ESPN

Stephen A. Smith Reacts To ESPN Layoffs

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Stephen A. Smith is one of the most bulletproof people at ESPN. Overall, he is someone who has singlehandedly helped keep the platform afloat. First Take is one of the best shows on the network, and it will continue to be. However, if you have been paying attention, you know that the network had a whole bunch of layoffs recently. This led to the termination of people like Jalen Rose and even Max Kellerman. Of course, Kellerman used to be a co-host on First Take before being kicked off the show.

Yesterday, Stephen A. took to his podcast where he spoke on these layoffs. In the clips below, you can see Smith address Kellerman directly. Smith acknowledges that he was the one who didn’t want to work with Kellerman on a debate show anymore. Although, he did say that he wants to help Kellerman in the future. From there, he spoke on Jalen Rose and Jeff Van Gundy, whom he believes deserve a whole lot better.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Loses It While Discussing Viral College Bowling Coach

Stephen A. Speaks Out

“ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent. Friends of mine actually, definitely respected colleagues, who had done phenomenal jobs and deserved better. They deserved better than the times we are living in,” Stephen A. said. “To see Jalen Rose gone, my brother. I have got a lot of love for that brother, a lot of the great work he has done over the years, and what he has represented for the company. He is a brilliant basketball mind and somebody that worked his a** off all the time.”

Overall, these layoffs had been expected for a very long time. That said, it should come as no surprise that so many people were let go. Hopefully, they are able to land on their feet in due time. It’s a tough time to be in sports media, and these layoffs are living proof. Let us know your thoughts on the situation, in the comments section below.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Questions The Dating Habits Of Professional Athletes

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Antonio Brown Claims He’s Joining ESPN After Layoffs

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Antonio Brown says that he’s joining ESPN after the outlet announced the layoffs of 20 popular employees, earlier this week, including Todd McShay, Keyshawn Johnson, Suzie Kolber, Steve Young, and others. The former NFL wide receiver claimed to be joining the network on Twitter, Saturday.

“Excited to announce my new partnership @ESPN,” he wrote in the post. Despite the claim, it’s unlikely the network is actually bringing him on. Brown has previously said he’s joining the Baltimore Ravens and Fox Sports’ Undisputed, neither of which came true.

Read More: Antonio Brown Explains Viral Gold Grill Photo From Central Michigan

Antonio Brown With Tom Brady On The Bucs

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 03: Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown with Tom Brady #12 during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on January 03, 2021, in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

As for the ESPN layoffs, the company didn’t explicitly name which employees they were letting go, but they issued the following statement amid the reports: “Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun,” ESPN said in a statement. “This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead. This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company. These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth.”

Several members of the on-air talent confirmed their departures on social media after reports began surfacing. Among them are Suzy Kolber, Ashley Brewer, Joon Lee, and more.

Antonio Brown Announces ESPN Partnership

While there are layoffs at ESPN, the company is bringing in new talent as well. The network recently announced the acquisition of The Pat McAfee Show. McAfee reacted to the layoffs on Twitter, afterward, remarking that he is still “pumped” to join ESPN with the goal that “mass exits are never a thing again.”

Read More: “The Pat McAfee Show” Moves To ESPN

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LeBron James Reacts To ESPN’s Mock Draft For Bronny

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The question of where Bronny James will land in the 2024 NBA Draft is one that has quickly dominated basketball circles in recent days. Bronny, LeBron’s eldest son, is about to start his freshman year at USC. Many expect him to follow the one-and-done path into the NBA.

However, not everyone has been a fan. Kenny Smith pulled out statistics to argue that Bronny may never make it to the NBA. However, while Smith’s correct purely from a numbers standpoint, it’s hard to see Bronny James going completely undrafted given his last name.

For the time being, mock drafts have him hovering around the tail-end of the lottery. SB Nation has him going at #12. Meanwhile, ESPN, whose mock draft includes specific teams, had him going at #17 to the Hawks. It was this landing spot that caught the eye of LeBron himself.

Related: LeBron James makes bizarre French Montana joke on Instagram

LeBron Reacts To The Hawks Drafting Bronny

Bronny James with LeBron James during a Lakers game.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with Bronny James after scoring to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Abdul-Jabbar’s career total of 38,387 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on February 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LeBron shared ESPN‘s image to his Instagram story, adding the caption “Welllll ATL shawty the #JamesGang will be pulling up!” Safe to say that James wasn’t opposed to his son heading to Atlanta. The Hawks picking at #17 is based on ESPN‘s internal predictions for the draft order.

