{"id":220,"date":"2026-01-27T16:11:59","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T16:11:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/aarons-biography\/?page_id=220"},"modified":"2026-05-05T02:31:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T02:31:22","slug":"assignment-content","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/aarons-biography\/assignment-content\/","title":{"rendered":"Assignment Content"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My name is Aaron Randolph, I am born and raised in he Uptown Newport News area. I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, playing video games, and playing football. I want to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, preferably in the front of the camera to build a name for myself. Within this blog I do hope it will become a platform for me to look at my progress and what I have created. My sports communication assignments will be my way of seeing them. I am passionate about sport because I grew up playing football. Which was my happy place growing up and the things it has done for when faced with tough times, or just a way to relax and be within my element.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Social media Persona<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Creating a social media persona, specifically sports related. Which is viewed simple for a Seattle Seahawks fan post Super Bowl win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I did not want to post the content on my personal social media account so I decided to make a new account. Which is a lot easier to not take away the aesthetic from my own personal account.I needed to find a name, but I am a die hard fan of Seahawks. My motto is always the 12\u2019s vs. the world. So thats where the Die hard fan came from because of the much emphasized support I have had over the years. Win, lose, or draw I will always stand by my team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To go into my idea for the Social Media persona I want to outline reasons as to why we made it to the Super Bowl, and also some praise in the moment of the win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My idea consists of some short posts giving credit to our offense, defense, and special teams coming together throughout the season. Thus, creating a Super Bowl birth. Which then lead to the win of the game thanks to our defense because they really showed up during the season. Also on the biggest stage in front of everyone watching because most viewers tune in during the Super Bowl. When it comes to winning games its not always going to be the 50\/50 games between offense and defense. Games are very physical and intense with injuries, big hits to support that statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As shown within the picture provided I wanted to reiterate that we are the Super Bowl Champions of the 2025 NFL Season. Just a simple reminder to the people that may not have watched the game. Also emphasizing that it is a great day, finally someone different other than the usual teams took the Lombardi home. This is only Seattle\u2019s second Super Bowl being that this is the revenge tour of our last Super Bowl Appearance against the Patriots coming out on top this time. Especially under new coaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This is simply another post showing praise and giving credit to our defense. Which was a key piece to coming out victorious throughout the season. We have had one of the top defenses and shoutout to them for making it happen. Especially since the offense had a pretty rough start early in the Superbowl, only relying on field goals. Simply shutting out teams only allowing 267 yards and 17.2 points per game throughout the season. Accumulating a 14-3 season with only two teams scoring over 30 points. The Buccaneers and the rams were the only teams that beat us. However, both teams were only able to sneak in one win. The rams came away with one win, but all of the games were not easy games. Especially with the divisional round being the win or go home and only winning by three points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As a life long fan being in this seat may be considered disappointing when it comes to attending your first NFL game. However, as a life long fan you look passed things such as the location of the seat and take on the value of being at a game. Many people don\u2019t get the opportunity being to attend an NFL let along their favorite NFL team. As a fan you try not to take things like this for granted because it can be your only chance. Also being able to share that moment wit thousands of other fans, that like the team. Then you cannot forget the trash talk that comes along with being at games and even the little side bets amongst seat neighbors. All in all, it doesn\u2019t matter if I was sitting in the nose bleed as long as I got to be at a game. GO 12\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sport Media Diet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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My media diet or the way I consume sport varies in many different ways wether it is on TikTok, Instagram, X, Youtube, Instagram, Sport Center, ESPN, etc. In 2020 it was more so on instagram and viewing news reports after games and even watching basketball and football on TV. Over the years I have been consuming more sport on tv and youtube with on the go with socials. Tv was involved due to actually watching the games and seeing some sport analysts such as Steven A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, Pat McAfee, Charles Barkley, etc. My most common interaction with sports is through social media platforms but only speaking through comments. As well as viewing videos or posting things on social media specifically talking about discussed topics on the listed platforms. Not so much of having the ability to read or be exposed to someones tone of voice. Unless videos explaining frustration or great joy on social media. When I view sport