As the highly-anticipated Street Fighter 6 release fastly approaches this June, the video game announced the addition of the newest commentator in popular WWE superstar Zelina Vega.

MORE: The Champ is Here: John Cena Named Cover Star for WWE 2K23

The 32-year-old professional wrestler supported the new announcement on Saturday, January 28, at WWE’s Royal Rumble event in San Antonio, Texas, when she entered the 30 women’s match at #21 dressed as the Street Fighter character Juri Han. “All hail the queen!,” wrote Street Fighter 6’s official Twitter account to introduce the new commentator. “Professional wrestling star Thea Trinidad (Zelina Vega) lends her electrifying personality and voice to the Real Time Commentary Feature as a Color Commentator in #StreetFighter6.”

Vega’s addition to the franchise is part of a new first-ever commentary feature in the game’s history. Street Fighter 6 is allowing players to choose their own match commentators, each made available as DLC. Zelina Vega joins other commentators, including professional Street Fighter esports players, well-known tournament commentators, and even content creators.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Stephanie McMahon Resigns From WWE as Rumors of Company Sale Float Online

Along with WWE, Capcom, the developer of Street Fighter 6, has had a big week of promotions as they also collaborated with this week’s episode of Peacock’s Saturday Night Live, which is hosted by actor/director Michael B. Jordan. The game was featured in a sketch starring the Creed III actor that shows Jordan playing a voice actor for the game’s match between the game’s starring characters Ryu and Ken. Watch the full sketch here.

Street Fighter 6 hits all gaming consoles on June 2, 2023.

The post WWE’s Zelina Vega Cast As New Commentator In Street Fighter 6 appeared first on The Source.

Early Sunday, University of Georgia football player Devin Willock and staff member Chandler LeCroy were killed in a single-car crash. The UGA Athletic Association reported that the accident came just hours after their team celebrated its national championship with a victory parade and celebration. The turn of events from celebration and joy for the Bulldogs’ second national championship quickly turned to mourning over the sudden loss of two young community members. 

Shortly before 3 a.m. Sunday, LeCroy, 24, was driving with Willock, 20, and two other passengers near the UGA campus in Athens when the vehicle went off the road. The four passengers in the car whirled into two power poles and several trees, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department said in a news release.

The crash occurred just beyond a curved section of Barnett Shoals Road. The speed limit is 40 mph, and there is a sidewalk but no barrier on the outer edge of the road.

Willock was ejected from the vehicle and died on the scene. None of the other passengers were ejected,” according to police Lt. Shaun Barnett. LeCroy died after being taken to a hospital, police said. 

Willock was a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, who joined the team as a freshman in 2020. He played on the offensive line in all 15 of the team’s games this past season. LeCroy’s LinkedIn provides that she was a football recruiting analyst for UGA. 

The two passengers injured in the crash were identified as Georgia offensive lineman Warren McClendon, 21, who received minor injuries, and Victoria Bowles, 26, who had severe injuries, according to police.

McClendon, who started at correct tackle for Georgia this season, declared for the NFL draft earlier Saturday. Warren McClendon Sr.’s father told the Athens Banner-Herald he needed stitches on his forehead but is “doing well.”

Willock’s aunt and uncle, Cicely and Normal Stout, said their nephew was well liked and doing well in school. “He was doing very well. He was very loved by all his peers and all the teachers and all the coaches,” Cicely Stout said.

 “Devin is always smiling, no matter what. Devin has a smile on his face and he was doing very well in academics. He was doing very good. He was good, very good student, very good person.” Willock’s older brother, Jonathan Wheatley, died in 2009 at the age of 20 from injuries sustained in a similar car crash, Cicely Stout said.

Photos of the crash site taken by nearby residents capture a wooden power pole snapped in half and the car’s frame crumpled against an apartment building in Shoals Creek, about two miles from UGA’s campus.

Resident Jonathan D’Souza, said he was the first person to respond to the crash scene. He told CNN he was watching television when he felt the ground shake and heard what sounded like gunshots outside his apartment. As he went outside to investigate, it was pitch black because the power had gone out. Sparks flying from dangling power lines in the middle of the street alerted him to the mangled car smashed into his neighbor’s house, he said. 

D’Souza found Willock lying face down next to the vehicle. He began screaming at an unresponsive Willock, asking if he was okay. “It was the most helpless feeling because you wish you could save him, but you know he’s already gone,” D’Souza said.

Police said the investigation into the crash is ongoing and they give their support to the families. University members remembered the two UGA team members as lively and valued additions to the football program.

“Devin was an outstanding young man in every way. He was always smiling, was a great teammate and a joy to coach,” head football coach Kirby Smart said in a statement Sunday. “Chandler was a valuable member of our football staff and brought an incredible attitude and energy every single day.”

“These two special people meant the world to our football program and athletic department,” UGA athletics director Josh Brooks said in a statement. “We are working with our medical staff and mental health and performance team to ensure our staff and student-athletes have all the support they need during this extremely difficult time.”

Daniel Dewitt, a local UGA fan, told CNN that Willock was “upbeat and happy.” Dewitt he has a 2021 UGA championship tattoo and plans to get a matching one for this season’s victory. This time, he said, it will feature Willock’s number, 77.

The post Injured Passengers Identified in Crash That Killed UGA Football Player and Staffer appeared first on The Source.

The streak is over.

The Dallas Cowboys breaks Tom Brady’s seven consecutive games win streak against them when America’s favorite team defeats the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-14 in the NFL Wildcard on Monday Night Football and advance to the second round of the NFL playoffs.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Tom Brady and Mike Evans Have Massive Games to Clinch Bucs Playoff Berth

Brady (#12) was held to 35/66 attempts, 351 yards, one interception, and two touchdowns by the Cowboys. In comparison, Dallas’s Dak Prescott (#4) had a fantastic game with 25/33 attempts, 305 yards, zero interceptions, and four touchdowns with 1 rushing touchdown. Other Cowboys stars include Micah Parsons (#11), Dalton Schultz (#86), CeeDee Lamb (#88), and Tony Pollard (#20).

A wildcard game filled with history as the Dallas defense shut out Brady in the first half, which the legendary quarterback hadn’t experienced since his first playoff game with his former team, New England Patriots, in 2001. On the Cowboy’s offense, Monday’s game was the first time the team missed four out of five field gold attempts, which is also a first in NFL history.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Brady Leads Game-Winning Touchdown Drive to Beat New Orleans Saints on MNF

Dak and company’s win over Brady and Bucs marks the organization’s first playoff game since 1997. Statistically, the Cowboys have gone on a four-game winning streak following a loss in the 2022-2023 regular season.

The Cowboys head to the Bay Area to take on long-time rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, on Sunday, January 22, with the victor advancing to the NFC finals against the winner of New York Giants versus Philadelphia Eagles. The 49ers seized the victory the last time they met the Cowboys in January 2022, with a score of 23-17.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Dallas Cowboys Beats Buccaneers & Breaks Tom Brady Win Streak appeared first on The Source.

On Saturday (Jan. 15), decorated MMA fighter Jon Jones (26-1-0) and the UFC announced he would make his long-awaited return to the octagon on Saturday, Mar. 4, at UFC 285 against Ciryl Gane (11-1) for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship in a new eight-fight deal.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Francis Ngannou Demolishes Stipe Miocic To Become New UFC Heavyweight Champ, Jon Jones Wants Next Shot

“Jon signed a new eight-fight deal,” announced Dana White, UFC President, when he was asked by a reporter about Jones’ current status with the UFC on Saturday (Jan. 14) at UFC Vegas 67.

Before the news of his return, Jones shared his plans to add the heavyweight title to his resume in 2023 with a simple hashtagged tweet that said, “#champion2023.” Jones’s return marks his first appearance following a three-year layoff.

Jones vacated the UFC light heavyweight title in August 2020 following money disputes with the MMA giant. However, Jones has always shown interest in moving up to the organization’s heavyweight division and taking on superstars like Francis Ngannou — who was just released by the UFC and is now an unrestricted free agent in the MMA landscape.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Jon Jones Vacating UFC Light Heavyweight Title

Joining the UFC in 2008, Jones’s career highlights include the longest reigning successful title defense in the light heavyweight division, the longest unbeaten streak, and arguably the greatest fighter ever in the UFC.

Tickets for Jones versus Gane go on sale Friday, Jan. 20, at T-Mobile Arena and official ticket providers.

