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Stephen A. Smith Goes Off On Peter Rosenberg In Unhinged Rant After Caitlin Clark Criticism

June 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Stephen A. Smith has been at the forefront of the Caitlin Clark discourse for the past few weeks. Yesterday, he called the decision to leave Caitlin Clark off of Team USA for the Olympics “stupid.” Additionally, he has gotten into heated arguments with several woman cohosts like Monica McNutt and Andraya Carter, both of whom are more informed about the WNBA than he is. Furthermore, Caitlin Clark is a political lightning rod for many people, and Smith is included in that number. Peter Rosenberg recently commented on the Caitlin Clark drama and mentioned Stephen A. Smith by name. All in all, the comments seem to have really gotten to Stephen A.

Stephen A. Smith made a special rant before taking off for Dallas to cover Wednesday’s NBA finals game 3. He responds to Rosenberg by saying that Stephen A. has jumped on Caitlin Clark and is being treated unfairly. His point actually makes a lot of sense. Rosenberg said plainly that Caitlin Clark herself just wanted to play basketball. Nevertheless, she has become a symbol of something controversial for people like Stephen A. to latch on to. He says the idea that she is being treated unfairly is unfair to the other women of the WNBA, who are being treated like props. Additionally, Peter Rosenberg says that if that’s the angle you are going for, then maybe you don’t really care about the actual women’s game itself. Stephen A. took major offense.

Stephen A. Smith Claps back at Peter Rosenberg

Peter Rosenberg believes that Caitlin Clark has unwillingly become the face of white fragility and that Stephen A. Smith has hopped on that train. Stephen A. is very upset if you watch the clip. He curses throughout the rant and is personally offended by the acquisition. Additionally, he clarifies his position about Caitlin Clark being left off the Olympic team. Smith says that she doesn’t deserve to be on the team. Nevertheless, Smith cares about marketing more than anything and says that the team needs Caitlin Clark to grow the sport. Nevertheless, Rosenberg’s point about actually caring about the games being played is reinforced by Smith’s own doubling down.

Stephen A. Smith does not take criticism well and personally went after Rosenberg in his 11-minute rant. It is pretty funny that Smith was literally about to hop on a flight and stopped everything to rant about a slight diss. Overall, Stephen A. Smith is not someone who admits they are wrong or changes their position. Ultimately, he cares about money and views more than anything, which is why First Take continues to push out Caitlin Clark’s debates. All in all, Peter Rosenberg will more than likely respond in due time.

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Paul George To Join Stephen A. Smith And Crew As Analyst For NBA Finals

June 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Paul George, a nine-time NBA All-Star, will be a guest analyst on ESPN’s NBA Countdown broadcasts during NBA Finals Games 3 and 4, the network announced Monday. George, who plays for the Los Angeles Clippers right now, will join the i crew live from Dallas, Texas’ American Airlines Center. George will be on set with Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame columnist Michael Wilbon, senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, commentators Stephen A. Smith and two-time NBA Executive of the Year Bob Myers, and host of NBA Countdown Malika Andrews.

NBA Countdown will take place on Wednesday, June 12, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and on Friday, June 14, from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, ahead of the NBA Finals Games 3 and 4. On ABC, both games start at 8:30 p.m. You can get NBA Countdown on the ESPN App as well. The 34-year-old, nine-time All-Star George appears to be preparing for a future in the media. He debuted his own program, “Podcast P with Paul George,” last year, and it has generated a lot of amazing viral moments.

Paul George Joins ESPN As Analyst For NBA Finals

Paul George will serve as a guest analyst on ESPN’s NBA Countdown during Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals. pic.twitter.com/ZFemV4267H

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 11, 2024

Many are currently more intrigued by George’s free-agent status, even if it will be great to watch him hone his analyst skills on the biggest stage of the game. If George decides to leave the Clippers, the Philadelphia 76ers have been strongly connected to him; also, a new East playoff team has lately entered the race for him. Even while it will be amazing to witness George polish his analyst abilities on the largest stage of the game, many are currently more intrigued by his free-agent status. Additionally, the Philadelphia 76ers have a close relationship with George, and a new East playoff team has recently entered the race for him should he decide to leave the Clippers.

The Philadelphia 76ers have been arguably the most prominent team looking to acquire Paul George. However, don’t discount the Orlando Magic, Philly’s adversary in the Eastern Conference. The up-and-coming team is reportedly keeping an eye on some of the biggest stars in the NBA who may be available for free this summer. George is presumably one of them. Overall, Paul George is in demand. As an analyst and a superstar player.

