NBA Play-In Tourney Back For 2022 ... LeBron Pissed???
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The NBA's play-in tournament is back for another year ... and ya know who probably ain't happy about that??? LeBron James.
Of course, the additional games were first tested out in the Disney World bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic ... and after a pretty successful run, the league brought 'em back for the 2021 season.
The tourney widens the number of postseason teams from 16 to 20 by featuring the 7th through 10th seeds of each conference, instead of the top 8 seeds automatically moving on to the playoffs.
While fans may have been in favor of the extra games, the King wasn't too pleased ... previously saying back in May, "Whoever came up with that s*** needs to be fired."
Some folks believe LeBron's comments might have been more about his own team's position than the actual tourney -- thanks to the league’s new changes, the Lakers’ post-season chances required a few extra games.
The 2020 play-in brought some of the most memorable matchups of the playoffs. LeBron’s series went through his rival Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors ... and who doesn't wanna see that???
This year’s play-in tournament is scheduled from April 12-15 of 2022.
It's a win-win for everyone… except maybe LeBron.
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Deshaun Watson NFL Placing 'No Restrictions' On QB ... Despite Sexual Misconduct Allegations
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The NFL says Deshaun Watson is currently free to practice, workout and even play with the Houston Texans ... this despite the QB facing numerous allegations of sexual misconduct.
The league made the announcement Tuesday ... saying in a statement there are currently "no restrictions" being placed on Watson even though more than 20 female massage therapists have accused him of crossing the line during what were supposed to be routine rubdown sessions.
"At this time," NFL officials said, "there are no restrictions on Watson's participation in club activities."
NFL statement regarding its “ongoing and active” review of allegations against #Texans QB Deshaun Watson, who remains eligible to fully participate in club activities. pic.twitter.com/u3U7ujYozO
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 27, 2021 @TomPelissero
As we previously reported, police and the NFL are currently investigating Watson ... after multiple women claim he got inappropriate with them on several occasions over the past few years.
Twenty-two women in total have filed civil lawsuits against Watson ... and the QB's attorney said Monday that 10 accusers have filed criminal complaints against the quarterback as well.
Most NFL pundits believed the allegations would be enough to land the 25-year-old star on some sort of paid leave -- similar to the way the MLB is handling the Trevor Bauer accusations -- but, clearly, that's not the case.
"As we continue to gather additional information and monitor law enforcement developments," the NFL said, "we will make appropriate decisions consistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Personal Conduct Policy."
The NFL added its probe into Watson is still "ongoing and active."
For Watson's part, he's insisted he committed no wrongdoing ... while his reps have said anything that went down between the quarterback and masseuses was entirely consensual.
The Texans -- who are reportedly open to trading Watson before the season begins -- kick-off training camp this week and are slated to begin regular season play in September.
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NASCAR's Joey Logano Toddler Son Does Burnout For Epic Gender Reveal ... It's A Girl!!!
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NASCAR superstar Joey Logano revealed his unborn baby's gender in the most racecar driver way EVER -- by having his toddler son do a burnout in front of his house!!!
The 31-year-old and his wife, Brittany, got super creative with their announcement this month ... strapping some chalk to their 3-year-old's toy car's wheels and then letting him punch the throttle!!
The video is seriously epic ... Joey's kid executed the stunt perfectly -- and everyone lost their mind when pink smoke came from the tires!
The baby is #3 for Logano, and it's his first girl ... and in Joey's footage of the event, you can tell it seems that's what the family wanted.
Logano's son said he preferred a sister -- and the fam's reaction to the pink smoke showed they certainly weren't disappointed at the result either.
The best part of the clip ... in celebration of the announcement, Joey got his kid to then spin donuts in the little toy car!!!
The apple clearly doesn't fall too far from the tree in the Logano household ... so, get ready for 3 more Logano drivers on the NASCAR circuit in about 18 years???
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Rick Dennison Vikings Reassign Coach After COVID Vaccine Refusal
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Rick Dennison will remain with the Vikings despite his COVID vaccine refusal ... though the team has announced he's been reassigned to a different role in the org.
The longtime NFL assistant coach had reportedly parted ways with Minnesota last week due to his decision to not get the shots.
Per NFL rules this season, if a coach isn't vaccinated -- he or she cannot have direct contact with players in meeting rooms and on the field, and therefore simply cannot effectively do the job of being an assistant coach.
