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Jaire Alexander Suspended For Coin Toss Blunder

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Jaire Alexander has been suspended for one game by the Green Bay Packers for his actions during the coin toss against the Panthers last weekend. Alexander joined the team captains for the toss and won with a call of tails. However, Alexander then declared that the Packers “wanted to defend”. This is not the same as saying that the team wanted to defer their pick until the second half. If the game official hadn’t clarified with Alexander, it could have seen the Panthers start both halves of the game with the ball.

“The decision to suspend a player is never easy and not one we take lightly. Unfortunately, Jaire’s actions prior to the game in Carolina led us to take this step. As an organization, we have an expectation that everyone puts the team first. While we are disappointed, we had a good conversation with Jaire this morning. We fully expect him to learn from this as we move forward together. We look forward to welcoming him back next week. He is a valued member of this team and will continue to be in the future,” GM Brian Gutekunst said in a statement.

Packers Without Jaire Alexander For Crucial Vikings Game

BREAKING NEWS: Jaire Alexander has been suspended for one game by the Packers#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/psrBcIitEP

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 27, 2023

However, the decision to suspend Alexander means that the Packers will be without the star cornerback for a do-or-die game against the Vikings. Both teams are 7-8 and are still in the running for the NFC wild-card spot. However, the loser of next weekend’s game will be eliminated from contention. The decision to suspend Alexander means that the Packers will have to find another way to contain Justin Jefferson.

Alexander didn’t show any remorse for the incident after the game. “It’s only suiting. I don’t think Coach knew I was from Charlotte, so,” he explained why he went to the toss with the team captains. Alexander has missed a great deal of the season with a shoulder injury. Furthermore, this comes at the tail end of a season in which Alexander forfeited $700,000 by skipping most of the team’s offseason training. He attempted to justify this by saying that he stayed at the Packers’ facility longer than most players after the end of last season.

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Udonis Haslem Speaks On Shading Bill Russell

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Udonis Haslem used a recent podcast appearance to explain a story from Bam Adebayo about saying “F-ck Bill Russell” before a game against the Celtics. “I had to repent that. I love Bill. There’s no disrespect to Bill. I love Bill. He just caught that stray,” Haslem admitted. However, he went on to explain that it wasn’t a pointed comment. Instead, it was an off-handed remark as part of a large rallying cry about the Boston-Miami rivalry.

“Will you ever see a Miami Heat jersey in hanging the Boston rafters? Ever? In life? I wouldn’t give a f-ck if a Miami Heat player was on the basketball. Who’s that motherf-cker on the basketball? What’s his name? Jerry West. That motherf-cker played for the Heat, he would never hang in the rafters. He would never. They would never hang Jerry West’s Miami Heat jersey in the Boston rafters. Never in life. Respect to Bill Russell. I love him. Why the f-cker he got to hang in here?” Haslem explained.

Bill Russell Rookie Card Sells For $660,000

Earlier this year, in an auction conducted by PWCC Marketplace, a 1957 Topps Bill Russell rookie card sold for $660,000. Not only does it break the record for a Bill Russell card, but it also becomes the third-highest-selling pre-1980s basketball card. The only cards to sell for more money are a 1961 Wilt Chamberlain rookie card ($670,000, June 2022) and a 1948 George Mikan card ($800,000, March 2022).

Russell’s memorabilia was a rarity until fairly recently. In 2021, he facilitated the auction of more than 700 items from his Hall of Fame career. Sold between December 2021 and April 2022, the auction’s total profits were in excess of $9 million. This included $1 million for a game-worn jersey from the series-clinching win of the 1969 Finals. The profits were sent to a number of Boston-area charities, including Russell’s own non-profit, Mentor. However, if the past is anything to go by, the current record will not stand for long. Especially after Russell’s death, the value of his memorabilia has spiked.

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Travis Kelce “Hickey” Leads To Swiftie Debate

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Travis Kelce appeared to sport a mark on his neck during the Chiefs’ December 17 game against the Patriots that some fans claim to be a hickey. The strange mark, which was gone by the time the Chiefs faced Las Vegas on Christmas Day, was spotted earlier this week by fans combing through images of the game. However, it is unconfirmed to be a hickey and could have been a wide range of other things instead. Still, for Trayvis fans, it was a cause to rejoice. It served as proof that Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift is still going strong.

