It’s About To Get Awkward! High School Football Linebacker Noah Knigga Takes A College Visit … That’s All
Sports has a way of transcending racial, socioeconomic, cultural, and lifestyle boundaries like nothing else and can create a national talking point of relatability. Then there’s the uncomfortable parts, like when a high school linebacker announces he is taking a visit to West Virginia University, and because of his name, trepidation about a future announcing him as a player is universal.
Enter Noah Knigga (pronounced KUH-nigga), who, as you can suspect, is a victim of his own making unwittingly. On Thursday morning, the outside linebacker posted on X (formerly Twitter) about his upcoming visit to West Virginia University.
P.S. his X handle is actually @KniggaNoah which is not funny but even more disturbing when you can’t police in what order he displays his real name.
“I’ll be taking a visit to West Virginia on January 14th! Excited for the great opportunity,” he posted.
It didn’t take long for former NFL player college pundits to weigh in on what could be an interesting debacle. Noah might be the first rising college player whose entire broadcasted career will consist of his first name only to avoid the cultural and racially charged politics.
Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III went straight patois on an ‘X’ post he shared where a Caribbean man says, “yoooo you cannot trick me.” Griffin captioned the post, with “That Naysayer built the arc,” throwing it back to the recent viral “College GameDay” moment where Pat McAfee stopped co-host Rece Davis when he was explaining Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe’s brand “LANK,” the acronym for, “Let a Naysayer Know.”
Then McAfee had major fun with Noah’s arrival into the media spectrum dedicating a segment to describing how awkward the young player’s arrival could be if he becomes successful. In fact, he already planned out his methodology for saying his full name and its to give him the Polynesian long first name treatment.
“Gotta say (his) name real quick … first name, last name just kinda put it all in one,” said McAfee.
“Thanks for the segment today @PatMcAfeeShow! The fun is just beginning, Noah Knaysayer!”
Noah played for Lawrenceburg High School in Southern Indiana and was chosen as one of the 2023 All-State Top 22 Underclassmen. His father, Ryan, is Lawrenceburg’s athletic director and head football coach. The two are undoubtedly soaking in all of these good and extremely awkward problems.
‘Eighty Percent Of The Teams In College Football Steal Signs’ | Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy Dry Snitches On His Own Team
The 14-0 Michigan Wolverines are preparing to play for the College Football Playoff national championship against the 14-0 Washington Huskies.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, fresh off a three-touchdown passing performance in a 27-20 overtime win over the Alabama Crimson Tide, spoke with reporters during the team’s Wednesday media session in preparation for Monday’s title game.
The former IMG Academy standout answered a bevy of questions, including those centered around the team’s sign-stealing scandal.
In his response, McCarthy didn’t shy away from calling out other programs and basically chalking it up to it’s something that nearly everyone is doing, it’s just a matter of not getting caught. For some reason you can bet Harbaugh didn’t want him speaking in that manner, but he did.
The former five-star recruit didn’t hold back on his feelings, and of course he took a shot at the Wolverine archrival.
“I also feel like it’s so unfortunate because there’s probably — I don’t want to say a crazy number, but I’d say a good number, 80 percent of the teams in college football steal signs. It’s just a thing about football. It’s been around for years.”
McCarthy calling out everyone else is his way of saying we’re not the only ones doing it. In fact in his next comment said it all as he even used school names. He also says that the Wolverines’ hand was forced by archrival Ohio State.
“We had to adapt because in 2020 or 2019 when Ohio State was stealing our signs, which is legal and they were doing it, we had to get up to the level that they were at, and we had to make it an even playing field.”
Interesting that McCarthy would say this because he didn’t arrive at Michigan until 2021, and the Wolverines opted out of the 2020 matchup because of COVID-19. Maybe it was the 2019 thrashing when Ohio State hung 56 on them at “The Big House” after scoring 62 the previous season at “The Shoe.”
McCarthy Doesn’t Want Accusations To Lessen Success
McCarthy, who’s 26-1 as a starter (the highest winning percentage of any starter in past 10 seasons) also mentioned how the accusations could actually diminish what they’ve accomplished. And that alone bothers him because he stated, “we do work our butts off.”
While that sounds good, if they did in fact steal signs it could definitely diminish what they’ve accomplished a bit. Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh, who was suspended twice this season, three games at the beginning for violating COVID-19 restrictions, and the final three games for the sign-stealing scandal, seems unbothered by it all, telling reporters this on Wednesday.
“I don’t know if you want to live in rumorville or speculation, but we just don’t really have any room to be doing that at this point.”
At this point Harbaugh has one foot out the door to the NFL anyway.
Antonio Brown With Cries For Attention, Returns to Old Playbook | Comes For Tom Brady Again
Former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown must be close to releasing some new music or something.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star is once again coming for seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady.
Brown has constantly attacked Brady since AB notoriously walked off the field shirtless in the Buccaneers’ final regular season game of the 2021 season. With a post-retirement career that has run the gamut from pro team ownership to music to fashion to running Kanye’s now-defunct Donda Sports Academy to more legal issues, Brown seems to have hit a rough patch.
The former All-Pro wide receiver has these outbursts every few months, and for some reason Brady is always at the center of it.
Antonio Brown Stays Calling Out Tom Brady
This time he’s calling out Brady for being a selfish teammate, and one who was all about personal stats and accolades. Seems odd considering he lived in Brady’s house while playing for the Buccaneers, and if not for Brady vouching for him it’s highly plausible the Bucs never would’ve even considered bringing AB in with his track record and baggage.
But, for some strange reason this has been Brown’s MO, attack the character of Brady.
Two years ago today: #Bucs WR Antonio Brown took off his jersey and bounced in middle of an NFL game.
Bruce Arians would announce after the game that he was going to be cut.
Brown Calling Someone Selfish Is The Pot Calling The Kettle Black
In a rant on X (formerly known as Twitter) the mercurial but supremely talented former NFL wideout had a lot to say …
“Ask anyone is Tom Brady selfish bro want stats too you think he like Peyton Manning or you think he didn’t play longer to then Drew Brees to pass his stats ok ima let the crackers think it’s me when I’m coming off the bench to help his team win,” Brown wrote.
Fans fired back in Brady’s defense against Brown’s monthly rant.
“He tried multiple times to save your career and opened up his home to you, he rocked w/you when nobody else was and you made him a fool for it. This is how you end up w/nobody on your side in life,” they posted.
Not to be outdone, Brown quickly had a rebuttal:
“How you gone save a guy career who dominated the game his whole career! AB took hisself out the game I ain’t buying that s—t u selling! U sound like a cracker trying to make it seem like you did so much for me whole time you using me for your purpose once fulfilled just like a cracker say you’re Done.”
Interesting that Brown seems to be the only former teammate with things like to say about the legendary quarterback. Brady played with guys like Randy Moss, Rob Gronkowski, Mike Evans and other greats and not a peep of this type of stuff. All they’ve ever said was he was a great leader and teammate.
