Primary Menu

The Shadow League

Stay Connected

“We Need More Men Empowering Men, Not Boys Raising Boys” | Cam Newton Addresses Heisman Boycott, Rumors Of Auburn Paying Him $180K

Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has successfully made the switch from the gridiron to the podcast world. Newton, the host of the rising “4th and 1” podcast, has been in the news quite a bit over the last couple of months.

From the physical altercation he was involved in at his youth football camp to his being on press row at the Super Bowl, Newton has been a busy man. 

The former Heisman Trophy-winning signal-caller recently made the stop by the “Club Shay Shay” podcast to discuss a bevy of topics.

Did Auburn Pay Cam Newton $180K Bag?

One being how he ended up at Auburn after leaving Florida, where he was teammates with Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, Joe Haden and the late Aaron Hernandez. For years the rumor has been the Tigers gave him and his family $180K for him to transfer there after a season at Blinn College, where he also led them to the JUCO national championship in his lone season. 

Newton Says Former Gators OC Started That Rumor

At the time of his transfer to Auburn, Newton’s former offensive coordinator at Florida, Dan Mullen, was hoping to land Newton at Mississippi State. When that didn’t happen, Newton says Mullen and his wife began to spread rumors that Newton chose Auburn because they illegally paid him $180K.

That rumor has long stuck with Newton, who felt the need to clear it up during his interview with Shannon Sharpe, the Pro Football Hall of Famer. 

Newton says he would’ve had a new car, house or something that told on himself. That was never the case and because of that it’s never been anything more than a rumor.

Newton also mentioned how his dad Cecil empowered him to be a man, and why he still lives by those principles. Newton told Sharpe this:

“We need more men empowering men, not boys raising boys.”

Strong words spoken by Newton’s dad to him, and how he’s let it resonate with him ever since says a lot about who he is as a person. 

Cam Newton Says He’ll Never Attend Heisman Ceremony

As a result of the rumor, Newton’s father Cecil had to tak the fall in order for his son to continue to be able to play. But as a result he was banned from all remaining games that season and the subsequent Heisman Trophy ceremony. Because of that disrespect to the man that raised him, Newton has vowed to never attend a Heisman Trophy ceremony with the award’s past winners. 

What’s crazy is you never see Newton on the Heisman House commercials that run on ESPN randomly. Meaning he’s pretty serious about not attending the ceremony or participating in other facets of the winning the prestigious award. 

Taylor Rooks Breaks The Internet In Tight Dress, and Joy Taylor’s Male Fan Club Is Exploding | The Sports Industry Isn’t Ready To Get Two Personal

Taylor Rooks and Joy Taylor are considered two of the most beautiful women in sports broadcasting and podcasting. 

Both have built successful careers by being not only comforting to the eyes, but aware of the sports landscape and what it entails. Joy is the sister of former Miami Dolphins Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, and she’s steadily built her media empire by holding her own on various high-profile debate shows with titans of the talking head game from Skip Bayless to Colin Cowherd. 

Taylor gained notoriety with her work on NBA coverage as well as her one-on-one interviews and her ability to find the legs to a story and coerce honest feedback from her subjects, many who are male athletes with their guards up. 

Jemele Hill and Cari Champion Paved The Way

When Jemele Hill and Cari Champion got together and did their groundbreaking show “(Don’t) Stick to Sports” on Vice, it received mixed reviews and at times turned off male viewers because of the hard-edged stances and attack mode culture that sometimes permeated the show, as both women are beautiful but some complained that they were more interested in teaching lessons and voicing objections than playing to their feminine attributes.

Jemele is married and off the market and Cari gives off an unobtainable vibe at times.  

While the aesthetics are pleasing to the male audience, the delivery sometimes obliterated the male fantasy that is such an important part of a successful sports show featuring two women. 

‘Two Personal Show’ Is Blowing Up

As the careers of Joy and Taylor have progressed, it was a no-brainer that the tandem would come together, shedding any male influence, on a podcast where their voices are the predominant ones and the subject matter is delivered in a way only a lady can present it.

On the “Two Personal Show,” the women touch every topic from sports to lifestyle, beauty — and the popular one with women — relationships.

Neither woman is married, so their perceived availability also inspires men to freely give compliments. Anytime Rooks or Taylor steps out for a night on the town, the cameras are out and social media is buzzing. 

For Rooks, whether she has the internet drooling over pics with her and Halle Berry, or her latest photo from a Global Diversity event that is breaking the internet, she always understands the assignment.

Everyone seems to have a glowing opinion about how Rooks wore that dress, how it sat on her curvaceous body and the movie star look she gives off that makes her in the opinion of every man and woman in the world; a whole snack … respectfully. 

Rooks knows it and she plays to that advantage to perfection, while executing her job like a consummate pro to re-establish that line of respectability. Taylor is a winner in that regard as well. 

The tight-fitting, olive colored dress radiated off of Rooks’ illuminating chocolate skin.

Her full lips colored to perfection, eyebrows laid like train tracks, and the next thing you know, she’s out-trending the field.

The frequency with which women are now in these announcer positions has made the arrival of Taylor and Joy’s show perfect timing.

Men are already tuning in. Some do it because they have never seen two gorgeous women of color, emitting beauty, a strong opinion and being respected sports minds at the same time — without twerking.

Joy Taylor and Taylor Rooks Are Transcending Sports Personalities

Their celebrity extends beyond the athletes and sports they cover, so their opinions on all subjects are now valued, and evokes emotion and feedback whether positive or negative. Men are often captivated by their physical appearances and offended at times by their sports knowledge. The women respect both Taylor and Rooks for holding their own in a male-dominated business and also wait in anticipation to hear their opinion on beauty tips, men, relationships, personal experiences and philosophies on life.

At the end of the day, they also make women feel way more comfortable to be themselves than on male-hosted shows.

Beauty Is The Hook But People Want To Hear What Taylor Rooks and Joy Taylor Have To Say

When you talk about rising value versus dormant existence, that’s half of the sportscasting landscape against these two rising stars, because as we know how far you transcend the occupation depends on how much they will pay you. To be recognized as a goddess of sports isn’t a bad gig.

It gains you a ridiculous fan base and leads to big branding dollars at the end of the day. And with more power and influence they can continue to support women in the business and influence change in that regard.

Gawking admirers just comes with the job.

“My Heart Dropped … Can’t Eat For Days” | GloRilla Recalls The Pain Of Infidelity, Ryan Clark Immediately Realizes Where His Question Went Wrong

GloRilla is one of the young rising artists from Memphis, Tennessee. Her convergence with the new media world of former professional athletes who’ve turned broadcasters and podcasters led her to “The Pivot” podcast.

During the interview, co-host and former NFL player Ryan Clark asked the artist what her dating life was like now, and he received an earful about young trauma that has shaped her current dating reality.

“I’ve only been in two relationships my whole life and my first relationship fed me up because that was the first time I ever got cheated on,” said Glorilla. “I used to always feel like I was the friend that didn’t have n***a problems and all my friends, like, they got pregnant early, and they always used to get cheated on and they’ll be crying ,and I used to be like, ‘Damn, I don’t think it was that crucial; what you crying for?'”

However, like many, Glo couldn’t avoid the gamble of trust in another person romantically, and when that covenant of trust was broken, she entered a new reality: heartbreak.

“When it finally happened to me and I actually felt where they were coming from, I lost my appetite real bad,” GloRilla continued. “My first heartbreak, it was the same n***a. I never physically caught him cheating, but it was just like clues that I’d be like, ‘I know you are cheating.’ Every time, it’s just a different feeling, like my heart dropped to my ass. I can’t eat for so many days. I remember one day, I was on the way to my mama’s house and I was in the car crying to God.”

“I was like, ‘God, please, if you let me get over this n***a, I won’t ever do this again. Please restore my appetite, take this heartache away; I said I will never do this again if you let me get over it.’ So I don’t be trying to just really get into that no more because that’s not a good feeling getting your heart broke at all, and I thought it was for fake at first, and when I really felt it that’s why I be so hard now.”

GloRilla is still reeling from being cheated on, but Channing Crowder has some words of encouragement when she asks the trio of Clark, Crowder, and Fred Taylor, “Do yall lose yall appetite when yall have heartbreak?”

“He couldn’t have been Black because Black men don’t cheat,” said the always-affable “Pivot” co-host Channing Crowder.

Yeah, Glo! That part.

Rapper Fat Joe Said Kevin Durant Got Chased Out The Rucker By Goons | But Joey Also Said He Lies In Most Of His Raps

NBA superstar Kevin Durant has long had his issues with things said about him via social media. The former league MVP even went as far as to have burner accounts to respond to naysayers speaking on his name.

That wasn’t the case as it pertains to the latest rumor being spread about Durant which stems from a pickup basketball played during the 2011 NBA lockout. 

During the lockout KD and other NBA stars regularly participated in pickup games at New York City’s famed Rucker Park. One game KD went for a reported 82 points while hitting 9-11 from the three point line, including five consecutive at one point.

Rapper Fat Joe who’s had team’s participate in Rucker Park hoop events for years jumped on “The Roommates” podcast to talk about the aftermath of Durant’s huge night. 

Fat Joe Says Other Hoopers Wanted To Resort To Violence

During the segment, Joe, who’s mentioned time and time again that 95 percent of what he raps about is false, had this to say about the comments. 

“He scored like 82 points in the third quarter. He doesn’t like me telling this story but they chased him out of Rucker Park. They wanted to beat him up. He whipped their a** so bad they tried to beat him up out there. He was checking it out and then — whoosh, a three. I was there at the game. He scored like 80 points and I was out there and they chased him into the truck. He had to go.”

Wild story told by Joe, and while he said KD wouldn’t want him telling it, he did, only to have the 14-time All-Star call cap (lies) on what Joe said. It didn’t take long for Durant to take to X to sound off on the situation. 