I usually have my opinions and I share them with my friends and family to see their perspective of what they have viewed as well. Sparking a lot of debates and discussion on trade topics, contracts, conflicts, etc. I was never the person who comments for the public to see. It is more so in the aspect of posting for my followers to view. Typically on my instagram story, and I may repost some things that I find interesting on my X account. I watch mostly basketball and football. Some other sports I do tend to hear about, but I am not as invested as the two sports listed. Then to give background on the media I do view and hear, consists of what if stories and podcasts talking about specific topics in sports. For example, players being traded in the draft, Super bowl, and NBA finals run, etc. If I could wave a magic wand I would add would be creative ways for fans to interact with sport. Offering Q&A to be able to connect with athletes and hosting more podcasts that have live feeds with viewers. In the aspect of making the interaction of sport interesting instead of information being spit out for viewers to consume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

February 12, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Module 3: Sports Professional Penpal<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Eric Bohannon, is the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Broadcast and Communications here at Old Dominion University. He is the primary contact for sports such as Football, Mens and Women\u2019s Swimming, and Sailing. Before coming aboard ODU\u2019s Communications department he was a sport information intern at Appalachian State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I want to pursue a career in sports broadcasting and seeing that I have so many resources attending ODU it was a no brainer. Being able to have the opportunity to learn a thing about the sport communications field. Also utilizing the opportunity to gain some experience since I am on campus student. I decided to reach to Mr. Bohannon via email through the ODU athletics staff directory page. What I then said to him was along the lines of sharing my interest in becoming a sports broadcaster. I love the game of football and that happened to be one of the areas that he covers. I played football my entire life and I played for the love of the game seeing that we shared the same interest. Noticing in his short biography on the page about him playing football for his alma mater Mansfield University. Unfortunately I did not receive the opportunity to play football in college, so hopefully I can learn about his experience especially in a different time. Involving how the game changed over time and things of that nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Game Report: Charlotte Vs. Indiana<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Charlotte takes over the game against the Indiana Pacers 133-109 on Thursday, February 26th. The game was played in Indiana at Gainbridge field house. The game was taken away by an excellent shooting performance from Kon Knueuppel. Charlotte, was off to a slow start trailing Indiana, but that only lasted for about a quarter. In the start of the second quarter the momentum shifted significantly which lead to second half victory. Knueppal was the MVP of this game for charlotte, scoring at about 28 points. Along with breaking the single season record for most three pointers recorded by a rookie with 8. This performance lead his total at 209 for up to this pint for his rookie season. Exceeding his previous games he played in leading up to this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brandon Miller (Charlotte) also had an excellent game leading each scorer in the game with 33 points, finishing with a three point percentage at 47.8%. His also was the board man this game moving the ball around after each rebound. LaMelo Ball (Charlotte) also adding in dominant performance with 20 points, and 8 assists. Along with Moussa Diabate adding on with 14 points with 11 rebounds securing the interior for the hornets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for Indian, Andrew Nembhard was able to accumulate 20 points and 8 assists, Micah Potter also fought with 19 points coming off the bench, however that was no match for the bullet train of an offense with their perimeter shooting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The loss sends the Pacers to 15-45 on the season, while the hornets are 29-31 as they continue to their journey in the competitive Easter Conference. Which they have been full steam ahead these last couple of games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Im sure your guessing whats next? the hornets return to charlotte to take on the Portland Trailblazers on Saturday, and Indiana is staying home to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 29, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Arena 3: Sport Journal \u2013 \u201cDon\u2019t Be the Weakest LinkedIn\u201d Infographic <\/h1>\n\n\n\n

I wanted to know more about sports broadcasting and communication and how a professional\u2019s story pushed their passion for sports broadcasting. I also wanted to know how much of an aid connections would be in the sports broadcasting field. I was more so interested in Mr. Bohannon\u2019s story is because of him playing football for his alma mater. In which he earned his bachelor\u2019s in science in communications & Broadcasting in 2008.