Latest news with #TexasSouthern


Fox News
18-07-2025
- Fox News
Former college football star, 24, fatally shot in Texas parking garage dispute; suspect faces murder charge
A former college football star was shot and killed following a physical altercation that turned deadly in a Texas parking garage last week. Former Texas Southern football player Tyler Martinez was tragically killed on July 11 when he was allegedly shot several times by 22-year-old Isaac Jasper Robinson during a dispute in the parking garage of an apartment complex where both men reportedly lived, Houston Police said this week. Police have since arrested and charged Robinson with murder. "Tyler was a young man who was loved by his teammates and his personality was larger than life," football chief of staff Charles Nichols said in a statement from the university. "In his mind, he was the best rapper on the team, and on the field, he was always trying to become a better football player. I will cherish our talks we had concerning life after football. I was so proud of him when he got his degree and started on his master's degree. He will truly be missed because there was only one Tyler Martinez." Police in Texas were called to the scene just after 8 p.m. Once there, officers found Martinez unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene by paramedics. Houston police arrested Robinson after saying he "returned to the scene." He was charged with murder. According to KHOU, he is a current student at Texas Southern, but the two men were not known to one another. Texas Southern wide receivers coach Jerwin Wilson remembered Martinez as a "joy to be around." "He was a very adventurous person who could spark a light in any room," he said in a statement provided by the university. Martinez was a defensive lineman at Texas Southern where he registered 82 total tackles, including 5.5 sacks across four seasons. In his junior year, he was second on the team with 44 tackles and led the team with 3.5 sacks. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.


Miami Herald
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
One of the fastest two-sport athletes in the country chooses HBCU
Texas Southern University has secured one of the fastest high school athletes in the country. Louisiana state champion Josh Brown has signed with the Texas Southern men's track & field team for the 2025-26 season. The latest proof that HBCU programs aren't just in the race - they're setting the pace in recruiting elite talent. Brown, a native of New Orleans, graduated from Holy Cross High School with a standout track record. He currently holds Louisiana's top times in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. Nationally, he ranks fourth in the 200 meters. His 4×100-meter relay team also led the state this season. At the 2025 LHSAA Class 5A Outdoor State Championships, Brown won gold in the 100, 200, and anchored the 4×100 relay team. He also captured the indoor 60-meter title earlier in the year. His performances rewrote the Holy Cross record books. Texas Southern head coach Clyde Duncan Sr. believes Brown will make an immediate impact. Brown also shines in the classroom. He maintains straight A's and has a strong GPA. That maturity, combined with his drive to improve, made him a top target. Brown is also an accomplished football player. He earned all-state and all-district honors in high school. With a strong resume in two sports, he drew interest from numerous colleges across the country. Texas Southern University's family culture played a key role in his decision. Former TSU standout Eric Smith, now a successful high school coach in Louisiana, helped guide Brown during the recruiting process. Head coach Duncan is no stranger to success. He became the first men's track & field coach in over 20 years to win the SWAC trifecta-indoor, outdoor, and cross country-in back-to-back seasons. With Brown now on board, Texas Southern is reloading for another run at history. The addition of Josh Brown supercharges TSU's sprint program while amplifying the growing power of HBCU athletics across the country. The post One of the fastest two-sport athletes in the country chooses HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Texas Southern University Announces the Establishment of the William A. Lawson Endowment
HOUSTON, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Southern University (TSU) is pleased to announce the establishment of the William A. Lawson Endowment, a scholarship initiative that honors the enduring legacy of the late Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson, a revered civil rights leader, spiritual icon, and longtime community advocate. The endowment is being established through a generous initial gift of $200,000 from Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, matched by $200,000 from the university's Office of Civil Rights, for a total value of $400,000. "Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson was a pillar in our community who embodied the values of education and faith," said Texas Southern University president James W. Crawford III. "Through this endowment, we celebrate his legacy while empowering future generations to follow in his footsteps to fearlessly speak truth to power while operating with humility, grace, and commitment to service over self." The William A. Lawson Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to full-time undergraduate students at TSU who meet the following criteria: Be in good academic standing with the University Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 Pursuing a degree in Political Science, Theology, Psychology, Sociology, or Education Scholarship recipients will not only benefit from financial support but will also carry forward the ideals Rev. Lawson championed—academic excellence, community service, and social justice. "This endowment is a testament to the commitment of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and the Lawson family to academic excellence," said Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, Senior Pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. "Texas Southern University students have been a part of the fabric of our church's life since our inception in 1962. We are delighted to partner with Texas Southern to honor the legacy of our Founding Pastor through this most meaningful initiative. Additionally, we look forward to the impact this endowment will make on the lives of each scholarship recipient and the countless lives they, in turn, will touch." Through Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson, a beloved pastor, civil rights champion, and founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, the University and the church are inextricably linked. He moved to Houston in 1955 to serve as the director of Texas Southern's Baptist Student Union and professor of Bible. The Lawsons organized the church in the living room of their home on TSU's campus, which also served as the Baptist Student Union. Rev. Lawson's dedication to equality, faith, and education inspired countless individuals across generations. Through this endowment, his vision for a more just and educated society will continue to thrive within the Texas Southern community. About Texas Southern UniversityTexas Southern University (TSU) honors our designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. As such, TSU is a comprehensive university providing higher education access to the nation's underserved communities with academic and research programs that address critical urban issues and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. A distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. CONTACT:Tracy Clemons713-313-7371832-986-9101 [cell] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Texas Southern University Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
HBCU administrator responds to sexual assault allegations
The post HBCU administrator responds to sexual assault allegations appeared first on ClutchPoints. Texas Southern Athletic Director Kevin Granger is denying all allegations of sexual assault after a lawsuit was filed by Tony Buzbee's law firm. Granger has been placed on leave as the university continues to investigate the incident. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a Texas Southern staff member who alleges that Granger groped her vagina and breast and used vulgar language towards her while she was in his office. Granger is being represented by Attorney Letitia Quinones-Hollins, who released a statement saying that the claims against Granger are untrue. 'These are serious allegations, and they deserve a serious response, which we will make at the appropriate time and in court,' Quinones-Hollins wrote. 'In the meantime, I can tell you that no sexual assault occurred, and any indication that it did is false. Dr. Granger is an incredibly well-respected part of the TSU community, and his work there, over many years, has created opportunities for the school and its students that did not exist before.' According to the lawsuit, Granger solicited a staff member for sex when she was in his office, claiming that doing so would 'help her career.' According to the lawsuit, Granger began by improperly feeling the victim down in inappropriate places and inquiring whether she was wearing a wire or filming him. For thirty-two years, Granger has been associated with Texas Southern first as a standout basketball player and then as an athletic administrator. In 2019, he was promoted to the position of athletic director. Granger has not commented on the allegations. On June 3, however, the university issued a press release claiming that it is aware of the accusations and is looking into them. 'Texas Southern University became aware of the allegations involving a senior member of the leadership team following the filing of civil litigation,' said the statement from Communications Manager Kerrigan Williams. 'The University takes all allegations of misconduct seriously, as the safety of our students, student-athletes, and employees is our top priority. As a standard practice, the University does not comment on pending litigation.' On the other hand, Buzbee's sexual misconduct cases against prominent Black men, such as former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and rap moguls Jay-Z and Sean 'Diddy' Combs, have made him a more contentious figure. Also, on June 3, his office released a statement claiming that Granger used inappropriate language with the victim, who has not been named. 'The Buzbee Law Firm filed suit today in Harris County State Court on behalf of [the alleged victim] against Kevin Granger, Athletic Director for TSU. The case alleges that on April 30, 2025, Athletic Director Granger invited [the alleged victim] to his office. While there, Granger repeatedly asked [the alleged victim] if she was 'recording him' or 'wearing a wire' while he proceeded to inappropriately pat her down. The statement continued, 'The lawsuit further alleges that Granger continued to question [the alleged victim] about her relationship history and if she had ever been romantically involved with a colleague. According to the suit, Granger's questions became increasingly vulgar and graphic. As set forth in the lawsuit, Granger ultimately propositioned [the alleged victim] seeking sex while at the same time groping her breasts and vagina and manipulating her hand onto his erect penis. According to the facts set forth in detail in the suit, Granger told [the alleged victim] if she would comply with his requests, he could 'help her career.' 'The lawsuit further details that [the alleged victim] bravely resisted Granger's advances and was ultimately able to extricate herself from Granger's office. 'Reports have been made with the Houston Police Department, the EEOC, and the Human Resources department at TSU.' Related: Fisk University gymnastics program set to end next year Related: Kenny Latimore & Chanté Moore's son graduates from an HBCU

