Leonard Ellerbe, the former CEO of Mayweather Promotions and a long-time confidant of Floyd Mayweather, announced a new venture outside of the boxing world that elevated him to celebrity status.
According to Ellerbe, it may involve the next big thing in women’s hoops, New Jersey’s Kiyomi McMiller.
Ellerbe, 59, stepped down from his role as the CEO of Mayweather Promotions in an unexpected move this past June.
Since his departure, Mayweather replaced him with Richard Schaefer, the former CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.
It appears his resignation from Mayweather Promotions has led to a new venture with the WNBA, which has exploded in brand popularity this past season.
Ellerbe didn’t say what role he will play in this venture or what it specifically entails, but he was excited about it.
Nonetheless, speaking to K.O. Artist Sports about his new venture on the sidelines of the Canelo Alvarez-Edgar Berlanga event, Ellerbe said :
“Got a new venture going on… Getting ready to be a WNBA… doing my thing,” as he refrained from revealing exactly what role he is playing.
Ellerbe heavily promoted the five-star guard from New Jersey, to join the likes of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark as the next big women’s basketball star and brand coming out of college.
He continued: “Everybody check out Kiyomi McMiller. Remember that name—everybody go and search her right now. Follow her on Instagram right now. She’s a top dog. She goes to Rutgers right now. She’s a freshman, and she is the future of college basketball and the WNBA.”
McMiller committed to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights women’s basketball team back in January.
She also took the time to explain her reasoning behind the decision.
Committing to Rutgers, the five-star guard from New Jersey marked a significant win for head coach Coquese Washington’s women’s basketball program.
The program has been trying to return to its glory days from when Vivian Stringer had them as a perennial powerhouse and title contender.
When explaining her decision, McMiller emphasized her connection with the coaching staff and the team’s vision. “Coach’s vision for me aligned with my vision for myself,” McMiller told Rutgers Wire, highlighting the strong relationship she had built with Washington.
The 5-foot-9 standout from Life Center Academy also was attracted to the highly competitive nature of the Big Ten as another key factor.
“I will be able to play competition every night,” she said. Despite offers from top programs like LSU, Baylor, and Michigan, McMiller chose Rutgers because she felt it was the perfect place to grow as a player and compete at the highest level.
That said, Ellerbe’s new venture into the WNBA seems exciting, but only the coming days will reveal exactly what role the 59-year-old will be playing in women’s basketball.
In the meantime, his involvement in the boxing world isn’t going anywhere. He will still be dabbling in that arena as well, just as a free agent.
While McMiller is certainly a talent, she definitely has to wait in line, as USC’s JuJu Watkins is coming off an historic freshman season in which she broke USC legend Cheryl Miller’s freshman scoring record in a game this season.
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LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson is also a big deal, as the talented guard is also a rising rap star signed to a major record label and expanding the overall brand of women’s hoops through her deft play and musical prowess.
With the impact that these current WNBA rookies have had, there will be plenty of “next best things” coming down the line, as Reese and Clark have set it off for the ballers of the future.
The 2024 WNBA regular season came to a close on Thursday night, and while there were a ton of storylines throughout the season, none topped the Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese rivalry. Each rookie held her own in their inaugural professional seasons, with Reese leading the league in rebounding until the final few games and Clark leading the league in assists.
Both dazzled, and for most of the season there was an intense race for Rookie of the Year. That was until Reese was forced to miss her team’s final few games after suffering a hairline fracture to her wrist. Following Reese’s injury, the Chicago Sky, who were in the thick of the playoff race, faltered and miss the postseason.
All of that should allow Reese more time to focus on her new “Unapologetically Angel” podcast, where she talks not just about basketball but also her personal life.
Reese Looking For NBA Beau
During the latest episode of the podcast, Reese, who’s never been afraid to talk about her love life, did just that. With rapper Latto and singer Mariah The Scientist appearing on the show as guests, Reese opened up on her relationships or lack thereof.
She mentioned that she is indeed single and has been since her March breakup with Florida State hooper Cameron Fletcher. Since then she’s been linked to many others, including Chicago-born rapper G Herbo, which she quickly shut down. She’s also mainly been linked to other basketball players like herself, including most recently rumored to be dating Detroit Pistons rising star Jalen Duren.
The talented big man stands 6 feet 10 and fits the size requirement of Reese, who mentioned what her type was during the podcast.
“He has to be tall, 6-7 or 6-8. Yeah, the NBA. What’s that line? They be skipping practice,” she said.
It’s not surprising, being that Reese stands 6 feet 3, that she wants someone taller than her. And being a star WNBA hooper, it’s also not surprising that she’s interested NBA guys, who usually have an abundance of height.
Reese Was Great In Rookie Season
Prior to her WNBA arrival there were many who didn’t believe she would have an impact and especially not immediately. But that’s the type of player Reese is. sShe loves proving her doubters wrong. She used that Baltimore grit to help change the landscape of the league along with the aforementioned Clark while averaging 13.6 points and a league-leading 13.1 rebounds per game.
Now it’ll be interesting to see how she spends her offseason after healing. The belief is she’ll use that time to shore up some of the obvious offensive deficiencies in her game.
Amber Rose is back in the game. After being seen leaving a party with Texans star quarterback CJ Stroud last season, Rose caught some backlash from fans who didn’t want the notorious groupie and organizer of the celebratory Amber Rose SlutWalk in Los Angeles, a protest event that aims to raise awareness around gender inequality, to influence the future star in any way.
She’s been pretty quiet publicly when it comes to dating high celebrity men the last year or so until recently.
NBA champ Iman Shumpert and Amber Rose stripped down to their swimsuits and enjoyed a day in the Miami heat, although it’s being reported that the date was platonic.
The former Cleveland Cavaliers guard who was married and has two daughters with singer and dancer Teyana Taylor before divorcing, was spotted with the model/influencer lounging on some beach chairs on Wednesday and smoking it up as they spoke near the water.
Now it’s possible that the two are just friends, but knowing the history of both, it’s highly unlikely. Still, them being together is not something most even knew was possible.
“Amber Rose and Iman Shumpert was never on my bingo card,” wrote one X user.
Rose rocked a black halterneck suit for the occasion and according to TMZ, Shump sported some light-colored trunks.
Reports say Rose is denying that the two are dating.
Iman Shumpert and Amber Rose Became Friends On BET’s “College Hill” In 2022
Shump and Rose aren’t strangers. They were both on BET’s “College Hill: Celebrity Edition” back in 2022 and allegedly they remained friends after the show.
With both being single there’s nothing controversial or salacious about their rendezvous by the water.
They are both celebrities known to have huge appetites when it comes to expressing their sexuality, but reports say as far as Rose is concerned the No. 1 man in her life currently is former president Donald Trump, whom she vigorously campaigned for at the Republican National Convention in July.
Shump’s relationship with Taylor had its ups and downs, but he is free to do as he pleases now. Of course, social media went crazy and assumed the two were seeing each other after being spotted on the beach, but some X users came to their defense.
“Being a celebrity is really tough; you really can’t help your cousin with some groceries. They killing Iman Shumpert like they saw him kissing amber rose lol…They at a public beach and they know each other…Bruh can’t can’t get benefit of the doubt?” one X user asked.
We also know that both could use a kickstart or career re-energizer. so this could be a publicity stunt. Shumpert found some acting success on the hit series “The Chi.”
Just the two being together stirs up the social media mosh pit and gives them at least 24 hours in the spotlight.
A’ja Wilson became one of the greatest players in WNBA history by being talented, consistent and a two-time world champion with the Las Vegas Aces.
Despite all of her accolades and a 2024 regular season for the ages where she broke Jewell Lloyd’s single-season scoring record and Angel Reese’s rebound record, Wilson hasn’t gotten the publicity she probably deserves, until recently.
Wilson has finally figured out the formula for social media success and staying in the news cycle these days alongside the rookies who get all of the press.
It involves more than just being the most dominant player.
So she went out and got herself an NBA All-Star boyfriend in Bam Adebayo, and she’s been real spicy with her comments these days.
Recently, Wilson seemed to take a veiled shot at WNBA rookie Angel Reese, who had just set the record for the most rebounds in a single season just a few weeks ago.
Reese got hurt and couldn’t play in the final six games of the season. Which allowed Wilson to surpass her rebound mark.
When asked about it, Wilson downplayed the rebounding record that Angel Reese fans highly celebrated.