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Metro Boomin Linked Up With Paul Pierce Courtside At The NBA Finals

June 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On Sunday, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics prevailed 105-98 in a tense matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. With contributions from every player on the roster, the C’s eventually overcame a first-half deficit to win Game 2 at TD Garden. Along with being Boston’s tenth straight postseason victory, Dallas suffered their first back-to-back losses after the regular season. For the match, Celtics Nation was well-represented. Paul Pierce, Shaquille O’Neal, and Leland Wayne, popularly known as “Metro Boomin,” were spotted watching the action from the courtside. Like Tatum, the music producer is from St. Louis. He later praised the Celtics’ victory on social media.

Despite having yet another difficult shooting night, Jayson Tatum contributed 12 assists, 9 rebounds, and strong defensive play. After the victory, Boston led the series 2-0 and would now play the next two games in Dallas. The Celtics are one win away from winning their first NBA title since 2008 if they can secure another victory on Wednesday. Tatum’s ardent supporter, Metro Boomin, once declared that the All-NBA forward would one day serve as the league’s face. Metro was going to be there to support his guy, Jayson Tatum.

Metro Boomin Linked Up With Paul Pierce

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A post shared by Young Metro 3 Times (@metroboomin)

Metro Boomin’s post was captioned simply, “2 down 2 to go @celtics.” In his post, the producer praised ESPN as well. He worked with the network to get viewers excited about the NBA Finals in 2024. The song “Runnin Outta Time” by Metro, featuring Future, is a mainstay during the final matchup. During the Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors NBA Finals in 2022, Metro Boomin was also spotted at TD Garden. The C’s prevailed 116-100 behind Tatum and Jaylen Brown to take a 2-1 series lead. They were shut out the remainder of the way, but they were only two wins away from the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

With the battle moving to Dallas during Games 3 and 4, Metro will be hoping Tatum and company don’t go that route. The Mavericks will have the advantage of momentum if they are able to tie the series 2-2. Getting two more wins should be easy enough, but the NBA Finals are a different beast. They still have to deal with Kyrie Irving, who will play better in Dallas, and Luka Doncic, who they continue to try to slow down. Overall, metro Boomin will be hoping for a sweep as the series moves to Dallas.

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Sexyy Red Shows Out At WWE Once Again, Twerks With NXT Star Lola Vice

June 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On June 9, NXT Battleground, a WWE special event, took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. It was an exciting evening filled with star power, nonstop action, and captivating matches starring top NXT talents. Sexyy Red was once again in attendance and hosted the night like a pro. She gave the show’s introduction, congratulated Kelani Jordan on her victory, and celebrated with NXT champion Trick Williams following his successful retention in the main event. She, of course, made some viral moments along the way, like Twerking with NXT talent and cooking with WWE legend Shawn Michaels.

But she also had a few other moments that appear to be gaining the kind of internet attention that WWE was hoping for when they chose to work with Red. One occurred during the main program when Lola Vice and Sexyy ran into each other following Shayna Baszler’s defeat in an NXT Underground match. Since neither of the women had ever been called shy, Red felt free to turn their tandem twerk into a trio with interviewer Sarah Schreiber.

Sexyy Red Twerks With Lola Vice On NXT

Schreiber was a good sport about it and retweeted the above, showcasing some of her skills outside of wrestling. After the show, Sexxy Red had some more fun with her favorite sexy boy. NXT head honcho Shawn Michaels made an appearance alongside TNA Knockouts champion Jordynne Grace. He leaned into the chef joke, obviously enjoying dancing with the woman who he lobbied for to get on the show. He gave Battleground a five-star rating for dinner. Sexyy Red may be looking to catapult into the ring as an actual wrestler soon. That would draw some eyeballs to NXT.

The group is seen in a kitchen scene when Sexyy Red exclaims, “I’ve got two coming in hot!” as Grace closes the door to an appliance. Shawn Michaels then called NXT Battleground a “five-star meal” while jokingly donning a chef’s hat in remembrance of his legendary DX segment from 2009. Michaels posed with Grace and Red at the end of the film, perfectly encapsulating the lively mood of the night. Overall, Shawn Michaels has been cooking up quite a show with NXT, and Sexxy Red may have been the perfect ingredient to add.

