Amanda Seales is someone who never shies away from sharing her beliefs. The comedian, actress, dancer, and social justice advocate frequently weighs in on struggles the Black community faces. She’s also been a vocal critic of prominent Black spaces, accusing them of leaving her out and failing to recognize her for her work. While this has earned Seales a loyal fanbase, it’s also earned her a great deal of backlash. Regardless, she continues to speak her mind.
It was Seales’ outspokenness that made her the perfect guest to appear on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay this week, and as expected, the episode arrived with no shortage of interesting moments. At one point in the interview, for example, Seales recalled one of her first-ever encounters with racism. She detailed the troubling experience, which saw her get bullied and harassed by a group of non-Black peers as a child during a trip to Walt Disney World.
As Seales reflected on being called the N-word, being told she only got the opportunity because she’s Black, and more, Sharpe chimed in. “They’re kids,” he said, leaving Seales in a state of disbelief. “As a child, you never said anything derogatory? You were just this model citizen as a child?” She was quick to respond, making it clear that she was there to share her own experiences and how they’ve impacted her, and certainly not to defend her childhood bullies. “So you have no problem with the children that were cursing out Ruby Bridges?” she began. “And the Little Rock Nine?” Check out her full rebuttal above.
What do you think of Amanda Seales’ recent appearance on Club Shay Shay? What about her recalling one of her first encounters with racism? Are you glad she checked Shannon Sharpe after he seemingly brushed it off or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Ice Cube’s Big 3 Offer to Caitlin Clark is still a hot topic. Clark was drafted no. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA draft. Clark is gearing up to sign a massive deal with Nike. The deal would earn her a record endorsement contract for a woman. The agreement with Nike is reportedly worth around $28 million. Clark is the hottest name in women’s sports, and people want to capitalize on her popularity. Before she was drafted, Ice Cube sent an offer to Clark to join the Big 3, his three-on-three basketball league. Now, Cube is apparently furious with Clark’s agents.
Ice Cube and his business partner Jeff Kwatinetz have raised serious allegations, claiming that Clark’s management team deliberately undermined the Big 3 deal. Additionally, Cube asserts that the offer he sent was not even presented to Clark, a deal that reportedly included a $10 million contract and additional perks. Moreover, Cube and Kwatinetz feel slighted, believing that their offer was not given the proper consideration it deserved.
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 19: Coach Ice Cube of Team Webull looks on during the Monster Energy BIG3 Celebrity Game at Capital One Arena on August 19, 2023, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Idol Roc Entertainment)
“We have reason to believe these male agents and executives controlling the sport never even shared our trailblazing offer with Caitlin let alone facilitated Caitlins meeting with the BIG3 to discuss the opportunity,” Kwatinetz said in a statement. He continued implying that Clark and her Agents work for the NBA Mob. He added, “Do we expect them to prioritize Caitlin over the NBA – the top employer of their most highly paid clients?” Ice Cube and his business partner are levying some pretty bold accusations.
When the news of the Big 3 deal broke, Caitlin Clark said she found out about it when everyone else did. Maybe the deal never reached Clark. Maybe they just weren’t into it and had other more lucrative opportunities on deck. Cube has been fighting a one-sided battle with the NBA since The Big 3’s inception. This is just another attempt to ride for his basketball league. Caitlin Clark is preparing for her debut in the WNBA. The season kicks off on May 14.
Kevin Porter Jr. has not been in the NBA since he was arrested and charged with assault and strangulation. Porter allegedly attacked and strangled WNBA player and then-girlfriend Kysre Gondrezick in September of 2023. Gondrezick was sent to the hospital after the incident, where she was treated for a laceration to her face and neck pain from strangulation. Porter Jr. does not currently have an NBA contract and is not on any roster in the league. The Houston Rockets traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in October of last year. Porter was immediately cut.
Porter Jr. will remain out of the league for the foreseeable future. The guard has recently been seen playing professionally in Europe. Porter has fallen a long way since signing an NBA deal worth $80 million dollars. Porter Jr. was always a player with a lot of personal baggage. There were red flags when he was in college at USC. His stint in Clevland showed promise, but he was too much of a problem in the locker room. Porter Jr. had previously been charged with illegal handling of a firearm in 2020. Now he is playing ball in Greece, and fans have some thought.