ESPN had reported Friday that meant Dennison -- who was the team's offensive line coach -- was OUT.
But, the Vikings said Tuesday they've found a compromise with the coach ... moving him to a new senior offensive advisor role.
The team confirmed Phil Rauscher will step into Dennison's old offensive line coach spot.
"I'm not going to talk about Rick Dennison's medical situation," Vikings general manager Rick Spielman told reporters Tuesday. "I just know that Rick Dennison is an important part of this staff."
Spielman added the team is "excited" to still have Dennison on board ... though he declined to comment on what the 63-year-old's new role actually entails.
The Vikings begin practicing for the 2021 season this week ... and will officially kick off their season in September.
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Charles Barkley NBA Should Make Players Get COVID-19 Vaccine
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"The only people who are not vaccinated are just a**holes."
Charles Barkley is taking a strong stance on the COVID-19 vaccine ... saying the NBA -- as well as all other pro sports leagues -- should make it a requirement in order to compete.
As we previously reported, the NFL announced a policy that will penalize teams with potential fines and forfeited games if an unvaccinated player causes a coronavirus outbreak ... guidelines that had superstar DeAndre Hopkins tweeting about contemplating retirement.
The 58-year-old Hall of Famer says the virus is too serious to give people an option.
"Can you imagine if one of these guys that are not vaccinated, if they get one of these players’ kids, wives, girlfriends, moms and dads sick and they die over some unnecessary conspiracy bull****?," Barkley said, according to CNBC. "I think that would be tragic."
Chuck says players need to treat their careers like those with regular day jobs ... and there will be things they don't always want to do, but have to.
"There’s s*** you can’t do at work and there’s s*** that you have to do at work," Barkley added.
"So every workplace has rules and I think one of the rules [should be] that guys have to be vaccinated."
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Matt Damon Sorry, New England ... I'd Root For Tom Brady Over Pats In Super Bowl!!!
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New England definitely ain't gonna like these apples ...
Matt Damon -- one of the biggest die-hard Boston-area sports fans EVER -- just admitted he'd root against the Patriots in a Super Bowl!!
The Academy Award-winning actor made the shocking revelation on The Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday ... saying if it came down to Tom Brady's Buccaneers vs. the Pats in this year's Big Game, he's team TB12 all day!!
Matt Damon told us he'd root for Tom Brady if the #Bucs met the #Patriots in the Super Bowl. He also ended the interview with 'Go Bucs' 😂 pic.twitter.com/NgLVDlG3v4
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) July 27, 2021 @dpshow
"Listen," Damon said. "I love that guy."
Damon -- who is from Cambridge, Mass. -- has been a Pats fan since forever ... but it's clear his relationship with Tom outweighs all of that.
"Go Bucs," Damon said on the show.
It's gotta hurt the Patriots ... but, hey, they do get to square off against Tom in the regular season in Foxborough in October.
Maybe the winner there gets Matt's heart once and for all?
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Colts' Kenny Moore Pulls Up To Training Camp In IndyCar ... With Patricio O'Ward!!!
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Forget the Lambos, the Rolls-Royces and the Audis ... Colts' star Kenny Moore pulled up to training camp on a whole 'nother level Tuesday -- in an IndyCar!!!
... and, his chauffer was none other than pro driver Patricio "Pato" O'Ward!!!
It all went down as Moore was reporting to the start of Indianapolis practices in epic fashion ... with the arrival being so grand, it had onlookers giggling with joy.
#Colts CB Kenny Moore making quite the entrance to #ColtsCamp. pic.twitter.com/0Ark3ccYgZ
— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) July 27, 2021 @JakeArthurNFL
In footage from the scene, you can see two motorcycle cops helped O'Ward and Moore arrive at the Grand Park Sports Campus in style.
The car -- a two-seater -- was driven by the 2018 Indy Lights champ ... and in the back, Moore was tucked away in racing gear.
The Indy star, who signed a $33 MILLION contract extension in 2019, got kinda stuck trying to get out of the ride ... but he eventually made it out -- and it was all cool as hell!!
Of course, if this all looks familiar ... it's 'cause it is -- remember, back in 2014, Reggie Wayne had a similar training camp entrance with racecar driver Ed Carpenter.
Awesome nod to a Colts legend by Moore ... now time to get to work!
