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‘Grant Hill Calling Me a Conspiracy Theorist Is Dissapointing’: Kevin Durant’s Grand Olympic Entry Makes Jaylen Brown Olympics Snub Less Important

Kevin Durant (23 points) came off the bench and had 21 points in the first half of Team USA’s 110-84 opening pool game against Nikola Jokic’s Serbian National Team, which put to bed for good the drama surrounding this Team USA men’s basketball squad that lingered after facing a couple of potential exhibition losses to South Sudan and Germany.

When Kawhi Leonard was sent home because he was physically unable to perform in the Olympics, most basketball purists agreed that the obvious choice to replace him was Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, the NBA Finals MVP. 

Jaylen Brown vs. Grant Hill Continues

Instead, the Committee, led by NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill, decided to choose a less-heralded but highly-valued teammate of Brown’s, Derrick White.  

Plenty of folks had a problem with that move, and rumors surfaced that Brown’s reputation as a know-it all and his past criticism of Nike played a role in him being bypassed for White. Others suggested White was a better fit on the court. 

Hill says that the driving force behind the snub was a  “basketball decision.”

In a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Grant Hill set the record straight. 

“I spoke to his agent. I don’t know if that was before or after things went out on Twitter, but yeah, I think this idea that there’s a conspiracy theory. I always love a good conspiracy theory, but it was really truly a basketball decision, and these are tough decisions. But having gone through this with the FIBA competition, you want to find the right balance and the right pieces on the court that we needed,” he said.

Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis Chemistry Influenced Decisions On Team Construction

When Team USA got together for those four days of camp in Vegas, Hill says he discovered a chemistry between Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis that changed the committee’s entry way of thinking.

Said Hill: “We went to training camp and we don’t have KD; KD was out coming back from a calf injury. The Jayson Tatum was late for arrival. We ended up having to play AD and Bam Adebayo together. We didn’t know if that would work, our thinking was let’s have three centers much like in 1996 when we had Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson and Shaquille O’Neal and we’ll rotate, all three of them are different and provide different things and we would have a three-head monster at the center position.”

And what we found was that Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis can really play well together on both sides of the floor. So, we kind of stumbled upon something and learned something about our group in those four days in Vegas.”

Even after Team USA endured some close games and showed some defensive lapses, especially with the older first team featuring Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Joel Embiid, they still went 5-0 in exhibition play. 

Team USA opened up against Serbia in a Men’s Group C game, and there are still plenty of people who believe the team would be better with Brown who capped off an All-NBA season with his first championship, leading the Celtics to the franchise’s record 18th banner. 

Carmelo Anthony Wanted Jaylen Brown On The Team

Team USA legend Carmelo Anthony is very vocal on his “7pm In Brooklyn” podcast and recently said he still believes Jaylen Brown should have been awarded a spot. However, according to the United States managing director, Hill, they were right in choosing White, who he says perfectly fits the team’s needs.

“Not to say that he wouldn’t have been good. There’s a lot of guys you can go on, a list of guys who are very capable, and very, very qualified. But you know, for where we were, it was the right decision. Derrick White, I think, will help us as we pursue gold,” he concluded.

Team USA Needed Full Court Defender, Had Too Many Wings

Hill says the team was crowded at the 3 and 4 positions. Some of the injuries they had during camp made Hill and the committee re-think the game plan.  

“Now we had a log jam at the 4th position,” Hill said. “Let’s not bring on someone no who can really give us great defense at the point of attack, guard and pressure point guards on opposing teams.”

And like Bam Adebayo said on the previews for Team USA’s game, “The Olympics is bigger than just one person.” 

Team USA Loaded With Accolades and Big Names

Coming up with reasons to take two of Brown’s teammates and exclude him wasn’t hard for Team USA who’s loaded with talent. Without Brown, the team has eight MVP awards, 59 all-NBA selections, 15 NBA titles and 10 Olympic gold medals. 

That and great depth at the wing position with King James, Kevin Durant, and Jayson Tatum. With KD out, however, the absence of Brown was glaring, and Tatum has been relegated to role player status with the rotations Steve Kerr is using. 

Kevin Durant Sparks Team USA vs. Serbia

Dwyane Wade, who’s one of the analysts for Team USA hoops coverage on Peacock/NBC, said much of the talk about the roster won’t matter once KD steps on the court because “Plus, they have Kevin Durant,” and he’s probably the best plug and play performer of our generation.

KD did return to play with 2:33 seconds left in the first quarter against Serbia on Sunday. The all-time scorer in Team USA Olympics history didn’t see any action in the exhibition slate but hit his first three-point shot to cut Serbia’s lead to 20-17. Then he hit his second three to cap a 11-0 Team USA run, that gave them a lead at the end of the first quarter, capped by an alley-oop from Bron to Antman.

Durant finished the half with a team-high 21 points, banging down all five of his threes like he never missed a beat, hitting an acrobatic jumper, ending up on his backside as the first-half buzzer sounded, giving Team USA a 58-49 halftime lead that they never relinquished.

Ultimately Hill dismissed any talk of anything outside of basketball as being the reason Brown isn’t on the team as “conspiracy theory.”

“This idea that there’s a conspiracy theory, I always love a good conspiracy theory, but it was really truly a basketball decision,” Hill also said on Dan Patrick’s show.

Brown Didn’t Like Hill’s Comments

“Grant Hill calling me a conspiracy theorist is disappointing. I’ve been a VP since I was 21 years old. I have a great understanding,” Brown wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sunday morning.

Brown, who has been a vice president for the NBA Players’ Association since 2019, was replying to Hill’s comments and the war of words continues.

Related: Haley Van Lith Is Finally Being Greedy | Won’t Confirm TCU Transfer, Could Get Better Offer After Leading Team USA 3×3 Women’s Team To Paris Gold

If everything goes as planned, nobody will remember that Brown didn’t make the team. There should be enough star power for Team USA to withstand any challenge thrown its way.

‘It’s A Sad Day When Owners and Commissioners Choose Money Over Fans’ | Charles Barkley Is Getting $20M Offers Still Calls Out NBA For Wanting To “Break Us Up From The Beginning”

After months of back and forth the NBA has made the decision to grant their television rights to Amazon/NBC following the 2024-25 season.

That means the upcoming season will end TNT’s 35-year run which began in 1989. Warner Brothers/Discovery who actually owns TNT matched Amazon’s huge $1.8 billion offer, the powers that be decided to try something different. The biggest reason being the $76B in total revenue they expect to make over the 11 years. 

Related: NBA’s $76B Media Deal Is Great For WNBA, Spells Doom For Charles, Kenny, Shaq, Ernie and “Inside The NBA” on TNT (theshadowleague.com)

The move drew the ire of Basketball Hall of Famer and NBA on TNT analyst Charles Barkley who’s been with the network and its flagship show “Inside The NBA” since 2000. The outspoken Barkley called out the powers that be for pretty much dismissing the counteroffer made by Warner Bros/Discovery. The move even has Barkley considering retiring at the end of the 2024-25 season. 

Money Over Fans?

Following the announcement that the NBA had rejected the offer, Barkley took to X voice his displeasure with the move. 

“Clearly the NBA has wanted to break us up from the beginning. I’m not sure TNT ever had a chance. TNT matched the money, but the league knows Amazon and these tech companies are the only ones willing to pay for the rights when they double in the future. The NBA didn’t wanna piss them off. 

“It’s a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over the fans. It just sucks.”

Barkley also thanked his coworkers and all the NBA fans, saying that he and his crew which features Ernie Johnson, Kenny “The Jet” Smith and Shaquille O’Neal are going to give their best effort next season. 

Barkley Says He Isn’t Starting Over

Barkley who’s 61, has hinted at retirement on numerous occasions, but because he loves the vibe at TNT he’s stuck around, recently talked about him possibly calling it a career sooner than later. 

“The main reason I was talking about next year being my last year – I wouldn’t feel comfortable going to work for another network. It’ll be 25 years that I’ve been working for Turner, and I love everybody at Turner, but at this age to go and start over, I don’t know if I want to do that.”

Sounds like Barkley is gonna hit the golf course pretty hard at the end of the next NBA season.

Unless ESPN steps up and brings the entire show over to their network, which is being mentioned. 

“It’ll Get Handled When It Gets Handled” | Patrick Mahomes Savagely Responds To Raiders Taunting Him With Kermit The Frog Puppet

This week NFL training camps opened, and that means the 2024 NFL season is right around the corner. One of the biggest storylines heading into the season is can the Kansas City Chiefs become the first team to three-peat in the Super Bowl era.

They’ll be no shortage of teams and players looking to dethrone the back-to-back Lombardi Trophy winners, who are led by the league’s best player in quarterback Patrick Mahomes. 

One of those teams looking to defeat the Chiefs are the archrival Las Vegas Raiders who under then interim head coach Antonio Pierce upset K.C. at Arrowhead Stadium on Christmas Day. That win in many ways solidified Pierce’s position as the interim coach, and following the season he was promoted to head coach.

In retrospect, that game seemed to bring the then-struggling Chiefs together, and they didn’t lose again the rest of the season.

Despite the Chiefs’ unrivaled success over the past five seasons, which includes three Super Bowl wins and four Super Sundays, the Raiders don’t care. 

Raiders Rookie Taunts Mahomes, Who Savagely Claps Back

In a video from Raiders camp, rookie safety Trey Taylor used a Kermit the Frog doll to taunt Mahomes, whom many have been saying for years talks like the “Sesame Street” character.

Mahomes got wind of the video and during his Friday post-practice presser he addressed the matter. 

