Travis Kelce Defends Harrison Butker After Controversial Speech That Included Remarks About Taylor Swift

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end, finally broke his silence on his teammate Harrison Butker’s contentious commencement address at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, earlier this month. The speech, which sparked significant controversy, was the topic of discussion on the most recent episode of Kelce’s New Heights podcast, which aired on Friday. Kelce, speaking openly about the issue, echoed the sentiments of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes had also commented on the speech earlier this week.

Naturally, a lot of people were eager to hear Kelce’s take on the situation. Particularly since Butker brought up the tight end’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, in the divisive conversation with grads. Travis disagrees with “just about any of” the ideas Butker presented throughout the discussion. Nonetheless, he stated that it wouldn’t change his opinion of his close buddy. Kelce said to his brother, Jason, on the podcast, “I’ve known him for seven-plus years probably, eight-plus years, and I cherish him as a teammate.”

Read More: Travis Kelce Gives Taylor Swift A Boost At Coachella

Travis Kelce Defends Harrison Butker After Controversial Remarks

Travis Kelce addressed the Harrison Butker controversy, saying, “When it comes down to his views and what he said at Saint Benedict’s commencement speech, those are his. I can’t say I agree with the majority of it or just about any of it outside of just him loving his family and his kids.” He continued, “And I don’t think that I should judge him by his views, especially his religious views, of how to go about life, that’s just not who I am.” Kelce mentioned how Butker has always been wonderful to the friends and family he’s introduced him to.

Kelce went on to remark that his upbringing in Ohio has shaped the way he saw the world. “I grew up in a beautiful upbringing of different social classes, different religions, different races and ethnicities, in Cleveland Heights, and that’s why I love Cleveland Heights for what it was,” he said. Despite knowing how important equality is and growing up around a diverse community, Kelce still defends his teammate. Even though he seems to have completely opposite views. Similar opinions were voiced earlier this week by Patrick Mahomes, who likewise referred to Butker as “a good person.” In a conversation with reporters, Andy Reid also supported the member of the special team. Overall, the Chiefs are standing behind their kicker. 

Read More: Travis Kelce Unveils What Taylor Swift Has Taught Him About Music

[via]

The post Travis Kelce Defends Harrison Butker After Controversial Speech That Included Remarks About Taylor Swift appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Dwyane Wade Creates “Translatable” Community To Support Transgender Youth With Daughter Zaya

At the Make Good Famous Summit on Thursday, NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade was presented with the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award for his urgent and vital work. Together with his 16-year-old daughter Zaya, he founded Translatable, an online community that is not just a support system but a lifeline for transgender children and their families. Wade’s mission for this community is clear: “support growth, mental health, and well-being, and to spark conversations that lead to greater understanding and acceptance.”

Wade will use the $250,000 in unrestricted funds he received from winning the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award to fund Translatable. Carolina García Jayaram, CEO of Elevate Prize Foundation, mentioned that her organization contributed an additional donation to the initiative. Dwyane Wade told the Associated Press, “The question was presented to [Zaya] as, ‘If you have one thing that you want to see change in this community, what would it be?’” Wade continued, “And, for her, it goes right to parents. It goes right to the adults. It goes right to us. It’s not the kids. It’s us. And so she wanted to create a space that felt safe for parents and their kids. That’s what Translatable is, and it’s her baby.”

Read More: Dwyane Wade Has Sexuality Questioned After Posing In Blue Collar Attire For GQ

Dwyane Wade Creates ‘Translatable’ With The Help Of His Daughter Zaya

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by HOLLYWOOD UNLOCKED (@hollywoodunlocked)

As a result of anti-trans laws in the state of Florida,Dwyane Wade, who lived and played for the Miami Heat for nearly his whole playing career, moved his family to California following Zaya’s 2020 announcement of her gender identity. “We’ve done so many great things here so it wasn’t easy to leave,” he said of the move. “But the community wasn’t here for Zaya, so the community wasn’t here for us.” 

