Blacklight on Sports

Dr. Gary F. Green II grew up in a football family in San Antonio, Texas, the namesake son of Gary Green Sr., who played for years in the NFL. He was recruited to play at the University of Kansas, saw the inside of the recruiting apparatus at major programs across the country, and eventually traded the field for the seminary, the classroom, and now a published book that reframes everything most people think they know about Black athleticism.

Green joins host Charles Hallman on Blacklight on Sports to discuss his book, "Playing the Game: Embodied Brilliance Beyond the Moral Limits of Race and Sport," his work as a faculty member at United Theological Seminary, and why he believes Black athletes have always been geniuses that the dominant culture simply refused to name as such.

Green structures the book around three athletes, each representing a different layer of how white supremacy inscribes itself on Black male bodies, and how those athletes disrupted that inscription through their brilliance: Marshawn Lynch and the criminalization of Black men in public, Steph Curry and the economic logic of athletic evaluation, and Deion Sanders and the psychospiritual refusal to shrink. Green also previews an upcoming essay bringing Black women, including Serena Williams, more fully into the conversation, and reflects on his own path from Division I football to pastoral theology.

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist 

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934

Jonathan Mason grew up in the Twin Cities with family roots stretching back to 1930s Minneapolis and the Mississippi Delta. He earned a criminal justice degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, worked in Minneapolis Public Schools and founded a cultural competency firm. Then the murders of Jamar Clark, Philando Castile, Thurman Blevins and George Floyd pulled him to the front lines of Minnesota's civil rights movement, and he has not stepped back since.

In this episode of Blacklight on Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald sit down with Mason for one of the podcast's most expansive conversations, covering front-line activism, economic self-reliance and the urgent push for Black agricultural sovereignty.

Mason talks about his decision to become more vocal and visible after seeing the depth of systemic inequity up close.

"Once I started to unpeel the onion of what actually was going on in Minnesota, I took it upon myself to be more vocal and active. I said, I can change the narrative. I'm going to have to be vocal, but I have to follow the law. That was my biggest thing."

Drawing on his background in law, Mason took on a leadership role organizing peaceful demonstrations, challenging law enforcement systems in court and demanding structural accountability across Minneapolis and the state.

But his work extends far beyond civil rights marches. Partnering with his longtime close friend and former NBA player Rashad Vaughn, Mason is helping run 20 Pastures Farm in Milaca, Minnesota, a working farm and educational hub that is redefining what life after sports can look like for both athletes and urban youth.

With Black farmers accounting for roughly 0.2 percent of all farmers in Minnesota, 20 Pastures Farm is a ground-breaking effort toward self-determination. The farm has already brought more than a hundred inner-city youth out to the country to experience farm-fresh meals, gather eggs, interact with livestock and learn the mechanics of local food production. Youth also learn woodworking through Mason's furniture venture, Mason Tree LLC, alongside livestock management, butchering and agricultural economics.

"So many times we see kids fall into that echelon of just basketball, sports, or music. We're teaching people within our community that we can take and create our own system around the things that we need."

The team is currently working toward acquiring a USDA-certified food processing plant, which would be the first Black-owned facility of its kind in the region, with plans to establish direct-to-door fresh meat and produce delivery for urban families utilizing EBT benefits.

On food access, Mason is direct.

"You deserve the best of the best. It doesn't matter if you're on government assistance or you've had a tough patch in your life. You still deserve to eat well."

Mason also speaks to civic engagement as local election cycles approach, urging residents to focus energy on city and county leadership where policies on clean water, local business and neighborhood safety are actually made.

He closes with a principle drawn from Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton: observation and participation.

"I want everybody that is in a role of leadership to give your skills without gatekeeping. Give them to the next generation. Just start, go, and let it lead where it leads."

Stay connected at msr.media.

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist 

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934

In Minnesota high school sports, Black coaches and administrators leading suburban programs often do their best work far from the spotlight. Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald bring three of them together for one of the most wide-ranging episodes in Blacklight on Sports history.

Adrian Turner, activities director at Roseville High School, David Collier, head basketball coach at Apple Valley High School, and Aaron Turner, head basketball coach at Two Rivers High School, discuss the different paths that led them to their current roles, all rooted in service, and the reality that Black coaches rarely get to be selective about where they land.

Collier breaks down Apple Valley's deep state tournament run, including a comeback from a 16-3 deficit and a rematch win over a team that beat them the year before, en route to the state championship game. The conversation also covers the weight of representation, why multi-sport athletes bring something single-sport specialists often lack, and the philosophies that guide each coach's leadership, from "chop wood, carry water" to Ubuntu.

Listen to the full conversation for a rare, unfiltered look at what it takes to lead in systems not always built with them in mind.

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist 

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934

Arriel McDonald arrived at the University of Minnesota at 17 years old, graduated high school early, and chose the Gophers in part because Clem Haskins was a Black head coach at a Big Ten school. It was a decision that shaped everything that followed.

In this episode of Blacklight on Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald sit down with McDonald to talk about his time as a Gopher, a professional basketball career that took him through eight countries across nearly a decade, and the life he has built in Minnesota since hanging up his shoes.

McDonald's freshman year was far from easy. He walked into a senior-heavy program that had just gone to the Sweet 16, found himself on the wrong end of practices run by players who had no intention of making it comfortable for him, and at one point went to Haskins's office to ask about red-shirting. He stuck it out, settled in and eventually earned his starting role.

