football

Aaron Rodgers Says NFL Forced “Hard Knocks” On New York Jets

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There has been a lot of doubt over the future of HBO’s Hard Knocks. In June, it was reported that HBO had approached the Lions about appearing on the show for the second year in a row. The reason for this desperation was that teams were apparently especially unwilling to appear on the show this year. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the NFL chose the New York Jets to appear on Hard Knocks. The league’s criteria for teams to be eligible for “Hard Knocks” eliminates teams with first-year head coaches, teams that qualified for the playoffs the past two seasons, and teams that appeared in the past 10 seasons. The Jets last appeared on Hard Knocks in 2010. Meanwhile, this will be Rodgers’ first time on the show, as the Packers have never been selected. The Jets report to training camp on July 19.

However, not everyone is happy about the news. Speaking during the June uncertainly, Jets head coach Robert Salah made it clear that he didn’t want the team to be featured. “I haven’t gotten word or anything like that. I know there’s several teams that would love for Hard Knocks to be in their building, but we’re just not one of them.” The likely storylines that the show will focus on will largely be at the quarterback position. Of course, there’s the arrival of Aaron Rodgers. However, there is also his understudy – Zach Wilson. Wilson was the second-overall pick in the 2021 draft. However, inconsistent performances saw him get benched in 2022 and then ultimately sidelined by the Rodgers trade. Now Rodgers himself is speaking out about the decision.

Rodgers Blasts Hard Knocks Decision

Rodgers didn’t mince words when asked about the decision. “I understand the appeal with us. Obviously, there are a lot of eyes on me, a lot of eyes on our team, and a lot of expectations for our squad. One of the only things I like about Hard Knocks is the voice of God, the man who narrates it, Liev,” Rodgers said, referring to long-time narrator Lev Schreiber. Well, unfortunately for Rodgers, the narration for Hard Knocks is up in the air. With SAG-AFTRA on strike and actively picketing, it’s unlikely that Schreiber, or any SAG-affiliated actor, will be stepping into the recording booth anytime soon.

However, Rodgers wasn’t finished. “They forced it down our throats and we have to deal with it,” he declared. It’s very clear at this point that the shine of Hard Knocks has completely worn off for the NFL. No one wants the added hassle in their locker room and practice field. However, the NFL, perennially out of touch with what its players and teams actually want, continues to enforce it like prayers on Sunday. Regardless, the aforementioned actor’s strike will most definitely have an impact on the production. Perhaps the Jets will be spared after all.

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Shaq Barrett Honors Late Daughter With New Tattoo

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On April 30, the family of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett suffered a terrible tragedy. Two-year-old Arrayah, Barrett’s youngest daughter, died after drowning in a swimming pool at the family home. The news shocked the NFL, given both Barrett’s well-known status as a family man, and the fact that just the week prior, they had been celebrating Arrayah’s birthday. Barrett has played in the NFL since 2014. Initially an undrafted free agent with the Broncos, he has become a vital part of the Buccaneers’ defense. He is currently recovering from a torn Achilles that sidelined him for the second half of the 2022 season.

On May 11, Barrett made his first comments about Arrayah’s death. “I miss you sooo much baby girl. I love you please watch over us 😘😘#TGBTG” Barrett wrote in a caption on an Instagram video of him and his daughter. Several of Barrett’s teammates shared messages of solidarity. His wife replied, “We love you forever and ever babygirl💕 until we meet again my baby!” In a separate post, Barrett thanked the wider community for all of their support during the difficult time.

Barrett Gets Tattoo To Honor Daughter

According to TMZ, Barrett and his wife recently visited celebrity tattoo artist Tattoo Red to get pieces honoring Arrayah. For Barrett, that was a large forearm piece immortalizing an image from Arrayah’s last birthday. Barrett’s wife Jordanna got a smaller piece on her wrist. According to Red, Barrett’s piece took about 5 hours to complete. “Knowing what an emotional piece this was for the family made me feel honored,” Tattoo Red said. “I wanted to give them the best piece I could.”