“Record for what? Rebounds? That’s cool,” she said in postgame remarks to reporters after Tuesday’s 85-72 victory over the Seattle Storm. “I don’t hunt rebounds, so it’s not something that’s always on my mind. But when it comes to just getting the basketball for my team …”
“I’m 6-4 and I’m around the basket,” Wilson continued. “I hope I can grab a couple of rebounds for my team. But when it comes to just getting them to get them, I’m not focused on that, I’m focused on getting the ball in the hoop. But, it’s a blessing, this league is tough. If my name can be in the record books in some sort of way, so that’s cool.”
Wilson’s comments about not chasing rebounds seemed to provoke a laugh from Aces head coach Becky Hammon and her teammate Kelsey Plum.
Anybody who’s been following the WNBA knows that Reese has been accused by social media troublemakers of stat-padding her double-doubles late in games and purposely trying to get rebounds, which is actually a real skill.
The fact that these comments come after many have speculated that Reese, the previous record-setter this season, was doing that, is quite savage.
Reese, along with Caitlin Clark, have become the lightning rods of the WNBA.
Wilson’s comments, if directed towards Reese are odd because Reese has said numerous times that Wilson is one of her idols.
Any topic that is being discussed surrounding those two seems to garner an inward and outward reaction from fans and their fellow athletes.
Comments such as these also keep Wilson, who is going for her third MVP award, in the spotlight.
A’ja Wilson Is An All-Time WNBA Great
Reese’s record for most rebounds in a season didn’t last very long, but she’s a rookie, which makes the accomplishment that more impressive.
Wilson is a seven-year veteran at the peak of her career.
Right now, Wilson is 31st in scoring all-time in WNBA history with 4,872 points. Shes one slot behind the great Skylar Diggins-Smith on the list.
With WNBA season now expanded to 40 games and expansion franchises being added in Portland and other cities, if she plays long enough the 28-year-old has an outside shot at surpassing Diana Taurasi’s all-time scoring record of 10,637 and counting.
Taurasi is about 3,000 points ahead of the next closest player, Tina Charles, who has 7,686 points and counting.
Wilson is currently averaging 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game and currently leads the entire league in three categories; points, rebounds, and blocks.
The accolades are evident as Wilson has already won two WNBA championships, a Finals MVP, two regular-season MVPs, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards to go alongside her six WNBA All-Star nominations, four All-WNBA selections, and three All-Defensive selections.
People are often prisoners of the moment, so calling Wilson the greatest of all time is a stretch at this point, but she might have had the greatest individual season ever.
With the playoffs in full swing and Reese on the sidelines, the Caitlin Clark talk will dominate the playoffs, but Wilson will be dominating the court, and she’s figuring out how to get people to focus on her game and her greatness. A little drama and soap opera intrigue always works.
The Carolina Panthers are awful, and it begins at the top. Team owner David Tepper has shown an unfortunate resemblance to former Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder in how he runs a franchise.
His emotional decisions are eerily reminiscent of what the aforementioned Snyder did in Washington for 24 seasons.
Snyder’s reign killed a flagship NFL franchise, and while the Panthers aren’t in that shape, they had a pretty good thing going until Tepper purchased the team in 2018.
Since Tepper became owner the team is 31-70 (worst in NFL) over that time frame.
They’ve also been through six coaches, including three interim ones, with current head coach Dave Canales making it seven. This awful leadership is also ruining the career of 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, who looks nothing like the guy who led Alabama Crimson Tide for two seasons, winning the Heisman Trophy in his first season as a starter as a sophomore. Things have gotten so bad in Carolina that Young has been benched in favor of longtime quarterback Andy Dalton.
But it’s really not Young’s fault for the debacle in Charlotte.
Baker Mayfield Feels Young’s Pain
Since the Panthers drafted Young he’s never really been given an opportunity to succeed, and the main reason is the aforementioned Tepper’s erratic and emotional decision-making.
Former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield who’s had his share of ups and downs in the league knows what its’s like to have a team give up on you. It happened in Cleveland and Carolina before he landed on his feet in Tampa Bay, where he turned a one-year prove-it deal into a three-year, $115 million extension. So if anyone understands what Young is going through it’s Mayfield, and he expounded on it Wednesday.
“Obviously, mine didn’t happen in the same time frame as Bryce, but quarterback’s hard,” Mayfield told reporters. “Especially for young guys when you’re not surrounded with the pieces, you’re not given the opportunity to have success. A lot of the time, guys have the talent, they might have the brains, but they’re don’t have the right opportunity, the right fit. I’m sitting here right now in a way better fit than the other places I’ve been. That’s not to put the other teams down, but it’s a matter of the pieces around you, the coaches. For Bryce, I could relate to this, it’s about finding that belief within yourself again. He’ll get it. His story is far, far from finished.”
Words of maturity from Mayfield, who’s used his struggles for the betterment of his now prospering career. He’s also correct about the lack of talent around Young, he experienced that early on in Cleveland and during his stint in Carolina as well.
What’s Next For Young?
Since his 2023 arrival Young hasn’t had many flash moments. The diminutive quarterback is just (2-16) in 18 career starts, with just over 3,100 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He’s also been sacked 68 times in those games, which is just under four per game. While, the team’s struggles aren’t solely on him, he could play a little better.
That’s why players are picked so high, they’re expected to raise the play of his teammates, and that’s something Young hasn’t been able to do thus far.
The aforementioned Canales says the team isn’t thinking about trading Young, and that he still believes in him despite his current circumstances.
“Absolutely,” Canales told reporters on Wednesday. “This is a developmentally minded program. The development didn’t stop. Every rep he’s out there, we’re evaluating the whole thing. Having conversations, and continuing to push all of our guys, including Bryce, to take the next step. Every day is a growth possibility and opportunity. So we’re fully committed to that.”
Canales Helped Save Mayfield, Can He Save Young?
Prior to becoming the Panthers head coach, Canales was the offensive coordinator of the Buccaneers. In 2023 Mayfield enjoyed the best season of his career as he racked up career highs in yards, completions, completion percentage, touchdowns and quarterback rating. That type of play helped the Buccaneers win one playoff game and nearly advance to the NFC Championship Game.
The hope in Carolina has to be Canales did it once, he can do it again.
But can he?
Maybe, if Young isn’t too far gone already.
Looks like Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is officially an A-List celebrity. Not only is he expected to be one of the top picks in the NFL draft next year, but he has been pulled into the Kardashian pit, where very few brothers make it out unscathed.
As the legendary son of GOAT cornerback and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur has had a foot up on life and the competition from the beginning. His dad coached him at times prior to college, and once they got to college pops is the only coach he has known at Jackson State and Colorado.
Not sure if this is a good thing or bad thing, but Sanders recently linked up with Kendall Jenner, the well-traveled sister of Kylie Jenner, Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian.
In a video that is making its rounds on social media (which is the point, right?) the two embrace with a friendly hug, which appears harmless.
However, the fact that these two even know each other well enough to be embracing has fans worried about Sanders losing focus and becoming the victim of the Kardashian/Kenner curse.
X users had plenty of opinions, and almost none of them were positive, because of the reputation that Jenner and her sisters have earned over the years is as super rich groupies for Black athletes.
“Oh no. I rebuke, I rebuke” one user said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“His team is doing a terrible job protecting his image…smh,” another user added.
“Keep her away at least until football season is over,” another added.
“Noooooooo Shedeur don’t do it!!!” another user said.
Another was more blatant with his displeasure, demanding that Kendall “Stay the F— away from our QB Kardashian/Jenner can’t remember the last athlete to have a successful relationship with one of those girls.”
The Kardashians and Jenner have a long history with celebrities, and none have soared after dealing with them.
Kim, Kanye’s ex-wife and mother of his children, was married to former Nets forward Kris Humphries and his career plummeted after announcing their marriage, which never materialized.
The wealthy influencer and prison rights activist was most recently linked to Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Khloe previously dated Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Tristan Thompson. Shes also dated James Harden and other ballers.
In Jenner’s case, she stays busy recruiting entertainers and athletes into her world as well.
Jenner and music megastar Bad Bunny were an item for the majority of 2023. They for some great photo ops and had socia media buzzing, but recently the two called it splits.
With Jenner back outside and on the market, she has been returned to her on again, off again fallback fling, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker.
The two have been seen rekindling old flames, but TMZ says they are not officially a couple again.
“Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker are rekindling their relationship, but they’re taking things slow — and they’re not even exclusive just yet,” TMZ wrote.
“Sources familiar with the situation tell us the former lovebirds have been spending more time together lately — something that became evident during the Super Bowl … when DB popped up in the Kardashian suite super randomly, albeit separated from Kendall,” the gossip site added.
