The Miami Dolphins have hired San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel to serve as the team’s next head coach. McDaniel will be given a four-year contract, according to reports. This hiring comes in the wake of former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the team and the NFL, claiming racial discrimination in hiring practices. McDaniel’s hiring follows a trend in the NFL, according to Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson.
“I think this follows a trend that’s going on in the National Football League right now,” said Tomlinson. “These young offensive minded coaches, getting head coaching jobs. We’ve seen it over the past few years and now Mike follows in that same path.”
McDaniel is 38 and comes from the Mike Shanahan coaching tree. He began his NFL career as an intern for the Denver Broncos in 2005 under Shanahan, then spent three seasons as an offensive assistant with the Houston Texans. He spent another three seasons as an offensive assistant and a wide receivers coach for Washington — on a staff that included current head coaches Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers, Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams and Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers.
This is McDaniel’s first job as a head coach at any level and he’s only served as an offensive coordinator for one season. Maybe he’ll be a good hire; maybe we won’t. Only time will provide an answer.
McDaniel identifies as multiracial and the NFL counts him among its minority head coaching hires, joining Mike Tomlin, Ron Rivera and Robert Saleh as the league’s only minority head coaches. The 49ers will receive two third-round draft selections (one in 2022 and another in ’23, per a league spokesman) as compensation under the Rooney Rule for developing a minority assistant who was hired for an NFL head-coaching job.
https://twitter.com/Hawk/status/1490525418721452038?s=20&t=EbfagIrBWqrkBo0ZyjTHAQ
The NFL’s track record on diversity is extremely poor and we will see what, if anything, the pending Flores lawsuit does to change that reality. But McDaniel’s lack of head coaching experience and time as a coordinator are noteworthy.
Tomlinson went on to say that McDaniel’s age might allow him to relate better to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and some of the other younger players. Flores is 40. Are those two years that significant in interpersonal relationships?
As it relates to McDaniel’s offensive mind, it is true that the league trend is to hire young offensive coordinators. The league has been trending in an offensive direction for a couple of decades now. How good is McDaniel? How bright is his offensive mind?
We have nothing to measure that per se.
Last season, the 49ers had the league’s seventh-best offense in terms of yards per game and produced an All-Pro in wide receiver Deebo Samuel. They were fifth in total offensive DVOA, fifth in pass DVOA and fifth in run DVOA.
Was that all due to McDaniel? Maybe some. But it’s hard to say all.
The likelihood is that McDaniel will be given every opportunity to prove that he is a great head coach. Too bad Flores and others like him around the league aren’t afforded the same opportunity.
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Blaming Kyrie Irving’s vaccination status for the Brooklyn Nets’ demise is overkill to some and right on the money for others.
Indeed, the NBA community and Nets fans are still split on the whole notion that the Nets can win a championship with Kyrie Irving as a part-time player. Eight straight losses and constant James Harden trade rumors suggest that the experiment has been a failure.
When Irving refused to get vaccinated, his teammates and the franchise came to his defense. They said they respected his decision and KD expressed confidence that Irving would be there for his teammates when it mattered, and other guys would step up to fill the void in home games.
Fast forward to one month before the All-Star break and the Nets are a flailing seventh seed. KD is out nursing another injury, and according to reports there’s no timetable for his return.
Via Nick Friedell on Twitter:
“Nash said there is still no specific timeline for KD’s return but they are happy with the reports they’ve been getting from home. ‘We feel really good about his recovery so far. I think he’s well on his way. There’s been no setbacks, and everything’s gone to plan or then some.”
Kyrie Irving is doing his best playing half of the time, but chemistry is definitely an issue as all three players have been on the court less than 20 times this season. Trying to win a championship with Irving only playing road games was going to be one of the biggest challenges in NBA history to begin with. The fact that the organization can’t get all of these players on the court consistently at the same time, to see what they really can achieve, is disheartening.
It’s also very frustrating to Harden, who has been taking a bunch of flak from fans and media for his play and even his potential desire to leave what is an obvious sinking ship in Brooklyn.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski dropped a Harden bomb (a small one) on Monday morning.
“When you’ve lost eight games in a row when a player like James Harden is maybe not inspiring the confidence, you know, perhaps you are willing to listen to a massive offer from Philly but right now there’s no indication that that’s going to happen, and Philly is yet to call Brooklyn back. They may just wait until the offseason and pursue James Harden when he can either be a free agent or they could then discuss a sign-and-trade deal, ’cause he has a year left on his deal that he could opt into.”
NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins chimed in right after Woj’s interview, and said if he were Harden he would want out for sure because this wasn’t the scenario he was sold when he agreed to form a Super Team in Brooklyn.
“James Harden gave up everything he built in Houston,” Perkins said. “I know he didn’t win a championship but he had built a lot down here to go to Brooklyn to do what — to win a championship. And now he has to deal with so much other than basketball. Is Kyrie Irving going to play? Is he going to get vaccinated? He didn’t sign up for this. If I’m James Harden, I’m frustrated. I’m ready to get the hell out because I came here for one reason and one reason only.”
Perk added that it may also benefit the Nets at this point to trade Harden.
“If I’m Brooklyn I don’t know what’s going to happen with James Harden this offseason, so if I lose him for nothing, if I have a chance of losing him for nothing, yes I do listen to trade offers, especially for a guy like Ben Simmons.”
Perk said Ben Simmons fits as a piece with which the Nets can continue to contend.
“Ben Simmons would actually fit well with Kevin Durant and part-time Kyrie, Perk said. “Hopefully they can get him full-time.”
Again, neither player is expected to be traded anytime soon, but the potential of combining The Big Cameroon with The Beard, said Perk, changes the face of the Eastern Conference.
“If Joel Embiid and James Harden … if those two combined, they would win the East hands down”
Embiid is widely considered the current frontrunner for MVP; the seven-foot assassin just dropped another 40 piece on Sunday night.
For now, that trade is a little less than a pipe dream because Philly is still trying to punish Simmons instead of working hard to unload him, which is unfair to Embiid. Also Harden reportedly said that he is committed to Brooklyn for the long-term.
Kyrie Irving says he doesn’t have any insight into the situation, but said the Nets are holding Harden to his word.
No one is paying Kendrick Perkins to be a GM anyway. Especially not Nets fans who are hoping that The Big Three will be available to go on an uninterrupted championship quest these upcoming playoffs.
But much has to happen for that plan to materialize for Steve Nash and the crew. Starting with having a full-time Kyrie, which probably isn’t going to happen. So don’t hate on James Harden for wanting a refund on being sold a false bag of goods. He’s been playing like he feels — and when he feels. Same as Kyrie and KD.
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Former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman is back.
Thurman proved he is still an elite welterweight, winning a 12-round unanimous decision over former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios last night.
The two fought in the main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event Saturday night from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
I told y’all #OneTime is back! pic.twitter.com/k25PRKFtVP
— Keith Thurman Jr. (@keithfthurmanjr) February 6, 2022
“This was a comeback fight after two and a half years away,” said Thurman post-fight. “I wish I had my best performance, but I did the best I could under the circumstances. “I grade this performance a C+ or B- for myself.”
In his first fight in over 30 months, the 33-year-old Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) displayed the attributes that led him to the top of the 147-pound division. Thurman got off to a strong start and never relinquished control, at times punishing Barrios with hard shots.
Barrios (26-2, 17 KOs) had his moments in his welterweight debut, particularly in the eighth when a left hook to the body caused Thurman to back up.
Mario Barrios' nose after 12 rounds with Keith Thurman last night… pic.twitter.com/TBOQqVvlD9
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 6, 2022
Despite Thurman’s heavy artillery, the 26-year-old slugger from San Antonio, Texas, also showed grit, gamely fighting back.
“Tonight I showed the Mexican warrior in me. I take my hat off to Keith Thurman, he’s a warrior as well. We gave the fans a great fight,” said Barrios.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t enough to overcome an excellent performance from the relentless Thurman.
Keith Thurman picks up the unanimous decision victory. His first win in over three years 🥊 #ThurmanBarrios pic.twitter.com/Dii0KhmgeZ
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) February 6, 2022
“We rocked him. We weren’t able to put him down and out, but we had a great performance and a great fight,” said Thurman.
“I want the belts. I want the champions. I want to be back on top, so whoever is willing to send Keith Thurman the contract, let’s go!”
Thurman returns to a welterweight division where the major players have either gone down or up since his departure. Thurman’s last fight was against Manny Pacquiao, who has since retired and is running for the presidency of the Philippines.
Thurman looked sharp after 2 1/2 years and beat him up all night #ThurmanBarrios #keiththurman #boxing pic.twitter.com/dMnMdUFiId
— DL -🐻🗽🐂🐺 (@DonDizzz) February 6, 2022
After Terence Crawford defeated Shawn Porter, sending him into retirement, the new order of champions are Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford, and Yordenis Ugas.
Thurman wants them all, and as the old Thurman, he is back to climb a much smaller but formidable mountain to welterweight supremacy.
