Shohei Ohtani, baseball’s superstar, has signed a 10-year, $700M deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal is the largest in the history of baseball. Furthermore, it brings an end to the understated and surprisingly quiet sweepstakes for the most sought-after free agent in baseball. “I pledge to always do what’s best for the team and always continue to give it my all to be the best version of myself. Until the last day of my playing career, I want to continue to strive forward not only for the Dodgers but for the baseball world,” Ohtani wrote after the deal was announced.
Ohtani’s deal eclipses the previous record nearly by over $250M. The previous mark was $426.5M, set by Mike Trout’s 12-year deal with the Angels. “This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player. Shohei is thrilled to be a part of the Dodgers organization. He is excited to begin this partnership, and he structured his contract to reflect a true commitment from both sides to long-term success. Shohei and I want to thank all the organizations that reached out to us for their interest and respect. Especially the wonderful people we got to know even better as this process unfolded. We know fans, media and the entire industry had a high degree of interest in this process, and we want to express our appreciation for their passion and their consideration as it played out,” Ohtani’s agent said in a statement.
Of course, Ohtani has established himself as the new definition of a two-way player. However, he not spend his first season in LA as a two-way player. Towards the end of the 2023 season, Ohtani tore his ulnar collateral ligament. Requiring surgery, Ohtani will not pitch next season. This will limit him to hitting duties, which he is likely to do from the designated hitter role.
As the news was announced, Ohtani thanked the Angels faithful for supporting him for the first six years of his MLB career. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved with the Angels organization and the fans who have supported me over the past six years. As well as to everyone involved with each team that was part of this negotiation process. Especially to the Angels fans who supported me through all the ups and downs, your guys’ support and cheer meant the world to me. The six years I spent with the Angels will remain etched in my heart forever,” Ohtani wrote.
After a 133-89 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA’s In-Season Tournament, everyone’s got something to say about Zion Williamson. Moreover, many folks within the basketball world, whether it’s fans, commentators, analysts, or fellow players, criticized his 13-point, 3-rebound performance. While these are never easy critiques to handle as a professional athlete, many of them come from a place of love, admiration, and hope. Everyone knows how good Zion is, especially former teammates like JJ Redick, who expressed his thoughts on the matter on Friday’s (December 8) edition of NBA Today. During his remarks, he expressed belief in the fact that the young North Carolina forward has always faced these issues, but expressed even more hope that he can overcome them.
“I was disappointed, and overall, I’ve been disappointed in Zion this season,” JJ Redick remarked. “We can certainly point to counting stats and say he’s having a fine season, but you can be in the building, you can watch on TV, you can be courtside and you can see he’s not in shape. He still isn’t in shape despite everything that he [went] through.
“Despite numerous conversations with legends of the game about being in shape,” JJ Redick continued. “[We call him] out on national television once or twice a year for this thing, this very thing. Earlier this season, he had a press conference where he was trying to buy into what the team wanted, and the reality is, Zion Williamson has not bought into his own career yet. And that is disappointing because as someone who’s a fan of his, a former teammate, a fellow Duke guy, I know— we all know— how great he can be.
“We’ve seen those flashes of greatness,” he concluded. “But to do that for an extended period of time, to reach his full potential— and really, RJ, that’s all we can ask for as players, whatever your potential is, to reach that— he’s never gonna get there if he doesn’t buy in to his own career.” For more news and the latest updates on Zion Williamson and JJ Redick, stay up to date on HNHH.
What is sports without athletes? 2023 was full of performances that wowed, defied, and defined their individual sports. As the year winds down, HotNewHipHop is here to reflect on some of the athletes that we feel defined the last year of sport.
10. Erling Haaland
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on November 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
The big question in the summer of 2022 was where Norwegian soccer superstar Erling Haaland was going to go after leaving Borussia Dortmund. The answer ended up being Manchester City, where Haaland proceeded to redefine individual success in England (and European football). Manchester City achieved a historic treble behind Haaland’s record-breaking 52 goals in all competitions. Jump ahead to the start of the 2023-24 season and Haaland already has another 17 goals. There are few soccer players on the planet as in form as Erling Haaland.
9. LeBron James
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a three-point basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on November 19, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
While the 2022-23 season wasn’t LeBron’s best, it was certainly historic. In February, the veteran NBA star became the league’s all-time scorer, surpassing the mark set by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1989. In November, LeBron became the first player in league history to surpass 39,000 career points. Furthermore, the 2023-24 season saw LeBron join the elite group of just five other players who played at least 21 seasons in the league. Additionally, age doesn’t appear to have dulled LeBron’s instincts as he continues to play at an elite level on a potential contender team.