Durant Debunks Joe’s Notion

Thursday afternoon Durant shared a clip of Joe’s interview and captioned it this. 

“Another podcast lie. It was nothing but respect and love out there that night, didn’t feel unsafe for one second.”

Sounds like Joe was either having fun at KD’s expense or hoping to go viral. It’s safe to say he seemed to do both. As for KD, one thing for sure and two things for certain, KD will defend himself against things said about him on social media. 

The biggest difference now is he isn’t hiding behind burner accounts to do so. 

“She’s At Least Waited Until Her 30s” | A Miracle Pregnancy and Disrespectful Ranking On Big 12 Coaching Poll Are Pushing Deion Sanders Towards Grandparenthood

Through all the media hype and preparation for next college football season, and the pressure to be better than a four-win team in the new Big 12 conference, lost in the commotion was the fact that Deion Sanders will soon become a grandfather. His elder daughter, Deiondra, 31, is expecting a child with R&B singer Jacquees.

Initial reports said Sanders was not in approval of the situation, but in a recent discussion with People, Deion admitted that he hasn’t “fully digested” the reality of being a grandfather, but he supports his daughter as she enters another stage of adulthood.

“I haven’t digested that whole thing yet,” Sanders confessed, also admitting that he can’t find a thing to be excited about when it comes to transitioning into grandparenthood.

“I’m proud of my baby that she’s at least waited until her 30s to give me this gift of life,” he said. “I’m happy about that, but I want to make sure she’s straight emotionally and psychologically as well.”

Deion Sanders’ Grandson Is A Miracle Baby

Since announcing the impending birth of their child on Instagram last month, the couple appear to be happy and healthy.

Deiondra had had a series of health complications in the past, and in her post she said she’s proud to “give hope to all the other women that may be in my situation.”

“Even though this was not planned or expected, this is something that God allowed to happen. I’m not having my baby to keep a man. I am having my baby for all the times I was told I wouldn’t be able to,” she wrote.

“Bring Old School Football Back” | Shilo Sanders Posts Video Of Hit That Got Him Ejected, Sister Deiondra Backs Her Brother

“I’m having my baby for the four myomectomy surgeries I have had. I am having my baby for all the years I stayed on birth control even though it gave me breast tumors. I’m having my baby for all the doctors that told me I wouldn’t make it out of the first trimester.”

The reality star went on to write that she’s having the baby “for the 7 current fibroids that surround my uterus to this day” and “the high-risk moms that was scared everyday thinking they would miscarry.”

She also revealed that she experienced bleeding “every day” in the first trimester of her pregnancy.

“I’m having this baby to give hope to all the other women that may be in my situation.” she wrote

Who knows how stable the relationship is because Jaquees and Deiondra, were recently part of a dramatic scenario that unfolded on social media, where infidelity involving a rapper named Dreezy, who allegedly had a prior relationship with Jaquees, seems to be exposed, which further feeds Deion’s concerns.

Deion shares Deiondra — along with son Deion Jr., 30 — with his first wife, Carolyn Chambers.

It’s clear he’s not taking this well, but then again, Deion has always been a protective father and keeps his children close. In addition to his sons Shedeur and Shilo, Sanders brought his youngest, 20-year-old Shelomi to Colorado with him. She plays on the women’s basketball team.

In all honesty, Deion lost the time and energy to try and manage his adult kids’ lives long ago. Deiondra’s journey is one of inspiration and however it plays out, he has a beautiful gift on the way. 

On3 Ranks Deion Sanders 12th of Out 16 Big 12 Head Coaches

Now, as far as the business side of things go on the football field, this is the most important coaching year of Deion Sanders’ career. He’s proved he can recruit and promote with the best of them. Now people want to see him coach, and it appears the confidence in his ability as he enters the Big 12 is not high. 

Even with Texas’ Steve Sarkisian and Oklahoma’s Brent Venable headed to the SEC, the Big 12 still had some heavy hitting coaches. Arizona’s Brent Brenna, Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, Utah’s Kyle Whittingham are also joining the conference.

On Monday, On3’s Jesse Simonton released a spring ranking of the 16 Big 12 football head coaches, and Coach Prime came in among the bottom rung at 12, which seems a bit low based on how well Colorado is expected to do. 

Sanders did a solid job in his first season after inheriting a one-win program from 2022. He definitely reinvigorated the fan base and brough national attention the program hasn’t ever seen. He hit the transfer portal and went 4-8 which is definitely successful if he continues to improve by 3 games each season. 

So, there’s a lot of business to handle, and as long as Deiondra is in good health Prime doesn’t need to be so grumpy.

Saudi Tennis Federation Paid $40 Million To Host WTA Finals | Tennis Stars Could Be “Jailed and Tortured” For Speaking About Women’s Rights

They say money is the root of all evil, and we should know better than any country, but our tennis and golf players and organizations across the world have been getting in bed with a nation whose civil rights and beliefs on gender equality don’t exactly coincide with ours. 

And it’s all for the sake of a dollar. Once we make these deals for billions and accept money from nations with political and moral constructs that clash with ours, we also must deal with the consequences. 

Saudi Tennis Federation Pays $40M To Host WTA Finals For Three Years

We take the Saudi bag and agree to compete in their country, then they call the shots. It was recently confirmed that the Saudi Tennis Federation had struck a deal worth over $40 million to host the WTA Finals for the next three years.

According to reports, Women’s Tennis Association players have been warned they could be ‘jailed and tortured’ for speaking about women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.

Tennis is the latest sport linked with accepting investments from Middle Eastern countries after a merger between the Saudi-backed LIV Golf and the PGA Tour sent shock waves through men’s professional golf.

Men’s Tennis Discussing Deal With Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund

There have also reportedly been ‘positive’ talks between Andrea Gaudenzi — chief of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) — and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) about a potential partnership.

Saudi Arabia’s investments in various sports has attracted criticism, and some prominent U.S. tennis players such as Andy Roddick, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert,  have accused the nation of sportswashing due to their poor human rights record and subsequent desire to reshape their global image.

Which means they are trying to buy our compliance in their unhumanitarian and oppressive governing through sports. The money seems to be talking. 

British tennis legend Andy Murray says it is “unfortunate” that Saudi Arabia’s influence on sports is growing around the world.

Saudi Tennis Federation’s Sportwashing Is Working

The Saudi Tennis Federation is all in, having committed to awarding $15.25 million at this year’s WTA Finals – an increase of $6.25 million from the 2023 event in Cancun.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek said earlier this year that it was “not easy for women in these areas” but also offered her opinion that nations like Saudi Arabia wish to “change.” Although she did not specifically reference the government or how they would institute change.  

Saudi Women Still Fighting For Women’s Rights

Saudi women have made some legal rights advances since 2017, but widespread discrimination in the areas of marriage, family and divorce still exist as the government has reportedly intensified its targeting ad repressing of women’s rights groups.

Saudi Arabia is reportedly in the midst of constructing a $1.5 trillion city to be just 1.4 miles long. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says he hopes it can expand to over 100 miles, rivaling the pyramids of “Egypt as an icon of timeless grandiosity,” according to reports.
 

At What Cost?

The money is flowing, and everybody wants a piece. But at what cost? 

A leading human rights group has reportedly sent a warning to WTA players about the dangers of standing up for women’s rights in the country.

“If you complain, you go to jail,” Human Rights Watch director of global initiatives Minky Worden told iNews. “So that puts the WTA and players in a super bad spot. You complain about women’s rights conditions, you end up in jail and tortured.”

“So which women’s tour player wants to be asked about the women’s rights defenders who are in jail while they’re playing tennis? Whatever the prize money is, it puts them in a very difficult moral spot and ethical spot,” Worden added.

“It’s only since 2018 that women and girls have even been allowed to drive and play sports. Yes, there has been some progress in that area,” Worden continued, “and it has been due entirely to the women’s rights activists, many of whom have suffered imprisonment and torture.”

“I think the core problems of the underlying human rights crisis in Saudi Arabia are not addressed. None of the federations, not the ATP, not the ITF and not the WTA, have in place a human rights framework that would allow them to even do human rights due diligence,” the activist concluded.

Tennis players such as Andy Roddick have expressed concern about how competing in Saudi Arabia will impact the many LGBTQ+ players such as Daria Kasatkina.

WTA’s LGBTQ Community In Danger?

“Homosexuality is illegal [in Saudi Arabia], but we have openly gay players,” Roddick said. “You know, Kasatkina came out last year. If she goes there and plays, are we just telling her to take a week off of her sexuality? How do we protect our own players?

“You know, their life choices are viewed as criminal when they enter this place. How do we protect those mechanisms? And can whatever is said now be trusted when it’s actually in practice?” he asked.

“There aren’t any women’s rights defenders in Saudi Arabia they can interview about the problem. They’re all in jail, or under house arrest,” Roddick added.

These are strong sentiments expressed by some tennis legends. 

Meanwhile, Steve Simon, the chief executive of the WTA Tour, has to protect the bag and continues to defend the decision to take women’s tennis to Saudi Arabia. He says, “everyone is going to be welcome” and doesn’t “anticipate anything more than positive experiences.”

This is a developing story that we will keep an eye on.

At the same time, the WTA will undoubtedly also warn their tennis players to lie low, play tennis and return home. It’s not the time to take political stances, because Brittney Griner can tell you how fast an athlete can get caught up in a foreign country because of a lack of understanding of the severity that comes along with breaking their rules. 

It’s often not a matter of right and wrong. Just policy. Same as there’s no justification for putting tennis players in dangerous situations just so the organization can rake in money. For now, it’s falling on deaf ears.

O.J. Simpson’s Life Was A Referendum On Race, Class and Privilege | From College Campuses to Wall Street, Everyone Was Invested In The Trial Of The Century

O.J. Simpson died of cancer on Wednesday at the age of 76. The former college and NFL legend is most known for the double murder trial in which he was ultimately acquitted of stabbing to death his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her boyfriend, Ronald Goldman, in Los Angeles in one of the most captivating and sensational trials in the history of American Justice.