Meanwhile, Scott and Andrea Swift, Swift’s parents, were spotted mingling with Ed Kelce, Kelce’s dad, at the Chiefs’ game against Las Vegas over Christmas. The meeting was captured by a Chiefs fan who had their camera turned towards the Kelce family box at Arrowhead Stadium. However, Kelce’s mother Donna was not present as she was in Philadelphia to watch Jason Kelce. It is believed that the Swift and Kelce families originally met when the Chiefs and Eagles played against one another earlier in the season. A big sticking point at the time was that Swift’s father is reportedly a massive Eagles fan. “What are we doing, Scott? You’re gonna let this man’s devilish good looks and relationship with your daughter sway you from a lifetime of fandom, Scott? Ridiculous,” Jason teased on New Heights at the time.

Travis Kelce Speaks On Chiefs’ Offensive Woes

However, Kelce was in a sour mood during the latest episode of New Heights. “It’s not just one guy – it’s not just me playing like dog sh-t. It’s not just us not being able to get the run game going. And it’snot just us not being on the same page, passing-wise. Everybody’s in this f-cking thing together. Everybody at some point isn’t being accountable. Every single play is somebody not doing their job, and it’s me … it’s everybody on the team. And whether that’s prep, whether that’s having the confidence and understanding of what the defense is in their coverages, their gaps in the run game, how we’re picking up blitzes, how we’re running routes versus certain coverages. All the above. Everybody’s just got to f-cking do their job,” Kelce ranted on the podcast.

The Chiefs have now lost three of their last four and four of their last six games. Mahomes was sacked four times on Christmas Day while throwing for just 246 yards. Meanwhile, the ground game failed to generate less than 100 yards of total offense. This included a stretch late in the second quarter when the Raiders scored two defensive touchdowns in the space of seven seconds. The Chiefs close out the season against the Bengals and Chargers.

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Aaron Gordon Out Indefinitely After Christmas Day Dog Attack

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

There is “no timetable” for Aaron Gordon to return to the Nuggets after he was attacked by a dog on Christmas Day. Per Shams Charania, Gordon suffered “serious dog bites to his face and shooting right hand on Monday — requiring 21 stitches”. Later, the team said that Gordon was “in good condition and will remain away from the team while he recovers”. Gordon is averaging 13.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists a game this season. He is in his fourth year with the team.

The Nuggets, with Gordon a key player, have started their title defense well and sit at 22-10 on the season. This includes a currently active five-game winning streak. However, they only hold the second seed in the West due to the white-hot Timberwolves. Minnesota holds a 22-7 record. Nikola Jokic has been the powerhouse of the Nuggets this season. The two-time MVP is averaging a double-double with 26.4 points and 12.3 rebounds. Furthermore, Jokic is also averaging 9.2 assists a game, nearly putting him on a triple-double.

Ja Morant Faces Criticism For Gun Celebration

Aaron Gordon suffered serious dog bites to his face and shooting right hand on Monday — requiring 21 stitches, sources say. It will take some time to heal, with no timetable yet. https://t.co/blxcSB01PM

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 27, 2023

Without Gordon, the Nuggets will be short-handed as they host the Grizzlies, who are yet to lose since Ja Morant’s return to the team. However, Morant has found himself in a new controversy this week. After dropping a dunk, Morant appeared to fire off two imaginary guns before running back down the court. Of course, this caused a lot of outrage given that Morant is just four games into a season cut short by a gun-related suspension. However, the Grizzlies appeared to be a fan of the move, sharing the clip to the team’s official X account.

The win over the Pelicans marked the Grizzlies’ fourth consecutive win, meaning the team is 4-0 since Morant returned to the team. Morant had a game-high 31 points along with 7 assists. However, Morant was also tied for a game-high 6 turnovers with the Pelicans’ Zion Williamson. Denver won a close game against a Morant-less Memphis in their second game of the season.

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Jonathan Owens Trolled By Simone Biles Fans

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Fans of Simone Biles have continued to go after her husband, Jonathan Owens, following his controversial comments about their marriage last week. When Owens made a Christmas Day post on Instagram, the comments were flooded by his wife’s fans simply calling him “Mr. Biles”. Other comments on the post referred to Owens as “some guy” while some hoped that Biles had a pre-nup due to her success.

The backlash towards Owens stems from comments he made while appearing on The Pivot last week. Owens claimed he didn’t know who Biles was when they first met and that he believes that “men are always the catch in a relationship”. When the couple met on a dating app in March 2020, Owens was a practice squad player for the Texans who had never played an NFL game. Meanwhile, Biles was a five-time Olympic medalist.

Jonathan Owens “Unbothered” By Hate

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A post shared by Jonathan Owens (@jowens)

However, Owens has taken the high road in the face of the backlash. “Unbothered Just know we locked in over here ,” Owens wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of himself and Biles on their wedding day. Additionally, Biles was later seen posting a message of support to her husband in the comments. It appears that the Olympian was unfazed by what her husband had said about the early days of their relationship.

