Floyd Mayweather's Biz Partner Proposes Police Reform Policy ... to Root Out Racist Cops
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One of Floyd Mayweather's top business associates is so outraged over the recent police shootings, he wrote up a new police reform proposal in the hopes of fixing the system.
Brent Johnson is the CEO of One Entertainment -- and handles international business deals for Floyd Mayweather. He also has a law degree.
Johnson has drawn up a 6 point document titled, "Amendment Proposal for American Police Policy Reform" which lays out his plan.
AMENDMENT 1 – Zero Tolerance for Racial Bias and Violence Against Minorities (5-5-5 Plan)
Any officer who has 5 confirmed incidents involving racial bias within a 5-year period will be hit with a nationwide ban on employment in law enforcement, in any capacity, across the country.
AMENDMENT 2 – Racial Representation In The Police Population (The 70% Rule)
Univ. of Arizona Coach Lute Olson Dead at 85
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Lute Olson -- one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time -- has died, his family confirms. He was 85.
The University of Arizona legend passed away Thursday while in hospice care in Tucson.
Olson led the men's hoops program for U of A for 25 years -- from 1983 to 2008 ... bringing home a national championship in 1997.
That team featured future NBA stars like Mike Bibby and Jason Terry.
He was a 7-time PAC-10 Coach of the Year and brought 5 different teams to the Final Four.
And, get this ... starting in his 2nd year at Arizona, Olson's teams made the NCAA tourney in 23 straight seasons!!!
Olson was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 -- while he was still coaching! He retired 6 years later.
His record at U of A is insane -- 589 wins and only 187 losses.
In the years after his retirement, Olson became a fixture at all Arizona home basketball games and often traveled to road games in California.
On April 12, 2018, The University of Arizona honored Olson with a statue outside the McKale Center on campus.
Some of the stars who played under Olson include ... Steve Kerr, Damon Stoudamire, Gilbert Arenas, Richard Jefferson, Luke Walton and Channing Frye.
He also coached Kenny Lofton -- who went on to become a big MLB star.
Olson is survived by his wife, children and several grandchildren.
RIP
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NY Mets GM Rips Rob Manfred On Hot Mic ... 'He Doesn't Get It'
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4:32 PM PT -- Van Wagenen just released a statement on the video ... clarifying it was actually Wilpon's idea to play an hour later, not Manfred's.
"Jeff Wilpon called Commissioner Manfred this afternoon to notify him that our players voted not to play," the statement says.
"They discussed the challenges of rescheduling the game. Jeff proposed an idea of playing the game an hour later. I misunderstood that this was the Commissioner's idea. In actuality, this was Jeff's suggestion."
"The players had already made their decision so I feel the suggestion was not helpful. My frustration with the Commissioner was wrong and unfounded."
"I apologize to the Commissioner for my disrespectful comments and poor judgement in inaccurately describing the contents of his private conversation with Jeff Wilpon."
Shocking hot mic video of NY Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen trashing MLB commish Rob Manfred over a proposed social justice stunt ... saying Manfred "just doesn't get it."
Van Wagenen was speaking with people at the Mets media podium Thursday -- and clearly doesn't realize the mics are on.
Boosted audio version of the leaked video that @NickCocco18 originally posted revealing that Manfred and MLB are trying to manufacture a moment and make the Mets play a game that they don't want to play. pic.twitter.com/ziAuDioI1O
— Rich MacLeod (@richmacleod) August 27, 2020 @richmacleod
He proceeds to detail a conversation with Manfred in which the Commish proposed a compromise where Mets players make a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the Jacob Blake shooting during Thursday's game ... but then ultimately play the game instead of boycott.
Van Wagenen says Manfred's proposal went like this -- "You know what would be really great? If you just have 'em all take the field [at 7:10], then they leave the field and then they come back and play at 8:10."
Van Wagenen claims he pushed back against Manfred's plan -- telling Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, "Jeff, that's not happening."
Van Wagenen says he made it clear the player would not be playing -- but explained, "That's Rob's instinct. And, Rob -- exactly what you and I were talking about -- at leadership level he doesn't get it. He just doesn't get it."
"Anyway, we're waiting -- Jeff wants to hear, as soon as we hear from the Marlins, whatever we do we need to coordinate with the Marlins. So as soon as Conforto hears from Rojas -- Miguel Rojas -- let me know because Jeff is standing by for that call ..."