— Dr. Michael K. Blanchard (@DrMichaelKBlan1) January 3, 2024
Brady Is Hall Of Fame Bound, Brown Has Blown His Chance
With Brady set to be the marquee player enshrined in the Class of 2028, one has to wonder if Brown’s off-the-field antics have tarnished his chances for Canton. At one point, AB seemed like a lock, but since his final NFL play he’s had public heat with everybody, including the league. Character also plays a part in determining if a player is Canton-worthy.
Numbers don’t lie, if Terrell Owens was made to wait a year just because he had some rough patches with the Philadelphia media, then Brown almost has no shot at this point. His best bet would be if people stopped giving him a platform.
Rickey Rubio, A Cautionary Tale For Hype Surrounding Overseas NBA Talent, Retires To Focus On Mental Health That Had Him In A “Dark Place”
Ricky Rubio was extremely instrumental in pushing and highlighting the overseas basketball players to the NBA movement almost a decade and a half ago, when he entered the league and turned heads with his IQ, ballhandling, and playmaking ability.
After a long and productive career in the NBA and a mental health battle, the product from Spain is hanging his jersey up to move on from the NBA.
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard was the fifth pick in the 2009 NBA draft. And while he lived up to his billing as an assists master, he never elevated to the superstar level projected for him by many basketball analysts.
Rubio announced Thursday that he would be retiring from the NBA after agreeing to a contract buyout with the team.
In his 12 NBA seasons Rubio played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavs and Phoenix Suns, averaging 10.8 ppg, 7.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds and shooting 84 percent from the charity stripe. He averaged more than eight assists per game, six times.
Ricky Rubio’s Struggle With Mental Health
He touched on his mental health, noting that he was better now and also that he one day hopes to share his story.
“Hello, July 30th was one of the toughest nights of my life,” he began. “My mind went to a dark place. I kind of knew I was going on that direction, but I’ve never thought I wasn’t under control of the situation. The next day, I decided to stop my professional career.
“One day, when the time is right, I would love to share my full experience with you all so I can help support others going through similar situations,” Rubio continued. “Until then, I would like to keep it private out of respect for my family and myself, as I’m still working on my mental health. But I’m proud to say I’m doing much better and getting better everyday.” Rubio wrote.
When elite athletes battle injuries it’s never easy. The rehab process often has you isolated, working with the physical therapists and doctors away from the action and comradery that team sports participants, in particular, need. That probably contributed to Rubio’s mental health challenges in some way.
Rubio also took to social media to announce his retirement and to thank all of the teams, and some important people that he met in the Cavaliers organization.
“My last home,” Rubio wrote. “I know the way things ended have been tough. I could never have imagined the year would develop this way, but you have an amazing organization, with [president of basketball operations] Koby [Altman] and [coach] JB [Bickerstaff], who have been extremely respectful and understanding of my situation and caring for me as a person.”
ACL Injuries Ended Ricky Rubio’s Career
After missing the majority of the last two seasons dealing with a torn ACL, Rubio had his agent notify Altman about his wish to step away from the team as he battled mental health issues. Altman and the Cavaliers obliged.
As time went by it became apparent to Rubio and the Cavs that Rubio would not look to play NBA basketball anymore, which led to the buyout which covers Rubio’s $6.1 million salary left on his contract for this year, as well as his $6.4 million salary for the 2024-2025 season. This move also gives the Cavaliers some financial flexibility, as well as another roster spot to bolster an already young and talented Cavaliers roster.
A win-win for both Rubio and Cleveland.
Rubio has not yet specified if his playing days are over altogether, but he is walking away from the NBA. Rubio was a talented player in his native Spain before embarking on his solid NBA career 15 years ago and many speculate, he might go back home to continue balling if he elects to do so, with a fan base that spans the globe.
James Harden Fires Back at Critics Who Questioned His Fit with Clippers Amidst Early Struggles | Team Is NBA-Best 13-2 Since Dec. 1
Following the Clippers’ 131-122 road win over the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 3, James Harden didn’t hesitate to call out the naysayers who didn’t believe that him joining the Clips — his fourth team in four seasons — would work.
Harden called out those detractors in his postgame media session.
James Harden fires back at critics who said he wasn’t a good fit with the LA Clippers, who are an NBA-best 13-2 since Dec.1 (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
“Obviously, it didn’t start off well. It gave people so much to talk about in a negative way,” Harden said. “And now those people that was talking, they’re nowhere to be found. Like, literally, nowhere to be found.”
Harden can talk that way with the Clippers 13-2 in their past 15 games, which is the best mark in the league over that span. During that time frame they’re shooting 52 percent from the field and 41 percent from three, both tops in the league.
In all they’re now 15-5 since Russell Westbrook opted to come off the bench to help team cohesion.
The streak has the Clippers sitting at 22-13 and fourth in the Western Conference. And it could’ve easily been 15-0 if Leonard didn’t miss back-to-back losses to the Boston Celtics and OKC Thunder.
Double-digit assists in three straight games for UNO!
LA Clippers Putting It Together, But It’s About Postseason
The Los Angeles Clippers are finally looking like the championship contender we’ve been expecting since Kawhi Leonard and Paul George joined forces in 2019.
It’s been an injury-riddled four seasons of constant underachievement for the Clippers. Coming into the 2023-24 season the belief was even if they could stay healthy, they still were not constructed to be title contenders.
That was prior to the arrival of Harden, who came over in a trade on Halloween. Harden’s arrival was followed by a season-long six game losing streak.
During the streak many questioned if Harden was a good fit for the Clippers.
Dallas Mavericks analyst Brian Dameris even went viral with his Harden take in November, in which he pretty much called “The Beard” a problem.
Harden Is The Catalyst
Since Leonard and George arrived in 2019, the Clippers have lacked a playmaker that could make life easy for them.
Way too often they were asked to score and make everyone better. While they often did it during the regular season, things bogged down in the playoffs. With Harden, who’s got that unique ability to score efficiently and distribute at a high level, it makes this the most formidable the Clippers have been in the Leonard-George era.
This season Harden, a former MVP, ten-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection (including six first-team selections), is averaging 17.7 points, eight assists and nearly five rebounds on 47 percent shooting.
He’s also won the scoring title three times and assists title twice, including last season when he averaged a league-high 10.7 dimes with the Sixers.
If the Clippers are to advance to and possibly win their first NBA title, Harden, who’s still in search of that elusive ring, will play a huge part in it.
"No one cares. We want to see what you do in the postseason. You forgot, I was your teammate when we went to the NBA finals. And we couldn't find [James Harden] in the finals when we lost to the Miami Heat."
What’s Up With Jalen Hurts? | One Super Bowl Run And A Record Contract Seem To Have Filled His Belly
While the Eagles have arguably been one of the NFL’s most disappointing teams this season, their quarterback Jalen Hurts has been their engine, for better or for worse.