Which opens the door for Shedeur to gain another trophy this season to go along with what he hopes is the Heisman award.
There’s no confirmation that the two are together but when you see a Jenner or Kardashian in the same vicinity or embracing a ballplayer who is in the center of limelight and who’s brand is exploding, then there will always be whispers — and concerns for some.
The unnecessary hate directed at the WNBA’s explosive and unprecedented rookie class continued last night when 11-year veteran 6-foot-9 Brittney Griner mixed it up with L.A. Sparks’ 6-foot-2 guard Rickea Jackson, with 20 seconds left to play before halftime in a 85-81 Phoenix Mercury victory.
“Here we go again,” WNBA enthusiast Rachel Hill, a radio host and reporter out of Cleveland, told The Shadow League. “Them old WNBA heads trying to press popular rookies. Between Sheryl Swoopes coming at (Caitlin Clark) and diminishing her and the different bs these new rookies have had to endure, the OGs are embarrassing themselves”
Griner was sent to the showers, but the altercation and the aggression that Griner showed is indicative of the attitude older WNBA greats have been exhibiting all season toward the WNBA’s new crop of highly touted rookies that have captured the hearts of sports fans and elevated the league to another level of visibility and also respect from male sports fans.
Mercury guard Celeste Taylor was at the free throw line, missing the first and hitting the second shot.
As the latter went up, Jackson and Li Yueru were attempting to box out Griner, who swung her arm up and appeared to catch the rookie in the face.
Jackson reacted, but it didn’t get any further as the benches cleared and the two players were separated by referees, players and coaches.
Jackson pushed Griner after the blow to the face, which should be garnering Griner a suspension.
Griner then backed up before punches could be thrown. The two exchanged heated words with Griner demonstratively shouting at the rookie and Jackson standing her ground.
Both players received double technicals, which resulted in automatic ejections. The WNBA will review the incident and determine if any additional discipline is necessary for the two players.
Phoenix veteran Sophie Cunningham was also doing a lot of chirping at a 7-32 team. She was seen barking at L.A. Sparks players while making a talking gesture with her hand.
This marked Jackson’s first career ejection. She had a solid debut year, averaging 13.4 points per game on 46.4 percent shooting, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
The Sparks are 7-32, in last place in the 12-team league and have been riddled with injuries, the most damaging to another highly popular rookie, Cameron Brink, who went down in June with a torn ACL.
The team, however, is known for playing hard and doesn’t lay down for anyone.
Of greater concern is the availablity of Griner going forward. The Phoenix center entered the game with four technical fouls, so she has not yet reached the automatic suspension total of seven.
However, the league could determine that the altercation with Jackson demands greater discipline, and that is probably what will happen.
Griner was previously suspended three games for a near-brawl in 2019, so she’s not a first-time offender.
Griner, in her first season back since serving nine months in a Russian prison for traveling with vape cartridges through the airport, is having atypical All-Star season, averaging 18.0 points per game, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Despite featuring two of the greatest players in the history of women’s basketball in Diana Taurasi and Griner, and one of the elite scorers in the game Kahleah Copper, Phoenix has underwhelmed this season with a 19-20 record and comfortably sit in the seventh slot out of eight playoff eligible teams.
This latest incident is another example of the WNBA OGs trying to get respect from the new jacks by being physical with them.
Was Griner upset that she was being boxed out with a double team? Despite the seven wins, Nate Tibbets’ Sparks team always plays hard and don’t lay down for anyone.
Griner has to have more composure when she doesn’t get her way or players significantly shorter and smaller than her are also physical. From the beginning these veteran players have been extra vocal and confrontational with the coveted rookie crop. Maybe they see that times are changing quickly and can’t deal with it.
Whether it’s true or just perception, media members have criticized the treatment of game-changing rookies by other women in the league, who have been accused of being jealous instead of thankful for the recent blessings.
In any event, this scuffle was a disappointing situation, considering it was the Sparks’ last home game and also a celebration of Mercury’s Southern Cal legend Diana Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer with over 10,000 points.
This year’s No. 1 overall pick and Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark has in many ways exceeded the lofty expectations that preceded her arrival. Clark, the favorite to win WNBA Rookie of the Year, has helped guide the Fever to a 20-19 record and the current sixth seed in the playoff picture. This after winning just 13 games in 2023, which was the third-worst mark in the league.
All season Clark has dazzled. Her 329 assists set a league record, and her 761 points this season, broke the rookie record of 744 points set by former Minnesota Lynx star Seimone Augustus in 2006, but in two more games (36) than Augustus played (34).
Clark’s popularity on and off the floor has done wonders for the league as it’s seen an increase in viewership, fan attendance and merchandising.
Point blank, Clark’s rookie season has been one for the ages, and while most are in agreement, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes isn’t on board with it.
Swoopes Has Been Hard On Clark
Ever since Clark broke the NCAA’s all-time scoring mark, Swoopes has never given her the credit or respect she’s earned. In February when Clark set the mark, Swoopes incorrectly spewed that it wasn’t impressive because she did it in five seasons. That was loud and wrong, as Clark did it in four years. She then proclaimed that Clark and Chicago Sky star Angel Reese would not dominate, with a strong emphasis on Clark.
Even during broadcasts in which she’s been the color analyst she’s gone out of her way to not compliment Clark. But her latest remarks sound like downright hate, and it’s becoming more and more obvious that Clark isn’t her cup of tea.
During a recent appearance on the “Gilbert’s Arena” podcast, Swoopes was asked to give her opinion of how she thinks Clark’s rookie season has gone.
“Clark put up hell a good numbers, but to me that’s not dominating,” she answered.
“People were like, ‘Oh my God, you said she wouldn’t be good,’ but I didn’t say she wouldn’t be good, what I said was I didn’t think Caitlin or Angel Reese would come into the league and dominate immediately, which I don’t think either of them did. … I still don’t think she’s dominating, but she’s a different player than she was in the first half of the season.”
Swoopes is correct in one assessment, Clark has gotten better since her early season struggles.
Clark The Record-Breaker
Not only did Clark shatter rookie marks, she also came for a few WNBA records, including the aforementioned single-season assists record, along with the single-game assists record with 19. She also broke the mark for most All-Star votes with over 700K. In reaching the 300 assists mark, Clark also became the fastest in league history to do so.
If that’s not dominating, what is? In retrospect, Swoopes, who’s one of the greatest players ever, is sounding jealous or envious of Clark for some reason.
Swoopes Contradicts Other Comments
In ending the interview Swoopes finally gave Clark some credit.
“I’ve never questioned if Caitlin was a good player; I think she’s a hell of a player,” Swoopes said. “My thing was … I thought it would take her some time to adjust to being a professional, and to me, I think that’s what she’s done.”
Immigration and border security has been one of the explosive topics leading up this 2024 presidential election.
Maybe that’s what inspired Jason Wolf of The Arizona Republic’s shocking report that in 2022 Arizona Christian University football players, Malakai Robert Samuelu and teammate Meamoni “Junior” Faualo borrowed a car from a teammate to drive to the border to smuggle migrants into the country.
Prosecutors declined to press charges, but after an 18-month investigation it was discovered that Samelu and Faualo were just two of several players tied to a much larger scheme.
A former player told Wolf that he was recruited on Snapchat to drive migrants from border towns to metro Phoenix.
Wolf reports he was paid $1,000 per person, which makes it more clear why any college student would jump at the opportunity.
Wolf also reports that prosecutors offen decline to press charges when it comes to illegal border crossings due to “inadequate probable cause” or because the migrants aren’t considered reliable witnesses.
Migrant Smuggling Is A Rampant Issue For ACU College Football Program
But more so, he points out the lack of oversight from the school’s football coaches.
What about the coaches? Wolf accused them of a lack of oversight.
“As another fall sports season kicks off, the findings also raise serious questions about the vetting and compensation of high school and small college coaches, considering their tremendous influence; suggest parents and community leaders must warn teens against transporting migrants; and help to weave a cautionary tale about the value of transparency, demonstrating how silence breeds suspicion and misinformation and blunts accountability,” Wolf writes.
This of course is not an issue just in Arizona. Former President Trump made news during the debate when he falsely accused Haitian immigrants of stealing and eating people’s pets in Springfield, Ohio.
“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs. The people that came in, they’re eating the cats, they’re eating, they’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” Trump said.
Fearmongering as a political tool at its finest, but an example of these situations are also used to create negative opinions about foreigners.
A former ACU quarterback, Brady Martin, said that the smuggling was an open secret among the players.