With an emphasis on assisting communities of color, Translatable will be launched in Florida with backing from The Trevor Project and the Human Rights Campaign. “We understand that in this state that not everyone thinks the way some others think,” Wade noted. “Like most things in life, once you get to know them, you have more ability to be understanding. And so if you don’t want to know them, then you stay ignorant in a sense.”

Read More: Dwyane Wade Unbothered By Painted Nail Hate

[via]

The post Dwyane Wade Creates “Translatable” Community To Support Transgender Youth With Daughter Zaya appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Jake Paul Says He Is Not Going To Hold Back Against Mike Tyson: “The Legend Must Fall”

Even though Mike Tyson is thirty years Jake Paul’s senior, he will not back down from a challenge if it arises on July 20. He told TMZ Sports that he would not be taking the boxing icon lightly in their next match. Folks are divided on who will prevail in the Paul vs. Tyson fight. While Paul is far less experienced than Tyson, he is still at his peak age. Tyson is undoubtedly one of the greatest to have ever competed, but he is decades removed from his supremacy. Paul was asked whether there was any aspect of him that would be reluctant because his opponent is almost considered a senior citizen. He replied, “Absolutely not.” Paul explained that if Tyson gets an opportunity to knock him out, he’ll do the exact same. 

He said Mike would do the same “in embarrassing fashion.” Paul went on to say, “So, I have to reciprocate that same energy.” He continued, “But Mike Tyson is a killer. He’s ruthless. He’s the most vicious champion ever. So, I have to channel that Mike Tyson energy to finish him. And the legend must fall.” Paul stated that he believes Netflix may draw hundreds of millions of people and that AT&T Stadium would be packed due to the fight’s hype.

Read More: Lil Wayne Explains His Mike Tyson & Jake Paul Fight Prediction

Jake Paul Will Not Hesitate To Knock Out Mike Tyson

Despite the age gap between them, Jake Paul said that he will “absolutely” not hesitate to take a straight shot at Tyson since Iron Mike will do the same. One of the key draws for this fight is the intrigue of seeing Tyson in a boxing ring once more. Three weeks before to the bout, on June 30, he will turn 58 years old. On November 28, 2020, Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. squared off in an exhibition match that resulted in a split draw. Tyson’s fight against Paul will be his first professional encounter since he was defeated by Kevin McBride in June 2005.

In February 2003, Tyson defeated Clifford Etienne in the opening frame of a professional or exhibition bout, marking his last victory in that regard. Paul, a 27-year-old, is 9-1 in his ten professional fights. Most of his battles have been against opponents from other sports or against competitors who were long past their peak. Overall, Mike Tyson Vs. Jake Paul will hopefully be an entertaining bout. Let’s hope no one gets seriously damaged.

Read More: Jake Paul To Fight Mike Tyson In Netflix “Boxing Mega Event”

[via]

The post Jake Paul Says He Is Not Going To Hold Back Against Mike Tyson: “The Legend Must Fall” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lonzo Ball Shockingly Reveals That He Had A Meniscus Donated To Him

After being selected second overall in the 2017 draft, Lonzo Ball has struggled with injuries and has fallen short of expectations. The Chicago Bulls have suffered serious setbacks as a result of his absence. He suffered from a meniscus injury that occurred in January 2022. Ball recently was seen practicing his dunking, suggesting a possible return given his 70% health claim. For the previous two seasons, Lonzo Ball has been unable to play for the Chicago Bulls. He still wants to be involved in the team’s 2024–2025 ambitions, though.

Ball exercised his $21.4 million player option for the next year, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Chicago is still unsure about Ball’s ability to play despite the decision because his left knee has had three operations in the last two years. Following a ruptured meniscus in January 2022, he underwent a cartilage transplant treatment in March 2023 for his knee. On a recent podcast appearance, the eldest Ball brother revealed that he has a meniscus donated to him.