“It’s still early in the year. Stuff like that happens. It’ll get handled when it gets handled,” Mahomes said.

Mahomes also said the joke won’t add any extra fuel as he attempts to lead K.C. to a place no team has gone in the Super Bowl era. 

“They don’t need to send me anything to keep me motivated.”

Chiefs Have Owned The Raiders In Mahomes Era

In 12 meetings versus the Raiders, Mahomes is 10-2 with 5,062 yards passing, 43 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s also completed 66 percent of his passes. Even wilder is he’s never lost on the road to the Raiders either. 

To make matters even worse for the Raiders and their fans is the Chiefs won last season’s Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium, their home stadium. Adding insult to injury is K.C. used the Raiders locker room all week leading up to the big game. 

Mahomes The Owns AFC West

Since becoming the starter in 2018, Mahomes has gone 30-5 versus the AFC West. While the Chiefs have won three Super Bowls and won 15 playoff games, the Raiders, Broncos and Chargers have combined for two playoff appearances and zero wins. 

Memo to the Raiders and their young rookie: You might not want to poke the bear, he’s got a knack for ending seasons holding trophies while you watch from Cabo or the sofa. 

“He Was Treated As Someone Apart, Not Like Us”: Summer League Teammate Says Lakers’ Favoritism Toward Bronny James Hurt Team Chemistry

Bronny James’ Summer League experience seems to be positive. He started off very slowly and was the butt of jokes and criticism as he couldn’t connect on his long-range jumpers and seemed out of sync in finding his rhythm on offense. 

As far as the franchise and the team is concerned, everyone seemed to be highly supportive of the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, but recent reports have surfaced that teammates are speaking out against the special treatment he received after getting drafted.

One issue was the minutes that Bronny got. LeBron’s son played 25 minutes per game, given every opportunity to get comfortable, catch up to the speed of the game and showcase his skills. 

Anonymous Teammate Of Bronny James’ Summer League Team Says His Presence Hurt Chemistry

Now that Summer League is over, one anonymous Lakers player, according to The US Sun, is coming forward to trash Bronny for allegedly damaging the team’s chemistry. 

Which isn’t farfetched considering the mountains that were moved to not only get Bronny drafted to his father’s team, but then to convince everyone that he had earned his spot and his $8 million guaranteed rookie deal was warranted. 

Via The US Sun

A player who was part of the Lakers’ Summer League team confirmed that with “almost everything centered around Bronny,” it was tough to enjoy hooping.

“I mean, he was treated as someone apart, not like all of us, and that is very annoying as we didn’t feel any chemistry in this group of players,” the player said.

The player said players on the team were frustrated because the Lakers were giving Bronny all the shine while everyone else was fighting for a roster spot.

“I ended up being very frustrated because I was never put in the best situation, or even put in some plays or game plans because they wanted Bronny to show his skills and shine,”

“If you talk to any other player that was part of the roster of the California Classic and the Summer League, most of them would tell you the same thing.

“The tensions were visible, and pretty much we were all thinking about the end of the Summer League to get out of here and focus on our next step in our careers.”

With LeBron James wielding the power to end careers in media and in the NBA, it’s not surprising that the source would not attach a name to these comments. 

It’s also not surprising that guys also fighting tooth and nail to be accepted into the NBA and fulfill their dreams are not happy with what is clearly preferential treatment for Prince James. 

That’s how people see it and when other guys in Summer League are legit earning their minutes and Bronny doesn’t leave the court regardless of how he plays, it can be disheartening for other guys on the team and create some inevitable resentment. 

By all accounts, Bronny seems to be a great teammate and he is protected to some degree from his father’s legendary persona. 

It won’t be enough to keep Bronny in the league, but he will get at least four years to prove his worth, according to his contract. 

Several former players and analysts have expressed their displeasure with the JJ Redick hiring and the Lakers using their second-round pick (55th overall) on Bronny James who played less than a season at USC and didn’t average 5 points per game. 

Former NBA Player Steven Hunter Called Lakers Picking Bronny An “Egregious Abuse Of Power”

Former NBA player Steven Hunter was one of the more vocal opponents of Bronny James being drafted. He went as far as to call it an “egregious abuse of power” that the legends such as MJ and Kobe would never do for their sons if they didn’t earn it. 

“For those that don’t know… Late second round picks don’t get guarantees (Especially before summer league). Typically, late second round picks don’t get 4-year guaranteed roster spot deals either. This wasn’t earned, I’m sorry… And it’s an egregious abuse of power from LBJ and Rich Paul,” Hunter said via his IG account (Steven Hunter/Instagram: @s_dot45).

Hunter continued: “It’s a slap in the face to all of the kids out there who work their a—- off to get to the league. It’s sneaky Hollywood s— like this that turns a lot of people off about LeBron… This is just another example of what they are talking about right when you try to like ’em. This is why most people prefer MJ or Kobe over him because you know at least MJ or Kobe gone be straight shooters…”

Matt Barnes Says The Hate Comes With The Territory For NBA Players’ Sons

LeBron went as far unfollowing some analysts such as Rachel Nichols, who were harsh in their criticism of Bronny James and his future as an NBA player. 

Former NBA player Matt Barnes has two up-and-coming sons with NBA dreams who play for Paul George’s youth basketball squad. Barnes says getting hated on when your father is an NBA player comes with the territory.

“When you’re a pro’s son or a former pro’s son, there’s a bigger spotlight,” Barnes said in a recent interview with the Athletic. “There’s a lot of people who love you — but there’s just as many people who hate you,” the “All The Smoke” podcaster added.

Related: ‘LeBron James Is No Longer Following Rachel Nichols’: If You Say Anything Negative About Bronny James, His Dad Is Listening and Taking Names (theshadowleague.com)

As long as Bronny James is in the NBA and not performing at a high level, people will have something to say. It will ultimately be up to him as to what kind of contributor he can be to a pro team’s success. For now, he will roll with the punches, and everything he does will be judged through a magnifying glass. He will have to work past the criticisms and accusations of nepotism and forge friendships based on his own personality. Such is the burden when you’re King James’ son. 

The Highest-Paid Black Olympic Athlete Made $128.2M In 365 Days: Here’s A Hint … It’s Not Simone Biles

The 2024 Olympic Games officially kick off today, July 26, as 10,000 athletes from across the globe will descend in Paris for the opening ceremony of the Olympics. That means a whole lotta money is coming through to compete at the highest levels in France. According to Forbes, 

The Olympics will see some of the world’s highest-paid athletes and the list is dominated by NBA players, professional golfers, and tennis stars, who according to the publication, earn large playing contracts, purses

According to Forbes, these players earn large playing contracts or prize money winnings, as well as millions of dollars in brand endorsements and off-field business ventures.

Thanks to sports and entertainment, Black athletes have enjoyed unimaginable lifestyles and opportunities. 

Team USA alone dominates the list of highest-paid black athletes at the Paris Olympics.

LeBron James: $128.2 million

Networth: $1.18B

Three-time Olympian LeBron James is the highest-paid athlete at the Olympics. He earns $128.2 million, according to Forbes. He is also the first self-made billionaire to compete in the Summer Games, following his various endorsement deals and entrepreneurial ventures.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: $111 million

Net worth: $90 million

Giannis Antetokounmpo clocked in at No. 11 on Forbes’ 2023 list of The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes with $87.6 million in estimated income for the year thanks to the $42.6 million he earns in salary from his team and the added $45 million he rakes in from endorsements. 

Antetokounmpo will be at the Olympics for the first time, representing Greece. Known as “the Greek Freak” Giannis ranks among the highest-paid NBA stars with a hefty salary and a lucrative deal with Nike for his “Freak” range.

Stephen Curry: $102 million

Net worth: $200 million 

Chef Curry has built a mega brand with his long-range bombing and four championships. He had the highest-selling jersey in the league in 2023 and since coming to the NBA, Curry, who plays for the Warriors, has consistently ranked among the highest-paid players. 

Curry has been collecting checks since 2009 as the seventh overall pick in the draft, and has since forged a legendary career and accumulated wealth. 

The 36-year-old GOAT shooter picks up around $102 million, according to Forbes, through salary and endorsements and investments. 

Kevin Durant: $93.3 million

Net worth: $210 million

KD, who is still nursing an injury as he prepares to get on the court for Team USA, makes nearly $100 million per year from his salary and various endorsements.

Joel Embiid: $57.7 million

Net worth: $100 million

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid got heckled by French fans for turning down offers from France and Cameroon to play for their national teams in these Olympics. Embiid instead opted into Team USA, and one thing you can’t heckle him about is his money. The Cameroonian-born MVP reportedly earned around $57.7 million in 2024.

Anthony Davis: $46.2 million

Net worth: $160M-$175M

Anthony Davis plays alongside LeBron James on the Lakers, and they share the same agent, Rich Paul and Klutch Sports. He makes close to $50 million a year. The first overall selection in the 2012 NBA draft is a nine-time All-Star and has been named All-NBA First Team four times.

Davis signed a five-year, $127 million contract extension in 2015 with the Pelicans, who dealt him to the Lakers in 2019 after he demanded a trade. He signed a five-year, $190 million max contract in 2020 to stay with the Lakers. He also has a lucrative deal with Nike. 

The fact that basketball is one of the most popular Olympic events shows the global popularity of the sport. You don’t see American football or even baseball, anymore, in the Olympics. 

The aforementioned NBA players can be seen going for the gold as team USA begins pool play in the men’s 5×5 basketball tournament on July 28 at 11:15 a.m. ET. 