“I loved the state of Arizona. But I learned really quick what type of a school it was,” Martin told Wolf. “Because the kid that was touring me asked me if I wanted to go pick up Mexicans at the border and bring them back for $750 a pop.”
“(Former backup QB) JJ (Mcelhenny) was my host. I laughed. I thought he was playing with me,” Martin said.
“And then they were like, ‘He’s not playing, though.’”
According to reports, Mcelhenny denied the allegations, but Wolf reports that “three ACU football players told The Republic that Mcelhenny distributed human smuggling assignments to teammates.”
“Four or five immigrants would jump in the car,” Martin said he was told, “and then they’d drive them back to like an AutoZone or a Walmart or whatever back in Glendale. They’d get picked up and they’d get handed the cash right then and there.”
Martin said he warned his teammates that being involved in such activity meant they were “asking to go to jail.”
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Arizona Christian is an NAIA program that’s 0-1 on the season, dropping its opener against Fort Lewis College, 17-12 loss to Fort Lewis College.
Former L.A. Lakers Byron Scott and Derek Fisher shared some laughs while criticizing the style of play that the NBA encourages today.
The two championship players and former NBA coaches went in on the subject during a recent episode of Scott’s “Fastbreak” podcast.
When Fisher was asked about the difference between the NBA today and the one he played in for 18 seasons, the five-time NBA champion compared the NBA in its present state to the largest sports entertainment promotion in the world.
“Remember when the WWE was the WWF?” D-Fish asked. I don’t know if anybody remembers that. But there was a time when the WWE was the WWF -World Wrestling Federation. And then it shifted to World Wrestling Entertainment. Again, not right or wrong, because one could argue that the WWE is a more impactful sport than the WWF was, depending on what side of the conversation you’re on.”
Fisher’s point was that the old WWF seemed a bit less focused on the glitter and purely entertainment.
We get Fish’s point, but just for clarity, the World Wrestling Federation changed its name to World Wrestling Entertainment because of a dispute with the World Wildlife Fund for the WWF trademark.
It had nothing to do with an increased focus on entertainment, because we know that wrestling has always been fake. Back then, it was a dirty secret. Now everyone knows so the authentic athletic value of the sport has been diminished, although wrestlers are some of the best conditioned, toughest and athletic people in existence.
Fishers point is still well taken because any wrestling fan can surmise that the WWE today seems hyper focused on aesthetics, storylines and social media branding rather than the brute force and mindblowing feats that made the WWF a hit during the ’80s and ’90s.
Which is a perception that NBA fans can relate to.
Many fans of the ’80s and ’90s and plenty of the league’s OGs often rant about the NBA game becoming soft and less intense of because of rule changes that were made to enhance, facilitate and promote scoring.
Naturally it’s much easier to score these days, even if the players are allegedly better skilled and more athletic than years ago, as some Gen Z pundits love to mention.
Most of the rules changes in the NBA have been focused on eliminating physical contact which allows the offensive player more freedom and easier paths to the bucket.
The lack of physicality has been an ongoing theme that advocates of the old-school NBA, including D-Fish, point to as proof that the NBA is a league more concerned with entertainment and big salaries than competition.
“All the pro sports to some degree, not just the NBA, even the NFL,” added Fisher. “You listen to guys that played before, coached before. It’s a different game. And it’s not a negative thing. It’s just built more for the entertainment value, maybe, than the competitive value.”
Rasheed Wallace is another former NBA champion and OG who was known for his physical play, extraordinary defense and borderline dirty tactics. He also is probably a Top 10 all-time most hated player by referees in the history of the league.
Wallace (317) trails just Karl Malone (332) and Charles Barkley (329) In terms of career technical fouls.
Like Fisher, 2004 NBA champ thinks that the current NBA generation’s style of play has affected the quality of basketball played around the league, and Sheed blames the league for promoting it but also says the players and referees should be blamed for the questionable evolution of the game.
Back in February on an episode of the “Underdog NBA” podcast, Wallace explained:
“The softness. It’s one thing where you want to be an offensive league with scoring, that’s fine. It’s just the softness with some of these rules and damn referees where the people are there to see them. Nobody came there to see y’all except the two people you gave your tickets to. Definitely bring back hand check, that forearm shiver so that way cats can’t just flow so easily through that paint. You’ve got to make it somewhat tougher because right now look at it. Sh*t, look at it. It’s a gimmick.”
Sheed isn’t lying, but generalizing every current player — who only play by the rules enforced — as soft is a bit harsh.
The WNBA actually has a more physical brand of hoops than the NBA, but then again, the league has only been around 28 years and is just getting popular in mainstream sports, so there‘s time.
The one rule that most old school players refer to is handchecking. It empowered a good defender and allowed some minimal contact.
With the arrival of Mr. Sensitivity, Adam Silver, who wasn’t a big fan of the physical play that defined the league in the ’80s and ’90s, the NBA continues to change and look much different than your father’s NBA.
The WWE-style of hoops only seems to be growing with the game becoming a perimeter sport with everyone chucking three-pointers, less and less physical post play, quicker techs and ejections, and more rookies focused on their brand than earning a permanent spot in the league.
The old heads are always going to criticize the younger generation, especially when the young cats try to diminish the skill and talent of their predecessors.
This is something Fisher, who also coached the L.A. Sparks and New York Knicks, will have to deal with.
Brittany Renner has an Instagram following of over 4.6 million and she’s been anointed by Deion Sanders and Cam Newton as a Hall of Fame groupie.
She has a 3-year old son with NBA star P.J. Washington and probably more suitors than she can manage.
However, the influencer made a shocking and unexpected public confession.
Now that she has turned her life around, announcing a few weeks ago publicly that she gave up her old ifestyle and revealed her new avatar of a hijab wearing woman, things haven’t necessarily gotten better.
Although she has decided to slow it down a bit, she did so with no plan on how she was going to make ends meet.
And in her latest Instagram post, she addressed the aftermath of the massive change, “I have gone through a lot of changes internally. And as a result, my outer world has completely crumbled.” Barely being able to keep it together in the video and laughing at her situation, she detailed the uncertainty in her life, “I have no idea where I’m going to live or how I’m going to provide for my son.”
A post shared by Brittany Renner (@bundleofbrittany)
While Renner is the mother of Washington’s child, the couple split up three years ago just months after the kid was born. Moreover, the Mavs star has moved on and even got married last year to the mother of his second child, Alisah Chanel.
Despite claiming to be broke, Renner expressed her faith in Allah to see her through the rough time of transition.
“Allah has moved mountains for me and I trust that this will be no different.”
As we saw, from her appearance on various popular podcasts, Renner is an intelligent woman who was even brought in by Deion Sanders to speak to his college football team about the dangers of being duped by a groupie or a woman with ulterior motives.
In that sense, the pupil became the teacher.
Comparing herself to Alice in Wonderland after the protagonist gets too big for her house upon eating the cookie, Renner added, “The facade is fading, alhamdulillah, and I’m at a place where I don’t want anything that doesn’t have my name on it. Take it away. It served no purpose here.”
Renner’s self-reflective mission hasn’t produced any cash yet, but the model still has a positive outlook on her future finances.
That doesn’t take away from the bombshell that she dropped about being broke, considering her child’s father has already made $34 million in his NBA career.
Brittany Renner denied a $200,000 rumor as P.J. Washington scoffed at the idea.
When the couple split up three years, rumors surfaced that Washington was ordered to pay $200K per month in child support, which is an astronomical number even for Bill Gates.
Of course, everything is bigger and often fabricated on social media and when asked, P.J., who is now happily married to another woman, scoffed at the idea.
He made a cryptic tweet around the same time the rumors emerged saying, “Stop the (cap emoji).”
Renner eventually publicly denied receiving the sum from the Mavs star, saying, “A lot of people think I’m getting X amount in child support, and I don’t have to work, and I don’t have to do all this stuff. But it’s like I very much provide for my child.”
Then, she also revealed the actual amount she receives from P.J. “For whatever reason, that number circulates, but I provide for my child. I get $2,500 a month.”
Thats much less than the rumored amount and gives you insight into how social media and rumors skew the realities of life.
If Renner has truly gone in another direction in life and adopted the Muslim faith then much success to her.
Influencer and Rob Kardashian’s BM, Blac Chyna, claimed to be making millions as an OnlyFans model and influencer and eventually she reversed the plastic surgery, stopped working in the sex and influencer field and she is looking happier, healthier and prettier than ever.
Being an “it” girl can take is toll on the best of them. Renner has built up enough popularity, fame and also respect to transition to another lifestyle. We wish her the best in her pursuits, and something tells me she won’t be broke for long.
