Mount Hood

Chauncey Billups arrested

Chauncey Billups coaches the Trail Blazers from the sidelines. | @theoregonian on Instagram

Nov. 5 2025 | Isaac Garcia | Sports Editor

Disclaimer: this is an ongoing matter and the individuals discussed in this article are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The NBA world was shocked the morning of Oct. 23 when it was announced that Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups had been arrested by the FBI at his home in Lake Oswego. He was indicted on charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, both tied to an illegal gambling ring that included members of the Gambino crime family as well as Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Damon Jones. This isn’t the first time Rozier has been on the radar for gambling-related activities, as in March of 2023, he was investigated by the NBA after they were alerted by a sportsbook that he was placing suspicious wagers on himself. Very soon after the news broke, it was announced by the NBA that both Billups and Rozier would be placed on leave from their respective teams. 

The investigation — called “Operation: Royal Flush” — allegedly has Billups engaging in illegal gambling activities dating back to 2019. The FBI alleges that Billups and Rozier were “face cards” that helped bring in guests to rigged poker games. According to the FBI, these poker games included rigged shuffling machines, special contact lenses and glasses that allowed people, like Billups, to read the backs of cards. Because of the rigged machines, it could be determined by the machine at the table who would receive the winning hand. Once the conspirator had this information, they would use secret hand signals to other conspirators, who would use this information to win high-stakes games, which included up to six-figure hands. Other technology included a chip tray analyzer, which would read everyone’s cards with a hidden camera. 

In addition — while not stating Billups’ name explicitly — it’s alleged that someone was giving out insider gambling information at some time in March of 2023 about Trail Blazers players who would be missing games to other conspirators in the case. While only the alias of “Co-Conspirator 8” is given, the information about Co-Conspirator 8 matches up strongly with Billups. 

Similarly, it’s alleged that Damon Jones gave away insider information that LeBron James would not be playing in a game against the Bucks Feb. 9 of 2023, and allegedly sent a text message to a co-conspirator that read, “get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight.” It’s important to note that this information came before James was publicly listed on any sort of injury report.

For those unfamiliar with gambling — specifically sports gambling — a player of James’ stature greatly impacts betting odds, and the news of him being unavailable in a matchup will swing those betting odds towards the other team, thus making the total payout of a successful bet for said team — in this case, the Bucks — less profitable. However, if someone received the information that James would not be playing before it was public information and placed the bet before odds could change, they would receive a higher payout from a successful bet, which on Feb. 9, 2023, would have been the case as the Bucks won the game 115-106. 

After Billups’ arrest, he was arraigned in a Portland courthouse, where he was released on multiple conditions. Included in these conditions were that he had to surrender his passport and that he could not travel outside of Oregon or Colorado — his home state — with an exception for travel to New York, where court proceedings for the case are to be held. When leaving the courtroom in a Klutch Sports hoodie and grey sweats, Billups — who was also a Hall of Fame player and 2004 finals MVP with the Detroit Pistons — was surrounded by reporters, to whom he said nothing before getting into a vehicle and leaving. Terry Rozier was released after putting his home up as collateral for a $6 million bail, and his next scheduled court appearance is Dec. 8. 

As for the Trail Blazers, they’ve announced in a statement that they “are aware of the allegations involving head coach Chauncey Billups, and the Trail Blazers are fully cooperating with the investigation.” They then named Tiago Splitter, the former San Antonio Spurs center who won a title with the Spurs in 2014, as the interim head coach. Billups is due back in court Nov. 24, and his future as a coach seems almost nonexistent as he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. 

While many fans are rightfully concerned about what this may mean for the team, some fans, most of whom have been calling for his firing for some time, were more than happy to see Billups go and make way for a new hire. In their first game after the incident, the Trail Blazers beat the Golden State Warriors in the Moda Center by a score of 139-119 and have gone 4-2 since that game. 

It remains to be seen not only how the case will be resolved in a court of law, but how it affects the team long-term. For the basketball product, it’s worth noting that Splitter comes from a background that includes who many feel was the best coach of the decade in Gregg Popovich, and he was a member of the 2014 Spurs team that moved the ball beautifully en route to a dismantling of the Miami Heat in those NBA finals. This could signal what kind of offense he might try to install in Portland. 

For the most part, Blazers players have refused to take media questions about the matter, with the sole exception of Deni Avdija, who said, “It’s not an easy situation. We’re thinking about him and his family. We really love Chauncey and what he’s done with this organization. I don’t know a lot of the details, I don’t really want to get into that, I’m trying to focus on the game. But my heart is with him and his family for sure.”

