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Showing posts from July, 2024

LeBron James Gets New Nickname "Captain LeMerica"

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Photo: Instagram/LeBron James LeBron James has a new nickname: "Captain LeMerica." Basketball Reference added it after a tweet from USA Basketball.  This happened after James led Team USA to a big win, 110-84, over Serbia in their first game in the group stage on Sunday. James, who is also known as "King James," scored 21 points, had nine assists, and grabbed seven rebounds in the game.  Photo: Instagram/LeBron James At 39 years old, he is trying to win his third gold medal at the Paris Olympics, which might be his last. "Captain LeMerica" is the latest in a long list of nicknames for James, including "The Little Emperor," "The Akron Hammer," and "L-Train." It's been a while since these names were used, but "King James" has remained his main nickname. Nickname: updated 🇺🇸🫡 https://t.co/ZR1lzRlmBU pic.twitter.com/BpmtFTiGHm — Basketball Reference (@bball_ref) July 30, 2024 Last week, there was a debate am...

Ryan Garcia Wants To Fight Conor McGregor In Bare-Knuckle Boxing, Promises To Knock Out Sean O’Malley In MMA

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Photo: Instagram/Ryan Garcia   Ryan Garcia , a former WBC champion, flew to Japan to watch Manny Pacquiao ’s exhibition match with Rukiya Anpo at Super RIZIN 3. After the event, Garcia said he wants to fight “the best fighter in my weight class in Japan” and mentioned UFC stars as specific targets for MMA or bare-knuckle bouts. Garcia named Sean O’Malley and Conor McGregor as potential opponents. “I would fight Sean O’Malley and Conor McGregor in bare-knuckle,” Garcia said. He confidently added, “I would knock out Sean O’Malley’s rainbow hair off his head in MMA.” Photo: Instagram/Ryan Garcia Garcia is currently serving a one-year doping suspension and was expelled from the WBC for using racial slurs on social media. He was also charged with misdemeanor vandalism . In the RIZIN ring, Garcia called out both Pacquiao and Anpo, who fought to a draw. Garcia said he wants to knock out Anpo for trying to knock out Pacquiao. He also expressed interest in fighting Pacquiao in a real, 12...

Bronny James Gets Support After Criticism From Former Lakers Rival

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Photo: Instagram/Bronny James After the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny James as the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, he faced a lot of criticism. Despite a tough first season at USC, Bronny chose to pursue his NBA dream. As the son of Lakers star LeBron James , Bronny has received a lot of attention. During the Summer League, an anonymous player from the Lakers criticized Bronny, saying he got special treatment he didn't deserve. Some NBA players, like Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors, defended him. Now, former Lakers rival Paul Pierce has also shown his support. Photo: Instagram/Bronny James On the FS1 show "Undisputed," Pierce said, "Bronny got drafted, Knecht got drafted, the rest of y’all: fall in line. They’re developing the draft picks. Y’all just here for…what they call the seat fillers when you go to the awards." Pierce added that Bronny was naturally going to get more attention and called out anonymous critics. He suggested t...

Charles Barkley Criticizes Team USA Over Jayson Tatum's Bench Time

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Photo: Instagram/Charles Barkley Jayson Tatum had a rough time during the Olympics. While most of Team USA played in their win against Serbia, Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton stayed on the bench the entire game. Even when the game was nearly decided, coach Steve Kerr didn’t put the two All-Stars in. Many people were confused about why Tatum, a star for the Boston Celtics, wasn’t given a chance to play. One of the most outspoken critics was Charles Barkley . In an interview on SiriusXM Radio, Barkley, a former Olympian, expressed his frustration with Kerr’s decision. “He’s got to play… Everyone on the team has to play. Do you have to play 25 to 30 minutes? No, but it’s the Olympics,” Barkley said. He noted that Tatum isn’t much of a downgrade from Kevin Durant , so even in a close game, Tatum should have had a chance to play. Photo: Instagram/Charles Barkley “It’s not like there’s a huge drop-off with Jayson Tatum in the game… Like, come on, man… everybody deserves to play at least ten m...

