Rick Cleveland
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I am Rick Cleveland, Mississippi Today and syndicated columnist. One half of Crooked Letter Sports podcast.
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Articles by Rick Cleveland
Rick Cleveland: Ole Miss lawsuit over football transfers to LSU shows money’s sordid influence on college sports
The increasingly insane world of college sports has come to this: A month before the 2026 football season will begin, Ole Miss has sued two of its former football players – Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper – for breach of contract. Last season, Umanmielen and Harper helped Ole Miss to the most victories in school history. This season, they will play for the Rebels’ hated rival, LSU.
Crooked Letter Sports: 111 years of sports writing… | Ep. 308
You just finished reading a story that may have taken days, weeks, or months of persistence to get right. It’s only possible because for 10 years now, readers like you have ensured that our reporters can follow every story where it leads — no matter the time or resources needed to do it right. It’s Mississippians who make it possible to keep our work free and accessible to all — from your email inbox to the local newspapers across the state that republish our stories and keep our home strong.
Johnny Parker recalls the Christmas gift that led to his Hall of Fame career as a football strength coach
Shaw native Johnny Parker, the soon-to-be Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer, rates as quite likely the most influential strength and conditioning coach in American sports history. That is no exaggeration. Parker, 79, remembers the Christmas gift from 65 years ago that started him on a career path that led to four Super Bowls and three Super Bowl championship rings. “My momma and daddy got me a set of weights and changed my life,” Parker recalled.
Football great Glen Collins joins the show
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame’s induction weekend is this weekend and the Clevelands discuss all of the Class of 2026, including former Mississippi State and NFL great Glen Collins. Collins joins us in studio to discuss his career, which began at at Whitten Junior High, continued at Jim Hill High School and then State. His second year at Mississippi State coincided with Rick’s first year at the Clarion Ledger when Rick was the Mississippi State beat writer. They share some poignant memories.
Johnny Parker recalls the Christmas gift that led to his Hall of Fame career as a football strength coach
Shaw native Johnny Parker, the soon-to-be Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer, rates as quite likely the most influential strength and conditioning coach in American sports history. That is no exaggeration. Parker, 79, remembers the Christmas gift from 65 years ago that started him on a career path that led to four Super Bowls and three Super Bowl championship rings. Rick Cleveland “My momma and daddy got me a set of weights and changed my life,” Parker recalled.
Mississippi is No. 1 in producing male pro athletes
Most Mississippians who read this column regularly know no other state produces more – or more high-quality – professional football players per capita than the Magnolia State. Seems like every year a new study comes out that ranks Mississippi either No. 1 or No. 2 in the nation in the number of football players who make NFL rosters. Over the course of the entire history of the NFL, Mississippi ranks No. 1.
What young Kamario Taylor gives Mississippi State is a fighting chance
Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor has started two college games, but you’d never know that from listening to coaches and media pundits talk about his skill level and his potential as a difference maker in the Southeastern Conference. Rick Cleveland All that praise, much of it at SEC Media Days this past week, may surprise many. It does not surprise me. These eyes first saw Taylor on Dec.
Former Louisiana golf champ Sydney Moss wins State Am in playoff
PEARL – Mississippi Christian University golfer Sydney Moss has added the 2026 Mississippi Women’s Amateur championship at Patrick Farms Golf Club to her growing list of accomplishments. Moss, a Shreveport native and daughter of former LSU All American and PGA Tour player Perry Moss, had previously won two Louisiana junior championships and one Louisiana State Women’s Amateur title.
Mississippi ranks No. 1 in producing male pro athletes, study says
Most Mississippians who read this column regularly know no other state produces more – or more high-quality – professional football players per capita than the Magnolia State. Seems like every year a new study comes out that ranks Mississippi either No. 1 or No. 2 in the nation in the number of football players who make NFL rosters. Over the course of the entire history of the NFL, Mississippi ranks No. 1.
Addilyn Stephens, 10-year-old Princess of Patrick Farms, wins huge golf tournament in Paris
PEARL – Meet Addilyn Stephens. She’s 10 years young, cute as the proverbial button, weighs all of 65 pounds and unless you are really good at golf – I mean really, really good – she will beat your brains out. Listen to how Addilyn celebrated the Fourth of July weekend: She went to France with her parents, Randy and Melissa Stephens, and won the Paris Junior Golf Invitational against an international field, shooting 4-under-par for 27 holes.