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His link was very vague and did not have much information to work with involving his career and the stepping stones it took to get to Old Dominion. During the interview I asked a few questions about his path and interest that led him to sports broadcasting. I pretty much already have some questions in mind to ask him. Which consisted of what stepping stones got him into playing sports? Then from that what led to him doing sports broadcasting? He then told me about where his professional field started first, which was him participating in the newspaper at Mansfield. Receiving a job for the head sport information guy after doing PA for the softball game. Only students were in sports information at Mansfield with it being a small school. After getting experience at Mansfield he was able to obtain a two year internship at Appalachian State in which he did not receive a good amount of pay. He was able to put out resumes. sparking many different opportunities in which he worked for a professional radio station. Doing many things outside of broadcasting involving statistics, game recaps which he ended up enjoying. Then eventually he was able to get the job here at Old Dominion. He was able to work up the ladder in a few years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To provide some background the person ahead of him got promoted in 2011. Then in 2012 the person ahead of him left and then in 2016 the position ahead of him retired and he took over as the Senior Associate Athletic Director, Broadcasting and communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In which the information he provided was beneficial in the drafting of my infographic. Learning about his journey within the sporting world and some of the connections he was able to make. I was able to utilize very little information outside of the interview that was made public. I had to do some extra lifting when it came to gathering information in the interview. In the end it was a very engaging interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sport Journal Athlete Activism<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Synopsis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the 1968 medal ceremony for the 200 \u2013 meter race were two iconic activism figures named Tommie Smith and John Carlos. Both of which raised a black gloved fist while the U.S. national anthem played. In history\/society this action is named the black Power salute that was intended to bring global attention to racial injustices and inequality within the United States. Both smith and Carlos were also barefoot which represents poverty, wore breads to represent the lynching of the victims and bowing their heads during the national anthem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The instant effect that this event had on sport and society was powerful and momentum shifting. While many viewed the protest as a heroic stand for human rights, others viewed it as unfit or inappropriate for an Olympic setting. The international Olympic Committee, led at the time by Avery Bundage, immediately banned both Smith and Carlos from the games. In this time Smith and Carlos were receiving death threats, being booed by the public, and even their teammates viewed them as a disgrace to the olympic games. The reaction displayed a broader struggle to interlock politics with sports, despite the protest by itself outlined issues that reached beyond athletics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Media coverage has played a major role in prescribing the public perception of the event. Many of the media coverage outlets describe the two as unpatriotic or attention seeking. Simply focusing more on the controversy that the event holds rather than the message that is being pushed. Newspapers, television stations, and broadcasts stayed away from deep discussions pertaining to systematic racism, instead focusing on the violations committed against the Olympic Games. Being that social media was not available during this time, the conception of the message was controlled by mainstream channels. Thus limiting how the athletes were able to express their intention behind their actions to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite this both Smith and Carlos tried to form their own narrative for their actions. Both athletes were a part of the Olympic Project for human rights, a protest that strived to use sport as a platform to promote social change. However, without some of the platforms we have today such as instagram and twitter, their voices were misconstrued by reporters and editors. Which did not allow Smith and Carlos\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the near future, the media has progressively suppressed the full impact of their messages by keying out the controversy impact rather than context. However, over time perceptions and perspectives have shifted. In today\u2019s time the moment is viewed as a signal for the silent discriminations against systematic racism, human rights abuses, and racial injustices. Smith and Carlos are widely recognized as frontrunners in history who used their platform to demand justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 1968 olympic protest shows how media and the public perception can frame the understanding of activism. Even though the public has suppressed or muted their message, history has changed the public perception of the Black Power Salute. Which has proved that the power acts of protests can have a continuing impact beyond the original perception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feature Story<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

A Silent Protest That Roared: How Colin Kaepernick Changed Athlete Activism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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During a 2016 preseason game, hosting the San Francisco Vs. the San Diego Chargers. As it was time for the national anthem, players stood along side each other. Some holding their hands over their hearts, others taking in the moment. However, Kaepernick\u2019s body language was calm, and his facial expression was not easy to read. The action so quiet but yet so unseen, will soon be known as a key moment that holds a thick smoke of athlete activism in modern sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kaepernick\u2019s commitment to protest police brutality and racial injustice was not for the goal of attention at first. Actually, the initial response was at a bare minimum at best. It wasn\u2019t until weeks went by when he changed from sitting to kneeling after turning to a former