You may watch Jones versus Gane on Saturday, Mar. 4, on Pay-Per-View.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Jon Jones Signs New 8-Fight Deal With UFC, March Return Set appeared first on The Source.

According to several confirmed reports, ONE Championship-sponsored fighter Victoria “The Prodigy” Lee has passed away. She was only 18 years old.

Her older sister Angela Lee posted about the fighter’s December 26 sudden death. Victoria’s cause of death is still unknown.

“She has gone too soon and our family has been completely devastated since then,” Angela wrote. “We miss her. More than anything in this world. Our family will never be the same. Life will never be the same…” We love you Victoria. I love you Sprout. Until the end of time.”

The CEO of One Championship, Chatri Sityodtong, also talked about the young woman who first made her debut with the promotional company at 16.

“I first met Victoria when she was 11 years old. I watched her blossom over the years as a martial artist and a human being,” Sityodtong wrote on Facebook. “I always remember thinking how wise, thoughtful, and selfless she was beyond her years. Of course, she was an extraordinary martial arts prodigy even back then, but I could see that she was so much more than that.”

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Undefeated MMA Fighter Victoria ‘The Prodigy’ Lee Dead At 18 appeared first on The Source.

Jake Paul enters MMA.

Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced a  historic two-part exclusive partnership with Jake Paul, which will accelerate PFL’s mission to innovate and grow the global sport of MMA. 

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: PFL CEO Peter Murray Talks New Expansions, Playoffs, Betting, UFC & More

First, Jake Paul begins his MMA journey with PFL by signing as the first fighter in the new Pay Per-View division he co-created with PFL called “PFL PPV Super Fights.” Second, Jake Paul,  along with his business partner Nakisa Bidarian, will utilize their expertise and platforms to help recruit, market, and promote the new PFL PPV Super Fight Division for the benefit of all top fighters.  

The new PFL PPV Super Fight Division is open for business, effective immediately. The league is in the process of signing top PPV fighters who want to become true economic partners.  Fighters in the PFL PPV Super Fight Division will earn 50% of the revenue from PPV events,  which is groundbreaking pay in MMA.  

As the first fighter under contract for PFL PPV Super Fights, Paul is partnering with PFL due to its “fighter-first” culture to co-create this new 50-50 revenue partnership model for all PPV fights.  As a long-time advocate for fighter pay, Paul has also been appointed Head of Fighter  Advocacy and will continue to work towards a business model that benefits all top fighters.  

“I’ve proven myself in and out of the boxing ring, and now I am going to do the same in MMA,  and there is no limit to the positive impact I can make on the sport,” said Jake Paul. “I plan to enter the PFL SmartCage and once again show the world that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Outside of the cage, equal fighter pay and advocating for female fighters has been my passion, and I am aligned with PFL to evolve the sport. I believe in PFL,  their mission, and what they have accomplished in a very short period of time. That is why I  chose to partner with PFL exclusively, both as a fighter and a businessman. As Head of Fighter  Advocacy, I will consistently promote PFL fighters, and I invite all top MMA fighters, both men  and women, to join the PFL and get a payday like they’ve never had before.” 

“I founded PFL to innovate, professionalize, and grow MMA, and we have done that with our disruptive sport-season format, which put “fighters first” as they control their own destiny,” said  PFL Chairman and Founder Donn Davis. “Today, we begin our next phase of growth by disrupting the MMA pay-per-view market with an unprecedented new model where fighters will be true 50-50 economic partners in PPV revenues. I’m gratified that Jake and Nakisa chose to  join PFL, and I can’t wait to see what Jake does as a fighter, creator, and promoter in MMA with  PFL.”  

“Jake and I have proven our ability to successfully promote and stage major international PPV  events. We look forward to having a similar result with PFL within the sport of MMA.” said  Nakisa Bidarian. “Our creativity and expertise, paired with PFL’s great reputation and strong position, will push MMA into a new phase of growth and one with more freedom and economic opportunity for fighters. Through our years of experience, we have developed a unique network  of people and a novel approach to promotion and content, which we plan to bring to PFL with  full force.”  

“Jake Paul begins his journey to fight in MMA today by signing exclusively with the PFL for our global capabilities, innovative platform, and fighters-first culture,” said PFL CEO Pete Murray.  “PFL built a great roster of world-ranked fighters for our PFL League, and PFL is now open for  business to partner with the best MMA PPV fighters on the planet to be part of our new PFL  PPV Super Fight Division.” 

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Jake Paul Offers Draymond Green $10 Million to Box This Former NBA Star

Further information regarding the PFL PPV Super Fight Division and this historic exclusive partnership will be announced in the coming months.  

PFL is the #1 fastest growing company in MMA and the #2 MMA company on a worldwide basis.  PFL is the only in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in sports-season “win and advance” meritocracy like all other major sports. The PFL fighter roster is global and world-class, with fighters from over 20 countries and 25% independently ranked in the top 25. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage powering real-time betting and next-gen viewing experience. PFL airs live primetime in the  U.S. on ESPN and ESPN+ and via 25 distribution partners, is broadcast and streamed to 140  countries worldwide. 

The post Jake Paul Signs Exclusive Deal With Professional Fighters League (PFL) appeared first on The Source.

Undisputed co-host Skip Bayless apologized to viewers on Tuesday’s (Jan. 3) episode, with an absent co-host Shannon Sharpe, for his tweet following the horrific injury of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during the Monday Night Football game on January 2nd between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. The 71-year-old famed journalist/correspondent was met with huge backlash on Monday night after tweeting to his 3.2 million followers on Twitter: “No doubt the NFL is considering postponing the rest of this game – but how? This last in the season, a game of this magnitude is crucial to the regular-season outcome … which suddenly seems so irrelevant.”

MORE: Social Media Calls For Skip Bayless’s Firing After Insensitive Damar Hamlin Tweet

Bayless began Tuesday’s episode with an apologetic opening monologue, in which he said, “I apologize for what we’re going to do today. I’m not sure I’m capable of doing this show today but, after barely sleeping on it, I decided to give it a try. Maybe I’ll fail, maybe we will fail, but we’re going to try. We wrestled through most of the night whether to even do a show today because we felt like, in our minds, we almost can’t win with this because the last thing we want to do is come off as insensitive to what this young man is going through in a life or death situation.”

An outraged social media called for Skip Bayless’s firing by Fox Sports 1 on Monday evening, with several retired NFL football stars like 6-time Pro Bowl wide-receiver Terrell Owens calling him “dead wrong” and hoping he loses his job. The network made no comment on Skip Bayless or the Damar Hamlin situation at press time.

MORE: Russell Westbrook Claps Back At Skip Bayless For Calling Him “Westbrick”

In the midst of the backlash on Monday, Bayless followed up his original tweet with a concerning tweet about Hamlin’s health and the ultimate importance of health for the players over the game.

“Nothing is more important than that young man’s health,” he wrote. “That was the point of my last tweet. I’m sorry if that was misunderstood but his health is all that matters. Again, everything else is irrelevant. I prayed for him & will continue to.”

Although absent from Undisputed on Tuesday, Shannon Sharpe shared his prayers with fans, Hamlin and his family on Monday evening. “Please keep Demar Hamlin and his family in your thoughts and prayers,” wrote The three-time Super Bowl champion. “NFL doesn’t have a manual on how to proceed after an incident like this.”

Amid Damar Hamlin’s injury, the NFL has announced that the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals will not resume this week.

More updates on this story as they become available.

The post Skip Bayless Apologizes To Viewers For Bills-Bengals Game Tweet On ‘Undisputed’ appeared first on The Source.

Undefeated lightweight boxing star-on-the-rise Frank “The Ghost” Martin (16-0-0) is one fight away from a title shot. But before the knockout artist can receive his first title shot, he must fight his toughest challenger yet in the popular and also undefeated Cuban boxing star Michel Rivera (24-0-0).

MORE: Floyd Mayweather Offers 2 Billion ‘Outright’ To Purchase NBA Team

The two next-up contenders are set to main event the WBA eliminator on Saturday evening in Las Vegas on Showtime Boxing. One must let go of the undefeated title and the opportunity to fight for a title in the 12-round lightweight bout. The fight is Martin’s most important night of his career yet.

Martin spoke with The Source’s Bryson “Boom” Paul last week via Zoom on the importance of this bout. Throughout the conversation, The Ghost shares Errol’s promise to him following his last victory, Rivera’s skill, being the most wanted fighter in the lightweight division, if he is the most dangerous man in the lightweight division, more

Read the full interview below.