USM’s Berry selected for baseball coaches Hall of Fame
Scott Berry, the winningest baseball coach in Southern Miss baseball history, has been selected for induction into the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. Ceremonies will be held at the annual ABCA Convention on Jan. 8 in Chicago. Berry spent 23 years at Southern Miss, including the last 14 seasons as head coach. He produced 528 victories, nine NCAA Tournament appearances, two NCAA Super Regional berths and ended his career leading USM to seven straight 40-win seasons.
The World Cup, patriotism and victory come to Jackson’s Fondren Yard
Today’s column comes with this caveat: I become a soccer or futbol fan once every four years. I find the World Cup fascinating, even when I don’t always understand the intricacies of what I am watching. That probably put me firmly in the majority among the crowd of roughly 300 who watched the U.S. defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on the 18-foot wide, outdoor TV screen at Fondren Yard in northeast Jackson.
Crooked Letter Sports: We’ve got World Cup (and golf) fever | Ep. 303
u003ciframe title=u0022Everlit Audio Playeru0022 src=u0022https://everlit.audio/embeds/artl_9QemEuveMwQ?st=miniu0026amp;client=wpu0026amp;client_version=3.1.8u0022 width=u0022100%u0022 height=u002280pxu0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allow=u0022accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-shareu0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story.
USM’s Scott Berry is selected for American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame
Scott Berry, the winningest baseball coach in Southern Miss baseball history, has been selected for induction into the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. Ceremonies will be held at the annual ABCA Convention on Jan. 8 in Chicago. Berry spent 23 years at Southern Miss, including the last 14 seasons as head coach. He produced 528 victories, nine NCAA Tournament appearances, two NCAA Super Regional berths and ended his career leading USM to seven straight 40-win seasons.
Better later than Sooner? That sure seems true for Oklahoma baseball
Oklahoma’s baseball Sooners turned out to be the Oklahoma Laters and perhaps the best illustration ever of the old saying that late is far better than never. After a pedestrian-at-best regular season – which included a losing record (14-16) in the Southeastern Conference – Oklahoma won college baseball’s national championship Monday night by trouncing North Carolina 13-2.
Rick Cleveland: Here’s to Father’s Day, and one Ace of a dad
Sunday was Father’s Day, and just like everyone else, I have one. My father, Robert Hayes “Ace” Cleveland, died just over 31 years ago. And still, not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. Not a day goes by that I don’t want to pick up the phone and call him. Sometimes, I’d like his advice about something important. But most times, I’d just like his company. Maybe I can’t get “44 across” in the New York Times crossword puzzle. Maybe I can’t think of the right word for something I am writing.
Crooked Letter Sports: With the College World Series and U.S. Open behind us, World Cup soccer takes center stage
By Rick Cleveland and Tyler Cleveland | Originally published by Mississippi Today u003ciframe title=u0022Everlit Audio Playeru0022 src=u0022https://everlit.audio/embeds/artl_9QemEuveMwQ?st=miniu0026amp;client=wpu0026amp;client_version=3.1.8u0022 width=u0022100%u0022 height=u002280pxu0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allow=u0022accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-shareu0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e Today’s show features wrap-ups...
Better Later than Sooner? That surely seems true for Oklahoma baseball
Oklahoma’s baseball Sooners turned out to be the Oklahoma Laters and perhaps the best illustration ever of the old saying that late is far better than never. After a pedestrian-at-best regular season – which included a losing record (14-16) in the Southeastern Conference – Oklahoma won college baseball’s national championship Monday night by trouncing North Carolina 13-2.
Happy Father’s Day, and here’s to one Ace of a dad
Today is Father’s Day, and just as everyone else, I have one. My father, Robert Hayes “Ace” Cleveland, died just over 31 years ago. And still, not day goes by I don’t think of him. Not a day goes by I don’t want to pick up the phone and call him. Sometimes, I’d like his advice about something important. But most times, I’d just like his company. Maybe I can’t get “44 across” in the New York Times crossword puzzle. Maybe I can’t think of the right word for something I am writing.
Crooked Letter Sports: Can anyone best Shinnecock?
By Rick Cleveland and Tyler Cleveland | Originally published by Mississippi Today u003ciframe title=u0022Everlit Audio Playeru0022 src=u0022https://everlit.audio/embeds/artl_9QemEuveMwQ?st=miniu0026amp;client=wpu0026amp;client_version=3.1.8u0022 width=u0022100%u0022 height=u002280pxu0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allow=u0022accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-shareu0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e The show welcomes back guest...