The former Alabama and Oklahoma star’s story is no secret. He had to fight tooth and nail to get to where he’s at now as one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
While he could do no wrong during last year’s Super Bowl run, this season shows that Hurts is indeed human. His decline is not blatant, as statistically Hurts has had plenty of career highs this season.
Career highs in passing yards, passing touchdowns, rushing touchdowns, game-winning drives. On the flip side, he’s also had a career-high 14 interceptions, which has led to a less effective offense, with coordinators who are less eager to let Hurts wing it to his two All-Pro-caliber receivers.
For a quarterback that is growing, learning, and progressing with the full support of the organization, it’s expected that Hurts would be defended by his teammates and the organization would publicly reassert their belief in him.
But with the large number of interceptions that he’s thrown, questionable losses against the Arizona Cardinals, Jets and Seattle Seahawks, and the Eagles’ 1-4 record in the past five games after starting the season 10-1, there has to be some concern.
That slip led to them surrendering the first seed in the NFC, and first place in the NFC East. The Eagles were soaring high, expected to get that Super Bowl ring after losing a heart-breaker to Patrick Mahomes last season.
Now they’re looking doomed to be an early exit in the playoffs.
The offensive play-calling under Nick Sirianni and Brian Johnson has been questionable, the offense has been stagnant, boring and uncreative.
Almost all of Jalen Hurts’ rushing touchdowns have come from the signature “tush-push” play, and his decision-making has looked panicked at best. The smooth operator doesn’t seem to have a grasp of the offense that’s comparable to last season.
There are plenty of people to point fingers at for the Eagles’ recent failure and their collapse in the season. But Hurts has put together a decent season overall.
Eagles Invested A Record $255M In Jalen Hurts
Last summer the franchise made him the highest paid player in NFL history (at the time) with a contract of $255 million over five years, after he led the Eagles to the Super Bowl. Based on his numbers, the contract was warranted, and it seemed like Hurts was on his way to becoming a top 5 NFL quarterback.
After becoming a very wealthy man, Hurts became a sports icon, appearing on plenty of magazines and becoming another face for the Jordan Brand, and he’s been rocking some beautiful cleats on the field.
But with his and the Eagles’ success came an expectation of greatness, and even though the Eagles have won 11 games and already locked up a playoff spot, fans have been disappointed in Hurts’ lack of dominance and ill-timed mistakes.
Has Jalen Hurts Gotten Worse?
Some are saying that Hurts has regressed, and that the poor coaching and play-calling have Hurt him as a passer and a game manager.
In order for Hurts and Philly to get back on the right track, it will take a combined effort of players and the coaching staff to regain the magic that they had last year.
According to Hurts, everybody has to hold each other accountable, and everyone has to execute.
“It’s as simple as taking ownership for the things you can control,” Hurts told the media in a press conference. “Committing to giving your best self, and being your best self, the daily process, the daily routine of that, and giving it your best, that’s what it’s all about.”
Eagles fans have noticed that Hurts, and Sirianni have been known to give, un-insightful, media-trained responses throughout the season, saying all the things fans would want to hear from their struggling team. The problem is nothing has changed.
The NFL is no picnic, and teams go from contenders to pretenders quickly. There’s surely enough blame to go around. The conservative play-calling, the mistakes of the QB, complaints from diva wide receivers.
At the end of a day, this squad looks like a group of immature players who got big heads and started feeling themselves after a sniff of success and some mega contracts. The head coach lost a grip on his team in less than a season.
Maybe that last press conference can serve as a turning point for a desperate, but highly talented Eagles team struggling to fix themselves before it’s too late in the playoffs to do so.
In Wake Of Cee Dee Lamb’s Career Year Dak Prescott Labels Him The Best Wide Receiver In The League | Stop The Cap, Dak
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cee Dee Lamb is having his best season as a pro, and he’s also broken the Cowboys franchise records for yards (1,651) and receptions (122). Both of those were previously held by Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.
He won’t reach the Dez Bryant’s franchise record of 16 touchdowns, but the former Oklahoma Sooners star has solidified himself as one of the game’s best wideouts.
Dak Prescott Says Cee Dee Lamb Best NFL Wide Receiver
Let his quarterback, Dak Prescott, tell it, and he’s the best wideout in the league. While you’d expect Prescott to say that, because he’s supposed to tout the guy who goes out every week and makes him look good.
Following Lamb’s huge 13-reception and 227-yard Saturday night — which included a career-long 92-yard touchdown catch — in last week’s controversial 20-19 win over the Detroit Lions, Prescott told reporters, “I think he [Lamb] has emerged as maybe the best receiver in the league at this point.”
Cee Dee Lamb!!!! 92 yard touchdown.
What a play by Dak Prescott! Avoids the safety, scrambles and just trusted his guy to win.
Jordan Lewis Says Cee Dee Lamb Should Be League MVP
Yes, Lamb is one of the best wideouts in the league. He was that last season when he made second-team All-Pro after 107 receptions for 1,359 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s improved in every statistical category this season heading into Sunday’s season finale against the Commanders, where a win will give the Cowboys the NFC East title and the No.2 seed in the NFC playoffs. He’ll likely also be chosen first-team All-Pro this season.
But that still doesn’t make him the best receiver or an MVP candidate like cornerback Jordan Lewis inexplicably suggested to reporters.
“He should be in the MVP chat, man,” Lewis said. “He looks like it with 200 yards. He’s just amazing — he’s cold-blooded — makes plays after play. Every single possession they have it, they know he’s going to get the ball and he just executes.
“It’s definitely amazing, it feels good to have that kind of safety blanket on the offense.”
Nice words from Lewis but stop that. Lamb is not an MVP candidate.
Unlike Lamb, who lines up almost exclusively in the slot, which allows him favorable matchups all game, Dolphins star Tyreek Hill and Vikings stud Justin Jefferson move around.
Therefore, they’re facing all types of coverage each play, and both continue to excel. Lamb has put together two consecutive very good seasons, but he’s still not touching either of those dynamic playmakers, who have defenses game-planning to stop them weekly.
Lamb has that now to an extent, but not to the degree that Hill and Jefferson do.
Is Lamb a top-5 wide receiver?
Maybe. If you want to put him in that group, we won’t fight you on it. But being labeled the best receiver in the NFL and an MVP candidate is simply not true.
Lights Out For Bill? | NFL Legend Thinks 0 Super Bowls Is Better Than 8 When It Comes To Next Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach
The Los Angeles Chargers sit at the bottom of the AFC West with a disappointing 4-11 record. With their last game of the season this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, the team’s faithful are looking at next season for a rebound. Head coach Brandon Staley’s departure has many curious about who will fill that slot to bring the team to relevance in Los Angeles.
One prominent former Chargers player believes he knows what the team needs regarding new coaching blood, and it does not emanate in New England with this year’s current 4-12 losing head coach shocker in Bill Belichick.
“No, he’s not, and for a lot of reasons,” former Chargers linebacker Shawne “Lights Out,” Merriman said on OutKick’s “Hot Mic.” “Don’t get me wrong, and I want to take his past resumé. We all know how great of a coach Bill Belichick is. I don’t know if you bring in somebody like Bill Belichick right now, that it’s going to guarantee a turnaround, a success.”
