The shocking and untimely death of Baltimore Ravens star Jacoby Jones rocked the NFL, but now Jones’ cause of death has now been revealed, according to news reports.
The medical examiner revealed today(August 6) that the Super Bowl champion died from Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease, which stems from long-term high blood pressure.
Jones’ cause of death is listed as natural.
Back in July, Jones was found dead in his New Orleans home, leaving family, friends, teammates and friends with more questions than answers.
“My brother, you will truly be missed,” Hall of Famer Ray Lewis said after receiving the news his Ravens teammate’s passing.
“They can’t take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and always a pillar in the community, a Ravens for life. Love ya JJ”
Most Valuable Promotions, Netflix, and Fanatics Events today announced that Jake Paul (10-1 7KOs) and Mike Tyson (50-6 44 KOs) will face off at an exclusive press conference on Sunday, August 18, at the inaugural Fanatics Fest NYC, an immersive sports festival where sports, culture, and collecting collide. Paul and Tyson will come face to face for the first time since the historic bout was rescheduled. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson will stream live globally, exclusively on Netflix on Friday, November 15, 2024 from the 80,000-seat capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
The Paul vs. Tyson press conference, hosted by renowned journalist and Super Bowl Champion, Ryan Clark, will headline the final day of Fanatics Fest NYC on Sunday, August 18th at 2:00pm ET at The Theater, and will stream live on Most Valuable Promotions’ YouTube and Netflix’s YouTube. Fanatics Fest NYC, which will be held at the Javits Center in the heart of New York City, will bring together some of the biggest names in sports and culture, and serve as the ultimate destination for sports fans and collectors.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson marks Jake Paul’s most-anticipated fight to date and his third fight of 2024 following three sensational knockouts in a row against professional boxers and Golden Glove winners Andre August and Ryan Bourland and most recently BKFC champion Mike Perry on July 20. Paul has shown tremendous growth as a boxer on his path to becoming a world champion, but now will take on one of the best and most dangerous boxers of all time in Mike Tyson.
“After eating Mike Perry as an appetizer, I’m ready to go for the main course on Friday, November 15,”said Jake Paul. “To be fighting the biggest baddest boxer ever is a dream come true for me and it is going to be a nightmare for Mike Tyson. It’s cool to be featured at Fanatics Fest alongside some of the biggest names in sports and I look forward to delivering a show the fans won’t soon forget on Friday, November 15th.”
Mike Tyson, the legendary former undisputed world heavyweight champion, is one of the biggest sports stars ever. The “Baddest Man on the Planet” is recognized as one of the greatest fighters of all time, ESPN’s #1 hardest hitter in heavyweight history, and the youngest heavyweight champion ever at just 20 years old. His explosive power and ferocious fighting style led to a staggering run of 37 consecutive victories, with 33 of those wins coming by knockout.
“I’m looking forward to facing off with Jake Paul at Fanatics Fest in NYC,”said Mike Tyson. “The countdown is back on. I’m feeling great and looking forward to knocking out Jake Paul on Friday, November 15th at AT&T Stadium in Texas on Netflix.”
“This press conference on Sunday, August 18 is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary build-up to Friday, November 15,”said MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian.“It’s fitting to have Jake Paul and Mike Tyson face off in person at an event that highlights the most prominent brands in sports. We’re delighted to be part of Fanatics Fest and can’t wait to see fans from all over experience this historic build-up firsthand.”
“When we launched Fanatics Fest earlier this year, our vision was to create a platform where sports legends and cultural icons could connect with fans in unprecedented ways,” said Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. “Hosting the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson press conference at Fanatics Fest NYC is a testament to that vision. This event embodies the energy, excitement, and passion that we aim to bring to every Fanatics Fest experience.”