Which top welterweight would you rather see Keith Thurman fight next? 🤔 #ThurmanBarrioskek pic.twitter.com/2kTFiaPXuq
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) February 6, 2022
In the super featherweight co-main event, four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz delivered another vintage performance. He overcame adversity to win a wide 10-round unanimous decision over Keenan “Bedo” Carbajal.
After his last performance, where he was knocked out by Gervonta “Tank” Davis a little over a year ago, Santa Cruz got back in the winning column.
Tank Davis Faces Greatest Challenges: Leo Santa Cruz And Life
“I went good rounds. If I had gone in there and finished him fast, I wouldn’t have gotten the experience I needed,” said the 33-year-old Santa Cruz. “I felt the long layoff a little bit, but I did my best, and hopefully the fans loved it and want to see me again.”
Santa Cruz (38-2-1, 19 KOs) suffered a cut underneath his left eye and one along his right eyelid, both from accidental headbutts.
Leo Santa Cruz is doing Leo Santa Cruz things to Keenan Carbajal right now. A whole lot of punches that have landed pretty much everywhere and Carbajal’s only response has been a few headbutts.
— Andreas Hale (@AndreasHale) February 6, 2022
Undaunted, “El Terremoto” dominated the action, hurting Carbajal (23-3-1, 15 KOs) several times on his way to winning every round on all three scorecards (100-90).
https://twitter.com/AdventuresNuno/status/1490183924743561223?s=20&t=Zsb-z6pgI2M_s0rqNzn4gw
“We’re going to go back to the gym, get better and work on what we did wrong,” Santa Cruz said. “We want to unify and defend our title. We want all the champions at 126 pounds.”
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The NFL diversity head coaching hiring issue has been an eyesore for the league for years.
However, one of the NFL’s most successful coaches is getting a look from the Houston Texans. According to reports, current associate head coach and defensive coordinator Lovie Smith is in contention potentially to become the next head coach of the Houston Texans.
According to reports, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon was in the running, but he will not be named the Texans’ next head coach.
The Texans are "in talks" to hire their associate HC and DC Lovie Smith as their next HC, per @AdamSchefter and @FieldYates pic.twitter.com/gQ9icLAWrJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 7, 2022
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, who currently has a racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL, and former NFL quarterback Josh McCown are also finalists.
If Lovie Smith is hired, reports indicate that Pep Hamilton is expected to become offensive coordinator. Hamilton is also an African-American and proven quarterback guru with a resume that stretches far and wide and speaks for itself. He’s served as an offensive coordinator for the Colts, working with 2012 No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck and nurtured the fast development of Chargers QB Justin Herbert among others.
A name to consider for Head Coach: #Chargers QB coach Pep Hamilton: "When it comes to developing a young QB (Luck, Herbert), transitioning them to the pro game & also having the recent college experience (Michigan) to shorten their learning curve, who's more uniquely qualified?"
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 5, 2021
Pep is the caveat to this entire situation. Pep’s also been the assistant head coach for the Cleveland Browns and Michigan Wolverines, where he developed quarterbacks and directed the passing games.
As the GM and head coach of the XFL’s D.C. Defenders for one season, Pep made NFL bust Cardale Jones look like the star quarterback the Buffalo Bills envisioned when they picked him in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft fresh off a national championship.
Hamilton has worked with quarterbacks as a position coach or coordinator on the pro or college level for 21 out of his 25 years in football.
If Lovie Smith is hired, Pep Hamilton is expected to become offensive coordinator, per @sarahbarshop pic.twitter.com/4aakZCR5h3
— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) February 7, 2022
Previously, Smith was the NFL head coach with the Chicago Bears from 2004-12. He also led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2014-15 season.
Classic Super Bowl Drip: Tony Dungy And Lovie Smith Fracture Coaching Color Barrier
However, he joined Texans head coach David Culley’s staff last March. The Texans’ head coaching job follows the firing of David Culley after just one season as head coach.
Smith had a five-year stint as head coach at the University of Illinois. In October 2019, the Fighting Illini had a significant 24–23 upset over then #6 Wisconsin.
Smith led the Fighting Illini to a 6–6 regular-season record and the team’s first bowl game since 2014. Eventually, Smith was fired after Illinois started the season with a 2–5 record. He finished with an overall record of 17–39 in five seasons at Illinois, including a 10–33 record in Big 10 conference play.
The 2005 Associated Press Coach of the Year, Smith has an 89-87 record as an NFL head coach.
Texans are now in talks with their associate head coach and defensive coordinator Lovie Smith about potentially becoming their next head coach, sources tell me and @fieldyates.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2022
Smith led the Bears to a 27–24 victory against the defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks during the 2006 Divisional Playoffs, winning the first playoff game of his career. He led the Bears to a 39–14 victory against the New Orleans Saints at the NFC Championship on a snowy Soldier Field in Chicago.
Smith is the first Black head coach and the second minority coach, behind Tom Flores, to lead his team to a Super Bowl. Ironically, this happened only a few hours before Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy became the second.
The two became the first two African-American head coaches to oppose each other in a Super Bowl.
The Bears lost Super Bowl XLI 29–17.
Texans said they now have “completed additional discussions with Lovie Smith”. Next step would be his hiring.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2022
The news of the Texans’ interest in Smith comes on the heels of Brian Flores’ blockbuster lawsuit against three NFL teams and the league.
Last Tuesday, Flores filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court against the Broncos, Dolphins and Giants, alleging a pattern of racist hiring practices by the league, and racial discrimination.
The #Texans are in talks with ex-#Bears HC Lovie Smith to become their new Head Coach.
Lovie Smith took the #Bears to a Super Bowl in 2006.
Wow.
— Bears Nation (@BearsNationCHI) February 7, 2022
The suit also alleged that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told Flores he would pay him $100,000 for each loss during the 2019 season, Flores’ first year with the team. The ploy intended to provide Miami with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints are the last two teams remaining with head coaching openings. On Sunday, it was announced that the Miami Dolphins hired San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel as the new head coach.
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Serena Jameka Williams is the greatest women’s tennis player to ever pick up a racquet and arguably the best athlete ever, male or female. A winner of 23 Grand Slams, the most ever by a player in the Open era and the second-most behind Margaret Court.
She also has 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, giving her 39 career Grand Slam titles. Her $94 million in prize money is the most ever for a female athlete. But it’s her devotion to human issues, using her celebrity to champion causes like body imaging, gender and pay inequity and racial equality, that makes her iconic. Her fierce, competitive nature extends beyond the court.
Serena Williams wins her 23rd Grand Slam!
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
She moves past Steffi Graf in the record bookshttps://t.co/yba9v8wEBG pic.twitter.com/Pa07hWvDQ3
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 28, 2017
Serena Speaks On Racial Equality After First Grand Slam Title In 1999: Watershed Moment
Serena’s upset win over the youngest No. 1 ranked player ever and heavy favorite Martina Hingis in the 1999 U.S. Open Final, was where the Serena Williams phenomenon hit the mainstream. Williams became just the second Black woman to win a Grand Slam, joining Althea Gibson, who won in 1956. Since that day, Serena has made it a point to talk about what it means to be a Black woman competing in a sport where most competitors don’t look like her.
Serena Wins her first Grand Slam (& invents the “Serena Slam”) in 1999, defeating WTA No. 1 player Martina Hingis at the US Open.
…she was only 17 years old. pic.twitter.com/mV4yFlF9bN
— Khalil. (@khalilmsaadiq) August 25, 2018
In a 2015 interview Williams told Wired:
“Equality is important. I’m a black woman, and I am in a sport that really wasn’t meant for black people.”
Serena has always shouldered the responsibility that comes with being a Black woman in tennis.
“I embrace it and I love that I have an opportunity to it because a lot of people don’t. And I don’t have to be anyone different, ‘cause this is me. And it really fits well with me.”
Serena Is A Big Advocate On Body Image: Often Criticized Over Her Body
Throughout her career Serena has been scrutinized and dissected over her body. One that consists of refined biceps, and a muscular, toned frame that aids her elite power and athleticism. She’s used it to dominate tennis for the last 20 plus years.
But she’s always fired back at her critics. Never one to hold her tongue, Williams is an outspoken advocate for women’s fight against “body shaming.”
She discussed her continuous battle against outdated prejudices and stereotypes in a 2016 interview with The Guardian.
You can take the superhero out of her costume, but you can never take away her superpowers. #justdoit pic.twitter.com/dDB6D9nzaD
— Nike (@Nike) August 25, 2018
“For every negative comment, there’s a million good comments. I always say not everyone’s gonna like the way I look. Everyone has different types, if we all liked the same thing, it would make the world a boring place! What matters most is that I like myself.”
Serena Has Long Fought Gender Pay Equality: Billie Jean King Pushed For It First
The great Billie Jean-King was the original advocate for closing the gender pay gap, after she received just $600 for winning the 1970 Italian Open. Her male counterpart Ilie Nastase was awarded $3,500 for winning the men’s title. From that moment King attacked the discrimination with a fervor to make it fair. By 1973 the U.S. Open was shelling out equal prize money to the winners.