To guarantee a spot in the knockout stage, the star-studded collaborations that includes Steph Curry, King James, Kevin Durant, 2024 NBA champion Jayson Tatum and the like, need to finish in the top two of Group C, which also includes South Sudan, Serbia and Puerto Rico.

Related: Jayson Tatum’s Exploding Jersey Sales and $313.9M Contract Proves He Will Be The Face Of NBA’s Next Generation (theshadowleague.com)

South Sudan gave Team USA a tough game, losing by 1 point on a LeBron James game-winning layup. So none of these games can be taken for granted as easy wins. And being the highest-paid player won’t be enough to get the job done.

“Shannon Don’t Call The Shots At ESPN” | Shannon Sharpe Says He Has Nothing To Do With ESPN Curbing Former Partner Skip Bayless

Last week it was announced that longtime television sports analyst Skip Bayless will be leaving FS1 and his show “Undisputed” later this summer.

Bayless’ exit comes a little over a year after Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe left the aforementioned “Undisputed” when it became apparent that he and Bayless could no longer coexist. Since that separation, Sharpe has landed on his feet, joining Stephen A. Smith and “First Take.”

Sharpe’s arrival at “First Take” helped the hit morning sports talk and debate show widen the viewership gap between the two shows even more. This while Bayless has struggled to replace the ever popular Sharpe, and for that reason alone it seems that his eight-year run at FS1 will end. As soon as it became known that Bayless would be leaving FS1, the talk of him returning to ESPN, a place he spent 12 years (2004-16), dominated the storylines. But the powers that be quickly shut that notion down. 

Did Sharpe Play A Role In ESPN Showing No Interest In Bayless Reunion? 

As quick as the Bayless announcement was made, ESPN let it be known via a statement released to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports that the network and “First Take” “were set with the current rotation.” Following that statement many wondered if Sharpe had anything to do with it. The three-time Super Bowl-winning tight end quickly put that notion to rest. 

During a recent episode of Sharpe’s hit podcast “Nightcap” that also features former great Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Sharpe clarified the matter. 

“I don’t know what Skip’s going to do,” Sharpe said. “I wish him the best, but I don’t make the call. ESPN issued a statement saying Bayless wouldn’t be on ‘First Take,’ and Stephen A. said what he said. But at the end of the day, ESPN’s going to make a call. Shannon don’t call the shots at First Take.” 

What’s crazy is the aforementioned Smith used to be Bayless’ partner on “First Take” (from 2012-16), and with his power at the network it’s obvious he’s the one who isn’t vouching for the return of Bayless. 

Sharpe Has Built Multimedia Empire

Despite their differences, Sharpe has never badmouthed Bayless publicly, in fact he’s always credited the talking head for giving him that first opportunity to join “Undisputed” in 2016. Since then, in many ways Sharpe has become the face of sports media, even more popular than his counterpart on “First Take,” Smith. 

With two successful hit podcasts the aforementioned “Nightcap” and of course “Club Shay Shay” which boast the interview with comedian Katt Williams which reportedly made him $6 million, more than he made in any single year of his illustrious NFL career. 

Related: Davante Adams Tells Uncle Shay Shay He Would Take A 58-Year-Old Brady As His QB “At This Point”

That was just the beginning for Sharpe who was also named No. 1 on Complex Magazine’s Top 25 Most Interesting Sports Personalities Right Now. Not bad for a former athlete who just entered the business roughly eight years ago. And despite the way things ended at FS1, Sharpe always stayed classy and took the high road.

Now he’s reaping the benefits of how he handled himself and that situation, while Bayless’ time on the tube seems to be up. 

“When I’m Driving and Police Is Behind Me My Heart Beats Fast Like Y’all”: Snoop Dogg Says Being Most “Famous Rapper Ever” Doesn’t Change The Fact That He’s Black

Snoop Dogg will represent a groundbreaking moment in hip-hop and American history when he will be among the final torchbearers before the Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 26. Snoop will also be doing commentary on various sports and from different landmarks in Paris as the Olympic Games heat up. 

In a recent interview, California rapper The Game described his big homie Snoop Dogg as a “safe artist.” 

Snoop recently appeared on Drink Champs, an award-winning podcast hosted by rapper NORE, formerly of the classic rap tandem Capone-N-Noreaga (C-N-N) and addressed Game’s claim. 

NORE wanted Snoop’s opinion on that assessment, bringing up the fact that Snoop once faced murder charges and was able to escape that situation and become an all-encompassing brand. A guy who will carry on the last leg of the Olympic torch in Paris.  

“You had a murder case. There’s no way you can be a safe artist,” NORE said, while laughing to soften the tension in the air. 

“I guess probably because of what I created…after that,” Snoop replied.

“I got into the football leagues. I do things with special needs kids. With the parents. Gang violence. The things that I’ve done to create a whole new narrative on who I am, so that would probably make him feel I’m safe. But I’m still a n-gga though,” Snoop said.

“When I’m driving, and the police are behind me, my heart beats fast like the rest of y’all.” 

Snoop always has the jokes, but we all know good and well what he means despite his meteoric rise and his friendship with Martha Stewart, and the way he is able to cross brands from Crip to selling baby cribs. He’s gone from stoner to the guy NORE called “the most famous rapper ever.” 

That might be true. Few rappers can say they have Snoop’s reach. He can do cooking shows for middle- to upper-aged white women and make rap songs or sell a used marijuana blunt that he smoked and preserved for $2,000 at auction. 

Snoop knows that end of the day he’s a Black man and one with a criminally affiliated past despite the good grace that the Lord and the general public have bestowed upon him. Even as one of the most recognizable and beloved faces in entertainment, he still feels just as vulnerable as he does invincible.

Snoop and Olympic Both Big Deal Worldwide

The Olympics is a huge worldwide deal. And apparently, so is Snoop Dogg. 

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Mayor of Saint-Denis Mathieu Hanotin revealed that the rapper will carry the Olympic torch through the streets of the Paris suburb, which is also the home of the Stade de France Olympic Stadium.

There are already odds on whether or not Snoop will light one up with the Olympic torch. That would truly be iconic.

Snoop Will Provide Olympic Coverage For NBC

NBC previously announced that the rapper and media personality will be remaining in France after his global “hip-hop” moment and join the network in France for the Summer Games, where he will help provide coverage of the event, including “regular reports for the Olympic Primetime Show beginning July 26, 2024, on NBC and Peacock,” NBC said in a press release.

“I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness,” Snoop said in a statement.

Talk about the best of both worlds. Snoop Dogg is a true example of someone who found a way to be for everyone. He’s been around for four decades, and he’s become part of the musical and cultural fabric of this country. 

He might remind us that he’s still a Black man in America and every day could be his last, but he’s living a dream and providing hope to anyone who cares to learn about his journey.

Texas Longhorns Special Teams Coordinator Marries Stripper “Pole Assassin,” Who Appeared On Jerry Springer With A Pet Monkey That Bit A Kid At Halloween Party

The love story we have all been waiting for is complete. 

Texas Longhorns’ special teams coordinator, Jeff Banks, wed his former stripper girlfriend, Dani Thomas, AKA “Pole Assassin” over the weekend. 

The nuptials come almost three years after Thomas made the news cycle when the exotic dancer’s emotional support monkey, who had performed onstage with her multiple times, allegedly bit a young child. 

Texas Longhorns Special Teams Coach Jeff Banks Marries Stripper Pole Assassin

Sadly, there were no signs of the monkey when the coach and Thomas got married in a private ceremony in Texas recently. 

“Incredible 72 hours with our family and closest friends,” Banks captioned below a selfie of the newlyweds on the dance floor at the reception. 

“We truly love you all now off to Barcelona for our honeymoon,” he added.  

Other staff members at the University of Texas were out in full support of the newlyweds, who have been quiet since making headlines in 2021 after meeting in 2018, allegedly after Thomas split with his wife Kori, with whom he shares daughter, Sydnei and sons Gage.  

They introduced themselves to the world in dramatic fashion, as “Pole Assassin,” who once appeared on Jerry Springer with her emotional support monkey “Gia” received widespread criticism and backlash when her pet allegedly bit a child in a Haunted House she set up in her yard for Halloween. 

At the time, she vehemently denied the claims in a since-deleted Twitter post, per Sports Illustrated.

“I had a haunted house on one side gated off/ he had no permission to go pass the gate i had no idea he went in my back yard,” she wrote at the time.

“Neither did i know anything about a bite ! Until a doctor of neighborhood told me the treat a small bite. No parent have contacted me about it,” she continued. 

“A 11 /12 year old child should know better then to enter someone yard without permission and old enough to also follow the rules. The rules were when u get to the gate turn around and come back out for candy every other parent and child did so,” she added. 

“People lie so much it’s ridiculous ! Stop believing everything u hear ! And more of what u see ! SMH !”

Banks, on the other hand, is truly living out the T-Pain song, “I’m in love with a stripper.” 

Thomas Is First Longhorns Special Teams Coach To Make $1M Per

No specific information on what Pole Assassin has been doing for the past four years, but the relationship with Thomas, who joined the staff at the University of Texas in 2021 and became the first special teams coordinator to receive a salary of $1 million or more, seems to be super solid. 

The wedding and excitement of a European honeymoon comes at a busy time for Texas’ football program, as head coach Steve Sarkisian’s group embarks on its inaugural season in the powerful Southeastern Conference (SEC). 

Thomas’ love life hasn’t been a distraction to a squad with national championship aspirations that went 12-2 last season and returns Heisman candidate starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. The Southlake, Texas native recorded 22 touchdown passes and just six interceptions.