We're out to MLB for comment. So far, no word back.
Originally Published -- 3:26 PM PT
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Nebraska Football 8 Players Sue Big Ten Conference ... Over Postponed Season
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3:02 PM PT -- The Big Ten has responded to the Nebraska players, saying the council "overwhelmingly" voted to postpone the season.
"We share the same disappointment that some student-athletes and their families are feeling," the conference said in a statement. "However, this lawsuit has no merit and we will defend the decision to protect all student-athletes as we navigate through this global pandemic."
"We are actively considering options to get back to competition and look forward to doing so when it is safe to play."
8 Nebraska football players have filed a lawsuit against the Big Ten Conference ... in hopes to reverse the decision to postpone the 2020 season.
Long story short ... the players claim there was no transparency about what happened behind the scenes leading up to the decision to postpone the season ... and they're demanding answers.
The suit points to Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren who announced there had been a vote of Big Ten presidents and chancellors who had overwhelmingly voted in favor of pushing the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But, the players say they don't believe there was an actual vote -- claiming reps from multiple Big Ten schools have made public statements that there was no formal vote.
If there was no vote, the players believe the decision to push the season is invalid -- and they're demanding a judge get to the bottom of the issue asap.
The players include linebackers Garrett Snodgrass, Jackson Hannah and Garrett Nelson ... along with defensive tackle Ethan Piper, safety Noa Pola-Gates, wide out Alante Brown and linemen Brant and Brig Banks.
Attorney Mike Flood, who reps the players, issued a statement saying, "This lawsuit isn't about money or damages, it's about real life relief."
"These students athletes have followed all the precautions, underwent regular testing, and lived according to the prescribed guidelines of the world-class experts at UNMC all for the chance to play football in Sept."
Originally published -- 11:17 AM PT
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NHL Games Postponed Following Blake Shooting
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The NHL is following the MLB, NBA, WNBA and MLS' lead ... with the league officially postponing games following the Jacob Blake shooting.
"After much discussion, NHL Players believe that the best course of action would be to take a step back and not play tonight’s and tomorrow’s games as scheduled," the league announced Thursday.
The decision comes after several players -- including Matt Dumba and Evander Kane -- criticized the league's response to the boycotts sweeping the sports world.
The NHL says they support the players' wishes ... and will make up the games starting Saturday.
NHL continued ... "Black and Brown communities continue to face real, painful experiences. The NHL and NHLPA recognize that much work remains to be done before we can play an appropriate role in a discussion centered on diversity, inclusion and social justice.
As we previously reported ... the NBA kickstarted a massive movement on Wednesday after the Milwaukee Bucks elected to stay in the locker rooms in protest ... and have since agreed to continue the season.
"We understand that the tragedies involving Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others require us to recognize this moment," the NHL added.
"We pledge to work to use our sport to influence positive change in society."
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Tennis Star Naomi Osaka Ends Boycott I Will Play on Friday
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Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka has reversed course -- and WILL resume playing a major tournament on Friday after initially opting out in the wake of the Jacob Blake shooting.
Earlier this week, the 22-year-old champ announced she would no longer participate in the Western & Southern Open semi-finals match, scheduled for Thursday.
At the time, Osaka explained ... "Before I am an athlete, I am a black woman. And, as a black woman, I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention, rather than watching me play tennis."
"I don't expect anything drastic to happen with me not playing, but if I can get a conversation started in a majority white sport I consider that a step in the right direction."
After her statement, Osaka says she spoke with reps for the WTA and USTA -- and has decided to resume playing,
"As you know, I pulled out of the tournament yesterday in support of racial injustice and continued police violence," Osaka said in a statement Thursday.
"I was (and am) ready and prepared to concede the match to my opponent. However, after my announcement and lengthy consultation with the WTA and USTA, I have agreed at their request to play on Friday."
"They offered to postpone all matches until Friday and in my mind that brings more attention to the movement."
Osaka will now face Elise Mertens in the semifinals. And, everyone knows there will be tons of eyeballs on this one.
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David Arquette It's Been Quite a Ride in Wrestling ... But I'm Almost Done
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David Arquette's professional wrestling career has been both mocked and admired, but above all else, it's been bloody hard work ... and he says it's coming to an end soon.
The actor's journey as a pro wrestler began way back in 2000, but as he points out on "TMZ Live" ... he didn't have a clue then about what it actually took to be successful.