After being exiled from the NBA for domestic violence, Kevin Porter Jr. is now playing in Greece. Many fans are clowing the disgraced guard for losing his massive contract. Porter is apparently playing for $10k in Greece. It’s a far cry from the $80 Million NBA contract he squandered. He had announced his deal on his social media. Porter Jr. donned his team’s jersey in the post but disabled comments. It’s important to note that the agreement with the Greek team is only for the remainder of the season, which ends in mid-May.
Kevin Porter Jr. reportedly signed with Greek team PAOK and started to plaGreece’sece’s Stoiximan Basket League in early April 2024. Apparently, his dhasn’tasn’t gone smoothly, as the plhasn’tasn’t played in games in quite some time. His prolonged exile and the difference in European basketball will make the transition difficult. Ultimatelywon’twon’t see him in an NBA jersey any time soon.
The NBA has announced its finalists for the 2024 NBA MVP. The Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic, the Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic, and the OKC Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are the finalists. The three players have been the front-runners for most of the season. It’s been an intense three-horse race, with each finalist having a convincing resume that voters will have to weigh. The Michael Jordan MVP award would be a historic landmark for each player.
Nikola Jokic is the hands-down favorite to take home the MVP award. If he wins, that will give him three MVPs and put him in rarified air. The Nuggets are the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, and Jokic put up his usually ridiculous numbers to lead his team. Luka Doncic led the Mavs to the 5th seed and put up historic offensive numbers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the young Thunder to the 1-seed, putting up MVP-like numbers on an unlikely juggernaut. It is a tight race, and arguments can be made for each player as they all deserve it.
Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous Alexander Face MVP Showdown
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 21: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after a play against the New Orleans Pelicans in game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at the Paycom Center on April 21, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Nikola Jokic is the clear favorite, with Gilgeous Alexander in a close second. Jokic has been dominant, and the Nuggets are the defending champions. A third MVP for Jokic would solidify him as an all-time great already. Shai has the second most convincing case. He is the best player on the best team record-wise in the West. He hasn’t one and is a media darling who led a surprising team to a place they haven’t been in a long time. Luka Doncic is the third choice. The Mavs are only the 5th seed despite Luka’s historic season.
The Denver Nuggets have a commanding 2-0 lead over the Lakers, and they are gearing up to repeat as NBA champions. Oklahoma City won a very close game to the Pelicans and face off for game two tonight. The Dallas Mavs tied up their series against the Clippers last night. MVP is a regular season award, so whatever happens in the playoffs doesn’t matter. Overall, the MVP race has been entertaining, and the winner will certainly be deserving.
The playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and the Philidelphia 76ers has been a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly for the Sixers fans. Game two was a nail-biter, featuring one of the most intense and dramatic endings to an NBA playoff game in recent memory. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, staged a miraculous comeback, much to the dismay of the Sixers. The Sixers felt the officials played a crucial part in their defeat. The Knicks emerged victorious with a score of 104-101, setting Madison Square Garden ablaze. 76ers superstar Joel Embiid’s frustration was palpable as he openly criticized the officials post-game.
The 76ers looked like they were going to be able to close out the game against the Knicks easily. The sequence that has caused the Sixers to file an official grievance with the league started with a Brunson 3-pointer. Now up by 3 points, the Sixers have their inbound pass tipped, leading to a Tyrese Maxey turnover, which leads to a missed 3-pointer by Donte DiVincenzo. Divacenzo misses the three, but the Knicks get the rebound, and the Sharpshooter gets another look and drains it. The Knicks went on to win the game, but controversy surrounds the dramatic victory.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 22: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 104-101. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The NBA’s Last two-minute report has validated Joel Embiid and the Sixers’ complaints, shedding light on the crucial referee mistakes that influenced the game’s outcome. The report confirms that officials overlooked an attempt by 76ers coach Nick Nurse to call a timeout. This oversight allowed the sequence at the end of the game to unfold, altering the course of the game. There was also a missed foul call with 27 seconds remaining. Brunson tugged tug Tyrese Maxey’s jersey on the inbound, a move that led to the Knicks gaining possession and, ultimately, the lead. Maxey was also fouled three seconds later by Josh Hart, just before the Sixers guard lost the ball.