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Stephen A. Smith Walks Back Will Smith Criticism Amid Massive Backlash

June 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

People who didn’t agree with Stephen A. Smith’s perspective bombarded him with calls and emails, and he declined to cancel Will Smith. Now, Stephen A. Smith’s opinion has changed. Furthermore, after asserting that Will Smith owed the Black community an explanation for slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, the seasoned sportscaster encountered criticism. He said that the occurrence was “devastating” for both Rock and “the Black community” on his own show. Additionally, Smith thinks that Will Smith and Antoine Fuqua’s prospects of winning an Oscar for Emancipation the following year were impacted by the slap.

Smith claimed that he made his comments with Black folks hoping to be in Hollywood in mind. He said that because of Will Smith’s behavior, he was afraid that white people would stereotype Black actors. “It was a blemish on all of us,” he said. “Because I know how much white America reveres Will Smith and the thinking along the lines in my mind was, hell if he did that, what would the rest of us do. There are certain things that happen in the lives of an individual where those incidences are used as a license to castigate the rest of us.” All in all, Smith has walked back his statement.

Stephen A. Smith Walks Back Will Smith Criticism Amid Massive Backlash

Stephen A. Smith said, nevertheless, that he had a change of heart after speaking with a mutual acquaintance. Charlie Mack, a longtime friend and former security guard of Will Smith, called Stephen A. He begged him to show the actor “grace.” Additionally, Mack questioned why someone with Will Smith’s spotless background shouldn’t be allowed to make mistakes. He pointed out that this is how he makes a career and provides for his family. Smith claimed that Mack urged him to think about the impact on Martin Lawrence and the crews that produce Will Smith’s films. “Throughout Will Smith’s life, not just his career, there has been exponentially far more good than bad, and I certainly did not mean to gloss over that,” he said.

Stephen A. received a barrage of calls and messages from people who didn’t agree with him. They would not back down from not canceling Will Smith. Stephen A. Smith was convinced that Will Smith remained a beloved figure after seeing a video of Black admirers crowding the 55-year-old during a screening of Bad Boys: Ride or Die. “So I got to stand down,” Stephen A. Smith conceded. Overall, Stephen A. was pressed by a lot of people because of his out-of-touch comments about Will Smith.

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Kevin Durant Hilariously Claps Back At Fan Who Commented On His Legacy

June 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kevin Durant is one of the best basketball players of all time, but he might be an even better poster. The star of the Phoenix Suns answered a fan on X. The fan said that the only way the future Hall of Famer “can redeem his legacy” is by going back to the Oklahoma City Thunder and winning a championship. Durant said the fan should be concerned about other matters at this time. KD left OKC for Golden State some years ago. The Thunder are now a great young team. Many fans and pundits think KD could go back and help them win a championship.

Durant has distinguished himself on social media by making provocative statements or by just sharing rambling thoughts. He has also faced criticism from fans and members of the media. His candid thoughts provide a refreshing contrast to the majority of elite athletes, who have been rigorously trained to keep their comments under wraps. To the extent that the fan brought it up, Durant’s harsh reply likely demonstrates his contempt for discussing how his accomplishments would be interpreted and remembered once more.

Kevin Durant Claps Back At Fan

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Kevin Durant has dealt with the moving of goalposts about his career for a long time. Firstly, it was about Durant needing a title to keep up with LeBron James. As well as the Thunder’s inability to win a championship. After joining a roster that was stacked and winning two titles with the Golden State Warriors, it still wasn’t enough for fans or the media. The topic of discussion has now switched to how, after building a superteam with Kyrie Irving and James Harden on the Brooklyn Nets and then paving his own route to the Suns, he appears to have failed to find the fulfillment he wanted.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP has been battling this war for at least a decade, so it should come as no surprise that he became defensive at another discussion of his legacy on the court. A reunion in OKC might be a god and sentimental move that would look to make up for past actions. His future in Phoenix is uncertain and it could be a real possibility he moves on sooner than later. Overall, do not come at KD on the internet, it never ends well.

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Aaron Rodgers Skips Jets Mandatory Mini-Camp In Shocking Unexcused Absence

June 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers was conspicuously absent from the New York Jets’ required minicamp, which got underway on Tuesday. Just minutes ago, Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke with media about No. 8’s decision to cancel the team practice. He said that although he was aware that the four-time MVP would not be there because of a “very important event in his life.” It was still “unexcused.” Players who skip required minicamp are fined, thus Rodgers’ decision will probably have a financial cost.