Khalil Rountree Jr. Stays Suspended After Drug Test Failure

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Photo: Instagram/Khalil Rountree Jr. UFC light heavyweight fighter Khalil Rountree Jr. will have to wait another month to find out about his suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission. He tested positive for a banned substance before his scheduled fight at UFC 303 in June. On Tuesday, the commission voted to extend Rountree’s temporary suspension, which started on June 26. They will decide on his punishment at their next meeting in August. Rountree was already suspended for two months by the UFC’s anti-doping agency for the same reason. He tested positive for substances that are banned because they are related to steroids. Photo: Instagram/Khalil Rountree Jr. Rountree said he accidentally took the banned substance because it was in a supplement he was using. He reported the mistake himself and provided proof that the supplement company had included the substance without his knowledge. The company admitted their error. Rountree’s two-month suspension ended on July 4, but because he...

Butterbean Challenges Jake Paul Before Mike Tyson Fight, Offers £1.5 Million

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Photo: Instagram/Butterbean Heavyweight boxing legend Butterbean has challenged Jake Paul to a fight, offering a massive £1.5 million prize. This comes ahead of Jake Paul's planned fight against boxing icon Mike Tyson in November . Jake Paul, who recently beat Mike Perry , is set to face Tyson later this year. However, Butterbean, a knockout star from the 90s, has offered Paul a chance to fight him first. Photo: Instagram/Butterbean Butterbean, real name Eric Esch, made the offer on TikTok, saying, "Hey Jake Paul, would you fight me for $2m [£1.5 million]? Winner takes all." Paul has faced some criticism for fighting the 58-year-old Tyson, but Butterbean, 57, is also ready to return to the ring. Butterbean, who has been training and transforming his body, has wanted to fight Paul for a while. "I want to knock somebody out," Butterbean said. "Jake Paul runs his mouth too much, he's never fought nobody, I would love to fight him. I think people would li...

Anthony Edwards Cheers For Table Tennis at 2024 Olympics

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Photo: Instagram/Anthony Edwards The United States table tennis team has a new fan in Anthony Edwards . On Monday, during the Paris Olympics, Lily Zhang from Team USA was competing in table tennis. Minnesota Timberwolves and Team USA basketball star Anthony Edwards was spotted cheering her on from the crowd. Photo: Instagram/Anthony Edwards Edwards' interest in table tennis started after his Olympic teammate, Steph Curry , introduced him to the team. They joked that they could beat him 21-0 in a game. Edwards, with a smile, said, "I don't believe it. I'm scoring one point." While there's talk of a possible match between Edwards and the table tennis team, it's not certain if it will happen. Anthony Edwards had to go support USA's Lily Zhang after Steph Curry said he'd lose 21-0 to the U.S. table tennis team 🔥🏓 pic.twitter.com/vbNQcgLkhH — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 29, 2024 For now, it might be best for Edwards to stick to basketball. Edwar...

Dwight Howard Sends Message To Jayson Tatum

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Photo: Instagram/Dwight Howard   NBA legend Dwight Howard posted a message to Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum on Monday evening. Tatum has been a hot topic in sports recently, though he didn't play in Team USA's 110-84 win over Serbia on Sunday. Howard, who is now playing in Taiwan, shared his message via X (formerly Twitter). Photo: Instagram/Dwight Howard The eight-time NBA All-Star and 2008 Olympic Gold medalist was the first pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. Jayson we could use another champ In my league 🤷🏾‍♂️ ! You could hoop like this ➡️ https://t.co/YRj0pLQNCV if you came 😅 pic.twitter.com/dVDKxjEFFK — Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) July 30, 2024 He is considered one of the best centers ever and is likely to become a Hall of Famer. "We could use another champ in my league 🤷🏽‍♂️!" Dwight Howard is trying to recruit Jayson Tatum to play in Taiwan 😆 (via @DwightHoward ) pic.twitter.com/kJMyDDPh8C — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 30, ...

