Deshaun Watson Went From Six-Game Suspension To Playing Six Games This Season | NFL Suspends QB 11 Games, Fines Him $5 Million
Deshaun Watson’s saga is nearing an end, although an uneventful one for his 2022 NFL career, as the NFL and the NFLPA have settled. Watson will miss 11 regular season games and be fined $5 million. The decision comes after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions.
Watson’s original six-game suspension handed down by Judge Sue Bird was met with controversy by watchdog groups and professional organizations like the National Association of Massage Therapists. The NFL stated its intention to appeal the ruling, and from there, the league and the NFLPA began negotiating the next steps.
Deshaun Watson says just because he settled the cases and agreed to this suspension doesn't mean he's guilty of anything or did anything wrong.
“I’m grateful that the disciplinary process has ended and extremely appreciative of the tremendous support I have received throughout my short time with the Browns organization,” Watson said in a statement released by the Browns.
“I apologize once again for any pain this situation has caused. I take accountability for the decisions I made. My focus going forward is on working to become the best version of myself on and off the field and supporting my teammates however possible while I’m away from the team. I’m excited about what the future holds for me in Cleveland.”
His return sets up a faceoff of epic proportions as he is eligible for reinstatement on Nov. 28, but will be available to play for the Browns again in Week 13 against his old team, the Houston Texans, in a road game.
Watson’s suspension takes effect on Aug. 30, and he is getting ready for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday and then the Chicago Bears on Aug. 27.
In the middle of questions about Deshaun Watson's behavior, Jimmy Haslam says: "It's important to remember Deshaun Watson is 26-years old, and he's a hell of an NFL quarterback." pic.twitter.com/cIeLtnzkGg
“Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself that is necessary for his return to the NFL,” commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “This settlement requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan, a significant fine, and a more substantial suspension. We are grateful to Judge Robinson and Peter Harvey for their efforts in addressing these matters, which laid the foundation for reaching this conclusion.”
Watson’s $5 million fine and $1 million contributions from the NFL and Browns will create a fund to support nonprofit organizations. The league said in a statement, “that educate young people on healthy relationships, promote education and prevention of sexual misconduct and assault, support survivors, and related causes.”
The Browns owners, Dee and Jimmy Haslam, expressed their continued support for their beleaguered QB.
Federal Judge: “Deshaun Watson will be suspended 6 games”
“As we have previously conveyed, Deshaun and his representatives have abided by the NFL and NFLPA structure awaiting a final decision and we have respected the process,” Haslam’s said in a statement.
“Now that a decision on discipline has been reached, we understand this is a real opportunity to create meaningful change and we are committed to investing in programs in Northeast Ohio that will educate our youth regarding awareness, understanding, and most importantly, prevention of sexual misconduct and the many underlying causes of such behavior. Since Deshaun entered our building, he has been an outstanding member of our organization and shown a true dedication to working on himself both on and off the field. We will continue to support him as he focuses on earning the trust of our community.”
Watson refused to admit any wrongdoing during the press conference after the announcement, and the Brown ownership group plans to stand by their star amid the noise. Whether the Browns can match their new expectations and the $230 million price tag for his services is yet to be seen.
Forget The Money! LeBron James Is Trying To Play With Bronny With New Lakers Deal | The Jameses’ NBA Takeover Will Continue
There is such a thing as a model career in entertainment and sports, and it has nothing to do with hit records, blockbuster movies, or year-over-year championships. It has everything to do with hatching a plan and executing it over a significant length of time.
That is the career of LeBron James, and it led him to four championships with three teams in his 19 seasons in the NBA after going straight to the league from high school. However, one of his last goals before he hangs up the best active basketball-businessman title in the history of the league, is he wants to play with his older son, Bronny James.
LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $97.1M extension, including a player option for the 2024-2025 season, per @wojespnpic.twitter.com/f6AmRNEOre
Now with his new two-year, $97.1 million contract extension that includes a player option for the 2024-25 season, James is priming himself to potentially pivot when his son becomes eligible for the NBA draft. James also has a 15% trade kicker, making him the highest-earning player in the history of the NBA with $532 million in career guaranteed money. He has effectually surpassed Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant and is still the first-ever active billionaire playing in the NBA.
The Sierra Canyon high school senior is eligible for the NBA draft in 2024, and his father’s deal allows him to opt out and become a free agent during that time. He can work to get on whatever team his son signs with if he enters that draft class or whatever other maneuvers the world knows only Bron can pull off.
If the two play together, it will become the first time a father and son played in the NBA simultaneously, let alone on the same team. Bronny made headlines with his in-game right-hand dunk on the left side of the basket while racing down the court in transition. The crowd at the California Club’s game against the U18 Florida Select team and the internet went crazy for the play. Bronny played in the Club Basketball Euro Tour overseas.
He suited up with his younger brother Bryce, and the two have gained some valuable time on the NBA hardwood with their father, training together at the Lakers facility earlier this month.
Jalen Rose has smoke for Skip Bayless after his tweet criticizing Bronny James’ dunk 💨😂 pic.twitter.com/maRI7lhxCi
LeBron also went hard on Twitter, signaling his immense support for his son’s athletic accomplishment. However, it is not certain if Bronny will follow in his father’s footsteps out of college into the NBA. Thus far, Oregon, USC, and Ohio State have reportedly been the three schools actively recruiting the young shooting guard. Of course, anticipation is high, and as the highlights continue of Bronny’s growing confidence in the shadow of his father, “The King” is laying the seeds for a soft landing into the NBA and a superstar pairing that is bound to be box office for whatever team the two could land.
The Lakers could have over $20 million in salary-cap space in the 2023 offseason. They would be able to sign a third max contract player in the 2024 offseason. There is no indication on whether the Lakers will make a play for Bronny if he enters the draft to keep “The King” in L.A. in 2024.
White Rage Much? | Stephen A. Smith Wanting Mike Francesa To Join Chris “Mad Dog” Russo On “First Take” Is The Ultimate Head Scratch
Stephen A. Smith knows that controversy sells and polarization equals popularity in the talking head sports business. After what feels like an extended vacation, Smith is back on his ESPN flagship program “First Take,” and he jumped right out of the window with an impromptu wish to set up an “old media” debate set.
But his choice is eyebrow-raising: sports radio jock Mike Francesa. Francesa and Russo had a legendary, afternoon drive sports talk show called “Mike and the Mad Dog from the late 80s until 2008, and the two have been a polarizing pair relatively under the radar for fans of color or the non-New York media audience.
Now Smith wants to bring the gang back together again for his viewership.
“You are one of the pioneers if not THE pioneer with Mike Francesa. Who, by the way, I got to get him on this show one day too, with you. You understand what I’m saying? I mean it would be my honor to have Mike Francesa too.”
“I AIN’T SCARED! I’m never going to beat him, but I’ll try, damn it,” Smith followed up playfully.
NFL analyst Sam Acho just sat in a screen box in the middle, trying to hide his surprise at Smith’s random admission.
Even since Chris Russo has appeared on the show, he has pushed the button of every former player-analyst like Jason Williams, Ryan Clark, and JJ Reddick. He even set off Draymond Green, purveyor of the “new media” concept in sports, who remixed his name to “Bad Dog” for his hot takes.
“Shut up and play, will you please,” Russo said vehemently during a “First Take” episode. “America’s tired of Draymond Green, and I deal with them constantly. The fans, San Francisco fans, are a different story. Be quiet and play, and we all know he’s got a great skill set for that team, but he’s so polarizing I can’t root for him.”