This is the next episode in an emerging trend of gambling troubles in professional sports. Just last year, Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter — the younger brother of current Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. — received a lifetime ban for violating the NBA’s gambling guidelines and currently faces federal charges himself. 

The NBA isn’t the only league facing gambling-related issues, as the NFL has had four different instances of punishing players or coaches for violating league gambling policy since 2019. 

This saga correlates with a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that removed a federal ban on gambling. At the time of writing, 32 states — plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico — allow some form of online sports betting, making it more accessible than it’s ever been. According to statista.com, sports betting revenue generated in the United States went from $400 million in 2018 to more than $11 billion in 2023, and according to a study from JAMA Internal Medicine, the online search for “am I addicted to gambling” has increased by 23% since 2018 through June 2024. While this doesn’t necessarily explain the rise in recent gambling scandals in sports, it does raise the question: Is the increased acceptance of gambling in the United States infiltrating sports leagues and harming the integrity of the game?

Deciding to gamble should involve betting responsibly and engaging in healthy behaviors such as setting a hard spending limit and knowing when to quit. If struggling with a gambling addiction, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) to be connected with helpful resources.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

First-gen student athletes

A photo of Michael Jordan on the basketball court. | Photo from @6manzone on Instagram

Nov. 5 2025 | Isaac Garcia | Sports Editor

This week is National First-Generation Week, meant to celebrate the accomplishments of students who did not have a parent graduate from a four-year institution. First-Gen Week is a celebration of the Higher Education Act that was signed into law Nov. 8, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Fun fact — the act was introduced in the House by Edith Green, who grew up in Salem and represented Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District. The Senate version of the bill also has ties to Oregon by way of Oregon senator Wayne Morse introducing it. The act aimed “to strengthen the educational resources of our colleges and universities and to provide financial assistance for students in post-secondary and higher education,” establishing the Pell Grant and helping to fund first-gen support programs like TRIO, which has been shown to be successful in increasing student retention and is available at Western. 

Western’s student population is roughly 50% first gen. This past summer, the university became a member of the FirstGen Forward Network, a program for universities showing commitment towards first-generation students fostering collaboration between the member universities in how to best support first-gen students. Specific outreach for first-generation students is important because studies show that these students often graduate at lower rates than their non-first-gen peers, due to feelings of isolation, lack of belonging and a multitude of other factors. However, the gap is smaller once first-gen students have programs that they can attend and feel seen and heard. 

When it comes to first-gen student athletes, the community they often enjoy as a part of their teams bodes well for retention, but this does not mean that there aren’t still challenges, especially at smaller schools. Starting college is a heavy adjustment period for all students and for athletes, who have to balance the changes along with significant time commitments to their sport. It can be difficult, especially with the previously mentioned challenges that arise with being first-gen. According to a January 2024 journal article from Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics written by Adam R. Cocco from the University of Louisville and Alan Grosbach from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, there is a correlation between financial aid offered and student retention rate. While the journal is mainly focused on NAIA programs, one could see how this might put NCAA Division II and Division III schools at a disadvantage in retaining athletes, especially among first-gen students. Per NCAA regulations, Division II universities are only allowed to give partial athletic scholarships, and in Division III, there are no athletic scholarships, as opposed to Division I where full athletic scholarships are given out. The journal reports that for every 10% decrease in cost of attendance, there was a 9% increase in student retention among first-gen college athletes at the NAIA level.

So how do colleges around the country help support and celebrate first-gen students and athletes? One example is the University of Texas San Antonio, which, starting this season, began putting first-gen patches on the uniforms of players who are first-generation college students. As mentioned earlier, Western has been among the best in the nation at supporting first-generation college students with programs like the Student Enrichment Program, Teacher Preparation Student Support Services, Multicultural Student Services and Programs and TRIO. The school also recently added the Student Success Center to campus, which includes a space for first-generation students. 

There have been many great athletes who were first-generation students themselves. The most famous, perhaps, is Michael Jordan, who was a first-generation student athlete at the University of North Carolina from 1981-84 before being drafted third overall to the Chicago Bulls in 1984, going on to become one of the most well-known athletes ever. His teammate Scottie Pippen was at the University of Central Arkansas, an NAIA school, from 1983-87. He started his career without any sort of athletic scholarship, joining the university as a walk-on and equipment manager before emerging as a star on the team after space opened up. In the popular Netflix series released in 2020 about the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 90s — titled “The Last Dance” — Pippen spoke about how players with scholarships at Central Arkansas lost them due to academic issues and how he was adamant with his coaches about becoming a scholarship player. After receiving a scholarship, Pippen would go on to earn NAIA All-American Honors twice, making a name for himself among NBA general managers. In 1987, he was selected fifth overall in the NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who then traded him to the Chicago Bulls, where he won six NBA Finals trophies with the team alongside Michael Jordan. Pippen would also go on to become a member of the 1992 USA Olympic “Dream Team,” considered by many to be the greatest semblance of talent in the history of basketball with Pippen and Jordan combining with the likes of Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler and many other legends, rolling to an Olympic gold medal with their closest game still being a 32 point win against Croatia. 