Saleh stated he was okay with Rodgers’ absence despite not showing up, even though he acknowledged it would be great to have all of his players there. Although it’s unknown what Rodgers is doing in his place, we have little doubt that it will be revealed shortly. After tearing his Achilles tendon in the opening game of the 2023 season, Aaron Rodgers is preparing for his spectacular return. During OTAs, he appeared to be approaching 100 percent.

Aaron Rodgers Skips Jets Mandatory Mini-Camp In Shocking Unexcused Absence

Haason Reddick, the edge rusher, was also absent on Tuesday, but that was to be expected as he is still waiting on a new deal. But it sounds like Aaron Rodgers will be back soon, Jets supporters, so inhale deeply. On Monday, Rodgers visited the facility for his physical and to fulfill his commitments for picture day. Rodgers, along with defensive end Haason Reddick, was one of two notable excused absences. Penalties apply to both. “Aaron and I spoke before OTAs started. He’s been very good in communication, he’s been here the entire time,” Head Coach Robert Saleh said. “It’s unexcused, but he had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated to me.”

For the previous two offseasons, Rodgers has been a fixture at optional workouts, where he has preached the value of developing team camaraderie and removing distractions, which makes his absence all the more noticeable. After recovering from Achilles surgery for nine months, the four-time MVP took part fully in three weeks of OTA workouts. Rodgers and Reddick will be fined $16,953 for skipping the first day of the minicamp and $33,908 for missing the second day since it is required. Reddick has previously lost out on a $250,000 incentive for working out.

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Plies Asks Caitlin Clark Fans An Important Question

June 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Caitlin Clark is the hottest name in women’s sports right now despite her WNBA team, The Indiana Fever, being 3-10. Clark’s name is a lightning rod for controversy. She has her own fans who generally don’t care about the WNBA but only her being a part of it. There has been a lot of talk about Caitlin Clark growing the game, but is it really growing the game if it’s just one person people care about? That is the basic question rapper Plies posed to his timeline yesterday.

Plies asked a question, presumably while watching the Connecticut Sun blow out the Indiana Fever. He asked, “The 10,000 CC Fans At This Connecticut Game! Don’t Even Cheer For No Other Players That Scores Other Than Her. So How Is This Growing The Game??? (Not Being Funny Asking A Serious Question).” he observed that the fans at the game only cared about Clark and would rarely cheer for the other team or her teammates. The Fever was playing an away game, but the fact that some believe that the majority of fans don’t even care about anyone else may be a big concern. Plies is just curious about what fans think of the situation, hence the question.

Plies Asks Caitlin Clark Fans An Important Question

Many fans replied to Plies’s question about Caitlin Clark. Many of the replies cite the record attendance and ratings for the WNBA and attribute it all to Caitlin Clark’s influence. One user compared her to Tiger Woods, who brought in millions of new golf fans. The big difference is that Tiger Woods was a dominant force in the jump, and Clark is still finding her footing in a physical league. The Caitlin Clark fans are seemingly more and more fans of the individual and could care less about the actual sport. This is why coverage of the WNBA leans so heavily toward talking about Caitlin Clark’s treatment in the league. Rather than the actual basketball that’s being played.

Overall, Plies asked an interesting question. Growing the game is the big thing fans keep bringing up, but from a neutral perspective, it seems like building a house on sand. What happens if Clark is just a middling player who can score and doesn’t dominate like she did in college? What if Caitlin Clark fans look at other teams like Sun, who are dominant, or the Las Vegas Aces, who have the best women’s basketball player on the planet? All in all, it’ll take some time to see if putting all of the WNBA’s eggs in one basket was a smart move.

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Shannon Sharpe Announces Massive Multi-Year ESPN Deal On “First Take”

June 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Three-time Super Bowl winner and Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has signed to a multi-year arrangement with ESPN. Sharpe’s role on First Take, ESPN’s popular morning discussion program with Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim, will grow as a result of this new agreement. “Shannon Sharpe has been an incredible addition to the First Take team, enhancing the show’s dynamic with his engaging presence and insightful commentary,” said David Roberts, ESPN’s Head of Event & Studio Production. “Shannon’s chemistry with Stephen A. Smith has elevated our debates and been another key reason First Take is the premier destination for morning sports discussion.”