However, could that force a trade between the Hawks and Lakers? LeBron has been very clear that he would like to play with Bronny before he retires from the NBA. Furthermore, the Lakers may not have a first-round pick in 2024, as the Pelicans currently hold the option to take the Lakers 2024 or 2025 first-rounder.

LeBron currently has two years remaining on his contract. However, that does include a player option year for 2024-25. As Bronny is likely to land somewhere other than the Lakers come the draft, could we see LeBron push for an opt-in and trade deal?

Related: Bronny James to face Nikola Jokić’s former Serbian team during preseason tour

Bronny To Wear #6 At USC

In other father-son news amongst the James family, Bronny will be honoring his father at USC. On June 22, USC announced that Bronny would wear #6 while playing for the school. While Bronny has long worn the number, it has also been a tribute to his father.

LeBron most famously wore #6 during his time in Miami, forgoing the #23 he had worn during the start of his career in Cleveland. Per LeBron, the #6 has also held special meaning to him, as it links in some way to the birthdays of both Bronny and Bryce. Furthermore, LeBron wore #6 for the Lakers during the 2022-23 season.

However, if Bronny is drafted, he will have to find a new number. Perhaps the most famous player other than LeBron to wear #6 was the legendary Bill Russell. when Russell passed away in 2022, the league made the decision to issue a league-wide retirement for the number.

Related: Bronny James to make USC debut in Vegas versus Kansas State

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Stephen A. Smith Berates Paul Pierce For Recent Behavior

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Stephen A. Smith is someone who can be extremely blunt with his opinions. Overall, he has never cared who he may offend with his commentary. Consequently, there are some people out there who straight up don’t like him. However, there are plenty of others who appreciate his approach to sports journalism. At the end of the day, he and Skip Bayless are pioneers of the industry, and it has been a pleasure to watch them anger people for over a decade.

That said, Stephen A. now has his very own show where he speaks on whatever he wants. Recently, he decided to comment on the recent antics enacted by Paul Pierce. This past week, he appeared drunk on a livestream with Kevin Garnett. He derailed the stream and while some thought it was funny, Smith felt like it was a bad sign. In fact, he went off on Pierce, claiming that this behavior has dated back to his dismissal from ESPN. Overall, Stephen A. believes this behavior is simply beneath Pierce, and he should strive to do better.

Read More: Paul Pierce Takes Shot At Richard Jefferson

Stephen A. Speaks

“Things started to go off the rails quickly because fans noticed that Paul Pierce was apparently drunk, or at least his behavior seemed to be that of an individual who was drunk, slurring his speech, and all of this other stuff,” Stephen said. “There’s certain stuff that you just can’t do, not when you’re working in corporate America, damn sure. Not when you’re working for Disney [which owns ESPN]. Don’t act like you didn’t know what the moral clause is. You looked like you had a lot of strippers in your house. You have some weed going on everywhere in, alcohol and all of this other stuff.”

Overall, it remains to be seen whether or not Pierce decides to actually listen to Stephen A. and his advice. At this point, Pierce seems to be enjoying life and doing things his own way. Let us know what you think of this, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.

Read More: Paul Pierce Reveals Story Behind The Wheelchair Game

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Stephen A. Smith & JJ Redick Roast Kendrick Perkins For Moaning In Their Ears

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Stephen A. Smith and JJ Redick have proven to be a fun duo on First Take. Although they do get into their fair share of arguments, the show is at least interesting. Overall, they make for great TV, and Smith has not been challenged like this since Max Kellerman was on the program. Redick brings that firsthand NBA experience to the show, while Smith has his journalist lens. It makes for a solid dynamic that is only backed up by just how compelling the NBA Finals have been.

Additionally, Kendrick Perkins makes the show a lot of fun as well. Perkins is someone who is quick with the hot takes, and he clashes with JJ Redick quite a bit. However, if you watch First Take, you know that Perk is always making noises in the mic. He breathes incredibly loudly, and it can be very distracting. Well, today, Redick and Stephen A. were fed up and made their feelings known. It all hilariously played out in the tweet seen below, courtesy of Clutch Points.

Read More: JJ Redick Predicts Ja Morant Suspension Length

Stephen A. And JJ Redick Have Had Enough

“Perk, is that you moaning in my ear over & over again?” Redick asked with an annoyed tone. Subsequently, Smith followed this up by saying, “Yeah, I know. I was getting ready to ask that. You sound like you got sleep apnea, Perk.” Overall, it was a pretty hilarious moment as Perkins got ganged up. Although, it is clear that he took it all in stride and kept it moving. In the future, however, the First Take crew will need to find a way to mute his mic whenever he isn’t talking. Otherwise, this will continue to be an issue for the foreseeable future.