There were officially missed calls at the end of the Sixer’s loss, but they still had opportunities to close out the game. If the Sixers had been able to get the rebound on the first DiVacenzo three-pointer, the game would have been over. Also, before Maxey was fouled, fans pointed out that he had committed an offensive foul. Maxey pushed off of Jalen Brunson before the sequence. The Sixers had their chance. Missed calls happen, but you have to play through them. You can’t expect the refs to bail you out of a jam. Just get the rebound, and the series is tied.
Devin Haney lost by majority decision to Ryan Garcia on Saturday night. Haney was knocked down by Garcia three times in the latter rounds. Haney looked overmatched as the fight drew on and surprisingly dropped the first loss of his professional career to Garcia. Haney retained his title because Garcia had not made weight before the matchup. Haney was optimistic after suffering defeat. Overall, the match was entertaining. There will most certainly be a rematch between the two young fighters.
Now, after the fight,Floyd Mayweather and Haney’s father, bull Haney, are beefing online. Bill Haney has apparently been lashing out after the Garcia loss. The reaction to his son’s loss has now led to a heated exchange with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. The two went back and forth online, arguing about several different issues between them. Haney most noticeably called out Mayweather as a selfish individual. Mayweather has been involved with Devin Haney for some time, helping train the young fighter on multiple occasions. The beef has probably been stewing for some time.
The Beef seems to have started after Mayweather called and congratulated Ryan Garcia after his big win against Devin Haney. Bill Haney did not appreciate that, implying that it showed disloyalty to his son. Floyd called Bil Haney to see where all the negative feelings came from. Haney responded to Mayweather, saying, “I been knowing you for hella long but I feel like you a bullshit ass n—a. That’s how I feel like it, me, myself, personally…I feel like you a bullshit ass n—a based on your actions about everybody’s that’s been in the town that’s been down with you. They doing dirtball bad. Ain’t nobody doing real good fuckin’ with you.”
The argument went on for a while after Haney’s response. “You was talking about that sparring shit,” Haney said. “I seen you beat n—as up in sparring…and when my son got down on you…”. To which Floyd responded “Bill, if your son is undefeated in the gym, congratulations!” he then dropped the mic saying, Congratulations that you got an undefeated fighter in the gym. I’m the under the lights type fighter.” The beef adds another interesting wrinkle in the Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia fight. The rematch will definitely add even more interest as a new feud develops between Mayweather and Bill Haney.
The relationship between Hip Hop and sports has long been documented. Naturally, Hip Hop culture is felt across various sports, but the history with basketball is by far the longest and richest. Rucker Park, (or simply The Rucker) sits at the epicenter of these two worlds. Or at least it used to be. Nestled in the heart of Harlem, New York, The Rucker is a cherished spot in the annals of these two cultural influences.
The name of Rucker Park honors local teacher and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation playground director Holcombe Rucker. Born in 1926, Rucker grew up on 141st Street with his grandmother. Standing at 6 feet and 3 inches, he found his calling playing guard at Benjamin Franklin High School until World War II, when he dropped out of school to enlist in the war. After the war was over, Holcombe Rucker returned with one last mission: to give back to his community through the education and the game he loved so much.
In 1950, Rucker’s vision came to fruition through a basketball league that would keep kids off the streets and encourage them in both studies and hoops. This was how the Rucker Tournament was born. It was originally held on various Harlem courts until 1954 when it found its home at the corner of 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. However, it wasn’t until 1974 that the park was officially named after Holcombe Rucker. This felt especially special because his legacy had extended far beyond the court. Rucker’s tournament wasn’t just about basketball though. It was also about education, dignity, and meaning. Over 700 individuals secured college basketball scholarships thanks to his initiative’s efforts.