Belichick is a juggernaut of football with eight Super Bowls under his belt, two with the New York Giants, where he was an assistant coach, and six as the head coach of the New England Patriots. However, with all the woes of the 4-12 season piling up on Belichick’s winning name, he is in the mix for a potential change of NFL scenery.
Merriman believes that the total implementation of the Belichick system could be a problem.
“You’ve got these superstars on a team. Somebody has to come in and win right now,” Merriman continued. “And if Bill Belichick is going to come in and bring his whole entire staff, or hire his own people, you’ve got Justin Herbert and all these guys playing for three and four different coordinators over the past few years.
“That is a lot of turnover. And you know Bill Belichick is going to want to come in and call the shots, bring all his people in. I doubt very seriously if he keeps anybody on that staff. So, you’re talking about a big turnover. So, he wouldn’t be my first. He would probably be my last, to be quite honest.”
Who Does Shawn Merriman Think Should Coach Patriots?
So, who is the “Lights Out” choice to lead the Chargers back to an electrifying presence in the West?
For Merriman, it’s as simple as looking at the top of the collegiate ranks.
No Surprise Here
“It would be Jim. It would be Jim Harbaugh,” he said. “He’s done well with quarterbacks. He’s done extremely well when he’s had talented quarterbacks. It all depends on who he brings in as a defensive coordinator because, in my opinion, the last couple of games of the Chargers season, it’s been the offense.
“If you got an opportunity at Jim Harbaugh, you do it,” Merriman continued. “Pull the trigger and bring him in. [Then] let’s talk about the defensive side of the football, because that is the most important part of what’s going to hold this team back, because we know what they could do on the offensive side of the ball.”
Per reports, the Chargers may have already met with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who might be looking for an NFL return given the sign-stealing scandal that came toward the end of the college football season. With a perfect 14-0 record this season ahead of the CFP National Championship, Harbaugh is undoubtedly the man in college football.
Now the only question is will he make that move if offered, or will he remain committed to the collegiate program that he is keeping a powerhouse?
The Deion Effect? FAMU Football Coach Willie Simmons Bounces To Become Duke’s Running Backs Coach
Florida A&M University head coach Willie Simmons is going out on top. The Rattlers coach announced his departure from the HBCU program and resigned on Monday to become the running backs coach for Duke University. The move feels like an extension of the Coach Prime effect, where HBCU coaches, with success, find a home in a more extensive program at a predominantly white higher education institution.
“Thank you’ doesn’t seem fitting to express my sincere gratitude to the coaching and support staff (former and current) that I’ve been blessed to work with during my time here,” Simmons wrote in a lengthy post on X. “My deepest gratitude is to the young men I’ve been blessed to lead… These young men are our future leaders, and I am proud of the great professionals, husbands, fathers and community advocates they are destined to become.”
Deion Sanders had crusaded at Jackson State University for more visibility for Black coaches and a fair chance across the university athletic spectrum. This move to Duke, although not to a head coaching spot, did provide a higher salary, but there were other factors in the decision.
Exiting FAMU
It was reported that FAMU’s leadership worked diligently behind the scenes for days to match the $100,000 increase to his salary and meet current and past contractual incentive bonuses to Simmons, his assistant coaches, and the infrastructure of the football program.
However, Simmons kept it moving, and with the accolades he brought to FAMU recently, he is taking his talents to the North Carolina Power Five school. Simmons spent seven seasons at FAMU, and in 2021, Simmons turned down an offer from South Carolina to become its running backs coach.
Recently, he led the Rattlers to a 12-1 overall record this season, clinching the program’s first SWAC Championship and first Celebration Bowl victory. Simmons was also named regional coach of the year last month by the American Football Coaches Association, the second year he received the honor.
The Price of Success
During the 2022-23 season, FAMU Football had a Single Year APR score of 950. They also had no ineligible football players during the 2023 football season. Over 30 graduates played on the 2023 team, with six football players graduating in December ’23. Over 20 football players graduated in the last calendar year with no pending postseason ban.
“2023 was one of the best years in the history of FAMU, and our athletic program, with football leading the way, contributing to an outstanding year of accomplishments,” Florida A&M President Larry Robinson wrote in a statement. “We wish Coach Simmons and his family well as they move on.”
As HBCUs continue to develop and build their resources for the always lucrative football program, they are losing coaching talent and quickly becoming a platform to vie for more considerable opportunities at the Power Five level.
Rapper Ice Spice’s Brother Joey Gaston Says Opponents Troll Him With Her Lyrics | Iona Prep QB Takes It All In Stride
Joey Gaston is a class of 2025 quarterback who’s the starter for New York’s highly-touted Iona Prep. Gaston, a 17-year-old junior also happens to be the younger brother of Bronx rapper Isis
Naija Gaston, better known as Ice Spice. The junior signal-caller just led the Gaels to the state championship game, losing a 30-29 heartbreaker to Cardinal Hayes.
He also recently sat down with Complex to discuss what it’s like to be the younger sibling of n overnight rap star.
Gaston, who’s beginning to make a name for himself on the gridiron has embraced being related to the popular female emcee. In the interview he talked about what it’s like being in the spotlight because of his sister.
Ice Spice’s brother talked about being trolled with his sister's lyrics by opponents. pic.twitter.com/tpVHvHFHG5
Gaston told Complex this about the opportunities she’s afforded him with her breakout career.
“I’m a really proud younger brother,” Gaston tells Complex. “She created a path that makes me want to work harder. It’s like damn, I see what she’s doing now and it makes me want to do even more.”
Gaston is coming off a season where he led the powerhouse Gaels to brink of a state title by passing for just under 2,200 yards, rushing for over 740 yards and accounting for 24 total touchdowns. Not bad for the class of 2025 prospect who because of his size — 5 feet 8 and 165 pounds — isn’t being heavily recruited to play the position at the next level. But, that still hasn’t stopped him from giving it his all each and every time he’s steps foot on the gridiron.
Being the brother of someone famous also has it drawbacks, one of them the constant taunting and trolling from opponents and fans. For Gaston it’s nothing new and something he takes in stride. He told Complex this about a recent playoff game.
Gaston says defensive ends love to troll after getting a sack, saying, “‘You thought I was feeling you?’ They give me a little line or whatever, and it just adds to the competitiveness because I’m like, ‘Watch what’s going to happen next play?’ It’s all love.”
That’s nothing, as Gaston also says he sees fans wearing a curly orange wig the color of his sister’s hair. It’s all part of it, and for Gaston it just motivates him more.
"Defensive ends get a sack and be like “you thought I was feelin’ you?” They give me a little line or whatever."
Meet Ice Spice's brother: Star QB Joey Gaston talks opponents trolling him with sister's lyrics & NFL aspirations.