It was also recently announced that the Barretts are expecting another child later this year. Reportedly another girl, they couple have chosen to name her Allanah. “Arrayah had a special hand in picking this sweet girl to add to our family!” Jordanna said on social media. “We miss our Arrayah every second of every day, but I rest in knowing she’s going to be the best big sister angel to little miss Allanah.”

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Damar Hamlin Awards ESPY To Team Who Saved His Life

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Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills player who collapsed during a game in January 2023, made an appearance at the ESPYs on July 12. Hamlin was there to present the Pat Tillman Award for Service. The recipient was the Buffalo Bills athletic training staff that saved his life. The Bills staffers’ response to Hamlin’s acute cardiac arrest, through the use of an AED, saved Hamlin’s life. It gave external medical staff time to arrive at the scene. The Tillman Award goes to a group or an individual with a strong connection to sports that has served others. It is named for, and in memory of, Pat Tillman. Tillman was an NFL player who joined the Army Rangers after 9/11. However, Tillman was later killed in a friendly fire incident. His family has long argued that Tillman was murdered due to his increasingly anti-war beliefs.

“Damar, first and foremost, thank you for staying alive, brother,” said Nate Breske, head trainer for the Bills. “We’re not used to having the spotlight on us,” he said. “We were just doing our job, but the idea of service is definitely something that is ingrained in our profession and that we take great pride in. Learn CPR and how to use an AED because they save lives.”

Hamlin, Bills Continue AED Awareness Campaign

Since that shocking incident in January, Hamlin has become a vocal advocate for the wider acceptance of AED in schools and athletic spaces. He even visited Congress and met President Biden to discuss the issue. However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. A number of insidious conspiracies sprung up after the incident. These namely centered on the idea that Hamlin being vaccinated was the cause of his sudden cardiac arrest. This anti-vax conspiracy, which is completely fictitious and not based on any objective science, was also spouted after the death of former NFL QB Ryan Mallett. The other conspiracy, which is tangentially linked to the anti-vax one, is that Hamlin actually died on the field and was replaced by a clone. This conspiracy purports this occurred to cover up Hamlin’s vaccine-induced death.

As Hamlin himself, he continues to prepare to return to the NFL. According to Batavia Daily‘s Alex Brasky, Hamlin participated in “stretches, agility and conditioning work, along with individual drills” while “wearing a jersey, without pads” in late May. He is expected to be ready to start Week 1 against the Jets. However, the team are keeping their expectations tempered. “We’re taking it one day at a time and just support Damar in every way possible,” head coach Sean McDermott told reporters in May.

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Saquon Barkley Could Sit Out NFL Week 1 If Extension Not Reached

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At 4pm on July 17, the New York Giants will become unable to sign running back Saquon Barkley to a new contract until after the 2023 season. Barkley is currently set to play the 2023 season under the franchise tag after the Giants chose not to offer him a long-term extension. “Me getting tagged, was I upset about it? Nobody wants to get tagged,” Barkley in June. “To sit here and say I was frustrated, I was mad, I was upset, what really got me upset was the stories that got leaked out, how misleading they were, and how untruthful they were. I feel it was trying to paint a narrative of me, a picture of me, that is not even true. Not even close to being the truth.”

The contract deadlock comes during an offseason where Giants signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a $160 million extension. After being seen as a draft bust for much of his rookie contract, Jones led the Giants back to the playoffs last season. Barkley was drafted by the Giants in 2018, with the hype of a generational talent at the position. However, much of his career has been derailed by injury. In 2022, Barkley stayed healthy and recorded a career-high 1312 yards. However, now his career could be in peril for another reason.

Barkley Could Sit

If the deadline to sign Barkley to a longer deal passes, the 26-year-old has a big decision to make. Does he play under the tag or holdout for a bigger contract? According to ESPN‘s Dianna Russini, the latter is very much in play. “Saquon Barkley has made it clear the franchise tag is undesirable. I’m told his availability for Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys will be in serious question if he does not get a long-term deal from the Giants,” Russini wrote on Twitter.