Francesa is on brand with Russo but has done even worse. In 2017, when the Supreme Court ruled that the musical band The Slants could use the offensive term for their band name, Francesa expounded the topic into the then-controversial name for the now Washington Commanders and fell right into the danger zone during his WFAN radio show.
“The feeling is that it’s going to be the same answer to the same question (about the Redskins),” Francesa said. “The only other debate is that they were talking about themselves. They all were Oriental-Americans who were part of the group. They were some kind of a musical band from Oregon, and they could not trademark the name ‘Slant,’ even though they were a group of young Oriental-Americans.”
After his producer told Francesa that the term was offensive to Asian Americans, Francesa wasn’t having it.
“You’re telling me that is considered a slight if you call someone an Oriental-American?” Francesa said. “What is the proper term then, so I want to get it proper since Oriental-American is now considered a slight? What would be not a slight?”
Imagine a “First Take” with the sports version of white rage on both sides of the aisle and a doting SAS in the middle. Smith is proving Draymond’s “old media” point while potentially being complicit in another term, toxic media.
“He Threw The First Punch, And You See Mike Trying To Defend Himself” | Former NFL Player Aqib Talib Reportedly Threw First Punch In Melee That Led To Youth Coach Being Killed
Reports of what happened over the weekend at a youth football game in Lancaster, Texas are still pouring in. While there are many different variations of what actually ignited a fight which ended in youth coach Mike Hickmon being shot and killed by Yaqub Talib, the brother of former NBA defensive back Aqib Talib.
A new report of the senseless act of violence not only links Aqib to the situation but says he’s the one who started it by coming to the opposite sidelines and throwing a punch at the slain victim.
Coach Heith Mayes, who was there in the midst of the melee, had this to say to local station WFAA this week about what he saw:
“He ran across the field and ran over on our sideline and got in the ref’s face.He threw the first punch, and you see Mike is running back trying to defend himself.”
In the midst of Hickmon defending himself, reports are Yaqub pulled out a firearm and discharged it striking Hickmon, who would later be pronounced dead at the hospital.
Yaqub Talib, brother of former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib, turned himself in 2 days after police say he killed Mike Hickmon at a youth football game.
Due to Talib’s criminal history, he wasn’t legally allowed to have a gun
Lawyer Issues Statement On Behalf Of Aqib: Brothers Are No Strangers To Dealings With The Law
Following the subsequent shooting and disappearance by Yaqub, a manhunt for Aqib’s began. At the time of the fracas many said Aqib actually helped him get away. In an effort to maybe downplay his involvement in the tragedy, Talib’s lawyer released a statement soon after the incident.
“Aqib Talib was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life. He would like to convey his condolences to the family of the victim and to everyone that witnessed this unfortunate tragedy.”
Aqib reportedly was the one who got the situation started and then helped his brother, the alleged shooter get away.
The Talib brothers have a bit of a checkered past with the law. This isn’t their first time being under investigation for a shooting. In 2016, there were reports that Talib was one of three people shot at V Live strip club in Dallas, during a fight inside the infamous strip club. Talib was reportedly too drunk to remember what happened and when questioned he told authorities he shot himself in a nearby park.
In 2015, the brothers were under investigation after someone discharged a firearm in another Dallas nightclub. While neither was ever charged in the ordeal, their track record as aggressive offenders made them suspects.
Talib Just Got Hired By Amazon For NFL “Thursday Night Football” Coverage
Talib played 12 seasons in the NFL for the Buccaneers, Patriots, Broncos, Rams, and Dolphins. He was a member and key piece of the Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 team. During his career Talib was known as one of the most physical corners in the NFL. He even ripped former NFL receiver Michael Crabtree’s chain off his neck as the two mixed it up in a bit of fisticuffs.
Michael Crabtree OUT HERE GOING AT AQIB TALIB! Remember Talib grabbed his necklace in January…watch this! 😳😳 Selfish or justified? pic.twitter.com/ECDhEmkxVY
Following retirement in 2020, Talib joined Fox as color commentator. Talib was recently hired by Amazon to cover “Thursday Night Football.” There’s now growing belief that may end before it even begins with Talib directly tied to the series of unfortunate events that transpired last weekend.
“Skip, Timing Is Everything With An Apology” | FS1 Personality Shannon Sharpe Says Deshaun Watson Isn’t Sorry About Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Last week, prior to taking the field in his first NFL game in 586 days, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson issued an apology to the women he’s impacted amidst the sexual misconduct allegations that led to lawsuits being filed on behalf of 24 women.
“I want to say that I’m truly sorry to all of the women that I have impacted in this situation,” Watson said.
“The decisions that I have made in my life that put me in this position I would definitely like to have back. But I want to continue to move forward and grow and learn and show that I am a true person of character and I am going to keep pushing forward.”
While the apology was a nice gesture, FS1 analyst Shannon Sharpe says Watson only apologized because he’s trying to soften the blow of the NFL’s appeal of his six-game suspension handed down by arbitrator Sue Robinson.
The NFL is seeking a year-long ban, which would be Watson’s second consecutive season of not playing. Sharpe also said the timing of the apology was wrong as well.
During a recent a episode of “Undisputed,” the Pro Football Hall of Famer expounded on what he meant.
Sharpe Isn’t Buying The Act
Sharpe is old-school and believes Watson’s apology was late and should’ve happened when he settled with the accusers, seemingly ignoring or unaware of the fact that Watson has not settled with every accuser.
“Once the ruling had come down or, you know, you settle the case, it’s not skipped. You just come out, say, hey, I can put this behind me. I apologize for anybody that was impacted by my what? My behavior, whatever you wanted to word it. You got representation. You got people that can word it appropriately and you can move on.”
Sharpe continued:
“That’s what should’ve happened. Once you settle it, you come out, you word it appropriately and you move on.”
https://youtu.be/j9l6x7adspg
“But when you settle the case and you really don’t say anything … He’s not sorry. So, I just think the thing is, timing is a lot. Have a lot to do with an apology. Skip [Bayless], timing is everything with an apology.”
“You can’t wait til almost all of a sudden, you’re about to receive a more sever punishment and you say, well, I’m sorry for what transpired. I’m sorry that I impacted these women.”
Sharpe believes when issuing an apology, timing is of the utmost importance. And in his opinion this was done to show the league that he is remorseful for his actions. And in many ways he’s speaking truth. The timing of the apology in many ways, Sharpe says, shows how remorseful you really are about your actions. In Watson’s case that speech may have come way too late.
Texans And Watson Both Apologized, Paid But Didn’t Admit Guilt
During the ordeal both Watson and the Texans paid out settlements and apologized but neither admitted any guilt. In fact, the Texans paid settlements to 30 women, while Watson paid 20 women, later settled with another three, and has one case outstanding.
Here’s the statement the Texans released reiterating that their gesture wasn’t an admission of guilt.
“We were shocked and deeply saddened when we first learned of the allegations against our then franchise quarterback in March 2021. Although our organization did not have knowledge of Mr. Watson’s alleged misconduct, we have intentionally chosen to resolve this matter amicably. This is not an admission of wrongdoing, but instead a clear stand against any form of sexual assault and misconduct.
“We hope that today’s resolution will provide some form of closure for the parties involved, our fans, and the Houston community at large. As an organization, we will now turn our focus to the future and doing what we can to ensure respect for all.”
League has filed its appeal in Deshaun Watson suspension, per source.
For the Texans to reach settlements with 30 accusers is odd, especially if they had no recollection of what Watson was allegedly doing. For them to also say this isn’t an admission of guilt is also sort of contradictory, because paying someone off is usually just that.
No matter what, Watson awaits his fate for the 2022 season, and the prospect of him taking the field looks very bleak.