[Bryson “Boom” Paul”]: This is a big deal, man. This is a WBA eliminator, man. So after this, it’s the title shot, man. How do you feel?

[Frank Martin]: I feel good. I’m working. I’m ready to go out there and do what I do.

Now, this is also a special moment for you, something that you probably haven’t even thought about. This is your third time fighting in Vegas, and this’ll be your third time fighting an undefeated fighter. So tell me about the experience that you’re going to take into this fight, being that one 0 must go.

Just my grind. My grind, with me having Derrick James behind me, that coaching, that’s definitely going to take me over the top. And then just my natural ability, just my skills. But like you say, somebody 0 got to go, and I feel like it’s one of them things, it’s going to be who want it. When we in there, it’s going to be like, which one of them going to bite down and go get it? I’m known for doing it, so it ain’t nothing. It ain’t going to change.

You are fighting Michel Rivera on December 17th at the Cosmo in Las Vegas. They have him ranked number two and got you ranked at number 10. How do you feel going into this being the favorite, though?

Man, I ain’t really looking at it like that. They can rank it how they want to rank it, but it all depends when we get in there in that ring. So I got to just go in there and just do what I do. I don’t let the rankings or none of that play with my head. I’m going for the number one spot. So I got to go ahead and handle my business.

Now, what a lot of people don’t know is this is a fight that was promised to you by Errol Spence Jr, who’s also helping you promote the fight. Can you add some clarity to that promise? Where does this promise come from? How did they make sure you got this fight that you wanted so bad?

From the jump, he told me he was going to give me big fights, “I’m going to get you the big fights you want,” and everything like that. So this one, it had got mentioned earlier in the year, but there was some stuff going on with me or whatever, so we wasn’t able to make it happen. But it came back around once Chris Colbert didn’t end up taking the fight or whatever, he said he wasn’t ready.

So this came back around. So I’m like, “I’m with it, but what this for? Is it something that we fighting for?” And it was, it’s the title eliminator to get me closer to the WBA belt. So with that, that’s all I needed to hear. I’m like, “Let’s get it.”

Because a lot of people ain’t going to fight me. None of the top guys going to just be like, “All right, yeah, we’re going to fight him.” I’m going to have to work. I got to earn it.

So this one of them things that I’m like, “Yeah, it’s the opportunity, I have to take this to get me in that door with them top dogs or whatever, and get me in that position.” So they can’t say, “What’s his ranking? Where he at?” I’m right there. I’m in the number one spot.

That’s why he was promising me that, basically, he was going to give me the big fights and give me a belt or whatever. So this is the perfect setup. This is the perfect opportunity for me.

Now, this is your third fight this year. How do you like this activity? Do you want to take this into next year, where you fight three times a year?

Right now, I’ll fight more. If I could fight four times, four, three. I would really like to fight four. Give me four quarters. Give me four quarters, and I’m going to rock with it. Three good, but four, if I can get four next year, or three, either/or, cool.

You got a lot of fighters in the lightweight division, a lot of them got their eyes on you, and a lot of them have big fights that also involve you in the future. But when other enthusiasts that do these interviews ask you about future fights, ask you about this person, that person, does it ever bother you that they don’t sit here and focus on the fight at hand? Obviously, you are not overlooking anybody. You sitting here like, “Rivera is the one in front of me right now, and then we’ll deal with the rest later.” But do you ever get annoyed or frustrated with people asking you questions as far as future fights or future fighters?

Sometimes. Sometimes, because a lot of times people jump ahead of what’s in front of them. I try to be in that moment. I try to focus on what’s right there right now. Because a lot of those fights they talking about might not even happen. Sometimes it’s a waste of energy to even talk about it. I feel like I’m going to respect my opponent that I got right now, and handle my business with him. And then I would prefer, I like to talk more about other fights when I don’t got no fight booked up, something like that. But talking about another fighter, I would prefer to just stick on my man.

Rivera, is he your biggest challenge so far?

Yeah. I would say fighting style, and record wise and all of that, yeah, I’d say that he’s the more skilled fighter. He is similar to the last dude I just fought, I feel like. Might be just a little slicker, but I feel like he similar to the last guy I fought.

Speaking on Jackson, and your last fight, you obviously won, TKO in the 10. But I want to ask you, looking back at the tape, what were some things that you noticed about yourself that you worked on this camp?

Man, there was a lot. I can’t tell you what I’m working on now, you’re going to have to see that. That fight, I didn’t really have a lot of time to prepare for. I probably found out 10 days before the fight. Energy low, so really the game plan, we worked certain things, but some of the stuff wasn’t sticking with me. Energy low, can’t really register everything.

So that fight, I feel like it was a lot of mistakes that I made in that fight. And also, I felt like it was an off night for me, just within. Just my body, there was some stuff that wasn’t working for me that night or whatever. My timing, I was just off a tad bit.

But I figured it out. Derrick gave me good instructions in the corner or whatever, to get me in that zone that I needed to get in. But I had to figure it out, and find it, that fight. But there was some things that I didn’t lock down on, some shots I got hit with that I wasn’t supposed to get hit with. I was real stationary that fight.

Just really trying to get what I got, get that knockout, but I wasn’t doing it. I wasn’t doing it the smooth way. I made it harder than what it had to be.

Obviously, this is a bigger fight, so everything is amped up, and everything’s a little bit different as far as training. Going into training camp now, how has training been for you this time around?

Yeah, it been good, man. My sparring partners, I got a lot of good sparring partners for this camp. Real good sparring partners. I’ve got a nutritionist. Added on extreme conditioning. EJ been real hands-on with me, just as far as we’ve been locked in together, running, working out, everything. We just been locked all the way in. I done added quite a few things different in this camp.

Now your promoter, how has your relationship with Errol Spence grown in and out of the ring?

Oh, it’s good. Me and EJ’s relationship always been good. With this camp, with this fight, he been making sure I’m good with everything. If it’s anything that I need, or anything that could help me, he asking me, like, “Tell me what you need, whatever.” He just making sure I’m all the way mentally where I need to be, physically. Whatever I need, he making sure I’m getting that, so I can be all the way prepared for the fight. He been tapped in with me.

You are going to be a top dog one day yourself. Like you said, EJ has taken care of you, made sure you got everything you need. In the future, when you on top, are you going to be also reaching back to a fighter like yourself? What is something that you’ve learned from EJ that you plan to take on into the future when you reach back for other fighters?

Man, a lot. It’s like little stuff. Some people take things differently though. Some people may be like, little things help him out the most, like if it is a conversation, if it’s showing somebody a move, if it’s whatever. Just how he is with, not even just me, it’s fighters who ask him stuff.

We just went to a fight over the weekend, and it’s a lot of fighters who admire him. So just how he cool, he real social with his fans, and then with other fighters. Not too many fighters, but if it’s a fighter he rock with, you know he going to support him. He going to support him.

So just that right there, just being real supportive of the up-and-coming fighters that I like, that I rock with. Just being supportive of them, and giving them the motivation, if it’s words … Just certain things go a long way.

You have all the abilities and attributes to become one of the greatest lightweights of all time. But I want to ask you, in your opinion, who are your top five lightweights of all time?

I switched it up a lot. I switch mines up a lot. I like Roberto Duran. I pick up a little bit from everybody though, so it’s something from everybody.

Roberto Duran. Pernell Whitaker. Meldrick Taylor. I like Meldrick Taylor. Floyd. Who else? Let me rock out with my four. Let me rock out with my four.

You said this time you got a nutritionist and whatnot. I want to ask you, what have you learned about your eating habit with this nutritionist?

For the most part, I be on point when it come to eating good and everything. Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to eat when … I like seafood a lot. But I don’t just be eating and get out of shape, and just be, “Oh, I got to …” I’m always in shape.

But, with this nutritionist, it’s just everything that I’m eating, I ain’t really gaining too much weight. I’m having energy, I’m eating all the right stuff that I’m supposed to eat, everything balanced. He know exactly like, “All right, I’m going to cut the carbs off this week, and I’m going to take up the protein.” He knowing what to do. I don’t know how to do that on my own.

I normally cook on my own, but he making it easy. Making sure, in the morning, breakfast made as soon as I get up. Lunch, when I get out the gym, done. Dinner, same thing, when I get back, everything done. So I’m eating, and I can do what I got to do.