If this is health-related, we hope Kendrick Perkins can get it sorted out. Aside from that, we’re sure Stephen A., Reddick, and Perkins will continue to shine throughout these playoffs. They have been great, and we can’t wait to see more. Let us know what you think of ESPN’s Finals coverage, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates from around the sports world.

Read More: JJ Redick Praises The Heat And Offers Nuggets Hot Take

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JJ Redick Praises The Heat And Offers Nuggets Hot Take

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JJ Redick has been one of the most beloved analysts on TV as of late. Overall, the former NBA star has proven to be someone who can sift through all of the BS that tends to populate shows like First Take. Most of the time, he is spot-on with his takes. Although he wasn’t a superstar in the league, he still has a great eye for the game. So much so that some believe he needs to become a head coach. That said, the NBA Finals are on right now, and you can be sure that Redick is part of the coverage.

Last night, the Miami Heat were able to steal a game against the Denver Nuggets. This came as quite a bit of a surprise. Despite being up by as much as 15 points in the second quarter, the Heat were able to crawl back. They were great to start the third and fourth quarters, and it helped propel them to a win. Now, the Heat have the home-court advantage, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. While on First Take this morning, Redick explained how the Heat were able to win.

Read More: JJ Redick Predicts Ja Morant Suspension Length

JJ Redick Loves The Heat

“The word that comes to mind for me is resiliency [for the Miami Heat],” Redick explained. “Heat culture, it is a very real thing. There is a mental toughness and a mental fortitude with this team.” He also went on to note that the Denver Nuggets should still win it all. Moreover, he went on to note that the Nuggets will be good in the west for years to come.

Redick Talks Denver

“Regardless of what happens in this series, we are entering a phase where the Denver Nuggets will be the favorites in the Western Conference going forward for the foreseeable future,” Redick said. “There’s a long runway in Denver for this team to contend for titles.” Overall, Redick certainly has a point. The Nuggets look amazing, and we cannot wait to see them play for years to come. That said, let us know who you think will win the NBA Finals, in the comments section below.

Read More: JJ Redick Apologizes To Stephen A. Smith

The post JJ Redick Praises The Heat And Offers Nuggets Hot Take appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Jim Brown, Football Legend and Civil Rights Activist, Dead at 87

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Football legend Jim Brown has died at age 87. His wife, Monique, shared the news on Instagram, stating the Hall of Fame running back "passed peacefully" in his Los Angeles home on Thursday night.

Football legend Jim Brown has died at age 87. His wife, Monique, shared the news on Instagram, stating the Hall of Fame running back, civil rights activist, and actor “passed peacefully” in his Los Angeles home on Thursday night.

“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown. He passed peacefully last night at our LA home. To the world he was an activist, actor, and football star. To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Our hearts are broken…”

– Jim Brown

“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Monique and their family,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement on Friday. “Jim Brown was a gifted athlete — one of the most dominant players to ever step on any athletic field — but also a cultural figure who helped promote change.

“During his nine-year NFL career, which coincided with the civil rights movement here at home, he became a forerunner and role model for athletes being involved in social initiatives outside their sport. He inspired fellow athletes to make a difference, especially in the communities in which they lived.”

Jim Brown played for the Cleveland Browns, leading the franchise to their last championship in 1964. The Browns current owners remembered the franchise star admirably.

“Jim Brown is a true icon of not just the Cleveland Browns but the entire NFL,” Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam said in a statement on Friday. “He was certainly the greatest to ever put on a Browns uniform and arguably one of the greatest players in NFL history. Jim was one of the reasons the Browns have such a tremendous fan base today. So many people grew up watching him just dominate every time he stepped onto the football field but his countless accolades on the field only tell a small part of his story.”

You can learn more and see tributes to Jim Brown here.

The post Jim Brown, Football Legend and Civil Rights Activist, Dead at 87 appeared first on The Source.

H.E.R. Links Up With The NBA For New Single “The Journey”

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If you are a fan of H.E.R., well, you have incredible taste in music. Overall, H.E.R. has developed some amazing music over the years. She is a very talented singer, and her r&b stylings have always dazzled. Additionally, she is an amazing guitar player. So much so that Fender gave the artist her very own Fender Stratocaster. This is an honor bestowed on few, which just goes to show just how essential she is as an artist.