“I’m Proud To Be A Part Of That Huddle” | Panthers And Patriots Involved In Melee That Injures A Fan
NFL joint practices during summer training camp are always hotbeds for fights. The Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots are no different. On Wednesday, after Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey was upset with how the Patriots’ Deatrich Wise Jr. tackled him, McCaffrey threw the football at Wise and all hell broke loose.
The melee grew and involved both squads. It spilled over to an area where fans were sitting, and a woman was injured.
The skinny on the scrap from folks in the stands. Deatrich Wise hit Christian McCaffrey at or over boundary and hit him pretty good. McCaffrey spiked ball at him. More than one Panther descended on Wise and drove him into stands where he landed on woman in first row.
Just to tie off the scrap aftermath, the woman in the stands who was landed on was hit in the foot by a helmet. She refused medical attention. The Patriots and their medical team were there quickly to make sure she was ok. She was offered tickets to a game later this year
When asked about the brawl after practice, McCaffrey downplayed it, saying he wasn’t sure what exactly happened. “It’s football. Stuff happens,” he said. When asked about the play of his offensive line he was very complimentary and seemed to allude to the fight.
“Just knowing they have my back like that makes my job easier,” said McCaffrey. “I’m proud to be a part of that huddle.”
“I’m proud to be a part of that huddle”
Christian when I asked about his offensive lineman coming to his defense during fight. pic.twitter.com/kBBSBmJ381
Wise hit McCaffrey while the latter was out of bounds, so it’s understandable that McCaffrey would get angry. Wise and Carolina backup running back Chuba Hubbard were ejected from the practice. Panthers coach Matt Rhule said an official told him Hubbard threw a punch.
It was Wise who landed on the fan during the brawl. He and McCaffrey both reached out. She suffered a swollen foot but refused medical attention. The Patriots offered her tickets to a game later this season.
Rhule also apologized for the incident, stating it took away from the good work that happened on the field.
“I’d love to be talking about two-minute [drills] right now and Sam [Darnold] scrambling and making an excellent throw,” he said. “There’s a lot of football things that matter way more to me, but distractions affect you and that’s what we can’t do.”
McCaffrey talked about the certainty of fights occurring during joint practices.
“I’ve never been a part of a joint practice where there’s not one of those,” said McCaffrey. “It’s not about how it’s going to happen, it’s when it’s going to happen.”
This is the second brawl between the Panthers and Pats this week, On Tuesday, several players, including the Pats’ Kendrick Bourne, Kristian Wilkerson, and Panthers’ Kenny Robinson, went at it.
The two teams play a preseason game on Friday, should be interesting.
As far as on the field, the Panthers have a quarterback battle between Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Rhule was coy when asked.
“We have a really good plan. I just don’t feel at liberty to say right now out of respect for the guys.”
Though it looks like Mayfield is in the driver’s seat. Will improved quarterback play improve the Panthers chances this season?
Las Vegas has the Panthers at +1100 to win the NFC South and +12500 to win the Super Bowl. Good quarterback play or not, it’s still likely to be a rough season for the Panthers.
The Panthers offensive line play was horrid last year, the unit ranked 25th according to Football Outsiders. For Mayfield to be at his best and for McCaffrey to return to his All-Pro level, this unit will need to be dramatically better.
“He Was A Hardworking Kid Who Wanted To Be The Best He Could Be” | Former Long Island Hoops Star Shot In The Head Outside Queens Projects
Two gunmen wildly opened fire in a Queens project courtyard — fatally striking a 24-year-old man, video shows. The victim, Jabeon Bivins of Hempstead, Nassau County, was struck in the head and pronounced dead on the scene.
Bivins was a former basketball star at Baldwin High School and was once one of the best players on Long Island.
“What a shame,” said Darius Burton, the victim’s head basketball coach at Baldwin High School. “He was a hardworking kid who wanted to be the best he could be on that basketball court.”
Police released surveillance video that shows a group of young men scattering for cover all around the Redfern housing project. One gunman fired 20 bullets from a .45-caliber handgun, while the other fired five times from a .40-caliber handgun.
At this point it’s unknown whether Bivins was the intended target. But another life lost due to senseless gun violence.
The video shows two shooters, one in a gray hoodie, the other in a red hoodie, fleeing into one of the buildings. But the two unidentified men remain at large.
Bivins was arrested last year on drugs and weapon possession charges. It seemed his life had hit a bit of a rough patch.
“He’d gotten in some trouble recently but was trying to work that out,” said Hassan Corley, the victim’s grieving uncle. “He was a very special kid. He was quiet but he was talented. He stayed to himself most of the time. … He spent most of his time at home on the [PlayStation 5].
“We loved him. I can’t believe this happened to him. … He died Monday, and he called me and my kids Sunday night. The funny thing is he just called to tell my kids he loved them. I’m going to make it my business to find these killers.”
Bivins played basketball at Baldwin High School for three years after moving over from Hempstead, according to Burton. Bivins led the team in scoring and made the all-county team.
“What a shame, to be that young, and how it happened,” said Burton. “It’s a sad day, a very sad day.”
At least 27,887 people have died in the United States this year due to gun violence. Access to these killing machines is too easy and death is entirely too prevalent. What could’ve possibly triggered this reaction?
Why don’t we care enough about our fellow humans to be more radical in our fight against gun violence? Why aren’t we banging down the doors of the Senate and demanding that common sense gun laws be passed?
As a nation we’ve become too desensitized to violence, it has left us paralyzed. Just another name of someone we don’t know whose life was taken because of guns. It’s only when we’re personally impacted by tragedy that it becomes real.
But why wait? Why not work to ensure that getting guns becomes next to impossible? Why not work to eliminate existing military grade and non-hunting weapons?
Polling data indicates almost three-quarters of Americans think that gun violence is a big or moderately big problem. It’s the one issue you can get a majority of Americans to agree on. So why aren’t we doing anything?
“I Feel Like I Was Belittled … We Just Bumped Heads”| Najee Harris Says He Didn’t Accept Nick Saban’s Disrespectful Tone
During a training camp interview with “The Pivot Podcast,” Pittsburgh Steelers running back sensation and former Alabama ball-toter Najee Harris discussed his relationship with Nick Saban, which was volatile at times.
“Me and Saban, I’m going to be honest with you guys, me and Saban, man, we did not get along at first. We had a couple arguments at first. Because he just didn’t understand the type of due I was. I don’t know how many Cali dudes he had … but I’m not the type of dude who just sits back and just like let somebody just like talk to me, I guess, in a way and then not expect me to say something. I can take coaching, but like, it’s just a certain type of line when you cross, it’s like all right, bro, I’m a man. You ain’t gonna (expletive) talk to me like that. So I guess that he wasn’t used to having somebody talk back to him in a way. … I was like, you can coach me, man. You can coach me, but don’t think you more than just a coach to me. Don’t try to belittle me. I feel like I was belittled. … We just bumped heads a lot.”
Sounds like Saban met his match with Harris, who let it be known he wouldn’t tolerate being berated or shown up. But he was OK with being coached hard. At the end of the day, whatever happened, it seemed to work, as both were extremely successful together.
Turmoil and Struggle is what @ohthatsNajee22 credits to shaping him into person he is today.
The Pittsburgh Steelers looked like they’ve struck gold with running back Najee Harris. The former Doak Walker Award winner (nation’s top back) totaled over 1,600 yards from scrimmage as a rookie, (1,200 rushing and 467 receiving).