July 31 is Black Women's Equal Pay Day. Black women are the cornerstone of our communities, they are phenomenal, and they deserve equal pay. pic.twitter.com/XOHyIdbYPc
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) July 31, 2017
The Williams sisters have been vocal and proactive about this subject. Being the two most recognizable faces in the sport, it was imperative that they remained consistently vocal and attacked the pay disparity at every opportunity. Serena is aware she’s in a position she could’ve never imagined financially, but she wants it to be fairer, because statistics show that the gender pay gap affects women of color more.
READ MORE: Serena And Billie Jean Are On The Same Team – The Shadow League
Serena’s male counterparts ridiculed her for some of her comments. In a 2016 interview with Glamour, Serena explained why she’s so passionate and relentless about this particular issue.
“Will I have to explain to my daughter that her brother is gonna make more money doing the same job because he’s a man? If they both played sports since they were three years old, they both worked just as hard, but because he’s a boy, they’re gonna give him more money?”
“My goal is to inspire every woman out there. My new saying for the past few years, has been, “The success of one woman should be the inspiration for the next.”
Williams also dabbles in the cryptocurrency in a philanthropic role, helping startups like African Web3 and Sorare.
Serena is still nursing her body back to health and the world awaits her return to the tennis court to continue her pursuit of Court’s 24 Grand Slam titles. In the meantime, she’s enjoying her family, even getting some life advice from Prince Harry, and continuing to be a mouthpiece for women across the globe.
She deserves to be acknowledged, especially during Black History Month.
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The NBA in the 1990s was like a different world.
Hard fouls were the norm, and brawls in the locker room or the hardwood were as expected as a hockey game skirmish.
However, one player virtually defined the rock ‘em, sock ‘em style of the era, and that man was Xavier McDaniel.
Preorder Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks for the hoops fan in your life. https://t.co/rq5LpetDuS
Have a look at the book’s hard-hitting trailer. pic.twitter.com/oGwYBq8b02
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) November 26, 2021
As he was known to Wichita State University Shocker fans, where he played college ball, X was the first player in NCAA history to lead the nation in scoring (27.2 points per game) and rebounding (14.8 rebounds per game) as a senior in 1985.
McDaniel finished his career as the school’s all-time leading rebounder (1,359) and second in scoring (2,152). Playing for Wichita State from 1981-85, McDaniel was a first-team Associated Press and United States Basketball Writers Association All-American as a senior.
He was the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 1984 and 1985. He had nine career 20-point/20-rebound games — most in school history — and led the Shockers to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
"Let's Stay Connected" with BETUS & the Lost Lettermen
*Xavier McDaniel (AC Flora/Wichita St./NBA) drops by to discuss his hoops journey..Full conversation now available on https://t.co/UDcj6GA1HV#schoops#scbasketball#southcarolina
@ACFHOOPS pic.twitter.com/zS5fDzbC8H— Lost Lettermen (@LostLettermen) February 5, 2022
Frankly put, he was destined for greatness; however, once he entered the NBA, he went on a quest to establish his dominance within the league and on his teams.
McDaniel is mainly known for his Seattle SuperSonics days. He was drafted fourth overall in the first round in 1985 by the former Pacific Northwest team.
McDaniel and Sonics teammate Dale Ellis once got into a fistfight early on during the 1990-91 season. Ellis, recovering from a foot injury, was readying his season debut and McDaniel felt he came to practice unprepared.
According to reports, McDaniels told him it was unacceptable, and Ellis threw a portable telephone at McDaniel. It resulted in police being called to report a fight in which five people attempted to intervene.
He also spent time with the Boston Celtics and had a memorable one season with the New York Knicks in 1991-1992.
He was part of the last golden era for the Knicks under the direction of then-coach Pat Riley; former Georgetown standout-turned-New York icon Patrick Ewing and the strong underdog crew of Charles Oakley, Anthony Mason, and John Starks.
However, in addition to getting into a fight with Mason on the first day of practice, McDaniel had other more peculiar ways of showing the team he had arrived.
In his new book “Blood in the Garden,” author Chris Herring reveals some of McDaniel’s more interesting assertions of his manhood in the locker room.
“McDaniel prioritized manhood. Specifically, his own manhood. According to McDaniels’s teammates in Seattle, he often walked around the Sonics locker room fully erect after games, hanging towels on his hardened member. Also, he fought people — and he fought them constantly.”
@Jumpshot8 I miss rooting for players like EJ, Vinnie Johnson, Xavier McDaniel, the list goes on and on. Different game these days…..
— Valley Fever (@IllTakeA10DayC1) February 1, 2022
The former NBA All-Star averaged 20 and 8 for the first five years of his career. In the 1992 NBA playoffs against the Chicago Bulls, he will forever be known as the guy who abused Scottie Pippen horribly over the seven-game series.
It was so bad that Michael Jordan interceded before the Bulls won and eventually solidified their second NBA title.
In a world of political correctness and heavy referee scrutiny, Xavier McDaniel is a reminder of a long-gone era of competitors that took no prisoners.
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Coach K is nearing the end of his illustrious Hall of Fame coaching career. Over the summer the “GOAT” announced the 2021-22 season would be his final one on the sidelines in Durham. College basketball’s all-time winningest coach has enjoyed success against the titans of college basketball over the years, in any venue.
Saturday night was no different as the Blue Devils blew out their archrival North Carolina Tar Heels from the opening tip, cruising to an 87-67 win at the Dean E. Smith Center. The win gives Coach K 17 wins in 37 trips to the Dean Dome. It’s the second-best record for any coach at the legendary venue.
Largest margins of victory for Mike Krzyzewski-coached Duke teams at North Carolina:
29 — 87-58 in 2002
20 — 87-67 TONIGHT
20 — 81-61 in 1999
16 — twice#DukeMBBStats— #DukeMBBStats (@DukeMBBStats) February 6, 2022
It also ensures Coach K finishing his career with a winning record against his Tobacco Road foe. His first seven seasons (1980-86) at Duke, the Heels played at Carmichael Arena, a place K went (0-4). With the win Duke now holds a 50-46 lead in the historic rivalry during Coach K’s tenure.
Coach K: "Mickie and I decided the journey is gonna be over in a year. And we're gonna go after it as hard as we possibly can." pic.twitter.com/iYKO0U2v1A
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) June 3, 2021
Following the win Coach K spoke to the media from a podium inside of the Dean Dome for the last time.
“Our guys really played well tonight. We beat a really good team and hot team. It was a great atmosphere. I thought we started out so well, and we really won the first twelve minutes of the half.”
The rivalry, considered the best in all of college basketball, will have at least one more chapter as the Tar Heels visit Cameron Indoor Stadium for Coach K’s final home game March 5th.
The two iconic basketball programs are separated by 10 miles. Coach K took over a middling Blue Devils program in 1980 and turned them into the premier program in men’s college basketball. That only added spice and vitriol to the Duke/UNC rivalry.
All love from the Crazies when we got back to the crib 💙🙌⛺️ #StayCrazie pic.twitter.com/9uO3fBrhiN
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) February 6, 2022
His battles with Dean Smith and then Roy Williams from 2003 until last season are the stuff of college basketball lore. The two programs have produced some of the best players in basketball history (Michael Jordan, Grant Hill, James Worthy, Kyrie Irving, just to name a few) and been linked for decades. During K’s tenure each has won five national championships. Duke in 1991, 1992, 2001, 2010 and 2015. UNC in 1982, 1993, 2005, 2009 and 2017.
The Tar Heels didn’t honor Coach K, and while many seemed shocked by it, it’s not all that surprising. In many ways, that would be like Auburn honoring Nick Saban, and that’s not happening. Ross Martin of Inside Carolina mentioned that there were no plans for anything to honor Coach K. And he was correct.
“No gifts, special ceremony, or anything of that nature.”
#UNC does not plan to do anything special (outside of a mention at the intro) for Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski next Saturday, Feb. 5.
Krzyzewski will be coaching his final game in the Smith Center.
No gifts, special ceremony, or anything of that nature.
— Ross Martin (@RossMartinNC) January 28, 2022
But they did give him an explicit sendoff …
North Carolina students are making sure Coach K remembers his last trip to Chapel Hill @stoolbenchmob pic.twitter.com/bGEmHyuS8p
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 5, 2022
It really is the ultimate sign of respect considering how bloodthirsty and contentious and competitive this rivalry has been. A final acknowledgment of a worthy rival.
Coach K was asked about the heckling.
“I’m used to that. Somebody just told me that this is my 96th game. So at least half — probably 42 of them have been in here in Chapel Hill. So, I’m accustomed to that. I expect that. So, I got what I expected, and I’m always ready for it.”
Coach K also talked about what he’ll remember most about the rivalry ….
“That’s what I’ll remember most. The level of talent from both teams on the court. We’ve had so many amazing games, you know, some that we’ve won and some that we’ve lost. But they’ve been really high-level games.”
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It’s that time again, to acknowledge the NBA rookies who are moving the needle and playing significant roles for their teams. In the case of No. 1 overall pick Cade Cuningham, the cream is rising to the top.