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Trae Young Mobbed By Fans After Hitting Insane Game-Winner ... In Pro-Am League
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The NBA season is over, but Trae Young is still doing ridiculous things on the hardwood ... here's the Hawks superstar hitting a game-winner in a pro-am match Monday that sent the arena into an absolute frenzy!!
The game -- part of Skinz League action in Oklahoma City -- was wild ... Trae was getting buckets, hitting 3-pointers from near the half-court logo and blowing by defenders with ease.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Highlight videos show the 22-year-old just went off ... yet, somehow, the dude's team found itself down 90-88 -- and facing some big-time smack talk.
But, in video Young posted late Monday night, you can see he let the chatter fuel him ... eventually hitting a dagger over the trash-talker with no time left on the clock to win the contest.
Trae Young wanted all the smoke 😤@SkinzLeague pic.twitter.com/t8tF32CQR6
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 27, 2021 @Ballislife
The shot created quite the scene, with dozens -- and maybe even hundreds -- of people leaving the stands to swarm Trae on the court!!
Don't worry ... Young escaped it all unharmed -- and you could see he was grinning ear to ear amid the chaos.
"When you talk that 💩," Trae said of the shot and the smack talk that preceded it, "just know you gotta back it up with me..! THIS FOR THE CITY❄️"
The game's ending was so sick, it drew the attention of LeBron James ... who commented on the video, "Straight Like That!!!"
For some reason, Young ain't on the Team USA Olympic roster this year ... but if that means we get more action like this from the young hooper -- we'll take that trade-off!!
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Simone Biles Out Of Gymnastic Team Finals ... Over Mental Health Issue
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10:19 AM PT -- Biles has taken to social media to celebrate her team's silver medal ... praising her squadmates for pulling through after her exit.
"I'm SO proud of these girls right here," the 24-year-old wrote. "You girls are incredibly brave & talented! I'll forever be inspired by your determination to not give up and to fight through adversity!"
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
She added, "They stepped up when I couldn't. thanks for being there for me and having my back! forever love y'all."
7:25 AM PT -- Biles just gave a tearful explanation for her withdrawal from the competition ... saying it was NOT injury related -- she's been struggling with mental health issues.
"Just my pride is hurt a little bit," Biles told reporters.
"After the performance that I did, I didn’t want to go into the other events so I thought I would take a step back," she added.
Biles says she's been seeing a therapist to help battle her "demons" ... and is going to use Wednesday as a "mental health day."
One of the most remarkable mixed zone press conferences I’ve known. In which Simone Biles described pulling out of tonight’s team event because she had to put her mental health first. Says she was inspired by Naomi Osaka among others #Olympics #ArtisticGymnastics pic.twitter.com/p3Rli5S7J0
— Ian Herbert (@ianherbs) July 27, 2021 @ianherbs
"I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being."
Biles is keeping the door open on competing on Thursday.
6:23 AM PT -- Team USA was still able to make the podium without Biles ... securing the silver medal, with the Russian Olympic Committee (AKA Russia) winning the gold.
Simone Biles has withdrawn from the gymnastics team finals in Tokyo -- the Olympic superstar is dealing with a "medical issue" that has forced her to back out of the event, officials say.
There are conflicting reports on what caused Biles -- quite possibly the greatest gymnast of all time -- to leave the competition. The 24-year-old appeared to suffer an injury early in the event, but the NBC's broadcast stated a coach claimed her withdrawal was due to a "mental issue."
USA Gymnastics released a statement Tuesday morning ... saying, "Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions."
Biles seemingly injured her leg after landing her vault attempt ... speaking with a trainer and leaving the floor before returning with her right leg wrapped.
Simone Biles back in warmup gear, cheering on her teammates after she told them she pulled out of the team competition final.
— Monica Alba (@albamonica) July 27, 2021 @albamonica
“It is not injury related” and apparently her coach said “it’s a mental issue that Simone is having,” per NBC commentators just now. #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/WdBgVBnF5m
It's crushing news for Team USA -- the Red, White and Blue were favorites to take home the gold for the third-straight Games.
Biles spoke out about the pressure to succeed after prelims on Monday ... saying, "I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times."
"I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn’t affect me but damn sometimes it’s hard hahaha! The olympics is no joke! BUT I’m happy my family was able to be with me virtually🤍 they mean the world to me!"