Although he was never convicted of a crime in connection to those deaths, today a great percentage of the U.S. population who are familiar in some part with this crime believe he did it. To be certain, the dynamics of race and class played to the American psyche better than puppies, cheeseburgers, hip-hop and apple pie ever could. Journalism careers were created in the maelstrom of blood, guts and personality.

In 1997, a civil jury in California found ‘The Juice’ liable in the death of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Goldman’s parents were awarded $8.5 million in compensatory damages.

“O.J. Got Away With It”

O.J. got away with it is the theme that still resonates to this day, but the beloved football star’s life would never be the same after that trial, that captivated people of all ages and made Court TV the daily go-to channel.

OJ’s brand took on a different nature. He was no longer a celebrated Heisman Trophy winner and NFL icon, who did Hertz commercials, running through the airport and leaping over luggage. He was still a celebrity but carried the reputation of being a killer and all of the sensationalism and venom that comes with it.

There were documentaries and movies made that introduced generations after the mid 90s to the man who might have executed the perfect crime.

Very little is mentioned of the man who was one of the best running backs to ever do it, accumulating 11,236 rushing yards, 2,142 receiving yards and 990 kick return yards, resulting in a total of 14,368 all-purpose yards in his NFL career.

Simpson’s shining moment on the gridiron and the final affirmation of his generational greatness came 21 years prior to his life changing course in 1073. Simpson broke Jim Brown’s single-season rushing record by amassing 2,003 rushing yards and averaging 143.1 rushing yards per game for the Buffalo Bills that season. It remains the highest mark in history.

School Daze: O.J. Simpson Trial Captivated HBCU Campuses

I was a college student when the O.J trial jumped off. In fact, the gripping “30-for-30” documentary, “O.J.: Made in America,” brought back memories of my college days and the way his murder trial affected every aspect of African-American life for an entire school year.

Who can forget that 60-mile low-speed pursuit across Orange County freeways in the infamous white Bronco with his boy Al Cowlings handling the wheel, and the subsequent arrest on murder charges?

Then the eight-month long trial that had the world at a standstill, which somehow became a referendum on the state of race relations in this country instead of what it was — a tragedy inflicted by a some sick individual or group of individuals.  

I was a college student at an HBCU back in ’94 and 95 when the O.J. trial was on TV every day. It was almost like the campus was on hold. Actually, the entire South was captivated by the many intriguing, racially charged, scandalous and horrific elements of the trial, which were captured on Court TV.

It was one of the most enthralling criminal trials in American History. And throughout the course of it, any off-campus crib you walked into had a crew of people either cutting class, or were between class, and they were focused on the O.J. trial. Everything during the day was scheduled around the trial.

“If (The Glove) Doesn’t Fit You Must Acquit”

Of course, being that the school was predominantly African American, everyone was pulling for O.J. and Johnnie Cochran to prove O.J.’s innocence. I’m sure in the back of the minds of many a militant, socially and historically conscious college student, it didn’t matter if O.J. was innocent or guilty.

The dynamics of the trial took on a White vs. Black character. Some of my schoolmates were simply rooting for Team Cochran to somehow get O.J. off, proving that the number one defense attorney in the world was of African-American descent.

The majority of Black were appalled by O.J.s actions if true and most didn’t believe he was innocent, but O.J.’s victory was more symbolic than about the man and his character as a former star athlete turned accused abuser and killer.

It was an exhale for years of oppression and false convictions perpetrated upon minority males.

Finally, we had a victory against what many perceived to be an oppressive American judicial system. 

(Photo Credit: USA Today)

I also remember the verdict. I moved back home to New York and was working part-time that fall semester as a dispatcher at a security firm in Hollis, Queens. When the verdict was announced, people ran out of their homes and businesses and celebrated in the streets throughout the predominantly Black neighborhood.

But on television, we saw the reactions of non-blacks. One of horror, disbelief and anger. Most considered it the worst failure of justice in American judicial history. They said O.J. was given preferential treatment by the jury because he was a football legend. Fact of the matter is, he was still Black and everybody expected a conviction.  

Reality TV Meets Real Life: CourtTV Blows Up and Careers Made

As much as I remember the racial elements in the trial and the brilliant legal combat executed by both sides, the O.J. trial represented the moment when reality TV met real life and it became acceptable for people to became stars off of another’s personal tragedies and burdens.

The world still hasn’t come back to its senses yet. Race relations between the LAPD and Los Angeles residents were very strained at that time. Only two years earlier, riots followed the acquittal of four LAPD officers who were videotaped beating Rodney King, so African-American youth in general were very aware of instances of police brutality and subtle and overt racism. 

With the slew of killings involving young unarmed Black males by cops in the past decade, not much has changed since the O.J. trial.

He will go to his grave still considered a murderer. Barely remembered as a football icon. O.J.’s death reinvigorates memories of an unforgettable time in the life of many Americans. It’s still the “Trial of the Century” and it was the one time when everyone is in agreement that a brother beat the system. 

The People v. O.J. Simpson 

The television series, “The People v. O.J. Simpson” debuted with rave reviews and an all-star cast featuring Cuba Gooding, Jr., Courtney Vance, John Travolta, Sarah Paulson, David Schwimmer and Kenneth Choi, among others, and directed by Anthony Hemingway and Ryan Murphy.

Like the high ratings FX enjoyed when the mini-series premiered, the actual trial and the subsequent media circus that ensued made a travesty out of what was supposed to be justice. The defense lawyers and prosecutors were popular household names. Judge Ito’s signature beard and glasses gained a celebrity unto themselves as well. Marsha Clark, Rob Kardashian, Johnnie Cochran, Mark Furman, F. Lee Bailey and many others gained infamy.

But what was not lost on the conscientious observer was the more theatrical the trial became, the more it seemed to favor the narrative of the defense.

And it was pretty hairy from the start. The moment O.J. was allowed to flee, albeit slowly, from LAPD in the Bronco the entire criminal justice system was beholden to nothing but theatrics. O.J. offering a $500,000 reward to find the real killers, Cochran’s “if the glove don’t fit, you must acquit,” the alleged racism of LAPD officer Mark Fuhrman, Kato Kaelin’s hair, the conspiracy that said Nicole was killed by drug dealers whom she owed money to, all a sick, sad freak show.

Like watching a slow motion train wreck, it was impossible for the world to look away. Then, once the verdict of acquittal was announced, the nasty underbelly of our country was revealed as white people were way too mad that a Black man appeared to have gotten away with murdering two white people, and Black America was way too happy about O.J., who had long since shunned the affections of the African-American community, had gotten off.

You can say that O.J. never changed. The older he got, the more he became a cult figure. Two months before his death, he was happy, speaking to his fans on social media who reached out to ask about rumors of his declining health and give his predictions for the Super Bowl. He even had a weekly appearance on the “It Is What It Is” sports show hosted by rappers Cam’ron and Mase.

At the end of the day, Orenthal James Simpson’s life was a test of human character. A test on race, class and privilege. One we all probably failed. With reality television now fully merged with real life on social media and new developing forms of instant communication, we will never have a moment as polarizing and unbelievable as that trial. We also haven’t seen a running back who executed his duty with the grace, power, speed and overall artistry of The Juice.

RIP

Being Named Essence Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Of The Moment” Is A Close Second To What Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson Calls “The Greatest Gift In the World”

Russell Wilson has been active since leaving the Seattle Seahawks after a decade of Hall of Fame caliber play. 

While his two seasons in Denver could be considered underwhelming and Wilson has fallen out of the good graces with some former teammates and coaches, his brand is as big as ever and most recently Essence magazine called him the “sexiest man of the moment” and in a Twitter/X announcement the magazine had the new Pittsburgh Steelers QB on the cover of its May/June men’s issue.

Wilson is married to the singing and dancing diva Ciara, so he keeps his profile high and image upscale through the good and bad of football. They are both mainstays at celebrity, philanthropic and other prestigious events of the wealthy and famous.

The caption reads:

“Throughout his storied tenure in the NFL, Russell has achieved unimaginable success on the gridiron. With a dynamic skill set and unique leadership qualities, he has established himself as a preeminent figure not only in football but also in entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and entertainment.”

Wilson has a secure bag and an estimated net worth of $165 million, which makes him the 46th-highest paid athlete in the world according to Forbes. His positive and unflappable attitude is sometimes bothersome to other players, especially in the midst of a rough defeat, but it’s what also makes Wilson so popular.

“Knowing who he is and who he is – is the reason he will always be the top pick and topic of conversation version.”

Russell Wilson Has High Fashion, Tough Guy Look On Essence Cover

In the photo, Russ is rocking the A1 QB fur, popularized by Joe Namath back in the late 60s, early 70s. The fur automatically implies elite status.  He accessorizes with several necklaces, a white Tee and blue jeans.

Essence appreciates Wilson’s authenticity. He’s been ridiculed for being a good father, a devoted husband and existing in a spiritual place that doesn’t allow defeat or disgust to affect his attitude towards people or his positive mentality. 

“To play 13 years in the NFL has been a dream come true,” Wilson told Essence. 

Having the opportunity to play for the first Black head coach of his NFL career is special as well. The Steelers and Mike Tomlin are at a crossroads as is Russell Wilson. Getting Russ for minimum money was a great come-up for Pittsburgh and he’s eager to ingratiate himself to the city. 

Essence Cover Doesn’t Top Greatest Gift In World: Playing For Mike Tomlin

“To be able to play for Mike Tomlin… to stand side by side with him and try to accomplish all the goals that I want to accomplish with the Steelers organization, and what that represents for the NFL, is one of the greatest gifts in the world,” Wilson told Essence.  

