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NCAA Sued Over Transgender Inclusion Policy

March 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

A group of current and former college athletes, led by former Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, has sued the NCAA over its policy allowing transgender athletes to compete. The lawsuit primarily focuses on the inclusion of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas (Penn) at the 2022 NCAA National Championships. Gaines, who has become a right-wing anti-trans advocate since graduating, finished joint fifth with Thomas in the 200-yard final. However, Gaines claimed she was excluded from celebrating because Thomas was handed the fifth-place trophy and not her. Another plaintiff is Tylor Mathieu (Florida). Mathieu finished 9th in 500 free qualification. This meant she missed out on the final, which Thomas won.

Of course, it’s far from the first time Thomas has been the target of right-wing attacks. The right-wing media, Gaines included, lost their collective minds when it was reported that Thomas had been nominated for “NCAA Woman of the Year”. Except she hadn’t. She had been nominated as Penn’s candidate for the Ivy League nomination but ultimately wasn’t selected.

Brittney Griner Defends Inclusion Of Trans Athletes

Lia Thomas — (Photo by Mike Comer/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, WNBA star Brittney Griner reiterated her support for the trans community. The press conference was also part of a launch of a campaign between the Mercury and the Bring Our Families Home campaign. Bring Our Families Home seeks to help free American political prisoners held overseas. Griner was freed after spending nine months in a Russian jail on drug charges. Furthermore, her imprisonment, which occurred days before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was widely seen as a political detention.

Griner, who is a cisgender woman, has long been an advocate for the rights of transgender athletes. When asked about the recently passed House bill, Griner said that she “definitely will be speaking up against that legislation and that [trans ban] law expected to be passed.” Continuing, Griner said “Everyone deserves the right to play. I think it’s a crime to separate someone for any reason.” While not segregated because of her gender, Griner has experience on what it is like to be yourself. Identifying as lesbian, Griner was reportedly told by her college coach Kim Mulkey to not be openly gay while on her Baylor Bears squad.

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Walemania 2024 Lineup Announced

March 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Wale has announced the lineup for his Walemania 2024 event, which is set for April 4 at the Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia. DJ Whoo Kid, Armani White, Connie Diiamond, Nick Papz and Cory Townes have all been announced to attend the pre-Wrestlemania event. “Walemania is truly one of the highlights of the big wrestling weekend and I love that we get to help kick it off right one more time,” event host and Ringer journalist Kazeem Famuyide said. Are you going to Walemania? Let us know in the comments.

Furthermore, Walemania proceeds Wrestlemania 40, which will be held at Lincoln Financial Field on April 6 and 7. Additionally, one of the major highlights will be the wrestling return of The Rock. The veteran fighter-turned-actor will team up with Roman Reigns for a tag-team match against Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes on the first night of the event. Are you ready for Wrestlemania? Let us know in the comments.

Joel Embiid Gets $35K Fine, Wrestlemania Invite For “Obscene” Celebration

However, someone else expected to attend Wrestlemania is Sixers star Joel Embiid. Last year, the NBA fined Joel Embiid $35K for “repeatedly making an obscene gesture on the playing court”. The gesture in question was the “DX Crotch Chop”, something first seen in the WWE by the D-Generation X stable. Embiid was fined $25K for making the same gesture in a similar situation against the Nets in January 2023.

Despite being out $35K, Embiid has gotten an invaluable invitation out of the moment. After news of the fine broke, Triple H, one of the best down DX wrestlers, hit Embiid up on Twitter. Hey @JoelEmbiid – I know a place where you can do that all day, and everyone will love it. WrestleMania 40 is right there in Philly…,” the wrestler wrote. The milestone wrestling touches down in the City of Brotherly Love next April. Furthermore, it’s clear that H wants Embiid front and center. However, it remains to be seen if Embiid will attend.