Arch Manning Is The Most Popular Texas Longhorn

If possible, there’s a backup quarterback at Texas who is probably more famous than Pole Assassin and her notorious monkey, and that’s Arch Manning, Peyton and Eli Manning’s nephew. 

Manning is going to come off the bench after redshirting last season. “We’re probably going to need both [Ewers and Manning] at some point this season,” Sarkisian told reporters. 

In the meantime, all is well with the Banks family. From the pole to the playing field, Dani Thomas is living the dream. Once known another face in Jerry Springer’s clown court, she has transformed her life, found a new man with some nice bank, and he is the only emotional support she needs. She has obviously brought him much peace and happiness as well.

The timetable on when the two actually met and details on how they met will make for a highly viewed Netflix special in the future. 

Of course, social media is tickled by the entire situation, and the fact that it seems to be ending in an unusual love story makes it even more offensive to some and intriguing to others. It’s the stuff you see in the movies. 

Any way you slice it, Thomas basically left his family for a stripper who is now his wife, so there is a modicum of respect she immediately demands at this point. Right? 

Related: Texas Longhorns Hooking Charlie Strong Crosses Diversity Rubicon

She’s been embraced by the Longhorns community and is a now a celebrity of sorts within that nation of football loyalists. 

“The W In WNBA Stood For Welfare”: Rob Parker Thinks Cheryl Miller’s Claim That WNBA Media Rights Deal Should Have Been $8B Is Ridiculous

The WNBA made out like gangbusters when it was reported that the league’s cut of the new $76 billion NBA Media Rights deal with various major media companies would be a record-setting $2.2 billion over 11 years. 

The number marked a groundbreaking financial come-up for a league that has grown exponentially this season with the influx of charismatic and fan-captivating rookies Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Cameron Brink, to name a few. 

The league’s last media rights deal was in the $60 million range. WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert said she hoped to double that revenue this season. Instead, they could possibly quadruple it as when all of the negotiations and various package agreements are in place the W stands to make about $260 million, according to previous reports.  

Cheryl Miller Says WNBA Got Lowballed: Worth $8B

Women’s basketball icon Cheryl Miller is one of the few people who seem unimpressed with the deal and told reporters it’s not enough, which prompted FS1 personality Rob Parker to go on one of his classic rants. 

When asked about the $2.2 billion come-up, the former USC and Team USA star and WNBA coach said: 

“I’m not great with numbers. Lowball, that’s a lowball.”

The reporter repeated the $2.2 billion over 11 years at Miller’s request and she doubled down on her dissatisfaction with the new deal.  

“Not enough. Not even close,” Miller said. “Now, I’m not trying to inflate it a whole lot. [$2.2 billion] is nice but $8 billion would be better. That’s what I’m talking about because they know, they know. And we have certainly come a long way. I’m not about gouging but it’s a long time overdue, and we are going to continue to get better and better. All you have to do is look at college basketball and the next wave of excitement. We have this now and pretty soon we are going to add another gold medal, so women’s basketball is in a great place right now.” 

Miller’s dedication and commitment to helping women’s basketball to new heights has been consistent ever since she was beating her NBA legend brother Reggie Miller in the backyard in one-on-ones is commendable. 

Rob Parker Comes For Cheryl Miller’s Claim Of $2.2B Media Deal Being A Low Ball Cut For WNBA

FS1 personality Rob Parker told her to pump the brakes, ’cause she’s overreaching and totally ignoring the financial 

“Stop It,” Parker said on the “Odd Couple Show” on Tuesday.  

“What Cheryl Miller doesn’t understand, that before this year and Caitlin Clark, the W in WNBA stood for ‘welfare,’” Parker declared.

“And for 29 years they have been taking the 160-ounce box of Frosted Flakes with no sugar on it and the government cheese from the NBA, as this team lost money hand over fist. It lost money. And now all of a sudden, a 300 percent increase ain’t good enough?” he asked.

Parker is referring to the fact that the WNBA is fully funded by the NBA and reports that the league has been losing millions and was expected to lose $50 million this season. 

Rob Parker Says Caitlin Clark Is Reason For W Attendance Increase

Parker then credited Clark for this recent women’s hoops revolution and noted that attendance is significantly lower in arenas where she is not playing. However, Miller is correct that ratings are through the roof in comparison to past seasons. 

Last weekend’s WNBA All-Star Game, in which a group of WNBA stars defeated the U.S. Olympic team 117-109 on ESPN, drew an event-record 3.4 million viewers, over 300 percent more than the 2023 game. Viewership peaked at 4.1 million viewers.

Parker isn’t buying it. 

“Cheryl Miller. Stop it. I got news for you. Caitlin Clark is the Harlem GlobeTrotters. When she goes and plays they show up and the numbers are there. They are still getting 5 and 6 thousands at other games where Caitlin Clark is nowhere to be seen,” Parker noted.  

“They still aren’t watching those games, So before you get big and bad and tell us how great it is. Even this year with Caitlin Clark. These aren’t Robapedia numbers. These are from the Washington Post. The WNBA. The Welfare NBA, as I call it, is scheduled to lose 50 million dollars this year.

“So Cheryl you want an eight, $8 billion? … Pay back all the money the last 29 years that the NBA put in. If this was a real business, this league would have been out of business 25 years ago. If this was a real business,” Parker concluded.

Harsh words from Parker, but he shares the perspective of most people who haven’t been watching much WNBA action. 

Is $2.2B Really A Lowball Cut For WNBA Media Rights Deal?

Instead of being gracious, Cheryl Miller demeaned the NBA’s generosity. Without having the books in front of us we don’t know how much the WNBA generates in gate revenue, jersey sales or any of that. Those numbers are harder to find than the crown jewels of Ireland. 

We do know that the average annual value (AAV) of the agreed-upon combined NBA and WNBA rights package is more than 150 percent higher than the prior pact, which was worth $2.7 billion a year and expires after the 2024-25 season. 

The W commanded only 1 percent of the prior TV deal, but now gets nearly 3 percent of the current one. 

Time will tell if Miller or Parker prevails.

Is Clyde Drexler Down Bad?: NBA Hall of Famer Puts 1992 Dream Team Gold Up For Auction, With Selling Price Expected Near $1M

With iconic NBA champions and MVPs such as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Joel Embiid Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant, along with a new breed of NBA champions and contenders in Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker and Devin White, many basketball heads proclaimed that this 2024 Olympic team was as good as the Dream Team in 1992. 

The 1992 United States men’s Olympic basketball team is still considered the greatest array of hoops talent ever assembled. The team consisted of Magic and Bird, Sir Charles Barkley, “His Airness” Michael Jordan and his faithful sidekick Scottie Pippen. St. John’s University’s own Chris Mullin, the pick-n-roll gods John Stockton and Karl “The Mailman” Malone.

“The Admiral” David Robinson, “The Hoya Destroya” Patrick Ewing, Clyde “The Glide” Drexler, and the most hated college player in history, Christian Laettner.

How Much Will Clyde Drexler’s 1992 Dream Team Gold Medal Fetch At Auction?

Most of those guys also did a great job handling their money and making it work for them after retirement. There haven’t been any reports of Clyde Drexler struggling financially, but the Hall of Famer did put his 1992 Olympic gold medal on the auction block earlier this week, becoming the first Dream Team member to have their medal hit the auction block, and it will be auctioned off by Goldin.

A gold medal as an original member of the incomparable Dream Team isn’t something you sell because you need a quick buck, unless you’re pressed for money. 

In any event, as expected, Drexler will get a nice bag for the medal. The bidding started at $250,000 but is expected to fetch more than double that amount. That’s an exclusive and rare item plenty of collectors with money to burn would pay a pretty penny for. Some have reportedly projected that it will fetch close to $1 million at final sale.

In 2023, a duplicate gold medal consigned by “Dream Team” member Karl Malone sold for over $74,000. Drexler’s gold medal reportedly includes a letter of authenticity, which was signed back in April.

“Scarce doesn’t begin to describe this medal, as no other have emerged on the market, and limited to only 12 issued to the players from that vaunted and historic team, now available to a public hungry to secure this treasure and place it at the pinnacle of their collection,” the description reads in the listing on Goldin Auctions. “This is possibly the only opportunity one will have to secure a medal from this team, making this your chance to own a piece of not only basketball history, but world history as well.”

Drexler Is First Dream Team Member To Sell Gold, But Others Have Sold Memorabilia

In all fairness, Drexler isn’t the first Team USA member to sell off some apparel or merchandise from the historic event. A Michael Jordan signed, game-worn jersey fetched over $3 million on the auction block, while Laettner, the lone college player on the team, also sold multiple items from the 1992 Summer Games.

Drexler, a veteran wing for the Portland Trail Blazers at the time, wasn’t included on the initial 10-player roster. Drexler and Laettner were chosen as the final two members by the USA Basketball selection committee.

Drexler made huge contributions, averaging 10.5 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.0 rebounds during the 1992 Olympics, as Team USA smacked Croatia in the gold medal game.

Financial Hardships In Retirement

The stories of pro athletes accumulating millions and then going broke are endless. An inability to maintain the lifestyle you had as a player, due to a decrease in funds along with an increase in bills, often puts players in a rough spot. That’s why the NBA offers so much money-management advice to young players to help them avoid the financial pitfalls that come with a lack of financial literacy. 

Such financial hardship leads to controversial moves like selling high-value memorabilia and even illegal activities. 

Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who helped the Boston Celtics win their last championship in 2008 before this year’s triumph, was sentenced by a federal judge Thursday to 40 months in prison, plus three years supervised release, for his November 2023 conviction in an alleged scheme to defraud the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan.