Read More: Lonzo Ball Reportedly “Can’t Sprint,” Fans Say It Validates Stephen A. Smith

Lonzo Reveals Someone Donated A Meniscus To Him

Lonzo Ball revealed on his podcast appearance that he had gotten a meniscus donated. He went through his injury history, detailing the timeline and injury specifics. Ball says it started when he tore his meniscus when he was on the Lakers. he then said he tore it a couple more times to the point where all the cartridge was gone, and his knee was rubbing bone on bone. He said, “I had to get new meniscus from a donor, I had to get a bone allograft and I had to get some new cartilage put in as well.” Lonzo’s injury problems have been an NBA mystery. Now it seems like, hopefully, Lonzo and his medical team have finally found the problem and that it will allow him to return to the court.

Bulls president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas said after the team’s season ended, “We’re just going to wait and see his progression the next couple of months.” He continued, “He’s progressing well. Everything is looking good with no setbacks. So we’ll see where he’s at in a couple of months.” Bulls fans will be static if Lonzo Ball is finally able to return to the court. When he was healthy, the Bulls were one of the best teams in the East. Overall, with the emergence of Coby White and vets like Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls will look to make moves next season. Nevertheless, there are not many cases where a player gets a meniscus replacement and returns to their former self.

Read More: LaVar Ball Deducts “Raggedy Shoes” & “Rooty-Toot Workouts” Are Why LaMelo & Lonzo Continue To Sustain Injuries

[via]

The post Lonzo Ball Shockingly Reveals That He Had A Meniscus Donated To Him appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Ryan Garcia’s Legal Team Addresses The Boxer’s Positive Tests For Banned Substance

Ryan Garcia is being accused of utilizing illegal performance-enhancing substances. On April 20 in Brooklyn, the boxer emerged victorious over Devin Haney in a widely publicized bout. Ostarine, a prohibited drug, was discovered in Ryan Garcia’s B-sample test, according to ESPN. It is also alleged that his A-sample, which was obtained before the fight with Haney, tested positive for the selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). Regarding the accusations made against the 25-year-old prizefighter, Garcia’s legal team has provided comments.

The lawyers for Garcia, including Paul Greene, Matt Kaiser, Darin Chavez, and Guadalupe Valencia, maintain that their client did not use Ostarine or any other performance-enhancing drug. “Ryan Garcia is committed to clean and fair competition and has never intentionally used any banned substance,” the statement reads. “Soon after being notified of his positive test, Ryan voluntarily had his hair collected and shipped to Dr. Pascal Kintz, the foremost expert in toxicology and hair-sample analysis.” All in all, Garcia’s legal team is asserting his innocence.

Read More: Logan Paul Sues Ryan Garcia For Defamation Following His Second Positive PED Drug Test

Ryan Garcia’s Lawyers Respond To Positive Drug Tests

Ryan Garcia’s legal representation has put out a strong statement asserting their fighter’s innocence. The statement continues, “The results of Ryan’s hair sample came back negative. This is consistent with contamination and demonstrably proves that Ryan had not ingested Ostarine over a period of time — the only way he would have had any advantage whatsoever in the ring.” His lawyers stated, “Ryan has voluntarily submitted to tests throughout his career, which have always shown negative results. He also tested negative multiple times leading up to the fight against Haney.”

Additionally, Ryan Garcia could be a victim of “supplement contamination,” according to the attorneys. The boxer did not obtain any “performance-enhancing benefit,” according to his camp, prior to his matchup with Devin Haney. His legal team concluded their statement, saying, “We are certain that one of the natural supplements Ryan was using in the lead up to the fight will prove to be contaminated and are in the process of testing the supplements to determine the exact source.” Overall, Ryan Garcia and his team are fighting back against the allegations of PED usage. All in all, the situation will be developing for some time.