Fast forward a couple decades, and a battle-worn David is flying higher above the wrestling ring than ever before -- even at 48 -- thanks to a commitment to various types of training and a devotion to the sport he's loved for a long time.
David says he's still an actor, though, and despite his remarkable comeback -- which is the subject of his new documentary -- he claims he's calling it quits soon.
11/17/18
That's probably a good thing, because as you may recall ... David was badly injured in a bloody match in 2018, and damn near died in 2019 after continuing to dish out and take beatings in the ring.
Arquette's daughter Coco wasn't too pleased with all of this, but he tells us she's come to accept and understand it more after seeing the documentary ... which he calls a "love letter to wrestling."
The doc, "You Cannot Kill David Arquette," will be released on streaming services Friday.
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President Trump Bashes NBA Protests 'People Are A Little Tired' Of League
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11:41 AM PT -- President Trump has addressed the NBA protests ... saying he doesn't know much about what's been going on, but feels like "people are a little tired of the NBA, frankly."
POTUS added he thinks the league is turning into a "political organization" ... and claims it's bad for fans and the country.
Remember, Trump previously said he would not tune in to the season restart if players took a knee for the anthem ... and nearly the entire league did just that.
8:59 AM PT -- The NBA season will continue -- with Adrian Wojnarowski reporting the players have decided to resume the playoffs.
Still unclear WHEN the action will resume as the games originally set for Thursday have also been postponed.
There's still hope the NBA players and league execs can work out a plan to save the season ... with players compiling a list of "actionable items" they want the NBA to endorse in order to proceed.
A high-ranking NBA source tells us ... the feeling among several players is they will lose their biggest platform if they stop the season.
Of course, a stoppage won't affect the impact of superstars like LeBron James ... but we're told the majority of players see real value in being able to use the NBA platform to speak to the masses about social justice issues.
In fact, Draymond Green just posted about it -- saying, "The notion that athletes should just stop working but no one else in the world should stop is baffling to me."
"Why stop doing the very thing that offers you the biggest platform to speak for those that look like me/a lot of us?"
"To do that is to actually give up the platform to speak for them, because without us using our platforms which is afforded by the influence of the sport, it actually stops us from echoing what those in the back are saying."
So, the hope is both sides can reach a compromise -- with players coming together after a tense Wednesday night meeting in order to put together a list of demands for the league.
Obviously, the NBA wants to proceed -- there’s so much money at stake. And, from what we understand, the league execs and owners are meeting Thursday morning to figure out a way to work out a deal with the players.
As we previously reported, the Milwaukee Bucks were the first team to boycott on Wednesday when they refused to take the floor for Game 5 of their playoff series with the Orlando Magic.
Other teams followed suit ... until the league officially announced that all games would be rescheduled to a later date.
We're told the league had already planned for possible COVID-related postponements ... so they're not super worried about getting back on schedule.
But, word is ... play almost certainly will not resume Thursday -- everybody still needs some time.
Originally Published -- 8:06 AM PT
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Multiple NFL Teams Cancel Practices Drew Brees Puts 'Jacob Blake' Name on Helmet
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10:16 AM PT -- The New Orleans Saints decided to have practice Thursday -- but a bunch of players, including Drew Brees, put the name "Jacob Blake" on their helmets to show support for the movement.
It's an interesting move for Brees who publicly changed his stance on the national anthem kneeling protest earlier this year -- admitting he didn't really understand that it was about putting a spotlight on police brutality and not meant to disrespect the flag or the military.
The Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers have also canceled their Thursday practices.
Several NFL teams -- including the NY Jets and the Indianapolis Colts -- are canceling practice Thursday so players can focus on social justice issues.
Just one day after multiple NBA teams refused to take the court for their Game 5 playoff games as a "boycott" to show outrage over the Jacob Blake shooting, NFL players are also taking action.
The Washington Football Team is among those canceling team activities Thursday.
Head coach Ron Rivera says the decision came after a conversation with new team president Jason Wright.
"Jason Wright and I worked this afternoon to develop a response that has the right balance between the business of football and being truly thoughtful about the social injustice we witnessed with this latest incident in Wisconsin."
"We went to Mr. Snyder with our plan for tomorrow and we were given his complete support and approval."
Rivera says the plan is to return to football on Friday -- but Thursday will "be about reflection instead."