8. Sha’Carri Richardson
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – AUGUST 26: Sha’Carri Richardson of Team United States wins the Women’s 4x100m Relay Final during day eight of the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 at National Athletics Centre on August 26, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Sha’Carri Richardson roared back onto the track in 2023. That began with running the fourth-fastest women’s 100m in history in April. The following month, she set a new meet record in Doha as she claimed her first Diamond League title. Arguably her peak came in August as she captured gold in the 100m at the World Championships in Budapest. While she missed out on a medal at the Diamond League Final, Richardson undoubtedly set herself up to be a gold medal favorite at the Olympics next year.
7. Max Verstappen
Las Vegas, NV – November 19: Race winner Max Verstappen sprays champagne following the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix in Las Vegas, NV on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (Photo by Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via Getty Images)
Max Verstappen has once again been in a league of his own when it comes to Formula 1. With a record 19 race wins, and a record-breaking 10 in a row, Verstappen cruised to a second consecutive title. To put an even finer point on things, Verstappen is over 270 points clear of the second-place driver, Sergio Pérez. Verstappen has redefined the meaning of success in motorsport and is set for a long period of dominance in the years to come.
6. Jake Paul
DALLAS, TEXAS – AUGUST 05: Jake Paul poses for a photo after defeating Nate Diaz at the American Airlines Center on August 05, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The world of boxing saw a lot of great fights and fighters this year. However, few achieved the visibility of Jake Paul. Paul continued his trend of cherry-picking big-name fights with marquee opponents. However, he opened the year with a fight against actual boxer Tommy Fury. That ended up being the first loss of Paul’s career, while also highlighting that Paul could hold his own against real boxers. That said, he immediately turned around and challenged former UFC fighter Nate Diaz. While the fight wasn’t as much of a tomato can as people thought it would be, it still didn’t push Paul. He will close out his biggest year yet with a fight against established boxer Andre August in December.
5. Simone Biles
Simone Biles (USA) compete on the floor during the 2023 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at Antwerp Sportpaleis on October 8, 2023 in Antwerp, Belgium. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
After two years away from gymnastics, Simone Biles made an explosive return to the sport in 2023. It all started with a stunning return at the US Championships. That earned Biles a place at the World Championships in Belgium. Biles came away with four golds and a silver, as well as a qualification berth at the Olympics next year. Biles made an inspiring return to the sport that she loves, and showed that she hadn’t lost a single shred of the talent that helped her define it. All this sets up is another chance for Biles to redefine the sport in Paris next summer.
4. Shohei Ohtani
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 03: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts after fouling off a pitch against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the seventh inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 03, 2023 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Even those who don’t follow baseball know who Shohei Ohtani is. The Japanese two-way star is so prolific that several outlets set up running trackers of all the historic things that Ohtani did during the season. Sadly, the Angels were once again terrible, meaning that Ohtani’s unanimous MVP season was ultimately wasted. However, he is now set to become a free agent with a value in excess of $500 million. No one is playing baseball like Shohei.
3. Angel Reese
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 06: Angel Reese #10 of the LSU Lady Tigers is introduced before a game against the Colorado Buffaloes during the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Series at T-Mobile Arena on November 06, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Buffaloes defeated the Lady Tigers 92-78. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark may have been the National Player of the Year, but Angel Reese was undoubtedly the star of college basketball this year. From her record-breaking double-double streak to hitting the “You Can’t See Me” in the National Championship Game, Reese stole the spotlight. However, things didn’t end with LSU’s title. Reese immediately began a beef with the First Lady. Before she mysteriously took an absence from the team, Reese opened the 2023-24 season with double-doubles in her first three games and was well on her way to a fourth before she got benched against Kent State.
2. Patrick Mahomes
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 20: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs scrambles with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 20, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Heading up the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes more than earned his MVP award for the 2022 season. Last season, Mahomes threw for over 5200 yards and 41 touchdowns. That culminated with Mahomes leading a second-half comeback against the Eagles in the Super Bowl. Jumping ahead to the start of the 2023 season, Mahomes is already having another great season as the Chiefs look well on their way to another Super Bowl.