There have been a number of notable holdouts in the NFL in recent years. Deshaun Watson refused to play for the Texans due to disputes with the head office. However, that situation was also complicated by the first stirrings of the sexual misconduct scandal that Watson would become involved in 2022. Meanwhile, the last purely contract-motivated holdout was Le’Veon Bell in 2018. Bell left the Steelers after the 2018 season but his career nosedived. He played for four teams over the next three seasons and was out of the league before he turned 30. However, it’s hard to compare Barkley and Bell too much, given Bell’s notoriety.

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Alvin Kamara Pleads No Contest On 2022 Vegas Fight Charge

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New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Charge has agreed to enter a no-contest plea in the case of a 2022 fight in New Vegas. Kamara and three other men were initially facing misdemeanor charges of conspiracy to commit battery and a felony charge of battery with substantial bodily harm. However, Kamara’s plea means he will no longer face felony charges. Instead, Kamara will plead no contest to a misdemeanor charge of breaching the peace.

The charge stems from Kamara’s February 2022 arrest. Kamara and three other men were indicted after being accused of assaulting a man outside of a Vegas nightclub. What made the case more notable than simply involving an NFL star was the circumstances surrounding it. The assault reportedly occurred the night before the NFL Pro Bowl. Kamara then proceeded to play in the Pro Bowl the following day before being taken into custody. Kamara had initially reached a private settlement with the victim, Darnell Greene Jr., on July 10, 20He’23. As a result of his plea, Kamara will be sentenced to 30 hours of community service and a financial settlement of $105,000 to Greene Jr.

Kamara Turns Attention To NFL Season

“Alvin is pleased that this matter is behind him and looks forward to a successful NFL season,” Kamara’s attorney David Chesnoff said in a statement. It’s set to be a big season for Kamara and the Saints. The perennial NFC South contenders will be looking for their first playoff berth since 2020. After limping through two seasons without a permanent franchise signal caller, the Saints signed former Raiders QB Derek Carr. He’ll be backed up by the much-maligned Jameis Winston and fourth-round rookie Jake Haener. The Saints also went heavy on defense in the draft, taking two D-Line prospects with their first two picks. They also added some depth in free agency, including Foster Moreau.

Kamara once again looks to break the 1000-yard rushing mark for the first time in his career. For how prolific of a running back he has been, it’s easy to forget he’s never topped 1000 yards in a season. In 2022, Kamara had 897 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. Furthermore, he added 490 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air. Furthermore, his contract contains a potential out after the season. While it’s unlikely they would take this, Kamara is technically playing on a contract year in 2023.

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Aaron Hernandez’s Brother DJ Misses ESPN Court Date: Report

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Aaron Hernandez is someone who continues to live in infamy as it pertains to the sports world. Overall, he had a huge fall from grace in the early 2010s. After a few great seasons with the New England Patriots, he was accused of murder. Subsequently, the case went to trial and he was convicted. From there, Hernandez went to prison and died by suicide in a gruesome fashion. Although this all happened very quickly, the story has still stuck with NFL fans for years on end.

Recently, Aaron Hernandez’s brother DJ has been in the news. Much of this has to do with a couple of incidents that took place back in March. Firstly, Hernandez was speeding through Connecticut and even engaged in a long police chase. Eventually, he was stopped and arrested before getting hit with some serious charges. Secondly, Hernandez showed up to the ESPN headquarters where he threw a brick with what seemed like a threatening message attached. “It’s about time you all realeyes the affect media has on all family members,” the message read. “Since you’re a world wide leader maybe you could lead how media and messages are delivered brick by brick. Clean it up!”