Rebels? Underdogs? There’s no such thing in college baseball
Betting-wise, the Ole Miss baseball Rebels were underdogs in their opening College World Series game Friday night against North Carolina. That means nothing. Zero. Zilch. There really is no such thing as an underdog in baseball. There are no upsets, either. Baseball is different that way. Anybody can beat anybody. There are so many variables.
Crooked Letter Sports: Don’t let the Rebs get hot
By Rick Cleveland and Tyler Cleveland | Originally published by Mississippi Today u003ciframe title=u0022Everlit Audio Playeru0022 src=u0022https://everlit.audio/embeds/artl_9QemEuveMwQ?st=miniu0026amp;client=wpu0026amp;client_version=3.1.8u0022 width=u0022100%u0022 height=u002280pxu0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allow=u0022accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-shareu0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e Ole Miss heads back to Omaha...
Rebels? Underdogs? There’s no such thing in college baseball
Betting-wise, the Ole Miss baseball Rebels are underdogs in their opening College World Series game Friday night against North Carolina. That means nothing. Zero. Zilch. Rick Cleveland There really is no such thing as an underdog in baseball. There are no upsets, either. Baseball is different that way. Anybody can beat anybody. There are so many variables.
He has run marathons in all 50 states, and you won’t believe what’s next for Mike Knobler
BEAR LAKE, Idaho – These fingers last typed about my good friend and former Clarion Ledger co-worker Mike Knobler in February of 2022. Mike had returned to Mississippi to run in the Mississippi Blues Marathon, which he completed, making Mississippi the 36th state in which he had successfully run a 26.2 mile race. You can read that column here, and it will give you some needed background about why I write about him again today.
He has run marathons in all 50 states, and you won’t believe what’s next for Mike Knobler
BEAR LAKE, Idaho – These fingers last typed about my good friend and former Clarion Ledger co-worker Mike Knobler in February of 2022. Mike had returned to Mississippi to run in the Mississippi Blues Marathon, which he completed, making Mississippi the 36th state in which he had successfully run a 26.2 mile race. You can read that column here, and it will give you some needed background about why I write about him again today.
He has run marathons in all 50 states, and you won’t believe what’s next for Mike Knobler
By Rick Cleveland | Originally published by Mississippi Today BEAR LAKE, Idaho – These fingers last typed about my good friend and former Clarion Ledger co-worker Mike Knobler in February of 2022. Mike had returned to Mississippi to run in the Mississippi Blues Marathon, which he completed, making Mississippi the 36th state in which he had successfully run a 26.2 mile race. You can read that column here, and it will give you some needed background about why I write about him again today.
Crooked Letter Sports: On to the Super Regionals…
By Rick Cleveland and Tyler Cleveland | Originally published by Mississippi Today u003ciframe title=u0022Everlit Audio Playeru0022 src=u0022https://everlit.audio/embeds/artl_9QemEuveMwQ?st=miniu0026amp;client=wpu0026amp;client_version=3.1.8u0022 width=u0022100%u0022 height=u002280pxu0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allow=u0022accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-shareu0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e Mississippi State and Ole Miss...
Mississippi: The Diamond State, with wins in baseball and softball at all levels
If Mississippi ever decides to move away from its official nickname – The Magnolia State –here’s a suggestion: The Diamond State. No, we don’t produce diamonds – not the gemstone kind. We lack the ancient volcanic structures required to form and bring natural diamonds to the surface. We do specialize in diamonds, the baseball and softball kind. Our diamonds produce terrific baseball and softball players and therefore teams that often go elsewhere and win championships.
Mississippi: The Diamond State, with wins in baseball and softball at all levels
If Mississippi ever decides to move away from from its official nickname – The Magnolia State – here’s a suggestion: The Diamond State. No, we don’t produce diamonds – not the gemstone kind. We lack the ancient volcanic structures required to form and bring natural diamonds to the surface. We do specialize in diamonds, the baseball and softball kind. Our diamonds produce terrific baseball and softball players and therefore teams that often go elsewhere and win championships.
Mississippi State softball will face Texas oil money and the sport’s richest pitcher
This history-making Mississippi State softball team already has written a fascinating story, lifting an often largely ignored sport in the Magnolia State’s headlines. Win or lose at the Women’s College World Series, which begins today in Oklahoma City, that story is about to get all the more intriguing. At this point, State is playing with house money. Nobody expected this. Problem is, Texas Tech, the Bulldogs’ first opponent, is playing with real money – West Texas oil money. Millions.