Washington, D.C.’s professional football hasn’t been the same since the franchise changed its name from Redskins to Commanders because the logo of the Blackfeet chief who served as the face of the Washington Redskins for 48 years was considered by some to be an offense to Native Americans, even racist.
In 2020, the team retired the Redskins name after long-standing controversies surrounding it and briefly became the Washington Football Team, before choosing the Washington Commanders as their permanent name in 2022.
Years later, those fans who wanted to retain the name — some of Native American descent — are still keeping hope alive that they can get the name back in some capacity.
Relatives of the reported model for the former Redskins logo want the image they claim is Two Guns, back on the fields of the NFL, they told Fox News Digital.
“The fans want him back and we want him back,” Thomas White Calf, a great-nephew of the celebrated early-20th-century native, told Fox News this week via phone, just hours after the family met with Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines.
They have a different twist on his legacy than those who fought to have the logo and owner Dan Snyder replaced.
White Calf’s descendants want his incredible life story retold to a new generation of Americans who “seek unity and value multiculturalism.”
“Our ancestor was the most famous and most photographed native in history,” said White Calf, who was joined on the call by his mother, Delphine White Calf, a niece of the late Blackfeet chief.
“Two Guns was also the face on the Indian head nickel. I’m proud of him. The Blackfeet are proud of him.”
This perspective is definitely a twist from the overwhelming media narrative condemning the logo and everything it supposedly represented as a stain on the NFL.
The name was changed even as polls reportedly showed that 90 percent of Native Americans supported the team’s name and White Calf portrait.
Two Guns’ relatives might have a case for inclusion if it actually could be proved that he is the image used in the logo and coins.
However, the facts of that claim have been harshly disputed in the past, leading many to think that this latest push to acknowledge the Redskins logo is another right-wing crusade to fight back against what they describe as a disease called “wokeness.” Which can also be described as a privileged white person’s refusal to be held accountable for any past acts of oppression or racism.
While Walter S. “Blackie” Werzel designed the actual logo in the ’70s, a sculptor named James Earle Fraser created the image for the Indian-faced nickel that the former Redskins logo is based on. He claimed that the image is not Two Guns.
The identity of the Indians whom Fraser used as models isn’t a certainty because reportedly Fraser told also likes to stretch the truth a bit and his stories weren’t consistent during the 40 years he lived after designing the nickel that debuted in 1913.
Fraser’s design was adapted for a 2001 commemorative silver dollar as well the American Buffalo gold coin. The mound is similar to the Type I reverse initially used in 1913.
Two Guns Takes Credit As Model For Coin
Recognizing an opportunity, it’s reputed that by 1931, Two Guns White Calf, son of the last Blackfoot tribal chief, was claiming he was the model for the coin.
To try and refute the claim once and for all, Fraser wrote that he had used three Indians for the piece, including “Iron Tail. The other one was Two Moons and Big Tree. A Sioux. Kiowa and Cheyenne.
Fraser continues to be bombarded with inquiries about the true identity of the Indian model until his death in 1953.
A half a century later, with no one left to dispute his claims, Two Guns’ relatives are claiming the image and trying to gain support from the Native American community.
Billy Dieckman of the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) and attorney Chad Laveglia discuss a lawsuit filed against the Washington Commanders for allegedly suppressing Native American references by removing the “Redskins” name.
“The name Redskins carries deep cultural, historical, and emotional significance, honoring the bravery, resilience, and warrior spirit associated with Native American culture…Commanders is a fitting name for oppressors,” Dieckman said in a live interview.
“This is about righting a wrong,” Sen. Daines said in an email sent to Fox News Digital.
“The legendary Blackfeet logo that was championed by Blackie Wetzel and based on the likeness of Chief Two Guns White Calf must be restored to a place of honor,” Daines added.
Blackie Wetzel is the late Blackfeet tribal leader who created the portrait of Two Guns White Calf in 1971. Fueled and legitimized by widespread support from Native American groups, Washington adopted the image as its logo in 1972.
The White Calf family has support in Washington, D.C., from one of their Montana senators, while the NFL franchise itself has no plans, however, the Native American logo that was erased when the franchise was purchased by Josh Harris in 2023 amidst multiple layers of controversy and a disgruntled fan base. The franchise is open to new ideas of how to honor the team’s heritage.
“We are collaborating with Sen. Steve Daines to honor the legacy of our team’s heritage and the Native American community,” a Commanders spokesperson said in a statement.
“At the senator’s suggestion, we have developed a positive relationship with Ryan Wetzel, the grandson of Walter ‘Blackie’ Wetzel, who designed the logo. We look forward to honoring that legacy.”
There are still many fans who believe celebrated Blackfeet chief John Two Guns White Calf was prematurely sacrificed on the altar of cancel culture. Others don’t believe he had anything to do with the logo and his family may be the same nature of opportunists he was when he proclaimed himself the logo.
Now, according to his family and political supporters, an effort to save the indigenous hero’s legacy as well as larger Native history from an agenda of “wokeness” is reportedly beginning to spread nationwide.
White Calf was the alleged face of the NFL’s Washington Redskins for 48 years. Before receiving that honor, he was one of the most famous and charismatic Native Americans of the 20th century.
The Redskins were the only minority representation in the entire NFL and it was a real person, not a mascot,” historian Andre Billeaudeaux, the author of “How the Redskins Got Their Name,” told Fox News in an interview.
Not many people know who the Native American was on the logo or why he’s important.
Two Guns White Calf’s alleged portrait emblazoned Redskins helmets, T-shirts, playing fields and marketing materials from 1972 until 2020. To this day, it’s one of the most popular logos in NFL history.
White Calf, according to multiple sources, was also the inspiration for the face that appeared on the U.S. Mint’s famous 1913 Indian head nickel. This claim was disputed by the aforementioned Fraser, but White Calf was acknowledged and his death in 1934 was considered significant enough to earn a New York Times obituary.
According to reports, the celebrated Blackfeet leader was done dirty by the National Congress of American Indians in 2013, when it published a dubious report titled “Ending the Legacy of Racism in Sports & The Era of Harmful ‘Indian’ Sports Mascots.”
The 29-page dissertation included a scathing 3,650-word history of the Redskins and its “legacy of racism” that critics note miserably failed to mention Chief Two Guns White Calf, even though the say he was the face of the Redskins franchise for 48 years.
He never got a cent for his image. Neither did any of the Native Americans who were the images used by Fraser. Instead, he got canceled and erased from history. The Redskin logo is now considered a representation of exploitation and racism. His family is realizing the negative impact of this.
“Two Guns White Calf was a real person, not a mascot and he was canceled,” historian Andre Billeaudeaux, the author of “How the Redskins Got Their Name,” told Fox News Digital earlier this year.
Most former Redskins players hate the name. Former QB Mark Rypien told 106.7 The Fan that the old school players support the franchise, but don’t want their era of glory to be erased.
“We are going to support these guys because that’s the era we are in. I am not a Commanders’ legend. I am a Redskin. I love my guys,” he added.
Former Washington Super Bowl champion Charles Mann finished his career with 82 sacks, second-most in franchise history, and 17 forced fumbles, the most in franchise history. said that he didn’t like any of the names originally offered during the selection process, including Commanders.
While the Wetzel family is being recognized by the NFL franchise for its role honoring Two Guns White Calf, the Blackfeet chief’s family says the organization has ignored them for decades and “want a seat at the table.”
History and truth be damned.
As the WNBA season winds down and the top eight teams prepare for the playoffs, Caitlin Clark’s name is still ringing bells, creating beefs and keeping the WNBA in the public eye.
Of course, she hasn’t created this explosion for the WNBA on her own. While she’s the most popular player for a number of reasons, there are 143 other players who appreciate the way she’s elevated but also want acknowledgement for their talent , hard work and contributions to the game.
This has been an ongoing theme as the gatekeepers and legends of the WNBA have been dealing with trying to not seem jealous or be labeled as “haters” while also playing aggressive and physical with Clark. Inevitably Clark’s presence provokes more intensity and effort at times from the opposition because they know she has been anointed the Top Dawg.
Dallas Wings star and German Olympian Satou Sabally probably gave one of the better explanations when it comes to how other established stars feel about the WNBA’s new face.
“You’re the No. 1 pick. People are going to go after you,” Sabally added. “Whether it’s for the right or wrong reasons, whether it’s because they see greatness in you. … There’s just so much more to the WNBA than Caitlin. But Caitlin is the face right now, and that’s also good.”