Rucker Park soon emerged as a mecca for street basketball in the 1950s. It offered a platform for local athletes to showcase their skills on its gritty asphalt courts. Situated amidst the bustling streets of Harlem, the park embodied the raw, unfiltered essence of playground basketball. Therefore, players from across New York City flocked to Rucker, drawn by the prospect of testing their skills against the city’s best. Wilt Chamberlain was the first household name to grace Rucker Park, and the names after him could fill a book. With its chain-link fences and raucous crowds, Rucker Park became synonymous with the vibrant subculture of streetball. There, flashy moves and playground legends reigned supreme.
As Rucker Park gained prominence in the basketball world, it also became a cultural epicenter for Harlem’s burgeoning rap scene. The park’s vibrant atmosphere attracted not only athletes but also Hip Hop artists, DJs, and fans who shared a common love for the game and the music. Spontaneous rap battles and freestyle sessions became as integral to the Rucker experience as the basketball games themselves. As a result, Rucker Park helped blur the lines between sport and art. The symbiotic relationship between basketball and hip-hop flourished with players drawing inspiration from the rhythm and energy of the music while rappers paid homage to the park’s iconic status in their lyrics and music videos.
Importantly, Rucker Park has witnessed the rise of numerous streetball legends whose electrifying performances have become the stuff of urban folklore. In 1982, Greg Marius founded the Entertainers Basketball Classic (EBC) at Rucker Park, transforming the park into an urban amphitheater. The EBC attracted top players from across the country, including NBA stars like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, who relished the opportunity to showcase their skills in the hallowed grounds of Rucker. The tournament’s unique blend of competitive basketball and entertainment drew crowds of spectators and media attention. This solidified Rucker Park’s reputation as a premier destination for streetball enthusiasts worldwide.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Rucker Park gained further notoriety through its association with the And1 Mixtape Tour, a traveling showcase of streetball talent. Featuring players known for their flashy moves and playground flair, the And1 tour brought the excitement of Rucker Park to cities across the globe, popularizing the park’s unique brand of basketball culture. The tour’s mixtapes, which showcased the players’ jaw-dropping highlights set to Hip Hop beats, became must-watch videos among basketball fans. This also helped elevate the profile of streetball worldwide. To this day, even rappers like Machine Gun Kelly have Rucker to thank for giving them a platform.
By the 20th season of the tournament, the Rucker’s visitors began to include the likes of Former President Bill Clinton and NBA Commissioners David Stern, Adam Silver and Stephon Marbury. But no matter who came around, the palpable excitement of Rucker marked a typical day on the court. However, one notable incident that would have shut down both the ballin’ and rappin’ worlds was the game that was never held in 2003. Jay-Z and Fat Joe were battling to be the King of New York, not just on the charts but also in business and basketball.
Their EBC teams were stacked with top talent like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Jermaine O’Neal, LeBron James, and more. As the competition heated up, both men kept adding to their rosters, even making last-minute changes. Jay-Z even left his tour to appear at The Rucker with Beyoncé and Steve Stoute. The anticipation was high, with rumors of surprise appearances and last-minute shake-ups. Joe also revealed that he had a surprise waiting at 57th Street with Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson, planning to bring them to the game for halftime. Jay-Z also arranged for Shaquille O’Neal to join in at the last minute. With both teams ready, and thousands in attendance, the power went out.
An Enduring Legacy
Rucker Park’s cultural influence extends far beyond the confines of the basketball court, permeating various aspects of urban life and popular culture. The park’s iconic blacktop has served as a canvas for graffiti artists and a backdrop for music videos, immortalizing its place in the annals of rap history. From the iconic Above The Rim film, which featured acting credits from 2Pac and Bernie Mac, to lyrical tributes by pioneers like Nas and Jay-Z, Rucker Park has left an indelible mark on the worlds of sports and music. It embodies the spirit of resilience, creativity, and community that defines Harlem’s rich heritage.
Unfortunately, the park is no longer what it used to be. However, its legacy remains intact. In 2022, Rucker Park famously made history again. It became the first outdoor venue for The Basketball Tournament, a single-elimination winner-take-all event with a $1 million prize. The echoes of legends past reverberated as new stars stepped onto the hallowed ground. So the next time you pass by the corner of 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, remember Holcombe Rucker- the visionary who turned a playground into a symphony of basketball, Hip Hop, and most of all, community.
Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney finally faced off in their much-anticipated fight. The fight promo was overshadowed by Garcia’s unpredictable behavior and controversial statements. Before the fight, fans were uncertain about Garcia’s mental state when facing Haney. However, all the speculation and doubt were swept away the moment the bell rang on Saturday night. In a thrilling fight, Garcia showcased his trademark speed, dominating Haney and knocking him down three times in the later rounds. Ultimately, Garcia emerged victorious by majority decision, providing an electrifying spectacle for the fans.
The fight lived up to the ridiculous promotion between Garcia and Haney. Garcia was on a tear on social media, calling out the likes of Kanye and throwing spicy accusations at Drake and Bobbi Althoff. Garcia was being doubted in the matchup mostly due to his outlandish behavior. Now, it seems like everything was part of the plan. Garcia has now admitted that much of his pre-fight antics were just him trolling. Ryan’s mission in the lead-up to his blockbuster fight with Devin Haney was to troll as much as possible, and he succeeded.
Ryan Garcia admits that his antics were all part of his master plan. The erratic behavior and constant controversy were in the works for months. Garcia said that he told his team months ago that he is going to make everyone believe he had lost his mind. He succeeded in the trolling and won the fight. Everything went as planned for Garcia, who can now get back to some semblance of normal behavior after his big win. He said he was committed to his plan and “wouldn’t budge for nobody.” He said it didn’t matter what show or podcast he was on because he was going to put on a show.
Ryan Garcia won the first battle against Devin Haney. Hopefully, there will be a rematch in the near future. Haney will want to bounce back from the embarrassing defeat. As the bets cashed in, Garcia reportedly bet on himself to win, netting $10 million. Ryana Garcia is now back on track after losing to Gervonta “Tank” Davis. We can’t wait to see who his next opponent is.
The sneakers feature an icy blue sole and a clean white midsole. The uppers of the shoes feature stingray leather with nubuck overlays, both in black. A stingray leather Swoosh is on the sides. Also, a silver Wings logo is above the Swoosh, and “The Dream” is printed on the heels, in pink. Finally, “The Dream” can be found on the bottom of the sole.
Unfortunately for sneaker fans, this Air Jordan 1 High OG “The Dream” PE will not be available for purchase. This is strictly a “Player’s Edition” and there are no plans for the public to wear this pair on the court. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.
Reggie Bush is reportedly getting his 2005 Heisman trophy back. The Heisman Trust has announced an official reinstatement for Bush today. The decision comes from a significant change in college athletics, specifically football. The penalties levied against Bush look, in retrospect, even more frivolous than they did in 2005. NIL has allowed athletes to receive money and gifts using their likeness. The new landscape of college football is a significant factor. Additionally, the amount of money being thrown around is the prime reason for the reversal on Reggie Bush’s Heisman.
After enduring severe NCAA punishments, including allegations of illicit payments during his Trojans career, Bush voluntarily relinquished his Heisman Trophy in 2010. Now, in a long-overdue move, Bush is set to receive his original Heisman trophy, with USC receiving a replica. This decision, beginning with the 2024 season, also grants Bush invitations to all Heisman festivities. It’s a decision that underscores the injustice Bush has faced, with his collegiate achievements often overshadowed by the controversy.
Reggie Bush Officially Reinstated By The Heisman Trust
Exclusive: Reggie Bush is getting his 2005 Heisman Trophy back, ESPN has learned, with a formal “reinstatement” of the trophy coming today. The decision comes amid what the Heisman Trust calls “enormous changes in the college football landscape.” https://t.co/ug2Q0rOeh7pic.twitter.com/dwK7wd3I7b
“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush said in a statement. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.” In 2020, the NCAA-mandated break between Bush and USC officially ended, and a year later, Bush made it known he wanted his Heisman back. His team reached out to the Heisman Trust to no avail. No progress was made as the Trust had refused Bush’s request outright.
In August 2023, Bush made it known he was going to sue the NCAA for slander. The lawsuit would attempt to get his records restored and get him his Heisman back.Now it looks like the threat of legal action has spurred some change in attitude from the NCAA. Bush will now receive his trophy back. We don’t know what this means for his ongoing lawsuit against the NCAA, but it might be resolved in the near future.