In training camp right now, but you still have your downtime, so I want to know, what are you doing to stay relaxed in the downtime? Are you watching anything? Reading anything? Meditations? What are you doing in the downtime?

I was doing yoga. I’ve been doing hot yoga. I be doing that cryo. I be doing that cryotherapy, the compressions, and all of that stuff. I got this book I’ve been reading, it’s called … You going to know what it is. What’s the name of the book? The Way of the Superior Man. I’ve been tapped into that book or whatever. I got to tap back in, I ain’t read it in about two weeks though, so I’m going to get back into it. That keep me my mental on point.

This is The Source. Of course, we have to talk about the music. Who are you listening to in the gym, training?

I’ll be listening to that new Lil Baby. That new Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch. Got some NBA. I got some NBA in there, for sure. We be having a little bit of everything going in the gym.

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In the gym, it’s not always serious. Boxers often crack jokes on each other a lot in training. Now honestly, who brings the heat?

EJ got the heat. Errol got the heat. Errol got the heat. He got the heat, for sure. He don’t get on me. We be on Reece, we be on Maurice’s head.

Rivera is arguably the toughest you will face yet, but definitely not the toughest opponent that you will face in your career, I’m sure. One 0 must go. Are you worried at all about losing your 0, whether it’s now or in the future?

Nah. Nah, I’m not. I don’t want to lose it, so I’m working, I’m working, working, working. Doing everything I got to do so I can keep it. I’m into, whatever going to get me to where I got to get to. So I ain’t like, “Man, this is a tough fight. I don’t want to lose.” No. I’m fitting to challenge myself. I’m going to do everything I got to do to get this W, but for the most part I’m fitting to challenge myself and go get it. So winning is the only thing right now in my mind.

How does it feel with Showtime Boxing and Premier Boxing Champions getting behind you as a promising main event headliner?

Man, it’s dope. It’s dope. All the hard work is right here now. It’s up to me to go out here and do what I’m supposed to do to keep it going. All the hard days, all of that, is right here, so I just have to go out here and do what I do to keep this momentum going.

You have to set the record straight. Is Frank Martin, the ghost himself, the most dangerous man in the lightweight division?

Yeah.

Watch Martin vs. Rivera at 9PM ET/6PM PT on Saturday, December 17, on Showtime

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Frank Martin Talks Michel Rivera, Errol Spence, WBA, Annoying Questions, & More appeared first on The Source.

Floyd “Money” Mayweather is interested in purchasing an NBA basketball team. The boxing legend has been offering undisclosed NBA franchises up to $2 billion dollars for “outright” purchases.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Floyd Mayweather Vows to Become a Trainer in Uncle’s Memory

Mayweather, 45, revealed his plans along with a business partner Brent Johnson at a speaking engagement on Saturday. Watch the clip of Mayweather speaking on the offer above.

The undefeated retired boxer has been very active in the ring lately across the world, participating in celebrity boxing matches in the upward of $100 million purses. Since retirement, Mayweather has competed in over half-dozen exhibitions with announcements of potential rematches with former foes Manny Pacquaio and Conor McGregor.

Mayweather is a huge basketball fan as he is often seen courtside in Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Floyd Mayweather Going Virtual After Finalizing Deal for Digital Likeness

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported in October that Vegas and Seattle are “real” candidates for expansion, but it’s “likely years away” because the NBA wants to negotiate its new television/media rights deals and a collective bargaining agreement before adding new teams.

In the NBA, the Phoenix Suns are the only one known to be for sale.

The post Floyd Mayweather Offers 2 Billion ‘Outright’ To Purchase NBA Team appeared first on The Source.

After leading Jackson State to an undefeated season, Coach Deion Sanders has announced that he will be heading to the University of Colorado in the 2023-2024 NCAA football season. Colorado made the welcoming announcement over the weekend as social media erupted with mixed emotions over Sanders leaving the HBCU program.

A video of the NFL Hall-of-Fame cornerback speaking with his Jackson State football team surfaced on Saturday, with him revealing he will be leaving the university, how coaching works and advising on guidance for players entering the transfer portal.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Deion Sanders Wants No Parts Of a “Private” Conversation With Nick Saban

Sanders comes with just three years’ experience coaching college football, as he went 27-5 at Jackson State. The Tigers (12-0) completed an undefeated regular season Saturday with a 43-24 blowout of Southern for the SWAC championship.

ESPN says with Sanders’ arrival, Colorado will become one of the most fascinating programs in the country. He immediately becomes one of the most recognizable coaches in the sport, and Colorado’s sudden attention comes at a time when the Pac-12 is on the precipice of losing USC and UCLA to the Big Ten in 2024. Suddenly, Colorado is a buzzy program.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Deion Sanders Expected to Become Jackson State University Head Coach

“There were a number of highly qualified and impressive candidates interested in becoming the next head football coach at Colorado, but none of them had the pedigree, the knowledge and the ability to connect with student-athletes like Deion Sanders,” Colorado athletic director Rick George said in a statement. “Not only will Coach Prime energize our fanbase, I’m confident that he will lead our program back to national prominence while leading a team of high quality and high character.”

“I feel like I have to do something about it,” Sanders said. “There’s been four or more African American coaches at the next level that have been terminated. I haven’t heard not one other … than a candidate like myself to replace them. So to me, that’s a problem that many don’t think about. But that’s a problem, if someone doesn’t step up and step out, that’s a problem.”

The post ‘Elevate or Terminate,’ Deion Sanders Is the University of Colorado’s New Head Coach appeared first on The Source.

There is no telling the direction Antonio Brown was going with this action, but only time will tell.

Antonio Brown has been enjoying his life outside of the NFL since he last left the field on January 2nd during the Buccaneers’ Week 18 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Since then, he has performed at Rolling Loud and started a viral trend with the dance to his song, “Put That Sh*t On,” amongst other antics.

His most recent course of action was posting a picture of him hugging Tom Brady’s wife, Gisele Bündchen, as the two celebrated following the Buccaneers’ 2021 Super Bowl win.

“Put that Sh*t On,” AB captioned the picture and several pointing finger emojis.

AB also made news this weekend after getting kicked out of a public pool for allegedly exposing himself.

The post comes amidst Brady and his wife’s speculated marriage problems. Bündchen has yet to attend a Buccaneers game this season, stemming from allegations that she did not support the 7-time Super Bowl Champion’s return to the league after retiring in February.

During the 2020 season, Tom Brady invited Antonio Brown to stay with him at his home and was a big advocate of Brown being on the Bucs’ roster. The move led to Brady capturing his 7th Super Bowl title.

Brady has yet to comment on his former’s teammate’s post as the Bucs fell short to Patrick Mahomes and The Chiefs 41-31 Sunday night.

The post Antonio Brown Posts Picture of Tom Brady’s Wife on IG appeared first on The Source.

For Utah football, their weekend in Florida went from bad to worse. Following a heartbreaking loss to Florida thanks to linebacker Amari Burney’s game-ending interception, the team had boarded the plane and was ready to head back to Salt Lake City when it became apparent that there was a serious mechanical issue that would prevent the team’s chartered jet from leaving Gainesville.

The plane was scheduled to depart at midnight, but instead, the team and staff waited on the tarmac for over four hours before deplaning. A tweet from ESPN commentator Dan Orlovsky shows the team and staff stranded at the airport at 5:25 the morning.

The flight had been rescheduled for 4:10 am EST, but apparently still had mechanical issues, delaying the team in “the swamp” indefinitely until further accommodations could be made.

The University of Florida reportedly helped Utes players and staff get rooms at their partner hotels while they waited for a flight home.

Utah athletic director Mark Harlan thanked Florida’s athletic department in a tweet, stating: “Been a long night and day for the team but we are so greatful to [the Florida Gators] and AD [Scott Stricklin] & his administrative team for providing critical assistance as we have managed this, including providing a hotel partner, busses & meals. We expect to charter home later today.”

The team reportedly left at about 5:10 pm EST, just shy of 24 hours after the prior day’s kickoff.

The University of Utah Utes, who started the season ranked No. 7, suffered a 29-26 loss to the unranked Gators following quarterback Cam Rising’s interception toss in the end zone.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Utah Football Team Stranded in Florida for Almost 24 hours Following Loss to Florida appeared first on The Source.