Clark fans have been hyper focused on stats such as how many flagrant fouls are committed against her, but Sabally sees that as an example of how hard people try to stop her and how impactful she is as a player.
The ratings that Clark brings at home and on the road and the $28 million Nike deal that she signed before entering the league enhance her status.
She then added, “She is selling out gyms. Why would you hate against that?… She is her own economy, and that is amazing. And she is being paid her worth. And now we need to get other women on board to get paid their worth.”
“Because she’s the reflection of what should happen in women’s sports,” Sabally concluded.
Sabally’s comments are also not unheard of. Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who also coached Team USA women’s team to another gold medal, said something similar earlier in the season and it wasn’t received well.
This is the WNBA’s next phase. Now that it has the attention of fringe sports fans and proved that even teams without the recognizable rookies can sell out NBA stadiums and grab solid ratings across several demographics, it has to continue to build the brand and introduce other talented and cornerstone players to a larger audience.
Related: JuJu Watkins Is A Star On And Off The Court As She Gives Back To Where She Came From
If Clark is the only reason that the WNBA is finally getting its due as one of the premier pro leagues in the world and the top women’s pro organization, then this moment is temporary.
Thats what Sabally was getting at. If you got to a restaurant and order the same thing every time and never ever try any other dish then you don’t like that restaurant. You like that one dish it serves.
That will keep you coming back, until you don’t have a taste for that dish anymore. Or the menu changes.
Same with Clark as compared to all the other players in the league, even A’ja Wilson, who will be MVP, and also has a shoe deal with Nike and a new apparel line.
The league can’t get up from under the NBA’s control if it doesn’t continue to expand, develop new transcending stars that future generations of fans can follow from all areas and walks of life.
Sunday’s Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) and Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) matchup ended exactly as the team’s previous five battles over the past four seasons. It ended with Harrison Butker’s 51-yard walk off field goal giving the reigning two-time Super Bowl champions a 26-25 win.
While the play on the field between the two heated rivals is always chippy, it was the chirping and trash talk all week, mainly by the Bengals that seemed to garner most of the attention.
Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and cornerback Cameron Taylor-Britt both made comments that were very likely used as bulletin board material by the Chiefs.
Leading up to Sunday’s early season tilt, Chase who’s been marred in a contract dispute with the Bengals, made a statement that just doesn’t carry any merit.
“Everybody knows that, too,” Chase said. IIt’s not if. We are the team to beat in the AFC. And we know it. And we gotta play like it, too.”
Chase made this statement despite the Bengals losing their season opener to the Patriots at home. He also let it be known that despite the opening week loss the Bengals were still a championship-caliber team.
“All that noise y’all are making and stuff, we see it, hear it,” he declared. “But we’re not worried about it, you know what I’m saying? At the end of the day, it’s about the team and what we’re doing on the field.
“The outside people are not on the field, telling us what to do on the field. I’ll let them stay outside and make their own comments.”
Based on Sunday’s result, it’s obvious that Chase wrote a check that his teammates couldn’t cash. Chase’s confidence heading into Sunday wasn’t blind, as the Bengals have had a ton of success against the Chiefs with Joe Burrow under center losing just once in four previous matchups prior to Sunday.
Chase Loses It
Chase let his emotions get the best of him in the fourth quarter when he didn’t get a call on what he believed was an illegal hip-drop tackle that’s been something league officials have been trying to rid of in the game. Following what he thought should’ve been a personal foul on Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, Chase berated the official which led to him being hit with a big unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. While the Bengals still managed to get a 53-yard field goal out of the drive, the penalty on Chase stalled any hopes of scoring a touchdown.
Chase Frustrated Over Contract
After declining a four-year, $140 million extension which would made him the highest-paid wideout in the league as early as last week, Chase says he has no plans to work on a deal in season. He says he’ll instead play out this season, his fourth, knowing the team picked up his fifth-year option (2025) in April.
If there’s one thing that WNBA and social media star Angel Reese hasn’t done in her record-breaking rookie season, it’s run from the cameras.
Her persistent social media presence and unapologetic expression, along with her fashion and growing connections to celebrities from the pro sports and entertainment landscape, has garnered her over 3M followers across her social networks.
Her battles with Caitlin Clark dating back to the NCAA tournament in 2023, laid the groundwork for the women’s basketball explosion that we have currently experienced, with Reese and Clark at the center of it all.
One would think that Reese had the perfect life. However, everything has a cost, and Reese went on to give people a reality check on her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel.”
Now that her season is over, compliments of a wrist injury, the Chicago Sky rookie is giving everyone more insight about her world and just how emotionally draining the daily grind of reaching for celebrity has been for her.
In the latest episode of Angel Reese’s newly launched podcast, the rookie sat down with rapper Polo G for a revealing spit session.
The duo discussed how neither was prepared for the price of fame.
Reese, who lives for the cameras and the adulation and love of her followers, surprisingly expresses her desire to live a normal life.
“Just being able to walk down the street casually and not have to take pictures and sign autographs. Sometimes I just want to live a normal, 22-year-old life,” Reese lamented.
Thats a pretty revealing statement, considering how much energy and effort Reese puts into her brand and NOT being a normal person.
While both Clark and Reese have had to deal with some next-level celebrity, Clark doesn’t seem to force the issue or intentionally try to create photo ops and social media banter
When Reese pops out, which is often, she is usually with other celebrities or wearing cool outfits that capture one’s attention, which is by all means her right. She definitely wants you to know her presence is a blessing.
That’s why it’s a bit odd that she’s only been famous for two years and she’s already expressing a desire to go back to her old life when half as many people watched women’s hoops or even knew who she was.
She would have to give back that Reebok deal and Mercedes-Benz collaboration, and all the NIL money she made in college and her estimated $3 million net worth and designer clothes splurges that she goes on would all have to be returned.
That won’t happen, of course, but Reese is admitting that the entire grind is getting to her a bit. The disappointment of an injury ending her season has got to trouble her as well. She’s very competitive.
But let’s be honest. As long as there’s an avenue for drama Reese will fill it.
Recently, she found herself on the bad side of fame and expressed her feelings on X. The WNBA player has been linked to several men — from rapper G Herbo to NBA star Jalen Duren — despite clarifying her relationship status as single. In a recent tweet, Reese admitted that it was getting weird for people to link her with anybody and everybody.
She often speaks to how she is being sexualized by people on social media and how she doesn’t like it. That too, however, is part of her appeal, and she has expressed several times that she’s knows she’s beautiful, she celebrates her body because “she works hard to maintain it.”
If Reese is really wishing she could return to her previous life as an unknown women’s basketball player, maybe she needs to slow down on the nightlife and networking and being at all of the events. Nothing wrong with pacing yourself.
Basketball is still first priority, and to further expand her brand she has to keep getting better at those things that her game is lacking. It’s her choice either way, but the Sky have a lot of team construction to do to avoid another losing season in 2025 and they need Reese to be of sound mind and body to be successful.
LeBron James is entering his 22nd season in the league and his accomplishments are historic and throughout his transcending journey he has earned the reputation as being one of the top three players in history.
Some even consider Bron the GOAT, but that wouldn’t necessarily be the majority opinion, as that debate has raged on for years.
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has had a front row seat to the greatest players to ever grace an NBA court since she was a teenager running after her dad, Dr. Jerry Buss, who owned the Lakers when she was just a girl.
The hiring of JJ Redick also created some public backlash, because the perception is that he was hired because he is LeBron’s friend and podcast partner. The Lakers have given LeBron James everything he’s wanted, or at least tried their best, but Buss’ recent comments about the four-time NBA champion had social media fans coming for her head.
“I’m excited to see what our new coach, JJ Redick, has in store. It’s definitely gonna be an interesting season for sure. I mean, LeBron, the way he played at the Olympics? He might be the greatest of all time.” Buss said.
Buss told no lies, and she’s seen the careers of everyone from Kareem Abdul-Jabar to James Worthy to Magic Johnson to Kobe Bryant and the great competitors the Lakers have faced over the years, from Larry Bird to Isiah Thomas. Emotional LeBron James fans, however, didn’t like the fact that Buss wasn’t jonesing and stanning as they do for LeBron.
She gave The King his props as one of the greatest, but it wasn’t enough for his fans base.
The Lakers owner’s use of the word “might” incited the ire of basketball fans who criticized Buss in the comment section of the NBA Central’s post on X (formerly Twitter).
One fan said, “Sh*t my work wife better be calling me the GOAT as well.”
Another fan got offended by the statement and advised James to request a trade, “Might? Request a trade right now.”
Another fan mentioned, ““Might” he literally is.”