The 2021 No. 1 overall pick continues his ascension into Rookie of the Year consideration. Cunningham was named NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month after averaging 17.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds last month. His shooting improved as well in January, as the 6-foot-8 two-way guard shot 44 percent from the field, 37 percent from three and 87 percent from the charity stripe.
Head coach Dwane Casey marvels at his prized rookie.
“He’s a gamer, the moment not too big for him, and if he makes a mistake, it’s an honest mistake. It’s never been him being afraid of the moment. Some guys ‘have it,’ and he has it when it comes to the big moments. Does he still have a lot to learn fundamentally about the NBA? Yes, but once he gets that down, he’ll still have it.”
Giddey was recently named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for the third consecutive month, averaging 13.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, with a shooting slash line of 45/30/79 from the field, three and free throw line.
His floor vision and on-court leadership are two things that stand out about the 6-foot-8 Aussie. As his shooting continues to improve so will his overall floor game. Giddey is a future All-Star and assists leader in the NBA.
❝We stuck with it. It was a four quarter game, it was tied all game. Down the stretch we made the right plays.❞@ParisNLawson 🎤 @joshgiddey pic.twitter.com/VVHVadoKVz
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 5, 2022
The Cavs two-way big continues his stellar play, which has him as the favorite to win ROY and is garnering him acclaim from some future Hall of Famers. Cavs veteran guard Rajon Rondo called Mobley possibly the the most talented rookie he’s ever played with.
Mobley, a 20-year-old with just one year of college basketball under his belt, is a rare blend of length, quickness, IQ, fluidity and savvy. No rookie has affected winning more than Mobley this season. Cavs are 32-21 and third in the East. Mobley posted his career high of 29 points in a win over the Rockets earlier in the week.
The rook is sticking around for #NBAAllStar Weekend! 🌟
RETWEET to congratulate @evanmobley on being named a Rising Star!#LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/S9Lers4Uvm
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 2, 2022
After struggling to get playing time on a talented Warriors roster, the athletic Kuminga has been tremendous with Draymond Green out. Over the last 14 games, Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points and 5.7 rebounds on 58 percent shooting.
This week he posted a big 15-point fourth quarter in a come-from-behind win that saw the team erase a 17-point deficit heading into the final stanza. What’s more impressive is he did it on the road against the Spurs and without Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Green and Andrew Wiggins. Warriors better not trade this future star.
oh me, oh my https://t.co/JnK563BLmV pic.twitter.com/HpQQ3r5nVT
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 4, 2022
After struggling for a couple weeks, Wagner is back to his early season offensive production. Overall, the “German Merlin From Berlin” has scored in 32 of his last 35 games, while averaging 17.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 49 percent shooting over that span. Wagner picked it up even more this past week, averaging 20.3 points, and a scorching-hot 46 percent from three. The Magic are in tank mode, but Wagner is making a name in the NBA.
Franz Wagner last night:
17 PTS
4 REB
7-13 FG@SASsoftware x #MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/aScIfqHycq— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) February 3, 2022
Herbert Jones (New Orleans Pelicans)
Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)
https://youtu.be/si1CuwPOzDQ
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With the Pro Bowl on Sunday, former NFL player Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson was in the spirit and wanted to do something special for the athletes.
Johnson sent a massive invitation to all current Pro Bowl players to join him for breakfast at an IHOP in Las Vegas, where the Pro Bowl is being played this year.
He used social media to make the overtures; however, no one showed up, and Ocho Cinco had to eat his breakfast alone this morning.
Anybody know where the Pro Bowl players are staying, I’m going to their hotel to wake them up so we can all go to iHop for breakfast❓
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 3, 2022
However, Johnson followed up with a tweet that reasoned the players didn’t show up to IHOP due to the time of day; many said the meetup was “too early,” according to reports.
Johnson found the players’ explanation surprising.
“They woke up early for team meetings for 6 months during the season but won’t wake up for me & free pancakes.”
Johnson is known for his unconventional timing.
https://twitter.com/ochocinco/status/1489294592801329152?s=20&t=NFgMUR92QavZCL08NVBJ8w
He recently claimed on the “I Am Athlete” podcast that he had sex three to five times before his boxing match at Hard Rock Stadium and then stepped in the ring with professional fighter Brian Maxwell.
“We did three times, maybe four to five times in three-minute intervals,” said Johnson. “Matter of fact, I had to be at the stadium at Hard Rock,” Chad said. “I think I fought at 8 o’clock. I needed to get that out of my system to relax me.”
In combat sports, trainers discourage fighters from having sex during the training period and lead-up to a fight. That wasn’t going to work for Ocho Cinco.
“And it put me in a sense of, a state of calmness going into war. That’s fighting. I’m out of my element stepping in a ring with someone that fights for a living. Getting that up out of me was the best thing to do for me,” said Johnson.
The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is excited about this year’s Super Bowl, as his former team, the Cincinnati Bengals, are in the game. The 44-year-old two-time All-Pro made his most significant impact in the NFL with the Bengals.
In six straight seasons Johnson cleared 1,100 receiving yards from 2002-2007. His spent his last season playing with the New England Patriots in 2011. Although it’s not clear if Johnson is attending the Super Bowl, he shared his feelings on the overpriced seating for the event earlier last week.
Brian Maxwell drops Chad Johnson in the 4th round 😤💪#JohnsonMaxwell #MayweatherPaul pic.twitter.com/mPRZ4AohF7
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) June 7, 2021
Johnson took to Twitter, posting a seat map with ticket prices for Super Bowl LVI that was costly for the average fan.
With seats in the tens of thousands of dollars, the high-profile event is being upgraded with performances by Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and Dr. Dre.
In a game framed by the head-to-head matchup of two first-time Super Bowl quarterbacks, Chad Johnson keeps it funky over breakfast and continues to be the polarizing thought-provoker the world knows.
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It’s been just over a month since Antonio Brown infamously took his football jersey and gear off and paraded off of the field during the middle of a football game versus the New York Jets. Since then, Brown has been on a tour, making appearances at sporting events, going to the studio to work on music, and linking with your favorite celebrities.
Out of those various celebrities, most notable was musical legend and controversial icon Kanye West. He has been chilling with Kanye for a few weeks, traveling and conducting business with the music and fashion mogul, as well as working on music with Kanye and other artists in the studio in anticipation of Kanye West’s upcoming “Donda 2” album.
Furthermore, after a few notable weeks of hanging around Kanye, it was announced that Antonio Brown would be joining Donda Sports, a brand that helps athletes and supports them with professional help, holistic and wellness support among other services.
“Former NFL Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl champion Antonio Brown joins Donda Sports where he will join Ye and Justin LaBoy to bring an athlete’s perspective to all aspects of the organization,” the statement reads. “Donda Sports was founded with the vision of providing holistic support to athletes during and beyond their sport’s career.”
According to Complex, in an interview with Antonio Brown, the mercurial wide receiver said “It was just by the grace of God,”, and that he and Kanye “got a lot of positive things coming”.
One of the main facets of Donda Sports that Brown is reportedly “excited” about is the fashion aspect of the organization. According to Brown, “being able to partner with him [Kanye] and work with him to provide more creative, genius ideas for fashion looks for athletes in general” is Brown’s main focus.
Antonio Brown officially joins Kanye West's Donda Sports, whose mission is to provide holistic and wellness support to athletes. 🖤🍦
Get the scoop 👉🏾 https://t.co/3HIshWlhsl#AntonioBrown #KanyeWest #DondaSports pic.twitter.com/BlQm1eQej1
— IceCreamConvos.com (@IceCreamConvos) February 3, 2022
This type of partnership seems to be backed by not only much experience in the business world, as both Kanye and Antonio Brown consider themselves fashion plates with an understanding of the business.
West has numerous partnerships and collaborations with designer fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Adidas, Gap, and much more. Meanwhile, AB has done product modeling for digital clothing store FashionNova.
Wild day for Antonio Brown:
• Leaves 3rd quarter shirtless and catches uber out of stadium.
• Proceeds to post a fashion nova ad on instagram
• Later releases a rap song pic.twitter.com/x9nFI16oVh— Freaky Quise (@freaky_quise) January 3, 2022
These two definitely take a lot of interest in fashion, and a fashion clothing line between these two now seems is if it was inevitable, to say the least. The goal of bringing Brown to Donda Sports was to “bring an athlete’s perspective to all aspects of the organization,” and it’s likely to start with clothing wear.
Now, Donda Sports stems from Kanye building a school called “Donda Academy,” and, according to Highsnobiety, its purpose is “finding the intersection between faith and the innovation of the future.” This school is located in California, and that only adds more attractiveness to the idea of playing at this academy.
Kanye West & His New Donda Academy Form High School Super Team | Bronny James Is On The Hit List
This idea proves to be successful, as Donda Academy has already had a few top high school prospects committed to transferring to play for Donda Academy. According to Yahoo Sports, Jalen Hooks, Robert Dillingham, and 2024 top-five prospect Jahki Howard have committed to playing for Donda Academy.