Wilson has put his Rocky Mountain experience in the rear view and has said that he’s coming back with the same hunger to win more rings and return to his status as an elite QB.

Pittsburgh and Mike Tomlin need for these confident predictions and passionate assertions to be true as they are in a loaded AFC where most of the top quarterbacks not named Patrick Mahomes still reside. When the season starts talk will be cheap, but for now Wilson, as usual, knows all the right things to say as he continues to fill his bank account and awards case and elevate as a celebrity figure.

More TSL Stories:

Saudi Tennis Federation Paid $40 Million To Host WTA Finals | Tennis Stars Could Be “Jailed and Tortured” For Speaking About Women’s Rights (theshadowleague.com)

Judge Upholds Self Defense Claim For Ja Morant Against Joshua Holloway | Is This a Clout Chase For Some of Ja Morant’s $231M Contract? (theshadowleague.com)

Paul Pierce’s Donovan Mitchell For LeBron James Trade Proposal Has Nothing To Do With Basketball | “Get Bronny To The League” Is A Real Mission (theshadowleague.com)

Judge Upholds Self Defense Claim For Ja Morant Against Joshua Holloway | Is This a Clout Chase For Some of Ja Morant’s $231M Contract?

Ja Morant is looking like a man who can be justified soon.

A two-year-old lawsuit launched by the teenager who accused Morant of punching him during a pickup basketball game amid an altercation is now being undercut by a claim of self-defense after ruling this week from the judge presiding over the case.

After weeks of considering all the testimony, Shelby County Court Circuit Judge Carol Chumney cited Tennessee law that states when self-defense can be applied. Morant “enjoys a presumption of civil immunity,” the judge wrote in a 44-page ruling concluding that Morant can argue he was acting in self-defense.

Joshua Holloway, then 17 years old at the time of the incident, sued Morant in September 2022. In a now-viral video where he discussed what happened with police, Holloway claimed the Grizzlies point guard hit him at the NBA star’s home in Tennessee during a competitive basketball game.

The incident occurred when his actions on and off the NBA hardwood complicated his ascension as one of the league’s young faces. Now, in Angel Reese’s posted words, “make sure that apology is “as loud as the disrespect.”

“We’re disappointed and will continue to take the steps necessary to protect and advocate for Joshua,” Holloway’s attorney Rebecca Adelman told ESPN on Tuesday.

Last July, the judge boosted Morant’s morale by agreeing to consider whether the Memphis Grizzlies frontman’s legal team may argue that the guard acted in self-defense.

Holloway alleges that during an in-game argument, he threw a ball at Morant and accidentally hit him in the face. He alleged Morant then became enraged and hit him on the chin with a closed fist. Morant and his best friend, Davonte Pack, were accused of assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect, and infliction of emotional distress in the lawsuit.

Morant remained steadfast in arguing that he was acting in self-defense. During the December court proceeding, he stated he was trying to protect himself from harm. The NBA handed Morant heavy sanctions for his activities, mainly those related to multiple firearms-related incidents. He served a 25-game suspension to start the season.

However, Morant is not in the clear. The lawsuit is still moving forward regardless of the ruling, as Holloway’s lawyers can seek to persuade a jury that the NBA player’s action did not constitute self-defense.The trial, originally slated for this month, is expected to be pushed to a later date.

Paul Pierce’s Donovan Mitchell For LeBron James Trade Proposal Has Nothing To Do With Basketball | “Get Bronny To The League” Is A Real Mission

With the NBA regular season coming to an end and the Lakers looking like a team that won’t go far in the playoffs, Undisputed host Paul Pierce decided to shake up social media and suggest a trade. Pierce says the Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers should consider a LeBron James for Donovan Michell trade if they lose in the play-in or the first round.

“If (the Lakers) flame out and lose in the play-in, I would consider  — if I was LeBron (James) — being traded back to Cleveland for Donovan Mitchell. … Bronny gets picked up by (the Cavs) and Brown has his farewell tour with his son in his last year. But it all depends on what the Lakers do this year.”

LeBron James For Donovan Mitchell Trade To Get Bronny To Cleveland With Pop?

It’s a fairy tale scenario if you think about it. With Bronny declaring for the draft despite all of the experts claiming he might not even be (or shouldn’t be) drafted, any commentary adverse to that opinion gets fans emotional. 

Donovan Mitchell’s attitude toward the franchise and bum knee seem to have Cleveland brass and fans a bit frustrated because it requires so much management and they are two games behind the Bucks in the division, still jostling for a top-four playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. 

“Donovan doesn’t want to be there,” Pierce said, “because we are not seeing signs of him wanting to re-sign.”

The podcast game is about hot takes, playing GM and rewriting history from your own personal perspective. When it comes to saying things that either make people scratch their heads, throw their phones, or burst out in laughter, Pierce is up there, akin to Gilbert Arenas. 

We know that Pierce doesn’t fear saying anything that might garner him public backlash. And he’s never going to stop his fans from getting an honest and raw look into his life, having already proved that when he lost his basketball analyst gig because he shamelessly was on social media with strippers and the best sinsemilla while contracted by Disney. 

Some Cleveland fans who have become unenamored with Mitchell and the Cavs’ inability to elevate like the sound of LeBron back home.

Podcasts and prime time morning sports shows have become a way for former players to manipulate past narratives, flex their insight as pros and also play general manager for ratings.

This Has Nothing To Do With Basketball

Maybe both teams need a change, but it’s not for basketball reasons. Pierce is romanticizing about the best case scenario for LeBron to accomplish his final basketball goal of playing with his son. We all know The King has long given up on winning another championship or catching Kobe and Jordan in rings. 

He is content with his legacy and also using his current NBA influence to springboard his son into a situation where they will play together. 

“My last year will be played with my son,” James told the Athletic in 2022. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”

With all that’s about to go down in what will be one of the greatest NBA playoffs in history, nobody wants to hear Pierce sacrifice Donovan Mitchell to the Lakers — a bottom-rung playoff team even with LeBron — so that Bronny can (undeservedly) get drafted and we can all bask in the glory of another accomplishment for LeBron James.

It’s great for the NBA and the marketing and promotion will be lucrative for the league. It’s also the best way for LeBron to cap his legacy and do something else that Jordan and the other Mount Rushmore candidates have never done. 

If Bron does intend to pull this off, it most likely won’t be with the Lakers, who have been held captive by King James for years and probably want to start with Anthony Davis and a clean slate, rather than take on the baggage and pressure of bringing in Bronny. 

As podcasts of this nature often go, Paul presented a situation that is unlikely to happen, but the audacity of the opinion is compelling and engaging. 

Don’t Count Out LeBron James: Bronny Will Play In NBA

We have all learned to never count out LeBron James, and he is always masterminding something for the future. He’s already told us that Bronny will be playing with him, so he’s going to everything he can to make that happen. 

Maybe Spida Mitchell would like to play with Anthony Davis. With both players healthy that’s a formidable duo. But both of them are aging veterans with knee issues so the Lakers would be setting themselves up for a load management debacle and probably another fight for the play-in game so that trade is a pipe dream. 

While fans continue to dismiss Bronny James, the league is working behind the scenes and on podcasts, to make this piece of history come true — and there might be sacrificial lambs or Spida’s in the process.

“If You Didn’t Watch Mike, You Can Watch Ant. He’s Like Michael Jordan” | 51-Point Explosion Says Jaden McDaniels Might Be Right About Anthony Edwards

Jaden McDaniels is a 23-year-old talented NBA forward trying to find his way in the league, and he’s fortunate enough to be playing with a rising Minnesota Timberwolves team alongside Anthony Edwards, one of the new faces of the NBA. 

McDaniels got another front row seat to Anthony’s ascension on Tuesday night, when Edwards scored a career-high 51 points in a crucial 130-121 comeback victory over Washington at Target Center.

Edwards, the 22-year-year old phenom, has been carrying a huge load with fellow superstar Karl Anthony-Towns sidelined by knee surgery to a partially torn meniscus since March 4. In Towns’ absence, Ant-Man’s been averaging more than 25 points per game, almost seven rebounds and 5.5 assists to lead the Timberwolves to an 12-5 record. 

Entering the last three games of the season, Minnesota is in control of its own fate to grab the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs which would be a huge accomplishment, starting with a battle for the No. 1 seed with the World Champion Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.

AntMan Drops 51: The Michael Jordan Comparison Won’t Go Away For Anthony Edwards  

Because of the absence of several stars this season, who have been in and out of the lineup, Edwards’ workhorse consistency and availability, has elevated him to a spotlight in the league. Some have even begun comparing him to Michael Jordan — no, not the actor, the actual basketball god, who is still considered The GOAT by the majority of basketball fans. 

Most have brushed this off as hyperbole, but McDaniels won’t let it die out, and he’s cosigning it for the generation who never got a chance to see MJ play live (which would include Daniels as well). 

“He’s like Michael Jordan,” McDaniels, who’s averaged 10.6 points per game as a small forward, told one sports publication. “If you didn’t watch Mike, you can watch Ant.” He’s like Michael Jordan. That’s all I can say, he’s like Michael Jordan.

When asked what makes Edwards comparable to MJ, McDaniels replied enthusiastically: 

“They’re relentless. They’ve got the athleticism, fadeaway, mid-range and all of that.” 

Edwards was all of that during his career-high scoring output. With his assistant coach turning 50 this week and 50 cent in the audience, Edwards put on a Jordanesque show.

Jaden McDaniels Says Watching Antman Is Same As Watching Michael Jordan

Edwards is certainly on the rise in the NBA hierarchy of stars. He’s not only performing at an elite level every night, but his team is winning and, despite his scoring ability, the organization and his teammates agree that his improved decision-making and passing are what have elevated him to a Top 3 level in the game. 

His confidence is probably what makes Daniels compare him to the greatest athlete to ever touch a basketball. I will still call major hyperbole on that, but it does give us clear insight into how respected and revered Ant Man is by his other teammates, which explains why role players such as McDaniels award such lofty praise. 