military member, which signified the action had national attention. The Kneel committed in a respectful manner, but however seen as defiant, became a symbol in sport society, later followed by a forest-fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the center of this short, but long controversy laid a foundational question: Should athletes be able to use their platform and status to speak on social political topics? For ages, many pushed the narrative that sport should not be in the same sentence as activism. But Kaepernick put it in perspective and defied it, for fans, the media, and organizations such as the NFL to approach the uncomfortable truths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Media coverage has played a major role in putting together the narrative. Reports early on outlined Kaepernick\u2019s protest as disrespectful to America, the military flag, and moving focus away from the actual issues he implied. The headlines emphasized division, and television debates turned his gesture into a boiling point. Without the full context, most of the public emphasized the controversy over cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, compared to earlier athletes who pushed for activism, Kaepernick is one of the slim overview that had social media. Platforms such as twitter and instagram allowed him to explain his intentions, instead of being on the outside looking in. His clarification involved systematic racism, police violence and inequality, which are issues where media coverage has changed the narrative. Over time Colin shifted part of the narrative, making certain his messages were reaching audiences untampered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consequences are subjected to happen when going against the so-called system. Yet so unavoidable. Kaepernick later opted out of his 2017 contract and was never signed by another NFL team. Many have viewed this as a direct action of activism, as a small turned large message to the league about the risk of speaking out. His playing career has since come to a close, but his impact continues to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The league has used his stand as motivation and followed in his footsteps by kneeling, raising their fists, or even linking their arms during the national anthem. The protest has been far beyond the sport of football, motivating athletes in the NBA, WNBA, and worldwide to take a viewable stand against social issues. What began as an independent act emerged as a movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time the perception of the public began to take a turn. Brutalities have arisen involving the deaths of unarmed black individuals and the reoccurrence of social injustice movements enforced a wider estimation. The same protest action once negatively viewed started to be seen differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The media narrative, at first suppressing the intention of his protest, eventually evolved as well. Stories started to reiterate his actions with in depth detail and context, recognizing both his own personal sacrifice and lasting impact. Thus, leading the media to both hold back and later amplify his message, demonstrating its powerful role in shaping public understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colin\u2019s protest was not about going viral or creating a viral moment during the national anthem. It was about bringing visibility to challenge injustice, despite the greater cost of his personal life. His willingness to risk his career reframed what it means to be an athlete in the modern era, not just a performer, but a voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, the action of Kaepernick kneeling still holds great value in sport activism. Promoting a greater cause and informing those in the sport world that silence can still be impactful. Activism can also take many forms, which can be good or bad. This. moment also solidifies intersection of sport society cannot be belittled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sport Journal Curation<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The goal of this assignment was to make changes on my sports journal reflecting a better look. Specifically receiving help from the Eportfolio team at Old dominion. I chose an appointment that was involved video feedback in a way to reference the recommendations for the assignment. I understood everything that was being said when receiving recommendations from Gray Lyden. She was very helpful when it came to reconstructing my Sports Journal. Mrs. Lyden\u2019s recommendations were not a lot to handle, their was only some minor tweaks. Which I was actually impressed about because I thought I would need an entire facelift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first recommendation was to have my blog posts set up as links to be clicked instead of the full assignment. In order to do so I needed to change the theme so I looked around the WordPress themes and found something that was more put together. I then incorporated some photos that would keep some my blogs from having a title without a picture. Adding in a graphic of the Charlotte Hornets vs. the Indiana pacers. For the sports media diet submission I added a picture of someone watching sports on their phones, while the tv had sports videos up. Thus emphasizing some background of what a sport media diet is. This gives it more of a way to stand out than only having my posts in order. I Then added content to my assignment section which is where my content should be in a list. Changing the theme changed the font into a more times new roman look, which I liked over the plane look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mrs Lyden also recommended that I added more of a detailed response on my home page. This included stating why I took this course outside of it being required or for an elective course. I added in some more information about myself and why I took this course. I feel that the changes I made have improved my Sports Journal giving it more lively