Davis was facing 20 years in prison, so, looking on the bright side, 3.5 years isn’t that bad.

More than a dozen former NBA players were charged in the multimillion-dollar fraud scheme discovered in 2021. They include: Shannon Brown, Alan Anderson, Will Bynum, Christopher Douglas-Roberts, Melvin Ely, Jamario Moon, Darius Miles, Milton Palacio, Ruben Patterson, Eddie Robinson, Sebastian Telfair, Charles Watson Jr., Terrence Williams, Antoine Wright and Anthony Wroten and Tony Allen pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. 

Teflair gave some insight into his situation and that of Davis during an interview with Vlad TV three weeks ago. 

Telfair says the judge was very lenient with him, giving him time served and supervised probation, doing community service. 

“I thought I was going to get locked up for sure,” said Telfair, who also had ongoing legal troubles from a gun charge that he was facing. 

He says he understood the gravity of the moment, while Big Baby, who taunted the authorities in interviews he did, quoting imprisoned rapper Young Thug and telling them to “take that sh-t to muth-f-n trial,” didn’t.

Related: Glen “Big Baby” Davis Found Guilty Of Defrauding NBA Health Care Fund | He’s Facing 20 Years In Prison

“He thought that sh*it was a game because he never really been through that situation and he didn’t understand that when they got ya Black ass in there it’s bigger than a case. You got to get super lucky, the Brooklyn-born Telfair said.

Drexler hasn’t been involved in any activities such as that, but it is curious why he would sell his gold medal. That question might be answered in the upcoming months. 

‘Quite Frankly…Colorado, It’s Not Prime Time’: Days After Calling Colorado Irrelevant, Paul Finebaum Says Deion Sanders Should Leave For USC

Not too long ago USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley was considered a can’t-miss coaching hire. And while he’s had immense success, which also includes three Heisman Trophy winners (Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Caleb Williams) during coaching stops at Oklahoma and now the “Men of Troy,” he’s also come up short in the ultimate goal of winning a national championship. This despite having some of the most talented rosters in all of college football. 

As he enters year three in Tinseltown the QB guru’s seat couldn’t be hotter. After going 55-10 (37-7 in the Big 12) over five seasons in Norman, he’s only 19-8 (13-5 in the now defunct Pac-12) in two seasons with the Trojans. 2024 will be a prove it year for Riley, and with the Trojans now in the supremely competitive Big Ten, the growing sentiment is he won’t last beyond this season. That noise has some of ESPN’s biggest names calling for Pro Football Hall of Famer and second-year Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders to replace him in 2025. 

Paul Finebaum Says Coach Prime To L.A.

Known as the “Mouth of the South,” the longtime college football analyst often says things he knows will move the meter. Just last week during an appearance on “First Take” he didn’t have many nice things to say about Colorado saying they are “not important in college football.”

“They don’t matter. They’re irrelevant in the big picture of college football.”

This after they went 4-8 last season, the final one of the Pac-12, and are now back in the Big 12 after leaving the conference in 2011. 

While Finebaum blasted the Buffaloes, he does believe Coach Prime has done all he can do in Boulder. Therefore he believes he’d be a great fit at USC if Riley is actual fired. Speaking on his weekly recurring segment, Finebaum had this to say:

“I believe the answer after this season is Deion Sanders. He’s going to be tired of Colorado because quite frankly, it’s not ‘Prime Time.’ He’s done as well as he can with his son and Travis Hunter. …. You put Prime in Tinseltown and I think you have one of the great combinations in history. I think Deion Sanders as the coach at USC is the answer. Deion Sanders just exudes exactly what that community is all about.”

What’s crazy is Finebaum’s not wrong, and there’s no head coach in college football more swagged out than the legendary defensive back. He fits Tinseltown in so many ways, and with the aforementioned Shedeur and Travis Hunter plus his other son Shilo all heading to the pros after this season, it’s definitely something to ponder.

Stephen A. Smith Piggybacked Finebaum

In his response, Smith agreed with Finebaum but also gave Riley credit for his incredible offense. But he did say he likes the idea of Coach Prime moonlighting in Hollywood. 

“Deion in Tinseltown, yes that works, because I don’t like him in Boulder. I’ve told him that.”

Julian Lewis? 

2025 No. 3 ranked quarterback Julian Lewis is currently committed to USC, but that hasn’t stopped Coach Prime from applying the pressure in hopes of flipping him as he did with 2022 No. 1 ranked recruit Travis Hunter while at Jackson State. 

This could shape up where he won’t need the talented gunslinger to do so, they could join forces at USC. At least, that’s what Finebaum and SAS believe. 

‘You’re Trash If You Believe This Is OK’: MLB Star Marcus Stroman Condemns Head-Shot Killing Of Unarmed Black Woman In Her Home By White Illinois Deputy

The Sonya Massey assassination isn’t getting the coverage New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman thinks it deserves, and the outspoken All-Star-caliber hurler expressed his disgust and urged others to be more outraged regardless of the color of the victim or the uniform.

Massey was shot three times in her home, with the fatal blow to the head, apologizing to an Illinois sheriff’s deputy seconds before he viciously gunned her down, as seen in body camera video released Monday.

An Illinois grand jury indicted former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson, 30, who is white, last week. He’s pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.

MLB Pitcher Marcus Stroman Condemns Killing Of Sonya Massey

This is truly another low moment for law enforcement. The details that have emerged are rather disturbing and Stroman, the son of a Puerto Rican mother and Black father, a former police officer, has been a vocal baseball player when it comes to issues of social justice dating back to before the George Floyd murder. 

He called America out on its racism and implored people of all colors to denounce this heinous and gross miscarriage of justice.  

Similar to past episodes of police killing unarmed Blacks, it’s the damning video and audio that will seal the fate of the officer involved. 

The video confirmed prosecutors’ earlier account of the tense moment when Grayson yelled from across a counter at Massey to set down a pot of hot water after telling her to turn the stove off. 

He then threatened to shoot her, Massey ducked, briefly rose, and Grayson fired his pistol at her.

Authorities say Massey, 36, had called 911 earlier to report a suspected prowler. The video shows the two deputies responding just before 1 a.m. on July 6 at her home in Springfield, 200 miles (322 kilometers) southwest of Chicago. They first walked around the house and found a black SUV with broken windows in the driveway.

When Massey opened the door after the deputies knocked, she immediately said, “Don’t hurt me.”

Reportedly, she was a bit disoriented as they spoke at the door, and she repeated that she needed help, referenced God and told them she didn’t know who owned the car.

According to reports, deputies grew increasingly frustrated with Massey as she dug through her purse to find identification so deputies could complete a report before leaving. 

Then, for some reason, Grayson pointed out a pot sitting on a flame on the stove.

“We don’t need a fire while we’re here,” he said.

Massey immediately got up and went to the stove, moving the pot near a sink. 

That’s where things went left. 

With the pot in her hands, a good distance from the cop, Massey allegedly said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”

Grayson then got very aggressive saying: 

“You better (expletive) not or I swear to God I’ll (expletive) shoot you in your (expletive) face.” He then pulled his 9mm pistol and demanded she drop the pot.

Massey said, “OK, I’m sorry.” In Grayson’s partner’s body camera footage, he pointed his weapon at her. She ducked and raised her hands.

Grayson was a good distance away from Massey at the time with a counter separating the two. For some reason Grayson decided to shoot to kill the lady in her own home. 

More disgustingly after Grayson shot her, the man who swore to protect and serve discouraged his partner from grabbing a medical kit to save her.

“You can go get it, but that’s a headshot,” he said. “There’s nothing you can do, man.”

Rumors are surfacing that Grayson was affiliated with a white supremacist.

He added: “What else do we do? I’m not taking hot (expletive) boiling water to the (expletive) face”

Noting that Massey was still breathing. The other deputy said, “We can at least try to stop the bleeding.”

Stroman is clearly very affected by this killing. The optics are horrible, and the video is even worse. Even sadder are some of the responses to this clear abuse of police power against a woman of color.

That’s what most sickens and disheartens Stroman, a player who has millions of fans of all races, creeds and colors. 

Other Celebrities Speaking Out

Solange Knowles, sister of Beyonce’ said on X:

First words Sonya Massey said at her front door were “don’t hurt me” she was told “why would we hurt you, you called us” when have those words meant anything when your black and woman in this country when do those words protect you from not being murdered in your kitchen, in your bedroom, with your babies, or on your lawn what is “reassurance”, in this place ? rest in power Sonya Massey, and an abundance of love and power to Sonya’s family on this journey

Former NBA player Nick Young questioned why Team USA hasn’t taken a stand on the issue.

Related: “Endless Death Threats, Being Called A N***er Often” | Pitcher Marcus Stroman Previews His Unloading On The Unsupportive Culture He Endured As A Mets Pitcher

“So the police shot and killed a 36-year-old Black lady holding a pot bcuz she said I rebuke you in Jesus name…and we out here playing for USA.”

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“LeBron Is The Dictator of NBA”: Enes Kanter Says Nobody Wants To Play With LeBron James Because He Controls The Media and Destroyed Russell Westbrook’s Legacy  

Enes Kanter has never been one to hold his tongue. He’s been especially critical of his own country and can’t return in fear of being arrested by the Turkish government, who in 2019 wanted an international arrest warrant issued for Kanter after accusing him of having links to a group that attempted a government coup back in 2016. 

The former NBA center also has been critical of the NBA and LeBron James as its own political entity where James gets to rule as a dictator. 

When the topic of Bronny James came up on the “Don’t@Me” podcast on outkick.com, Kanter was more than happy to give what he says is the real perspective throughout the league on Bronny James’ controversial draft experience.  