Now, McDaniels being just 23 is a reason to totally ignore that man when he compares Edwards to Jordan. McDaniels couldn’t begin to understand the impact Jordan had on the game or how effective he was as a basketball player. Or how fundamentally sound he was.

A couple of ridiculous in-game dunks isn’t enough to warrant a Jordan comparison.

It is, however, a great standard to try to reach. For now, Edwards is a bunch of scoring titles, six championships, a bunch of first-team All-NBA selections, a couple slam dunk championships and 100 Nike commercials away from reaching Jordan levels. 

That journey starts with this year’s 2024 playoffs, where no team is a clear favorite to win it all. With Towns cleared for full-contact, 5-on-5 basketball activities and progressing toward his return, Edwards and the crew are gearing up for the time of year that made Michael Jordan the second-greatest winner in NBA history behind Bill Russell and the unofficial logo. 

Can’t wait to see what the young boy got. His teammates already think he’s Jordanesque and if he keeps dropping 50 and winning, who knows what the future holds.

Record Ratings Won’t Change Things Overnight | Men’s NCAA Tournament Earned $873M For TV Rights, The Women’s Tournament Earned $6.5M

Thanks to the heroic exploits of Caitlin Clark, the tenacious excellence of Angel Reese and LSU, Dawn Staley‘s mastermind and Kamilla Cardoso‘s ferocity and fashion, women’s college basketball reached new heights in ratings, outdrawing the men’s tournament for the first time ever.

South Carolina’s win over Iowa was seen by a ridiculous 18.7 million viewers and peaked at 24.7 million. The social media discussion involved millions more commenting on every shot, every referee’s call and bounce of the ball. It was that intense.

That’s an 89 percent increase from the 2023 title game and a 285 percent increase from 2022. ESPN says it is the most-watched basketball game (men’s or women’s, college or pro) since 2019.

Surge In Women’s Basketball Viewership Doesn’t Equal Closing Revenue Gap On Men

While this surge in viewership highlights the growing popularity and recognition of women’s college basketball, it doesn’t necessarily equate to a change in the revenue, resources or perceived entertainment value gap between men and women’s basketball.

Digging deeper, there’s also a notable disparity in the bags that the women’s teams competing in the Final Four get en route to that level of NCAA Tournament play in comparison to the men’s teams, to accomplish the same goals.

That’s why NIL deals in the millions that Clark and Reese and LSU guard Flau’Jae Johnson were able to secure go a long way toward narrowing the revenue gap that exists.

Men’s Basketball Still Rules Revenue Wars

The men’s teams competing in the Final Four (NC State, UConn, Purdue and Alabama) made significantly more for its tournament success than their female counterparts, according to a recent report by Business Insider. Mmm

As far as revenue for all Final Four teams in both women’s and men’s D-1 college basketball UConn raked in $24.1 million, Alabama hauled in $19 million, Purdue was a close third ($18.9 million) and North Carolina State was fourth ($15.4 million) but made $5.9 million more than the highest-grossing Women’s Final Four team, South Carolina ($9.5 million).

UConn women are second with a revenue of $8.5 million. University of Iowa ($1.7 million) and North Carolina State ($1.1 million) each generate a fraction of the highest-grossing men’s team.

These numbers are sure to take a bump up because of the success of this year’s women’s tournament, especially for the powerhouse teams, whose stars have become household names in the basketball world over the past two seasons.

But the revenue numbers shed some light on the challenges that women’s college basketball has to overcome even as its viewership skyrockets.

Iowa’s Final Four win over LSU averaged 12.3 million viewers on ESPN, according to Nielsen. In comparison, only one of the first 64 men’s games in the tournament had more viewers. North Carolina State’s win over Duke, caught 15.1 million eyeballs, according to ESPN.

With the reported 150 percent boost in Iowa Hawkeyes women’s home attendance, and increase in merchandise, tickets and concession sales boosted by an increase in attendance thanks to Caitlin Clark. Sustainability will always be a question. Especially in a situation where Clark WAS Iowa basketball and now, she’s leaving.

Men’s Basketball Earned 99 Percent More In TV Rights Than Women

The key advantage that men’s sports continue to have over women’s sports, at any level from high school to professional are the TV contracts. The women’s tournament generated more viewers than the men’s tournament, but only earned $6.5M for TV rights. Meanwhile, the men’s tournament earned 99 percent more money, a whopping $873M for TV rights.

Let’s also look at ESPN’s TV contracts. The NCAA’s TV contract with ESPN to broadcast the championship events in 40 different college sports doesn’t expire until 2032 and is worth $115 million a year but must be shared throughout all of those sports. That doesn’t benefit women’s basketball which is by far the leading revenue-generating among all D-1 college sports played by women.

In comparison, the deal for the men’s college hoops is worth more than $1.1 billion annually. So there’s still a tremendous disparity in how corporations perceive the value of women’s college sports in general.

Despite the gains that are being made by women on the court and with NIL deals and also expanding, elevating and popularizing their game, there’s still tons of work to do to get women’s sports to a place where it is perceived as a revenue-generating property by the businesses and networks who determine where they should spend their budgeted advertising dollars.  

In the meantime, the women’s game will continue to reap the long-term benefits of Caitlin Clark’s two-year reign as one of the most polarizing athletes in sports. Her anticipated arrival in the NBA, along with Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championships Most Outstanding Player, sets the WNBA up for some great storylines and a new host of players who already enter with a social media following and an immediate popularity not afforded past greats.  

It’s already rubbing some of the old guard the wrong way, but this new wave is needed to also increase the visibility and legacy of someone like Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer. 

WNBA and Prime Re-Up For 21 More Games

On Friday, Prime Video and the Women’s National Basketball Association announced a multi-year rights extension in which Prime Video will continue to be the exclusive national streaming partner of 21 WNBA games each season, including the Championship Game of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase. 

The 2023 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup attracted the largest audience for a WNBA game ever for Prime Video, nearly doubling the viewership of the 2022 contest.

“We are incredibly pleased that Prime Video is making a meaningful and continued commitment to the WNBA and will once again provide a great platform to showcase the world-class athletes of our league across the regular season and particularly with its streaming of the Championship Game of the new, streamlined Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison.

Women’s basketball is in its own lane and pointing out pay disparity and systemic obstacles to financial success is one’s right. However, if they continue to focus on the product, portion and quality of the players, the money will come. The recognition will follow. It might not happen overnight, but women’s basketball is in an incredible space as we approach the 2024 Olympics this summer in Paris from July 26-Aug. 11.  

‘Not Bringing In Some Cracker Jack Box Off The Street’ | Keyshawn Johnson Says Dawn Staley Is Best Candidate For Charlotte Hornets Coach Opening

Dawn Staley has accomplished everything there is to accomplish as a women’s basketball coach, so it would make sense that she would be in consideration to break the NBA coaching gender barrier by being hired to replace Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford.

She lives 90 miles down the road in Columbia. She’s got deep Charlotte roots and she’s ready for the next level.

Clifford, 62, stepped down from the head job Wednesday, effective at the end of the season later this month. He said he no longer had the “certain energy level that you need to be able to have a chance to coach effectively in this league.”

Dawn Staley Candidate For NBA Job?

Well Staley lacks no energy and at 53 years old she still has the fight and ambition to coach effectively in any league. 

Staley’s name has been a rumored candidate for the job. It was assumed that former San Antonio Spurs assistant and current LA Vegas WNBA Championship coach Becky Hammons would be the first woman to assume a head coach position with a men’s NBA team. 

Hammon had the support of players and five-time NBA Champion Gregg Popovich, who said two years ago that she was ready. 

Hammon’s shot never came, so in 2021 she went to the WNBA and proceed to win back-to-back championships with the Las Vegas Aces. 

Keyshawn Johnson Wants Dawn Staley to Coach Charlotte Hornets

Former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson says Staley would be the perfect candidate for the young Hornets team. 

“I wanted her at USC to coach our men’s team,” Johnson said on Undisputed on Monday morning. “When our guy left and went to SMU. First thing I said was, ‘they got to go get Dawn Staley.” 

Keyshawn admits that he didn’t know Staley was raking in that kind of bag for coaching women’s basketball. She’s currently tied for second behind LSU’s Kate Mulkey at $3.1 million per season and each season her salary increases $100,000. Staley’s national championship run this season earned her another $680,000 in bonuses.

So, she is not hurting financially, and it would take a very convincing number to get Staley to leave the nondescript SEC program she built into a juggernaut. Especially with two of the Top 5 prep prospects in the country joining her undefeated squad next season. 

Johnson, however, feels like the prestige and importance of being the first should be a big enough attraction for Staley, who has built her career on shattering glass ceilings and striving for perfection. He also feels that she has the cachet to demand the respect required to manage and positively manipulate a roster of millionaire ballers. 

“Now I didnt know that they would make that kind of money as a coach in college basketball, “Johnson said. “Money aside, I think not only is she qualified,” said Keyshawn as he read off the laundry list of accolades Staley has acquired throughout her illustrious career as a player and coach. 

“I can go on and on about the accolades, but here’s why I would want to do it if I was Dawn Staley,” Keyshawn reasoned. “Because now I’m changing the landscape. I’m not only a woman, but I’m also a woman of color and I have an opportunity to go be the first female NBA head coach, because I can always go back to college if I choose too like everybody else. You take that job and say I want to do it because I’m the first to ever do it.” 

Keyshawn Johnson Didn’t Want GM Job Because He Wouldn’t Be First Black

Keyshawn compares Staley’s situation to when he retired from the NFL after a fruitful career and, to co-host Skip Bayless’ surprise, says he was considering an opportunity to become a general manager. 