Gaston’s hope is to make it to the NFL and follow in the footsteps of his favorite players Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray, two pretty diminutive ballers like himself.
But, if that isn’t in the cards he could possibly model, having signed a deal Next Models, which gives him an outlet outside of football.
These Five NBA Players Are On The Wrong Teams
One of the most important things a player needs to succeed in the NBA is the right environment. Only the elite of the elite can reach their potential regardless of the situation. For most players the right team, role, and opportunities lead to success.
Right now in the NBA there are players on teams who would be better served if they found different situations.
5. Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
The 27-year-old is your prototypical 3 and D player. He shoots 41 percent from behind the arc on six attempts per game, and at 6 feet 9 he is a versatile, plus defender who can switch and play in isolation.
The Nets are a middle-of-the-road team in the play-in range of the Eastern Conference. They have good players like Johnson but lack needle-moving elite players. They could trade for someone like Donovan Mitchell, but there’s no guarantee he’ll sign long term.
Johnson has a lot of value for contending teams with draft capital. Hello, Oklahoma City Thunder. Los Angeles Lakers, are you here? It’s unlikely Johnson will be the right age if and when the Nets start rebuilding. Move him now and keep that rebuild going.
Jones spent the last four seasons as Ja Morant’s backup with the Memphis Grizzlies. He’s now on the Wizards, one of the worst teams in the league, who are not trying to win games. Why the Wizards acquired him makes no sense, but here we are.
Jones is an excellent connector and organizer on offense and a 42 percent three-point shooter. He had the “best backup PG” crown for the last two seasons. The Minnesota Timberwolves could use him to spell 36-year-old Mike Conley. The Phoenix Suns desperately need a backup point guard.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
It seems odd to say that KAT doesn’t belong on a team that is in first place in the Western Conference, but here we are. The Wolves have KAT and emerging superstar Anthony Edwards and are somehow only the 17th-best offense in the league. They’re in first place because of their No. 1 ranked defense, which KAT is a part of.
KAT is averaging 21 points per game on 50/40/89 shooting splits. But he could be doing so much more on offense. Add in the fact that come the playoffs the two-big lineup with KAT and Rudy Gobert will have some advantages but also challenges when teams go small.
The Wolves are Edwards’ team now, and KAT would generate a nice return in a trade package. Many teams could use a floor-spacing big man. The Orlando Magic have the league’s No. 2 defense and 24th-ranked offense. A frontline of Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and KAT would be very interesting.
2. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
With the recent trade of OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks, the writing is on the wall. It is rebuild around Scottie Barnes time in the North. That means two-time All-NBA and two-time All-Star Siakam is the next domino to drop.
At 29 years old Siakam, is in his prime and should not be a part of a rebuild. He’s a versatile forward who can operate as a primary ballhandler or secondary ballhandler, either position in the pick and roll and can score on the interior as well as outside. Though his three-point shot has deserted him this season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder could use a power forward who can score on the interior next to their rookie spacing center in Chet Holmgren. Siakam and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be an excellent pick and roll combination too.
1. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
A team that starts Jordan Clarkson and Colin Sexton is not trying to win basketball games. Such is the case with the Utah Jazz. CEO Danny Ainge is on the Sam Presti plan, acquire as much draft capital and young talent as possible so you can keep your job for as long as possible.
That leaves the 26-year-old All-Star Markkanen as the odd man out. When this team is ready to compete he will be in the late stage of his prime or possibly coming out of it. He’s averaging 23 points and eight rebounds per game on 48/37/86 shooting. He is a matchup nightmare for opponents and when engaged can use his size to be an effective defender.
After this season he only has next year partially guaranteed on his current deal. He’ll be looking for a long-term deal in the $30 million to $35 million per year range, possibly higher. Ainge won’t pay that. Could the Memphis Grizzlies or New York Knicks land the 7-foot sharpshooter?
“It’s Been a Really Dark Week” | New Details Emerge About Olympian Melissa Hoskins Allegedly Mowed Down By Car Driven By World Champion Cyclist Husband Rohan Dennis
There has been a shocking development in the death of Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins, with more news being revealed about the nature of her death, her husband’s involvement and the events that took place in the final moments leading up to it.
According to multiple sources, the Gold-winner of the 2015 World Championships had launched herself onto the top of their SUV and attempted to grab a door handle, while her husband Rohan Dennis, 33, drove the vehicle until she fell off of it according to the Adelaide Advisor.
Hoskins also as a result of those actions may have been dragged along the road for a short period of time before her body came to a stop, with a possibility that the incident was caught on a neighbor’s security camera.
It was previously reported that Dennis was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life, but the investigation into the entire incident is still ongoing.
While there are still no exact accounts as to how the whole situation unfolded, with the recent news of Hoskins jumping on the car and Dennis driving until she fell off, it seems that this may have been a domestic dispute between the couple, married since 2018.
Either way, the cycling community is devastated, and Hoskins’ family is even more distraught because of her untimely passing.
https://youtu.be/xpa2NCFMvGg
In a statement released from the Hoskins’ family, Melissa Hoskins’ father, Peter spoke about how devastated their family is, and how much she meant to them.
“Not only have we lost a daughter and sister, but her children have also lost their mum, a freewheeling spirit, a giver with a big heart, patience and zest for life,” Peter said. “She was the rock of their life and ours and we need to honor her memory so they can grow up knowing who she was, what she stood for and what she gave to everyone whose life she touched.”
Cycling Community Distraught On Eve Of Australian Road Racing Championship
As Sunday’s Australian Road Racing Championship takes place, there will be a moment of silence for Hoskins.
According to The Guardian, cyclists Grace Brown and Brodie Chapman also shared their feelings about the tragedy that took place with Melissa and how horrible it made them feel.
Pro cyclist Rohan Dennis (right) was arrested in connection with the death of his wife, cycling world champ and Olympian Melissa Hoskins (left). (Photo: Instagram/Rohan Dennis)
“It’s been a really dark week,” Brown said. “The cycling community is struggling to comprehend it really.
“Personally, I’m just super-sad for Mel and her family, really thinking of them. It’s just a shadow over the summer of cycling.”
“It’s an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to Mel’s family – with all my heart. It’s devastating,” said Chapman.
We will keep you informed as more details develop.
‘There Is No Doubt He’s Our Franchise QB’ | Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon Wisely Lets It Be Known That Kyler Murray Is Their Guy
The Arizona Cardinals are 4-3 since quarterback Kyler Murray made his return to the lineup following surgery and rehab to his torn ACL suffered last season.
The team, which has played hard under first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon, is finally seeing some of the fruits of their labor offensively. That’s a direct result of having the diminutive but very dynamic Murray back under center.
In last Sunday’s (35-31) come-from-behind road win over the Philadelphia Eagles, Murray had his best game statistically. The former Heisman Trophy-winning signal-caller went 25-for-31 for 232 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Numbers aside, it was Murray’s control of the tempo, leadership and execution that was more impressive.
