Latest news with #BillHaslam
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Governor Bill Lee: What would Jesus do about immigration? (Not this)
During my tenure with the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), I had the privilege of serving alongside many dedicated officers and interacting with countless members of the Latino community. A vast majority of these individuals are striving to build a better life for their families, and they embody the hardworking spirit that defines our nation. Also, as a Christian, I believe in welcoming and supporting our neighbors, not instilling fear. Reflecting on our history, if Native Americans had an enforcement agency akin to today's ICE, many of us would not be here. This perspective should guide our approach to immigration today. As a retired THP Captain, I fully support bringing violent criminals—regardless of their background—to justice. However, this must be done through lawful and humane means. Immigrants who contribute positively to our communities and are not involved in violent crime deserve a path to citizenship, not the threat of deportation. The recent partnership between ICE and THP in South Nashville, which led to over 100 detentions, has raised significant concerns. This operation, conducted without prior notification to local officials, disproportionately targeted the Latino community and has instilled fear among law-abiding residents. Nashville's immigrant population, constituting about nine percent of the metro area, includes many who are essential to our local economy and culture. Critics, including the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, have condemned these actions as racial profiling and an erosion of trust in law enforcement. Local leaders, such as Mayor Freddie O'Connell, have expressed opposition to these tactics, emphasizing that they conflict with Nashville's values of inclusivity and safety. More: Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell: Recent ICE arrests caused 'deep community harm' I do not fault the officers involved; they are carrying out orders. However, I question the leadership that sanctions such operations. Under Governor Bill Haslam, our focus was on addressing areas with high crime rates and traffic incidents, not targeting specific communities based on appearance or ethnicity. The recent legislation requiring local law enforcement to assist federal immigration authorities has further complicated this issue. While proponents argue it enhances public safety, opponents warn it could lead to additional racial profiling and undermine community trust. Governor Lee, I urge you to consider the moral implications of these policies. Would Jesus, who taught us to love our neighbors, support actions that instill fear and division? I believe the answer is clear. It's time for Tennessee to return to a law enforcement philosophy rooted in justice, compassion and leadership, that serves all people equally. Retired Captain Mark Proctor served with the Tennessee Highway Patrol for 25+ years, including in Command roles under Governor Bill Haslam. He is a lifelong Tennessean and resides in Nashville. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: ICE arrests may be legal, but they're not morally correct | Opinion
Business Journals
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Journals
Bill Haslam on role of sports in 'incredibly polarized time:' 'Sports is that thing that unifies'
Former governor and owner of the Nashville Predators Bill Haslam discussed the role of sports in polarized times at the 2025 World Congress of Sports event held in Nashville this week. "As polarized as the country is, sports is one of the few things that can bring us together,' he said.
Axios
26-02-2025
- Health
- Axios
Haslams establish medical school scholarship at Belmont
Former Gov. Bill Haslam and his wife Crissy are bankrolling a scholarship for medical students at Belmont University who face financial barriers. Why it matters: The scholarship is designed to go to students who might have struggled to afford medical school otherwise. State of play: The Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation donated $1 million to establish the endowed scholarship. What she's saying:"Education transforms lives and communities, and we know that Belmont's College of Medicine will serve as a gateway for students who want to give their lives to the field of medicine," Crissy Haslam said in a statement. "We are hopeful this scholarship will remove barriers for students who desire to make an impact through both their talents and training." Flashback: Expanding college access for low-income Tennesseans was one of Bill Haslam's signature issues as governor. He created statewide scholarships that made community and technical colleges tuition free for most residents.
Axios
19-02-2025
- Business
- Axios
Athletes Unlimited turns in record attendance in Nashville
The Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball tournament at Municipal Auditorium has turned in strong attendance so far, organizers say. Why it matters: Nashville is in the running for a WNBA expansion franchise and the community support for women's hoops is an encouraging sign. Athletes Unlimited gives WNBA players and other pros the chance to compete in a unique style of hoops that tracks individual performances as well as team play. By the numbers: A spokesperson for Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball says attendance and the reception from the city has been "by far the best in the four-year history of the tournament." Attendance for the first two weeks is up 137% compared to last year in Dallas. Figures for the second week were particularly strong. Organizers are encouraged that attendance for the second week of play in Nashville grew by 23% compared to the first week. State of play: Robust Community support is part of the Haslam family's sales pitch for a WNBA franchise in Nashville. Former Gov. Bill Haslam and his wife, Crissy Haslam, want to name the team the Tennessee Summitt in honor of legendary Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt. Vanderbilt and Middle Tennessee women's hoops also have proud traditions. What we're watching: The WNBA is expected to announce its next expansion team later this year. What's next: The tournament is in week 3 of 4. The next two games take place Wednesday night at 5pm and 7:30pm. Details and tickets here.
New York Times
30-01-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Nashville group submits bid for WNBA expansion team ‘Tennessee Summitt'
A number of University of Tennessee legends are eyeing a new venture for their state — a WNBA expansion team. On Thursday, Bill Haslam — chairman of the NHL's Nashville Predators and former governor of the state of Tennessee — and his wife Crissy said they were leading a group of investors in the submission of a WNBA expansion team bid. Candace Parker, a three-time WNBA champion and two-time NCAA champion at Tennessee, and former Tennessee star quarterback Peyton Manning will also be partners in the bid, per the group. Advertisement The group said they planned to submit a bid Thursday afternoon in hopes of bringing a franchise to Nashville for the 2028 season. 'We believe a WNBA team, based in Nashville, could serve as a beacon for girls and women, young and old, across Tennessee, while also creating more opportunities for sports fans as our community continues to grow,' Bill Haslam said in a statement. 'In building this new franchise, we will take inspiration from the Nashville Predators and its 'community-first' approach to running the business. This WNBA team will establish itself as a mainstay in Nashville and communities throughout the state of Tennessee.' The group is proposing to name the team the 'Tennessee Summitt,' in honor of former Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt. It would play inside Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, home of the Predators, and as part of the bid, the group would build a new practice facility. News of the Nashville bid comes during a growth period in the WNBA, which intends to expand to 16 teams by 2028. Its 13th team, the Golden State Valkyries, will debut in 2025 as the first WNBA expansion team since the Atlanta Dream in 2008. The 14th and 15th teams — which will be located in Toronto and Portland, Ore. — will debut in 2026. While Nashville would be just the second WNBA team in the southeastern United States, the opportunity to be the 16th team in the league has plenty of potential suitors. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made a pitch earlier this fall for a WNBA franchise in Kansas City. Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is backing a potential bid in his native St. Louis. Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said in September that he planned to submit a bid. Additionally, the Detroit Pistons have been in conversation with the WNBA league office regarding league expansion plans. The Milwaukee Bucks ownership group has submitted a proposal. And earlier in January, the Philadelphia 76ers said they would partner with Comcast Spectator to work with the city to bring a WNBA team to the market. Advertisement At her annual WNBA Finals news conference last fall, commissioner Cathy Engelbert said there were 10 to 12 cities that were viable options for a potential 16th team. Before her comments, Engelbert told The Athletic there was so much positive momentum around further expansion that the league decided to pause its search to reassess where it stands and hire an investment banker to run it. Nevertheless, as interest soars, and the prospective price tag for the franchise increases, Nashville feels confident in its bid. 'Nashville is a great sports city, and the state of Tennessee is no stranger to great women's basketball,' Nashville mayor Freddie O'Connell said in a statement. 'The Haslams have stepped up to make a competitive bid for a WNBA franchise. A professional women's sports team is the missing piece of Nashville's landscape, and I'm thrilled with the possibility of adding to our great sports environment.'