This academy is already aiming to be a premiere destination for young basketball talent and will try to stand out amongst the pools of talent in the country.
Antonio Brown, one of the best athletes of our generation, is joining a team that is building up their prowess in the sports industry. His presence is only going to help do wonders for Donda Sports in the long run.
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Former UConn head coach and player Kevin Ollie, who was wrongfully terminated in 2018, was awarded a settlement last month of about $11.2 million after nearly four years of legal battles.
According to the Boston Globe, “Arbitrator Mark Irvings ruled last month that Ollie had been fired improperly under the school’s agreement with the American Association of University Professors, of which Ollie was a member. He noted the school had past NCAA violations in the men’s and women’s programs without going as far as firing the coaches. The school was ordered to pay Ollie $11,157,032.95.”
That amount was the remaining balance owed on his contract upon wrongful termination. It was ruled that UConn “violated the collective bargaining agreement when it terminated Ollie without just cause.”
UConn said that while it continues to disagree with the ruling, it believes it is in the school’s best interest to move on and take no further legal action, and this week it paid Ollie.
— David Borges (@DaveBorges) January 20, 2022
An elated Ollie, who played four years at Connecticut before embarking on a 17-year NBA career, addressed the ruling.
“I am pleased with arbitrator Mark Irving’s ruling which found that UConn did not have just cause to terminate my contract. I wish to thank God and my family, whose grace sustained me over the last four years.”
UConn coach Kevin Ollie wants to take the program to another level. #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/M22XnxJL8h
— NCAA (@NCAA) April 5, 2014
Ollie went (127-79) in six years, leading the program to its fourth national championship in his second season (2014). UConn felt that it had “just cause” to terminate Ollie, but the underlying thought is that the school took that route, hoping to avoid having to pay the $10 million buyout of his contract which had been extended until 2021.
UConn had concluded Ollie committed various NCAA infractions before firing him on March 10, 2018 and hiring Danny Hurley. The program has gone on a complete downhill trajectory since Ollie’s dismissal.
In fact, his recruits “are still carrying the program”
It's 2022 and Kevin Ollie recruits are still carrying the program. https://t.co/nDgEG2YnLg
— UConn Paid Kevin Ollie $15,057,032.95 (@Husky_Turned) February 2, 2022
The NCAA completed its investigation in 2019 and decided that Ollie committed a “level one” infraction. They allege he provided false and misleading information to investigators.
Most championship coaches would have been more supported by the university they generated so much money and prestige for.
The university obviously didn’t think Ollie was worth the money and didn’t value someone who had been a winning player and coach for the school and also was an extension of the legendary coach that brought the Storrs university national acclaim.
As an assistant coach in 2011, Ollie helped guide the Huskies to a record 11 straight postseason wins which included winning five games in five nights to win the Big East Tournament and winning the 2011 NCAA Tournament.
UConn Huskies complete turnaround with national title win over Kentucky http://t.co/jZEyUvwqCU pic.twitter.com/Kn4NUQpIMn
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 8, 2014
Ollie’s name was good in the ’hood regardless, but the termination and the NCAA sanctions against him involved made him unhirable in college athletics (three-year NCAA show-cause order).
The show-cause order, which ends in July, has definitely obstructed Ollie’s ability to get hired at another school because to do so would require a potential hirer to meet with an infractions committee. No university wants to be on the radar of the infractions committee, much less meeting with them to discuss anything that has to do with a potential head coach hire.
Staying In
Despite the last three years, Ollie’s reputation and impact on a generation of basketball players at the highest level is still intact. He’s one of three Black coaches ever win an NCAA Men’s hoops national championship. Legendary coaches and social contributors John Thompson (1984) and Nolan Richardson (1994) are the others.
NBA player Kevin Durant in an interview with Grantland said that Kevin Ollie (who played for Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009-2010) “taught him the ropes,” and “changed the culture of Oklahoma City”
In 2021, Ollie was named head coach and director of player development for Overtime Elite, a fledgling professional basketball league that will launched in the fall and offers high school basketball players $100,000 salaries to shun college.
I'm proud to be joining Overtime Elite as the Head Coach. I am looking forward to building a championship connection with our players. OTE will support their growth Academically, Athletically, and Professionally. #Level5 #rare https://t.co/ZEnFyI1VYM
— Kevin Ollie (@CoachKevinOllie) April 12, 2021
It took the NCAA six months to levy the unethical charge on Ollie. It alleged that Ollie lied about phone calls that took place between a top recruit and former UConn players Ray Allen and Rudy Gay. The charge also alleged that Ollie wasn’t truthful about what he knew concerning illegal workouts being held in Georgia. Those workouts were given by Keith Hamilton, a professional trainer and childhood friend of Ollie.
Things turned left quickly for Ollie, who had signed a five-year contract at $2.8M per before the school tried to force him out.
UConn coach Kevin Ollie signs a 5-year contract w/ new salary of $2.8 million a year. (via @ESPNAndyKatz) » pic.twitter.com/sdExSfUCB6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 22, 2014
In 2019 following Ollie’s dismissal, the school was put on probation, and he received individual sanctions.
Prior to Ollie’s hiring, the Huskies were already banished from the 2013 NCAA Tournament for three years for below-standard Academic Progress Rate scores. They had their tournament eligibility reinstated in the summer of that year.
UConn issued a statement, via spokesperson Stephanie Reitz, saying it “vigorously disagrees” with the decision.
“Indeed, in his decision, the arbitrator agrees that the NCAA’s ruling that Ollie engaged in serious NCAA violations gave UConn sufficient basis to terminate Ollie for just cause,” the statement read. “However, the arbitrator concluded that UConn should have waited the 16 months it took for the NCAA proceedings to conclude before terminating Ollie.
“As an NCAA member institution, UConn did not have the luxury of waiting more than a year before terminating Ollie for the misconduct the university was aware he had engaged in. UConn could not continue to employ a head coach with the knowledge that he had violated NCAA rules that put student athletes, as well as the entire UConn athletics program, in jeopardy.”
Back To The Future
Ollie’s monetary win has been described as “vindication” by his legal team. Hopefully, it’s a clean slate for a winning coach who has always represented men of color in a positive way. He’s also not the first big-time college coach to skirt the rules in order to stay ahead. They’ve all done it. And there more than a few people who feel he was treated more harshly by the university and NCAA because he was a prestigious Black head coach. The only one in college basketball with a championship pedigree.
https://twitter.com/Next9_11/status/1488923293734387713?s=20&t=V7oP2FnQJcfa-JTPWEJepA
Any team that’s looking for a proven winner who can lead, construct a national powerhouse and recruit with purpose needs to be in Ollie’s DMs right now. There aren’t too many national championship coaches walking around unemployed.
Tonight, Keith “One Time” Thurman returns to his first fight week in nearly three years, coinciding with Black History Month’s start.
Thurman, the former unified world welterweight champion, takes on former super lightweight world champion Mario Barrios in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event tonight from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The pay-per-view also features four-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz dueling Keenan “Bedo” Carbajal in the co-main event of the four-fight lineup.
Keep your hands up…protect yourself at all times…cause you about to get knocked the F out! #OneTime#ThurmanBarrios 🥊 https://t.co/38A8343plQ pic.twitter.com/zrn0IuTmwb
— Keith Thurman Jr. (@keithfthurmanjr) February 4, 2022
To kick off Black History Month, Thurman took a moment to pen an open letter to fight fans ahead of his ring return.
“Today is February 1, and as I look towards fight week, I am feeling a little bit of every emotion,” Thurman said. “I feel excitement. Anticipation. A little bit of angst. A little bit of nerves.
“This is the start of Black History Month. In America, you grow up writing tons of essays in school, getting to learn about all the great ancestors before us. Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, George Washington Carver. Black history, like any ethnicity, brings pride. Not pride in an egotistical sense, but pride in those who have set great examples for those to come. ”
Keith Thurman goes off on Terrance Crawford and the WBC #ThurmanBarrios #Boxing pic.twitter.com/Jt3W4HuweQ
— Ray Jackson (@RayJack97010720) February 4, 2022
“That resonates with me, especially looking at all the ancestors who set a great example for me in my life, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., for believing in the dream.
“Being raised in America, no matter what color your skin is, you can’t force people to look at you a certain way, but you can look at yourself a certain way. You can hold yourself up to the highest degree as a man or woman, and you can do your best to make your mother and father, as well as your ancestors, proud.
“To be here today, sacrifices were made. It’s made me aim higher – the next generation should continue to always aim higher.”
Keith Thurman right uppercut with slipping under jab #ThurmanBarrios pic.twitter.com/xn5gmHZZtc
— #FuryUsyk (@BatmanBoxing) February 1, 2022
“It’s my time to rise back up. I always go into fight week with a whole lot of passion. Fundamentally, I look forward to getting in the ring and doing my job. Seeing the fans. Hearing the people roar. And, all the things attached to fight week, including a terrific meal after I get off the scale.