The threat of Murray using his legs in the zone read game opened up running lanes for running back James Conner, who had his best game of the season as well with 26 rushes for 128 yards and one touchdown, which proved to the game winner.
During his weekly radio spot with KMVP 98.7, Gannon told listeners this about his QB heading into the 2024 season.
“There is no doubt, he’s our franchise quarterback.”
That’s definitely the right decision, when you consider the Cardinals currently have the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. They could take a quarterback, but why take an unproven one when you already have a proven signal-caller who’s shown he’s the best option going forward.
It’s also a way of quieting any rumors that the Cardinals may be looking to draft a new QB. This way, they can focus on other areas of need on the roster, because luckily for them QB isn’t one of them.
Gannon Never Fretted As It Pertains To Murray
In his Wednesday media session, Gannon reiterated that he’s always believed that Murray would be the QB going forward.
“I’ve been convinced since I got here. What the guy’s done for us, the player that he is, the person that he is, the competitor that he is, I kind of chuckled. That’s been my view for, since I got here.”
Gannon also mentioned how Murray has been on board with the plan since he arrived. As with any relationship, the two had to build trust with each other as Gannon also explained.
“It’s a relationship that we’ve built. He trusts me and I trust him, so it’s been great,” Gannon said.
"I've been convicted since I got here."
Arizona Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon says he's never wavered on Kyler Murray being his starting quarterback. pic.twitter.com/PLtZPb39FO
Trust is something Murray didn’t seem to have with former head coach Kliff Kingsbury, and the way Murray showed him up at times proved that there wasn’t much respect between the two either.
Now they’ll need to make the right moves this offseason to give Murray some more weaponry offensively. If they can do that and add a little to their defense this team could be a playoff team in 2024.
Stefon Diggs Hasn’t Had A 100-Yard Receiving Game Since Week 6 | Sean McDermott Needs More From Buffalo Bills’ $125M Superstar
Superstar wide receiver Stefon Diggs is having the worst year of his four-year tenure in Buffalo and if head coach Sean McDermott ever needed his high-priced pass catcher to string together some elite performances, it’s on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins for the AFC East division title.
The former Maryland Terrapins player is productive, with nearly 1,100 yards on 100 receptions and eight touchdowns, but he hasn’t had a 100-yard game since a Week 6 win over the New York Giants. In fact, his receiving high since then is 86 yards in a loss to the Bengals.
McDermott has put an APB out on his star pass-catcher, who’s seen his playing time decreased because of his lack of production.
Speaking with the media Wednesday, the once embattled head coach had this to say:
“Medically, there’s nothing big that’s been, to my knowledge, ailing, and the communication I’m getting from Nate Breske our trainer on that. And it’s just Josh going through his reads and going through his progressions and making sure that we’re going through the progressions properly.”
Buffalo Bills Back In Playoff Picture
After starting the season 6-6, the Buffalo Bills have won four in a row and now face the Miami Dolphins in a winner-take-all season finale for the AFC East division and potential playoff positioning.
A win by the Bills would secure a division title and the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. A loss and they could miss the playoffs altogether. A win secures the Dolphins the division and the No. 2 seed, while a loss knocks them into the No.5 spot.
What looked impossible for the Bills four weeks ago is becoming an improbable turnaround to make the postseason. At the root of it has been head coach Sean McDermott’s change at offensive coordinator from Ken Dorsey to Joe Brady.
That move has given the Bills an identity outside of do-it-all star quarterback Josh Allen. Brady has leaned on the running game with his backs, mainly James Cook, who posted a career-high 179 rushing yards in a 31-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15 and has eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing plateau for the first time in his second NFL season.
It’s also been a defense that’s playing fast and free after a slow start to begin the season.
The recent underperformance is not like Diggs, who’s been one of the best receivers in the league since his arrival in 2020. If the Bills have any hopes of winning Sunday, and making a playoff run, Diggs will need to be better.
One big difference in the offense has been quarterback Josh Allen’s unwillingness to make the risky throw in an attempt to force the football to his playmaker. Diggs might not like it, but it’s helped Allen cut down on his mistakes and led the Bills winning streak. He just has to be more effective and efficient when he does get the ball.
McDermott understands how important Diggs is to the success of the team.
“He’s a big factor for us. We’re going to need him down the stretch here,” McDermott said.
Diggs Has Had Success Versus Dolphins
A high-performance Diggs is vital to any hopes of a Buffalo Bills Super Bowl run.
Prior to his arrival in Buffalo, Josh Allen was 0-4 versus them. He’s now 7-5 against Miami. Meaning they’re 7-1 (including playoffs) since Diggs came over from Minnesota in 2020. That’s why he gets paid the big bucks.
In those games Diggs has 46 receptions for 632 yards and seven touchdowns, including six receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown in their meeting earlier this season, a 48-20 Bills blowout.
NBPA Foundation Director Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Uses Her Experience As Former Baltimore Mayor To Steer NBA Players Toward Philanthropy
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has already achieved plenty in her life, serving as a high-ranking leader for various organizations and a political force in one of America’s most iconic cities.
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Is Former Mayor Of Baltimore
Rawlings-Blake was the mayor of Baltimore, Maryland, from February 2010 to December 2016. After leaving that office she turned to a different form of service, devoting herself to making the world a better place beyond the confines of her city.
After starting a consulting firm called SRB & Associates, appearing on cable TV networks as a political analyst and representing rapper Travis Scott as his spokeswoman in 2021 after a stampede incident at his annual festival caused 10 deaths. Rawlings-Blake became the executive director of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Foundation in November 2022.
She says the inspiration for ending her semi-retirement came from attending the premiere of the “Game Change Game” documentary at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.
“I still get goosebumps when I think about sitting in the theater and looking up at these players and hearing basically my voice being reflected back on me,” she told The U.S. Sun.
She hit the ground running, with her eyes set on guiding NBA players with their philanthropic efforts and making sure these energies are also directed towards improving the community, and in some cases, social and economic activism.
“It was a jump in industry, but not in work,” she told The Baltimore Sun. “I’m dealing with their philanthropy, and as mayor, I worked with players from our team and players from Baltimore who wanted to have an impact on the city. And I know that in order for that work to happen effectively and efficiently, you need to have coordination, and I felt I could bring my experience to help with that — not just in Baltimore, but across the country.”
What Is Team Rubicon?
Not only has she influenced the charity and philanthropy of players, but she played an integral part in helping the NBPA partner with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization built to serve global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises, according to their website.
NBPA Foundation Director Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Uses Her Experience As Former Baltimore Mayor To Steer NBA Players Toward Philanthropy. (Photo: IG Screenshot/@stephanierawlingsblake)
Through a rapid-response matching grant fund, players can request up to $25,000 go to a disaster relief fund with Team Rubicon.
Art delaCruz, CEO of Team Rubicon was very outspoken about Rawlings-Blake and her efforts with the partnership between the NBPA and his organization.