The Los Angeles Lakers are ready to coach their way back to prominence. The storied franchise just announced their revised coaching staff for the 2024-25 season under new head coach JJ Redick who has a lot of expectations depending on who you ask. Redick, never coached a day in his life in the NBA played 15 seasons in the league as a reliable sharp shooter with solid numbers. ICYMI, he was appointed as the Lakers’ head coach earlier this year. Outside of his outside shot, he is known to have a pretty high basketball IQ but that will be put to the test as he takes on the challenges of becoming a coach on a team that has it’s hopes riding on his back, LeBron and Davis, to put it lightly.
Get this, coming on Redick’s team are six assistant coaches, because they fired all of Darvin Ham’s team, including veterans Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks.
Here’s the new staff:
Nate McMillan, Assistant coach:
Nate McMillan brings over two decades of coaching experience to the Lakers. He has previously served as the head coach for the Seattle SuperSonics, Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers, and most recently, the Atlanta Hawks from 2021-23. McMillan’s extensive experience and his background as a former player transitioning to a coach will be invaluable in supporting Redick as he adjusts to his new role.
Scott Brooks, Assistant coach:
Scott Brooks is another veteran presence on the Lakers’ coaching staff. Brooks had a successful tenure as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008-15, leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2012. He most recently served as an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers. Brooks’ wealth of knowledge and experience will be crucial for the Lakers’ coaching team.
Bob Beyer, Assistant coach:
Bob Beyer has a long coaching career that began at the collegiate level in 1983. Though he has never been an NBA head coach, Beyer has been an assistant coach in the league for over two decades, working with eight different franchises. His extensive experience will provide another layer of support for Redick.
Greg St. Jean, Assistant coach:
Greg St. Jean was part of the Lakers’ player development staff when the team won the championship in the bubble in 2020 under Frank Vogel. His familiarity with the organization and his experience working with key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis make his return a strategic move for the Lakers.
Lindsey Harding, Assistant coach:
Lindsey Harding, who starred at Duke alongside Redick in the mid-2000s, joins the Lakers after a successful career in the WNBA and a subsequent rise through the coaching ranks. Harding was named G League Coach of the Year last season for her work with the Stockton Kings. Her hiring marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first female coach in Lakers history.
Beau Levesque, Assistant coach:
Beau Levesque, after a brief playing career overseas, transitioned into coaching and was most recently the player development coordinator for the Los Angeles Clippers. Redick has emphasized the importance of player development, and Levesque’s role will be central to that focus.
Good luck to these new coaches, because as we know what lies ahead in the NBA’s Western Conference … they’re going to need it.
Winless for almost a month, the Chicago White Sox are making the worst kind of history. The woeful White Sox lost their 20th consecutive game Sunday, the majors’ longest skid in 36 years and one short of the American League record, as Chris Flexen was chased early in a 13-7 defeat against the Minnesota Twins.
“At the end of the day, we’ve lost 20 in a row. That’s painful. That sucks,” manager Pedro Grifol said. “We’ve just got to find a way to put that behind us and go out there and be professionals and do what we have to do tomorrow.”
Chicago’s franchise-record losing streak is the longest in the big leagues since the 1988 Baltimore Orioles dropped 21 games in a row, the AL mark, to begin the season. The NL record since 1900 is held by the 1961 Philadelphia Phillies, who lost 23 straight.
The major league low belongs to the 1889 Louisville Colonels, an American Association team that endured a 26-game slide during a 27-111 season.
Next up, the White Sox head to Oakland for a three-game series beginning Monday night against the Athletics, who are last in the AL West.
“It’s very difficult,” Chicago center fielder Luis Robert Jr. said via a translator. “There’s nothing else we can do, just try to come here every day as we’ve been doing it and try to win games.”
Chicago’s losing streak is tied with four other clubs for the third-longest since 1900: the 1969 Montreal Expos; the 1943 and 1916 Philadelphia Athletics; and the 1906 Boston Americans. The latest defeat dropped the White Sox 60 games below .500 for the first time in franchise history. They are on pace to finish 38-124, which would be the most losses since the 1899 Cleveland Spiders of the National League went 20-134.
