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Chris “Juice” Johnson, a former college football player for the Florida Gators, has died. Johnson, who was only 22-years-old, was discovered dead in his car with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in western Pennsylvania. A medical examiner ruled the death of the Florida native a suicide. Johnson transferred to Duquesne University after the 2012 season. “Everyone associated with the Duquesne football program is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Chris,” said Jerry Schmitt, head football coach at Duquesne. “Chris was a passionate football player who was also a great teammate, who was loved by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris’ family at this difficult time.” Read more.


Iowa Man Walks 35 Miles to Work Every Day to Support Sick Wife

Imagine spending nearly four hours per day walking 35 miles to work. For many of us it sounds unbelievable, but for 61-year-old Steven Simoff, it’s reality. Simoff, who works as a janitor, walks 35 miles to his night shift so that he can make money to support his sick wife. He leaves his home at 3:30 p.m. to make it on time for his 11:00 p.m. late shift. “If I don’t get to work, bills don’t get paid. As long as my two feet are good and my health is good, I don’t think I’ll change,” he said. Stories of transportation struggles have been making headlines recently. An African-American man named James Robertson shared how he walked 8 hours to work every day and received $350,000 from a GoFundMe campaign, and a new Ford Taurus. Read more.


New Series about the Underground Railroad to Star Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Aldis Hodge

A new scripted television series will delve into the lives of slaves who utilized the Underground Railroad to lead them to freedom. WGN America announced they will be adding the show “Underground” to their lineup. The show, which was a straight-to-series order, will star Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Christopher Meloni, and Jessica De Gouw. “Underground” will be centered on slaves and the risks they took while trying to escape slavery, the men and women who put their lives on the line to help them move closer towards freedom, and the individuals who were enlisted to capture escaped slaves. The show was created by Misha Green and Joe Pokaski, who are best known for their work on “Sons of Anarchy” and “CSI.” The first two episodes will be directed by Anthony Hemingway. Read more.


Speaking of the Smollets, Jussie Smollet Checks Hater Who Hurled Homophobic Slur

Actor Jussie Smollet isn’t only an advocate for the LGBT community on screen in his role as Jamal Lyon in “Empire,” he is off screen as well. He recently checked a person on Twitter after they tweeted about the show being connected to sin. “@EmpireFOX @JussieSmollett @TherealTaraji this show is mixing God in as an approver of sin. Use your gifts to halt HIV not to glorify sin.,” read the tweet. “Da hell r u even talking about?” Smollet responded. Read more.

NewsOne Roundup: Former Florida Gator Football Player Dies at 22…AND MORE  was originally published on newsone.com