“There were talks of me becoming a general manager,” Keyshawn said, provoking a chuckle and a look of disbelief from co-host Skip Bayless. “I looked at it many times over, but I wasn’t going to be the first. Ozzie Newsome had already accomplished that and many people thereafter, so it didn’t intrigue me. I didn’t want to go through everything you have to go through in the general manager role.”

Women in sports are no longer so far separated from the men’s game that nobody would consider them qualified to coach men. At this point, it’s about getting an opportunity. The Hornets, once LaMelo Ball returns from his ankle issues, will return to being a young, exciting team. Maybe a new coach, with some new energy would benefit the franchise that Michael Jordan once owned. 

“Dawn Staley would set just another whole standard of the way to do things,” Keyshawn said.  “Yeah, girl go get that. Go get it. Players are going to listen to her. You’re not bringing in some cracker jack box from off the street. And you know she can coach, regardless of if it’s a female or men’s game, X’s and O’s are the same.”

With women’s college basketball setting record numbers for viewers, now would be the time for Staley, who’s coming off her third straight Naismith coach of the Year award and has won 74 of her last 75 games, to seize the moment if the opportunity presents itself. 

Several outlets have called for Staley to get a shot but there’s been no response or acknowledgement from the Charlotte Hornets organization or the NBA regarding the Hornets’ coaching search.

More TSL Stories:

It’s Not Just Black Girls Who Think Caitlin Clark Is Overhyped | Four-Time NCAA Champion Breanna Stewart Says Clark Must Win Title To Be All-Time Great (theshadowleague.com)

“Why Don’t You Answer No … Questions About Aaron Rodgers?” | Kwame Brown Refuses To Be Black Bashing Board For Gilbert Arena’s Thirst For White Validation (theshadowleague.com)

Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Drops 61 After Asking Teammate Josh Hart, Who Makes $13M Per Season, “So What Do You Get Paid To Do?” (theshadowleague.com)

50 Years Ago Hank Aaron Hit Home Run 715, Breaking Babe Ruth’s Record | MLB Is Just 6 Percent Black But 100 Percent Invested In Getting Bros Back On The Diamond

Hank Aaron passed away back in January of 2021 at age 86.

Baseball has suffered some considerable losses in the past few years: Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Dick Allen, Tony Fernandez, Tom Seaver, Tommy Lasorda, J.R. Richard, and Don Sutton and Vida Blue, just to name a few.

It seemed as if Aaron would live forever. Baseball’s “true” home run king was probably the second most influential African-American player in the history of the sport after Jackie Robinson, an undeniable national treasure and inspiration for all.

One Home Run Changed The Game

Most can’t honestly understand what a single home run meant 50 years ago. After all, we have seen so much change since April 8, 1974. We even had a two-term African American president in Barack Obama.

If you think that was a pipe dream in 1974, the same would be said about a Black man having the most home runs in Major League Baseball history.

Before that historic blast, four days earlier, Aaron tied the iconic Babe Ruth with a bomb against “The Big Red Machine.

First, Jackie Robinson broke down the color barrier. Then, it was Aaron, making the national pastime ours.

Today is the 50th anniversary of Aaron’s 715th home run. Aaron’s homer off of Dodgers’ Al Downing at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium broke Babe Ruth’s long-standing record of 714 home runs.

It was a mark most thought would stand forever.

It was such a big deal that not all celebrated. In fact, Aaron was more relieved than happy. Aaron received racist hate mail and death threats. His kids had security people watching over them during their dad’s pursuit of a piece of American history.

He came a long way from Mobile, Alabama. Born on Feb. 5, 1934, Henry Louis Aaron was one of eight children born to Herbert and Estella Aaron. As he challenged the mythical Babe Ruth for MLB’s sacred record back in the 1970s, he received death threats and racist taunts at the ballparks.

Aaron stood brave and prevailed.

The Braves have honored Aaron in so many ways over the years. In 2014 they wore 40th-anniversary patches on their uniform sleeves to mark the historic occasion. He was revered until his death at age 86.

And while some won’t forget Aaron’s shining moment, he doesn’t always get the props he deserves.

After all, Aaron played 23 seasons and nearly averaged 100 RBI a season (2,297 RBI total). His production was as consistent as a windshield wiper and impactful as the words of James Baldwin.

Of course, Barry Bonds, another Black Knight, passed Aaron as baseball’s home run king. Aaron hit 755 and Bonds hit 762. The validity of Bonds’ homers is questioned by many baseball fans and HOF voters to this day.

But nearly a half-century ago, it was Aaron’s blast over the left-field fence in Atlanta that transformed America, allowing Black people all over this country to take ownership of the greatest title in the land. Like they were sharing a big pot of gumbo.

It’s a great moment in our history. A shining moment for Black baseball.

Number Of Blacks In MLB Still Low At 6 Percent

According to the latest stats released on April 8 by MLB, while the number might not meet the desires of Black baseball fans, they are nonetheless promising and indicate an increase in the future.

The numbers also indicate that MLB’s Diversity and Developmental Program and the various events such as the Dream Series, Hank Aaron Invitational, etc. are actually working and helping to produce more interest in the game at the grass-roots level and more draftable prospects.

Overall, there were 57 Black players on Opening Day rosters (a decrease of two players from 2023)

NOTE: there are eight more players on overall Opening Day rosters (incl. active, IL, restricted, suspended), which brings down the percentage 0.2 points. 

There are 10 teams with three or more Black players – Baltimore Orioles (3), Cincinnati Reds (3), Cleveland Guardians (4), Miami Marlins (5), Milwaukee Brewers (3), Minnesota Twins (3), New York Yankees (5), Pittsburgh Pirates (3), St. Louis Cardinals (4), Washington Nationals (4). 

There are 27 additional Black players on 40-man rosters who are currently in the minor leagues or have already been called up.

On a positive front, two Black players have already been called up from the non-40 man rosters – Austin Martin (Minnesota) and Trey Lipscomb (Washington)

On Spring Breakout rosters, 9.5 percent of the players were Black, while 46 percent of the rosters were overall diverse.

Thirty of the 74 Black players on Spring Breakout rosters were alumni of MLB’s Development (“MLB Develops”)

MLB DRAFT: 

Black players have represented a high percentage of top selections in the past three years, (12 of top 100 in 2021; 13 of top 100 in 2022; 10 of the top 50 in 2023). 

COLLEGE PARTICIPATION:

Overall, more than 635 MLB Develops program alumni played college baseball.  Approximately 90% of this group is Black (570 players) 

Beyond the numbers, MLB is developing a mentor-student dynamic between the OG Black players and the new generation who learn from them in these programs, forging a brotherhood where the experienced players help the younger prospects to navigate any systemic or cultural challenges they have as they climb the ladder to the next level of baseball as a minority.

That’s an aspect of baseball’s efforts to increase Black participation that Hank Aaron would be proud of.

More TSL Stories:

Jazz Chisholm Keeps It Real On Culture Clash With Non-Black Miami Marlins Teammates And Fighting For A “Colorless” Clubhouse (theshadowleague.com)

“Doesn’t Matter To Me”| Marcus Stroman Establishes Boundaries With Desperate Yankees By Refusing Opening Day Start (theshadowleague.com)

“The NFL Got A Problem” | Deion Sanders Thinks Two-Way Star Travis Hunter Should Get Paid Like NFL’s Version Of $700 Million MLB Star Shohei Ohtani (theshadowleague.com)

Dawn Staley’s $5,370 Louis Vuitton Jacket Was In Line With Her $3.1M Salary and Elite Pedigree| So What’s The Problem?

On Sunday, Dawn Staley and her South Carolina Gamecocks defeated Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes to win their third NCAA championship under Staley’s auspices. The Gamecocks are now the 10th NCAA Division I women’s basketball team to go undefeated for an entire season and the first team since UConn in 2016.

However, amid the 38-0 season and stopping Caitlin Clark from ending her red-hot collegiate career with a championship win, the streets are more focused on Dawn Staley’s drip at the championship than her phenomenal rise as a player-turned-coach.

Move over LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey as Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks, the next best fashionable NCAA women’s basketball coach award goes to Staley.

Sweating Dawn Staley’s Fits

The Philadelphian and former WNBA star wore a metallic silver motorcycle jacket-style top with black trim and unique front pockets. Replete with LV logo sneakers on her feet, the outfit is from the fashion house’s recent collaboration with rapper Tyler The Creator.

Some social media users began to hate it once they realized the Louis Vuitton Graphic Accent top made with silver calfskin cost $5,370.

Dawn Staley Earns $680K Bonus

Interestingly, Staley earned a $250,000 bonus for the Gamecocks’ 87-75 win over Iowa. Her run to the title triggered bonuses of $150,000 for making the Final Four and another $250,000 for winning the title, completing $680,000 in total incentives achieved this season. This equates to a lot more Louis Vuitton drip flooding your timeline shortly. Staley earned $15,000 for winning 11 or more SEC regular season games (16-0 in the SEC). Staley also won $15,000 for finishing in the Top 25 of the AP or Coaches Poll, $100,000 for winning both the SEC regular season championship and the SEC Tournament Championship, $25,000 for being named the SEC Coach of the Year, and $25,000 for winning Naismith National Coach of the Year.

Cha-ching leads to bling bling.

However, for the naysayers of Staley’s fashion, you must not have been paying attention; Staley stays fresh. With the bonuses above on top of Staley’s $3.1 million annual salary, she can afford to be as fly as she wants to, and she exercises that privilege well. Where Mulkey is sequins and pantsuit fabulous, Staley represents the urban mentality of high-end luxury streetwear. Its nothing to see her walking up and down the sideline in the top luxury brands while her team is intimidating the hardwood with their cohesion.

With talk of her team being compared to thugs for their style of play, Staley needed to be a lightning rod of attention as her team soared into the record books and put a damper on the Caitlin Clark senior year story. Staley’s coaches also reportedly earned a bonus of one month’s base salary for simply making it to the tournament and another month’s pay for South Carolina making the Final Four.