In 2016, NFL receiver Randall Cobb became the first in his family to graduate from college, going back to school during his NFL career, where he was a Pro Bowler and one of the favorite receiver targets for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In the days leading up to his commencement, Cobb said, “I think that achievement is going to be bigger than any success I could have on the field because on that day I will have set a standard for my family and anyone that comes after me.”  

The stories of Jordan, Pippen and Cobb serve as encouragement and reminders for any current or future first-generation college students that they belong and can rise to the pinnacle of success, whether that be in sports or another profession. For more information on how to be supported as a first-generation student at Western, go to wou.edu/firstgen and make sure to stop by some of the many events being held for First-Gen Week by TRIO. To find the event schedule and receive more details about the events, check out the First-Gen Week article from last week’s issue by News Editor Abbi Duhart or go to @woutpsss on Instagram to find daily schedules of the events for the remainder of the week.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Rugby at Western

The Wolves Women’s+ poses with the McMinnville Valley Panthers after a scrimmage. | Photo from @westernoregonwomxnsrugby
Jonah Campbell carries the ball against Oregon State with Jason Parks trailing behind. | Photo from @westernoregonmensrugby on Instagram

Oct 29 2025 | Isaac Garcia | Sports Editor

The fall season is underway for both the men’s and women’s+ rugby teams. After hosting a preseason non-conference tournament over Homecoming weekend, the Wolves women’s+ rugby team will prepare for their first regular season tournament Nov. 1 at the Turf Field on campus. The tournament will include Willamette University and the University of Puget Sound with the first match starting at 10 a.m. The women’s+ team won both of their games at the tournament Oct. 18, setting a positive tone for the fall season early on. Men’s rugby will be preparing for a match against Oregon Tech on Nov. 1st at 2 p.m. after winning against Salem Rugby, who filled in at the last minute after Gonzaga University had to forfeit. 

“They did wonderful,” coach Nic Smith, who is in her third season as the Wolves’ coach, said of the women’s+ team. “I’m very proud of them, very pleased with their performance. Are there things that we can fine-tune and get better? Absolutely. But overall, they did the best with what they had in terms of practice time.” 

Last season, the women’s+ team was able to qualify for nationals, and they’ll be looking to make it right back this year with a roster that returns a significant number of players as well as an influx of new talent. Among the returning players for the women’s+ team is Jada Miller, who impressed Coach Smith in the opening tournament. “I was really impressed with her leadership this past Saturday. Holding the team accountable and making sure that they did what they needed to do.” 

Mia Medina George, a sophomore back and new captain, received Backs MVP, and Leah Waller, a first-year forward, started her college career off strong, receiving Forwards MVP as well as Man of the Match. “Every player on my team has something to offer, and while these ones shine through this past Saturday, I have no doubt there will be moments where others shine through,” Smith said. For the men’s side, they bring Diah Kollaer Junior, Jack George Junior and Aidan Shamion, all solid returners that will be crucial to the team.  

In addition to high-quality play on the field, the Wolves put in high-quality work off the field in order to maintain such high performance. According to Coach Smith, returning players have been coming to practice early and staying late in order to help the new players work on techniques and develop their skillsets, and described the more experienced players as very welcoming and very inclusive. Leadership in this form is key to a program having long-term success, especially in a sport like rugby, where many players’ first time playing is in college due to high school programs not being as prevalent as they are in other sports. 

Along with hard work, inclusivity is a key trait for the club. For those interested in trying the sport, Smith encourages them to do so. “We don’t discriminate in any way. We are open, we are accepting, we are understanding. I tell my team, ‘Sometimes you’re not going to like each other, but we’re going to respect one another and we encourage healthy conversations to learn different perspectives and erase biases.’” Smith continued on by saying, “We encourage anyone that is interested to come out and try it. Rugby is a place for everybody regardless of your height, your size, your stature — there’s a place for you.” 

Donnahoo similarly said, “I have never felt more included or appreciated in any other sport.” Donnahoo talked about what led him to rugby, saying that he began in his junior year of high school after playing sports such as soccer and football. “I immediately fell in love with not only the game, but the community as well.” Donnahoo has aspirations of reaching professional status in the sport, and mentioned the pathways rugby has provided him. These included the opportunity for him to play in an open division tournament in Florida this Thanksgiving hosted by London International 7s, the largest program in the United Kingdom who will be hosting events in the United States. 