“Fight week is the last week but it’s not the end. It’s not over until it’s truly over. The journey is complete when the performance is said and done, and our hand is held high.
Keith Thurman Returns To Boxing To Face Mario Barrios Feb. 5
“This is my time — our time — to continue the example that our ancestors set for us.”
Thurman is aware of the impact a return during Black History Month is for his career. As the welterweight division continues to wait for Spence vs. Crawford, former champions like Keith Thurman are fighting for their relevance after dominating the division for years.
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Coach Prime tried to warn the world through his team.
However, it was too late for Terrell Owens when Deion Sanders brought IG model Brittnay Renner to tell his Jackson State University team about the game outside the game.
The Hall of Fame wide receiver is the subject of a sex tape a Miami-based adult entertainer is promoting. Skylar Mills took to Twitter to advertise the video she claims to have with Owens.
She is currently selling the tape on Snapchat and previewed it with a side shot of a guy in a video that appears to resemble Owens. Now Owens is being targeted and exploited by the stripper.
Owens has been on a campaign to get back into professional football recently. Although he hasn’t played in the NFL since 2010, the Hall of Famer has revealed his desire to get back in the game and feverish workout regime.
Owens discussed keeping himself in top physical shape on his podcast with fellow former NFL receiver Matthew Hatchette.
“I’ve been working out the course of this entire season. There was an owner that reached out to me at beginning of the season, told me to keep myself in shape just in case anything happened,” Owens said on Tuesday’s episode of “Getcha Popcorn Ready with T.O. and Hatch.”
Although retired, Owens is still being preyed upon like an active NFL player. It is a trend that Deion Sanders exposed to his JSU football team as they have been receiving a lot of press and attention recently.
When Sanders invited Instagram model and Jackson State alumna Brittany Renner to speak to Jackson State football players, the purpose was to teach them to avoid transactional relationships as they advance into professional sports and non-sports careers.
“Naturally, if you play a sport, that’s an incentive to talk to you,” Renner said. “A lot of times women, men in general. Everybody wants something. Even if we have our own thing going on, it’s like me being with you is good because you boost my stock. I boost your stock. It’s that simple.”
Additionally, Renner told the team that her Instagram direct messages are “like a Nike store” full of blue checkmarks from entertainers and athletes.
“It’s like a Nike store — there’s nothing but blue checks. When you reach a certain status, you can have the pick of the litter. I’m talking heavy hitters.
“It’s a give-and-take, but you have to be aware of what you’re signing up for,” she said. “You’re trying to make it to the NFL. You do understand there’s a lot that comes with that, right? To be able to decipher who really loves you for you, I think that’s the billion-dollar question we’re all wanting to know.”
It looks like Owens is the newest victim of the clout game, along with Antonio Brown, who recently had a purported sex tape with an IG model in New Jersey.
The game has levels, and this part of it is a cautionary tale.
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The Reese’s Senior Bowl is a chance for CFB seniors to gain more exposure leading up to the NFL combine and NFL draft. The teams are coached by current NFL staffs. Plus they’re going up against other draft hopefuls in a week long event in Mobile, Alabama.
Here are the five prospects who’ve stood out all week.
Robinson was the bell cow this season for the national runner-up Crimson Tide. The brute running back rushed for (1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns), including 204 yards in a 27-6 win over Cincinnati in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl (CFP).
The rep we'll remember from day 3 at the #SeniorBowl. #CrimsonTide RB Brian Robinson Jr. in pass pro against Channing Tindall.
Duce Staley LOVED it. pic.twitter.com/sBcOjOPWvT
— Jake Schyvinck (@JakeNFLDraft) February 3, 2022
Robinson a 2017 recruit, waited five years to become the starting tailback. He’s been the best back at this week’s festivities. “BRob” showed all season that he can tote the mail, but he also displayed his value in pass protection as evidenced by his work to help keep Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young upright. This week has been no different. In a league that passes 62% of the time and runs it 38% of the time, running backs better know how to pass protect or they won’t see the Field.
JJ began his college career at Georgia. As a redshirt junior he transferred to Independence Community College of “Last Chance U” fame. He landed with the ‘Noles for his redshirt senior season, and let’s just say he wreaked havoc in the ACC.
This season he finished with 70 tackles, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two passes defended. He also chimed in with 18 tackles for loss, and his 12 sacks were sixth-best in the country. For his efforts he was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
#Lions HC Duce Staley picked Kentucky OL Darian Kinnard and Florida State EDGE Jermaine Johnson for post-practice 1-on-1. Rep 1 winner: Johnson pic.twitter.com/fWCpMkMGnd
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 1, 2022
“He put a spin move on somebody yesterday — I believe it was Darrian Kennard, the offensive tackle from Kentucky,” said one coach. “That really drew a lot of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from the crowd and scouts and evaluators in attendance. So he has the ‘wow’ factor with his game.”
NFL teams are big on mobile QBs with strong arms. Willis fits that exact mold. He’s comparable to a less dynamic Lamar Jackson, but Willis is more polished as a thrower than LJ8 was at this stage.
Willis showed pro precision and touch on throws in miserable weather throughout the week, while the other QBs really struggled. He also flexed his elite arm-strength by having a pass travel 74 mph — the fastest at the Senior Bowl since they began tracking it in 2018. He helped his draft position, which was already pretty high to begin with.
Malik Willis hitting UCLA tight end Greg Dulcich downfield off play action at @seniorbowl practice. pic.twitter.com/9WoxUFTDIK
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) February 2, 2022
Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been publicly salivating in anticipation of Willis possibly replacing Ben Roethlisberger, who retired after Pittsburgh’s playoff exit.
Dominant edge rusher with great get off. Capable of bull rushing or using his whole bag of pass rush moves. King does a great job of setting up offensive lineman without losing outside leverage in the run or quick pass game.
Wasn't a measuring contest – just curious on your perspective of Enagbare..
I thought he ran around the field with his hair on fire – saw good pursuit speed and an extra gear when he needed ithttps://t.co/CnGhVfTQR1
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) February 4, 2022
The high-energy edge rusher’s play throughout the week only helped his draft position, probably elevating him into the late first or early second round. He showed his rush and run stopping prowess weekly in the SEC. Enagbare is a difference maker at the next level.
“In a sense, I always knew I was good,” Enagbare told reporters. “Pretty much just growing up, a lot of coaches did a lot of things for me that showed that I was good”
Biggest Winners in American Practice 1 of the #SeniorBowl:
– Jermaine Johnson II, Edge (Florida St)
– Cade Mays, OL (Tennessee)
– Malik Willis, QB (Liberty)
– Roger McCreary, CB (Auburn)
– Kingsley Enagbare, Edge (S. Carolina)
– Jalen Tolbert, WR (S. Alabama)— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) February 1, 2022
McCreary established himself as one of the top corners in college football with 20 pass breakups, second-most in the nation. His talents were on full display this season. McCreary covered Alabama’s dynamic duo of Jameson Williams and John Metchie and had five pass breakups in that game alone.
Auburn’s Roger McCreary (@Rogerjamez) was named top CB on the American team in a vote from the WR group at practice player-of-the-week awards ceremony today at 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl. #TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/cf0GYIDUhp
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 4, 2022
This week at Senior Bowl practice he showed an ability to win in press man coverage and cover in space. He’s gonna play from day one with his skill set. He’ll be a ten-year starter in the NFL.
The 71st NBA All-Star Game will take place in Cleveland on Feb. 20, and just about all the participants have been named, save for a couple injury replacements. As is the case every year with All-Star selections, people want to talk snubs. Of course if you believe someone was snubbed, you have to say who would be removed in favor of the snubbed player.
Golden State Warriors forward and TNT NBA analyst Draymond Green was selected to his fourth All-Star team but won’t play as he recovers from injury. He talked about snubs from this year’s game and couldn’t resist poking fun at Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert when he was asked who he thought took an All-Star snub the hardest.
“One thing I can assure you is if I didn’t make it I wasn’t gonna cry,” Green said referencing 2019 when Gobert cried during a press conference on learning he wasn’t selected. “It has to be Rudy…”
Let’s look at the All-Stars by conference and see who was left out that we might like to include.
Eastern Conference All-Stars
Kevin Durant is your team captain, and starters include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, DeMar DeRozan, and Trae Young.
The reserves are Jimmy Butler, Darius Garland, James Harden, Zach LaVine, Khris Middleton, Jayson Tatum, and Fred VanVleet.
Eastern Conference Snubs
Jarrett Allen, Jrue Holiday, LaMelo Ball, and Miles Bridges are all worthy candidates but in order for them to make it we would have to take away three names from the pool above.
Due to the injury to KD, his frontcourt spot should be filled by Allen. That would give the Cleveland Cavaliers two all-stars, deservingly so. They are a game and a half outside of first in the East, fourth in aNET rating, and second in aDRTG. Allen is the anchor to their defense and a key piece of their offense.
Ball and Bridges are teammates on the Charlotte Hornets, who are 28-24 in eighth, a game and a half outside the top six. Bridges is a candidate for Most Improved Player as he’s upped all his counting stat averages. But so too has Ball. The second-year pro leads the team in all advanced metrics, including EPM at +3.1.
