With heartfelt sadness, we reflect on the life of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. His legacy, intricately woven into the fabric of American history, spans decades, marked not only by his time in the White House but equally by his profound humanitarian efforts thereafter.

The Legacy of Jimmy Carter

Carter’s journey began on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. Born to a family deeply rooted in farming and community service, he grew up with a unique perspective shaped by both adversity and privilege. His early life instilled in him values of hard work, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to social justice, setting the stage for a future where he would be revered not just as a politician but as a humanitarian.

His presidency, while often overshadowed by challenges such as economic downturns and geopolitical tensions, saw landmark achievements like the Camp David Accords, which established peace between Israel and Egypt, and the formation of essential governmental departments like the Department of Energy and Education. Though his presidency faced criticism and ended after one term, Carter never wavered in his dedication to public service.

Upon leaving the White House, Carter seamlessly transitioned from politics to philanthropy. He approached his post-presidency years with the same vigor and passion as his earlier career, founding the Carter Center, where he championed global health initiatives, human rights awareness, and democratic governance. His work drew international recognition, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, a testament to his enduring impact on the world stage.

Carter’s charisma and compassion extended beyond boardrooms and political rallies. He was a humble man who continued to embody the values of a true public servant. Through Habitat for Humanity, he swung hammers alongside volunteers to build homes for those in need. He taught Sunday school in his hometown, never forgetting his roots, and remained a stalwart advocate for those less fortunate, often traveling to observe elections in developing nations.

A poignant moment in his later years was the announcement in February 2023, wherein he chose to enter hospice care, a decision that echoed his life’s philosophy—embracing life with dignity and grace. In his final days, surrounded by family, including his beloved wife Rosalynn, who had passed just a few weeks earlier, Carter exemplified what it means to lead a life filled with love and meaning.

Carter was more than a president; he became a giant in American ideals, a figure of resilience and a living reminder that true leadership often shines brightest in service rather than power. His long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes, even amidst personal health challenges, demonstrated his conviction that we all have a role to play in making the world a better place.

He might have described himself with characteristic humility, saying, “I can’t deny that I was a better ex-president than I was a president.” Yet, his contributions resonate deeply within the hearts of many who recognize that his legacy as a humanitarian far outweighs any political measure of success.

As we bid farewell to Jimmy Carter, we honor not just a former president but a compassionate figure whose life reminds us all about the power of service, love, and humility. His spirit will continue to inspire generations, encouraging us to express kindness to others, fight for justice, and strive for peace across the globe. Rest in peace, President Carter. Your light will always shine in the lives you’ve touched.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Carter

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Joshua Lens, University of Iowa

Ever since the NCAA permitted college athletes to get paid by companies that use their names, images and likenesses, athletes have tested the limits of their increasing power.

One of the latest examples is Matthew Sluka, the starting quarterback for UNLV’s first three games of the 2024 season. After helping lead UNLV to three wins and potential contention for a prestigious College Football Playoff bid, Sluka announced on Sept. 24, 2024, he would sit out the rest of the season. His decision is the result of a dispute over compensation for use of his name, image and likeness, commonly referred to as NIL.

While the decision sent shock waves through college athletics, it also shines light on the changing balance of power that favors athletes over their coaches and universities.

As a former lawyer and college athletics compliance administrator – and also as a current university faculty member who has authored several law review articles on legal issues related to NIL – I suggest that Sluka’s situation exemplifies how collegiate athletes can use recent NCAA rules changes to improve their financial situation in the NIL era of college athletics.

Promises and denials

Sluka’s NIL agent claims a UNLV assistant coach failed to fulfill a promise he made Sluka during the recruiting process. That promise, according to Sluka’s agent, was that Sluka would receive US$100,000 of NIL compensation from an NIL collective should he attend UNLV. NIL collectives are generally formed to pool individuals’ and businesses’ funds to provide NIL opportunities and compensation for athletes.

Any such promise by a UNLV assistant coach would violate current NCAA policy. That’s because NCAA policy prohibits coaches from making NIL compensation offers contingent on whether a student enrolls. NIL collectives, on the other hand, may negotiate with athletes during the recruiting process as the result of a U.S. District Court ruling. That ruling prohibits the NCAA from penalizing collectives that negotiate NIL compensation with athletes during the recruiting process.

In a forthcoming BYU Law Review article, however, I suggest that a university whose star athlete transfers because another school’s collective recruited the athlete possesses a viable legal claim against the collective. That claim would be for inducing the athlete to transfer and violate their athletics scholarship agreement.

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UNLV denies Sluka’s version of events. The university asserts that Sluka’s representative demanded more compensation from UNLV and its NIL collective in order for Sluka to continue playing. UNLV says it then refused, as such a “pay-for-play” agreement violates NCAA policy, which states that athletes may not accept NIL compensation based on “play” or on-field results.

Perceptions and ‘pay-to-play’

In Sluka’s case, further complicating things is the issue of whether Sluka’s NIL representative is properly registered with the state as an agent, as required by Nevada law. The state may be interested in pursuing enforcement, given the Nevada secretary of state’s relationship with UNLV’s NIL collective. More specifically, Nevada Secretary of State Francisco V. Aguilar co-founded Blueprint Sports, which operates the collective.

NCAA rules allow a football player to retain a year of eligibility if they play in four or fewer games in a season. Sluka exercised this ability by leaving his team. There is little that UNLV can do about it beyond taking away Sluka’s athletic scholarship for leaving the team.