The Wolves women’s+ team is also very supportive of youth rugby programs in the area. They have a partnership with Oregon Rugby, the high school rugby organization in the state, and Girls Rugby Inc., a grassroots development program for grades two through eight. On Oct. 22, the Wolves welcomed the McMinnville Valley Panthers, a high school club, to Monmouth for a scrimmage in order to help the Panthers prepare for their upcoming championships, which was no doubt a great opportunity for them to hone their skills against older and more experienced players. 

“It’s opened up recruitment opportunities, which is good for the university.” Smith also said, “We kind of get to see the present and the future of rugby, and then we also try to have a good relationship with our alumni, and we appreciate those that came before us and built the foundation that we’re growing.” To Smith, promoting the future of rugby is important to the health of the sport and the continuance of its strong community. “There’s a big sense of community and the culture is just like no other. So being able to involve ourselves in different levels of that is beneficial not only for us, but for rugby in general.” Speaking of recruitment opportunities, Donnahoo is the recruitment officer for the men’s team and helps add to the team during the season and after. “This off-season we managed to not only get a good amount of freshmen with rugby experience but also a good amount of new players that are eager to learn the game.” 

Because rugby is a club sport, the team relies heavily on fundraising and the support of the local community. To show support for the teams, follow the women’s+ team on Instagram @westernoregonwomxnsrugby and click the link in their bio, which will lead to a page for donations. The Wolves will have merchandise sales and a series of fundraisers starting soon that anyone can stay updated on through the Instagram page as well. Donations go towards funding different team-related activities, such as a trip to nationals, among other things. For the men’s team,follow them on Instagram @westernoregonmensrugby. “I would say the best way to support the team would be to show up to our events that we hold and be active on our social media page, also coming to our games gets us super motivated. I would also say talk about rugby, talk about it to your friends and family, get it more popular,” Donnahoo said. After the upcoming tournament, the women’s+ team will round out their fall schedule with a Nov. 15 tournament at Willamette University and a Nov. 22 tournament at University of Puget Sound, while the men’s team will travel to the University of Idaho Nov. 8 for a game and then to Klamath Falls Nov. 15 for a match against Oregon Tech.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

The road home

Damian Lillard holds Trail Blazers jersey in a hallway. | From @damianlillard on Instagram

Oct 8 2025 | Isaac Garcia | Sports Editor

On Sept. 27, 2023, Portland Trail Blazers point guard and franchise legend Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a deal that broke the hearts of Blazers fans who had embraced Lillard since he arrived in 2012. Earlier that offseason, Lillard had requested a trade with hopes of having a better opportunity to compete for an NBA championship. The Bucks, who were two years removed from winning a title with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the team, seemed to give Lillard the best chance he’d ever had to do it. 

Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite as planned. In the first season, internal struggles between Bucks players and the coaching staff kept the team from reaching its high expectations. In his second season with Milwaukee, Lillard was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and had to miss the final month of the regular season before returning just in time for the playoffs.

Unfortunately, in the fourth game of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, Lillard fell to the ground and immediately reached for his leg. Further examinations would reveal that Lillard had torn his Achilles tendon, a notoriously hard injury to recover from, especially for a player who would soon be 35. The Bucks would go on to lose the series, falling short of expectations again. With pressure mounting to keep the team’s championship window open just a crack, the Bucks decided to waive Damian Lillard and free up cap space in order to add Pacers center Myles Turner. 

From the outside looking in, it seemed as though Lillard’s career had hit rock bottom. He left Portland, the city that his family still called home and where he himself had spent most of his adult life, in search of the championship that had eluded him his entire career, only to come up short and be off the team two years later. Not to mention the long road he now had ahead of him to recover from his injury and begin playing again. 

However, in what might’ve been his career’s darkest moment, something familiar found him again. The Portland Trail Blazers, who had spent the past two seasons trying to rebuild the roster after trading Lillard, offered him a three-year $42 million deal that would allow him to spend his rehab in Portland, alongside his children and an organization that he knew so well. Upon the news that Lillard was returning to Portland, Blazers fans who were heartbroken to see him leave just two years earlier and had watched the Blazers go through the growing pains of the post-Lillard era, were completely re-energized. During his introductory press conference, Lillard said, “It never felt right, not being home.” Last month, the organization held a rally in Pioneer Courthouse Square celebrating Lillard’s return, and it was obvious how much happier both Lillard and Blazers fans have been with him back in Portland. “Just being back in this city, you know, has brought a different type of joy back to my life,” Lillard said while addressing the crowd of thousands at Pioneer Square. While he won’t play until next season, Lillard’s return has injected excitement into a fanbase that surely cannot wait to welcome him back to the Moda Center as a member of the home team.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Dodgers take down the Padres

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The Los Angeles Dodgers took down the San Diego Padres to advance in the Major League Baseball playoffs Oct. 11. 

