Rodd Baxley - Profile and Journalist Details

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Total articles 13547

• Manny Diaz explains why Duke football decided to play a spring game when Alabama, others didn't

  By Rodd Baxley Verified| Fayetteville Observer Verified Duke and Wake Forest were the only in-state ACC programs to have a spring game. Transfer quarterback Darian Mensah impressed in the game, connecting with receivers Que’Sean Brown and Sahmir Hagans for touchdowns. DURHAM — Duke football was the only school in the Triangle to host a spring game in 2025. North Carolina held an open practice for fans on April 12 at Kenan Stadium, but Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels took the field without names or numbers on their jerseys

  By Rodd Baxley Verified · Fayetteville Observer

  Apr. 19, 2025

• Duke football coach Manny Diaz speaks out on Florida State shooting, calls for change

  By Rodd Baxley Verified| Fayetteville Observer Verified Diaz expressed concern over the normalization of mass shootings and called for solutions. The shooting is one of at least 81 mass shootings in the United States in 2025. DURHAM — Before Duke football coach Manny Diaz discussed the Blue Devils’ spring game on April 19 at Wallace Wade Stadium, he spent 75 seconds providing his thoughts on the mass shooting at Florida State University. Two people were killed and six others were injured at FSU on April 17 in the second shooting on campus since 2014

  By Rodd Baxley Verified · Fayetteville Observer

  Apr. 19, 2025

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Fayetteville Observer

North Carolina's oldest newspaper publishing since 1816, The Fayetteville Observer is our region's premier daily news source. The Fayetteville Observer is a leader and early adopter of cutting-edge technology. In 1995, The Fayetteville Observer was one of the first newspapers in the state with its own website and was named "Best in the State" by The North Carolina Press association. The publication was recognized as one of "10 Newspapers That Do It Right" by Editor & Publisher magazine in 2018 for its work in the digital landscape due to a dedicated team that produces original content, engages with readers online and collaborates with the reporting staff. Likewise, the company's print product has thrived, also being named "Best in the State" numerous times for both news coverage and advertising by The North Carolina Press Association. The state-of-the-art printing press has earned the company worldwide recognition for print quality. The Fayetteville Observer has broadened its portfolio of products to include community newspapers in Hope Mills, The Sandspur; and three weekly publications serving the military at Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune. The Fayetteville Observer boldly moves into the future as the region's multi-media leader - serving readers when, where and how they wish to receive their information, while allowing our advertisers' marketing solutions to reach their desired audience. As a Gannett publication, The Fayetteville Observer's digital marketing solutions are powered by ThriveHive, an award-winning team of digital experts who provide leading-edge technology and highly customized programs that help small and mid-sized business succeed in today's ever-changing marketing landscape