Thanks in part to Sharpe’s contributions, First Take just achieved its most-viewed May ever and its 22nd straight month of year-over-year growth. Sharpe, who started working at First Take in August 2023, will also play a bigger part in a number of other ESPN shows that will be revealed later. Said Sharpe in a statement, “Being a part of this family has been a blessing. Everything about this relationship with ESPN, Stephen A., and First Take, has been tremendous. I look forward to expanding my role and showing more of the world what I have to offer. The show goes on!” Sharpe, Molly, and Stephen A. announced the news to kick off this morning’s First Take.

Shannon Sharpe Announces ESPN Deal

Shannon Sharpe’s new long-term deal with ESPN was officially announced on Tuesday.

Shannon: “Stephen A., I know this moment is not possible without you. As you mentioned to me earlier, you have bosses, but you extended the olive branch and let them know that you wanted me to be… https://t.co/d9i07PhIeg pic.twitter.com/XCrpGm4uIo

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 11, 2024

Molly and Stephen A. Smith were both over the moon for Shannon Sharpe, and the group shared a special moment to open up First Take. Sharpe took in all the love and thanked everyone, then singled out Stephen A. Smith. He said, “Stephen A., I know this moment is not possible without you. As you mentioned to me earlier, you have bosses, but you extended the olive branch and let them know that you wanted me to be a part of this family.” Overall, Shannon Sharpe has been a fantastic addition to the debate program.

Sharpe’s ESPN contract will expire sooner than Smith’s current one, according to the rumored four-year arrangement. Smith’s contract with ESPN expires in July 2025, and during First Take last year, he made hints about seeing Sharpe take over. To be sure, the Hall of Famer has two really popular podcasts, Club Shay Shay and Nightcap, so it’s difficult to envision him wanting ESPN to be his full-time job. First Take is a fantastic side employment, but just as Smith frequently talks about comparable career objectives, Sharpe can aim higher thanks to his vast digital platform.

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Kendrick Perkins Fires Shots At LeBorn, Calls Him Sensitive For Unfollowing Him

June 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Every time a prominent NBA player follows or unfollows another prominent NBA player, the Twitter account NBA Alerts announces the change. Throughout a season, there are many good reasons why media people and active athletes might follow and unfollow one another, but occasionally, an update sticks out. LeBron James reportedly made the decision to unfollow several users on X on Friday, including ESPN NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins, Ben Simmons, and Blake Griffin. On Monday, the First Take crew made the perplexing choice to discuss LeBron James unfollowing ESPN commentator Kendrick Perkins on social media for 12 minutes.

On his podcast Mind the Game a few days prior to the NBA Finals, LeBron James gave Dallas Mavericks player Kyrie Irving kudos for reaching the championship round once more. James complimented him and said that although he was happy for him. In the 2016 NBA Finals, the two helped the Cleveland Cavaliers pull off an incredible comeback victory over the Golden State Warriors. Perkins called James out for purposefully interrupting the discourse, as Perkins understood the remark to be. LeBron apparently unfollowed Perk after this comment. Then, on Monday, First Take invited Perkins to discuss being unfollowed despite the NBA Finals going on.

Kendrick Perkins Calls LeBron James Sensitive For Unfollowing Him

Kendrick Perkins calls LeBron James ‘sensitive’ for unfollowing him pic.twitter.com/94akF2Wqjb

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 10, 2024

“Imagine unfollowing me on Twitter, but you still gotta wake up and watch me on TV every day because I ain’t going nowhere any time soon,” Kendrick Perkins said. “That’s no. 1. No. 2, I think LeBron James got sensitive over the last couple weeks because I’ve been calling him out or have to speak on certain things that he may disagree with — like the firing of Darvin Ham or the coaching search for the Lakers, or even having to touch on the Bronny James situation when it comes down to dealing with the draft.” Perkins clarified that he was dissatisfied after years of publicly defending James.

Kendrick Perkins said, “Bron, I’ve been knowing you since 1999, brother.” He continued, “We played AAU basketball together… We played in the McDonald’s All-American Game together. We were in the same draft. You have my phone number! If you had a problem with anything I said, we could’ve picked up the phone and had a conversation, but instead, you took to the public. You knew the world was gonna see it, eventually, that you unfollowed me because they have all these stalkers that have their stuff on alert. We’re living in weird times.” Overall, Big Perk might be the most sensitive person in this situation.

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