Miami Herald
05-06-2025
- Miami Herald
HBCU AD being sued for $1 million over alleged SA
HOUSTON – HBCU Texas Southern University placed a senior Vice President of intercollegiate athletics Dr. Kevin Granger on official on leave after a civil lawsuit accused him of sexual assault and harassment. A university staff member filed the suit, naming Granger as the defendant. The plaintiff filed the lawsuit on June 2, 2025, in Harris County District Court. She claims Granger made unwanted physical contact that caused bodily injury. Attorney Tony Buzbee's law firm represents the plaintiff, who seeks over \$1 million in damages, including legal fees and interest. The filing requests a Level 3 Discovery Control Plan under Texas law. This type of plan suggests the case involves complex matters. The plaintiff also requested a trial by jury. Texas Southern, a leading HBCU, responded by confirming it knew about the lawsuit and emphasized its commitment to safety. In a statement to HBCU Gameday, the university said: "Texas Southern University became aware of the allegations involving a senior member of the leadership team following the filing of civil litigation. The University takes all allegations of misconduct seriously, as the safety of our students, student-athletes, and employees is our top priority. As a standard practice, the University does not comment on pending litigation." The university also sent a message to alumni and staff. It explained that it launched an independent investigation and placed the executive on leave to ensure a fair review. While the lawsuit does not name Texas Southern as a defendant, the university said it would uphold its policies and values throughout the process. This situation continues to gain attention across the HBCU community. With more details of the accusations now public, many are watching how the case unfolds. HBCU Gameday will provide further updates as new information emerges. The post HBCU AD being sued for $1 million over alleged SA appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025