There's still hope for the 4-time gold medalist -- she could possibly be recovered in time for the all-around finals on Thursday.
Originally Published -- 5:46 AM PT
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Aaron Rodgers Star QB Touches Down In Green Bay Feud W/ Pack Officially Over
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It's finally over -- Aaron Rodgers has officially made his return to Green Bay ... ending his dramatic offseason feud with the Packers!!!
Of course, no one knew if this day would ever come -- AR12 made it explicitly clear he was unhappy with the franchise over his contract and other front office moves ... and was non-committal on ever suiting up for the Pack again.
But, Rodgers and GB were able to restructure his current deal on Monday, which opened the door to his departure in 2022.
The new conditions pleased the guy so much, he hopped on a private jet and made his way to Wisconsin on Tuesday morning ... before getting in his SUV and driving off to the team facility.
Rodgers made the most of his time away from the team -- he traveled all over the globe with his fiancee, Shailene Woodley ... and even got in some golf with his pals Tom Brady, Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson.
Now, the signal-caller is prepping for his potential "Last Dance" with Green Bay ... and cheeseheads better enjoy every last bit of it.
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YouTube Star Austin McBroom Fighters Have Not Gotten Paid ... But They Will!!
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Austin McBroom admits Bryce Hall was NOT paid for their "YouTubers vs. TikTokers" fight, but the social media star claims it ain't his fault ... 'cause another company is holding the money hostage!!
TMZ Sports recently ran into McBroom -- who KO'd Hall in the 3rd round of their June 12 fight -- in L.A. ... and the man behind the event made it clear neither he nor his company, Social Gloves, are to blame for the delayed paychecks.
"Fighters have not gotten paid yet, including myself, but that is because Live X Live," Austin said.
McBroom later explained it like this ... "Everyone thinks that Social Gloves just did everything. No, Social Gloves partnered with Live X Live who live streamed it and collected everybody’s money. Right? So, the reason why the fighters haven’t gotten paid yet is because Live X Live has been holding on to all the funds."
However, in a lawsuit recently filed by Live X Live in L.A., the company tells a very different story.
According to the suit, LXL claims McBroom refused to promote the event ... insisting his popularity alone would translate into millions buying the fight for $49.99.
Not even close, per Live X Live ... who says they ultimately sold only 136,000 PPV's for the fight -- significantly less than they say Austin expected.
There's more, Live X Live says McBroom badmouthed their company after the event ... resulting in a 20% loss in their stock price -- "causing nearly $100 million in damages."
Money Live X Live wants back ASAP ... hence the lawsuit.
But, McBroom isn't giving in without a fight. He says he has also filed a lawsuit (we haven't seen that one) ... against, you guessed it, Live X Live.
As for the fighter pay, McBroom -- who says they generated $3-4 million on ticket sales alone -- insists all the fighters will get paid before Social Gloves' next event ... which Austin expects to go down sometime later this year.
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Olympic Wrestler Rulon Gardner 'Memba Him?!
Wyoming born wrestler Rulon Gardner inspired the world in 2000 when he traveled to Sydney, Australia to represent Team USA as a heavy-weight Greco-Roman wrestler to compete (and defeat) the unstoppable Russian Aleksandr Karelin in the finals and to take home the gold medal in one of the greatest moments in Olympics history!
That Olympic victory wasn't the most challenging part of Rulon's life ... he also battled through frostbite and hypothermia after a snowmobile accident in 2002 and an airplane crash into a lake in Utah in 2007.
Gardner continues to inspire the world ... but as a motivational speaker!
More 'Memba Thems!
Roman Reigns Roman Around The Beach W/ Wife ... Not Sweatin' Cena!!!
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WWE Superstar Roman Reigns knows exactly how to prep for a huge match against John Cena at SummerSlam -- hitting the beach with his smokin' hot wife in Miami!!!
Of course, the wrestling legend called out RR just last week ... saying he's coming for the Universal championship belt next month.
But, Roman doesn't seem too fazed -- ditching his shirt and soaking up the sun with his wife of 7 years, Galina Becker on Monday.
Just take a look at the pics -- the couple looks absolutely stunning ... with Roman showing off his tatted bod and Galina rocking a fun patterned one-piece.
SummerSlam is set to go down Saturday, August 21 at Allegiant Stadium ... and it's gonna be HUGE.