“Let me tell you something, I actually had a conversation with many of the other players in the NBA, and everybody knows that Bronny James might be a good dude, but he’s not good enough to play in the NBA.” 

“The reason he got drafted is because of LeBron,” Kanter asserted. He also says the JJ Redick hiring wasn’t legit. It was all a LeBron James production. “The reason JJ Reddick is the coach is because of LeBron,” Kanter said. 

Enes Kanter Says LeBron James Controls Media and No NBA Stars Want To Play With Him

Kanter also painted a picture of 39-year-old LeBron James as a player who couldn’t attract any big-time players to LA, citing the lack of success the franchise had in acquiring a big name free agent the past few offseasons 

“No other player wants to go and play with LeBron,” Kanter claimed. “You had so many other free agents, really good players and no one wanted to go and play with LeBron because they know it’s all about LeBron…they are going to get 0 clout.”  

Kanter used Russell Westbrook’s experience in Los Angeles as an example of how LeBron defects from his deficiencies and shortcomings by throwing other players under the bus. 

“Someone like Westbrook was the best player in the NBA, he literally was the MVP,” Kanter told Outkick, “So when the Lakers’ season fails, LeBron tries to find a player to blame and he blames Russ the whole season.” 

“He’s not a good teammate. Obviously, he runs the media pretty much and tries to control his narrative, but if you actually go and have a conversation inside the NBA with the players, nobody wants to play with him,” Kanter insisted.

“Listen, my whole life I’m fighting against dictators,” Kanter added. “So when I see a dictator, I know it. LeBron is literally like the dictator of the NBA. He controls the media and narrative, and if you go against his agenda you’ll get traded, and everybody knows it.”

Not The First Time Kanter Attacks LeBron James

Back in 2021, Kanter went on a crusade against China for what he considers various human rights offenses, along with Nike and founder Phil Knight for contributing to exploitation of third world labor and other egregious actions, few people had criticized the way LeBron moved on political issues to that date.

Kanter previously criticized comments made by LeBron James, following former Rockets GM and current 76ers President Daryl Morey’s public support of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

LeBron blasted Morey for talking prematurely without having all the information. Many people saw this as LeBron copping out to protect his own corporate interests.

Kanter wore customized sneakers that depicted James bowing and crowned by Chinese President Xi Jinping. He decided to go right at King James.

“Nike remains vocal about injustice here in America, but when it comes to China, Nike remains silent,” Kanter wrote in a social media post. Kanter used the hashtags #HypocriteNike and #EndUyghurForcedLabor to stress his point.

Kanter has been very outspoken against Nike co-founder Phil Knight and the company’s alleged forced labor links in China.

Related: ‘He Walked Right By Me’ | Enes Kanter Slams LeBron James’ Nike Ties Online Before Celtics Destroyed the Lakers In Blowout Win, But Kanter Didn’t Really Want Any Smoke (theshadowleague.com)

“Money over morals. Sad and disgusting how these athletes pretend they care about social justice,” Kanter tweeted. “They really do shut up and dribble when Big Boss says so. Did you educate yourself about the slave labor that made your shoes or is that not part of your research?”

Strong words from Kanter who has devoted his life to being a “freedom fighter” and also, apparently, saving the NBA from the dictatorial leadership of one King James.

“I Would Think He Was Black”: Mike Tyson Says The Way Donald Trump Has Been Mistreated By Media Is Consistent With “How They Did Black People” In This Country

Mike Tyson says as Black man in America, he can relate to the venom Donald Trump has faced in the press and media. During a recent interview with Semafor published last week, Tyson joined the growing legion of Black celebrities and athletes defending the former president by suggesting that the legal attacks on him are very relatable to the Black experience. 

Many Democrats feel this is all a tactic to gain Trump’s favor and often show disappointment in Blacks who are taking this position.

Some Black Athletes and Celebrities Are Pro-Trump?

Trump has used this unusual connection in the past in his attempt to garner more of the Black vote and secure voters that were unsure about their political allegiance, especially as Joe Biden’s presidential run started to spiral. 

“No, it won’t be part of my message,” Trump said, who once compared himself to Nelson Mandela, boasted that “the Black population” loved seeing his mugshot in Fulton County, and is regularly accused of reinforcing negative stereotypes by Democrats for personal gain. 

“I think it’s through osmosis. They [Black people] see what’s happening. And a lot of them feel that similar things have happened to them. I mean, they’ve expressed that to me very plainly and very clear. They see what’s happened to them,” Trump, 78, explained. 

Tyson has long history with Trump dating back to the 1990s when Iron Mike was incarcerated and put behind bars in an Indiana prison for a controversial conviction of rape, which he has continuously denied, alleging that the sexual relations were consensual. 

His former wife Robin Givens also took him for a ride, alleging on national TV in an interview with Barbara Walters that Mike was “violent” and “destructive” in her divorce papers. 

However, the 45th president went on record calling the conviction “a travesty” in a 1992 radio interview, per ‘CNN.

Mike Tyson Says Black People Can Relate To Donald Trump’s Experience

Tyson remembers Trump’s support and now he is offering his to the presidential candidate who survived an assassination attempt and has garnered, in the opinion of some, more street cred. 

In the minds of some twisted people, that endears him more to Black people. 

“If I never saw Donald Trump and didn’t know he was white, I would think that he was Black,” Tyson said during his interview. “The way they were treating him in the papers and in the press? Think about that, the way they treat him in court? That’s the way they did Black people.”

During the interview with Tyson, the reporter, who claimed he met Donald Trump in the great room at Mar-a-Lago six days after his own felony conviction, explained what Trump told him after just finishing a sit-down with Dr. Phil.

“I asked him, among other things, what I should take away from his warm relationship with the Black men who had been singing his praises to me,” the reporter wrote.

Said Trump:

“They see what I’ve done and they see strength, they want strength, OK,” he said. “They want strength, they want security. They want jobs, they want to have their jobs. They don’t want to have millions of people come and take their jobs. And we — that’s what’s happening. These people that are coming into our country are taking jobs away from African Americans and they know it.”

Related: “Time To Put Iron Mike To Sleep” | A 57-Year-Old Mike Tyson Can’t Beat 27-Year-Old Jake Paul, But The Clash Will Generate $100M In Revenue

In the meantime, Iron Mike is getting over an ulcer flare up that pushed back his high-anticipated May 15th exhibition with YouTube and boxing sensation Jake Paul, who this past week KO’d another MMA star attempting to box. 

They will meet on Nov. 15. Maybe Trump will attend the fight.

“Why Is She In A Women’s League?”: X Users Attack WNBA Star Brittney Griner Because She Wants Son Bash To Call Her “Pops”

Since returning home from a Russian prison, WNBA star Brittney Griner has turned up the motion on building her life off the court, recently welcoming her first child with her wife, Cherelle Griner. 

Griner and Cherelle got engaged in 2018, but four years later, the WNBA star was arrested at a Moscow airport for allegedly carrying vape cartridges with cannabis oil after completing her season playing overseas and heading back to the states. 

Briner announced that she wanted the child to call her pops, even though she has always maintained her identity as a biological woman. 

So naturally some fans were confused as to why she wants her child to call her “pops” and it opened up a can of worms on social media. 

While her wanting to be called “pops” has caused some confusion among fans, Griner has always maintained her identity as a biological woman.

Brittney Griner Reveals Son Bash Will Call Her ‘Pops’ Not ‘Mom’

In an appearance on CBS Sports’ “We Need to Talk,” Griner has a high level of enthusiasm when speaking about her newborn son, also noting how she wants to be identified by her son. 

Show host Terrika Foster-Brasby brought up the baby news as she exclaimed, “You’re about to be a mom!” 

However, Griner quickly corrected her, saying, “Pops! Pops!”

During the interview, Griner also revealed that her son, Bash, arrived on July 8, 2024.

“I’m super excited,” she said. “Well, I mean, I guess I’ll just drop it… he’s here. 7/8/24. Seven pounds eight ounces. Yeah, that’s my man!”

Griner, who has been on a whirlwind the last few years is entering a new stage of life as she also prepares to represent Team USA who have won seven straight Olympic gold medals dating back to 1996.

She gave her insights on the profound impact and responsibility of parenting, adding, “They said as soon as you see them, everything that you thought mattered just goes out the window. That’s literally what happened.”

This new joy that has entered her life has also added some conflict. While traveling to Paris to represent her country, which fought very hard to get her released from prison in Russia. 

“It kind of sucks because I have to leave, but at the same time, he will understand,” Griner told People magazine, adding, “My whole phone has turned into him now.”

Most fans are all in on Griner’s success and happiness, but some weren’t going to let the fact that Griner wants her son to call her pops slide by without voicing their opinions on that particular nugget.

Fans Don’t Understand Why Brittney Griner Wants Newborn Son Bash To Call Her Pops

One X user asked, “If she prefers ‘pops,’ why is she in a women’s league?” while another asked online, “Are men allowed in the WNBA now?”

Definitely not the nicest things to say to Griner who has always been respectful of people and their choices in life. 

She spoke of her discomfort with labels, noting that she feels both feminine and masculine energy but was made to choose one as a child.

A third person tweeted, “My mom always said, ‘If you don’t have nothing nice to say, then don’t say nothing at all…”

Another individual wrote on X, “Pops??? Brittney is straight trippin’. Pops is for MEN! You’re a WOMAN! Cut it out!”

It’s all pretty silly. Why would anyone care that Griner wants to be called pops? If she is going to act in the role of the father and she is the more masculine person in the relationship according to whatever lifestyle culture they’ve chosen, then so be it. 

