Alabama News

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Friday at 2:50 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:15 p.m. for Coffee and Geneva counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:50 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Opp, moving northeast at 30 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Elba, Kinston, Alberton, Perry Store, Carl Folsom A/p, Rhoades, Ino, Turner Crossroads, Goodman, New Haven, Basin, Holley Store, Enterprise Municipal A/P and Lowery.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of rapid water flow:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

A few years down the road, Huntsville residents will be able to walk or ride a bike from Alabama A&M to an event at the Von Braun Center or an entertainment venue like Stovehouse along Governors Drive using “Skybridge” to cross Memorial Parkway.

City officials unveiled part of that vision during an open house at City Hall on Thursday night.

“It can’t come soon enough,” Huntsville resident Ben Payment told AL.com.

He would be among the residents most likely to use the greenway discussed at the open house. He rode his bicycle to see what the city has planned.

Consultants were on hand with maps, renderings, and ideas to share with residents about what is right now being called the North Huntsville Greenway. It would connect the Meek Greenway under design at Alabama A&M to the greenway being created by the $65 million Pinhook Creek project that includes the “Skybridge” pedestrian bridge across Memorial Parkway near the VBC.

“I’ve been a bike advocate for a decade in the community,” Payment said. “It’s not just a recreation outlet. It’s about connecting the community where you don’t have to have a car to get to work downtown or get to school. And having these greenways come together and form networks as alternatives to roads is really important.”

Atlanta firm Lord Aeck Sargent has been working on the plans for about 10 months, according to the company’s director of urban design, landscaping and architecture Matt Cherry. He said they’ve spent several days walking the corridor, “trying to understand the corridor better.”

“We’re trying to figure out where the trail system should go through the city of Huntsville,” he said.

Cherry said his firm is looking at future open spaces with the potential for new parks and community gathering places. They are also looking at potential places for public and private investment.

“We think this is a really transformative project,” added Dennis Madsen, the city’s manager of urban and long-range planning. “We’re excited about what this can do for this part of north Huntsville. We’re excited about what this will do for the quality of life for residents. We’re excited about the investment opportunities. This is a unique tool for areas that struggle to attract investment.”

Eva Harris, who works with Thrive Alabama, said the area covered by the greenway segment has been overlooked for a long time.

“I think the city is working really hard with consultants, people in the neighborhoods, the organizations in the neighborhoods to try and make sure it’s a vibrant neighborhood,” Harris said.

Thrive Alabama is building a 72,000-square-foot, $35 million health center adjacent to the proposed greenway. The greenway will also be near the $400 million Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative revitalization project. Residents who will live there in a mixture of market value, work force and low-income housing would have access to the greenway through “Skybridge.”

The greenway will also be within walking distance of the $375 million mixed-use Front Row development being constructed on the former Coca Cola plant site across from the VBC at the corner of Monroe Street and Clinton Avenue.

“It enhances everything, especially quality of life,” said Brian Williams, who like Payment describes himself as a cyclist. “People moving here come from cities that have more infrastructure that accommodates walking, biking, skateboarding. We’ve got to catch up. We’ve definitely got to make things more inviting.”

Cherry said the greenway project is being modeled after Atlanta’s Beltline but said there are parts of it that will be unique to Huntsville.

The project is also being compared to Birmingham’s Rotary Trail, Greenville, South Carolina’s Swamp Rabbit Trail and New York City’s High Line.

The Writers Guild of America wants Paramount investigated for bribery after news of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” being canceled.

Variety reports the WGA said it has “significant concerns” that the move may have been a way to bribe president Donald Trump into sanctioning Paramount’s pending acquisition by Skydance.

“On July 2nd, Paramount agreed to settle a baseless lawsuit brought against 60 Minutes and CBS News by President Trump for $16 million,” the statement read. “On July 15, during a regular show of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Colbert went on-air and called the settlement a ‘big fat bribe’ in exchange for a favorable decision on the proposed merger between Paramount and Skydance, a charge currently under investigation in California.

According to Variety, Colbert has been a critic of Trump, having referred to Paramount’s recent $16 million settlement with the president as “a big fat bribe.”