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Pusha T Bobblehead Giveaway Announced By The Washington Wizards

March 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Washington Wizards will give away 10,000 Pusha T bobbleheads ahead of their game against Boston this weekend. “I have to be honest, I have never had a bobblehead made of me in my likeness, ever. You know, when I first heard the opportunity, I thought it was an honor. I looked it as an honor, honestly,” Pusha said.

Furthermore, the Wizards highlighted Pusha’s ties to the team. “Growing up in Virginia Beach, he was drawn towards the Wizards (then known as the Bullets) given their proximity. “Where I’m from in Virginia, the closest team that we had to us was the Wizards. So, we naturally gravitated in fanfare to the Wizards. It’s always been like that since they were the Bullets. I just have such a strong history, it’s always been very supportive, D.C. has always been supportive of my music career,” he said. But his affinity for the DMV has continued into adulthood, as he moved to Bethesda in the mid-2010s, where his relationship with the Wizards grew deeper,” a press release read.

Pusha T Needle Drop Hypes Modern Warfare III Trailer

However, NBA bobbleheads aren’t the only pop culture thing Pusha has been involved in recently. A teaser for Modern Warfare III teaser followed main antagonist Makarov being escorted through prison to receive a new tattoo. Meanwhile, Soap gives one of his usual sonorous monologues about stopping evil. This is overlaid with footage of some of the game’s more iconic moments – a terror attack in London, Makarov bringing down a plane carrying the President of Russia. All in all, it was a hyped trailer ahead of the game’s main reveal last August.

A majority of the trailer is scored to Colonel Bagshot’s 1971 single “Six Day War”. However, right at the end, as Makarov looks at the camera, there is an amazing Pusha needle drop. Pusha sampled “Six Day War” on “Just So You Remember” last year and it’s that intense line (My Joker smile, you know who the villain is/Just so you remember who you dealin’ with…) that hear right at the end of the video. Furthermore, Pusha shared the video to his Instagram with the lyrics in the caption.

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RJ Barrett To Miss Time After Brother’s Death

March 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

RJ Barrett will be indefinitely sidelined following the death of his younger brother. Nathan Barrett played at the prestigious Monteverde Academy. However, the details surrounding his death have not been released. Barrett has previously spoken about the close bond he shared with his brother. “In my family, we’re very competitive. Everyone is always trying to beat each other. Everyone is an athlete, so that’s where I get all my competitive drive,” he told SLAM in 2018.

Barrett was the third-overall pick in 2019 after a one-and-done season with Duke. He was a day-one starter for the Knicks but would only make the playoffs twice with the team. Despite this, in 2022, Barrett became the first player to sign a multiyear extension off their rookie contract with the Knicks since 1999. However, in December 2023, the Knicks traded Barrett to his hometown Raptors to acquire O.G. Annouby.

Stephen A. Smith Claims To Be A Bigger Star “Than Most Of The New York Knicks”

RJ Barrett’s younger brother, Nathan, has reportedly passed away, per @TMZ_Sports

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Barrett family. pic.twitter.com/6bcxbDAzme

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 14, 2024

Elsewhere, Stephen A. Smith recently made a bold claim about his beloved Knicks. “This is the Mecca, this is Madison Square Garden, this is New York City, baby. They can’t get a star. They cannot get a star. You had a chance! You had a chance and you passed up. Woj is excellent information, all the inside info, he will break it down to a science and make you say, ‘Yeah, it makes sense.’ But it doesn’t change the reality: It’s the Mecca, and the stars come to visit. We never have any. Do you realize a legitimate argument could be made that Stephen A. Smith is one of the biggest stars in New York? Do you realize that? That’s a damn shame. Bad knees, 56 years old, ain’t thought about playing basketball in about 30 years, and I am a bigger star than most of the New York Knicks. It’s a damn shame,” Smith ranted.