Owens is a safety for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. After playing at Division II Missouri Western, he went undrafted in 2018. However, he would not play his first game until 2021, after spending time on the practice squad in Arizona and Houston. However, 2022 was his breakout year. Appearing in every game, he recorded 127 tackles, 84 of them solo tackles. He left the Texans ahead of the 2023 season, signing with the Packers instead. At the time of writing, he has 74 total tackles on the season. the Packers are 7-8 and are hoping to make a late-season push to make the playoffs.

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Lil Wayne Compared His Rap Career To An Iconic Basketball Player, As They Both Started Young

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Lil Wayne recently sat down for an interview with Taylor Rooks from Bleacher Report, where he revealed the basketball player he thought was comparable to his own rap career.

While he didn’t go for Michael Jordan, he did choose another iconic player to represent himself. And he had some logic behind it.

“I would say that I’m like LeBron,” Lil Wayne said. “I dropped my first solo album when I was 14, and that’s the same album I’m talking about that went platinum. And I’ve been doing this at this pace ever since, just like him.”

The rapper also felt comparable a bit to Tom Brady, if he was going by the football side of things. As Lil Wayne pointed out, he felt that people questioned if he would retire from music the same way.

“You remember Tom Brady, it was every year, even though he was winning the Super Bowl and all that, it still was, ‘Is this the year he’s gonna retire?’” he added.

Finally, Lil Wayne jumped back to the subject of LeBron James, when he mentioned who he thought would replace him when James retires. “To me, I think the obvious answer is Ja [Morant],” he shared. “The NBA is entertainment. What I mean by that is there was always Michael Jordan and that was, you know, like God… Ja’s teams are actually competitive when he’s there and when he’s doing his thing.”

Check out Lil Wayne’s discussion about being like LeBron James above.

Aaron Rodgers Says He Didn’t Ask To Be Taken Off Injured Reserve

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Aaron Rodgers has addressed critics going after the fact that despite no intention to play this season, he was activated off IR and thus filled a roster spot for the Jets. “I assumed I was going to go on IR. I asked to be put on IR, but then there was a conversation. ‘Do you want to practice?’ I said not at the expense of somebody getting cut. I know how this works – I didn’t feel like I needed to practice to continue my rehab. I could do on-the-field stuff on the side, but, obviously, I got overruled there. It is what it is. This was an interesting situation,” Rodgers told The Pat McAfee Show this week.

Rodgers was activated on December 20, when his 21-day practice window closed. If he had been kept on IR, he would not have been able to practice with the team for the rest of the season. Despite having been eliminated from playoff contention and with no plans to feature Rodgers in a game, the Jets moved him to the active roster. This led fullback Nick Bawden to be waived and later signed to the practice squad.

What’s Next For Aaron Rodgers And The Jets?

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers says it wasn’t his idea to be activated: “I asked to be put on IR”https://t.co/BDsiNVj6ib pic.twitter.com/EsgTEDY9CC

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 27, 2023

As mentioned, the Jets are now officially eliminated from playoff contention, which had been Rodgers’ primary condition for returning. However, with six wins, the Jets are not in contention for the first-overall pick. At the time of writing, the Jets are projected to have the ninth-overall pick, which many experts believe they will use to pick a young receiver.

However, the biggest question remains at the quarterback role. Rodgers is expected to be QB1 come the start of the 2024 season. However, coming off a season-ending injury and now in his 40s, Rodgers is not the long-term solution in New York. Meanwhile, Zach Wilson has consistently shown that he is not the player that the Jets were hoping he would become. The question that needs to be answered sooner rather than later. But for now, the Jets have two more games to play, facing the Browns and Patriots to close out the season.

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Rudy Gobert Net Worth 2023: What Is The Basketball Star Worth?

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rudy Gobert is known for his formidable defensive skills and impact on the basketball court. He has also established himself as one of the premier centers in the NBA. His journey from a promising player in France to a key figure in the league is marked by accolades. Additionally, his record-setting performances have had a profound influence on team dynamics. As of 2023, Gobert’s success in professional basketball, including multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, has led to a net worth of $50 million, according to Sportskeeda. It is a testament to his prowess and importance in the sport.

Career Highlights: Defensive Anchor & NBA Star

His exceptional defensive capabilities characterize Gobert’s rise in the NBA. His ability to alter opponents’ shots and control the paint has made him a critical asset to his team. Recognized multiple times as the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert has set standards for interior defense in the league. His presence on the court extends beyond defense, as he consistently contributes to his team’s offensive play and overall performance.