He also touched paydirt ten times and was the Steelers’ most productive player on offense. Harris was a five-star recruit coming out of Antioch, California, and the No. 1-rated running back in his class. The burly but nimble Harris had 18 offers from the top D-1 schools, including Alabama, where he chose to play his college football.
Harris arrived in head coach Nick Saban’s ballyhooed 2017 recruiting class that also featured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith and Henry Ruggs. All were high four- or five-star recruits and are considered one of Saban’s two best (2020 is the other) best recruiting classes. And while the rankings mean something on the outside world, that isn’t the case once you set foot on campus in Tuscaloosa.
Things Came To A Head After Harris Decided To Return For Senior Season
Following a disappointing end to their 2019-20 season, many of the Crimson Tide players who had eligibility left decided to return for the 2020-21 season. One of those players was Harris, and immediately he and Saban butted heads, and Harris even left school for two weeks.
“It was the COVID year, and I came back from school, it was our last incident. Imagine, all four years we kinda bumped heads. But in a good way, you know. Then, like, the COVID year, last incident happened, and I left school. I was like, man, I ain’t messing with y’all, I’m gone. So, I left school for like two weeks. Then Saban sat me in his office, and we exchanged words. From that point on, he took time out the day to really understand who I am, you know what I mean? And ever since that day, we were rock-solid man. Other people gonna lie about relationships like, ‘Oh yeah, we clicked the right on.’ It was not like that with me and Coach Saban.”
To hear Harris say Saban took time to really understand him is no surprise. Harris was a big part of that championship team, and Saban is smart enough to know that his team was much better with Harris than without. Harris didn’t disappoint his senior season either, further displaying his importance to the 2020 Alabama Crimson Tide.
Harris Has Year For The Ages
Harris’ dual-threat ability helped lead the Tide to a perfect 13-0 record and CFP national title. They became the first team to go 11-0 in the mighty SEC. For the season, Harris rushed for 1,466 yards and an NCAA-best 26 touchdowns. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry, while adding another 425 receiving on 43 receptions. His 1,891 total yards from scrimmage and 30 total touchdowns led the NCAA.
The Steelers drafted him with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, and Harris showed everyone why he was a highly-coveted prospect as a rookie.
Harris also displayed leadership that surprised Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and some of the veterans. That’s a product of the tough coaching he received at Alabama.
All’s well that ends well. Sometimes a coach meets a player that has the same personality and it takes time for the two to develop a mutual respect.
“You Can’t Heal What You Don’t Reveal” | How Jay-Z Inspired Manti Te’o To Share The Details Of His Catfishing Saga In Netflix Doc
Ex-NFL linebacker Manti Te’o is opening up about the catfishing scandal that rocked the sports world and changed his life forever back in 2012. In an interview with “CBS Mornings”, Te’o credited hip-hop superstar Jay-Z with inspiring him to tell his truth.
“In 2017 Cam Jordan with the [New Orleans] Saints took a bunch of us teammates to a Jay-Z concert,” Te’o said. “At that concert Jay-Z opened up with the words ‘you cannot heal what you don’t reveal.’ It may have just been some random words to everybody, but for me at that time, it hit me like a ton of bricks. In order for me to heal from this, I needed to reveal it.”
In 2012, then a senior at Notre Dame, Te’o told the media that his grandmother and his girlfriend had died on September 11, 2012. Te’o said that his girlfriend, Stanford University student Lennay Kekua, had been injured in a car accident, and was discovered during her treatment to have leukemia.
Te’o had an outstanding senior season, essentially dedicated to his grandmother and girlfriend. His excellent play and this tragic story was too good for the media not to cover. He ended up finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting that year.
His play amidst this tragedy was so inspiring that many journalists were looking for more angles to the story. In 2013 two Deadspin reporters followed up on an anonymous tip and it was revealed that Kekau was in fact a person named Ronaiah Tuiasosopo (now Naya Tuiasosopo). Te’o was the victim of a catfishing hoax.
It’s easy to understand why Te’o was reluctant to talk about the incident in depth in a public forum. It’s intensely personal and something he felt shame and embarrassment over. Given the media climate and thirst for salacious information, you can’t blame him for avoiding the subject.
But he appears to be in a much better place today and much stronger within himself.
“I challenged myself at this time that if anybody asked about it or had questions about it, I would be open and I would have those hard conversations, and I started to feel the strength that I would get from talking about it.”
Te’o and the now transgender woman, Tuiasosopo, who catfished him are telling their stories in the two-part Netflix documentary titled “Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist” available now.
Tuiasosopo used photos of high school classmate Diane O’ Meara without her knowledge to create the fake online persona of Kekua. Both agreed to be interviewed separately for the documentary because they were “unsatisfied” with how their story was portrayed in the media a decade ago.
It’s all a part of the healing. Te’o also said he wants the opportunity to show his grandmother proper respect. She was the person in his life who actually died and the catfish hoax swallowed up that part of the story.
“If there’s anything I would like to do, it’s to give my grandmother that respect that has kind of been missed the last 10 years,” he said. “Because I did lose my grandmother.”
Te’o last played in the NFL in 2021 for the Chicago Bears as a practice squad member.
Antonio Brown Feels “Tom Brady Manipulate The Game” For Missing Training Camp | Going Scorched Earth On The GOAT
If there is one thing you can count on it is that AB is going to be AB. That’s why it is not surprising that he is lashing out at his former Super Bowl-winning teammate on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tom Brady.
Since the news was revealed by the Buccaneers on Thursday that TB12 will not be at training camp for at least the next two weeks — Brady reportedly is handling a “personal issue” — Brown has taken offense at that liberty.
“Tom brady manipulate the game gets 14 days go home get his mind rt lol,” he said. “Now u see the difference. Put that s*** on.” Brown dropped the name of his single with a subsequent dance in the statement, because that is what you do when you’re AB.
The news broke late last week during a presser with head coach Todd Bowles.
“It’s something he needed to handle,” Bowles said. “We trust him. We talked about it. It was scheduled way before training camp and he will not be here until after Tennessee.”
With the Bucs scheduled to play the Titans in a preseason contest in Nashville on Aug. 20, Brady’s potential return isn’t until their outing against the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 27 in the Hoosier State.
Translation: It’s funny how Tom Brady controls the entire NFL and gets off until August 20 due to “personal reasons.” I hope you all see the difference with how the Buccaneers treat him compared to how they treated me.
However, Bowles was less than direct on pinpointing Brady’s return, and many believe that the 45-year-old could be out for a lot longer. The team’s season opener is against the Dallas Cowboys in AT&T Stadium on Sept. 11, a high-profile game that would definitely feel Brady’s absence.
“It’s a personal issue,” Bowles said. “That’s all I can tell you,” Bowles reaffirmed to the media.
Brown didn’t leave Brady’s trainer Alex Guerrero out of the mix, coming at him directly in the rant.
“Alex Guerra – You think i won’t have u smacked at TB12 boy stop playing with me !” AB added. “Boy getting paid by bucks n taking players money too.”
Antonio Brown says tell Jerry Jones to call him & he misses Tom Brady passes because he is still open pic.twitter.com/je2tqkz6BK
When Brown left the Buccaneers unceremoniously at a New York Jets game in January, he came for Brady’s trainer, exposing their previous interactions. Brown posted text messages with Guerrero on Instagram where he asked for half of a $100,000 payment back after communicating a dissolution of their professional relationship. Brown got messy and tagged Brady in the post also.
Brown followed that with a photoshopped “Home Alone 2” poster when he was wandering around New York with celebrities like Kanye West and Floyd Mayweather while figuring out his transition out of football. However, he recently has been signaling that he wants to return.