Read More: Rob Gronkowski Opens Up About Aaron Hernandez Murder Saga

Aaron Hernandez’s Brother In Trouble

FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 10: Aaron Hernandez #81 of the New England Patriots smiles from the sidelines in the fourth quarter during a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on December 10, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

According to TMZ, DJ Hernandez was supposed to be in court for the incident on Friday. However, he never showed up. Consequently, an arrest order has been put out, which means he could be headed to jail. At the time of writing this, Hernandez has not responded to the order.

This is a developing story, so be sure to keep it locked to HNHH for the latest news and updates. Also, let us know what you think of all of this, in the comments section below. Hopefully, DJ gets the help that he needs.

Read More: Aaron Hernandez’s Ex-Fiancée Accused Of Mishandling Daughter’s Trust Fund

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Josh Allen Spotted Making Out With Hailee Steinfeld In Mexico

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For the longest time, Josh Allen seemed to be a ride-or-die lifer with long-time partner Brittany Williams. The pair had been friends since childhood and had dated since 2017. Williams followed Allen to Buffalo after he was drafted into the NFL in 2018. Perhaps his biggest fan, the couple quietly broke up in early 2023.

However, rumors quickly began to spread about who Allen was subsequently dating. On May 27, Allen was spotted in New York with actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld. A few days later, they appeared to go out again to grab sushi. This led to rumors that the pair were dating. Despite this, neither camp publicly admitted to the relationship. A source also appeared to confirm the relationship to several gossip outlets.

New Pictures Confirm Allen-Steinfeld Relationship

Josh Allen
TORONTO, ON – MAY 15: Josh Allen, quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, catches balls in the outfield during batting practice ahead of the MLB game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on May 15, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

New photos published by TMZ appear to confirm that Allen and Steinfeld are more than just friends. The images were reportedly taken in Mexico, where Allen and Steinfeld are allegedly vacationing. The pictures show the pair in a tiled swimming pool, with several images showing the presumed couple making out and cuddling. The photographer also got them either taking a selfie or spotting the photographer.

This appears to all but confirm that the couple is legit, even though they still haven’t released anything publicly. At the very least, they seem to be very happy together and having a good time. Perhaps we will see Steinfeld at a handful of Bills games later this year. The Allen-led Bills are once again looking to find that ever-elusive Super Bowl berth. The team did some fairly significant overhauling in the offseason and will open their season against the Jets on September 11. What do you think about the pairing of Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest sports and relationship news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Russell Wilson And Ciara Share Heartfelt Messages On 7th Wedding Anniversary

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NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and musician Ciara wed on July 6, 2016, at a ceremony in England. They had met in 2015, about a year after Wilson divorced his first wife. At the time of their marriage, Wilson was playing for the Seattle Seahawks. coming off a year where he had broken multiple single-season records for the team. However, The team had bowed out in the playoffs, falling to the 15-1 Panthers. The loss ended the Seahawks’ quest to appear in back-to-back-to-back Super Bowls. Meanwhile, Ciara released her album Jackie in 2015, which peaked at #17. She also had two charting singles – “I Bet” (#43) and “Dance Like We’re Making Love” (#100).

Traditionally, the 7th anniversary is known as the wool or copper anniversary. It’s unknown if the Wilsons adhered to this level of traditional gifting. Although, Wilson, who now plays for the Broncos, does have a copperish aspect to his new current uniform. However, we do know that they shared some very sweet messages for each other on Instagram.

Russell Wilson And Ciara Trade Instagram Love Letters

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Russell Wilson (@dangerusswilson)

“God made you perfect for me. You are my Peace in a storm. You are my Joy in sadness. You are my Comfort in trouble. I Thank Jesus for you. My Forever. Year 7 x Forever. Always & Forever. @Ciara,” Wilson wrote on his Instagram. He also included a montage of pictures of the couple set to Dennis Edwards’ “Don’t Look Any Further”. Ciara replied in the comments. “I love you so much my baby! So grateful for our Love. Proud of us! ❤.”