hood compared to the blandness it had before. Honestly before I made the changes I wanted to add some life to it myself but did not know where to start. I do feel changing the theme could potentially make it difficult to navigate. Im sure the three lines in the top right corner on the home page will be self explanatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall I feel it was a great opportunity to learn from the Eportfolio specialist that ODU has to offer because this is my first time scheduling an appointment with them. I am glad that the assignment pushed me to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before pictures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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After Pictures<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sport Professional Penpal Pt.3 : The Quest<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The quest involves creating an outline for a proposal for a project proposal that pertains to my sport professional penpal. He works as the sport communication Senior Associate AD, Broadcast and Communications here at ODU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to his background in sports broad casting and communications. I wanted to create an event with his guidance that helps sports media individuals with hands on experience. Simply equipping them with knowledge that will help them in their respective sport communication career fields. I feel this is something that not many people have access to wether this be opportunity based, requirements, qualifications, or financial aspect. Many individuals in this field also may be able to attend events, so this will be something that will be on campus for any student and to the public to attend at ODU. Specifically within an open space with booth and equipment spread around the a small section of the campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sport Journal Reflections Submission<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While I was reviewing course material I have learned a lot when it comes to sport communication. This had ranged from taking the extra mile and contacting a sports penpal and setting up time to learn more about my penpal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I came into this course I did not know exactly what to expect besides maybe a few writing assignments. As well as a couple of big assignments outlining the means of sport communication. I was wrong; it felt as if I was within a sports communication role throughout each assignment. The sport journal in wordpress was a whole new experience for me, creating my own website about myself. Then to be able to express myself and my own understanding through each assignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The work based learning assignment was the first assignment before the creation of the sport journal. I viewed it as a way of analyzing a job description, requirements, and experiences when it comes to looking for a job. It made me do the extra work that needs to be done outside of just applying. Simply viewing if the job is for me and if it is obtainable, or what things are needed before I can qualify as a potential candidate. This is very important to do in the real world because many jobs seekers see a paycheck, hours, and the role. Anticipating that they will be hired because the job will train and teach them. Unfortunately, many jobs especially the high paying ones, expect you to come in with a plethora of skills and knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This leads me to each assignment involving the penpal assignment. I am glad that I was able to take part in these assignments informing viewers of my sport journal about my penpal. Mr. Bohannon is a very interesting person when it comes to sports communication, because sports broadcasting is something that I want to do in my future. One way that led me to a step closer was taking the extra mile and reaching out. My favorite assignment was the quest because it allows me to create an event and allows me to be creative. I was able to create something that revolved around Mr. Bohannon\u2019s career path. I enjoyed the broadcasting event I came up with. This is something that more than likely will be normal in the sport communication world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The game report is something that will be used in the real world working in sport communication and writing stories for the public. Articles usually have a play by play about games that are on ESPN. Specifically to inform, have fans, engage, and connect them to the games and to bring more attention to sports.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Introduction My name is Aaron Randolph, I am born and raised in he Uptown Newport News area. I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, playing video games, and playing football. I want to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, preferably in the front of the camera to build a name for myself. Within this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31952,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/aarons-biography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/220"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/aarons-biography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/aarons-biography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/aarons-biography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/31952"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/aarons-biography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=220"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/aarons-biography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/220\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":361,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/aarons-biography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/220\/revisions\/361"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/aarons-biography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}