Holiday is the linchpin on the perimeter for the Milwaukee Bucks’ malleable defense and an initiator on offense. He is second on the team in EPM at +4.2.
Our vote goes to Holiday and he will be replacing his teammate Khris Middleton. “Money Mid” was excellent in last year’s playoff run helping secure the Bucks’ championship. But he hasn’t been quite as good this season.
Final verdict
Allen to replace the injured KD, and Holiday to replace Middleton.
Western Conference All-Stars
LeBron James is your captain, and starters include Steph Curry, Ja Morant, Nikola Jokic and Andrew Wiggins.
The reserves are Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Green, Karl-Anthony Towns, Luka Doncic, Donovan Mitchell, and Rudy Gobert.
Western Conference Snubs
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dejounte Murray. Anthony Davis hasn’t played enough games and wasn’t playing all that well until the last week. A little too late for All-Star.
Due to injury, Green will not be playing. His frontcourt spot should go to Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies. They have the third-best record in the league and are fifth in aNET rating, seventh in aORTG, and eighth in aDRTG. Morant is the MVP candidate, but Jackson Jr. is the All-Defensive candidate. His switchability and elite rim protection (leads the league in blocks) are key to their defense.
Murray has made a jump in all the traditional counting stats and is averaging 19.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 9.1 apg, and 2.0 spg. He is a +2.7 in EPM, 90th percentile in the NBA.
In order to put Murray on the team we will remove Wiggins. The Warriors forward is having his best season, but he’s not an All-Star starter. The two most important players to the Warriors’ success are Curry and Green. The Warriors’ global popularity and an assist from a K-Pop star juiced the fan vote to elevate Wiggins to a level he hasn’t earned, respectfully.
This doesn’t mean Murray gets to start. I’d move Booker or Paul into the starting lineup and have Murray as a reserve.
Final verdict
Jackson Jr. to replace the injured Green, and Murray to replace Wiggins.
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As the pandemic continues, more star athletes and former athletes are providing their opinions on the vaccine mandates.
Shaquille O’Neal has weighed in now. The big fella and his take might surprise many. O’Neal took to his platform to let the world know that he is “sympathetic” toward those who resist vaccine mandates.
He also feels that workers should not be “forced” to choose between their jobs and taking the vaccine. The comments come when NBA and NFL stars have defeated the initial public scrutiny they faced for their decisions not to take the vaccine.
“I encourage everybody to be safe and take care of your family, I do,” he said on “The Big Podcast with Shaq.” “But it’s just, people don’t want to take it, and you shouldn’t be forced to take something you don’t want.”
Co-hosts former San Francisco 49ers player Anthony “Spice” Adams and Nischelle Turner discussed the recent arrest of two nurses on Long Island accused of generating $1.5 million from forged COVID-19 vaccination cards.
Shaq comes out against vaccine mandates on his podcast. I have gained so much respect for many different people in public positions who have had the courage to stand up for individual freedoms despite all the pressures against doing so. pic.twitter.com/Uig6Rz7q1D
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 4, 2022
The creation of a fraudulent vaccination card is a federal offense. However, Shaq had a different take on the crime.
“Don’t send them to jail!” said O’Neal. “I’m gonna probably get in trouble for this.”
“Say Nischelle, your sound guy at ‘ET’ [‘Entertainment Tonight’] been working there 10 years,” Shaq continued. “That [job is] all you know. Let’s just say ‘ET’ puts out a new policy: If you don’t get the vaccination, you’re going to lose your job,” O’Neal said.
Ironically, Shaquille O’Neal was a prominent critic of Kyrie Irving, who decided not to take the vaccine and subsequently wasn’t allowed to play for the Brooklyn Nets. New York City has an indoor mandate that requires professional basketball players to be vaccinated to play indoors.
Shaq to Biden’s vaccine mandate. pic.twitter.com/dFryqT2CRt
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 4, 2022
“I try not to belittle another man’s opinion,” Shaq said in a past epsiode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq.” “However, let me tell you what I think. In this game of ours, sometimes you have to think about other people rather than yourself. Now, Kyrie has his views. He has his opinions. I’m not going to knock that, but he does have an obligation because he took that 200 million.”
Shaq made similar comments on the Tiki and Tierney radio show in the past as well.
“I would go upstairs and say ‘get (Kyrie) up out of here. Get him outta here’… Whoever owns the Nets, get his ass up outta here.”
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Shaq’s new position sits in stark contrast with his past statements, and his podcast co-host Nischelle Turner wasn’t about to co-sign Shaq Diesel.
“You’re not just affecting yourself,” Turner said, “you’re putting the public at risk, and it’s a public health issue.”
“You work for a private company, bro,” Turner continued. “We’re a capitalist society. It’s a free market society. If you don’t want to follow that company’s policy, then you follow yourself on out the door.”
However, O’Neal conceded a bit when Turner brought up the business protocols of the NBA taking over a personal decision.
“I’m with you on the rules because I’m a rules guy,” O’Neal acquiesced. “But I do feel sympathetic towards people who have to make that kind of decision.”
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There’s an old saying, “new level, new devils,” and the NFL might be feeling the impact of that sentiment especially hard right now.
As 2022 rolled in, along with a Super Bowl of quarterbacks playing in the big game for the first time, the league and its teams still faced lingering problems. No sports entertainment organization wants these issues. However, the NFL is rife with a side-eye appeal.
Although it became a meme and an exciting pop culture pause in history, Antonio Brown’s departure from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was nothing short of revealing.
While the narrative focused on the state of Brown’s mental health, he turned the mirror back and to raise the issue of quick-fix patch-ups for injury problems in the NFL.
The wide received said on HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” the Buccaneers injected him with Toradol, a painkiller, before games with the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets. Brown claimed the shot was to help him play on a damaged ankle.
.@ShannonSharpe on Antonio Brown thanking Tom Brady for "helping hm become a champion"
"Man, AB is full of it. He's just trying to clean up the mess he made. I dismiss everything he just said. I already know how you feel about Tom Brady, you've told me how you felt about him." pic.twitter.com/Ufy1ARpeeK
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) February 2, 2022
However, NFL players have been urged to limit the usage of the painkiller Toradol by the NFL Players Association. According to reports, the NFLPA sent a memo about Toradol to all players; “the risk of Toradol causing major bleeding” was also cited in it.
Several NFL players have denounced Toradol use as unchecked and dangerous in the NFL. Former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth had a kidney transplant and said at the time that he believed Toradol was partially responsible for his kidney disease.
The NFL has a plethora of institutional problems, many of which result from an apparent inherent bias.
“Inherent bias” is the effect of underlying factors or assumptions that skew viewpoints of a subject under discussion. From the Washington Commanders’ toxic workplace culture allegations to the racial disparities in hiring, the NFL and team owners don’t see the world the way the rest of us do.
When the NFL sees or reads the testimony in front of Congress today about Washington and Dan Snyder, I don't how they can rationalize not imposing further discipline.
Sexual harassment not only operated below him, but he was a participant.— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) February 3, 2022
But let’s break down why. They cannot see how their own biases based on power, privilege, and more have shaped their viewpoint. “Advantage” is the name of the game; the NFL and its teams have shown an unwillingness to check their own.
Inherent biases are pervasive, and everyone possesses them. If judges committed to impartiality have an inherent bias, then, naturally, so do sports organizations’ governing bodies.
From Jon Gruden’s toxic opinion-filled emails to former Washington Commanders GM Bruce Allen to Dan Snyder’s congressional hearing about alleged sexually inappropriate conduct, inherent bias allowed issues to be unchecked for years.
Over recent years, the NFL has been under scrutiny to create a better culture for mental health awareness.
In May 2019, the NFL Players Association and the NFL agreed to form the Comprehensive Mental Health and Wellness Committee. Comprised by a panel of doctors appointed by both groups, each team member has issued a mandate to employ a behavioral health team clinician.
According to reports, seven teams had a full-time clinician by late last year, and the rest of the clubs employ someone in the role for at least eight hours each week.
Still, players are suffering at high rates from mental health issues, affecting them into retirement.
“I think the NFL is a dinosaur in that respect,” Aaron Rodgers said to The New York Times. “There’s a stigma around talking about feelings, struggles and dealing with stress. There’s a lot of vernacular that seems to tag it as weakness.”
The NFL is a violent sport.
Like boxing or bare-knuckle brawling, in this sport you are bound to get your head hit at some point in the course of action. However, the game is at a crossroads where either the sport is neutered into a safer, less intriguing product minus the extreme danger, or acceptance of a mandated shortened player career span.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, is a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated blows to the head. The disease has been found in the brains of more than 315 former NFL players, and many suicide deaths have been linked back to CTE.
Boston University researchers identified CTE in 99 percent of brains obtained from NFL players and 91 percent of college football players.
Although Brian Flores’ bombshell racial discrimination lawsuit was filed against the NFL and three teams, the issues Flores shines a light on have been around forever.