He began angling for the Cleveland Browns on Twitter with posts like “Cleveland Antonio Browns. C-A-B” and “Take the Browns to SuperBowl. Not ToiletBowl” after Deshaun Watson was chosen as their quarterback.
More recently, he made an overture through the media to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones with a simple, “Tell Jerry Jones to call me.”
The 34-year-old played only seven games with the Buccaneers last season, a season interrupted after being dealt a three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols with a fake vaccine card. He returned to the team for the season’s final two games, eventually running off the field in the third quarter, tossing his shirt and NFL career into the crowd. Now he does more of the same, criticizing his onetime friend and NFL poster boy Tom Brady.
Adrian Peterson Knocks Out Opponent In Sparring Ahead Of Fight Against Le’Veon Bell | Are Running Backs Making A Run In Boxing?
Adrian Peterson is not playing about his preparation to face fellow running back Le’Veon Bell in a boxing match. The fight, which was called off from its original July 30th date and was recently called back for Sept. 10, has the veteran NFL star looking ready for war.
A video hit the internet showing Peterson on the offensive in sparring and knocking his opponent down. How much of it was real versus a staged fight hype promo is unknown, but Peterson seems to be taking the opportunity very seriously.
The fight card is headlined by social media stars Austin McBroom against AnEsonGib and takes place at the Banc of California Stadium. Peterson vs. Bell is part of the undercard for the fight, which also features a comical bout between rapper Blueface and former NBA star Nick Young, aka Swaggy P.
The fight also signals that neither Bell nor Peterson will be putting on the pads this year, instead opting for squared circle dreams. For a consummate athlete, boxing is the pinnacle of a solo sport where you are not only using your faculties in unison to produce pain, but you are also on the receiving end.
For Peterson, football is still in focus while he pursues another passion. After all, the 37-year-old ranks fifth all time in rushing yards with 14,918, 3,437 behind all-time leading rusher Emmitt Smith.
“But since I’ve started, this is something that I’ll continue to do,” Peterson said during a promo event for the fight last month. “I’ll continue to stay in the ring, continue to practice, get my skills right because it’s a different ball game when you step in that square. Fortunately for me, I have some great guys around me that are experienced.
“My gym in Houston, we have a ring in there. We have a lot of guys sparring all the time, and I’ve had the opportunity in the past to get in there with those guys a couple times and here recently, obviously, getting ready for the fight. I just been kind of grinding, so I might see this continue to do something going forward.”
For Bell, who hasn’t had the same traction in the league since his departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers, this is a new career choice and lifestyle, at least for this year.
“I know I’m not going to be playing this year because I want to focus on boxing,” the 30-year-old Bell told NFL Media last month.
Swaggy P has also had a video of him dominating in the sparring room, and many former pro athletes are coming to the red light district of sports by the droves. From Lamar Odom to Deron Williams, athletes of other sports have had pugilistic dreams for a while now.
Back in May, another running back, Frank Gore, let the boxing world know he was here and landed a highlight-reel KO in his pro boxing debut. Gore connected a vicious right cross that left Yaya Olorunsola stiff and unconscious in the fourth round of the first Gamebred Boxing show in Biloxi, Mississippi.
As more football players and basketball players become fighters, it will be interesting to see if they decide to be two-sport athletes or full-time boxers.
10 Year Old Boy Survives Shark Attack Off The Coast Of The Florida Keys, Has Part Of Leg Amputated
Jameson Reeder Jr., a 10-year-old boy, had part of his leg amputated after a shark bit him while he was snorkeling off the Florida Keys over the weekend, his family says.
The boy and his family were snorkeling at Looe Key Reef on Saturday when he was bitten by the shark, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The attack happened at about 4:30 pm.
The Reeders were able to signal another boat for help as Jameson was immediately taken to the shore and then airlifted to a children’s hospital in Miami.
Jameson’s uncle Joshua Reeder posted a message on Facebook regarding his nephew’s incident.
An emotional family arrived in South Florida after getting the news that their 10 Year Old relative Jameson Reeder Jr lost his leg in a Shark Attack. The story on @WPLGLocal10pic.twitter.com/t7x6te5ft7
“Please pray for my nephew Jameson jr. 10 years old turning 11 in a couple weeks. He was in the Florida Keys on vacation with my brother Jameson sr. and Mary Reeder along with his brothers Noah and Nehemiah and sister Eliana,” Jameson’s uncle wrote. “They were out on a boat snorkeling along a shallow reef when a very traumatic event occurred and my nephew Jameson jr. was attacked by what they believe to be an 8ft Bull Shark”
“They had to remove/amputate from just below the knee to save his life as it was not operable from the damage the shark had caused.” “They said the shark made the decision for him and wasn’t anything they could do to save it.”
According to Tracking Sharks, there have been 59 shark attack bites in 2022 that can be verified, six were fatal. Of the 32 shark attack bites in the United States this year, 19 occurred in Florida.
As the planet continues to evolve and the population expands, we are going to continually be in direct conflict with nature. The more we encroach on the domain of wildlife we will see more negative interactions.
This incident with Jameson Reeder Jr. just seems to be a case of bad luck. A young boy was out snorkeling with his family, and the next thing he realizes is a shark has got ahold of him.
A boy was bitten by a shark on Saturday while snorkeling off the Florida Keys. Jameson Reeder Jr., 10, said on Facebook that part of his leg was amputated as a result of the attack. pic.twitter.com/sBQEwBM5Nd
Oftentimes there is no rhyme or reason as to what types of behaviors animals might engage in in their natural habitat. Sharks generally don’t consume people.
“People are bitten but rarely consumed, and that tells us that we are not on the shark’s menu,” Christopher Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at California State University Long Beach, told CNN this year.
An online fundraiser set up on behalf of Jameson Jr. had eclipsed $60,000 as of Monday night.
“Jameson is an amazingly strong young man,” the website reads. “He was able to get his family’s attention and hang on to a noodle float until the boat could get to him. God was watching out for him and has been in every detail. They could have lost their sweet boy, but Jameson knew Jesus was with him.”
As the attack wasn’t fatal, the Reeders can focus their energies and resources on Jameson’s recovery. Hopefully he’ll get fitted for a prosthetic and begin his journey toward healing.
“If You’re Ticked Off Making The Money I’m Making, Then You’re Probably A Little Messed Up” | Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes Says He Values Legacy Over Money
The NFL offseason has been an adventure, from big paydays for quarterbacks, wide receivers and edge rushers. Many players have cashed in since the new season year began in mid-March.
The Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson the largest fully-guaranteed contract for a player in NFL history (five-years, $230 million) following his trade from the Houston Texans. This despite his ongoing legal battle which will very likely to cost him a second consecutive season of suspension.
Then you have Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who finagled his way into a five-year, $230.5 million deal with $160 million guaranteed. Green Bay Packers signal-caller Aaron Rodgers received a three-year, $150.8 million extension.
And, with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson set to cash. in any day now, one has to wonder what Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is thinking with him being recognized by many as the game’s best at the position now but trailing some inferior QBs in annual dinero.
When Mahomes signed a 10-year, $450 million extension it was the largest in American sports history. But with those aforementioned monster salaries, Mahomes’ deal looks like a bargain.
But, if you ask Mahomes, he’s OK with that.
Mahomes Interviews With Peter King
During an interview with Football Morning In America writer Peter King, Mahomes talked about valuing legacy over money.
“If you’re ticked off making all the money that I’m making, you’re probably a little messed up. I know I’m going to be taken care of the rest of my life. Being in this organization and being on the platform that the NFL has given me, I’ve been able to make money off the field as well.”
