In this week’s review, FC Cincinnati faces their worst public relations crisis yet. While local college basketball teams face pivotal tests with March approaching.

Ron Jans resigns from FC Cincinnati amid racist slur allegation

Roughly five years after launching, FC Cincinnati’s long honeymoon is effectively over. With the soccer team facing their biggest public relations disaster yet. This PR nightmare came through the controversy that prompted Ron Jans to resign. Jans was the manager of the team until resigning on Tuesday. His resignation came in the wake of a Major League Soccer investigation. Launched over allegations that he used a racial slur in the locker room. Coming weeks before the opening game of their 2020 season.

Ultimately, this controversy might be the only memorable part of the Jans era in Cincinnati. He took over an already struggling FC Cincinnati team last August. The team wrapped up 2019 in last place in MLS. FCC’s lackluster inaugural MLS season likely didn’t surprise many fans and analysts. One could chalk it up to the growing pains of an expansion franchise.

Before last week, FCC was living a charmed life PR-wise. From starting up, attracting good crowds, winning an MLS expansion bid and more. The worst press they got largely surrounded eminent domain struggles. Part of the process of building their future stadium. The doldrums of two other Cincinnati sports teams also enhanced FCC’s public image.

FC Cincinnati generated buzz while the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals floundered. The Reds haven’t qualified for Major League Baseball’s Postseason since 2013. While the Bengals had the worst record in the National Football League last year. Leaving fans in Cincinnati yearning for a good professional sports story. FCC’s rise provided fans with that good story by contrast.

Now, the Reds are showing signs of being a potential contenders this year. The Bengals will have offseason buzz surrounding their first overall NFL Draft pick. While FC Cincinnati is facing a controversy over racism days before their season starts. Turning to Yoann Damet for the second time in a year to be their interim manager. Guiding the team into the kickoff of Major League Soccer’s 25th season.

The College Basketball Weekly Roundup

Cincinnati Basketball scraped through another wild week. Losing 89-87 to UCF Basketball in Orlando last Wednesday. With Jarron Cumberland’s buzzer beater attempt coming a millisecond too late. The Cincinnati Bearcats rebounded at home on Sunday afternoon. Beating Wichita State Basketball 67-64; through clutch free-throws in the final seconds.

Xavier Basketball began last week with a win at Madison Square Garden. As the Xavier Musketeers beat St. John’s Basketball 77-74 last Monday. With Zach Freemantle coming through with clutch plays in the closing seconds. Xavier missed a big opportunity to get a home top 25 win last Saturday. Losing 64-55 to No.12 Villanova Basketball; with Xavier consistently trailing throughout the game.

Northern Kentucky Basketball wrapped up their road regular season schedule last week. Beating Cleveland State Basketball 73-59 last Thursday in Cleveland. Then surviving a late push by Youngstown State Basketball on Saturday. Beating Youngstown State 61-59 after leading by nine late in the second half. Helping Youngstown State slide into a tie for third place in the Horizon League.

What to watch in College Basketball this week

NKU’s senior night and regular season finale is coming up this Friday. With a pivotal matchup against Horizon League leader Wright State Basketball. NKU trails Wright State by a game in the conference standings. Wright State won the first game handily in Dayton on January 24th. Friday’s game will tip-off at 7 PM Eastern on ESPNU.

Cincinnati’s NCAA Tournament hopes will face a major test this coming Sunday. Travelling to face No.22 Houston Basketball, with the AAC regular season title on the line. Both teams lead with 11-4 conference records going into this week. The Bearcats have the head-to-head advantage going into Houston. Beating Houston 64-62 back on February 1st in Cincinnati. A Bearcats win could move them into a more stable place bracketology-wise. This Sunday’s game will tip-off at 1 PM Eastern on ESPN.

Unlike NKU and UC, Xavier will have two games this week. Facing DePaul Basketball at home this Tuesday night. That Mardi Gras matchup will tip-off at 7 PM Eastern on CBS Sports Network. Xavier will travel to Washington D.C. this coming Sunday. Facing Georgetown Basketball at 2 PM Eastern on CBS. Xavier’s loss to Villanova leaves them with less room for error heading into March. Facing two of the bottom three teams in the Big East Conference.