It has affected the way players and personnel feel about hiring practices of the game and served as a subtle reminder of a skewed power structure in the league.
In 2020, African-American players made up approximately 57.5 percent of NFL team rosters. However, currently there is only one African-American head coach.
From the early NFL teams’ initial reluctance to hire a starting African-American quarterback to the lack of African-American head coaches, racial discrimination is pervasive and only lightly dissipating.
Until the ownership ranks reflect the player ranks, there will never be an even playing field in the NFL.
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Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless were on a unified mission to separate Colin Kaepernick’s sacrifices and legacy as it relates to the NFL, from former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores’ racial discrimination class action suit against the NFL, Dolphins, Denver Broncos and New York Giants.
While some narratives have drawn comparisons between Kaepernick’s kneeling for social justice and Brian Flores fighting for “change” within a systemically segregated NFL power structure, the “Undisputed” mouthpieces weren’t buying it.
“It’s going to be very hard to prove,” Shannon said. “Without documentation and without collaborating witnesses, I don’t know how you prove, it’s he said, he said. And now…You thought Colin Kaepernick got Whiteballed…?
Sharpe believes Flores’ treatment and alienation will potentially be more volatile than Kaepernick’s, if at all possible. Sharpe attempted to articulate the difference between Kaepernick’s purpose and Flores’ purpose. Basically, saying why Kaep’s stand was legit but Flores’ lawsuit doesn’t hold much weight.
“Colin Kaepernick was trying to bring something … for the greater good of society,” Sharpe said. “This is Brian Flores taking on 32 individuals.”
Skip then interjected:
“To your point … Colin didn’t attack the league. He attacked society in general. It was more broad-based…
“He just used the [NFL’s] platform,” Shannon said in agreement with his co-host, “to get his point across.”
It’s a point that Sharpe also feels will be impossible to prove.
“Brian Flores is basically saying that these 32 NFL teams do not give Blacks and minorities fair opportunities at becoming a head coach,” Shannon said. “They bring us in for sham interviews, knowing good and well they’re not going to hire us.
(Well), teams are going to say, ‘we give you the same opportunities … we brought you in for three hours. … (Denver Broncos exec) John Elway’s documentation said we had a 3-3.5 hour interview. We gave you the same opportunity we afforded the other candidates.”
Shannon also responded to the accusations that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered to pay Flores to tank games.
“Stephen Ross is going to say, “I didn’t give you no $100,000 to lose ballgames. Jimmy Haslam had a strong statement coming out against Hue Jackson. So, they’re saying everything we all thought they would say. No one is going to come out and say, ‘Yeah, that’s what happened. … So, without documentation or witnesses. … I don’t know how you prove this. I just don’t.”
Sharpe insists that every owner is going to insist that they hire the best man for the job.
“Who are you to say that wasn’t the best guy for the job that we gave the job too?” Sharpe asked.
“I just think Brian Flores is up against it. I commend him for taking on this uphill challenge because that’s what it is. It is a very tough climb. to get to that standard I just don’t know he does it unless someone says, ‘You know what? I heard that conversation and this is what he said.’
“Then you might have something. Outside of that, how do you prove you didn’t get the job solely based on the color of your skin. Skip, I don’t know how you do that.”
Skip went on to say how much he admires Flores but questions the way he’s gone about it, calling it “wrong-headed.” He also doubted if Flores’ intention is a “reasonably achievable goal.”
“Somebody had to do it and he finally did it. … I think it’s over for Brian Flores in NFL, and I hope to God that I’m wrong about that,” Skip said.
Sharpe says he expects all 32 owners to band together against Flores. Sharpe also says that former NFL coach Hue Jackson‘s support for Flores doesn’t necessarily move the needle or help the situation because he suffered through two of the worst coaching seasons in NFL history, winning one game.
Sharpe says the NFL is coming together to meet Flores’ accusations with full force in the legal courts and the court of public opinion. All of the teams mentioned in the suit and the NFL have vehemently denied all accusations and basically labeled Brian Flores, a man of high integrity, a liar.
It’s clear FS1’s money-makers don’t think Flores can win. It was also a way for Skip and Shannon to draw a line in the sand and show support for the NFL while saluting Flores’ “suicide mission.”
Kaepernick did eventually win his lawsuit against the NFL, but he never threw another pass for an NFL team. Most talking heads have already concluded that Flores’ fate will be the same. Sharpe is suggesting the backlash will be worse because Flores is attacking the integrity of the league head on with no helmet.
Let’s hope he doesn’t crash and burn.
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Yahoo Sports and Turner Sports NBA insider Chris Haynes reports that the Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James spend $1 million and $1.5 million respectively on their bodies. The body maintenance reportedly covers trainers, massage therapists, personal chefs and nutritionists.
“Longevity at a high level comes at a cost. Chris Paul will be 37 in May, and his production hasn’t dipped. He shared with me this morning that he spends about $1 million on body maintenance ranging from trainers, nutritionists, personal chefs, massage therapists. His good friend LeBron James reportedly spends about $1.5 million on his body.”
Paul, who turns 37 in May, and LeBron, who is 37, remain elite NBA players at an age where production and impact have already been in steady decline for a few years. But thanks to modern technology, sports science and riches, there is no reason an NBA player can’t remain elite late in his career.
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Ages 26-31 were the peak production years on average for NBA players, but stars now can extend that peak or have second and even third peaks.
Of the top 10 players in the league in EPM, five of the 10 are 31 or older: James, Paul, Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Kevin Durant.
On the NFL side, Tom Brady retired this past week at age 44. Brady credits his longevity to his patented “TB12 Method,” a holistic approach to performance and recovery.
If an athlete is truly committed to this process, they can play at a high level in their late 30s and possible early 40s. Gone are the days of just using a cold tub, stretching and things of that nature.
Athletes are regimented about what they eat and drink; there are devices that measure circadian rhythms during sleep. The most important part of this process for athletes experiencing extended or additional peaks is the focus on recovery.
As you age, recovery becomes exponentially more critical in an athlete’s ability to repeat elite performances. That’s the challenge. If you’ve been an elite athlete you can always dial it up one more time in your late 30s. But in order to do it consistently, you have to work harder and invest more in your recovery.
Paul is sixth in the NBA in EPM. He was just named to his 12th All-Star team and might make his 11th All-NBA team at season’s end. The Suns are the best team in the league, and look poised to make a second consecutive trip to the NBA Finals.
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James is third in the NBA in EPM, and is having one of his best shooting seasons at 59 and 62 eFG% and TS% respectively. He was selected to his 18th All-Star team, and will make his 18th All-NBA team at season’s end. While his Lakers have dealt with injuries and a poor fitting roster, he remains one of the most feared players in the league in a playoff series.
What both these men are doing is absurd, and fans of these players and their teams should appreciate it. Being able to witness sustained excellence and greatness for 10-15 and possibly 20 years is a privilege.
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UCLA redshirt freshman forward Mac Etienne was arrested on Thursday night following the Bruins’ 76-66 loss to the Arizona Wildcats. He was cited for assault for appearing to spit at Arizona fans on his way back to the locker room.
“We allowed him to go with the team back to the locker room,” Sgt. Sean Shields, the public information officer for University of Arizona police, said. “And he was arrested for assault.”
https://youtu.be/suMulnlihn0
Video of the incident following the game has made its way around the internet, and Etienne does appear to be spitting toward fans.
UCLA and Etienne were informed that he would be placed under arrest and issued a citation for assault with “the intent to injure, provoke or insult” another person.
Spitting is not only wrong, but to many vile and reprehensible. That is among the more disrespectful things you can do to someone. We don’t know what was said to provoke that kind of reaction; nonetheless, if he did spit that was wrong and he should face whatever punishment fits.
An official report about the incident and anything that was said by the fans or Etienne will be released in the official incident report. Etienne will have a court date in Arizona but could potentially be allowed to address the citation without traveling back to the state.
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Again, the act of spitting is wrong and vile. But it will be interesting to learn what Etienne, or any witnesses might say possibly provoked the reaction. It wouldn’t be the first time a fan or fans said something inappropriate to a player.
The game was on the road, so the Arizona fans were bound to be hostile toward their PAC-12 rivals. Booing or anything within the bounds of normal fan behavior is fine, and players know to expect that.
But there are things fans know not to say. Things that cross the line and wouldn’t be said in any other scenario. Maybe something like that was directed toward Etienne? We’ll find out when the report’s released.
In general, fan culture and behavior has gotten out of control. Some of this behavior is abhorrent and pure mob mentality. At the end of the day, it’s just a game. Win or lose, these contests shouldn’t have the kind of impact on your life that would cause you to react in an undignified manner or act inhumanely.
“UCLA Athletics is committed to and expects the highest level of sportsmanship,” the school said in a prepared statement late Thursday. “We are aware of the incident involving a student-athlete at tonight’s men’s basketball game, and the matter is under review.”
One of the great privileges of attending a sporting event, particularly a basketball game, is if your seats are so specified you are in very close proximity to the players. It’s awesome. But close proximity doesn’t mean you need to interact and/or act indecent.
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