Mahomes continued:
“If you watch some of the quarterbacks, man, it’s not always about getting the most money. It’s about going out there and winning and having a legacy that you can kind of live with forever. For me, that’s what I want.
“Obviously, I want to make money and be able to buy everything I want and all that different type of stuff, but that’s not the reason I started playing football. The reason I started play it football was to win Super Bowls, to enjoy these relationships that I’m building on the field with all my friends who are my teammates. I think at the end of the day if I do that I’ll be a happy guy in the end.”
Mahomes is making a killing off the field being part of the Kansas City Royals ownership group as a minority stakeholder. He also joined the Kansas City major league soccer ownership group. “Mr. Ketchup On Errthang” is a native Texan who loves the fast food chain Whataburger, which is based out of Texas. And since they didn’t have any in Kansas or Missouri, he joined an investment group that plans to bring around 30 restaurants to those two states.
Mahomes also has Adidas apparel, and Head and Shoulders shampoo, State Farm insurance, Oakley sunglasses and Hunt’s ketchup as endorsement deals. So you can see why the contract value isn’t as important to him. He has endorsements.
Mahomes Taking Tom Brady Route: Less Pay Means Better Teams?
It’s well known that Tom Brady has long taken less on deals to keep his teams intact or to add key free agents. Over his career, it’s estimated that Brady took somewhere between $60 and $100 million less over his 20-year run in New England. One that led to six Super Bowl wins, nine Super Bowl appearances and 13 AFC Championship Game appearances. The 249-75 record over that time frame was aided by “TB12’s” willingness to take go against the grain and take less money to keep championship teams together longer. He added a seventh one by beating Mahomes and the Chiefs in his first year in Tampa.
From the looks and sounds of things, Mahomes is thinking long-term, having already been to two Super Bowls, winning one, plus four straight AFC Championship Games. Mahomes likes winning and wants to keep doing it. That’s not plausible if the quarterback is taking too much of the salary cap, which often hinders franchise’s from filling out the team around him. The hidden blessing with Mahomes deal is the GM can decide how much of the cap it occupies every season, further allowing flexibility to steadily improve the roster.
“We Can’t Kill Our Product, We’re Talking About An Amazing Player” | Newly Inducted Baseball Hall of Famer David “Big Papi” Ortiz With Some Odd Comments On Fernando Tatis Jr. Suspension
Following a great career which saw him become one of the most clutch hitters ever, former Boston Red Sox legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz was recently inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ortiz even got the nickname “Yankee Killer” for all his big hits against archrival Yanks. Ortiz’s big hits helped lead the Red Sox to three World Series titles, including their unprecedented 2004 rally, coming back from a 0-3 series deficit against the Dynasty Yankees to win the ALCS in seven games. Ortiz was the catalyst of that remarkable and still-not-duplicated feat.
Following his retirement in 2013 the clutch slugger joined Fox as an analyst during the 2014 World Series and has continued to appear on the network since. While no one will ever question Ortiz’s accomplishments, he is widely suspected of being part of the more than 100 players to test positive for steroids during the 2003 season.
Now that he’s bypassed the usual holdup for that infraction as it pertains to players getting into Cooperstown, the burly power-hitting lefty is speaking on San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr.’s recent suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
The Major League Baseball Players Association issued the following statement on behalf of Fernando Tatis, Jr.: pic.twitter.com/gCNVcs0a5Y
“MLB needs to have some regulations before they made public news like the one that happened to Tatis Jr. I think they haven’t handled it this situation the right way. We can’t kill our product, we’re talking about an amazing player.”
What is Ortiz insinuating? Seems like he’s saying don’t tell the public that Tatis Jr. used a banned substance and has now been suspended. If that’s what he’s actually saying that’s a sad way to go about a situation that could’ve been avoided if Tatis Jr. just checkedwhat he was using. The league has an extensive list of substances that are banned. He’s being paid handsomely to do that responsibly and be available for his team.
And maybe Ortiz should’ve followed the statement released by Alex Rodriguez, another player in the steroids era who admits to using and was suspended for a year without ever failing a drug test once the new PED rules were instituted after the supposed “anonymous testing” in 2003.
“I wish a lot of these young players, who I admire so much, learned from my stupidity, and my debacle. It almost brings me to tears to see a kid like Tatis, who’s 23 years old, and for the rest of his career, he’s just gonna have to play it out. There’s probably no Hall of Fame.”
Rodriguez can sympathize with Tatis Jr. because he was once him. A great hitting and fielding shortstop who was a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame, but PEDs have halted any chance for him.
Alex Rodriguez on Tatis getting suspended: “I was hoping that a lot of these young kids learned from my debacle and my mistakes”
When asked if he’ll reach out to Fernando, he said he won’t but that he’s always available.
As for Pap, he somehow slithered his way in despite the PED cloud hanging over his head.
Ortiz Is First Player Elected To Hall Of Fame Who’s Directly Tied To Steroids Era
Ortiz has long denied any wrongdoing. Testing began in 2003, and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed that as many as ten tests were returned by the players union due to being scientifically questionable, therefore in many ways absolving those in question of any cheating. That perception didn’t change amongst many fans who’ve said if Papi gets in players like Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds should get in. But that hasn’t happened, and Ortiz seems to be the only one from that era to go unscathed in his efforts to make it to the pinnacle of the sport.
As for Tatis, this will be a black cloud that will hang over his career, but one thing we don’t need is David Ortiz trying to set new rules for how suspensions are handled as pertain to PEDs.
Draymond Green Had Big Cannabis Party Favors At Lavish Wedding | It’s Legal In California, Right?
Over the weekend, four-time NBA champion Draymond Green tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Hazel Renee.
The two exchanged vows in front of their families, some of their closest friends, and in Green’s case some of his Golden State Warriors teammates. In attendance was reigning NBA Final MVP Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Patrick Beverley, to name a few.
But the star-studded event and guest list isn’t what’s getting all the attention, it’s the cannabis party favors shared from his lavish reception.
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) August 15, 2022
While marijuana is still prohibited in the NBA, but with random testing going away since the bubble restart, players are definitely indulging in the recreational activity a tad bit more. And in California it’s perfectly legal to do so. In fact recreational marijuana use is now legal in 18 states and Canada.
But not everybody’s not feeling how the media portrayed the cannibis table.
NBA Analyst Wonders Why So Many Felt The Need To Show It?
NBA analyst Joe Shasky of 95.7 The Game, talked about Green doing this and showing it, which he said he had no issue with. But it’s the way it became the thing to do, sort of taking precedence over two people sharing vows and becoming husband and wife.
“Now, it’s gotten to the point where for every team, every player, there are, like these fan accounts where you, like, see every step of this guy’s life. Yeah, it was California, correct? OK, it’s legal. So, are we taking photos of champagne bottles now, too, right? The media gotta get over this taboo.”
Shasky continued:
“I’m like, look, the weed is here to stay. I just see a lot of people aggregating, like, look-what’s-going-on-here eye emojis.”
While Shasky is making some valid points to an extent, that’s almost impossible in today’s digital age where social media is king. We live in an era where nothing is private, especially something like a wedding reception with as many stars as there were in attendance. They want folks on their Instagram, Twitter and TikTok accounts to see them. And there’s no way weed being served as party favors wouldn’t show up all over social media, and we’re pretty sure Draymond Green and his new bride considered that before they decided to publicly indulge.
So it is what it is. If Green didn’t see anything wrong with it being shown why should anyone else?
Green Could Be Playing Last Season(s) In Golden State
While Green, the heart and soul of the Warriors since this magnificent run began in 2015 has two seasons left on his current deal, there’s a chance he could playing somewhere else in the near future, after he said he expects a max contract when that time comes.