1. Nikola Jokic
DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 30: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets calls for the attention of a teammate against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Ball Arena on October 30, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)
Nikola Jokic is perhaps one of the most fascinating athletes of the modern NBA. And a big part of what makes him so fascinating is how much Jokic appears to hate being one of the faces of the NBA. He is a man who plays some of the best basketball in the world but has no interest in participating in the media circus, or really any basketball that he’s not legally contracted to play. Jokic is a man who would rather race horses in his home country of Serbia than play in the offseason. But despite this, he powered the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA title and was arguably snubbed for his third consecutive MVP award. There really isn’t a player quite like Nikola Jokic.
Do you agree with our list? Did we miss your favorite athlete? Let us know in the comments. 2024 promises to be another exceptional year. Will someone knock Mahomes and Jokic from their thrones? Who will shine at the Olympics in Paris next July? It’s going to take a lot to top the excitement of 2023, but 2024 might just be the year to do it.
Bronny James could make his college debut this weekend against Long Beach State. James participated in his first full-contact practice session on Thursday, sparking hope that he is ready to play with the team. USC has not officially confirmed that James will play. However, coach Andy Enfield spoke openly about James appearing “very soon”, albeit on a strict minutes limit. If James does play, it will mark a miraculous return from what was once thought a career-ending congenital heart condition.
James joins a USC team that has struggled in recent weeks. After starting the season 4-1, the Trojans have dropped two of their last three games. While ESPN gives the 49ers an 82.5% win probability against Long Beach State, the 49ers won’t go down quietly. The Big West school is 6-4, including a marquee win over an ailing Michigan program. Trojans-49ers has become a regular non-conference matchup in recent years. Last season, USC won by 10. Furthermore, Bronny’s father LeBron is expected to be in attendance for his son’s debut. Bronny will be the first James to play college ball, as LeBron was drafted into the NBA right out of high school.
Fans flocking to the Galen Center should temper their expectations for James’ first college game. With Enfield’s starting lineup firmly set, James will likely come off the bench and play limited minutes, both due to the talent around him and as part of his ongoing recovery. However, his time on the floor will be marked by a mix of elite defense and scoring. Furthermore, with No. 1 recruit Isaiah Collier scoring 17.3 a night, there will be less pressure on James to come in and immediately be a major contributor.
Despite this, anticipated for James’ debut is already off the charts. “Everybody’s excited to see Bronny on the court. The fans, teammates, everybody around our program and university. Bronny’s done a great job of mentally and physically getting back to this point and I think he’s very anxious to get back full-time playing. We’re excited to watch him play,” Enfield said earlier this week.
Quavo’s been making the most of his time in Japan lately, shooting what appears to be an upcoming music video at a karate studio earlier this week. He shared a carousel from his visit on Instagram, boasting a black belt as he flexed his newfound skills. In one clip, the Georgia native is seen using his fist to break a wooden board with ease, proudly walking off after the feat.
“That was nice,” he was sure to note. Elsewhere in his post, Quavo included shots of himself eating sushi from a model’s scantily clad body, posing with a group of dancers from the video, and more. It’s unclear what track the new video will accompany, but obviously, he’s going all out.
While most commenters are impressed by Quavo’s karate skills, others are sounding off with jokes. “He paid for that black belt,” one fan theorizes. “Bro hit an adlib after the hit,” another mentions. Regardless, it’s clear that the performer’s having a blast on his trip. Amid his travels, the former Migos member never misses an opportunity to honor his fallen nephew Takeoff, and his trip to Japan has been no exception. Earlier this week, he spotted a local fan sporting a t-shirt featuring various images of the late artist’s face. “Yea boy, you got that motherf**ker on!” he shouted, overjoyed to see the fan showing love to Takeoff. “Ooo, that shirt hard! Where’d you get this?” he then asked.
Naturally, the fan removed the shirt in the middle of the street and gave it to him without hesitation. Quavo offered the generous man some cash in exchange for the shirt, but he seemed satisfied by the heartfelt encounter. Are you impressed with Quavo’s karate skills? Are you looking forward to his upcoming music video? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Rasheed Wallace, renowned for his dynamic presence in the NBA, has established a legacy of skill, charisma, and a passion for basketball. His journey through the ranks of professional basketball is a narrative of resilience, talent, and a deep understanding of the game. Wallace’s impact on the court and his ventures outside of basketball has led to a substantial net worth of $75 million in 2023, according to Wealthy Gorilla. This figure signifies his financial success. It also encapsulates his significant influence in the sport and ventures in coaching and philanthropy.