There was a fan who said, “‘Might’ when he is already the greatest player of all time.“
Another NBA enthusiast accused “Jeanie Buss and Pelinka” of “destroying his chances of GOAT status by constantly giving him garbage teams he can’t compete with,” in his X comment.
Back in July of 2021, Buss slightly offended one of her good friends and former GOATs Shaquille’ O’Neal, when she excluded him from her “Top Five Most Important Lakers” list. She had the late Kobe Bryant first, followed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, Magic Johnson and Phil Jackson.
On his Instagram account under the post of Jeanie’s top 5 most important Lakers Shaq commented “whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.” The next picture in the carousel was a shocked or confused face from Shaq, reacting to the list.
The post surfaced again in 2023, and the pain probably hurt the same for Shaq, who responded with grace when the list first dropped.
“I love Jeanie Buss. I have never, would never say anything negative about Jeanie Buss,” Shaq said. “She gave me $120 million, $100 million, another $80 million. I would never, ever in my life say anything negative about Jeanie Buss and the Buss family. That is her opinion. I respect her opinion … Look, I’m not mad about that. Listen, she’s Jeanie Buss, that’s her opinion. If you ask other people, the names will vary.
“At 49, I’m a lot more peaceful than I was. If I was 29, I would say, ‘Hold on, LeBron’s only been there 720 days. How you gonna put him before me?’ But look, I’m 49, I respect people’s opinions,” he added.
Under the circumstances, Bron shouldn’t feel too bad about what Buss said. She has to be respectful to the greats who preceded him. She also boosted James on her most important list over Shaq who won three rings in L.A. with Kobe.
NBA GOAT Debate Rages On, Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss Catches A Stray
At 39 years old, James no longer dominates the league, and while he holds the title of all-time point leader, has won four NBA championships, four NBA MVP awards, and four NBA Finals MVP awards, and has been selected for the All-Star game 20 times, he’s not a hands-down choice for No. 1 greatest of all-time.
Basketball didn’t begin in 2003. Kobe has more championships, and so do Magic Johnson and Kareem, who was the all-time scoring leader until recently.
Michael Jordan, if you took a poll of informed neutral fans, would probably still hold a significant edge over LeBron in the GOAT argument.
Despite being close to turning 40 in December, James is still among the league’s best players. Recently, James was honored as the 2024 Paris Olympics MVP after leading Team USA and securing his third gold medal. James also signed a contract extension during the offseason and looks forward to making history when he and Bronny take the floor together for the first time.
Buss isn’t wrong. LeBron might be the greatest ever, but that’s not written in stone, and you will get as much feedback against him being the GOAT as you will in his favor. She has seen and forgotten more basketball than all of these opinionated computer junkies combined.
Of course, Lakers fans want to hear Buss say LeBron is the greatest ever, but he’s not even considered a top 3 Lakers player of all-time, and her history with the team has earned her the right to give an opinion on such matters.
On Friday night Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark once again made history. The 2024 WNBA No.1 overall pick broke the league record for assists in a season with her nine dimes in the Fever’s (78-74) home loss to the reigning two-time defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.
Clark now has 321 assists this season, surpassing the previous record of 316 assists held by Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas.
Clark, the overwhelming favorite to take him Rookie of the Year honors is having a magical season. In 38 games the sharpshooter is averaging 19.2 points, 8.5 assists (league high) and 5.8 rebounds on 42.3 percent shooting.
While her trademark three-point shooting has been up and down, she’s been much better from distance since the return to action following the month-long Olympic break. Despite all Clark has accomplished as a rookie, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal isn’t ready to crown her just yet.
O’Neal Takes Off Shot Atwater Clark
One week after his NBA on TNT co-host and longtime rival Charles Barkley proclaimed that many of the WNBA players have “petty jealousness” toward Clark during an appearance on “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” O’Neal balked at that notion.
While appearing on the USA Today “Sports Seriously” show, the four-time NBA champion, took a subtle jab at Clark and Barkley.
“There’s envious jealousy, there’s professional jealousy,” O’Neal said of Barkley’s comments. “Sure there are a lot of people who are professionally jealous. I am. I’m professionally jealous of a lot of people. I’m professionally jealous of Steph Curry, he makes $60 million. But hey, that’s life.
“You also gotta understand that we’re not going to give it to you just because everybody else is giving it to you. Still gotta earn it. Chuck had to go through that, I had to go through that, so I understand what’s everybody doing. Yeah you’re great, but you ain’t great yet. Calm down. We still got Diana Taurasi, we still got A’ja Wilson, if you’re gonna give Caitlin Clark props make sure our girls that are dominating in this league get their props.”
Shaq sounds like a hater, but you’d expect that considering the relationship he possesses with Chicago Sky star Angel Reese, whose ongoing rivalry with Clark has been the top story in the WNBA this season.
Maybe he’s speaking towards Clark’s strong fan base, who very likely weren’t fans of the league prior to her arrival. Therefore, they’re not familiar with other WNBA greats.
What Shaq must realize is no one is discrediting anything that other WNBA greats have done, but what Clark has done this season is unprecedented. Of course, he doesn’t want to give Clark the credit she deserves for changing the league.
His love for Reese, who attended LSU as he did, and whom he also signed to Reebok is evident, but his attempt to simmer the hype surrounding Clark sounds foolish.
But it is funny to hear Shaq and Barkley bickering as they do weekly on TNT.
On Thursday night Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered his third confirmed concussion in since being drafted by the Fins in 2020.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide star left the game after running head first into Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who suffered his own scare on the field in 2023. In all Tagovailoa has had at least six head injuries when you include the three he suffered at Alabama.
While he did manage to clear protocol, it’s still something worth mentioning, especially with the NFL and CTE which as of 2023 and according to the Boston University CTE center has been found in 345 of 376 deceased former NFL players.
That’s the growing fear for Tagovailoa if he ultimately decides to continue his playing career after these unfortunate head injuries.
As expected, Tagovailoa’s injury Thursday night sparked a lot of conversation on the Friday morning sports talk shows.
During Friday episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” former Ravens and Jets linebacker Bart Scott talked about why he retired in 2012.
At the time of his decision it was believed that Scott walked away following an injury to his toe. Scott opened upon Friday about the real reason for stepping away from the game he loved.
“Everybody thinks I retired because of my toe,” Scott said. “I had reconstructive surgery on my toe when I left. But really it was because I started seeing spots and lights. I had light sensitivity, I haven’t really shared this with anybody, but I feel inclined to do it in this intimate setting that we have.”
“I didn’t know what to do. I was like, you know what? It’s time to fold it up,” he continued. “It’s about the people that are around Tua, right? Because it’s hard for him to make an emotional decision, that’s why you put people around you, your team that you trust with your life, to make lifelong decisions and you give them the information, then you come together and make a collective decision.”
Scott’s reveal seemingly shook up the set, as no one knew that was why he walked away. Scott’s reasoning for telling that was to give an example of what Tagovailoa will go through as he attempts to make the correct decision for himself and his family going forward.
What’s Next For Tua?
Tagovailoa’s former college coach Nick Saban chimed in on his former star signal-caller. The legendary Alabama coach says he believes the evaluation about the risks Tua would face by continuing his playing career should be done by the medical experts. Speaking from Columbia, South Carolina, as he prepares for ESPN’s “College GameDay,” Saban was blunt in his opinion.
“This has to be a medical decision,” Saban said. “I mean, you have to let medical people who understand the circumstances around these injuries, these concussions — and when you have multiple concussions, that’s not a good sign.”
“I think Tua and his family and everyone else should listen to all the medical evidence to make sure you’re not compromising your future, health-wise, by continuing to play football,” he added.
Tua Just Signed Mega Deal
In late July, Tagovailoa and the Dolphins agreed on a four-year, $212.4 million extension with $167.1 million guaranteed. This latest injury clouds the new deal, especially if he opts to actually retire. While, the money side of things will eventually get worked out, right now Tagovailoa needs to focus all his attention into getting healthy and being a husband, father, son and brother.
That’s what’s most important.
Just as he secured the $212 million bag and positioned himself as the next great Miami Dolphins quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion history has reared its ugly head again.
Tagovailoa suffered the third concussion of his NFL career and fourth in five seasons on Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills, which once again brought his long-term future into doubt.
It was just the season before last when more than a few people in the football community were calling for Tua to retire after he suffered his first two concussions.
We all know how prevalent brain damage is for NFL football players and concussions are the ultimate evil when it comes to player safety and quality of life in retirement.