His relationship with Haskins is one of the conversation's richest threads. McDonald describes the coach not as the father figure many of his teammates needed, but as the person who built the mental toughness that carried him through a professional career in Europe. The sayings Haskins drilled into him, "No free ice cream," "One monkey don't stop the show," stayed with him on the court long after Minnesota.

What nobody predicted was a professional career that lasted longer than anyone on that Gopher team. McDonald played in eight countries, across atheist, Christian, Jewish and Muslim nations, won a European Championship while playing in Israel, and was offered a contract by the Boston Celtics in 2000. He turned it down, choosing a three-year extension in Israel over a no-cut-guaranteed tryout with Rick Pitino's Celtics. He calls it his biggest regret. He also calls the years in Europe invaluable: traveling the world at 21, getting paid to play basketball twice a week, and meeting popes, prime ministers and presidents along the way.

He also talks about why he eventually chose Minnesota as home after his career ended, the rental properties he had been building on the North Side during his playing days, and how a call to Sid Hartman helped him find his way to Maple Grove.

The conversation moves into coaching, the reasons he stepped back from it, family and his son now returning to college basketball at St. Mary's in Winona. McDonald is currently working as a Student Management Specialist at Park Center, a role similar to that of a dean, and still helps with the program there.

He also touches on whether Clem Haskins has received his full due and what it would take for that recognition to come. His answer is direct: the world keeps going, and sometimes they only love you when you're gone.

McDonald still holds the all-time assist record at Minnesota and is still lobbying for a spot on the Gopher Hall of Fame wall.

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist 

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934

This video is about Blacklight On Sports w Justus Dayee and Ana Dobs

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist 

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934

This video is about Blacklight On Sports w Joshua Brown

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist 

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934

This week on Blacklight on Sports, Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer welcome Terrell Battle, Senior Director of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Basketball Academy, for a conversation about leadership, youth development, and the power of basketball to transform lives. 

Battle reflects on his journey through coaching, education, and community engagement while sharing how the Timberwolves and Lynx Basketball Academy is creating opportunities for young athletes to grow both on and off the court. The discussion highlights the importance of character, mentorship, and providing meaningful experiences that help young people develop confidence, discipline, and life skills through the game. 

The conversation also explores the evolving role of sports organizations in their communities and why investing in the next generation extends far beyond wins and losses. Through camps, clinics, and year-round programming, Battle discusses how the game of basketball can serve as a vehicle for education, leadership, and lasting impact. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about purpose, service, and using basketball as a catalyst for empowering young people and strengthening communities.

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist 

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934

Blacklight on Sports: Jamison & Trey Rusthoven

This week on Blacklight on Sports, Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Hammer sit down with father-and-son duo Jamison and Trey Rusthoven to discuss golf, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence on and off the course.

The conversation explores Trey’s journey from a standout junior golfer in Minnesota and Missouri to competing at the collegiate level and now pursuing professional golf on the APGA Tour. Along the way, the Rusthovens reflect on the sacrifices, discipline, and family support required to chase big dreams while staying grounded in purpose and faith. 

Jamison shares his perspective as a coach, mentor, and father, while Trey discusses building the TR21 Golf brand and launching the Trey Rusthoven Foundation, an organization focused on creating access, mentorship, and opportunities for underserved youth and aspiring golfers.

From youth sports and character development to representation in golf and the realities of pursuing a professional career, this episode offers an inspiring look at what happens when talent, preparation, and purpose come together.

Tune in for a powerful conversation about family, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist 

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934

This week on Blacklight on Sports, Charles Hallman and Mitchell Hamline sit down with Lucas Patterson, a leader helping shape the future of student-athletes in Minnesota. From creating opportunities for young people to developing pathways that extend beyond the game, Patterson shares his vision for education, leadership, mentorship, and athletics.

The conversation explores how sports can serve as a vehicle for personal growth, the importance of preparing students for success on and off the field, and what it takes to build programs that support the next generation of leaders. Patterson also discusses the challenges and opportunities facing youth sports today and why investing in student-athletes is an investment in the future of our communities.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on education, athletics, leadership, and the lasting impact of empowering young people through sports.

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist 

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934

On this episode of Blacklight on Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald sit down with EJ Shelby, the newly named head football coach at Anoka High School, for a candid conversation about the long road to a head coaching job, what it means to lead as a Black man in education and why building young men matters more than any scoreboard.

Shelby's path through coaching began in 2015 at Concordia St. Paul, where he served as a video coordinator and assistant safeties coach before moving into a full safeties role. From there he took a receivers coach position at St. Norbert in Wisconsin, made stops at St. Olaf, Hamline and back to Concordia, and eventually headed to Kentucky to pursue a pass game coordinator role as deliberate preparation for a coordinator position. Through it all he was raising his kids, working full time in hospitality between coaching gigs and navigating a divorce, keeping his children at the center of every major decision.

The Hamline chapter stands out. As offensive coordinator, Shelby may well have been the only Black offensive coordinator at any college in Minnesota at the time. His offense produced a 1,000-yard receiver each season, breaking the program record both times, while also generating academic All-Americans. When Division I opportunities came calling, a five-minute commute from home won out. Shelby accepted the Anoka head coaching job in February.

The program he is building runs on three pillars he calls DEA: Discipline, Effort and Attitude. Discipline means doing the work even when you do not want to. Effort means giving your best, not settling for good when great is available. Attitude means understanding that while you cannot control outcomes or detours, you always control how you respond.

Shelby is direct with his players: a 3.0 GPA is the floor, not a suggestion, because Cs may 

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist 

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934