Dominating The Court: Wallace’s NBA Career & Achievements
9/27/95 – RASHEED WALLACE HOLD UP HIS NEW JERSEY W/ COACH JIM LYMAN AT THE HARD ROCK CAFE. PHOTO BY JOEL RICHARDSON (Photo by Joel Richardson/The The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Rasheed Wallace’s ascent in the NBA began with his early days at the University of North Carolina. There he honed his skills and prepared for a professional career. His NBA journey, characterized by his formidable playing style and competitive spirit, made him one of the league’s most notable power forwards. Wallace’s time with teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and the Detroit Pistons was marked by key contributions to their successes, including an NBA Championship with the Pistons in 2004.
His on-court persona, known for both intensity and technical skill, made him a fan favorite and a respected figure among his peers. Wallace’s career stats, including multiple All-Star appearances, underscore his impact on the game. His defensive prowess and scoring ability made him a versatile and valuable player throughout his NBA tenure.
Beyond Basketball: Wallace’s Life After The NBA
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 11: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Rasheed Wallace #36 of the New York Knicks . (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Off the court, Rasheed Wallace’s life reflects his multifaceted interests and commitments. After retiring from professional play, he transitioned into coaching, sharing his knowledge and experience with a new generation of players. His coaching style mirrors his playing days, emphasizing fundamentals, teamwork, and a deep love for the game.
Wallace’s philanthropic efforts, particularly in the communities that he has been part of, demonstrate his commitment to giving back. His involvement in various charitable causes and community projects highlights his dedication to making a positive impact beyond basketball.
The Legacy Of A Basketball Luminary: Assessing Wallace’s Net Worth & Impact
BOSTON – MAY 28: Rasheed Wallace #36 of the Detroit Pistons. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Reflecting on Rasheed Wallace’s $75 million net worth, it’s evident that his legacy in basketball extends beyond financial metrics. His influence as an NBA player, coach, and mentor shapes the game and inspires upcoming players. Wallace’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication. Moreover, it shows the importance of adaptability and the enduring impact of leaving a mark.
According to anonymous sources, Tiger Woods and Nike are reportedly ending their partnership after 27 years. It’s unclear what has caused this split. However, Woods has not used Nike clubs since 2016, when they discontinued their brand. Furthermore, he has been rocking FootJoy brand footwear since at least 2022. Despite this, there has been no formal announcement about any sort of separation.
Woods is slowly rehabbing from an injury that has kept him out of playing for the last few years. Last week, he appeared in just his third tournament of the year. He finished 18th, recording a par finish. However, he is expected to participate in the PNC Championship next week. That should give observers a chance to see if his apparel brands change. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates as and when they emerge. However, it is important to note that is currently an unsubstantiated rumor.
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – DECEMBER 03: Tournament host Tiger Woods poses with the trophy during the final round of the Hero World Challenge at Albany Golf Course on December 03, 2023 in Nassau, . (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images,)
Meanwhile, Woods’ 14-year-old son Charlie has captured a state title with his high school golf team in Florida. Woods finished 26th overall in the standings and fourth out of his five-player team from The Benjamin School. It is the fourth state title for the school out of Palm Beach Gardens. Woods shot 78 and 76 over two days in aid of the team’s title ambitions.
However, more notably, it means that Charlie has a title that his father doesn’t. At the time of Tiger’s education, California didn’t hold a state championship. Instead, Tiger won a series of regional championships throughout the early 90s. Despite this, Tiger also won the US Junior Amateur around the same time. Woods later played at Stanford for two years before turning pro in 1996. Furthermore, he went on to win his first major the following year in 1997.
Travis Kelce has reportedly is planning “something special” for Taylor Swift’s birthday. “He’s arranged a very intimate, romantic dinner just for the two of them, and is also trying to pull off a semi-surprise party with the help of some of her closest friends,” sources told Page Six. The pair has spent the best part of a week together. However, they have gone their separate ways for a couple of days. They are expected to reunite at the Chiefs game against the Bills this weekend.
Meanwhile, a jersey worn by Travis Kelce during a 2019 game in Mexico City has been sold at auction for $37K. “This is an all-time record for a Travis Kelce game-used item. He has always been popular but the success of the Chiefs, as well as the publicity he’s gotten around his relationship with Taylor Swift, has added to his popularity and awareness among collectors,” Goldin Auctions owner Ken Goldin told TMZ.
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 15: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are seen leaving the SNL after party on October 15, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift used her TIME Person of the Year interview to reveal the inside story of her relationship with Travis Kelce. “This all started when Travis very adorably put me on blast on his podcast. I thought was metal as hell. We started hanging out right after that. So we actually had a significant amount of time that no one knew. Which, I’m grateful for because we got to get to know each other. By the time I went to that first game, we were a couple. I think some people think that they saw our first date at that game? We would never be psychotic enough to hard launch a first date,” Swift said.