The journey of Sha’Carri Richardson just took a turn but it’s a good one. The lightening fast sprinter took the silver medal in the 100-meter race at the Paris Olympics.
This feat comes three years after missing the Tokyo Games due to a positive marijuana test. Still wild how that happened to her.
As everyone would imagine there were high expectations for Richardson. But no gold medal in the 100 meter. Instead, Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred won the top prize with a time of 10.72 seconds.
Get this the “W” earned Alfred’s island nation their first Olympic medal.
Let that sink in. That was their FIRST Olympic medal, ever. Wow. Flowers to Julien. All the flowers.
But slow down, Richardson finished second in 10.87 seconds after a not so hot start that put her at a disadvantage early in the race. Listen, it happens.
Following the surprising race, Richardson briefly spoke to a reporter who mispronounced her name, correcting them with, “It’s Sha’Carri.” Can you blame her?
As one of the more standout athletes in the Paris Olympics, Richardson faced immense pressure. Some would say pressure rarely experienced by any athlete not named Simone Biles or LeBron James, although the later is the oldest player in the NBA but still.
When you add non stop media coverage and major endorsements from brands like Nike and Sprite, Richardson had quite literally the world on her shoulders.
Richardson’s track to the Olympics, pun intended, has been rocky. She has experienced highs and lows, from being one of the fastest women in the world to facing suspension and criticism. Super heavy for anyone to have to endure, even a major athlete such as Richardson.
But after that suspension, she returned to competition in August 2021, she finished last in a race that featured many of the women she would have faced in Tokyo. Despite all this adversity, Richardson remained defiant, stating, “Count me out if you want to. Talk all the s— you want. Because I’m here to stay. I’m not done. I’m the sixth-fastest woman in this game ever. Can’t nobody ever take that from me.”
It’s not over for Sha’Carri Richardson. But maybe the real story is it’s just beginning for Julien Alfred.
Italian boxer Angela Carini has issued a public apology after quitting her bout against Algerian opponent Imane Khelif just 46 seconds into the match at the Paris Olympics. The abrupt end to the fight has sparked online abuse directed at Khelif, a situation Carini has expressed regret over.
In Thursday’s light welterweight bout, Khelif, 25, delivered a punch that dislodged Carini’s chinstrap, forcing her to retreat before ultimately dropping to her knees. The Italian boxer did not shake hands with Khelif following her defeat, a move that drew further criticism. Addressing the incident, Carini told Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, “I’m sorry for my opponent. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.” She added, “I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.”
The fight has not only become a flashpoint in discussions about sportsmanship but has also reignited a contentious debate over gender and eligibility in women’s sports. Some spectators questioned Khelif’s participation, citing a 2023 decision by a now-discredited boxing regulator that barred her from a women’s tournament. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has strongly supported her inclusion in the 2024 Games. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams emphasized, “This is not a transgender case,” noting that Khelif was born female, registered female, and has lived her life as a female.
Carini’s apology comes amidst a wave of online abuse directed at Khelif, with transphobic commentators falsely labeling her as male and questioning her right to compete. The controversy has drawn the attention of high-profile figures, including former US President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and JK Rowling, who have all weighed in, often spreading misinformation.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, visiting Italian athletes in the Olympic Village, also commented on the match, stating that the competition “wasn’t an equal fight.” Meloni has long opposed allowing athletes with “genetically male” characteristics to compete against women.
Despite the backlash, Khelif remains focused on her Olympic journey. The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) has defended her, decrying the attacks on her dignity and taking measures to ensure her safety as she prepares for her next bout.
Khelif’s situation is highlighted by her disqualification from a gold medal match in March 2023 by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which cited “competitive advantages” without detailing the specific reasons. The IBA, stripped of its official status by the IOC for corruption, did not clarify what tests were used, only stating that the tests did not involve testosterone levels.