Mississippi State softball will face Texas oil money and the sport’s richest pitcher
This history-making Mississippi State softball team already has written a fascinating story, lifting an often largely ignored sport in the Magnolia State’s headlines. Win or lose at the Women’s College World Series, which begins Thursday in Oklahoma City, that story is about to get all the more intriguing. At this point, State is playing with house money. Nobody expected this. Rick Cleveland Problem is, Texas Tech, the Bulldogs’ first opponent, is playing with real money – West Texas oil money.
Crooked Letter Sports: Mississippi is a Diamond state, and not just baseball
By Rick Cleveland and Tyler Cleveland | Originally published by Mississippi Today u003ciframe title=u0022Everlit Audio Playeru0022 src=u0022https://everlit.audio/embeds/artl_wQ0gGSorB2P?st=miniu0026amp;client=wpu0026amp;client_version=2.7.0u0022 width=u0022100%u0022 height=u002280pxu0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allow=u0022accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-shareu0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e Softball joins baseball in the...
Belhaven softball clinches Super Regional, and Coach Kevin Griffin’s busy 2026 gets busier
Belhaven University’s storybook softball season added another triumphant chapter Friday when the Blazers soundly defeated Wisconsin-Oshkosh 10-2 to sweep the best-of-three NCAA Super Regional at jam-packed and steamy Jim McCleod Field in Jackson. That chore accomplished, Coach Kevin Griffin’s Blazers are 42-10 and winners of 10 of 12 in post-season. The team advances to the NCAA Division III World Series next week at Salem, Virginia.
Dr. Dan Jones recalls introducing North Koreans to football, the Grove and all things Hotty Toddy
By Rick Cleveland | Originally published by Mississippi Today Today’s column comes to you compliments of a chapter in Dr. Dan Jones’ new memoir “Medical Missionary,” an intriguing read I much enjoyed. Rick Cleveland We begin in October 2002. Jones, later the University of Mississippi chancellor, was then the associate vice chancellor for health affairs at University of Mississippi Medical Center. Six doctors from a Pyongyang medical center were winding up a two-month visit to UMMC.
Belhaven’s Charles Rugg: Proof that big-time coaches don’t always reach the big time
Charles Rugg, a Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer who died Thursday at the age of 94, might well have been the best basketball coach 99.9% of the world’s basketball fans never heard of. That’s because Rugg did his coaching at Belhaven, a tiny Presbyterian school in Jackson that played its NAIA games in a 500-seat building now appropriately known as Charles Rugg Arena. And if that humble gym’s walls could talk, what an entertaining and inspirational tale they could tell. Charlie Rugg did it his way.
Crooked Letter Sports: Another championship, another 40-win season, but does Southern Miss have a chance for a national seed?
By Rick Cleveland and Tyler Cleveland | Originally published by Mississippi Today u003ciframe title=u0022Everlit Audio Playeru0022 src=u0022https://everlit.audio/embeds/artl_wQ0gGSorB2P?st=miniu0026amp;client=wpu0026amp;client_version=2.7.0u0022 width=u0022100%u0022 height=u002280pxu0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allow=u0022accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-shareu0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e Today’s Crooked Letter menu...
Belhaven’s Charles Rugg: Proof that big-time coaches don’t always reach the big time
Charles Rugg, a Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer who died Thursday at the age of 94, might well have been the best basketball coach 99.9% of the world’s basketball fans never heard of. Rick Cleveland That’s because Rugg did his coaching at Belhaven, a tiny Presbyterian school in Jackson that played its NAIA games in a 500-seat building now appropriately known as Charles Rugg Arena. And if that humble gym’s walls could talk, what an entertaining and inspirational tale they could tell.
Doug Hutton: 101 points in one day of basketball. That’s just part of his amazing story
Doug Hutton of Clinton and Mississippi State was surely one of the most gifted and versatile athletes in Mississippi history. What you need to know about that is this: You never would have learned about Hutton’s remarkable athletic exploits from Doug, who died Saturday at the age of 84. He was as humble as he was versatile.
Crooked Letter Sports: The Makoka brothers
By Rick Cleveland and Tyler Cleveland | Originally published by Mississippi Today u003ciframe title=u0022Everlit Audio Playeru0022 src=u0022https://everlit.audio/embeds/artl_wQ0gGSorB2P?st=miniu0026amp;client=wpu0026amp;client_version=2.7.0u0022 width=u0022100%u0022 height=u002280pxu0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allow=u0022accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-shareu0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e Hancock High’s basketball...
Makoka brothers from Congo are welcomed home to a conservative Mississippi community after ICE detention
Rick Cleveland President Donald Trump carried coastal Mississippi’s Hancock County in the 2024 election by nearly a 4-to-1 margin. That doesn’t mean the county’s largely conservative citizenry supports everything about Trump’s ICE deportation policy. In particular, Hancock Countians were appalled when Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Israel and Max Makoka, Hancock High students from the Republic of Congo, as the teens waited for a school bus on April 21.