“There are people who selflessly connect and who are continuing to try to find ways and ensure that these coalitions happen and opportunities aren’t left on the table, and she’s one of them,” he said. “She played a huge role in Team Rubicon being able to elevate our work, our brand, our volunteers and our impact, because she championed this idea that [the foundation’s] members could be part of a community broader than themselves and this idea that as citizens, we can each contribute to the needs of the greater good.”
Rawlings-Blake joined the organization’s eight-member board of advisers in July to help Team Rubicon maximize their reach and impact.
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Is Executive Director Of National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Foundation
As far as her impact with the NBPA, Rawlings-Blake has plenty more in store. She already has a strong rapport with many of the league’s past and present players, and is doing her part to make philanthropy, giving and social awareness a permanent part of the NBA conscience.
Rawlings-Blake finds that dealing with players and facilitating ways for them to provide positive impact in the world is similar to what she did in her previous job as Mayor of Baltimore.
“There are a lot of similarities,” she said. “In my work, I’m trying to help them find their philanthropic voice. So I talk to the players about the things that they care about, and it’s very similar to the work that I did as mayor — talking to your constituents about the things that matter and helping them make that a reality.”
Her transition from mayor to the head of the philanthropic arm of the NBPA has been seamless, and the league has benefited from her wisdom and enthusiasm.
Houston Texans Face A Win-And-In Playoff Scenario Under DeMeco Ryans Who Should Win NFL Coach Of The Year
Coming into the 2023 NFL season the Houston Texans were projected to win five games. First-year head coach DeMeco Ryans and his team had other plans.
The surprising Texans are 9-7 and face a win-and-in scenario against the AFC South division rival Indianapolis Colts, whose 9-7 record has given them the same fate.
DeMeco Ryans Should Be NFL Coach of the Year Favorite
None of this was thought to be possible for a Texans team with a rookie head coach and quarterback and a roster full of raw, unproven players. But Ryans has done wonders for the culture in H-Town, and he’s given the keys to his No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud, who’s the odds-on favorite to win AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year.
For all he’s accomplished out of the gate, Ryans should be at the forefront of all NFL Coach of the Year races.
Texans Look To Avenge Week 2 Loss
Saturday’s winner-take-all matchup is really the first round of the playoffs for both teams. A loss and your season’s likely over, barring some wild scenarios transpiring.
The easiest route is to win and solidify your spot, and Ryans knows this game won’t be anything like his team’s 31-20 home loss to the Colts in Week 2.
Speaking with the media on Monday, Ryans warned against a similar result.
“Yeah we’re a completely different team, they’re a completely different team,” the former 49ers DC said. “For me, it’s all fresh start. For us, I don’t really put much weight on the first game of the year. I start watching and I’m like, ‘Man, who is this team? It seems like that was so long ago, playing that second game, so fresh start for both teams. I think they have different players in, we have different players in.”
Ryans displayed the calm demeanor that made him such a highly coveted coaching candidate in 2022 and 2023. In many ways it’s reminiscent of what we’ve seen from Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who is in the dog days of his NFL-record 17th consecutive non-losing season to begin a coaching career.
The Texans are happy to have their star quarterback back in the fold. C.J. Stroud missed two games in December with a concussion. The team went 1-1.
He returned in Sunday’s 26-3 win over the Tennessee Titans, and just in time for this huge matchup.
Texans fans everywhere should feel good about their chances, because Stroud was dynamite in the Week 2 loss, passing for 384 yards and two touchdowns. The yardage is the second-highest output of his rookie season. He’s grown leaps and bounds since that game.
Ryans’ defense improves each week and is a respectable 14th overall but ranks ninth in third down percentage and 12th in points per game. The unit will have to be locked in to contain the mobile quarterback Gardner Minshew and Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
A win in this game will go a long way in landing Ryans that COY award. That’s something nobody saw coming in year one.
Perception Is Everything: Angel Reese Calls BS! On Barstool
The names Angel Reese and Ja Morant have become synonymous with controversy.
The two talented hoops stars are always in the news, and while they move the meter, a lot of what they do is often critically judged to a degree that most athletes don’t have to deal with.
A lot of the blowback has been self-inflicted by the two social media and athletic sensations.
Recently, Morant who returned from a 25-game suspension for his brandishing firearms via social media, was chastised for doing a familiar Southern dance after a dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Ja Morant was criticized for doing his “Rock Yo Hips” celebration in a game, while Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers did the same dance and was praised. Women’s College hoops star Angel Reese says that’s a racial double standard.
The dance known as “Rock Yo Hips,” made popular in the South, from a song by Atlanta rap group Crime Mob, seems to be making a comeback. Even Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers got involved in the fun, as he did it following a touchdown pass in Monday’s CFP semifinal loss to the Washington Huskies.
“Ja spraying imaginary bullets into section 113.”
The same media outlet posted …
“Say Cheese!”
“Quinn Ewers is having fun.”
Reese Yells Double Standard
Reese’s “I Can’t See Your Face” celebration toward Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark during April’s national championship game, drew the ire of some conservative pockets and ignited another discussion on race and gender in sports. The NIL queen believes there’s a double standard for certain athletes.
Reese is speaking truth, of course the tone is different when it comes to Black athletes, and that’s always been the case. But Morant still should’ve known better than to do anything of that nature considering he was fresh off suspension for dealing with firearms. It shows more lack of awareness and Ja’s actions could be interpreted as taunting the league and Commissioner Adam Stern.
Ja can’t be as carefree about his image as he was prior to his suspension. There’s a heightened surveillance concerning his brand, what he represents and how he moves as a face of the NBA.
While he should be allowed to freely express himself and the NBA is considered the most progressive of the major sports leagues, he also has to show some maturity and start to transition into being a true role model. Empowering his community and being an example of growth for his young fans.
As for Ewers, it was definitely all in fun and in the heat of battle, as it was with Ja, but Ewers doesn’t have that checkered past hanging over his head. He wasn’t recently in court testifying at a civil trial where he was accused of assaulting someone. He also isn’t bringing attention to himself by being over-the-top with his social media or interaction with the fans.
Reese and Morant Playing Great
Despite the outside noise, Reese has been playing well since returning to the court and is looking to lead the LSU Tigers to back-to-back national championships. She doesn’t need any more media drama.
After an early-season suspension (or reset) by coach Kim Mulkey, Reese has responded. The former five-star recruit is averaging 19.6 points, 11 rebounds and two assists per game on 55 percent shooting. The Tigers are ranked No. 5 at 13-1.
As for Morant, he returned blazing, leading the Grizzlies to four consecutive wins while earning Western Conference Player of the Week honors. He’s averaging 25 points, eight assists, five rebounds on 47 percent shooting.
Reese and Morant are unique talents on the hardwood, who move the meter with pretty much every move they make.
Take That, Cam’ron! Joe Smith And Wife Kisha Chavis Bury The OnlyFans Hatchet And Get Back Together
Former NBA player Joe Smith brought in the New Year with his formerly estranged wife, Kisha Chavis, ending the drama that broke up their marriage. It also puts any speculation to rest that Chavis might take rapper-turned-sports commentator Cam’ron up on the romantic advances he made publicly on his show, “It Is What It Is.”