The IOC has dismissed the IBA’s disqualification as “arbitrary” and without due process. Adams reiterated the IOC’s stance on inclusion, stating that athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) should only be excluded if there are clear issues of fairness or safety.
This incident has spotlighted the broader issues of sex testing and the policing of women’s bodies in sports. Historically, women athletes have faced invasive and often humiliating sex verification tests, a practice dating back to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Modern scrutiny of such tests has led to significant changes, with many sports bodies abandoning blanket sex testing in favor of case-by-case evaluations.
Prominent cases, such as that of South African runner Caster Semenya, who has higher naturally occurring testosterone levels, continue to challenge the regulations. Semenya has been barred from certain events unless she lowers her testosterone levels and is currently contesting these rules at the European Court of Human Rights.
As the debate around gender and competition in sports continues, Khelif’s experience shows the complexities of these issues.
It seems that even when the Bronx Bombers win, a celebration isn’t complete without Yankees fans brawling with the opposition, even at away games.
This past Tuesday(July 30) at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park when the Yankees beat the Phils 6-5, a Yankees fan called a Phillies fan a homophobic slur shortly before he smacked the man unconscious. In the footage, you can see two men in what appears to just be a verbal altercation until the man wearing the Aaron Judge jersey smacks the man in the black shirt, presumably a Phillies fan, leaving him out cold.
What’s come into question now is that prior to the assault, the man in the Judge jersey is now wanted for questioning by the Philadelphia Police for a potential hate crime after calling the man a f****t shortly before hitting him.
The Philadelphia Police Dept. said they are aware of the incident and have launched an investigation into things. “We are asking the victim and anyone who may have knowledge of the incident to come forward,” the PPD said.
Neither the Yankees nor the Phillies have commented on the incident.
The world of gymnastics were in for a shock following the 2024 Women’s Final in Paris. On Tuesday, July 28, Simone Biles led her team to a gold medal victory, marking a triumphant return after her withdrawal from most of the 2020 competitions due to the “twisties.” However, the celebration was short-lived with tension between Biles and her former teammate, MyKayla Skinner.
The friction between Biles and Skinner traces back to earlier this month during the Gymnastics US Olympic Team Trials in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Skinner posted a video on YouTube, which she later deleted, criticizing the current generation of gymnasts. “Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth isn’t what it used to be,” Skinner stated. “I just noticed, obviously, a lot of girls don’t work as hard. The girls don’t have the work ethic.”
Skinner also commented on the shift in coaching styles, saying, “Coaches can’t get on athletes which in some ways is really good but at the same time, to get to where you need to be in gymnastics you do have to be… a little aggressive, a little intense.”
Biles responded to these remarks through Instagram Threads, writing, “Not everyone needs a mic and a platform.” Jordan Chiles’ mother also expressed her disapproval on X, formerly known as Twitter, noting, “Whoa. She really said that out loud and posted it. That’s something….”
In the wake of the backlash, Skinner issued an apology via Instagram Story, stating that her comments were based on personal experiences and were not intended to offend the 2024 team. “Sorry for anything that got out of context or seemed hurtful,” she said. She emphasized her support for the team, expressing her happiness for their achievements.
Despite the apology, Biles’ Instagram post celebrating the team’s Olympic win appeared to subtly reference Skinner’s comments. “Lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions,” the caption read, prompting fans to acknowledge the apparent dig at Skinner. McKayla Maroney even chimed in with a comment jokingly apologizing for sharing the same name as Skinner.
Skinner did not publicly respond to Biles’ post, but the tension escalated when Biles posted on X, “oops I’ve been blocked.” Speculation that Skinner was behind the block was seemingly confirmed by Chiles, who shared a photo on her Instagram Story showing Biles’ phone unable to access Skinner’s posts. Chiles captioned it: “When she blocks Simone.”