He’s looking for a four-year, $164 million extension, and his leverage is the four NBA championships he’s helped bring to the Bay Area. But with his skills declining yearly, it’ll be hard for the Warriors brass to agree to that with them way over the luxury tax limit and having to pay younger players like Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole and others.
Until then, congrats to Green and his wife, and here’s to happy puffing.
“Y’all Got Jokes! I Really Feel Complete Now” | Coach Prime Receives Fake Toes For His Birthday
You can’t say Deion Sanders, aka “Prime Time,” doesn’t have a sense of humor.
Sanders, the head coach of Jackson State football, received fake prosthetic feet from his friend Sam this week. The two buddies and a woman inside the facility, shared a good laugh about the late birthday gift, coming a week after Sanders turned 55 on Aug. 9. Prime had two toes amputated earlier this year after complications resulting from foot surgery.
“I like that! Y’all got jokes,” said Sanders. “Thank you. I really feel complete now.”
The massive rubber feet happened to be white and, according to Sam, Prime joked that he wanted two white prosthetic toes. Looks like Sam took it up a level and opted for two new feet for his friend.
Prime underwent surgery for a dislocated toe along with an inflamed nerve in September 2021. Over the next several month’s the Pro Football Hall of Famer had eight surgeries in total. He developed a femoral arterial blood clot. He also had compartment syndrome, which meant his leg swelled, and doctors had to flay open his leg to drain fluid.
Prime is one of the greatest athletes in American history. In the NFL he was an eight-time All-Pro, two-time Super Bowl champ, and Defensive Player of the Year.
He played nine part-time seasons in Major League Baseball. In 1992, his best season, as a member of the Atlanta Braves Prime hit .304, stole 26 bases, and led the NL with 14 triples in 97 games. In four games of the 1992 World Series, Sanders batted .533 with four runs, eight hits, two doubles, and one RBI while playing with a broken bone in his foot.
To do that as a part-time player is one of the more incredible sports accomplishments in history.
These days Prime is focused on his work as head coach at JSU. He’s hoping to bring more awareness to HBCUs through athletics. He’s had success early, winning the SWAC title in just his second season at the helm.
Currently, the JSU football facilities are undergoing renovations, and Prime is hoping they’ll be ready in time for the season. He’s even donating some of his salary to ensure that the renovations are completed in time.
There will also be a new addition to the coaching staff at JSU this fall. Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer will serve as an analyst.
“He’s asked me about it a few times. The pay is not good,” Zimmer said with a grin. “But I do love Deion and I’d do anything for him.”
Zimmer and Prime go all they way back to their days as members of the Dallas Cowboys. The opportunity to work with his former star defender was simply too much to pass up for Zimmer, who knows how fortunate the JSU football team is to be coached by Prime.
“He can open up so many doors for these young men but I’m extremely impressed with the way he’s teaching them about life and not just football,” Zimmer said. “And taking care of them, and talking to them about the real things that go on in the world and not the fluff stuff.”
Jackson State will open the season against Florida A&M on Sept. 4 in Miami.
Youth Football Player In Richmond Killed And His Mother Injured In Deadly Shooting
Tragedy struck the city of Richmond, Virginia, as gunfire killed an 18-year-old football player and injured his mother, who was also struck. Jessie Crumble Bullock lost his life on Saturday per the Richmond Police Department, which is now investigating the double shooting in the Gilpin Court housing project.
Bullock was reportedly on his way home from a corner store visit when suddenly someone started to chase him while firing a gun. Bullock made it home; however, the gunfire continued with bullets striking the teen and also his mother as she tried to stop the commotion.
The mother and son were rushed to the hospital, and unfortunately, the teen died shortly after.
“It’s just messed up right now,’ one of Bullock’s aunts said to local ABC News channel 8. “She wiped his face. She was trying to keep him comfortable. She was trying to help him breathe. I heard her on the phone talking to him, and it’s just not right. She got shot trying to protect him.”
On Monday, Bullock’s mother, Jessica Crumble, was eventually released from the hospital in the early morning hours, and she suffered a gunshot wound in her hand. However, now she has to deal with the more considerable pain of her lost son.
“My sister is all the way messed up,” the aunt continued. “She sat there and protected her baby and got shot herself. More than one time. Putting up her hand to stop gunshots from going into her baby.”
Bullock was a student who was preparing to play football in the upcoming season, according to a Richmond Public Schools spokesperson. Bullock just turned 18 in July.
“He played for Thomas Jefferson and was about to start at John Marshall. He was into sports and being a respectful kid,” the aunt said. “He was one of the sweetest kids I ever met.”
The team’s first game of the season is on September 2nd, and it is an away game against Brunswick in Lawrenceville, Virginia, an hour away from Richmond.
When comparing the Commonwealth of Virginia, Richmond has a crime rate higher than 96% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes, according to Neighborhood Scout. Gilpin Court, where Bullock lived, is a housing project. Former Richmond Commonwealth Attorney Mike Herring was one of the people leading the charge to demolish the housing project back in 2019.
“We couldn’t correlate it to the drug markets in the way that we used to be able to in the ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s,” Herring said to local NPR and PBS affiliate VPM back in 2019. “We had literally used every arrow in our quiver, that is us, the police department, city hall, to try to tamp down the violence.”
Other community activists have also been working on a solution to the violence.
“We are losing our youth at an alarming rate,” said Charles Willis, the executive director of United Communities Against Crime, to local news channel 8. “We are plagued by the gun violence. It’s like a pandemic. We are asking that all the school districts would consider having peer mediation, violence prevention and conflict resolution taught in our schools,” he said. “This is the type of crime that has to stop.”
Saints Running Back Alvin Kamara Dodging Bullets? Most Likely Won’t Miss Time This Season Due To Legal Situation
The New Orleans Saints have Super Bowl aspirations. But with Dennis Allen now taking over for longtime head coach Sean Payton, many believe it could be a rebuilding year in ‘Nawlins.
But that’s not the case as the Saints re-signed 2015 No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston to lead the offense. They also get former All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas back after a season missed due to an injured ankle. They signed some quality free agents in safety Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu, and wide receiver Jarvis Landry.
In April’s draft they took Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave in the first round. All those pieces, along with edge rusher Cameron Jordan, linebacker DeMario Davis and cornerback Marshon Lattimore give the Saints some real star power on both sides of the football.
But none of those names mean more to the Saints than running back Alvin Kamara. The dynamic dual-threat scatback has been the team’s best and most consistent weapon since they drafted him in third round of the 2017 NFL draft.
This offseason, Kamara ran into some legal trouble. In February, while in Las Vegas for the Pro Bowl, “AK41” was captured on video surveillance punching a man repeatedly, causing substantial bodily harm. Kamara was arrested and held at the Clark County Detention Center. He was released on bond the next day, but the legal issues still fester.
With the NFL season on the horizon, the question that lingers is will Kamara be suspended? ESPN’s Adam Schefter gave some insight into what is likely to happen with Kamara during an appearance on ESPN’s “Fantasy Field Pass” with Field Yates.
“I think the league is going to be looking into this, but it is going to be a while, it seems, before this legal case is settled. There’s a real chance that the status of that case is not going to affect his availability this season. … But in terms of this season, it looks more and more unlikely that that it’s going to be this season as attorneys keep pushing out the case, it keeps getting pushed back. And by the time there is resolution to it, the season may be well underway, and Alvin Kamara may be on the field for the majority if not all of this season.”