The 2024 National League Division Series between the two California teams came to an electrifying end in Game 5, with the Dodgers securing a 2-0 victory and advancing to the National League Championship Series — NLCS. The game was defined by dominant pitching and crucial moments that made it an intense and thrilling match from start to finish.

Coming off a difficult Game 2, Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a stellar performance on the mound, pitching five scoreless innings. Yamamoto bounced back impressively, allowing just two hits while walking one and striking out two. He kept San Diego’s lineup at bay, silencing stars like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatís, who were crucial to the Padres’ success in earlier games.

The game remained tight, with both teams’ pitchers going at it. Padres ace Yu Darvish was equally impressive, keeping the Dodgers’ offense quiet for most of the game. He went six strong innings, allowing just two runs while striking out four. He even struck out Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who went hitless in the game. Despite his efforts though, it was not enough to overcome what the Dodgers brought to the table.

The Dodgers managed to break through in the second inning when Kiké Hernández launched a solo home run off Darvish’s pitch, giving his team an early 1-0 lead. It was Hernández’s second home run of the series. Darvish took that home run personally however and managed to keep the Dodgers scoreless until the seventh inning.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Teoscar Hernández delivered the game’s final blow with a solo shot to left field, giving the Dodgers a 2-0 advantage. This was his second homer of the series against the Padres, and it came at the perfect time. 

Relief pitchers Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia shut down the Padres in the late innings, with Phillips striking out key hitters like Machado and Jurickson Profar. The Dodgers’ bullpen was nearly flawless, closing out the game and the series without allowing a run. 

Unfortunately for the Padres, their offense, which had been explosive earlier in the series, went stagnant when it mattered the most, and the Dodgers punched their ticket to the NLCS. This Game 5 victory was a testament to the Dodgers’ depth and ability to perform under pressure. They now move one step closer to their World Series ambitions.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Gender Disparity in Athletics: How Far Have We Come?

Written by:  Jaylin Hardin | Sports Editor, Libby Thoma | Staff Writer

Gender disparities are common in the world of sports. Female athletes are generally broadcasted less, paid less and pitted against others disparaged in the weight and size category. This problem is international and does seep its way into Western — although Western is better about these disparities than other schools and professional sports. 

One issue within the sports world is how limited professional sports teams have been for women. The first professional men’s sports league was Major League Baseball, founded in 1869, after the Civil War, with its first team being the Cincinnati Red Stockings — now the Boston Red Socks. The National Football League — NFL — followed suit in 1920. The United States eventually joined the Federation Internationale de Futbol and founded the National Basketball Association, known as FIFA and the NBA respectively, in 1930 and 1946.

Women’s sports, on the other hand, did not have the same starts or even advantages as their male counterparts did. For a period of time during the forties and fifties, there was the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was created over concerns about Major League Baseball’s viewership during World War II. After this period, women’s golf became popular, and is currently the longest-running women’s professional sport — the first Women’s Professional Golf Association Tour started in the 1950s.

In June of 1972, Title IX was passed, which prohibited discrimination based on sex or gender. From this point on, women began to get a leg up in, not only education, but also athletics and other federally funded programs. Professional Tennis also became very popular among female athletes at this time.

It was not without its faults, however. Following the passing of Title IX, women still faced misogyny in athletics, as well as the struggle to establish their leagues. The Women’s NBA, Women’s FIFA, Pro-Softball and Volleyball leagues were not founded until the nineties, with many struggling to stay afloat throughout their history. 

Another issue in the professional sports world is that the women’s leagues are paid less than their male counterparts. For example, NBA players receive 50% of shared revenue from their teams and leagues, while WNBA players receive only 20%. In numbers, the average NBA player’s salary is $7.5 million a year. The average WNBA player’s salary? $116,000 a year. That’s a $7.3 million difference.

Further, discrimination is still strong against female athletes and their level of play and abilities. For collegiate softball, one of the most common sayings against the teams is, “450, dead center.” This refers to the differences in field size and pitching style in softball and how most men believe they could easily hit a home run off the softball pitchers.

Western’s sport disparities are minimal but still exist. Although Western seemingly handles any disparities well, they do not handle it perfectly. 

One thing Western excels in is its treatment of male and female athletes. Throughout interviews, female athletes report being treated well, an equal part of the athletic population and happy to be involved with the sports. 