"In place of our practice at FedExField, the players, coaches and football staff will meet as a football family and we will continue our open dialogue on the issues of racism and social injustice in our country."
Not all NFL teams scrapped practice Thursday -- the Ravens, Giants, Patriots and Buccaneers proceeded as scheduled.
The Ravens explained, "Our team decided to practice this morning. After practice, the team will come together for a meeting to discuss and work on a plan for continued social justice reform efforts."
Originally Published -- 6:56 AM PT
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Donovan Mitchell Slams MLS Team Owner Over Protest Comment ... 'Sell The Team'
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Utah Jazz superstar Donovan Mitchell is going OFF on MLS team owner Dell Loy Hansen for comments he made about player protests ... demanding he sell the team if he doesn't approve.
Of course, several MLS games were postponed following the Jacob Blake shooting ... including Hansen-owned Real Salt Lake's match-up with LAFC.
Hansen appeared on a radio show Thursday morning to express his frustrations with the game being postponed ... comparing the feeling to being stabbed.
"It’s a moment of sadness," Hansen told X96’s Radio From Hell. "It’s like somebody stabbed you and you’re trying to figure out a way to pull the knife out and move forward. That’s what it feels like."
"The disrespect is profound to me personally."
Hansen also claimed the players do not care about local issues, the city or the organization ... and hinted at losing interest in improving the team.
"It’s taken a lot of wind out of my sails, what effort I want to put into recruiting players and building a great team," Hansen said. "It just seems that’s not a very good path to take."
Enter Mitchell -- who got wind of Hansen's comments and came up with a simple solution for his frustrations.
"WOW... if it’s taken 'the wind' out then sell the team... I stand with (Real Salt Lake) players,'" Mitchell tweeted.
Soccer star Jozy Altidore agrees with Spida ... and says he's even in the process of forming a group to buy the team.
"He needs to sell the team then," Jozy tweeted. "I’m involved in a group that’s ready to purchase it. Time for change."
Story developing ...
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Jennifer Lopez Owning Mets Would Be 'Amazing' ... MLB Needs Women!
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Jennifer Lopez says owning the NY Mets would not only be "amazing" for her ... but extremely beneficial for MLB to have a strong woman in a position of power.
Both J.Lo and Alex Rodriguez have been laser-focused on trying to buy the team from the Wilpon family -- raising millions of dollars from high profile investors in the hopes of closing a deal.
Jen's main competition is from Wall Street titan Steve Cohen -- who reportedly made a $2.6 billion bid ... though word on the street is the Wilpons would rather sell to J-Rod's group if they can get close to that number.
Jennifer appeared on Barstool Sports' "The Corp" podcast -- where she was asked about the latest developments with the ownership pursuit.
"Listen, in this day and age, that would be something that would be so amazing," Lopez said.
"We don’t, I don’t have anything to report on that end right now. But, I think in every field, especially in institutions like Major League Baseball that are so American in this moment in time, it is important for diversity and it is important for women to have positions of power that they’ve earned and deserve and can contribute in a way that is just as good as any man on the planet."
She adds, "So of course I am for it."
There are currently zero women listed as a principal owner of a Major League Baseball franchise.
Also, Lopez wouldn't just be a silent partner -- she has a reputation as a savvy self-made businesswoman who's made a fortune over the years ... and she's not afraid to speak her mind.
So far, a bunch of NBA and NFL stars have joined the J-Rod investment group including Travis Kelce, DeMarco Murray and Brian Urlacher.
Waiting for your permission to load Spotify episode.
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Damian Lillard Reunites W/ Son After Leaving NBA Bubble ... 'Good For The Soul'
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It may not be under the best circumstances, but Damian Lillard is happy to be back with his 2-year-old boy after leaving the NBA bubble due to injury ... saying, "This is good for the soul."
The Trail Blazers superstar left Orlando on Thursday to seek treatment for a sprained knee he suffered against the Lakers earlier this week ... and it's unclear whether he will return.
It's a HUGE bummer to have Dame go down with injuries -- he was playing lights-out in the bubble and even beat LeBron James and the top-seeded Lakers in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs.
The 30-year-old appears to be in great spirits despite the bad news, saying, "Dislocated finger... Lateral knee sprain ... but this is good for the soul ... missed my baby boy ❤️."
The bubble has proven to be a challenge for players who are forced to be away from loved ones for months .... and Paul George recently spoke about the environment taking a toll on his mental health while going through a slump.