Smith and Chavis looked very cozy dancing together in a since-deleted viral video during a New Year’s Eve event, and according to reports, they are back together. It is far from how they ended 2023 with a viral argument and a media tour that saw them separated and telling their truths on various media platforms.
Is Smith playing himself by getting back with a woman who hid an OnlyFans account and owns a business specializing in nuru massages?
Let’s run through some receipts.
The Mess
In a viral video on TikTok, Smtih questioned his wife for having an OnlyFans account behind his back. Smith seemingly didn’t realize he was being filmed and that it would make it to the internet. Chavis seemed unfazed in the video, while her husband called her out for having an active account. Her former life as an adult actress working under the alias Yasmine Pendavis quickly came out, and the judgment came swiftly for Smith.
People questioned why he wouldn’t believe that his wife was capable of having a secret career in the adult industry when she was once a whole porn star. But then came the media tour, where she explained in interviews that Smith had run through his professional basketball money, and she had to figure out how to keep their finances afloat.
However, after an interview on Check The Stat, raper Cam’ron shot his shot at Chavis and even inquired about her other business, The Body Rub Babes. Rapper Mase, co-host of “It Is What It Is” advanced the narrative when he surprised Cam’ron on set with Chavis for a body rub massage session.
Keisha even filmed a sneak preview video with a famous little person and adult film star, although it needs to be clarified whether the two filmed an adult movie together.
Following her and Smith’s falling out, Smith reportedly moved out and stopped all contact with his wife. Joe Smith is giving his relationship a chance but with all his relationship trials on public display, there may always be a cloud of doubt hanging over Kisha Chavis.
Five Solid NBA Players Who Would Have Been Superstars In 1990s
There are hierarchies that exist in the NBA and within every team in the league. Some of today’s role players would have been seen as star players in the 1990s, due to the change in style and talent level that exists today.
We will define a solid player as anyone that hasn’t made an All-NBA, All-Defense or All-Star team. We will define superstar as someone that could’ve made an All-Star in the 1990s.
5. Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets
Over the last four seasons Rozier has averaged 21 points per game on good shooting. This season he’s averaging 23 points and seven assists per game on 46/37/85 shooting splits.
He’s at a career-high +3.3 in offensive EPM that’s the 94th percentile. He plays for the Hornets and they are a disaster of a franchise but he can fill it up.
In the 1990s a dynamite scoring lead guard like this is an All-Star.
4. Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets
Gordon has the luxury of playing with the best player in the world in Nikola Jokic. He’s the beneficiary of open shots and dunks at the rim, courtesy of the pass.
When he was with the Orlando Magic his first six seasons in the league he was a no. 1 option. Clearly miscast in that role but he had moments in Orlando and averaged nearly 18 points and 8 rebounds per game in his fourth season.
That’s your classic 1990s power forward numbers. At 6 feet 9 around 240 pounds with skill and super athletic, he would be a nightmare to guard.
If Dale and Antonio Davis could make an All-Star team so could Gordon.
3. CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans
A career 19 point per game scorer who has averaged 20 plus points per game in 10 of his 12 seasons. He’s a career 45/39/80 shooter.
This is your classic small guard All-Star in the 1990s. McCollum’s skill and ability to get to the rim and finish with either hand is big.
If you look at McCollum’s similarity score on Basketball Reference, Latrell Sprewell is someone that had similar impact. Sprewell was a four-time All-Star.
2. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
If you listen to Heat fans, he is who the Portland Trail Blazers should’ve coveted in a Damian Lillard trade.
Herro is averaging 24 points on 46/41/87 shooting splits this year. He’s a career-high +2.9 in EPM.
Heat fans would also tell you if he was healthy last season in the NBA Finals, the outcome might have been different. At 6 feet 5 and an ability to score in the midrange and from three, he would’ve competed for All-Star berths in the 1990s.
1. Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies
24 points and five assists per game on 47/38/85 shooting splits. He’s had three consecutive seasons in at least the 92nd percentile in EPM.
Bane served as the team’s primary ball handler when Ja Morant was out serving his 25-game suspension. His improved on ball playmaking in addition to his deft off ball movement and shooting are a deadly combo.
A player like Bane would certainly be an All-Star in the 1990s.
Snoop Dogg Becomes First Rapper Olympic Commentator | The 2024 Paris Olympics Will Be Doggy Style
As the years go by, the legend of Snoop Dogg grows bigger. Already a legend in the hip-hop lane, Snoop continues to move into new avenues and adventures while quietly making a name for himself as one of the iconic sports fans to ever grace a microphone.
Snoop is doing something a lot of sports announcers will never get the chance to do. He was announced as one of the primary commentators for NBC’s 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
“Snoop will speak with NBC Olympics host Mike Tirico and provide the large primetime U.S. audience with his unique take on what’s happening in Paris. He’ll explore the city’s iconic landmarks, attend Olympic competitions and events, and visit with the athletes, their friends, and families.” according to an NBC press release.
This was first revealed in a commercial ad during the Green Bay Packers’ 33-10 beatdown of the Minnesota Vikings. He appeared in the ad with several other athletes, and NBC made him a focal point of their early ad campaign for the Olympic Games coming up.
“I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement. “We’re going to have some amazing competitions and, of course, I will be bringing that Snoop style to the mix. It’s going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned, and keep it locked.”
The “Gin And Juice” rapper will be joining current NFL play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico in the booth. Tirico is the ultimate pro, taking over the duties from long-time host Bob Costas last Olympics. His professional experience will allow Snoop Dogg to bring his signature energy and swagger to the global stage of sports and competition.
Will Snoop Be Doing Serious Olympic Commentary For NBC?
Now for anyone who thinks that NBC is simply just pulling a publicity stunt to attract more attention from another demographic to the Olympics, Snoop already has a handful of reps as a commentator.
He joined Kevin Hart on Peacock for a streaming-only coverage of the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics.
He also provided commentary for the Nov. 28, 2020, Mike Tyson versus Roy Jones Jr. fight, which he received plenty of positive feedback for. Snoop has even dipped his toe into hockey commentary, commentating for a match between the Los Angeles Kings and the Dallas Stars in 2021.
Snoop Dogg also has his hand in plenty of other side missions as well, as he has been featured in plenty of video games such as Call Of Duty, Madden, NHL 20, and even appeared as a special guest DJ for NBA 2K.
Aside from acting and being an iconic media personality, Snoop also has a youth football league that has seen players like Houston’s C.J. Stroud become stars.
He is a household name and a legendary icon, and adding “Olympic commentator” to his résumé just makes it even better for him
But by being next to a professional legend such as Mike Tirico Snoop will surely learn even more as a commentator.
Who says you can’t teach an old Dogg new tricks?
As Snoop is set to begin his Olympic coverage, the opening ceremony for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics will begin on July 26.