“If there was inequity or inequality in treatment, I would know about it,” said Michael Gonzalez, the Student-Athlete Success Advisor. “Any problems, they come to me.”

Western also does a phenomenal job at broadcasting and advertising female sports — equally to male sports, if not more so. This is extremely important for funding, as advertising and broadcasting boost funding. 

According to Randi Lydum, the executive director of intercollegiate athletics, funding is distributed based on schedule and number of athletes and coaches on the team. Those with a more demanding schedule will receive more funding, while those who may travel less or have fewer athletes receive less funding. 

Scholarships are divided based on the NCA framework that gives the maximum of scholarships that Western can offer. “We try to make sure that the number of scholarships we’re giving… matches the percentage of student participation,” Lydum said. 

The school tries to ensure that female-dominated and male-dominated sports receive the same amount of scholarships, percentage-wise. Lydum states that they take equity in funding and scholarships seriously. Lydum also states that there haven’t been any actual complaints about the amount of funding from athletes or coaches to her directly. 

“…if there is a problem I want to get it figured out. Although Western does equality well, it is not done perfectly. An anonymous athlete states that “There should be changes in the budget according to which sports are more successful,” said Lydum. 

Western’s 2023 Budget Reports state that football received 14,282 in general admin overhead, with baseball and softball getting 6,290. Football gets 165,000 in travel with baseball and softball receiving 85,000, which is the most out of all the other sports. Football exceeds all other sports in recruiting, receiving 12,240 with the other sports getting 1,700–5,100 at most. 

It is easily seen how much of a discrepancy football funds receive in comparison to other sports. Why is that the case when football is easily not the top-performing program?

Football game outcomes are highly disappointing — losing eight of eleven games, with a winning percentage of .273. This is comparatively lower when compared to women’s soccer’s record of 8-5-6, with a winning percentage of .579, or even men’s soccer’s 11-3-3, .735. 

This may be a gender issue, or this may be an issue of putting money towards ‘needed’ costs rather than wins. 

Gender disparities have been found in athletics throughout history, dating back to the very beginning of these sports. It is extremely important to ensure gender equity in our athletics department to set an example for others, and although Western is more careful about equity than other colleges and professional sports, Western can continue to discuss equity. 

Contact the authors at ethoma23@mail.wou.edu or howlsports@wou.edu

Smith vs. James

April 9, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

In recent weeks, a high-profile beef has erupted between NBA superstar LeBron James and outspoken ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, capturing headlines worldwide. At the heart of the dispute is a larger conversation about media responsibility, family boundaries and the evolving relationship between athletes and those who cover them.
The confrontation began during a nationally televised game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks March 6, 2025. Cameras caught LeBron James walking over to Stephen A. Smith, who was seated courtside, to voice his displeasure with comments Smith had made about LeBron’s oldest son, Bronny James. Smith had previously criticized Bronny’s potential to succeed in the NBA, suggesting that he might not have made it this far without the weight of his father’s name. While not uncommon for Smith to provide the media with strong takes, this one clearly struck a personal chord with LeBron.
In the days following the game, Smith addressed the incident on ESPN’s “First Take,” explaining that LeBron James approached him to express his disappointment in how he had spoken about Bronny. Smith maintained that he was doing his job as a commentator but admitted that he understood why LeBron James, speaking as a father, would be upset. Smith also insisted that his criticism wasn’t personal and that he’s always respected James’ career.
James, however, wasn’t satisfied with that explanation. He later appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he stated that Smith had “missed the point entirely.” James emphasized that while he can handle criticism directed at himself, he draws the line when it comes to his children being scrutinized on national television — especially by someone with such a large platform. “There’s a difference between talking (about) basketball and talking about someone’s future or their worth as a person,” said James. “That’s not just analysis — that’s personal.”
This war of words quickly became a trending topic, drawing attention from other major sports figures. NBA legend and TNT Sports analyst Charles Barkley weighed in, criticizing both parties. Barkley called James a “bully” for confronting Smith during a live game but also labeled Smith’s response as “lame and weak.” According to Barkley, the entire feud distracts from the game itself and is a symptom of how media and sports personalities sometimes let their egos get in the way.
The situation also appears to have created internal drama at ESPN. Reports from The Sun suggest that producers and colleagues behind “First Take” are growing frustrated with Smith’s perceived egotism and the attention he brings to himself. While the controversy has boosted ratings, some at the network worry about the long-term impact on morale and public perception.