When you think about H.E.R., seldom do you probably think about the NBA. Well, you can change that line of thinking, immediately. It was revealed today that the artist has been working with ESPN and NBA on a new ballad. Overall, this song was meant to commemorate the playoffs and how hard it is to win it all. With the Conference Finals underway, the song has subsequently been released. Below, you can find a new track called “The Journey.”

H.E.R. Comes Through With A Ballad

Although this song is made for the NBA, it doesn’t have your typical barrage of basketball references. Overall, this makes for a much more enjoyable listening experience. However, that is not to say the song doesn’t match the spirit of the playoffs. As you will hear, there is a ton of passion radiating through H.E.R.’s voice. Many of the players in these playoffs can resonate with the lyrics, and we’re sure the track will be a welcome addition to ESPN broadcasts.

Overall, this is another great track from H.E.R. Hopefully, she blesses us with more songs, very soon. Perhaps a new album is in order? Let us know your thoughts on this track, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed.

Quotable Lyrics:

All the times you thought you’d never make it through
Felt just like the world just turned it’s back on you
Didn’t stop you
All the times you could’ve give in and you’d given up
Times you didn’t know if you were strong enough
Still you got through

HER Is ‘Grateful’ For ‘The Journey’ In Her Soaring Ballad, Helping ESPN Soundtrack The 2023 NBA Playoffs

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HER pr 2023
Courtesy of RCA Records/R&CPMK

HER (real name Gabriella Wilson) knows about winning trophies. She’s well-positioned to earn EGOT status. All that’s left is a Tony Award, which she’ll have a shot at as a member of the production team of Here Lies Love, debuting on Broadway this summer.

So it’s fitting that HER’s newest single, “The Journey,” is helping ESPN soundtrack its coverage of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. It had been included as an unreleased track, but as of Thursday, May 18, it’s her first solo release since 2021’s Grammy-nominated Back Of My Mind album.

One week ago, HER teased the single with an Instagram video of her listening back to her vocals in the studio with live strings instrumentalists recording. “ITS THE VOCAL AND STRINGS FOR ME,” she captioned the post. “I can’t wait for you to hear what I’ve been working so hard on.”

She took to Instagram again with a clip of the polished version earlier this week. “THE JOURNEY… It hasn’t been an easy one. But I’m grateful for it all. Ready for the next chapter… I’ll share more soon,” the five-time Grammy winner wrote.

“‘The Journey’ has been included within various in-game ESPN production elements, including vignettes voiced over by HER,” a press release explained. “The vignettes and additional production elements outline, through the song lyrics, the unique paths through the NBA Playoffs for all 16 teams.”

The field is down to four. The 2023 NBA Playoffs continued with the Denver Nuggets topping the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday, May 16, and the Miami Heat claiming Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, May 17. Whichever team hoists the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy will still have a ways to go to catch HER.

Listen to “The Journey” below.

“The Pat McAfee Show” Moves To ESPN

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Pat McAfee is one of the most popular sports pundits currently on the air. Known for his viral reactions and outspoken personality, the former NFL punter has found both success and a major audience. He has worked with a lot of outlets over the years, from Barstool to Fox to ESPN. However, it seemed as though he had found a home on FanDuel. In fact, FanDuel was more than happy to ink a $120 million contract with McAfee to be the exclusive home of The Pat McAfee Show.

However, reports in March appeared to indicate that McAfee was looking to move on from FanDuel before the end of his contract. No reason was given for why he could be moving on from FanDuel. Despite this, multiple outlets reported that McAfee was looking for a new home.

ESPN Lands McAfee

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 09: Former NFL player and host Pat McAfee speaks on radio row ahead of Super Bowl LVII at the Phoenix Convention Center on February 9, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

That speculation came to an end on Tuesday when ESPN announced that they had signed McAfee to a multi-year deal. McAfee already serves as a color commentator for Thursday Night Football. Now the network will also feature his flagship show starting this fall. “Pat is a proven talent,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in the statement. “He and his team have built ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ into one of the most engaging programs in sports and all of media. It’s a destination for athlete interviews and breaking news, and the centerpiece of a growing community of sports fans. We’re honored to bring Pat and the show to ESPN through a multifaceted, multiplatform approach.”

Furthermore, McAfee expressed his excitement about joining ESPN. “We are extremely honored that ESPN is blessing us with this opportunity to be a part of the next chapter of the ESPN family. We do not take that lightly and are going to work hard to make sure this is a success. All parties involved agree the time has come for a bunch of sports stooges in a Thunderdome in Indiana to sprinkle in some fun and celebration of sport as well.” However, McAfee assured fans that his show would remain largely the same, albeit with a little less profanity. How do you feel about McAfee leaving for ESPN? Let us know in the comments.

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