“Less than 48 hours later, on July 17, Paramount canceled ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,’ a show currently performing first in its timeslot, giving vague references to the program’s ‘financial performance’ as the only explanation. For 10 years, the show has been one of the most successful, beloved and profitable programs on CBS, entertaining an audience of millions on late night television, on streaming services and across social media.

“Given Paramount’s recent capitulation to President Trump in the CBS News lawsuit, the Writers Guild of America has significant concerns that The Late Show’s cancelation is a bribe, sacrificing free speech to curry favor with the Trump Administration as the company looks for merger approval.

“Cancelations are part of the business, but a corporation terminating a show in bad faith due to explicit or implicit political pressure is dangerous and unacceptable in a democratic society. Paramount’s decision comes against a backdrop of relentless attacks on a free press by President Trump, through lawsuits against CBS and ABC, threatened litigation of media organizations with critical coverage, and the unconscionable defunding of PBS and NPR.”

Check out the full report and statement at Variety.

The network, which has aired Colbert’s show since 2015, said Thursday this version of “The Late Show” had an “historic run.”

“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire ‘THE LATE SHOW’ franchise at that time,” CBS executives said in a joint statement. “We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.

“This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”

Colbert, who replaced David Letterman on the show, announced the news on his show Thursday.

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs said Friday that it will take 12-14 months and cost $50 to $60 million to repair the new state veterans home damaged in a fire this spring.

The Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home in Enterprise had about 90 occupants when the fire struck on April 16. There were no injuries, the department said.

The residents were moved to the Enterprise Health and Rehabilitation Center.

In a news release, the department said Commissioner Jeff Newton and Enterprise Mayor William Cooper met with the displaced veterans on Thursday to provide an update on restoration of the facility.

“We continue to work diligently to ensure that every resident of the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home is able to return safely and comfortably as soon as possible,” Newton said.

“This is a complex process involving many moving parts, and we are grateful for the continued patience and understanding shown by our veterans and their families. Our top priority remains the health and well-being of our veterans, and we are committed to restoring their home with the care and dignity they deserve.”

The Bennie G. Adkins Home opened last year and is the fifth state veterans home in Alabama. Construction cost of the home was $98.8 million, the department said.

Brandon Miller, director of outreach for the veterans department, said funding for the repair will be covered through the Alabama Division of Risk Management and insurance reimbursement.

Planning for the Bennie G. Adkins home started back in 2018, partly to help reduce a waiting list for the other veterans homes.

Those are the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City, the Tut Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville, the William F. Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette, and the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City.

The homes provide nursing home-level skilled care.

Sandra Lucas, deputy commissioner of the veterans department, said the fire started during a project to install stairs for roof access.

Lucas said the fire was contained to the roof. But smoke and water damaged other portions of the facility, including the kitchen and utilities.

Lucas said the occupants were evacuated in less than 30 minutes.

“Everybody was safe with equipment that they had to have,” Lucas said.

“Enterprise, the community, the home, everybody just stepped up and made the transition into a temporary living space really nice.

“We will never have enough words of appreciation for that community.”

The National Weather Service issued a report at 2:13 p.m. on Friday for strong thunderstorms until 3 p.m. for Pike County.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:13 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Glenwood, or near Goshen, moving northeast at 10 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Troy, Brundidge, Goshen, Banks, Kent, Antioch, Linwood, Ansley, Troy Municipal Airport, Troy University, Monticello, Orion, Springhill, Josie, Sandfield, Brundidge Municipal Airport, Mossy Grove and Henderson.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of rapid water flow:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

A 37-year-old Alabama man has been sentenced to life in prison following his guilty plea to the murder a young mother who was found slain and wrapped in a blanket in a wooded area.

Michael Wade Tucker entered his guilty plea Friday morning, according to 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin.

Family members reported Laci Cheyenne Whitson, 21, missing on June 29, 2024.

The investigation showed Tucker had picked up Whitson in Florence during the early morning hours of June 26 and taken her to his home on County Road 52 in northeast Fayette County.

One June 30, 2024, investigators searched Tucker’s home and surrounding property.

They determined Whitson has been shot inside the home.

Her remains were found concealed in a boat on the property, and her clothing and personal belongings were located inside the house.