This isn’t the first time Smith and LeBron James have clashed, but this episode feels different due to the personal nature of the comments. It has sparked a larger conversation about where the line should be drawn in sports commentary, especially when it involves family members who are still finding their footing in professional sports.
In the end, this situation serves as a reminder that while athletes and analysts are part of the same ecosystem, mutual respect and boundaries always remain crucial.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Beyond the name

April 9, 2025

Written by:  Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Bronny James, the oldest son of NBA legend LeBron James, has been making huge strides in the NBA G League, showing off his talent and determination as he carves out his own path in professional basketball. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny’s journey has been marked by both challenges and notable achievements.​
Following a brief stint with the Lakers during the preseason, where he played limited minutes, Bronny James was assigned to the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, to gain more experience and further develop his skills. This move was strategic, allowing him to adapt to the professional level’s pace and physicality.​
James’ time in the G League has been impressive, with multiple performances that have silenced many critics. On Dec. 12, 2024, he scored a game-high 30 points against the Valley Suns, shooting 13 of 23 from the field. This game showcased his scoring ability and potential as a future NBA contributor.
Continuing his upward trajectory, James achieved a career-high 31 points Jan. 24, 2025, leading the South Bay Lakers to a 122-110 victory over the Rip City Remix. His performance included efficient shooting and proved that his confidence on the court was growing.
The pinnacle of his G League success came March 24, 2025, when James erupted for 39 points, along with seven rebounds, four assists and four steals, in a 122-118 win over the Santa Cruz Warriors. This performance not only set a new personal best, but also highlighted his high-level defense and all-around capabilities.
Over the course of the G League season, James has maintained impressive averages of 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.
Despite his achievements, James has still faced significant scrutiny, with some attributing his opportunities to his father’s influence. Addressing these criticisms, James stated, “People think I’m a f—ing robot,” expressing his individuality and dedication to his craft. He uses the negativity as motivation, focusing on continuous improvement and proving his worth on the court.

James’ performances have garnered attention from various basketball analysts and former players. Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA All-Star, suggested that with increased playing time, James could be a contender for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.
While his future with the Lakers remains a topic of discussion, Bronny James’ dedication and growth in the G League have positioned him as a promising talent. With each game, James is not only honoring his family’s legacy but also building his own — one impressive performance at a time.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

The madness is underway

April 2, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament is in full swing, pulling in views from fans across the nation with its signature blend of unexpected upsets and standout performances. As teams battle for the national championship, the tournament showcases an array of talent and grit, with powerhouse programs living up to expectations and underdog teams defying the odds. With the journey to the Final Four well underway, the 2025 edition of March Madness is proving to be one to remember.
This year’s tournament has featured multiple No. 1 seeds, including the Houston Cougars, Florida Gators, Duke Blue Devils and Auburn Tigers. Each of these teams have dominated throughout their seasons, positioning themselves as favorites for the national title. The Houston Cougars, known for their lockdown defense, have proved to be one of the most disciplined teams in college basketball. Their ability to shut down opponents and control the tempo of games have been key factors in their success this season.
The Florida Gators have shown their ability to adapt to any playstyle, driving them to a deep run in the tournament. Their dynamic offense, combined with an aggressive defensive game plan, has made them an extremely tough matchup for any opponent. The Duke Blue Devils, under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer, have crafted a powerhouse of players. Headlined by freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, Duke has been able to balance young talent and depth, making them a dangerous team in the East Region. Auburn, led by senior forward and Naismith Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome, has dominated the paint and used their versatile guard play to run through opponents on their route to the Sweet 16.
Several players have already captured the national spotlight with their standout performances. Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old sensation from Duke, delivered a historic performance in the second round against Arizona State, recording 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. His skill set and composure under pressure have shown scouts and fans alike his status as a top prospect for the 2025 NBA draft. Another standout performer has been Purdue’s Braden Smith, who has been one of the most consistent guards in the nation. As the Big Ten Player of the Year, Smith has been the main contributor to Purdue’s offense, finishing the season as the conference leader in assists and second in steals.
As the tournament advances into the Sweet 16 and beyond, the anticipation is building for tough matchups that will determine the path to the national championship. One of the most anticipated matchups was between the Auburn Tigers and Michigan State Spartans, where the Tigers secured a 70-64 victory over the Spartans. Also, the matchup between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Houston Cougars lived up to the hype, as the Houston Cougars edged out the Purdue Boilermakers 62-60.
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has also showcased a combination of exceptional talent and thrilling games, leading to a Final Four featuring UCLA, South Carolina, Texas and UConn. UCLA, making its inaugural Final Four appearance, has been led by center Lauren Betts, whose dominance in the paint has been a game-changer. Texas returns to this stage for the first time since 2003, with standout performances from Madison Booker. The defending champions, South Carolina under Coach Dawn Staley, continue to dominate the college scene, marking their fifth consecutive Final Four. UConn, led by arguably the best player in NCAA women’s basketball at the moment, Paige Bueckers, aims to end a nine-year championship drought, with Bueckers delivering remarkable games, including a 31-point game against Southern Cal.
As the dust settles and the Final Four draws near, the excitement of the March Madness tournament continues to build. With established powerhouses fighting to sustain their dominance and underdog teams refusing to back down, this year’s tournament embodies the spirit of college basketball. Fans across the country will remain glued to their screens until they are able to witness who will come out on top and cut down the nets in Phoenix. 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Western moves on