The Professional Fighters League (PFL), a professional mixed martial arts league who’s investors includes rapper Wiz Khalifa, comedic actor Kevin Hart, former MLB star Alex Rodriguez and NFL Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis, kicked off their fourth annual one million dollar playoff-style competition this month with big announcements, shocking upsets, amazing action, and new updates on the league’s biggest stars.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Claressa Shields Looking To Become Boxing’s First Undisputed World Champ in Two Divisions

The PFL will be expanding into Europe in 2023 with the initiation of a long-term plan that will turn the brand into an international league. “Our vision to advance and grow the sport is now being put in place with the launch of our first international regional league with PFL Europe in 2023, and there’ll be more regions to follow,” details PFL CEO and founder Peter Murray. “This is what the sport needs to truly advance and to grow, starting with developing great athletes from around the world and committing to regions around the world and those stakeholders to develop the sport at the grassroots level.”

The league’s global launch arrives with anticipated returns of the brand’s premiere stars Kayla Harrison (14-0), the undefeated reigning champion, and greatest of all-time women’s boxing champion-turned-MMA fighter Claressa Shields (1-1-0). Shields, 26, will return to the octagon in November after receiving the first loss of her career to Abigail Montes (3-2-0) last October.

The PFL launched in 2018 and become one of the premiere MMA leagues in United States with television deals with Direct TV and ESPN. The leagues annual playoff series is a bracket-based competition in multiple divisions that awards the contest winner a championship belt and one million dollars. As the contest’s popularity continue to grow annually, it evolving, making it one of the most exciting events in sports.

The Source’s Bryson “Boom” Paul spoke with Murray via Zoom before the New York City-extension of the 2022 Semifinals Playoffs. Read the full interview below.

Launched in 2017. Just announcing a new expansion. As CEO, how do you feel about the growth of PFL?

Yeah. I mean, this is our fourth season. We’ve been operating under five years. I’m very pleased with the growth of the company. We’ve secured the number-two position, globally. Number one, we’ve grown our fanbase – particularly in the U.S., 100% in terms of audience year over year. In addition, we’ve launched new franchises – leveraging our brand, capabilities and platforms  – so this year, we increase from ten events to 18 with the launch of the challenger series on Fubo (FuboTV), and our season on ESPN. All of that content, all of those events are distributed to 160 countries around the world on premium sports platforms. And with respect to international, we’ve expanded our overall reach with quality distribution – as I mentioned on premium sports platforms. In the U.K., we’re on Channel 4, we’re in Latin America, DirectTV, all new deals. In the Netherlands as an example … in Europe – really top media companies distributing the PFL product.

In a short period, the PFL has produced several legitimate superstars. And with plans to find the next real superstar as you embark on international regions like Europe and the Middle East. How do you feel about the current PFL roster as you head into the playoffs?

Well as you said, the PFL, as the #2 in the world, and we’re certainly poised to be co-leader. We’ve proven we can develop stars. Kayla Harrison is a great example of that. Two-time Olympic gold medalist in Judo, now undefeated and two-time PFL champion, and competing perhaps for a third time – we’ll see what happens in the playoffs, but Kayla is a great example for the PFL’s ability to create stars. It certainly starts and ends witht the athlete, and Kayla is an exceptional athlete, and she’s earned it for sure. But we do have that expertise at the PFL to identify, sign, and develop top talent from around the world. We have other great examples as well. We’ve also proven that we can recruit top stars from other organizations, you see Anthony Petits. Anthony Petits will be fighting this Friday at MSG – and competing to get into the championships. Now, he was faced with some adversities last season. He felt, for the first time, the level of competition in the PFL, and it was eye-opening for him. So this year was very much about a pivot for Anthony and how he trained for the PFL, our high-caliber top ranked talent, and this format. And so I’m excited to see how Anthony – and certainly his opponent, Stevie Ray performances – same thing, another top athlete we recruited, now two years ago, Rory MacDonald. You know, Rory been really fun to watch, his first season – last year – in the PFL and our format, and this year, you know, he has a lot to prove. So fans will get to see Rory compete in the U.K., after our August 5th event, so we’re excited about that as well. But those are two great examples of our ability to recruit top stars from other organizations, and even around the world. You know, you got Jarrah, The Jordanian Lion, and former BRAVE CF champion now taking on our format, and trying to work his way into the championships. As it relates to our ability, Ray Sefo is our President of Fighter Operations. Ray’s a former six-time world champion K-1 kickboxer, he’s a respected force in MMA, in training elite MMA athletes – and, as well as signing and developing. So it’s really in our DNA as a company.

Now expanding and looking for the next big global fighter, there is currently a huge rise in popularity in women’s combat sports as well right now. Does the PFL have any excitement towards finding the next “female” global superstar – alongside Kayla Harrison and Claressa Shields?

Sure. Well Claressa, certainly proven, another two-time Olympic gold medalist in U.S. Boxing. She’s the only U.S. athlete to achieve that in U.S. history, in terms of two gold medals. You know, and she’s the greatest woman of all-time professional boxer, so it’s exciting that last year Claressa went pro with the PFL. She’s taking on MMA while she competes at the highest level in boxing. Not an easy thing to do, while they’re two combat sports, there two very different sports. And to see her commit to MMA, and do it in a professional but very humble way, because it’s not easy to start back at the bottom and work your way up. And she’s still working on that – so that’s been exciting. But there are other women in the women’s 155lbs who are competing in the playoffs that we’re excited about. Our Ukranian fighter, Olena Kolesnyk, she’s exciting and I think she’s fighting for a bigger cause, candidly, the emotions beyond what she’s passionate about as a professional athlete and competing through the season. She’s been exciting. And others. And then, what I can tell you, we will be signing other women in different weight classes starting next year.

Most companies explore expansion after at least a decade in business, whereas, the PFL is only five years in and already moving forward with expanding globally. What made you decide to begin expansion plans so early in the league’s development?

It’s always been part of our global vision. Our vision is to advance the sport and grow the PFL, while giving fighters at different level of their pro career throughout the world the opportunity to compete. To compete on a – opportunity for potential to go global stage in the PFL in our main season. But also around the world, in regional leagues to develop, essentially, their experience and capabilities – but to compete at a high pro level, regionally. The opportunity to become a regional champion within MMA – and within the PFL system, and then have a path to get into PFL Global to take on the next level of athlete and competition. That’s what sports – in my view – is all about. And so, for us, we do envision, in-region competition, pan-regional competition, and having multiple regional leagues around the world competing under the PFL brand, and being challenged by our format. 

What are some of the adversities the PFL face in the new expansion?

Well… it’s a matter of dialing in one at a time. Things don’t happen over night. Our global expansion – while it’s always been apart of our original vision – now is the time to execute it after four successful seasons. Candidly, there’s a need in the sport by top athletes around the world are looking for major alternatives, regionally. And so we’re there to support athletes, that’s job one, but as it relates to adversities, it’s really more about staying focus, and not only executing our global events at the high standard that we have, but, you know, rolling out regional leagues. Maintaining the PFL gold standard and brand, and product, and caliber of talent, and competition. So that’s our focus. And it doesn’t happen overnight, and, you know, you really need to execute, not all six overnight or six to eight regional leagues, but one at a time. And that’s what we’re focused on.

The global sports landscape – it’s exciting, you never know what’s going to happen, it’s all about the thrills, but, most of all, it’s all about the competition. Starting the PFL in 2017 and being on your fourth playoffs now. How do you maintain that competitive nature taking your brand to the next level while competing with related brands?

We’re passionate about our vision and our mission as a company. And that’s what fuels the PFL. This is a high gross venture, we’re entrepreneurial, we’re fast moving, and we’re the most innovative fast-growing sports league, not just in combat, but in overall sports. It really takes a great team to propel this type of growth in the time that we’ve accomplished it year-to-date or since we’ve launched the company – I should say. And it takes the power of a team to propel the next phrase of growth, and what I can tell you is that’s just passion. Passion to build one of the most incredible and successful leagues that’s ever been created, at least in modern times. 

Now you can’t have a league without great fans. Give me your thoughts on the love and support that the PFL fans have shown since the beginning?