Manny Pacquiao Urged To Cancel Comeback After Tough Exhibition Fight

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Photo: Instagram/Manny Pacquiao Manny Pacquiao is being told to stay retired after a hard exhibition match in Japan.  The only eight-weight world champion fought Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo and struggled, though the match was declared a draw. Pacquiao is considering a full comeback with a fight against Mario Barrios for a WBC world title later in 2024. However, promoter Ben Shalom believes Pacquiao should not return to the ring.   Photo: Instagram/Manny Pacquiao Shalom told talkSPORT.com that many athletes find it hard to retire and often return, but health should come first. In his recent exhibition, Pacquiao appeared outmatched, with Anpo landing nearly twice as many hits. Although Pacquiao finished strong, it was clear he was not at his best. Pacquiao hasn't fought professionally since losing to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, after which he retired. Now, with his political career on hold, Pacquiao wants one more fight. If he returns, it will likely be against 147lbs cha...

Mark Cuban Says NBA Players Shouldn't Be In The Olympics

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Photo: Instagram/Mark Cuban Mark Cuban , the former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, believes NBA players should not participate in the Olympics. He has often said that the Olympics are more about business than sports. Recently, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been criticized for its strict copyright rules, which led to some clips being removed from the Internet. Elon Musk called out the IOC for this, and Cuban agreed, saying the IOC is all about money. Cuban argues that the NBA is "subsidizing" the U.S. Olympic Committee and the IOC by letting NBA players participate. He worries that these players might get injured during the games. Photo: Instagram/Mark Cuban Cuban pointed out that in 2012, Dwyane Wade faced backlash for suggesting that Olympic players should be paid. Cuban thinks the Olympics should follow the soccer rule where most players are under 23, with a few exceptions. He also believes professional players should not be allowed in the Olympic basketb...

NBA Star Dwyane Wade's Pronoun Joke During Olympics Draws Social Media Attention

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Photo: Instagram/Dwyane Wade Former NBA star Dwyane Wade made headlines on Sunday with a pronoun joke during the U.S. men’s basketball game against Serbia at the Paris Olympics.  Wade, who was commenting on the game, made the joke twice in the first half and again in the third quarter. When LeBron James made a strong layup in the first half, Wade said, "Y’all know his pronouns – he/him!" He repeated a similar joke after another James play in the third quarter, saying, "America, you know him as LeBron James, I know him personally. His pronouns are he/him." Photo: Instagram/Dwyane Wade Wade also used the joke to describe Kevin Durant , who scored 21 points in the first half. The jokes sparked a reaction on social media, with many people sharing their thoughts. Wade, a Basketball Hall of Famer who won three NBA titles with the Miami Heat and a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics, is providing commentary for the men’s team at the Paris Olympics alongside Noah Eagle. “Ya...

Basketball World Reacts To Jayson Tatum Not Playing During Team USA Win Over Serbia

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Photo: Instagram/Jayson Tatum Team USA won big against Serbia, 110-84, in their first game at the Paris Olympics.  Stars like Kevin Durant and LeBron James shined, but Jayson Tatum did not play at all. This surprised many because Tatum had a great season and helped Team USA win gold in Tokyo.  Photo: Instagram/Jayson Tatum Fans and experts wondered why head coach Steve Kerr didn't let Tatum play.  Some thought he might be sick, but Tatum said he felt fine. Steve Kerr has yet to play Jayson Tatum… pic.twitter.com/nPZhqKlfto — NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 28, 2024 Kerr likely believed the team had a better chance without Tatum for this game.  Jayson Tatum did not play in the first half for Team USA 👀 pic.twitter.com/zJevXN9MO5 — Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 28, 2024 Despite this unusual decision, Team USA still won easily, so there's not much to question. Read Next: Dana White Announces UFC’s Split With Undefeated Fighter Source: Sports Illustrate...