Nice to see Dame and Damian Jr. get some quality Dame Time together.
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Dwyane Wade Debuts Black Lives Matter Hairdo ... Amid NBA Boycott
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Dwyane Wade is making a statement without saying a word ... showing solidarity with his NBA friends and former teammates by debuting a Black Lives Matter-inspired hairstyle.
The sports world came to a screeching halt following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, WI ... with the NBA, WNBA, MLB and NFL postponing games and practices.
Wade -- who has been outspoken about social justice throughout his career -- revealed the bleach-blonde style with a black fist on Wednesday ... right after the Milwaukee Bucks refused to take the court in honor of Blake.
The future Hall of Famer has also been spreading his message with his wardrobe recently, sporting a "Shoot hoops, not people" shirt.
Of course, 38-year-old Wade has dabbled in dying his hair recently -- including red and blue looks -- but this is by far the most impactful.
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Mets' Dom Smith Sheds Tears Over Jacob Blake 'Being Black Man In America Is Not Easy'
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Raw emotion from NY Mets player Dom Smith -- who just couldn't hold back the tears while talking about Jacob Blake ... and it's powerful stuff.
For the first time this season, Smith took a knee during the national anthem -- right before the Mets took on the Miami Marlins on Wednesday.
After the game, 25-year-old Smith said he's been feeling "very emotional" lately about events like the Jacob Blake shooting -- and wanted to make a statement to the world.
"I think the most difficult part is to see people still don't care"
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 27, 2020 @SNYtv
- An emotional Dom Smith describes the most of difficult part of the last few months for him pic.twitter.com/DLyptwKPUp
But, when he was pressed about what's been "most difficult" for him over the past few days, Smith couldn't fight back the tears.
"I think the most difficult part is to see like people still don’t care," Smith said.
"For this to continually happen, it just shows the hate in people’s hearts. That just sucks, you know?!"
"Being a Black man in America is not easy."
The Mets won the game 5 to 4, but Smith didn't play particularly well. He went 0-4 but later explained he "just wasn't there [mentally]."
The good news ... Smith assures his fans, "I'll bounce back. I'll be fine."
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NFL's Mackensie Alexander Father Found Alive ... In 'Good Health'
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Finally, some good news for Cincinnati Bengals CB Mackensie Alexander -- his father has been FOUND ALIVE after going missing earlier this week!
Remember, Alexander left training camp Tuesday to help police search for his missing father -- but was arrested Tuesday night after allegedly assaulting a man who he suspected had a role in his father's disappearance.
Mackensie's dad, 65-year-old Jean Odney Alexandre went missing Monday after a palmetto berry picking trip in Okeechobee County, FL.
But now, officials say Jean has been found -- he made contact with a ranger at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park in Okeechobee County at 7:15 AM Thursday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office says, "He is in good health and is being reunited with his family."
So many questions still remain about the incident -- but for now, it's great that Jean is safe.
As for Mackensie's arrest, cops say the NFL player and another man beat the hell out of a guy on Tuesday ... and cops say it all started because the men confronted the alleged victim about "an incident that had transpired the day prior."
Alexander and another man were arrested for battery. They were booked and released a short time later.
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Barack Obama Praises NBA Player Boycott ... You're Great Role Models!!!
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Barack Obama says he "commends" the NBA players who participated in Wednesday's "boycott" -- saying they're setting a great example for the rest of the country.
"I commend the players on the [Milwaukee Bucks] for standing up for what they believe in, coaches like [Doc Rivers], and the NBA and WNBA for setting an example," Obama said.
"It’s going to take all our institutions to stand up for our values."
The Milwaukee Bucks were the first team to refuse to take the court for their playoff game Wednesday -- saying they were still so upset over the shooting of Jacob Blake, they wanted to send a message to the rest of the country.
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Other teams followed suit -- and the league eventually announced all of Wednesday's playoff games had been postponed.
Of course, Obama's message to the NBA and its players is much different than the message the current U.S. President has delivered to the league recently.
Donald Trump has repeatedly bashed NBA players and owners -- including LeBron James -- for the way it's dealing with the social justice issues in America.
Trump has said he will boycott the league if players continue to kneel for the national anthem -- something he considers to be disrespectful to the flag and the military.
Trump has not yet commented on the most recent NBA work stoppage -- but everyone it's just a matter of time before he weighs in on Twitter.