Whether or not Tua should continue to play is a discussion that generated plenty of dissenting opinions before he threw for over 4600 yards and 29 TDs last season. So it’s an even touchier subject now that he’s been paid in full.
Stephen A. Smith and Elle Duncan’s conversation on Tua and concussions during a “First Take” segment on Friday, morphed into a heated discussion about sacrifices made by men and women.
Smith attempted to give a male perspective on what Tua would continue to put himself at risk.
“Molly [Qerim] and Elle, I can say this: As men, our mentality a lot of the time is different,” Smith said. “You’re willing to put it all on the line to secure the well being of your family in perpetuity, even in the event you’re not around.”
Smith expounded: “There are sacrifices that I make as a father all the time. I’m not around my daughters as much as I would like to be. I’m not with my family as much as I would like to be.Sometimes they resent it and what have you. I don’t care.”
“And you know why I don’t care?” he asked. “Because I grew up starving. And as a result of that, anything that I do to ensure the well-being of my family moving forward, even in the event that I’m not around — as selfish as that may be — I’m willing to do it because I knew what it was like to grow up with nothing. These football players make those decisions every single day as men. Provide, protect. That’s our number one priority. That’s how most of us think. And that plays a role in the kind of decisions that men make.”
The comparison Smith was making was clear, even if the actual physical risks of being a concussion-prone NFL quarterback is much greater than a sports talking head.
We get it.
Duncan, however, a mom and elite talent in her field, felt slighted by the remarks and took exception to the ESPN star seemingly limiting that sacrifice mindset to just men.
“As someone who is a woman who has two scars that go from hip to hip because I’ve had two C-sections in an effort to provide for my family and create a family for my family, I understand sacrifice,” Duncan said. “A Black woman in this country, whose mortality rates are incredibly high, I understand making sacrifices and trying to mitigate risk when it comes to your family, expanding your family and protecting your family.”
“All I am simply imploring is that anyone in Tua’s corner, someone that truly believes and loves Tua, is having a real conversation with him right now about what quality of life looks like. We all face an existential crisis at some point in our lives,” Duncan added.
Tua’s current situation is not only another dark example of the short and long-term risks involved in playing a gladiator sport, but offers further insight into why players are increasingly holding out for financial guarantees in their contracts negotiations.
It can all disappear in the blink of an eye.
The Miami Dolphins were thinking Super Bowl and they definitely didn’t expect to deal with another concussion so soon. Especially after Tua, a 2020 first-round pick, took jiu-jitsu in the 2023 offseason, to work on the proper techniques to lessen the impact of his falls when he is sacked or tackled.
Tua’s overcome so much as a player. He came into the league in 2020, coming off a serious injury that wrecked his Heisman campaign. Prior to the hip injury suffered in college, he was considered a generational talent. His first few years in the league, and his tumultuous time with former head coach Brian Flores presented even more challenges for Tua to overcome, along with his growing reputation for being concussion prone.
Prior to head coach Mike McDaniels arriving and transforming Tua into something resembling the player he was projected to be coming out of Alabama, Tua said Flores beat down his confidence.
There were even rumors of the Miami Dolphins going after Tom Brady to replace Tua when his future as the franchise guy was up in the air. It was just January of 2023 when Tua’s parents came out publicly to dismiss any rumors that their son would be retiring after only playing 13 games in the 2022 season.
Related: Tua Tagovailoa’s Parents Set Record Straight: There’s Nothing Shaking For Tom Brady In Miami
Those rumors have surfaced again, which has got to be a double blow to Tua’s fragile ego.
Having overcome so much, to have to deal with another concussion is sobering for the entire NFL community. SAS and Elle Duncan both were right in that playing the game of football is a huge sacrifice that affects your family, your health and your future in a multiplicity of ways.
Now that Angel Reese is down for the season, the attention has finally shifted to Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson and the all-time dominant season she is producing for the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces.
Wilson has emerged as the latest adversary or comparison for Clark fans, who seem to need an enemy when showing their passionate affections for what Clark has accomplished in her rookie season.
“These noobs Caitlin Clark Haters using A’Ja Wilson now
Because Reese failed to dominate Clark”
In her seventh season as a pro, Wilson broke the league’s all-time record Wednesday for most points in a regular season, surpassing Jewell Lloyd’s 939 points last year for the Storm.
It took Wilson three fewer games and nearly 100 fewer shot attempts — another example of her efficiency and effectiveness as an elite baller.
She’s got the MVP on smash, especially after she dominated Clark and Indiana in their last matchup. She’s also in contention for Defensive Player of the Year double-honor. Averaging 27.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, and a ridiculous 2.7 blocks per game, she’s posting a season for the ages.
However, there are plenty of fans and media who insist that Wilson is not getting the attention, credit or league promotion that she deserves.
Part of the reason for that is the hyperfocus on Clark and other rookies, and the fact that the Aces have been very inconsistent this season, leading to a 23-13 record, just fifth-best in the league.
You can’t tell Wilson fans that though. Many have insisted that she is the greatest player in WNBA history and has transcended the sport. Stephen A. Smith recently spoke glowingly of Wilson on First Take, insinuating that she hasn’t been getting her proper due.
“We just need to stand down, recognize and pay homage to the greatest that we’re witnessing,” Smith said on “First Take.”
Most basketball fans have recognized Wilson’s greatness long ago, but that doesn’t obligate them to cheer for her or even appreciate how godly she executes her craft.
With Wilson killing the game and Clark still winning the headlines and race still being the centerpiece of most conversation and inspiration regarding Clark, some ESPN talking heads and radio hosts have felt the need to join in and balance out the Clark hype by highlighting Wilson’s individual achievements and her overall legacy.
Radio host Freddie Coleman put an end to the MVP talk by revealing that Clark herself called Wilson, “unguardable.”
He took it a step further and probably had Diana Taurasi’s ears ringing.
“Noone has been as dominant as far as separating herself from everybody else in a league than what we have seen from A’ja Wilson the last three years,” Coleman said on his radio show. “She is unguardable and she is the most dominant athlete in any sport compared to anyone else.”
Of course, Coleman got some feedback from Clark fans, who understand that she might not have the stats or résumé to match Wilson but has had a larger effect on the overall health and elevation of the game as a brand in less than a season then Wilson has in her seven seasons.
Both sides are missing the point.
Clark’s unprecedented popularity has definitely put the WNBA in an elevated space among sports conversationalists.
Reese is forever part of Clark’s legacy and they both had record-breaking and impactful rookie seasons, along with millions of followers and casual fans who tune in just to see them.
So in that regard, Clark is the most valuable financial asset that the league has. Attendance records prove it. Ratings when she’s playing prove it. The chartered flights that were finally introduced thanks to her arrival, the $2.2 billion that the NBA broke them off for media rights over the next 11 years and the fact that Clark came into the game with a $28 million Nike deal and LeBron James-like pressure, while doing nothing to disappoint those expectations.
So Clark is special in a way that Wilson is not. Wilson has an issue with this and mentioned her reasoning behind it in the past, saying Clark’s race plays a significant role in the way she has been marketed and promoted.
“I think it’s a huge thing. I think a lot of people may say it’s not about Black and white, but to me, it is,” she told The Associated Press when asked about the race element in Clark’s popularity.
The same theory applies to Wilson’s performance on the court. She doesn’t get much pushback when people call her todays GOAT. The game needs her.
Wilson also has great character, is an ideal role model and is a supreme example of the potential of the women’s game.
She’s a more mature and skilled player than Clark at this point and she is clearly in her prime. When it comes to on the court dominance, the league is hers.
But her fans can’t force Wilson to be more popular or fill more seats or draw more interest than Clark, just because she’s a better player. The animosity towards certain players from fans and idiots on social media shouldn’t change what basketball fans already know.
Wilson will win her third MVP in 2024, but she won’t get the same pub that Cailtin Clark gets when these playoffs begin, despite being the best player on a dynasty going for a three-peat.
Let’s not act like Wilson is ignored. She got her own signature shoe with Nike this season, won a gold medal in the Olympics and was recognized as the most outstanding player on the team.
Looks to me like Wilson is deservedly getting her roses.
Clark fans have a great case for why CC is MVP. The team hasn’t had a winning record since 2016 and looks headed toward that with three games left. She’s also the No. 1 cash cow for the league and she fills the stadiums. That can’t be ignored. It also doesn’t mean she deserves more respect or love than Wilson.
The most marketable isn’t always the most magnificent, but the WNBA is not in a position to downplay either of their accomplishments or their importance to the league.
Everybody has a job to do on the road to riches and diamond rings.