Read More: Ryan Garcia Is Heated About His Latest Positive Drug Tests

[via]

The post Ryan Garcia’s Legal Team Addresses The Boxer’s Positive Tests For Banned Substance appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Mase Asks Rich Paul If He Plans To Get LeBron James And Bronny On The Same Team

LeBron James has talked about wanting to play with his son Bronny in the NBA. Bronny is currently going through the draft process. After a turbulent season at USC, the eldest son of LeBron James declared for the NBA draft. Before the draft combine, Brony was not even considered a second-round pick. Now, after showcasing his skills at the NBA Draft Combine, Bronny has shot up draft boards and is now considered a late second-rounder. Additionally, Bronny continued his combined momentum with a fantastic pro day at the Lakers facility. Mase has now asked LeBorn’s long-time agent, Rich Paul if the NBA kingmaker is planning on getting the father and son on the same team.

Rich Paul was on Mase and Cam’ron’s It Is What it Is podcast recently and dropped some gems about the NBA and his relationship with LeBron James. Mase, the investigative podcast host he is, hit Rich Paul with some hard-hitting questions. Mase asked Rich Paul if he is trying to finesse getting LeBron and Bronny on the same NBA roster. All in all, the super agent had an interesting reply.

Read More: LeBron James Sends Heartfelt Message To Bronny After His Pro Day At Lakers Facility

Mase Asks Rich Paul ABout LeBron and Bronny Playing Together

Rich Paul is proven to be a guy who can make things happen in the NBA. He is probably the most powerful agent in basketball, and his partnership with LeBron James is well-documented. Mase asked straight up how Rich Paul plans to get Bronny and Bron on the same team. Rich Paul promptly answered, “I don’t.” Mase and his co-host Cam’Ron both chuckled at the answer. Paul then described the situation, describing LeBorn and Bronny’s father-son relationship mixed in with their respective NBA journeys. He says you can’t act like nepotism doesn’t exist, but Bronny is being asked to apologize for his father’s success.

Additionally, Paul says LeBron has built a legacy that has now transitioned into business, and that is rare, and to expect Bronny to apologize for his lineage is hypocritical when looking at the history of black Americans. He also explains how they are welcoming what comes with being an athlete, and Bronny can’t run from the criticism. He says that he has to take on and continue to handle the criticism with grace. Paul says that the attention comes with the territory. Overall, Rich Paul had some interesting answers for Mase. Furthermore, he went very in-depth on the podcast, and it’s worth a listen.

Read More: Bronny James Couldn’t Care Less About Playing With LeBron

[via]

The post Mase Asks Rich Paul If He Plans To Get LeBron James And Bronny On The Same Team appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Angel Reese Takes Shot At Charles Barkley, Some Think It’s Aimed At Caitlin Clark

Angel Reese, a player known for her outspoken nature, has been a prominent figure since her breakout with the LSU Tigers a few years ago. Her impact, both on and off the court, has been significant since the start of her WNBA career. As her platform expands, she maintains the same attitude that has made her a household name. After the Chicago Sky’s victory over the New York Liberty on Thursday night, Reese took to social media. She addressed her critics, including, it seems, Charles Barkley, sparking speculation.

Barkley asserted on Inside the NBA on Wednesday night that rather than attacking Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark, WNBA women should be appreciating the attention she was bringing to the league. The Caitlin Clark discourse is reaching problematic levels. Her popularity is bringing in all sorts of people to voice their opinions on a sport they don’t really know anything about. Reese appears to have taken that personally and is determined to show that a successful team requires more than just one player.

Read More: Angel Reese Holds The Larry O’Brien Trophy, Says It Reminds Her Of Kobe Bryant

Angel Reese Throws Shots At Charles Barkley And Maybe Caitlin Clark

There are several levels in Angel Reese’s tweet that has social media buzzing. Reese, for starters, notes that her team won, which is noteworthy given that Clark and the Fever are 0-5 on the season despite being on national TV constantly, generating television viewership. Clark also references the sold-out crowd at the Sky’s win, a game that didn’t feature Caitlin Clark at all. Reese also mentions that she and her teammates are continuing to travel on charter flights. Something that WNBA players have been working to alter for years. Barkley told the WNBA players they should be grateful for Caitlin Clark improving their travel plans despite the charter flights still being up in the air for half the league. 