Cena -- a 16-time champ -- last competed at WrestleMania 36 in March 2020 ... where he lost to WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt.
Reigns ain't impressed by Cena's return, though ... saying, "He came out here, the same music, the same entrance, the same run to the ring, the same outfit, the same promo, the same insults."
"If I wanted that, all I had to do was search online for 2005 John Cena. It's the same thing, over and over and over. It's like missionary position every single night."
SummerSlam can't come soon enough!!
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Attorney: Deshaun Watson Willing To Settle With Accusers ... But Not Confidentially
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Deshaun Watson is open to settling with the 20-plus women accusing him of sexual misconduct -- but only if confidentiality agreements are NOT involved ... this, according to the NFL superstar's attorney.
The Texans QB's lawyer, Rusty Hardin, gave an update on his client's legal battle to ESPN on Monday ... saying he's not opposed to hashing out a financial settlement with accusers -- but any deal HAS to remain public.
"I do not want anybody to be saying that this guy paid off women to stay quiet and so, if there ever was a settlement of any kind, it would have to be public and therefore both sides, [Watson] and the women, would be able to say to the world at large whatever they wanted," Hardin said.
As for the accusers, lawyer Tony Buzbee has previously made it clear there will not be any settlements ... saying, it's "not happening."
Hardin also says 10 women have filed criminal complaints with police ... adding 2 of those women are not involved in the civil case.
Hardin says the NFL has not spoken to Watson yet ... but reiterated he will be fully cooperative with any potential investigation.
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Report: Aaron Rodgers Close To Ending Drama With Packers But Trade Coming In 2022??
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The drama in Green Bay is close to coming to an end ... Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are reportedly nearing a deal to get the QB to play this season -- though he still could be traded in less than a year.
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Monday the Packers have made several "concessions" to please the QB ... and are thiiiissssssss close to getting him to rejoin the team this season.
But, Schefter notes one of the concessions the team has made to Rodgers is if the quarterback is still unhappy with his situation after the season ... it will trade him.
In addition to that guarantee, according to the report ... the team has agreed to, among other things, void his 2023 contract year and put "mechanisms" in place to assuage his concerns with the franchise.
Rodgers is apparently happy with the new conditions ... and is now expected to head to Green Bay to report for training camp this week.
As we previously reported, Rodgers had been feuding with the Packers for months ... reportedly upset over his contract situation and some of the team's personnel moves.
Aaron Rodgers…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 7, 2021 @AdamSchefter
📹 @BleacherReport… pic.twitter.com/htrFUBo0Qo
In fact, just a few weeks ago, the 37-year-old MVP -- who sat out of all Packers offseason workouts -- wouldn't even commit to playing for the team this season.
Seems, though, Rodgers is poised to get in one more run with Green Bay ... even if it's just for a few more months.
Enjoy the ride, Packers fans.
MLB Fan Hit By Violent Punches During Mariners Game ... Suffers Bloody Gash
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A fan at a Seattle Mariners game left the ballpark this weekend with a gnarly gash on his forehead ... after he took two HUGE punches to the face during a fight in the stands.
The wild scene was all captured on video during the Mariners' game Friday night against the Oakland A's ... when two fans got into an argument that turned violent.
Go Mariners am I right? 🥴 @barstoolsports pic.twitter.com/6PdJ6t2Skl
— monching (@monchingcreates) July 24, 2021 @monchingcreates
In the footage, you can see the two were quarreling ... when the man in a Mariners jersey suddenly unloaded a massive right to the other guy's face.
The force of the blow was so vicious, it knocked off the guy's hat and sunglasses.
The fighting, though, didn't stop there ... 'cause just a few seconds later, the same man unloaded a second right that connected flush with the other guy's face again.
Somehow, the dude was not knocked down nor knocked out ... though he posted on social media Saturday revealing the two punches left him with a bloody wound above his eye.
I’m fine btw! Ate them up pic.twitter.com/ubimerPJjW
— Michael (@bernheisel7) July 24, 2021 @bernheisel7
Fortunately, he didn't seem to have too serious of injuries ... saying on his Twitter page, "I’m fine btw! Ate them up."
We've reached out to law enforcement to see if any arrests were made, but so far, no word back yet.
As for the game that night, the Mariners went on to win the tilt, 4-3.