Well let’s look at it like this. The fighters are looking for alternatives to compete, right? Different options in competition – so we certainly fulfill that. With respect to fans, this is “underserved” fanbase. There are over 600 million fans around the world today, over 80% outside the U.S.. It is the third largest fanbase in all of sports, behind the world’s #1 sport, soccer (futbol) and basketball. And what I can tell you, this fanbase, they want access to more quality MMA, and quality fights, and really that is our focus. This sport, meaning MMA, is still very much in it’s early days when you compare it to other major sports, right? NFL, where I have great history, is over 100 years old. NBA to other major sports leagues have been around 100 years or decades to decades. This sport is very much still in it’s early days and there’s so much growth ahead because of that underserved fanbase. There’s a consumer that demands more quality product. We serve up a premium product, meaning the PFL, that’s innovative on a different night of the week then perhaps the UFC or other promotions, and we’re not asking fans to choose one or the other. We’re providing different occassion – and a completely different experience. Candidly for a young fanbase that expects more from MMA. As it relates to the product that’s around the world, and it really is a 2.0 experience.

What has been your favorite moment from previous PFL Playoffs?

Listen. Our version of the playoffs – it really is March Madness-meets-MMA in August. It’s win and advance, lose and go home, everything is on the line. All these fighters have had to compete in the regular season two fights, this is their third fight and if they win, their in the million dollar championship, and the opportunity to win the 2022 belt for their respective weight class, so there’s pressure. There’s added intensity … this is it. So for me, the experience every year is different. Watched all these fighters and, at the end of the day, there been upsets in the past, and there are favorites come this Friday, but we’ll see how it all goes down because a fight a fight. And everyone who is in the PFL has the capability, and certainly the desire to be champion. So we’ll see what happens when that cage door closes and that bell rings. Honestly, every year is unique and supporting the fighter’s journey.  

What is the PFL doing differently this year from previous Playoffs formats?

What we did differently this year is really the big thing we did launching the “Challenger Series,” which was a new format. So when you think about things that were new in the sport. I mean the “Challenger Series” was another breakthrough format from the PFL. It was American Idol-meets-MMA. Eight consecutive weeks of fighters had to prove themselves, and not only win, but perform to earn a PFL contract. And, you know, we had icons of combat sports, including former MMA champions, other major sports stars, like Ray Lewis, as well as fans weigh in on who got those contracts. So that was breakthrough. That was breakthrough for the sport, that was breakthrough for the fighters because these are earlier stage fighters, aspiring to get into the PFL season. And we’ve had fighters front the “Challenger Series” on Fubo actually make their way in. Nine fighters on the “Challenger Series” on Fubo that we launched in February actually made it on to the PFL 2022 season. And there are fighters like Jarrah, who are in the hunt. So we’ll see what goes down with those “Challenger Series” fighters.

Another thing that goes hand-and-hand with combat sports is the support of social media. How is PFL becoming more engaging with social media as you enter new expansions and the playoffs?

As we continue to grow our PFL league, along with our fighters, we have over 15 million followers today, number one. Number two, we have a great new leader on the team in Sean Loughlin. Sean was an executive at Barstool for the last six years – leading their digital and social platforms, and growth. He’s brought over a new energy and voice for our brand across all social channels, which is helping to drive further interest in the league. In our live events. And following our fighters – that’s the beauty of social. There all unique channels that fans engage in different ways and they can access the PFL, and all those stories because in the end, it’s about stories and conversations. 

Outside the cage, does the PFL have any plans to embark on the podcast world?

Yes, definitely. We will be launching a podcast. We will be making that announcement, candidly, in conjunction with leading up to the championship.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Boxing Champion Claressa Shields Shows She Can Kick In MMA Training

Definitely excited about that. As the CEO, what is some advice you would give to these fighters that are entering into the PFL 2022 Playoffs?

Listen, I wish them all, you know, the very best. And they know what’s on the line. So they need to put on the performance of a lifetime or of their career come the playoffs because when you have a belt and a million dollars on the line, and it’s win and advance, lose and go home, you know, they have to be the very best verison of themselves as professional athletes. And it’s all about preparation, and the dedication, so based on my understanding and what Ray Sefo tells me that this group that we have coming into the playoffs, they’re absolute pros, and, you know, they’ll come prepared.

Fighters are putting everything on the line for this million dollar journey, so I have to ask this related question. What are the PFL’s plans of involving themselves in the sports betting world – another popular outlet for combat sports?

We’re already in the betting business in a big way. Draft Kings here in the U.S. is our sorta – corner stone partner. And we’re activating those rights internationally as well. And we brought innovation to betting in MMA – in being the only league to be able to activate our “smart cage” fighter data and fight analytics, so as an example, strike speed and kick speed, those are new “prop bets,” as well as bets related to traditional sport’s leagues. We have the ability to, essentially, expand engagement, and create those opportunities – with best-in-class partners like Draft Kings. 

Kayla Harrison responded to the results of the Amanda Nunes-Julianna Pena fight at UFC 277 that was held last weekend, (Saturday, July 30th, 2022) on Twitter when fans offered up a trilogy – she (Harrison) made her presence felt to be like: “I’m around too.” As the PFL CEO, how do you feel about Harrison’s tweet and are you guys open to a possible collaboration with the UFC on a fight with Kayla Harrison?

Yeah we’ve said that before. Yeah, you’ve heard me say that before at the end of the day … well, let me just reframe. You’ve heard me say before we are open to creating fights that fighters want and fans want to see. And if that means cross promoting with other major organizations – and top fighters – we’re all about it. And more to come on that.

The PFL 2022 Playoffs continue Saturday (August 20) in London at Copper Box Arena. Watch it on ESPN+.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: PFL CEO Peter Murray Talks New Expansions, Playoffs, Betting, UFC & More appeared first on The Source.

Conor McGregor, 34, is the latest professional fighter to go from the cage to the silver screen as it was announced on Wednesday that the former UFC champion will be making his acting debut, starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the upcoming Road House remake.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Floyd Mayweather Reportedly Set to Make Official Return with McGregor Rematch

“Conor McGregor is very excited to expand his storied career to Hollywood and join with Jake Gyllenhaal in this reimagining of ‘Road House,’ a beloved classic,” said McGregor’s publicist Karen J. Kessler in an official statement. “While fighting remains his top focus, this is the beginning of another successful venture in the McGregor empire. He is eager to get started filming.”

According to various sources, the Amazon Studios-produced reimagining of the classic 1980s film starring Patrick Swayze will star Gyllenhaal as a former UFC fighter — who like the original — returns home to the Florida keys to become a bouncer. The film goes into production in the Dominican Republic this month and set to be released on Prime Video in 2023. McGregor’s role in the film is currently unknown.

MORE: Machine Gun Kelly and Conor McGregor Nearly Come to Blows on VMAs Red Carpet

Outside film, McGregor is currently healing from a fractured leg he sustained in July 2021 in a MMA match with Dustin Poirier. McGregor was ranked the highest-paid athlete of 2021 after selling majority of his Proper Twelve whiskey brand to Jose Cuervo in April 2021 that was worth $600 million.

Talks of a second boxing mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather and himself in the works have been swirling around newsfeeds in recent weeks. More as the story develops.

The post Conor McGregor Set To Make Acting Debut In ‘Road House’ Remake appeared first on The Source.

Stephen A. Smith has been missing in action from one of ESPN’s primetime shows, “First Take”. The illustrious and famed journalist and media personality has not appeared on the show for over a month due to a recent shoulder surgery. He announced the surgery and resulting hiatus on Twitter last month.

Fans and viewers are beginning to get anxious about the return of the coveted host. According to his response to one fan, Smith will be back in action two weeks from the 1st of the month, on Monday, August 15.

Since his hiatus, a number of analyst and personalities have stepped in to fill Stephen A’s seat for the time being. While no one can replace the potent precess of Smith, the analyst have done their best to hold down the fort alongside host, Molly Qerim.

Smith also took to Twitter yesterday to honor the life and legacy of the late, great humanitarian and champion, Bill Russell.

“First Take” airs every weekday on ESPN between 10 AM and 12 PM est.

The post Stephen A Smith Announces Return To First Take Following Shoulder Surgery appeared first on The Source.

It’s the end of an era.

WWE CEO and chairman Vincent Kennedy McMahon announced his retirement from the company on Friday (July 22) after 40 years and turning the brand into a multi-billion dollar leader in sports entertainment. McMahon confirmed the retirement in a surprising tweet to the WWE Universe on Friday afternoon: “At 77, time for me to retire. Thank you, WWE Universe. Then. Now. Forever. Together. #WWE #thankful.”