The Twitter shots definitely targeted Barkley and other men who chimed in on the WNBA. Caitlin Clark was not mentioned, and everything Reese said was aimed at the discourse and the figures perpetuating it. Angel Reese is balling and is one of many rookies who are showcasing the future of the league. If the WNBA is smart, they will try to turn all of these spectacular rookies into household names instead of putting all their eggs in the Caitlin Clark basket. 

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion Twerks On WNBA Star Angel Reese At Her Chicago Concert

[via]

The post Angel Reese Takes Shot At Charles Barkley, Some Think It’s Aimed At Caitlin Clark appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Draya Michele Shows Off Her Post-Baby Body After Giving Birth To Baby Girl With Jalen Green

Draya Michele and Houston Rockets star Jalen Green celebrated the arrival of their first child earlier this month, as was previously reported. Alongside the joy of motherhood, the reality TV star is also focusing on her health and fitness. Just ten days after giving birth, Michele shared a series of exercise videos on her Instagram Story, showcasing her dedication. The former “Basketball Wives” actress can be seen spending twenty minutes on a treadmill in the first video. Additionally, the second video captures her enthusiasm as she returns to the gym to retrieve her jacket.

Draya Michele disclosed that on May 17, she and Jalen welcomed their daughter. Draya used a carousel of images to share the news on Instagram. The celebrity said that her father passed away on Mother’s Day in 2021. She has found it difficult to enjoy the occasion ever since without thinking back to the phone call that let her know the sad news that morning. Additionally, Draya went on to say that she is happy that her baby entered the world safely this year.

Read More: Draya Michele Announces Birth Of Daughter With Jalen Green

Draya Michele Is Putting In Work Post-Jalen Green Baby

“If you’re wondering where my baby weight went … you see where the hell it went,” she captioned the video. Draya recently wrote on Mother’s Day, “Well, this Mother’s Day was different. My daughter was safely brought into this world and I’m forever grateful for the new memories we all get to experience moving forward. Love + Light everyone.” Jalen Green has also alleged gotten at least two other women pregnant around the same time as Draya.

In recent months, Draya Michele has faced a great deal of criticism. Her problematic relationship with Jalen Green, who is about 20 years younger than her, is mostly to blame for this. The 39-year-old’s announcement last month that they are having a child together only served to fan the flames. Green has yet to comment on the birth. Draya seems to be enjoying the initial parts of new motherhood. She has previous children, one of which is about the same age as Jalen Green. Overall, congratulations to Draya and Jalen Green for welcoming their baby girl into the world. 

Read More: Draya Michele Responds To Hate Amid Jalen Green Relationship & Pregnancy: “Mean Is Mean”

[via]

The post Draya Michele Shows Off Her Post-Baby Body After Giving Birth To Baby Girl With Jalen Green appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Charles Barkley Hints At The Possibility Of “Inside The NBA” Moving Under His Production Company

TNT appears to be losing the NBA, and Charles Barkley is upset and not about to back down. The NBA legend and commentator on the popular NBA studio show Inside The NBA appeared on The Dan Patrick Show on Thursday morning. He took some jabs at his parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. He also floated an interesting idea. He said that in the event that TNT Sports loses the NBA rights, he has explored reassembling the program at his own production company. 

Barkley added that he had spoken with Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal, his co-hosts, about the idea. It should be noted that WBD holds the rights to Inside the NBA. Nevertheless, if Barkley were to succeed independently, he could be able to reassemble the show under a different moniker. It is a solution to many NBA fan’s fears. The longtime program is beloved, and there has been a visible outpouring on social media celebrating and grieving the show as it looks likely next season will be its last. Charles Barkley is clearly fed up with the whole situation and is not afraid to let it show. 