For South Carolina associate head coach Lisa Boyer, that equates to $67,000, on top of her $400,000 annual salary. Expect a coaching core that may stunt like their mommy next season.

More TSL Stories:

Dawn Staley Wins Another Naismith Coach of The Year Award With $680,000 Bonus Reasons To Win Her Third National Championship (theshadowleague.com)

Sike! | Glen Taylor Doesn’t Want Alex Rodriguez’ $2 Billion Because There’s Bags To Be Made With Rise Of Anthony Edwards And WNBA (theshadowleague.com)

It’s Not Just Black Girls Who Think Caitlin Clark Is Overhyped | Four-Time NCAA Champion Breanna Stewart Says Clark Must Win Title To Be All-Time Great  (theshadowleague.com)

NBA Mommy Wars: “He Dont Fear Shooters.” Sonya Curry vs Teroya Eason Turned Into A Resume Check For The OG Basketball Mom

The NBA is currently in the midst of a mommy battle.

After the Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 110-133 on Thursday, Steph Curry avenged Rockets player Tari Eason by trolling him on the sideline.

After Curry and Draymond Green expressed their opinions about Eason’s provocations toward their team, Steph’s mother jumped in the comments, saying, “Who is he?!!”

Eason’s mother needed to let Sonya Curry know precisely who her son was.

“Hey girl! He’s my son,” posted the Rockets player’s mother, Teroya Eason. A REALLY good kid. The most effective player in LSU history +holds SEC history. He don’t fear shooters, we a team sport D-up family! He’s built for glory. Don’t listen to me listen to the main reason you win rings. Tari “they better he’s playing” Eason. Xo.”

After the Rockets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 27, Eason, who has been out with a leg injury since Jan. 1, took to his Instagram Stories to mimic a scene from the movie “The Warriors,” saying the iconic sinister line: “Warriors! Come out and playyy!” The Rockets were on a 10-game win streak that extended to 11 when they defeated the Utah Jazz next.

However, fast-forward, and after a loss to the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Rockets got schooled by the Warriors. With Eason on the bench, Steph Curry couldn’t help but turn the tide on Eason’s Warriors jab. With three bottles on his fingers, Curry tapped the glasses — mimicking a gesture from a scene in the movie — as the Warriors sealed the deal on the Rockets.

“That’s pretty lame,” said Klay Thompson at the postgame press conference. “Especially if you’re not even playing. It’s one thing if you’re playing and you’re out there competing and you can back it up, but if you’re just gonna be trolling from the sideline, bro, what are we doing? The times we talk mess, at least we’re out there competing.”

Draymond Green supported Eason’s trolling but tempered it with the same questioning about how the second-year Rockets player delivered it from the sideline, not the hardwood.

“I love it, I love it. Like I said on my podcast, Tari, if you’re going to say that, you got to play, though,” said Green in the locker room after the game. “You can’t come out and say that and not play. But I know what type of player he is.”

Tari Eason averaged 9.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, playing 21.5 minutes per game as a Rockets rookie in the 2022-23 season. Averaging 9.8 points in the 2023-24 season, Eason played in 22 games and now is out for what looks like the remainder of the season now that the team is on a four-game losing streak.

Eason and the young upstart Rockets are looking to make their name in the league, and mothers are not above jumping into the online mud with the players.

More TSL Stories:

Dawn Staley Wins Another Naismith Coach of The Year Award With $680,000 Bonus Reasons To Win Her Third National Championship (theshadowleague.com)

Dawn Staley’s $5,370 Louis Vuitton Jacket Was In Line With Her $3.1M Salary and Elite Pedigree| So What’s The Problem? (theshadowleague.com)

NBA Mommy Wars: “He Dont Fear Shooters.” Sonya Curry vs Teroya Eason Turned Into A Resume Check For The OG Basketball Mom (theshadowleague.com)

Caitlin Clark Was The Future, But Only For A Second | Chloe Kitts and Freshmen Tessa Johnson and MiLaysia Fulwiley Lead South Carolina To Third National Title

Caitlin Clark stole the show in the first quarter of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament national championship game by scoring a record 18 points. But after that, it was all about the future of South Carolina basketball and how a trio of underclassmen led South Carolina to an 87-75 win and a third national title for Dawn Staley. 

Underclassmen Lead South Carolina

Sophomore Chloe Kitts (11 points, 10 boards) hit the boards and got active when Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks team needed an offensive spark.

“I’ve been through so many ups and downs and I’m just so excited to be able to celebrate a national championship,” Kitts said on the podium after receiving trophy and being credited for her work on the defensive end.

Freshman Tessa Johnson was masterful offensively, dropping a team-high 19 points, four boards and an assist, as well as going 3 of 6 from three. She took over in key moments hitting big shots down the stretch.

“I wanted to win,” said Johnson after the game. “And our teammates are just encouraging. I don’t feel pressure because the team and coaches I have. … No matter if I make a mistake, they are always going to encourage me and never let me give up on myself.“

Future Is Bright For Dawn Staley

These are the kinds of diamonds that Dawn Staley’s tough-love coaching approach forges.  

“The culture that coach Staley has,” kept this team together despite bringing in five new starters,” Johnson said. “The atmosphere. The environment we are in.”

Freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley scored a key nine points, with four rebounds and four assists. She had a masterful all-around game and brought high energy and elite athleticism throughout the game.

Let’s not forget Staley is adding the No.1 player in country in Joyce Edwards, McDonald’s All-American game MVP from New Jersey. Also, Madisen McDaniel from DC, a star at Bishop McNamara who also played in the game and is the No.5 prospect in the country.

Kamilla Cardoso Saves Best For Last

Senior Kamilla Cardoso put an emphatic bow on a tremendous career, adding a career-high 17 rebounds and South Carolina needed every one of those to keep the ball out of Clark’s hands, as the two-time Naismith Player of the Year scored just 12 points after that explosive first quarter. 

Both Cardoso and Clark will be top 5 picks in the WNBA Draft on April 15.

Dawn Staley Completes 38-0 Season

An emotional Dawn Staley couldn’t even gather herself enough to talk as the tears streamed and she put her head in her hands while being interviewed on the court right after the emotional win.

“You have to let young people be who they are,” Staley said. “You have to guide them, and help them navigate through, but when young people lock in and have a belief and trust, this is what can happen. They etched their names in the history book when this was the most unlikely group to do it. God rips your heart out and makes you believe the unimaginable.” 

Staley’s team surrendered 41 points to Clark in last season’s Final Four loss, and for a team that is 74-1 in its past 75 games, it was unlikely that even Clark’s heroics could overcome another superior game plan, perfectly executed by the game’s best women’s basketball coach.

More TSL Stories:

Hank Aaron’s 715th Moon Shot Changed the Complexion of MLB’s Sacred Record Books (theshadowleague.com)

TSL BIG DANCE THROWBACK ATTACK: Magic Moments – Tyus Edney’s Miracle Shot (theshadowleague.com)

Dawn Staley’s $5,370 Louis Vuitton Jacket Was In Line With Her $3.1M Salary and Elite Pedigree| So What’s The Problem? (theshadowleague.com)

“You Look Super Human Playing Against 18-Year-Olds”| While 19,000 Swarm To See Caitlin Clark Practice, WNBA Legend Diana Taurasi Sends Warning Shots

Win or lose Sunday’s NCAA Women’s Basketball championship game against South Carolina, Caitlin Clark has a daunting task ahead of her after the pomp and circumstance of the WNBA draft on April 15 passes and she begins her pro career as the hunted. 

19,000 Register To See Caitlin Clark Practice

The Clark Effect is undeniable. She’s even selling out her practices. On Saturday, Iowa had an open practice, and some 19,000 people registered to see it.

The more the media and women’s college basketball fans and the casual fan caught up in this shining moment for women’s hoops amplify Clark’s growing legend, the more the WNBA legends, who have paved the way for players like Clark, and still have skin in the game, are salivating for an opportunity to put her to the test. 

“Reality is coming,” WNBA legend Diana Taurasi warned, flanked by her former UConn teammate Sue Bird, said recently on their “Bird & Taurasi Show.” “There’s levels to this thing. … You look superhuman playing against some 18-year-olds, but you’re going to come play with some grown women that been playing professional basketball for a long time.

Taurasi’s comments come on the heels of former UConn star Breanna Stewart challenging the validity of Clark’s greatness if the Iowa guard is unable to close the deal on Sunday and win a title. 

Is Diana Taurasi Hating On Caitlin Clark?

You can’t say Taurasi is hating. The woman they call “White Mamba” is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer with 10,108 points. To put that in perspective Tina Thompson is second with 7,488.

The Phoenix Mercury star was Caitlin Clark before Caitlin Clark when she was the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA draft. The three-time WNBA champion with the Mercury (in 2007, 2009, and 2014), has a WNBA MVP award and two WNBA Finals MVP Awards.

For good measure, Taurasi is a five-time Olympic gold medalist (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020) and with five WNBA scoring titles and three FIBA World Cups

So, all of these comments are more warnings for Clark to buckle up those bootstraps after her final college season. The WNBA isn’t going to be a cake walk. There are bigger stars who have put in the work and built the league with their bare hands to a point that all Clark has to do is be the real deal and life is great. She will have to earn it though. Not just on the court, but the respect of other players and teammates. 

Remember how all of the NBA players went at Lonzo Ball when he entered the NBA as a victim and benefactor of his dad LaVar’s hype train? Every night, another All-Star was trying to humiliate the rookie. That’s the kind of heat Clark should be prepared for.

WNBA Stars Gunning For Caitlin Clark

Tarausi and Stewart and all of the WNBA players who were sour that Ice Cube offered Clark a $5M deal to play in his 3-on-3 Big3 League know that Clark has game. But as Taurasi pointed out, nobody’s a teenage girl in the pros. Those are grown women who don’t have NIL deals but do have immense talent and play at a high level for all the marbles.  