Griner certainly isn’t going to be shaken by it because she’s been addressing questions and criticisms about her body image and gender identity since she was in college at Baylor. 

Brittney Griner Continues To Address Questions About Her Gender and Body Image

Prior to becoming one of the greatest players in WNBA history, where she took the game to new heights with her array of in-game dunks. A skill she perfected while in high school.

Adding an element to the league that we had never consistently seen before. 

In a 2015 ESPN interview, Griner said: 

“I’m sure people are going to have a lot of critical things to say,” Griner said in reference to the images of her body featured in the magazine.

“‘Yo, she’s a man!’ But hey, that’s my body and I look the way I look,” she continued. “People are either going to accept me for who I am or they’re not. I don’t know what people think I’m hiding.”

Griner added: “I’ve heard, ‘Oh, she’s not a female, she’s a male.’ I’ve been told, ‘Oh, she’s tucking stuff.’ They thought I was tucking. I mean, [in the Body Issue] it’s out there. Let me show that I embrace flatness! I just want people to see somebody who embraces being naked, embraces everything about them being different.”

In a rather revealing interview, Griner goes on to describe how it was growing up with the characteristics of of a boy, which caused difficulty, mostly due to her height. 

“I got called a boy all the time,” she recounted. “Going into the bathroom, I still get the shocked look, like, ‘Are you supposed to be in here?’ But I’m so used to it now, I’m just like, ‘I’m a girl, I’m in the right bathroom.”

Brittney Griner Plays In 10th All-Star Game

Griner played in her 10th All-Star game on July 21. The 33-year-old legend’s Team USA lost to the WNBA All-Stars led by Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, but the two-time scoring champ has bigger fish to fry in Paris.

If she wants her son to call her pops, is it that serious?

“They Don’t Even Have Shoes!”: Gilbert Arenas Goes On Offensive Rant After Team USA Men’s Basketball “Almost Lost To Some Africans” 

The near-loss that Team USA almost suffered against 43-point underdog South Sudan in an Olympic exhibition warm up, inspired plenty of opinions and conversation from the leading NBA podcasters. 

Gilbert Arenas is no stranger to saying the most off the wall and sometimes offensive things. He was a very good player and known for his unconscious shooting touch, but he often has no tact when it comes to discusses the hot topics of the times. 

Arenas took his disrespect to next levels in an unfiltered and highly-xenophobic rant following Team USA’s narrow victory on his “No Chill” podcast. LeBron James’ last second layup helped the heavily-favored compilation of NBA greats escape by 1 point.

Gilbert Arenas Launches Into Xenophobic Rant About South Sudan

“We got the males, almost lost to some Africans,” Arenas said. “The king had to save us. I know the LeBron haters are mad.”

“We almost lost to the ahi-ahi tribe,” he continued. “This is crazy. Man, Embiid over there god d— throwing the game. He throwing the game for his cousins and s—. We ain’t supposed to be losing to air up there. Come on man, cool running. We not supposed to lose to the cool runnings team.”

“They don’t even have shoes!” Arenas ranted. “They get their shoes from America. We gotta ship them shoes. They don’t even have basketball rims, dog … we losing to people, they got baskets in the basket. They shooting on f——- peach baskets in dirt, no shoes.”

Arenas’ disgust with the situation was shared by many sports analysts and talking heads. His demeaning attitude towards the people of South Sudan, however, was Gil being Gil. 

Gilbert Arenas Once Terrorized Nick Young’s Son

It was probably just more of what he considers his unique humor. This coming from a guy who went to former NBA player Nick Young’s home after he broke up with rapper Iggy Azalea and proceeded to taunt Young on camera and mentally and physically torment Young’s son.

He also recently called Young’s son “trash” in basketball. He also was the one who said WNBA players should just let Caitlin Clark eat and score as many buckets as she wants, for the good of the league. 

Related: “Gilbert Arenas Says Caitlin Clark Should Be WNBA Logo | Diana Taurasi and Other WNBA Stars Need To Bow Down Because The League “Don’t Need You Anymore”

So, his attack on Sudanese players is typical Gil. As long as he has a platform, he’s going to do him. 

Rachel Minaya, Wife Of New York Yankees Executive Omar Minaya and Mother of NBA Player, Mysteriously Found Dead: Suicide Not Officially Ruled Out

The wife of New York Yankees executive and former New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya reportedly was found dead in her New Jersey home on Saturday.

Rachel Minaya’s cause of death has not been released at this time. Death by suicide, however, was ruled out, the New York Post reports it was told by a person who was briefed by the Minaya family. That person is not law enforcement or the coroner’s office, so cause of death is still unconfirmed and the details surrounding this woman’s death is still a mystery.

The office of Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella in Bergen County, where the Minayas live, released a statement Monday saying the death did not appear to be suspicious.

A native of New Jersey, Rachel Minaya was 55.

How Did Rachel Minaya Die?

On Saturday, July 20, reporting a woman who had passed out in the bathroom of a residence.

Police attempted to revive Rachel Minaya before she was taken to Meridian Health Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood by ambulance. She was pronounced dead at 4:26 p.m., prosecutors said.

The baseball executive was not home at the time of his wife’s death. 

The Minayas have two sons – Justin and Teddy. Justin is a pro hoops player in the Portland Trail Blazers’ organization with the Rip City Remix of the G League.

Understandably, Minaya was listed as inactive for the Blazers’ game Sunday against the Houston Rockets. In four Summer League games, Minaya has averaged 20.6 minutes, 8.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

Omar, a baseball lifer, met Rachel in 1989 at a Dominican hair salon in New York City, and within the next year, they were engaged, according to a Sports Illustrated profile of Omar Minaya from 2007:

“One day in 1989 O was getting a haircut in a Manhattan unisex salon. Nearby reclined a female customer, long, lithe, and olive-skinned. Part Irish, part African: O’s kind of cocktail.

Dilemma. Richard, the hairstylist, was looking at O the way O was looking at her. “Lay low, Richard,” he’d had to murmur. “Just a haircut.” How, now, could O ask him to ask her for her phone number? Easy—he’s O. Richard sighed and returned with Rachel Albright’s number.

Within a year O had her on Via dell’Amore in Castiglione della Pescaia, requesting her hand in marriage, and three years later they were raising a toddler named Teddy in Texas.”

Who Is Baseball Executive Omar Minaya?

Minaya is known as one of the most respected minds in baseball and got his start as a scout for the Texas Rangers before joining the Mets as an assistant general manager under Steve Phillips in the mid-1990s and helped build a World Series contender, making deep runs in the postseason behind players such as Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza, Edgardo Alfonzo, and Al Leiter.

In 2002, Minaya became the Montreal Expos’ general manager in the organization’s waning days before becoming the Washington Nationals, and continued his magic touch, helping them rebuild and become an 80-win playoff contender.

While the team never made the playoffs, as there was no wild card back then, his acumen and talent led to him being brought back to the Mets as general manager and remained in that position until the end of 2010 season.  The Mets had some promising seasons under manager Willie Randolph and also some historic collapses, losing to the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Championship Series. The Adam Wainright curveball that buckled the knees of Carlos Beltran will forever bring pain to Mets fans.

Minaya then served as senior vice president of baseball operations for the San Diego Padres until 2015, had a third stint with the Mets from 2017 to 2022 and then joined the Yankees as a special adviser in 2023.

Related: Marcus Stroman’s Net Worth Soars Past $10M With New Yankees Deal Potentially Worth $55M | Check The Pitcher’s Lifestyle

More information will surely surface about this tragedy. 

Beating The Brakes Off Team USA Head Coach Cheryl Reeve Is A Forever Mission For Olympic Roster Snub Caitlin Clark

Saturday afternoon out in the desert, the WNBA All-Stars shocked Team USA with a 117-109 win in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game.

There was no shortage of standouts for the WNBA All-Stars as they were led by Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale, who was named MVP after scoring an All-Star Game record 34 points, all which came in the second half.

Rookie of the Year candidate Angel Reese became the first rookie to record a double-double in an All-Star Game scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. 

Then there’s 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark, who didn’t shoot it well in going 2-9 from the field, including 0 of 7 from three. She did dish out ten assists, a new rookie All-Star Game record. This was done in front of Team USA head coach Cheryl Reeve, who’s been adamant that she’s more than fine with Clark being left off the Olympic roster. In fact, Reeve even seems happy to say it when asked about it. 

Clark Shows Out, Now 2-0 Versus Reeve

Ever since the Team USA roster was announced the question has been why was Clark, the WNBA’s biggest star, left off the U.S. team. Reeve hasn’t once cared to answer questions as to why Clark wasn’t chosen. She’s even said while she’s the head coach of the national team, she’s not the chair of the selection committee. 

Following Saturday’s loss Reeve was asked if she regretted not having Clark on the team. She responded with a quick and emphatic “no.”

From there she moved on to discuss why the national team struggled so much in the loss. One user on X chopped it to this. 

“Cheryl Reeve is 0-2 versus Caitlin Clark.”

That includes Saturday’s loss and a home loss to the Indiana Fever on July 14, where Clark went for 17 points, 6 assists and three assists in the 81-74 win.

At game’s end Clark got the crowd who’d packed the Target Center to see her to stand and cheer as if the Fever were the home team, much to the chagrin of Reeve, who’s stood in disbelief with her arms folded and that trademark scowl.

Clark Says Win Isn’t Vindication

Taking the high road as she has all season, Clark says that the WNBA All-Stars winning doesn’t vindicate her being left off the team. 