Read More: Shaq Starts Hilarious “BBL Chucky” Chant On “Inside The NBA”

Charles Barkley May Have A Way To Save “Inside The NBA”

Charles Barkley said, “I have my own production company, I would love to do that if if we lose it [NBA rights],” Barkley said. “But I have definitely had — actually somebody suggested that to me, to be honest with you, on the internet — ‘so why doesn’t Charles Barkley sign these three, guys four guys total to his production company and sell it?’ I’m like, ‘That’s a great idea.’” it is a potential save that could actually work. Ernie Johnson would likely not be joining them as he stated he would remain at Turner Sports despite the NBA loss. 

Barkley then went on to remark about the environment and mood around the studio. “Morale sucks, plain and simple. You know, I just feel so bad for the people I work with Dan,” Barkley said before criticizing his bosses at WBD. “These people I work with, they’ve screwed this thing up clearly. And we don’t have zero idea what’s going to happen. I don’t feel good. I’m not gonna lie, especially when they came out yesterday and said we bought college football. I was like, well damn, they could have used that money to buy the NBA.” Overall, there is a sad cloud around Inside the NBA. Let’s hope they find a way to save the iconic basketball show. 

Read More: LeBron James And Charles Barkley Receive Backlash For Caitlin Clark Support

[via]

The post Charles Barkley Hints At The Possibility Of “Inside The NBA” Moving Under His Production Company appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Stephen A. Smith Fires Back At Draymond Green And Shaq In Fiery Tirade

The Golden State Warriors Draymond Green appeared on Shaquille O’Neal’s “The Big Podcast” yesterday and had some words for Stephen A. Smith. The two talked on a wide range of subjects, including who would win between Greens 2016 Warriors and Shaq’s 2000 Lakers. Additionally, the pair talked about sports media legend Stephen A. Smith. “Stephen A. Smith really pissed me off,” Green told Shaq. He explained his beef with Stephen A., saying that regardless of his on-camera persona, he always defended his character. Draymond claimed Stephen A. did not do the same when Draymond went through his suspension earlier in the NBA season. 

Green says he “lost a lot of respect” for Smith as a result.  Following that, on Thursday mornings, Stephen A. Smith addressed both Shaq and Green. He did not hold back. Stephen A. Smith called out Draymond for his comments and let Shaq have some of his fury, too, in a fascinating rant. Stephen A. is one person Draymond should try not to have a war of words with. Stephen A. Threw down the gauntlet of First Take and had to make things very clear to Draymond. 

Read More: Stephen A Smith Claims Diddy’s Career Is Over After Assault Footage

Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Draymond Green and Shaq

Stephen A. Smith went in on Draymond, saying, ‘I saw what Draymond Green said about me. ‘Well, I’ve now lost respect for him.” He continued, “Listen, Draymond and I… I’ll never hate him. I’ll never have anything but love for him. But I don’t respect what he did. You know my number. You’ve spoken to me before. Why am I hearing about it on Shaq’s podcast?” He then turned his attention briefly to Shaq, saying, “It would have been nice for Shaq to follow up, and say ‘yo, this is Stephen A. you’re talking about. This brother always defends you.’” He continued saying, “We talk about being men. I’m not hard to find! Draymond could have called me up. Draymond could have had a conversation with me.” 

Stephen A. Smith went on to say, “I did not do that. You’re going to take a sound bite… You know how much stuff I’ve said positive about Draymond Green? You know how many times I’ve come to the defense of Draymond Green? About his character in the league office, in media, in the newsroom, on podcasts, on various interviews I’ve done?!” He concluded his rant, saying,”’I have never, ever failed to support him… And all I’m saying is if you’re going to have a problem with me, let a brother know.” All in all, Draymond probably should have talked all this out with Stephen A. It seems like he wanted to air his feelings publicly for content.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Gives Awful Announcing A Piece Of His Mind After Being Called Out For Embarrassing Knicks Mistake

[via]

The post Stephen A. Smith Fires Back At Draymond Green And Shaq In Fiery Tirade appeared first on HotNewHipHop.