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Stephanie McMahon Takes a Leave Of Absence From WWE

The WWE announced the changing of the reins via a press release that shared that the 76-year-old architect’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon, will be replacing her father in a co-CEO position along with WWE president Nick Khan. Stephanie — who will also take over as chairwoman, has been interim CEO since last month after her father originally stepped down, but would remain with the company as head of WWE creative.

“Throughout the years, it’s been a privilege to help WWE bring you joy, inspire you, thrill you, surprise you, and always entertain you,” stated Vince in the WWE News release. “I would like to thank my family for mightily contributing to our success, and I would also like to thank all of our past and present Superstars and employees for their dedication and passion for our brand. Most importantly, I would like to thank our fans for allowing us into your homes every week and being your choice of entertainment.”

Hip Hop joins the rest of the world shocked by the breaking news that will change sports entertainment forever and immediately head to social media to deliver their reactions. “Sure have & I’m going to SmackDown this week bc boy ol boy I left for 1 day and Vince stepped down lol,” tweets Westside Gunn, who is a known wrestling superfan and contributed theme music to the brand. “And then SummerSlam Ofcourse.. this the point NOBODY in the history been a bigger fan and invest in pro wrestling more than WSG I put whatever on that this 4THROPE is lifestyle.”

Gunn was in Japan supporting New Japan wrestling when news broke of McMahon’s retirement. The Griselda member has been seen front row at multiple WWE events in the past few years.

Vince McMahon brought the promotion — which was known as WWWF at the time — from his father in 1982. Over a span of 50 years, he would transform the regional wrestling company into a publicly traded company — currently valued at 4.43 billion dollars — that gave us some of the most influential public figures of all time in icons like Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Ric Flair, Macho Man Randy Savage, Bret “The Hitman” Hart, The Undertaker, The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin and so many more. Vince at the helm, WWE’s flagship show, WWE’s RAW, broke the record as the longest-running weekly episodic television show of all time in 2019.

MORE: 73-Year-Old ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair Announces Wrestling Final Match

Throughout his tenure, McMahon blended sports entertainment and pop culture with annual extravagant events like Wrestlemania, where some of the biggest names in the world would participate in various ways for the record-breaking sold-out stadium of fans. WWE will be hosting their 39th annual Wrestlemania inside the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California on April 1-2 2023.

WWE became a publicly traded company on the NYSE in 1999.

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

The post Vince McMahon Retires For WWE, Westside Gunn Reacts appeared first on The Source.

Undefeated lightweight boxing sensation Frank “The Ghost” Martin (15-0-11KOs) sent shock waves throughout boxing in January 2022 with a highlight knockout victory against Romero Duno — making him a fight-to-watch of 2022 in a division that includes recognizable boxing superstars Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Devin Haney Dominates George Kambosos To Become Undisputed Champion

The Ghost is the latest boxing star in Derrick James’s stable, already home to two undisputed champions in Errol Spence Jr and Jermell Charlo. Ahead of his upcoming fight this Saturday (July 9) in San Antonio, the 27-year-old southpaw spoke with The Source’s Bryson “Boom” Paul about a variety of topics, including training with Errol Spence Jr, the pros and cons of knockouts, mental health, rankings, if he is the “scariest” fighter in the lightweight division and so much more. Watch the full interview above.

Martin is scheduled to fight Jackson Martinez on the Magsayo vs Vargas undercard at the Alamode in San Antonio, Texas, and airing on Showtime Championship Boxing-Premier Boxing Champions. Martin was originally slated to fight Ricardo Nunez before the last-minute replacement in Martinez. Martin vs. Martinez will open this weekend’s Showtime/PBC event.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Jermell Charlo Talks Brian Castaño, Jermall Charlo, Al Haymon & More

Martinez is coming off a loss and marks Martin’s third TV appearance. “I’m looking to establish myself and this will be the third time on TV and I think people are getting to know who I am,” Martin told Ring Magazine. “I wanted to fight when I was young, but my mom (Erica) wouldn’t let me, so I played football and wrestled. When I first told my mom I wanted to box, I was 11 or 12 and she wasn’t for it. There was no pestering my mom about it, but I was always fighting as a kid outside of boxing. My mom wanted me to do something else, because I was at that age when I was fighting in the streets.”

WBC featherweight titlist Mark Magsayo’s first defense against unbeaten Rey Vargas on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9PM ET/6PM PT) from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Frank “The Ghost” Martin Talks Errol Spence Jr, Lightweight Division & More appeared first on The Source.

Boxing star Adrien “The Problem” Broner (34-4-1 24KOs) is set to return after 17-month hiatus on August 20 against Omar Figueroa Jr (28-2-1) at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Showtime Boxing — reports various sources. A fight years in the making will be the main event of a triple-header boxing card.

MORE: Adrien Broner Arrested In Kentucky Over Outstanding Warrant In Ohio

Broner enters the upcoming fight following a controversial unanimous decision victory over a no-name Jovanie Santiago. His first victory in four years. Figueroa enters Broner bout after suffering a devastating loss against Abel Ramos in May 2021. Broner and Figueroa were originally scheduled to fight in April 2018, but Figueroa withdrew due to suffering a shoulder injury during training.

The GWOAT Claressa Shields has shown full support to The Problem with the two recently shared words of encouragement amongst each other as Shields is set to head to London and fight rival Savannah Marshall on September 10 for the undisputed title. Broner is on the road to the opportunity to achieve his fourth world title.

MORE: Manny Pacquiao Returning to Boxing and US to Fight Adrien Broner in January

Broner vs. Figueroa joins two world title clashes in Alberto Puello vs. Batyr Akhmedov for the vacant WBA title and Roger Gutierrez vs. Hector Garcia for the super featherweight title.

Get ready for The Problem’s return with a recap of his 2021 victory against Jovanie Santiago below.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Adrien Broner Headlines August 20 Triple-Header Main Event appeared first on The Source.

Never say never, right.

It has been seven years since the last time iconic MMA fighter Ronda Rousey (12-2-0) stepped into the octagon. When asked about a possible return to MMA during the Kurt Angle Show last Sunday (June 12), Rousey revealed there’s only one fight she’d be interested in returning to competition for — Gina Carano.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Ronda Rousey Says ‘Ungrateful Fans’ is Why She Left WWE

“There’s only one person … there’s only one person I would come back for,” Rousey told Kurt Angle. “I mean, I’ve said it a million times. It’s not like it’s something new. (I’d come back) for Gina, man – Gina Carano. She’s the reason why I got into fighting. She’s the reason why I knew it was a possibility. I will always be forever grateful. If she ever was like, ‘Ronda, I want to fight you tomorrow at 205 pounds’ – like, whatever the hell she’d want. I’m not saying she’s 205 pounds; she’s very svelte.”

Rousey continued: “If she wanted to come into my backyard and do the ‘Rocky’ thing, you know, ‘Ding-ding,’ and we just do it in the backyard, I don’t care. I will fight Gina wherever she wants. And if she doesn’t want to, forever, I will leave that offer there. It’s a respect thing, not like a, ‘F*ck you, I’m coming to get you.’ It’s just like, ‘Hey, if you ever want to pull that card out, it’s there.’ I love her. Thank you, Gina, for everything you’ve done.”

Gina Carano, 40, retired from MMA in 2009 after her first loss against current Bellator MMA champ Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg in August 2009. Transitioning to acting shortly after defeat, Carano is recognized as the pioneer of women’s MMA.

Rousey has had no interest in returning to MMA for a “final” bout since her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in December 2016. In her prime, Rousey was the face of the women’s UFC division. A reigning champion from 2013 to 2015, she headlined five UFC events with her first against Liz Carmouche at UFC 157 in February 2013.

In 2019, Carano shared with ESPN that a potential “super fight” with Rousey was presented to her — a fight Rousey always wanted — with a million-dollar offer to fight a then-undefeated Rousey; however, didn’t materialize because of Dana White — according to Carano.

Carano told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani: “When Ronda Rousey became popular, I remember they (Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta) had finally called for a meeting, and I walked in this restaurant, and they looked like these two big muscly guys at the table in like the middle of Hollywood. I remember thinking, ‘What took you guys so long? I’ve been … what took you so long?’ So they were like, ‘OK, we’d love to offer you a million dollars. We’d love to have that fight.’ And I was like, ‘Well, that sounds great, but I’m going to need you to do me a favor, then, because I’ve been acting, I’m not active in any gym. So it’s going to take me, you know, you’re going to have to give me some time to build a team or join a team.”