“No, I mean they’re really good,” Clark told reporters after the game. “They have plenty of talent on that team. It was the same four years prior — I’m pretty sure Team WNBA beat Team USA and they were perfectly fine in the Olympics.”

Clark is correct. In 2021 the WNBA All-Stars also beat Team USA, who went on to dominate and win gold in Tokyo. 

“I think, if anything, it shows how good this league is,” she added. “It shows how much talent is in this league and how you have to show up and prepare every single night because there are a lot of players that aren’t even here on All-Star weekend that can be here and be in these moments too.”

Clark And Ogunbowale Are Better Than Team USA Guards

If we’re being honest, Clark and Ogunbowale could easily replace any of the current Team USA guards. Clark leads the league in assists, and she had high praise for Ogunbowale, the former Notre Dame standout, who’s third in the league in scoring at (22.3) points per game.

“She is probably the best 1-on-1 player in our league,” Clark said. 

While neither will make the trip to Paris, they’re definitely two of the best players in the league, and both should be on the 2028 Olympic team. 

Paige Bueckers Made Sure She Showed The Respect To GOAT Sheryl Swoopes That Caitlin Clark Fans Did Not

Paige Bueckers is next up as the player that will be a transcending and dynamic figure in the WNBA.

The UConn senior is already the No. 1 overall projected pick in the 2025 WNBA draft and, just for the record, she has nothing but great things to say about WNBA legend and a leading candidate for GOAT Sheryl Swoopes.

Swoopes Becomes Enemy Of Team CC

Swoopes put herself on the wrong side of “The Caitlin Clark Effect” when in attempting to bring a dose of reality to the Clark explosion while the leading candidate for WNBA Rookie of the Year was still at Iowa and pursuing Kelsey Plum’s all-time NCAA scoring mark.

Swoopes and former NBA shooter turned podcaster Gilbert Arenas appeared on “Gil’s Arena” for a chat about the new phenom in women’s basketball.

Swoopes assumed that Caitlin Clark had more college eligibility than she did and expressed that in a rant about why Clark breaking the NCAA scoring record wasn’t legit. 

Swoopes, obviously sick and tired of what many past and present players considered overhype, went in on CC.

“If you’re going to break a record to me, if it’s legitimate you have to break that record in the same amount of time that the player set it,” Swoopes said.  

“If Kelsey Plum broke that record in four years, well Caitlin should have broken that record in four years. But because there’s a COVID year, then there’s another year, so she’s already had an extra year to break that record, so is it truly a broken record?”  

Arenas chimed in: “You think exactly how I am” 

Swooped kept going in: 

“I don’t think (it’s a true broken record) but that will go in the record book as Caitlin Clark is the all-time …whatever it is I don’t know what the number is…but that’s the way it will be, but I don’t think there should be.”

Gilbert Arenas continued to co-sign Swoopes. 

“And the sad part is that record will never be broken because there’ll never be another five or six years you can play in college sports. It should be a whole separate entity.” .  

Swoopes and Gilbert Had The Facts Wrong

Swoopes and Gil were totally wrong on the eligibility of Clark personally, although their points are valid about the years of eligibility and how that affects the authenticity of the record. 

College is four years and any records should be broken within four years to be valid.

If they stopped there, it might not have been seen as a session of hating on Clark’s success. But when Swoopes implied that Clark’s scoring is unimpressive because she basically doesn’t let anyone else shoot the ball — and greatly exaggerated Clark’s field goal attempts per game to validate her point — she kind of set herself up for the retaliation that occurred. 

Swoopes got pounded on social media for her mistake. Clark’s boyfriend even tried to throw smoke at the living legend. 

Connor McCaffery tweeted:

“Just imagine doing an interview and being this misinformed 😂😂😂😂😂 I don’t even understand what she’s trying to say.”

Paige Bueckers Respects The GOAT

So while Swoopes isn’t a favorite of Team CC, there’s another pony-tailed assassin who many consider better than Clark, including her UConn coach Geno Auriemma, who has nothing but respect for legends, and she played Swoopes very close at WNBA All-Star festivities. 

With Flau’Jae Johnson on her right and the three-time WNBA MVP Swoopes on her left, Bueckers was in the company of past and future greatness. 

When the camera cut to the crowd, UConn’s fifth-year senior quickly deflected the attention from herself and praised the basketball royalty sitting next to her. 

Bueckers made it clear that she’s not down with Teams CC and definitely not here for any tension or slander against Swoopes.

She made it her business to respect the legend and is making it clear that her game will do the talking and not media controlled or divisive narratives or the imaginary beefs that surround Clark. 

As far as Johnson and Bueckers are concerned, they might be the two hottest ballers coming out of the draft, but they seem to get along a lot better than Clark and Reese.

They even hopped on IG Live together, where someone referred to them as Tupac and Eminem. (This wouldn’t be America if someone didn’t make a racial comparison) in a moment that has nothing to do with it. 

Expect next year’s rookie class to be highly heralded as well, but with much less of the external drama that the Reese-Clark rivalry has created. 

Bueckers is a better player than Clark in the eyes of many basketball fans and aficionados. If not for her injury she probably would have contended with Clark for player of the year awards and NIL deals.

Paige Beuckers Easier To Like Than Caitlin Clark

Bueckers does a lot less complaining and whining and flopping than Clark, and she will probably hit better than 30 percent of her threes next season. 

Swoopes may have lost some cool points with her anti-Clark comments, but she hasn’t lost any respect when it comes to the GOATS of the WNBA who helped build the league and sustain it early on. 

Bueckers and Clark can only pray to have the career that Swoopes had, and regardless of how you personally feel about Swoopes you must respect the originators. 

Paige understands that well. 

No Logo 3’s?: Angel Reese’s Double-Double Outshines Caitlin Clarks’s 0-for-7 Shooting From The Arc In WNBA All-Star Game 

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark played together for the first time in the WNBA All-Star game on Friday night. 

The two most famous WNBA players both made their rookie debuts as All-Stars and Clark might be ahead in the Rookie of the Year voting, but Angel Reese was the shining rookie in the WNBA All-Stars’ 117-109 over the Teams USA women’s national team. 

Angel Reese Was Best Rookie In 2024 WNBA All-Star Game

Reese finished with the only double-double by a player in the game (12 points, 11 rebounds), she also hit 5 of 10 shots from the field in just under 18 minutes of play.

Per usual, Clark played more minutes (26:04) than any other participant, but also continued to struggle with her shooting, going just 2-for-9 from the field.

The former Iowa Hawkeye star was an abysmal 0-for-7 from three-point range. Similar to her performances so far during the regular season, her passing was her saving grace, as she led all players with 10 assists. 

Solid game by Clark, but fans had to be disappointed that the anointed generational shooter couldn’t hit any of the logo threes that boosted her cachet as the No. 1 player in college. 

Caitlin Clark Shot 2-of-9 and 0-7 From Three-Point Range

Despite hoisting up as many threes as anybody (Clark is in top 5 in 3-pointers attempted) Clark is only shooting 32.7 percent from the arc this season and her suspect shooting continued in this All-Star game. 

Reese on the other hand was active on the boards, as usual, and shot well above her yearly percentage against the best players in the game.

Crowd Exploded During First Clark-To-Reese Bucket

The crowd did get the moment they were waiting for when Clark dished a nice dime to a cutting Reese, who layed it up for two. 

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark Give Preview Of 2028 Olympic Team

The Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark rivalry has been a driving force in the elevation of women’s hoops.

Within two years, the impact of Clark and Reese has been felt across the sports landscape. If anything, fans got a glimpse of how Team USA will look in 2028 when both players are sure to be on the team. 

Reese personally can’t wait. 

As for Clark, her fan base is still the largest in the league and her mistakes are always glossed over, while her achievements are boosted as legendary. 

She hasn’t proved to have the Steph Curry shooting ability or even that of Sabrina Ionescu but there’s time for her to develop into such a marksman. 

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Get Much-Needed Rest

Team USA got a tremendous warm up for Olympic play. They won’t face any teams better than the fellow All-Stars they faced on Friday night.

The entire league will take an Olympic break until they resume again on August 15.

Clark not being on this team also provides her with her first break from basketball and the mental stress that has gone along with being the anointed savior of the league. 

She and Reese have been playing high level and intense hoops since last fall. Finally, they get to reboot and it’s a good bet that Clark will probably find a more consistent stroke when she returns to action. 

Clark still has the best odds to win Rookie of the Year and she’s even in the top four for WNBA MVP odds, so her brand remains strong no matter how she performs. 

Reese continues to build on her brand and earn the respect for those who thought that her being the No.7 overall pick in the draft — six spots behind Clark — was justified. 

She’s not letting the talk about awards change her mind state. “Chi Barbie” takes the bad with the good, always has the posture and patience of a leader and has her sights set on years of accolades and goals that transcends competing with Caitlin Clark, something she’s already shown she can do. 

Angel Reese Motivated By Chance To Make Team USA In Future

When asked about what inspired her to have such an impactful performance in her first All-Star game, Reese told sideline reporter Holly Rowe: 

“I just wanted to leave my mark. One day I hope to be a Team USA member, so it’s an honor to play against them. Coming off the bench I wanted to bring as much energy as I could.”

Reese did that and then some. Once again putting in a professional days work, while other players grab the headlines. 

Related: They Gave It To Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Got It Out The Mud: Now They Stand On Even Ground Racing To Rookie of The Year  

Slow and steady wins the race, and while Clark’s game is rooted in unpredictability at times, you know what you get from the girl from Baltimore. 

Reese showed that in her first All-Star game. 

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