Smith’s comments, and his allusions to ESPN colleague Adrian Wojnarowski, come after the Knicks swung a blockbuster trade for O.G. Annouby. A move they have been pursuing since the summer, the Knicks sent Immanuel Quickley and Barrett to Toronto. Annouby was averaging 15 points this season and serves as a solid starting small forward in New York. However, he’s not the “star power” that championship-hungry fans like Smith are looking for. It’s also a move that Smith has been less than enthusiastic about.

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Ryan Clark Calls Lamar Jackson The First “Authentic” Black Quarterback, Catches Major Backlash

March 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Ryan Clark is facing backlash for calling Lamar Jackson the “first authentic Black quarterback”. Understandably, his comments have not gone over well. The quarterback has been a historically white position, with Black athletes struggling to find starting jobs at the position in the NFL. Furthermore, Clark’s comment erases a history that dates all the way back to the 1920s.

Fans have gone after Clark online, calling him inflammatory, ignorant, and hateful. A number of people have called for his removal from ESPN. However, Clark is yet to issue any sort of follow-up or apology for his comments.

Tua Tagovailoa Blasts Ryan Clark For Comments About Offseason Workload

Lamar Jackson is the first “authentic” black quarterback, says Ryan Clark of ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ctPeSCmkoS

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 14, 2024

However, it’s not the time Clark has been criticized for his comments. Tua Tagovailoa went after Clark last summer when Clark stated that he didn’t think Tua was taking his offseason workouts seriously enough. “I think we all worked hard throughout the offseason. I am not someone to talk about myself the entire time…You think I wanted to build all this muscle? To some extent, I wanted to be a little lighter….There’s a mixture of things that people don’t know about, that people don’t understand that go behind the scenes. You know, I’d appreciate it if you kept my name out of your mouth, that’s what I would say,” Tua said when asked about Clark’s comments during media availability.

It’s a more than fair answer from Tua. As reported by Miami’s Palm Beach Post, the Dolphins are very happy about where Tua is at heading into the season. “You have to give credit to Tua for all of the stuff that he’s done in the offseason to prepare himself,” QB coach Darrell Bevell said. “I expect him to have a great year. You know, I thought he was on track to do that last year. And we’ve talked a lot about obviously being on the field for all the games and I think he’s really taken that to heart and done the things that he needs to to at least put him in a position to be able to do that.”

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Travis Kelce And Patrick Mahomes Opening Kansas City Steakhouse

March 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes are teaming up off the field to open a steakhouse. 1587 Prime will be located in the downtown Loews Hotel in Kansas City and is expected to open next year. “Travis and I have become frequent visitors of Noble 33 restaurants in other cities so it only made sense to bring something special to our own community in Kansas City,” Mahomes said of the venture. Mahomes and Kelce have been a formidable on-field pair for nearly a decade now.

“We’re excited to be a part of this journey with Noble 33 to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience, and what better place to start than our very own, Kansas City,” Kelce added. The pair previously teamed up to invest in the Chicken N Pickle restaurant. Will you be checking out 1587 Prime when it opens? Let us know in the comments.

Travis Kelce Gushes Over Taylor Swift Singapore Shows

Meanwhile, Kelce continues to be his girlfriend’s biggest fan, hyping up the shows that Taylor Swift performed in Singapore last week. Despite having been present for at least five Eras Tour shows at this point, Kelce called Swift’s performances “amazing” and said that he loved every moment. Kelce, who attended two of the shows in Singapore, was seen dancing ecstatically in his VIP box. Additionally, Kelce noted that he went to a “cool as f-ck greenhouse” while visiting the Asian nation.

Swift is now on a tour hiatus until May. The European leg of the tour kicks off in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, on May 9. Swift will then crisscross Europe until August when she closes out that leg of the tour in London. Paramore will accompany Swift as her supporting act for all European shows. After Europe, Swift takes a break until October before performing a number of shows across the US and Canada. The tour officially ends in Vancouver on December 8.