Universities, however, must be increasingly sensitive to providing the necessary procedures, such as hearings and appeal opportunities, before disciplining athletes in the NIL era. As I explain in a forthcoming SMU Law Review article, a recent U.S. District Court decision involving then-University of Illinois men’s basketball player Terrence Shannon Jr. precluded the university from enforcing its suspension of Shannon without providing appropriate processes, lest he lose out on NIL compensation, which the court classified as a constitutionally protected interest.

A slew of lawsuits

Before it granted college athletes the ability to get paid through NIL deals, the NCAA faced long-standing criticism that its policies were unfair to athletes. The argument was that athletes benefited relatively little compared with the NCAA, conferences and universities, even though it was the athletes who provided the product. Along those lines, former college football stars Terrelle Pryor, Reggie Bush and Denard Robinson all recently filed separate lawsuits against the NCAA over denied NIL compensation opportunities.

Some college football luminaries are now questioning whether the pendulum of power has swung too far in favor of athletes in the NIL era. Examples include former Alabama head coach Nick Saban and former Ohio State quarterback and longtime ESPN commentator Kirk Herbstreit. Saban has openly wondered whether the current college football model is sustainable. Herbstreit has lamented “the players having all the control” without any accountability to their coaches and universities.

High-profile college football players, such as quarterbacks Kelly Bryant and D’Eriq King and receiver Gary Bryant Jr., previously exploited NCAA rules permitting them to play in four games and then transfer to another university without sacrificing a season of competition eligibility.

At least publicly, their decisions were due to on-field considerations such as playing time. Sluka’s decision to forgo playing the rest of the season and transfer was different. It is the first time – but likely not the last – a college athlete has publicly based their decision to leave their team mid-season on an NIL dispute.

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Sluka’s departure from UNLV makes clear that collegiate athletes’ power to move freely between universities in pursuit of their best financial situation has greatly increased. Meanwhile, their coaches’ and universities’ power to keep them on the team and participating has significantly decreased.

Joshua Lens, Associate Professor of Instruction of Sport & Recreation Management, University of Iowa

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The Sports section of STM Daily News is your ultimate destination for all things sports, catering to everyday fans and dedicated enthusiasts alike. We cover a wide range of topics, from the thrill of amateur competitions to the excitement of semi-professional and professional leagues. Our content delves into physical and mental fitness, providing insights and tips that help individuals elevate their performance, whether on the field or in their personal wellness journeys. Stay informed and inspired as we explore the dynamic world of sports, celebrating both the passion of the players and the joy of the fans.

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As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving shines brightest among those who truly understand the value of community. This year, on December 20th, Jon Taylor, the compassionate founder of Assistory Outreach Services, brought joy and warmth to the residents of Tanner Garden Senior Apartment Complex south of downtown Phoenix for the third consecutive year. With his amazing team of volunteers by his side, Jon organized a heartfelt Senior Assist Day, dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the lives of our beloved senior citizens.

A Celebration of Community and Care

“Senior Assist Day is all about reaching out to one of our most precious commodities, seniors,” Jon said warmly during the event. For many older adults, the holidays can be a time of loneliness, especially when family is far away or when mobility issues prevent them from gathering with friends. Recognizing the potential for increased feelings of isolation and depression during this festive season, Jon and his team made it their mission to ensure that no one feels forgotten.

On this cheerful day, Tanner Garden was filled with laughter, love, and joy as volunteers came together to provide gifts, food, and live music. The air was alive with the sounds of celebration, serving as a reminder that holiday spirit is best when shared.

Building on Success Year After Year

Reflecting on the event, Jon expressed excitement about the growth of Senior Assist Day, stating, “Each year just gets better and better.” In only three years, the event has already grown significantly, and Jon has plans to expand even further in 2025. With hopes of increasing participation from the resident community, his goal is to provide gifts for at least 124 residents next year.

“This year we had 77 participants, and I think we can do more!” Jon said with determination. “Sometimes it’s about overcoming hesitations, and I’d love to offer some added services that they’ve requested, like haircuts and nail polishing for the ladies.”

Community Partnerships Make a Difference

Jon was quick to express gratitude for the invaluable partnerships that have helped bring this event to life. Walmart has been a significant sponsor for the past two years, generously providing delicious meals for the seniors. “I couldn’t have done it without them,” Jon stated, honoring the store’s commitment to the community.

Food for the event was provided and served by Kurt Riske, along with his assistant, from Los Sombreros, a local Mexican restaurant known for its elevated and contemporary-casual Mexican dishes.

In addition, he gave a shout-out to Best Buy for their support and recognized the contributions of his volunteers, who consistently show up with genuine enthusiasm and dedication. “I’m fortunate to have a wonderful team of 10 to 15 volunteers who step up at a moment’s notice,” he said.

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A Day to Remember

As the event unfolded, residents danced to holiday tunes, enjoyed mouthwatering treats, and opened thoughtfully curated gifts filled with love and care. The smiles on their faces and the joy in their laughter told a beautiful story of connection and community spirit.

Jon Taylor is more than just a compassionate individual; he is an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of caring for our senior citizens. By creating spaces where they feel valued and celebrated, he continues to forge stronger community bonds, paving the way for a brighter future for our elders.

As we wrap up another successful year of Senior Assist Day, we can’t wait to see what Jon and Assistory Outreach Services will bring to Tanner Garden and beyond in 2025. Together, let’s keep spreading the cheer and reminding our seniors that they are truly loved and cherished. After all, they are our most precious commodity!

If you would like to get involved or support this noble cause, consider reaching out to Assistory Outreach Services to become part of Jon’s volunteering team or to help in securing sponsorships and gifts for future events. Your contributions can make all the difference in bringing joy to those who have given us so much.

For more information about the Assistory Organization, check out this link: https://assistoryoutreachservices.com

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

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