Meanwhile, Ciara shared a photo of the couple looking sharp in Kyoto, Japan. “In the Bible, the number 7 represents a full and complete world..My heart is complete and full of gratitude for the love we share. I have everything I want and need in you. Happy 7th Anniversary @DangeRussWilson. Thank you for loving me the way you do. I love you so much. Totemo Aishiteru 🫶🏽.” “Totemo Aishiteru” roughly translates to “I love you so much”. Furthermore, happy anniversary to Russell and Ciara, we hope you have a lovely day.

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Netflix Set To Make Docuseries On Jerry Jones & Dallas Cowboys

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Netflix has delivered a ton of great sports content over the years. From “Last Chance U” to the “Bad Sport” series that chronicled six different sports stories. The streaming giant knows how to land the great drama involved in sports. However, it seems every streaming platform is looking for the magic that ESPN found with “The Last Dance.” The documentary followed Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls epic domination of the NBA in the 1990s.

Now, one of the more popular streaming platforms may have just found that gold. It is being reported that Netflix has purchased the rights to the story of Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys. The upcoming docuseries will feature 10 episodes on the story of Jones and his franchise. At the same time, the Bulls were dominating the basketball court in the 90s. The Cowboys owned the gridiron. Dallas’ dominance of a decade sparked generations of fans for the team from coast to coast.

Read More: Up To 80% Of NFL Players Smoke Weed, According To Travis Kelce

Netflix Cashes In On Dallas Cowboys

Jones is arguably the most notable owner of any sports franchise in the entire United States. Undoubtedly the owner has managed to keep a more hands-on approach to his team than other owners in the NFL. However, that approach also comes with a lot of backlash. Many feel that ownership shouldn’t be as involved in the day-to-day operations of a team. However, nobody wants to be the one to break that news to Mr. Jones.

But the docuseries didn’t come cheap. The rights to this story were sold at a whopping $50 million. However, the money is more than likely no object to Jones. The longtime Cowboys owner would just like to hold that Lombardi Trophy one more time. Love them or hate them. The Cowboys and Jones have left a lasting impression on the entire sports community. Netflix will now get the chance to have fans see the story of the franchise from firsthand accounts. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.

Read More: NFL Expected To Suspend More Players For Gambling

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Hassan Haskins Arrested For Strangling Girlfriend

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Tennessee Titans running back Hassan Haskins has reportedly been arrested in Nashville on felony aggravated assault charges. Haskins was taken into custody on June 29 after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend on June 22. Haskins was a fourth-round draft pick for the Titans in 2022 and appeared in 15 games, rushing for 93 total yards.

The June 22 assault reportedly happened after Haskins saw that his girlfriend, Makiah Green, had liked a picture from another man on Instagram. The two argued, with Haskins pinning Green to the bed and strangling her with both hands after she refused to stop throwing his shoes on the ground. After he stopped strangling her, the two reportedly slapped each other repeatedly.

Read More: Police say death of former NFL QB Ryan Mallett was a “tragic accident”

Haskins Arrested After Second Altercation

Hassan Haskins
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 30: Tennessee Titans running back Hassan Haskins (25) returns the punt in the second quarter during the NFL game between the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans on October 30, 2022 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Reportedly, Haskins was arrested Thursday following a second altercation with Green. After arguing at dinner, Haskins reportedly returned home without Green. Forced to Uber home, Green allegedly threw a glass at Haskins before locking herself in the bedroom. Reportedly, Haskins then broke down the bedroom door and began arguing with Green. At this point, Green reportedly tore a chain off Haskins’ neck. After he reportedly broke her phone, Green took Haskins’ phone and claimed to see Snapchat messages from “naked women”, prompting her to allegedly break Haskins’ phone.

Furthermore, Haskins has alleged that Green choked him from behind with a broom before throwing his Playstation 5 through the wall. Both were arrested and have since made bond. Green was charged with aggravated assault and felony vandalism. Haskins was held on a $10,000 bond while Green was held on $7500. The Titans running back will appear in court on July 10 in Jefferson County. Additionally, the Titans said that they are “aware of the situation and gathering additional information.” This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.

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