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Dak Prescott Under Team Investigation Over Sexual Assault Claims

March 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Local Dallas media is reporting that the Cowboys have opened an investigation into Dak Prescott over allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman in the parking lot of a strip club in 2017. Team representatives would only confirm that they were aware of the allegations and that an investigation was taking place.

However, Prescott has filed a lawsuit, alleging that the woman is attempting to extort $100M from him. Prescott is seeking $1M in damages, which he will donate to a charity that aids sexual violence survivors. The allegations of sexual assault emerged earlier this year. Prescott was served notice by attorneys representing a woman who was accusing him of assault in 2017. “Despite the tragic events, she is willing to forego pursuing criminal charges, along with disclosing this information to the public, in exchange for compensating her for the mental anguish she has suffered. [The woman’s] damages are valued at the sum of $100,000,000.00,” the letter read.

Cowboys Cheerleaders Accuse Packers Players Of “Unsportsmanlike Conduct”

BREAKING: Dallas Police are now investigating claims of alleged sexual assault involving #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott that happened in a parking lot of a strip club in 2017.

(Dallas News) pic.twitter.com/LtudwMHppP

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 14, 2024

Elsewhere, a Cowboys cheerleader has spoken out over what she called “unsportsmanlike conduct” on the part of the Green Bay Packers. “I have never experienced such disrespect from the other teams’ players to the cheerleaders in my five years as an NFL cheerleader. We would literally be minding our own business and the Packers just scored a touchdown — this is one example. They would come up to us standing on the sidelines minding our own business and start yelling at us,” Darian Lassiter said on TikTok.

Furthermore, Lassiter questioned why cheerleaders were not covered by rules addressing player behavior. “I feel like it’s unsportsmanlike conduct. And it’s so crazy how they can’t do that to the Cowboys players or any other players. But they can do it to the cheerleaders and nothing’s going to happen. I understand the playoffs is a huge deal. While I truly get it, that does not mean your humbleness and respect for women flies out the window.”

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Aaron Rodgers Rebukes Sandy Hook Conspiracy Allegations

March 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Aaron Rodgers has rebuked a report from CNN alleging that he had advocated that the Sandy Hook shooting was fake. “As I’m on the record saying in the past, what happened in Sandy Hook was an absolute tragedy. I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place. Again, I hope that we learn from this and other tragedies to identify the signs that will allow us to prevent unnecessary loss of life. My thoughts and prayers continue to remain with the families affected along with the entire Sandy Hook community. ,” Rodgers wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

CNN made their allegations against Rodgers during a report on The Lead earlier this week. Rodgers allegedly ranted at CNN reporter Pamela Brown at the 2013 Kentucky Derby about the “evils” of the “news media”. Furthermore, Rodgers allegedly told Brown that he was angry that the “news media” was “ignoring important stories”. This reportedly included “how the Sandy Hook shooting wasn’t real”. Popularized by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, a vocal minority believes that the Sandy Hook shooting was a “false flag” operation to pass stricter gun control laws.

Aaron Rodgers Reportedly Angers New York Jets With Surprise Vice President News

As I’m on the record saying in the past, what happened in Sandy Hook was an absolute tragedy. I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place. Again, I hope that we learn from this and other tragedies to identify the signs that will allow us to…

— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) March 14, 2024

Meanwhile, The New York Jets are reportedly unhappy with Rodgers after it was announced he was the frontrunner to be Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s running mate for President. “It’s absurd to think he could campaign and play simultaneously,” one team source told the Daily Mail. “Lots of the coaches and players want Aaron to commit to the team and worry about winning the Super Bowl over a chance to be in the White House,” added another.

Rodgers is expected to be QB1 for the Jets when the 2024 season kicks off later this year. The team has already granted Zach Wilson permission to seek a trade. Furthermore, they recently signed Tyrod Taylor to back up Rodgers. Rodgers is reportedly being considered by Kennedy alongside former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura. Keendy is mounting a long-shot independent bid after withdrawing a long-shot bid against Joe Biden in the Democratic Primary. Kennedy Jr is a noted anti-vaxer and nephew of JFK. However, he has never held political office.