Apart from his NBA accomplishments, Gobert has been a key French national basketball team player. His performances in international competitions have bolstered his reputation and demonstrated his versatility and ability to perform under different play styles. Gobert’s international career highlights his global impact on the sport and his role as an ambassador for French basketball.

Personal Life: The Man Behind The Stats

Off the court, Rudy Gobert’s life encompasses his commitment to personal development and his contributions to the community. Known for his work ethic and dedication to improving his skills, Gobert’s journey in basketball is also a story of constant growth and adaptation. His philanthropic efforts in response to global challenges showcase his awareness. Further, his willingness to use his platform for positive change.

Legacy & Impact: Redefining The Center Position

Reflecting on Rudy Gobert’s $50 million net worth in 2023, his career is a benchmark for defensive basketball excellence. His influence on the game is marked by his unique blend of size, agility, and basketball intelligence. Gobert’s legacy in the NBA and beyond will likely be remembered for his ability to transform and dominate the defensive aspects of the game.

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Dr. Umar Goes After Vanessa Bryant For How She Is Spending Kobe Bryant’s Money

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Controversial figure Dr. Umar went after Vanessa Bryant during his recent appearance on The Joe Budden Podcast. Umar accused Bryant of “not doing sh-t” to “uplift the Black community” in the ways that she has spent her late husband’s money in recent years. Umar pointed to a “sports initiative” that Bryant recently started with “six predominantly white colleges”. Umar’s anger came as a result of Bryant not “choosing a single HBCU”. Umar was referring to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. In September, the foundation announced partnerships with UConn, USC, Kentucky, Oregon, Duke, and LSU. Of note – UConn was seen as the frontrunner in the recruitment of Gigi Bryant before her death.

However, Umar was largely shouted down by the Joe Budden crew. One contributor argued that “there are plenty of angry Black wives who got a Black man’s money and didn’t do sh-t for the Black community”. As with many of Umar’s moments, it felt more like he was talking to be heard than actually having something to say.

Lakers To Add Kobe Bryant Statue In 2024

Dr umar talks about how vanessa bryant used Kobe and his money after his death to only uplift her own community and not the black community via – joe budden podcast pic.twitter.com/hKfXAfPVX2

— balling (@Chatnigga101) December 26, 2023

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Vanessa Bryant announced that her late husband would be receiving a statue at Crypto.com Arena. “On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters and me, I am so honored that, right here in the center of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as ‘The House that Kobe Built,’ we are going to unveil his statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever,” Bryant said in her video announcement. Kobe will be the seventh Laker to be honored with a statue. The statue walk currently bears the likenesses of Elgin Baylor, Shaq, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and Chick Hearn.

The Lakers said that the statue had been in development for some time. Furthermore, they noted that Kobe himself had been part of the initial design process. The team also said it would be the first in a “series of physical tributes” to the late star. “Kobe Bryant was one of the most extraordinary athletes of all time and one of the most iconic individuals in the history of Los Angeles,” said team owner Jeanie Buss. “There is no better place for Kobe to be honored with a statue than here, at the center of our city, where everyone can celebrate him and be inspired by his incredible achievements.”

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Ja Morant Seemingly Hits Gun Celebration During Grizzlies Win

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Ja Morant has once again created controversy after he seemingly pulled a gun celebration against the Pelicans. After dropping a dunk, Morant appeared to fire off two imaginary guns before running back down the court. Of course, this caused a lot of outrage given that Morant is just four games into a season cut short by a gun-related suspension. However, the Grizzlies appeared to be a fan of the move, sharing the clip to the team’s official X account.

Lil Wayne Taps Ja Morant To Be The Next “Face Of The NBA”

AYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/hwVXbU5UY7

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) December 27, 2023

Meanwhile, Lil Wayne recently said he wants Morant to be the face of the NBA following the retirement of LeBron James. “To me I think the obvious answer is Ja,” Wayne said in the video below. “Because the NBA is entertainment. What I mean by that is there was always a Michael Jordan, just like, you know like God. You gonna watch these Atlanta Hawk games just to see what Dominique, just to see if he gonna get ’em one off. I’m going to watch these Portland games to see if Clyde gonna get him one. Ja’s teams are actually competitive when he’s there and he’s doing his thing,” Wayne told Bleacher Report‘s Taylor Rooks.

It’s not the first time that Wayne has spoken in support of Morant. “Do y’all know that boy? ‘Cause I don’t. I know him from dunking and jumping, and I only started knowing him when I started paying attention to him around his last year of college. He come from like a town with 3,000 people. Like, what? What y’all expect? Y’all gave him $200 million,” Wayne told the All The Smoke podcast while defending Morant’s actions earlier this year.

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