Tucker was charged, he said, within 24 hours of Whitson’s body being found.

Whitson left behind a young son.

Hamlin thanked the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, the State Bureau of Investigation, the district attorney’s Criminal Investigation Division, and Chief Assistant District Attorney Jack Nolen.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the witnesses who came forward and the law enforcement agencies that worked this case so thoroughly,” Hamlin said. “Because of their efforts, we were able to build a solid case that the defendant had no choice but to plead guilty.”

With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt manning their offensive tackles, Los Angeles has “two great ones,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh.

Los Angeles signed Mekhi Becton to a two-year, $20 million contract as a free agent in March, putting a 2024 Super Bowl winner into the Chargers’ lineup at right guard.

But when Los Angeles became the first NFL team to have a full-squad training-camp practice for the 2025 season on Thursday, the Chargers still had a decision to make at the other two offensive-line positions, even though they return a starter at each spot.

Los Angeles is trying to decide if the offense will be better with Bradley Bozeman staying at center and Zion Johnson remaining at left guard or if it would be beneficial to switch their positions. Each player is working at both spots.

“I don’t know how many days it’ll go like that until we lock it in,” Harbaugh said on Thursday. “We know we got a trusted agent, known friend in Brad Bozeman at center, and we know he could be a really good guard and has been a really good guard. Zion, known friend, trusted agent, starting guard. Will it be a better combination with him at center and Boze at guard, or it’s going to be better with Zion at guard and Boze at center? Hey, let’s find out.

“And how’re we going to know? Like we do everything. They play the best, so we’ll get them in the best position for them and for our team.”

Johnson has started at guard for the Chargers since joining the team from Boston College in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

In his first season with Los Angeles, Bozeman made every offensive snap in 16 of the Chargers’ 17 games in 2024. He missed 10 snaps in the other contest. In his past 45 games, those are the only offensive snaps that Bozeman has missed out of 2,795.

Bozeman could have become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Instead, he stayed with Los Angeles for a two-year, $6.5 million contract.

Bozeman made the transition from college center to NFL guard and back to center.

A former Handley High School standout, Bozeman served as Alabama’s starting center in the 2016 and 2017 seasons, capping his career in the Crimson Tide’s 26-23 overtime victory against Georgia in the CFP national-championship game.

As a sixth-round rookie, Bozeman played 214 offensive snaps in 14 games with one start for the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. But during the next three seasons, he hardly came off the field for the Ravens offense.

With Bozeman at left guard, the Ravens rushed for more than 3,000 yards in the 2019 and 2020 seasons – two of the six times that had been accomplished in NFL history.

Bozeman shifted to center for Baltimore in 2021 and has played that position exclusively since then.

The Chargers will play in the first game on the NFL’s preseason schedule. Los Angeles will take on the Detroit Lions in the annual Hall of Fame Game on July 31 in Canton, Ohio. The Chargers also will play the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 10, Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 16 and San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 23 in preseason games.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

The Atlanta Braves play against the New York Yankees in an MLB game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6:15 p.m. CT on MLB Network. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

The Braves enter this matchup with a 42-53 record, and they have won three of their last five games. However, the team is coming off a 5-4 loss against St. Louis.

In order to bounce back tonight, the Braves will need to rely on their star player Matt Olson. He leads the Atlanta offense with 17 home runs and 61 RBI, so he will look to continue his offensive success this evening.

The Yankees enter this matchup with a 53-43 record, and they have lost back-to-back games. In their most recent game, the Yankees lost 4-1 against the Chicago Cubs.

In order to win tonight’s game, the Yankees will need a great performance from their star player Aaron Judge. He leads the New York offense with 35 home runs and 81 RBI, which highlights his power at the plate.

Fans can watch this MLB game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

By Ruben Castañeda | Edited by Patricia Guadalupe

Before he became a hip-hop basketball sneakerhead impresario, before he wrote books about his lifelong love affair with the city game and the shoes players wear on and off the court, before he was mentored by playground legend Earl “The Goat” Manigault, before he palled around with MCs and consulted for an animated movie starring A-list actors about designer kicks who embark on an adventure in New York City, Bobbito García was a skinny kid who just wanted to play ball.