Dana White Announces UFC’s Split With Undefeated Fighter

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Photo: Instagram/Dana White   After a lackluster fight night at UFC 304, UFC CEO Dana White had some strong words. One fighter who felt his anger was Mohammed Mokaev. Mokaev, who fought Manel Kape in a match many found boring, revealed that it was his last fight under his current contract. When asked if Mokaev would return, White replied, “I think the PFL is gonna get a great undefeated guy.” This comment made it clear that White had no interest in re-signing Mokaev, essentially sending him to the UFC's competitor, the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Photo: Instagram/Dana White   Despite Mokaev winning his fight, the lack of excitement in the bout and his difficult attitude in business dealings seemed to seal his fate.  The UFC’s flyweight division, already struggling, did not benefit from the uneventful Mokaev-Kape fight. 🚨 Dana White confirms that the UFC do not plan to extend Muhammad Mokaev's contract ❌ #UFC304 pic.twitter.com/pPIg1HYOTZ — UFC on TNT Sports (@u...

Jon Jones Responds To Tom Aspinall's Callout After Quick UFC 304 Victory

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Photo: Instagram/Jon Jones   Tom Aspinall 's lightning-fast 60-second knockout of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 has sparked interest in a potential showdown with Jon Jones . Aspinall, defending his interim heavyweight title in Manchester, wasted no time in calling out Jones for a unification bout. Jones, who secured the UFC heavyweight title last year, responded to Aspinall's challenge with a hint of intrigue. On social media, he remarked, "Supply and demand at its finest, I love it." Photo: Instagram/Jon Jones While UFC CEO Dana White is determined to see Jones defend his title against Stipe Miocic next, there's growing fan interest in a matchup between Jones and Aspinall.  Despite Jones' recent ventures and potential retirement hints, Aspinall remains steadfast in his desire to face Jones, declaring himself the best in the world post-fight. Supply and demand at its finest, I love it. — BONY (@JonnyBones) July 28, 2024 As the heavyweight division heats up, fan...

LeBron James' Amazing Dunk Against Serbia Leads To Iconic Photo

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Photo: Instagram/LeBron James LeBron James was back leading Team USA in the Olympics on Sunday in their first game against Nikola Jokic and Serbia. Even at 39 years old, the NBA legend was one of the best players on the court. James started the game strong, scoring the first points for Team USA with a breakaway dunk in the first quarter. Photo: Instagram/LeBron James Later, he had another big dunk that became an iconic photo. The popular X account, ArtButMakeItSports, captured it perfectly. The See-Saw, by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, 1750-52, 📸 by Gregory Shamus pic.twitter.com/ocPWWQruSB — ArtButMakeItSports (@ArtButSports) July 28, 2024 After a slow start, Team USA picked up the pace in the second quarter and had a big lead by the end of the game. Read Next: NFL Training Camps See Fights, Including Travis Kelce Defending Teammate Source: Sports Illustrated  

NFL Training Camps See Fights, Including Travis Kelce Defending Teammate

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Photo: Instagram/Travis Kelce The NFL is back, and so are the training camp fights. Across the league, players are clashing as they prepare for the upcoming season. On Wednesday, several fights broke out during practices. The most talked-about incident involved Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce . He got into a shoving match while defending a teammate, showing his passion for the game. Fans took notice, with one tweeting, "This team won two years in a row and they still hungry." Another notable fight happened with the Houston Texans, where Derek Stingley Jr. got into it with a teammate. "Sting got that dog in him," a fan commented. Photo: Instagram/Travis Kelce These fights are common in training camps as players ramp up for Week 1. The Texans are coming off a strong 10-7 season, while the Chiefs aim for a historic Super Bowl three-peat. In the Chiefs' practice, defensive end George Karlaftis went after wide receiver Kadarius Toney. Kelce stepped in, pushing K...