As the gymnastics world processes the drama, the focus remains on the remarkable achievements of Biles and her team. Despite the personal conflicts, their gold medal win stands as a testament to their dedication and talent.
People have a lot of time on their hands. Now, what Snoop Dogg is wearing around his neck in Paris during the Olympics is creating a conversation that many of us can really care less about. But here we are … The “Gin and Juice” rapper addressed rumors after a Twitter account accused the West Coast rapper of worshipping Satan, claiming his pendant featured Baphomet.
The weird account posted, “If you were on the fence about which side Snoop was on – he made it clear upon his appearance at the Satanic Olympics ritual. He wears Baphomet upon his heart.” Oh boy …
Oh but wait, another user criticized Snoop for “[losing] his soul,” writing, “I saw Snoop Dogg wearing it when he was interviewed on TV multiple times at the Olympics. I don’t believe him at all. He is wearing Baphomet around his neck in full view and is proud of it. What a shame. He’d rather gain the whole world and lose his soul. He needs Jesus.” The audacity.
But Snoop being Snoop, responded to these allegations in an Instagram video, showing off his new jewelry and clarifying that the pendant represents a goat, symbolizing the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.), not Baphomet.
“I don’t know what y’all thought this was, but this is the goat,” Snoop explained while displaying the diamond-encrusted icon. “I had this made because somebody told me I was the G.O.A.T., so I wanted to make me a goat chain.”
“All that other sh*t y’all talking about, I don’t know what y’all talking about, but this is the G.O.A.T. — the greatest of all time… That other sh*t y’all talking about, miss me with that bullsh*t. The Dogg is the G.O.A.T., representing peace and love around the whole globe […] The media loves starting sh*t. Leave me the f**k alone. I’m over here having fun in Paris.”
Any who, Snoop has been having a ball, pun intended at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He swam alongside Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, supported his “nieces” Simone Biles and Coco Gauff, and even carried the Olympic torch. Epic behavior. His time in Paris has been highlighted by his “Snoop Dogg’s Greatest Hits” segment, where he commentates on the best moments from the games so far. Gotta love Snoop and as for his jewels, more power to him.
Arguable GOAT, LeBron James is fighting to lead Team USA to gold at the Paris Olympics, and opening ceremony day, holding that American flag like George Washington, helped land him a new nickname: “Captain LeMerica.”
Get this, the hilarious moniker was added to James’ extensive list of nicknames on Basketball Reference following a tweet from USA Basketball. That easy, huh. The tweet came after James played a pivotal role in Team USA’s 110-84 victory over Serbia in their group-play opener on Sunday. But was it that flag moment?
We all know LeBron has been known by various nicknames over the years, such as “The Little Emperor,” “The Akron Hammer,” “L-Train,” and “Benjamin Buckets.” Whether “Captain LeMerica” will become a lasting addition remains to be seen. Currently, “King James” is his primary nickname, a title that has endured through his illustrious career. But he can use a few more in our opinion.
ICYMI, in the game against Serbia, James scored 21 points, provided nine assists, and grabbed seven rebounds, helping Team USA secure a commanding win. At 39, James is pursuing his third gold medal, likely in his final Olympic appearance.
Again about the nickname, it surfaced nearly a week after a viral Team USA debate about the best nickname on the roster. While “King James” was popular, Kevin Durant’s nicknames “Durantula,” “Easy Money Sniper,” and “Slim Reaper” were voted the best.
Excitingly James and Team USA will face South Sudan on Wednesday, for a rematch against a team that challenged them during an exhibition game before the Olympics. A late layup by James in that game prevented what could have been a significant upset. So basically he took over like Captain America in The Avengers. Like, it’s not a stretch. Insert Marvel reference chuckle.
“Captain LeMerica” and his teammates are expected to be highly motivated to make a statement in their upcoming matchup.
Listen, whether it’s King James or Captain LeMerica, we’re here for it.