In his entertaining new memoir, “Bobbito’s Book of B-Ball Bong Bong! A Memoir of Sports, Style, and Soul,” which was released July 1, García chronicles his evolution from playground baller to a D-2 college player, to a writer, basketball kicks promoter, and trusted historian-voice for a major documentary on New York hoops legends.

With colorful prose, García, 58, describes the different phases of his life through the prism of his love for basketball. In the 1950s, García’s father, Ramón, was invited to try out for a Puerto Rican professional basketball team at the age of 18. But before the tryout, Ramón’s mother asked him to move to New York City to help her care for his younger siblings. The Garcías were part of the more than 200,000 Puerto Ricans who moved to the Big Apple during the ‘50s.

García caught the hoops bug, and in 1977, at age 11, started for his sixth-grade squad, though he was “a complete burger.”

By 1981, García was a regular at the playground known as the Goat, named after Manigault, a legendary leaper whose potential pro career was derailed by a heroin habit.

“The Goat was a mythical mentor at the park who led by example, with an approachable and kind demeanor,” García writes in his book. “There was a melancholy aura to him, though. As a ballplayer in the fifties and sixties … the hard truth was that he had been an underachiever, someone who never reached his full potential.

“While Earl never had to convince me not to drink or smoke – I was already on that — the lesson he did indirectly impress upon me was that in life we can make some great decisions, and some wrong and hurtful ones. Which side did I want to stand on?”

At the Goat playground and other hoops locales, García began meeting music industry figures, making the kinds of connections that would later prove helpful. After playing for the storied Lower Merion High School basketball team in Pennsylvania (Kobe Bryant’s alma mater) by way of a college prep program for economically disadvantaged students, Bobbito played for Wesleyan University in Connecticut, a Division 2 school.

After barely leaving the bench at Wesleyan, García returned to the Goat playground, where one day Ray Díaz, a pro baller from Puerto Rico, told him after a game that he was ready to play professionally in Puerto Rico.

On the island, García didn’t play much, but he gained immeasurable pride by competing in his homeland. “I had many identity issues growing up as a Boricua who couldn’t speak Spanish,” García writes. “Black opponents in Harlem would call me whiteboy. Two Puerto Rican stickup hoods in my hood once did the same. On my visits to the island, even my cousins would call me gringo when I couldn’t understand what they were saying.”

On the island, he took in the sheer beauty of the island, “how ridiculously gorgeous the biodiversity was, from the mountains to the shores, the palm trees, the bioluminescent bay, the rainforest, the coquís singing at night, the roosters crowing in the morning, and all the enchanted tropical country could offer. For the first time in my life, I felt a spiritual connection to my heritage, one that no one could ever detract from again moving forward.”

While he never became a basketball star, García moved forward – becoming a DJ, briefly showcasing his hoops skills on a Nike commercial, interviewing Kobe Bryant for ESPN, co-hosting a hip-hop radio show, writing for basketball-themed magazines, and then penning his own books, including “Where’d You Get Those? New York City’s Sneaker Culture: 1960-1987,” winning an award from Hoops 4 Hope for giving basketball clinics in Senegal, and becoming a key figure in a Showtime documentary about star New York point guards during the 1980s and 1990s.

“Perhaps the illest component of being involved for me,” García writes, was his credit at the end of NYC Point Gods: Bobbito García, B-ball Sage. “Not bad for a Puerto Rican kid from the Goat who not a soul would have predicted would make an entire career out of loving basketball with global impact, whether storytelling, documenting, curating, teaching, announcing, performing, playing, advocating, or simply inspiring others by example,” García writes.

He’s the “Sneaker Culture Ambassador” for the 2025 animated movie “Sneaks,” which features characters voiced by stars Anthony Mackie and Laurence Fishburne.

In an interview with palabra, García says he started writing his memoir about 22 years ago, but never finished it. In 2023, he returned to it and finished it in a matter of months.

Asked what he hopes readers get from his story, García says, “You don’t have to give two (bleeps) about basketball and still enjoy my memoir. There’s a story about my family, there’s levels of identity, there’s a social justice component. I hope people read the book and maybe get inspired to go out and play, or become energized to become involved in the game and the culture if you don’t play.”