One of the remaining questions before the season is whether Saints RB Alvin Kamara could face a suspension. @AdamSchefter with some more insight into the situation. pic.twitter.com/iVHotkHsKk
Which for the Saints is the best-case scenario, as you don’t replace all that Kamara brings to the running and passing game. He’s a matchup nightmare for linebackers, even safeties and corners struggle covering him out of the backfield. He’s a security blanket for the quarterback, and with the talented but at times erratic Winston under center, Kamara will be a pressure valve release.
NFL Is More Concerned With Sticking It To Deshaun Watson Before Dealing With Kamara
While Kamara’s case is still one that must be dealt with, it doesn’t take precedence over Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s sexual assault and sexual misconduct situation. Watson was issued a six-game suspension by arbitrator Judge Sue L. Robinson, but the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell appealed the decision and are reportedly looking for a year-long suspension for Watson.
Alvin Kamara was arrested in Las Vegas shortly after Sunday's Pro Bowl on a battery charge, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Police say the alleged battery took place on Saturday, and Kamara was taken into custody Sunday evening without incident. pic.twitter.com/nJxKTLGllH
Kamara’s situation isn’t going away, but in the eyes of the NFL it seems that it doesn’t take precedence over Watson’s. Kamara’s suspension, based on the accusations, should be six games. The belief is a suspension won’t be handed down ina late September meeting, meaning Kamara more than likely won’t be suspended during the 2022 NFL season.
Saints Need Kamara To Have Any Shot At Fulfilling Super Bowl Dreams
The Saints boast a strong and stout defense that nearly led them to the playoffs last season. Getting a healthy Winston back is key. Before his season-ending knee injury the strong-armed former No. 1 pick was 5-2 as a starter with 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
But the Saints go as Kamara goes, and the dynamic back has rushed for over 4,200 yards in his first five seasons. In that same time frame he’s also accumulated over 3,200 yards receiving, good for a combined average of 1,475 yards per season.
Before Alvin Kamara today, the last time a player had 6 Rush TD in a game was Ernie Nevers in 1929
According to the NFL Record and Fact Book, that was tied for the longest standing individual record in the NFL
He’s touched paydirt 67 times (47 on the ground and 20 through the air). He’s the Saints’ best player and without him they’re nowhere near the same team.
New Video Of Yaqub Talib Shooting Youth Football Coach Michael Hickmon Shows Aqib Talib Standing Near Shooter And Helping Him Leave The Scene
It looks like ex-NFL All-Pro cornerback Aqib Talib might not be able to escape trouble from the tragic incident that took place last weekend in Lancaster, Texas. In new video that has emerged, Aqib Talib is seen standing near his brother Yaqub Talib who shot youth football coach Michael Hickmon to death following an argument and scuffle. The video also shows Aqib helping Yaqub flee the scene.
Yaqub Talib, 39, is accused of pulling out a gun and shooting Michael Hickmon, 43, in Lancaster, Texas, a Dallas suburb. Talib shot Hickmon multiple times after a disagreement between the opposing coaching staffs of two youth football teams over calls made by the officials during a game. The arguments led to a physical fight before Talib pulled out a gun.
Yaqub has since turned himself in and at the time, Aqib Talib’s lawyers said Aqib was not involved in any violence.
“Aqib was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life,” his attorney told TMZ. “He would like to convey his condolences to the family of the victim and to everyone who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy.”
The new video shows Aqib was more than present. He was in the middle of the action, though never seen participating in the violence. But immediately after the gunshots, Aqib is seen heading straight for the shooter — allegedly his 39-year-old brother Yaqub — before both men flee the scene.
Aqib Talib has not been charged with anything, but police will certainly want to question him as to what occurred that day and what role, if any, he played.
This isn’t Aqib Talib’s first brush with the law.
In 2009 Talib allegedly beat up a taxi driver in Florida and was arrested and charged with resisting arrest without violence and simple battery.
In 2011 a felony arrest warrant was issued for Talib for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he was accused of firing a gun at his sister’s boyfriend. The charges were ultimately dropped due to lack of evidence.
In 2016 he was shot in the leg outside a Dallas strip club. It was later revealed that Talib falsified the report, having actually shot himself in the leg and lied to the police, and was drunk and never at the strip club mentioned.
At best, Aqib Talib has a history of being involved in less than ideal incidents. At worst, you could say he’s a magnet for trouble.
In the scenario that left Michael Hickmon dead, no doubt it was instinct and Aqib was protecting his brother. The two reportedly are close. But given what else the police find out during the course of their investigation, it could spell trouble for Aqib. Aiding and abetting and fleeing and eluding are all on the table.
Of course, if Aqib lies at any point during questioning and it is later uncovered, you can add obstruction as well.
Aqib Talib just signed on to be a part of Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” studio coverage. That gig could be in danger if there is more to his involvement in the tragic shooting in Lancaster.
Lakers’ Jeanie Buss Exposes An O.J. Simpson Story And Reveals Her Saltiness At The Same Time | ‘You Just Can’t Get Away With Everything, Right?’
The Los Angeles Lakers team is one of the most storied franchises in the history of sports due in part to the legend of the team’s owner, the Buss family. From the ‘Winning Time’ docu-drama series on HBO to the Buss’ answer to that series with the new “Legacy: The True Story of the L.A. Lakers” documentary, the world can’t get enough of the tales behind the veil of the purple and gold.
Jeanie Buss, president of the Lakers, went to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” last night and dished on a little-known “weirdest thing” that happened during her tenure at the franchise, and all roads led to O.J. Simpson.
“You just can’t get away with everything, right?”
On the weirdest thing that happened while handling the Lakers, Jeanie Buss shares this story on OJ Simpson 😳
“What’s the weirdest thing that’s happened at a Lakers game you’ve been to?” guest host Desus Nice asked Buss.
“Umm, you know, I guess the weirdest thing was right after O.J. Simpson was acquitted, he…”
“You can just stop there,” Nice interjected to the laugh of the audience.
“He was coming to a game and I had to talk to the staff and say, ‘You know what? He’s just like anybody else who has a ticket. We have to show him, you know, respect and make sure he’s treated like any other paying guest.’
“So he came to a game, but he illegally parked at the Forum,” Buss said. “So his car was towed. So, you know, you just can’t get away with everything, right?”
Shade much, Jeanie?
O.J. Simpson has remained one of the most polarizing people on the planet and especially in Southern California, since his October 1995 acquittal of the murder charges of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. In a separate civil trial, however, he was found liable for their deaths and was ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages to the families.
He eventually went to prison in 2008, for nine years after being convicted of armed robbery in Las Vegas. Simpson allegedly led five men, including two with guns, to confront sports memorabilia dealers at a casino hotel. He was eventually granted an early release in 2017 for good behavior.
His murder trial was one of the most polarizing cultural incidents in the history of America. It made a superstar out of his defense team in the late Johnnie Cochran and Robert Kardashian, with the children of the latter having become ubiquitous reality TV stars.
However, for Buss, Simpson is clearly a sore subject as her saltiness was apparent with the “you just can’t get away with everything, right,” comment.
“Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time” – Jeanie Buss
Recently, Buss entered the debate about who is the greatest basketball player of all time when she appeared in a trailer for the next NBA 2K video game. Her answer was not acceptable to Laker nation.
The new game now features the “Championship Edition,” which allows fans to relive some highlights of Michael Jordan’s career at key points in his life, from playing for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels to the league as the star of the Chicago Bulls.
Buss weighed in during a commercial, saying that Jordan “is the greatest of all time.” Using her Simpson stance, is that her “you just can’t get away with everything, right,” dig at LeBron James?
