of the blocks fast in a sport like track; starting early can make all the difference between a future Olympian and stunted potential. That’s why on Tuesday, June 3, professional track athletes Tonea Marshall and Kyree King paid a visit to the Memphis Shelby County Schools track camp, sponsored by the Murphey Track Club, hoping to inspire the next generation of track stars.
Curtis Givens III is coming home and hoping to leave an impact on Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Curtis Givens III walked into the back of PizzaMe on Kirby Road with a to-go plate and drink, something to munch on before his second workout of the day later in the afternoon. Figuring out where to eat will be pretty easy for the new Memphis Tiger guard, not like it wouldn't be for other players. After all, PizzaMe is just one restaurant in Memphis owned by Givens III's father, Curtis Givens II. The younger Givens looks forward to hosting his teammates at his dad's establishments.
Veteran overcomes addiction with support from Alpha Omega
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — On Monday, Memorial Day, the country will honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice — military members who sacrificed their lives in service to their country. Jason Carter is an Air Force veteran who has known his share of loss. After a doctor's prescription got him addicted to OxyContin, Carter lost everything and found himself living in his car. He also faced health problems. "Alpha Omega came to my rescue; they gave me a safe place to live.
Memphis guard Dante Harris enters transfer portal
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Tigers guard Dante Harris entered the transfer portal, Wednesday, sources confirmed to ABC24. Harris spent half a season in Memphis, transferring to the Tigers in December 2024 after one season at Virginia and two at Georgetown. In a Tigers uniform, he averaged 2.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 11 minutes per game. Harris was prized for his defense in a backup guard role. While at Georgetown, Harris averaged 11.9 points per game and 4.1 assists.
Nike EYBL event set to boost Memphis economy by over $4.5 million
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — One of the biggest youth basketball events in the country is coming to Memphis this weekend. The Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) circuit will be at the Memphis Sports and Events Center (MSEC) May 16-18 and with it comes big business. For the third year in a row, the amateur basketball circuit will bring some of the best basketball players in the country to Memphis, before they become household names on the college and NBA stage.
How do the Grizzlies move forward after disappointing season?
MEMPHIS, Tenn — The Grizzlies season ended with a disappointing result and now the team and their fans have a lot of questions. Some of those questions include who will be the next head coach and how much of a shakeup does the roster need? Grizzlies president and general manager, Zach Kleiman plopped down at exit interviews and was straight about the situation. "Disappointing season, lot to sort through here. 48 wins, good for an 8 seed, but who cares?
Grizzlies face Mavericks showdown with playoffs at stake
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It's real simple, win and you're in. A season that saw its peak, when the Grizzlies were in second place in the Western Conference has reached a critical point. Memphis has one final shot to make the playoffs, a winner take all bout with the Dallas Mavericks. Memphis hasn't seen the Mavericks with new star Anthony Davis in the lineup. The Mavs frontcourt of Davis, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford will be their strength.
Ashton Hardaway, son of Penny, returns to Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Penny Hardaway's prodigal son is returning to Memphis. Ashton Hardaway, son of Penny, will exit the transfer portal and join the Memphis Tigers for a second time in 2025-2026. Ashton made the announcement on the social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter. The youngest son of Penny played one season for his father and the Tigers in 2023-2024 as a true freshman, before entering the transfer portal and landing at Saint Mary's.
Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells 'awake and alert' in hospital after hard fall against Hornets
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jaylen Wells was taken to a Charlotte area hospital after taking a hard fall during Tuesday's Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies game. Wells attempted a fastbreak dunk at the 1:10 mark of the second quarter when he was undercut by Hornets guard KJ Simpson. Wells went limp on the floor and was attended to by medical staff from Spectrum Center for several minutes.
Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells 'awake and alert' in hospital after hard fall against Hornets
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jaylen Wells was taken to a Charlotte area hospital after taking a hard fall during Tuesday's Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies game. Wells attempted a fastbreak dunk at the 1:10 mark of the second quarter when he was undercut by Hornets guard KJ Simpson. Wells went limp on the floor and was attended to by medical staff from Spectrum Center for several minutes.
Iisalo adjusting to new duties as Grizzlies Interim Head Coach, Morant returns to lineup
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Life moves fast in the NBA and the postseason is approaching even faster for the Memphis Grizzlies. Just four games remain on the team's regular season schedule, the first on Tuesday night against the Charlotte Hornets. Tuomas Iisalo was handed the reins as interim head coach just nine games before the postseason. He is adjusting on the fly to being a head coach in the NBA.
Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman says Taylor Jenkins' firing was in the team's "best interest"
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Grizzlies president and general manager Zach Kleiman typically keeps things pretty close to the chest when it comes to front office decisions. On Saturday, he was even more tight lipped than usual after firing head coach Taylor Jenkins. Kleiman was complimentary of Jenkins, noting his "significant contributions" in six years and adding that the coach "leaves the team in a much better place than he found it." The ousting of the coach leaves Memphis in an interesting position.
'I believe in you, coach' | How one young fan's faith is fueling the Tigers NCAA Tournament run
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Tigers are having their best season in years, already having won the American Athletic Conference's Regular Season and Tournament championships. A lot of the credit, and rightfully so, will go to Head Coach Penny Hardaway. But Hardaway might point to a different source: the faith of fans like Maci Barrett. Barrett, an 11-year old from Rochester, NY, is a huge Tigers fan. Despite not being from Memphis, her fandom is rooted in her relationship with her mom, Julie.
Ole Miss secures six seed in NCAA Tournament South Region
OXFORD, Miss — The Ole Miss Rebels are going dancing! Ole Miss secured a six seed in the South region of the NCAA Tournament. The Rebels will face the winners of 11 seed First Four matchup of North Carolina and San Diego State in Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum. Ole Miss (22-11) achieved a second twenty win season and two more wins than the previous year in their second year under Chris Beard. It's the first NCAA Tournament with Beard as head coach. They earned marquee wins over 4 Alabama and 5 Tennessee.
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