There’s going to be an adjustment period. It’s up to Clark how long it takes for her to get in her groove with a new team and a new role in Indiana. 

“Not saying it’s not going to translate, because when you’re great at what you do you’re just going to get better,” Taurasi added for some clarification. “But there is going to be a transition period where you have to give yourself some grace as a rookie. It might take a little bit longer for some people.”

It probably won’t take long for Clark, who is also a deft passer, which will translate well at the next level. What we do know is that all of the top dawgs in the WNBA are waiting to get a crack on the chosen one to establish whether she’s really “the savior.” 

“We’ve Got To Emphasize Education” | Deion Sanders Says NIL Hunting Is Only Beneficial For 10 Percent Of Football Players

Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is currently guiding his football team through their second spring football practice with him at the helm. With the annual spring game scheduled to take place on Saturday April 27, the festivities begin as early as Thursday April 25. In what’s being dubbed the “Black and Gold Weekend,” the hype in and around Boulder is at its usual elevated peak. 

Sanders, the maestro behind program’s evolving turnaround, is also an old school stickler who believes in keeping it a buck with his players.

This could be about life amongst other things, but especially as it pertains to how they conduct themselves in the classroom. Since his time at Jackson State and now at Colorado, Coach Prime has always stressed that players need to remember that they’re student-athletes and not the other way around. 

Deion Calls Today’s Era An “NIL State Of Mind”

In what has quickly become the pay-for-play era with student-athletes now legally able to monetarily capitalize on their name, image and likeness the effort in the classroom isn’t the same. As one who preaches accountability, Sanders recently laid into his team for lack of participation in classes, as professors issued a series of negative reviews concerning his players and their attempt to skate by. 

During a recent team meeting a visibly irritated Sanders lambasted his players by reading emails from various professors aloud. He talked about making good decisions, while being smart and accountable for your actions as young men who hopefully will one day be fathers and husbands. Sanders believes the NIL game has warped classroom studies. In an interview after the meeting Sanders had this to say. 

“I’m a little frustrated, and I’m a little angry right now. We, in this new collective and NIL state of mind, we’ve got youngsters that are all in one side of the game. Ninety percent of your roster ain’t going pro, so, coaches, we’ve got to emphasize education. We’ve got to emphasize life. We’ve got to emphasize the next step.

“Today was not wonderful, but I’ll be darned if I allow these kids to get out of here without something.”

Coach Prime Wants His Players To Apply Themselves Academically

Deion seems focused on making sure his players do all they can to graduate and take full advantage of the college life. He’s long told his players that he wants them sitting in the front of the classroom and participating in all lesson activities.

As of now that seems to have fallen on deaf ears with some of his players. While it happened, you can expect those players to tighten things up and become more involved in their studies, if not this won’t be the last time he calls them out.  

More TSL:

“Ain’t Nobody Ever Gave Him A Thang” | Deion Sanders Co-Signs Son Shedeur Sanders’ Rant About ‘The Struggle’ (theshadowleague.com)

‘That Stuff Matters’: Deion Sanders Thinks Shedeur Sanders and Caleb Williams’ NFL Careers Will Suffer If They’re Drafted By Cold-Weather Franchises (theshadowleague.com)

Hailey Van Lith Took It There | You’re Mad Because She Owned Her Privilege and Rides For “Dirty Debutantes”  (theshadowleague.com)

Another Way To Grab The Greens| Golf Gave Rapper Schoolboy Q Peace His $6M Music Career Didn’t Provide

Rapper Schoolboy Q has always had an affirmation for the game of golf. The five-time Grammy-nominated rapper who was born in Germany but raised in California burst on the scene in 2008 with his debut mixtape “ScHoolboy Turned Hustla.”

The West Coast lyricist, who cites rappers Biggie Smalls, Nas and 50 Cent as his biggest influences, with 50 being the reason he began to take the craft seriously, also enjoys the game of golf. 

He has a net worth of $6M according to Celebrity Net Worth, from music and shrewd business endeavors, but says golf brought him peace in life and he started participating in Pro-Am events. His celebrity handicap in the 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am was 12.

Q has long talked about how the sport of golf played a role in helping him learn about himself as a person. Thanks to the great Tiger Woods and his rise to fame, hearing a minority say something like that doesn’t come as a surprise.

Q even boasted about taking five years off from the music industry because of golf and the racism he encountered trying to immerse himself in the community.

Q Opens Up On Podcast

During a recent appearance on fellow rapper Lil Yachty’s podcast, Q talked about his love for the sport, and how he made a bag off of it. When asked what made him give up music for five years, Q told Yachty:

“I was able to relax for five years,” he said. “I made a lot of money off rap, but golf helped me a lot.”

Interesting, but Q helped roll out the video game PGA Tour 2K21, and even appearing in the game’s launch while also performing at the launch party in Tinseltown. Q says for every successful rich rapper there are stories of those who go broke when things slow down, and he for one refused to be in that dynamic, so he found other avenues to bring in money. Golf just happened to be lucrative for him.

What Made Q Fall In Love With The Game?

While participating in the 2022 Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California, Q mentioned to the Golf Channel how golf helped changed his entire perspective on life.

“Coming from where I come from, the life that I had, I never thought about playing golf,” Q said. “I got into it, and it changed my mental, it let me learn myself as a person. Like, this is why certain things in my life are going bad or certain things are going good, because of the attitude thing. It fixed my attitude in my life. It fixed a whole lot of things about me in life.”

“Life is a golf game,” he continued. “Some good shots. Some bad shots. But most importantly keep going because you never know. Don’t give up because you’re in the sand on the fourth shot, you might chip it in. It just taught me about life, you feel me?” 

Q also told Golf Digest in 2019 that a $10K bet was where he got his first feel for the sport. And according to him he hasn’t looked back since. 

More TSL Stories:

It’s Not Just Black Girls Who Think Caitlin Clark Is Overhyped | Four-Time NCAA Champion Breanna Stewart Says Clark Must Win Title To Be All-Time Great  (theshadowleague.com)

Dawn Staley Wins Another Naismith Coach of The Year Award With $680,000 Bonus Reasons To Win Her Third National Championship (theshadowleague.com)

LaVar Ball Is Back, and He’s Pissed | Did Puma, Bad Trainers Or Big Baller Brand Lead To Career-Stifling Knee and Ankle Problems For Ball Brothers? (theshadowleague.com)

NBA

Stephen A. Smith Sends Scathing Message To LeBron and Bronny James: ‘You Put This Kid Behind The Eight Ball, and Now He’s a Target’

Latest News

NFL

Urine Might Be Grandma’s Secret Formula For Longevity In Pro Sports: Ask Chad Johnson, Jorge Posada and Moises Alou

NBA

“She’s Grown?! Damn, Time Really Flies!”: Sidney Duncan, Daughter Of NBA Legend Tim Duncan, Is Carving Her Own Path With Stanford Volleyball 

NFL

“We Don’t Think A Computer Should Decide Country’s No. 1 Quarterback”: Marshall Faulk and 12 NFL Hall of Famers Start All Pro Scouting To Fix Broken High School Ranking System

NCAA

‘We’re Gonna Marry Before The Kids’: College Hoops Social Media Star Mikey Williams Shows The Kind Of Growth That WNBA’s Angel Reese Can Respect

NFL

“We Don’t Think A Computer Should Decide Country’s No. 1 Quarterback”: Marshall Faulk and 12 NFL Hall of Famers Start All Pro Scouting To Fix Broken High School Ranking System

Culture

NFL

‘MY Girlfriends Got CTE’: Former NFL Star Antonio Brown Drops Bombshell On Ex P. Diddy Flame Yung Miami Who Thought He Was “Dating Lil Kim”

NBA

Male Fans Want WNBA Star A’ja Wilson To Stop “Gaslighting Up This Talk That They Could Compete With NBA Players” After Three-Time MVP Makes Bold 1 v 1 Claim

Culture

‘I Can Talk Bad About His Team…Miss Me With That’: Shannon Sharpe Says Media Targets Colorado Buffs Team Members Because They Don’t Like Deion Sanders

NBA

‘I’ve Done Alot Of Damage to The Body’: ‘Gladiator II’ Star Denzel Washington’s New Dope Is San Antonio Spurs Unicorn Victor Wembanyama

NBA

Stephen A. Smith Sends Scathing Message To LeBron and Bronny James: ‘You Put This Kid Behind The Eight Ball, and Now He’s a Target’

Urine Might Be Grandma’s Secret Formula For Longevity In Pro Sports: Ask Chad Johnson, Jorge Posada and Moises Alou

“She’s Grown?! Damn, Time Really Flies!”: Sidney Duncan, Daughter Of NBA Legend Tim Duncan, Is Carving Her Own Path With Stanford Volleyball 

NFL

‘Try To Get Things Fixed’: Houston Texans Fan Doesn’t Believe Losing Streak Is Legit and Accuses “NFL Cartel” of Scripting CJ Stroud’s Poor Results

Urine Might Be Grandma’s Secret Formula For Longevity In Pro Sports: Ask Chad Johnson, Jorge Posada and Moises Alou

“We Don’t Think A Computer Should Decide Country’s No. 1 Quarterback”: Marshall Faulk and 12 NFL Hall of Famers Start All Pro Scouting To Fix Broken High School Ranking System

Opinion

“It’s Angel. Not A Doubt”: JuJu Watkins and Dawn Staley Say Angel Reese Is Pulling Away From Caitlin Clark In ROY Voting

“That’s Not A Basketball Play” | Chennedy Carter’s Cheap Shot Overshadows WNBA’s First Caitlin Clark Versus Angel Reese Showdown

“Hold Up! Hold Up!” | Jaylen Warren Says Pittsburgh Steelers Special Teams Coach Has Suggested Putting Justin Fields On Kick Return Team