Heavyweight Boxer Zhilei Zhang Interested In Jake Paul Fight After Mike Tyson Match

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Photo: Instagram/Zhilei Zhang Zhilei Zhang , a top-ranked heavyweight boxer, is open to fighting Jake Paul . Zhang, ranked No. 4 by Ring Magazine, said he would consider the match if the opportunity arises.  He respects Paul's dedication to boxing, noting that Paul has brought many fans to the sport. Jake Paul, who started as a YouTube star, has a 10-1 boxing record since 2018.  Most of his wins are against older MMA fighters, but he aims to become a world champion. WBA president Gilberto Mendoza mentioned that he might approve a title fight between Paul and former champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Photo: Instagram/Zhilei Zhang Zhang believes Paul still needs more fights against credible opponents to prove himself at a higher level. Zhang himself is close to a world title shot, having recently won against Deontay Wilder .  At 41, Zhang knows he needs to act fast if he wants to win heavyweight gold. Jake Paul, who usually fights at cruiserweight, is preparing to fight Mike ...

Usyk Recalls Last Defeat In 2009

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Photo: Instagram/Oleksandr Usyk Oleksandr Usyk was furious after losing to Russian rival Egor Mekhontsev in 2009. This was at the Amateur Boxing World Championships in Milan. Usyk lost in the semi-final, which he believes was unfair. "I remember, I was furious because I didn't lose," Usyk told Boxing King Media. "The judges helped my rival. But I prayed and said 'thank you,' accepting the result." Mekhontsev won the gold medal at that tournament and later at the 2012 Olympics. Usyk's loss in 2009 was his last defeat. Photo: Instagram/Oleksandr Usyk Since then, he has remained undefeated, winning a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and becoming the undisputed cruiserweight world champion in 2018. He moved up to heavyweight, beating Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora, and defeated Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. Usyk is set to rematch Fury on December 21. Read Next: Anthony Edwards' Dunk Over Kevi...

Anthony Edwards' Dunk Over Kevin Durant at Olympic Practice Goes Viral

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Photo: Instagram/Anthony Edwards A stunning sports photo has taken over the internet and is sure to be remembered for a long time. Photographer Garrett W. Ellwood captured the iconic moment on Thursday before the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. During Team USA's practice, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, playing in his first Olympics, delivered a powerful dunk over Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant . Ellwood was in the perfect spot to snap the shot. Photo: Instagram/Anthony Edwards Durant joked about the photo on social media after seeing it. This isn’t the first time Edwards and Durant have had a viral moment. In April, during Game 1 of the Timberwolves-Suns playoff series, Edwards taunted Durant by jogging backward down the court. friendly fire. 👀 pic.twitter.com/QlhXdNi7U9 — Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) July 25, 2024 The Timberwolves won that game 120-95 and swept the Suns in four games. Durant, Edwards, and Team USA will start their Olympic journey on...

Travis Kelce’s Dad Reveals When He’ll See Taylor Swift Next

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Photo: Instagram/Travis Kelce Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is back at training after a trip to Europe. His dad, Ed Kelce, shared that Travis won’t see Taylor Swift until her next break from her Eras Tour. Taylor is currently performing in Germany, Poland, Austria, and the UK. They won't have much time to be together until Taylor takes a break. Ed Kelce mentioned that Taylor is excited to return to Missouri to check on her home renovation project there. "Taylor's been having fun decorating his Kansas City place," Ed Kelce wrote on Facebook. "And she's looking forward to the simple joys of being together." Photo: InstagramTravis Kelce Swift's European tour will end with a show in London on August 20. She will then take a break before starting again on October 18 in Miami. By then, Kelce will be deep into the NFL season, aiming for another Super Bowl with the Chiefs. Swift and Kelce recently had a scare in Germany when a man was arrested for s...