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Odell Beckham Jr To Be Released By The Ravens

March 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Ravens have announced their plans to cut Odell Beckham Jr as part of their offseason plans. Beckham Jr caught 35 passes for 565 yards and 3 touchdowns last season as part of the best offense in the NFL. However, the Ravens stalled out in the playoffs, becoming a minimal challenge for the eventual champion Chiefs. After signing Derrick Henry to a massive deal, it became clear that the team would be pivoting back towards the run while developing their young receiving corp.

It’s unclear what the next move for Beckham Jr will be, despite only being 31 years old. Injuries have cost him much of his prime years in the league and as a result, he hasn’t had a 1000-yard season since 2019. Furthermore, his usage with the Ravens makes it clear that no team is going to view him as an every-down receiver, limiting the sort of contract he could be in line to receive. The Ravens have shed a lot of talent in free agency, including their second-highest tackler from last season, Patrick Queen.

Kim Kardashian & Odell Beckham Jr Allegedly Dating And Now Considering Taking Relationship Public

Meanwhile, rumors emerged last month from Us Weekly that Kim Kardashian and Odell Beckham Jr are considering going public with a relationship they have allegedly had for nearly a year. The hesitancy to take things into the public sphere is due to Beckham Jr’s “low-key” personality, per the magazine’s source. Rumors about the pair have swirled for several months now. However, the speculation heightened after they reportedly traveled to the Grammys together before making separate entrances. Previous reports of their romance have been denied both camps, stating that the pair are just good friends.

However, there have been no other substantiated reports before the claims made by anonymous insiders to Us Weekly. This means that fans will have to wait and see if a relationship is confirmed in the near future by either side. This remains a developing story and we’ll have any updates as and when they emerge.

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Conor McGregor Accused Of Cocaine Addiction After Bizarre Interview

March 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

A number of fans have theorized that Conor McGregor is being kept out of the octagon due to a cocaine addiction. “Bro is absolutely geeking . The UFC brass is trying to keep him away from the octagon because they know how bad his cocaine addiction has gotten,” one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Their evidence for this was a particularly energetic interview with McGregor in which he didn’t appear entirely sober.

McGregor is expected to return to the Octagon later this year. However, there has already been some drama around his return. In December, McGregor announced that he intends to return to the Octagon in June, with his opponent being long-time rival Michael Chandler. “I’d like to announce the return date for myself, ‘Notorious’ Conor McGregor. The greatest comeback of all time will take place in Las Vegas, International Fight Week of June 29. The opponent, Michael Chandler — and the weight, Mr. Chandler, 185 pounds,” McGregor announced in a video on X. However, the UFC never confirmed the fight.

Conor McGregor “Raps” During Twitter Beef, Immediately Deletes His Verse

Elsewhere, McGregor tried his hand at rapping after getting into a feud on X, formerly Twitter. McGregor posted a 2-minute verse aimed at Scott Moore, a political commentator and battle rapper from Northern Ireland, after Moore called McGregor “a profoundly stupid person”. McGregor’s stilted verse took aim at Moore’s appearance and Northern Irish origin. However, like many of McGregor’s tweets, it was quickly deleted from McGregor’s page. Moore still responded to McGregor’s verse with one of his own, going as far as to essentially call McGregor an English collaborator. However, his call for McGregor to face him in person was short-lived as McGregor simply chose to block him instead.

All of this stemmed from McGregor posting a selfie with the caption “Ireland, your President”. That’s what sparked the original comment from Moore. Furthermore, Moore informed McGregor that it was below the belt to go after his appearances and mannerisms as Moore suffers from a mental health condition that causes him to pick at his skin and is also autistic, meaning there are many mannerisms he can’t control. Unfortunately, the prevailing opinion online was that this was another L for the MMA great.

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