March 12, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

After six seasons, Western has officially announced the departure of men’s basketball head coach Wes Pifer and his accompanying staff, marking the end of a challenging era for the Wolves. This decision comes after a series of disappointing seasons, culminating in a two-year stretch where the team held a record of just 10-44, with three of those closely contested victories coming against NAIA or Division III opponents — teams that a Division II program like Western would typically be expected to defeat.
Wes Pifer took charge of the Western men’s basketball program at the start of the 2019-2020 season, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous coaching job at Division I Northern Arizona University. In his initial season with the Wolves, Pifer led the team to nine wins out of their first 11 games. This impressive start drove them to the No. 24 spot in the National Association of Basketball Coaches poll. A standout moment during this period was a decisive 16-point victory over then No. 6 ranked Dixie State, a team that has since transitioned to Division I competition.
Despite the initial success, the program’s performance began to decline in following seasons. Over the course of Pifer’s tenure, the Wolves compiled an overall record of 50-84, translating to a .373 win percentage. They also had an overall record of 32-58 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference — GNAC — play under Pifer’s leadership. As stated before, the past two seasons were particularly challenging, with the team recording a dismal 10-44 record.
Many factors contributed to the team’s decline during Pifer’s leadership. The 2023-2024 season was spoiled by numerous season-ending and in-season injuries, including those to key starters as well as potential stand-out players. Of the 14 active players in the 2023 season, three were sidelined with season-ending injuries early on, one left the team due to internal conflicts and others battled persistent injuries throughout the year. This significantly limited Western’s roster, leaving them with only seven healthy players available on some nights. These setbacks scattered overall team performance, ultimately leading to the Wolves missing the GNAC Championships after three consecutive appearances. Recruitment challenges also played a role in the program’s struggles. Maintaining a competitive edge in collegiate athletics relies on effective recruitment, and the Wolves faced difficulties honing in on top-tier talent at the center position coming into the 2024-25 season, impacting their ability to compete at a high level within the GNAC. The GNAC, known for its high-level competitiveness, contains several teams that perform at the best of their abilities on a nightly basis. The lack of a presence in the paint heightened competition, making it even more difficult for the Wolves to secure wins.
Beyond injuries and recruiting challenges, another issue that plagued the Wolves was their inability to close out games. Many of their losses were by narrow margins, with late-game execution proving to be a major weakness. This inability to finish games often frustrated players and fans alike, as the team, along with their coaching staff, struggled to maintain composure in critical moments. Though some of these struggles could be attributed to inexperience and a lack of depth, it became clear that a fresh approach was necessary to change the team’s trajectory.
The decision to part ways with Coach Pifer and his staff was not made lightly. Athletic Director Randi Lydum acknowledged Pifer’s passion and dedication to the program, but emphasized the imperative need for a new direction to restore the team’s competitiveness within the conference. “Coach Pifer is a dynamic and passionate leader. I am grateful for his commitment to our student-athletes and the men’s basketball program,” Lydum stated. “We wish Wes and his family the very best in the future.”
Coaching changes invariably affect student-athletes, both current team members and potential recruits. Current players may experience uncertainty regarding their roles and futures with the program, while new recruits might reconsider their commitments. The ability of Western’s athletic department to quickly hire a strong leader will be consequential in reducing these concerns.
With the search for a new head coach underway, the university is aiming to identify a leader who can rejuvenate the program and steer it back to its winning ways. It is likely that key qualities sought in the next coach will include a proven track record of success, strong recruiting capabilities and the ability to develop student-athletes both on and off the court. Finding a coach who can truly lead a team will be essential, as Western seeks to reestablish itself as a competitive force within the GNAC. The hiring process will be closely watched by alumni, fans and players who hope that the next chapter of Wolves basketball will be defined by progress rather than continued struggles.
The departure of head Coach Wes Pifer and his staff signifies a pivotal moment for Western’s men’s basketball program. The coming months will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the team, and with the right guidance, the Wolves have the potential to rise from the ashes and compete at the highest level within their division.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

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Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

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