No La Sasso, no problem: Ole Miss defeats Florida for SEC men’s golf title
When NCAA individual men’s golf champion Michael La Sasso left Ole Miss for the riches of the Saudi-backed LIV golf tour in January, it put a humongous dent in the Rebels’ championship hopes this spring season. But Sunday, the irrepressible Rebels defeated the defending champion Florida Gators for the SEC Championship at Sea Island, Georgia, marking the first time an Ole Miss team has won the conference title since 1984.
Crooked Letter Sports: Spring grab-bag
By Rick Cleveland and Tyler Cleveland | Originally published by Mississippi Today u003ciframe title=u0022Everlit Audio Playeru0022 src=u0022https://everlit.audio/embeds/artl_wQ0gGSorB2P?st=miniu0026amp;client=wpu0026amp;client_version=2.7.0u0022 width=u0022100%u0022 height=u002280pxu0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allow=u0022accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-shareu0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e The NFL Draft is in the books,...
No La Sasso, no problem: Ole Miss defeats Florida for SEC men’s golf title
When NCAA individual men’s golf champion Michael La Sasso left Ole Miss for the riches of the Saudi-backed LIV golf tour in January, it put a humongous dent in the Rebels’ championship hopes this spring season. But Sunday, the irrepressible Rebels defeated the defending champion Florida Gators for the SEC Championship at Sea Island, Georgia, marking the first time an Ole Miss team has won the conference title since 1984.
Rick Cleveland: Clyde Muse contributed much, including to the sport of T-ball
Many readers surely have seen the news that Clyde Muse, an educator for 67 years and for 42 years the president of Hinds Community College, died last week at the age of 96. Muse has often been referred to as the “Godfather” of Mississippi’s community college system.
Crooked Letter Sports: There’s a draft in here
u003ciframe title=u0022Everlit Audio Playeru0022 src=u0022https://everlit.audio/embeds/artl_wQ0gGSorB2P?st=miniu0026amp;client=wpu0026amp;client_version=2.7.0u0022 width=u0022100%u0022 height=u002280pxu0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allow=u0022accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-shareu0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story.
Rick Cleveland on sports: Clyde Muse contributed much, including to the sport of T-ball
Many readers surely have seen the news that Clyde Muse, an educator for 67 years and for 42 years the president of Hinds Community College, died last week at the age of 96. Muse has often been referred to as the “Godfather” of Mississippi’s community college system.
Rick Cleveland: Baseball is a game of streaks, and Bianco’s Rebels are on a red-hot one
PEARL — Ole Miss baseball coach Mike Bianco stood off to the side as his team posed for photos with the winners’ trophy vase from Tuesday night’s C Spire College Showdown at Trustmark Park, their reward for a 10-3 victory over nationally ranked in-state rival Southern Miss. “What’s the trophy for?” someone asked Bianco. “I don’t know,” he answered with a laugh. “I’ve lost too many of these to know.” You should know Bianco’s teams have mostly won. And won. And won.
Baseball is a game of streaks, and Bianco’s Rebels are on a red-hot one
PEARL — Ole Miss baseball coach Mike Bianco stood off to the side as his team posed for photos with the winners’ trophy vase from Tuesday night’s C Spire College Showdown at Trustmark Park, their reward for a 10-3 victory over nationally ranked in-state rival Southern Miss. “What’s the trophy for?” someone asked Bianco. “I don’t know,” he answered with a laugh. “I’ve lost lost too many of these to know.” Rick Cleveland You should know Bianco’s teams have mostly won. And won. And won.
Crooked Letter Sports: Kevin Griffin talks Konnor Griffin and Belhaven softball
u003ciframe title=u0022Everlit Audio Playeru0022 src=u0022https://everlit.audio/embeds/artl_wQ0gGSorB2P?st=miniu0026amp;client=wpu0026amp;client_version=2.7.0u0022 width=u0022100%u0022 height=u002280pxu0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allow=u0022accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-shareu0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story.
Rick Cleveland’s spring scattershooting: Avery Weed, Trey Johnson and Konnor Griffin
Catching up on several fronts on this lovely spring Thursday… As I type, I keep glancing at the TV screen watching the first round of the Masters at Augusta National. Mississippians should take note of what Mississippi State junior golfer Avery Weed accomplished last week on that same difficult golf course.
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