Elsewhere in the interview, Swift expressed her amazement at the ability of NFL camera operators to find her at every Chiefs game she attends. “There’s a camera, like, a half-mile away, and you don’t know where it is, and you have no idea when the camera is putting you in the broadcast. So I don’t know if I’m being shown 17 times or once. I’m just there to support Travis. I have no awareness of if I’m being shown too much and pissing off a few dads, Brads, and Chads. Football is awesome, it turns out. I’ve been missing out my whole life,” Swift noted.
CM Punk has not only left an indelible mark in the ring but has also amassed significant financial success. With an estimated net worth of $12 million, according to Sportskeeda, Punk’s journey showcases his impact and financial accomplishments within the wrestling industry.
CM Punk was born Phillip Jack Brooks on October 26, 1978, in Chicago, Illinois. His journey in professional wrestling began in the late 1990s. Starting on the independent circuit, Punk honed his skills and gained recognition for his in-ring abilities and outspoken persona. Punk’s breakout success came during his tenure in WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). His straight-edge lifestyle, coupled with his exceptional mic skills and in-ring talent, propelled him to championship reigns and fan adulation, solidifying his place as a wrestling icon.
Financial Success & Contributions To Wrestling
(Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images)
CM Punk’s impact in wrestling extends beyond championships. His ability to connect with audiences, create compelling storylines, and elevate the wrestling product contributed significantly to the industry’s success during his tenure. Moreover, his popularity translated into merchandise sales, appearances, and increased viewership, thereby enhancing his financial standing. Additionally, Punk’s transition to other ventures, including MMA, acting and commentary, further diversified his income streams. Furthermore, it reinforced his financial stability outside the wrestling ring.
CM Punk’s influence on wrestling culture is undeniable. His candidness, charisma, and willingness to challenge the status quo resonated with fans and aspiring wrestlers alike. Punk’s legacy as a trailblazer continues to inspire new generations within the wrestling community.
From his early days in wrestling to accumulating a net worth of $12 million, CM Punk’s journey exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and strategic financial planning. His success positions him as a symbol of financial achievement and resilience.
In conclusion, CM Punk’s estimated net worth of $12 million signifies not only his legendary status in professional wrestling but also his financial astuteness and success beyond the squared circle. Punk’s legacy serves as a testament to the financial rewards achievable through talent, dedication, and strategic career moves in the world of professional wrestling.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott has publicly apologized after it was revealed that he had invoked 9/11 during a locker room speech in 2019. He said he “regretted mentioning 9/11 in my message that day and I immediately apologized to the team. Not only was 9/11 a horrific event in our country’s history, but a day that I lost a good family friend.” McDermott’s comments were first reported by Go Long and invoked the 2001 terror attack in a truly bizarre way. McDermott reportedly cited the hijackers as a good example of teamwork and communication.
Furthermore, McDermott claimed that he was called out by players at the time and immediately recontextualized his comments to them. “I brought everybody together and said this was the goal, this was the intent, and I apologize if anyone whatsoever felt a certain type of way coming out of that meeting. If anyone misinterpreted or didn’t understand my message, I apologize. I didn’t do a good enough job of communicating clearly the intent of my message. That was about the importance of communication and that everyone needs to be on the same page, ironically enough. So that was important to me then and still is now,” McDermott stated.
Bills Expect No Immediate Punishment For Von Miller
McDermott’s opening statement: “My intent in the meeting that day was to discuss the importance of communication and being on the same page with the team. I regretted mentioning 9/11 in my message that day and I immediately apologized to the team.” (1/2) https://t.co/0BkztV80vP
Meanwhile, the Bills are facing a contemporary locker room crisis in the form of Von Miller. Miller was arrested last week on charges relating to the alleged assault of his pregnant partner. However, he is currently practicing with the team and is expected to play against Kansas City this weekend. “We weren’t there. We’re not the investigators. We don’t, obviously, you know, we had our conversations with Von and understood what he believes happened. And so, from that standpoint we can’t get into it. It’s an open investigation, and so we’ll just, we’ll let the legal process play out, and he’ll participate like normal in practice,” GM Brandon Beane told reporters.
“Anytime it’s an ongoing investigation, if something was uncovered that the commissioner does have that, at any point, if he feels there was something that, hey, this is, this doesn’t look good or something like that, if at any point that, they could. But with our knowledge of what we have today, we don’t expect that,” Beane added in regard to the possibility of Miller being added to the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