It’s no secret that the idea of Rousey versus Carano would easily be one of the biggest fights in MMA history and draw record-breaking Pay-Per-Views buy. Unfortunately in combat sports, super fights often fall through due to a variety of reasons, ranging from money to politics to proper preparation.

“And it’s not an easy thing, as I’m sure all the fighters know,” Carano continued. “You have to find a team or build one that’s going to be into what you’re doing, and if you haven’t actively been a part of anything, you can walk in as Gina Carano or whoever, but you’re still going to have to find the people who are really going to be there for you, and that takes time. So I told them, ‘You got to be able to just sit on this for about six months, Dana. You can’t say anything and let me get situated with that, because that sounds great and I’d love to do it.’ So it was a nice dinner, and we all left positive. I left stoked, and I was like, ‘OK, well this makes sense. This is my moment to come and be back in there.”

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Ronda Rousey Knows She’s The GOAT So MMA Isn’t Her Priority

Fans of the two icons have created dream fight simulations that showcased possible outcomes in support of the UFC’s UFC 2 video game. You may watch the full women’s bantamweight dream bout above via EA Sports.

Since the UFC, Rousey has become a WWE Superstar and the current Smackdown Women’s Champion, alongside a flourishing acting career with roles in blockbuster film franchises Fast and Furious and Expandables.

Gina Carano has established herself as an action star with high-profile roles in blockbuster franchises like Fast and Furious also, Marvel’s Deadpool and Star Wars.

Watch the full Kurt Angle Show interview above.

The post Ronda Rousey Will Only Return To MMA For Gina Carano Fight appeared first on The Source.

More celebrity boxing is coming this summer with the announcement Thursday evening (June 16) of popular recording artist and recurring celebrity boxer DDG (“Moonwalking in Calabasas”) set to return to the ring to face off against chart-topping Atlantic Records recording artist and first-time celebrity boxer PnB Rock (“Selfish”) on July 30 in Los Angeles, California at Crypto.com Arena and Pay-Per-View.

“I said I wasn’t getting back in the ring unless it was another artist,” tweets DDG on Twitter with a promotional flyer featuring PnB Rock and himself. “LETS GET IT!!! Get tickets now.”

MORE: DDG Returns With New Single “Storyteller,” Reveals US and Europe Tour Dates

Brought to you by Social Golves Entertainment and Bash Boxing, the two hip-hop stars will join as co-headliners of the upcoming boxing match between Los Angeles recording artist Blueface and NBA champ-turned-podcaster Nick “Swaggy P” Young. Bout against PnB Rock marks DDG second celebrity boxing match with a decisive win against YouTuber Nate Wyatt in June 2021 at Battle of the Platforms in Miami.

In his fight against PnB Rock, DDG hopes to inspire the end of senseless gun violence in today’s hip-hop that has taken the lives of so many prominent hip-hop stars in recent years. He encourages other artists to join celebrity boxing and settle their differences with their fists, instead of resorting to gun violence.

In a follow-up tweet, DDG tweets with money bag emojis: “This shit more than a boxing match, it’s a movement! Rappers put the GUNS down & put on the Gloves. Ni**as out here killing for free when u can just punch it out for a BAG.”

MORE: PnB Rock Shares ‘2 Get You Thru The Rain’ Ep Feat. Young Thug and More

PnB Rock has yet to comment on the upcoming bout at press time.

DDG is scheduled to perform headlining shows in Chicago, Atlanta and New York City leading up to the fight with more show announcements on the way.

In related news, DDG and popular recording artist Toosii agreed to a boxing match last summer after the two exchanged words over DDG’s ex-girlfriend Rubi Rose. More as the story develops.

Tickets for DDG vs. PnB Rock are available now at AXS.

The post DDG Set To Fight PNB Rock In Celebrity Boxing Match appeared first on The Source.

Steph Curry poured in 31 points and 11 assists as the Warriors beat the Mavericks 109-100 in Game Three in Dallas. Curry guided Golden State to a 3-0 lead in the series as the team now sits one win away from returning to the NBA Finals.

Andrew Wiggins also chipped in with 27 points and 11 rebounds in the victory. Curry and Wiggins are the second duo with 25-point double-doubles this postseason.

Luka Doncic was no slouch as he led Dallas with 40 points and Spencer Dinwiddie added 26 points off the bench in the loss.

The Mavericks will look to avoid a sweep in Game Four on Tuesday night.

Share your comments on social media with us.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Warriors Take 3-0 Lead With Win Over Mavericks appeared first on The Source.

NBA star Chris Paul is shutting down retirement rumors after the Phoenix Suns’ blowout loss to the Mavericks.

Paul had ten points, four assists and a rebound in Sunday’s season ending game. While his age has been a topic of discussion amongst fans, the 37-year-old said he’ll be playing next year and is not retiring.

“You play long enough and you don’t win, every time you lose, they’re going to say it was your best chance,” Paul said after the Suns’ 123-90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals. “But I think for me, us, it’s we’ll be right back next year. I’ll tell you that much,” Paul told reporters. “I’m not retiring tomorrow, thank God. Hopefully, I’m healthy coming back.”

READ MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Fan Removed From Mavs-Suns Game After Encounter with Chris Paul’s Mom and Wife

That’s two seasons in a row he’s decided to keep playing the game following a disappointing season ending. Do you think it’s time for CP3 to retire? Share our comments on social media.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Chris Paul Says He Is Not Retiring After Phoenix Suns’ Season-Ending Loss appeared first on The Source.

Logan Paul and Floyd Mayweather may be set up for a new kind of fight, but this time it might be in a courtroom rather than a ring.

Speaking to reporters at the opening of New York’s Hard Rock Hotel, Paul told reporters that Mayweather has not paid him what he is fully owed from last year’s fight. Paul said, “He [Mayweather] has not paid me in full. That is a fact…short a few mil.”

Paul did not say specifically how much money he’s still owed, but it was reported last May that he would earn 10 percent of the fight’s PPV shares, which was estimated to be about $5 million.

When asked if Paul had been in contact with Mayweather regarding the money, Paul said “nah…we’re taking this one to court.” He then addresses the reporter’s camera directly and said “See you in the courtroom. Congrats you’re going to prison, Floyd.”

The full video, courtesy of TMZ Sports, can be seen here.

He then continued to speak about the hotel’s culinary offerings, including bull’s testicles.

The fight between Mayweather and Paul took place in June of 2021. While no official winner was declared, ESPN unofficially scored the bout 78-74 for Mayweather.

The post Logan Paul Calls Out Floyd Mayweather for Alleged Nonpayment of Fight Money appeared first on The Source.

Lions are on the hunt for the most prestigious title in Boxing Saturday night.

Heading into his undisputed rematch with Brian Castaño (17-0-2), unified Junior Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo (34-1-1) talks to The Source’s Bryson “Boom” Paul about preparing for his upcoming rematch, discussions with his twin brother, and fellow champion Jermall Charlo, future outside of boxing, the best advice he’s received from manager Al Haymon, and, of course, Houston hip hop. You may watch the full interview right below.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Shakur Stevenson Talks Oscar Valdez, Trailblazing & More

Charlo and Castaño fought to a draw last July. Remember the night, Charlo credits the draw to multiple reasons, ranging from lower back issues to giving away too many rounds to just simply not being his “best night.” He told Bad Left Hook’s Will Esco in May, “… I didn’t have my best night, I got a draw — I’m not worried about losing a 0 because I’ve already been down that road before, so right now it’s just stepping up into the ring to be the Jermell Charlo that I know I should be, and possess a different type of talent, be very talented, be very athletic and smart. With that alone, he can’t fuck with me.”

On what adjustments he’s made for the rematch, Charlo says in the same interview: “I feel like I’m gonna make some improvements just like he’s gonna make some improvements. I’m excited to be in there again, ready to do it again, ready to go, and I just know I want to get the fuckin’ knockout. I want to knock this motherfucker out ‘cause I’m 154 lb champion and I’ve been 154 lb champion, and I’ve been knocking motherfuckers out. Now I’m going back to that.”

MORE: Triller Announces Boxing Competition Series ‘So You Think You Can Fight’

Should Jermell win on Saturday night, he will be crowned the undisputed Junior Welterweight champion as holder of all four belts (WBC, WBO, WBA, IBF) within the division. On the other hand, Castaño has the opportunity to strip Charlo of all three titles, the WBC, IBF, WBA, currently in his possession on Saturday night. It all goes down Saturday night.

Watch Charlo vs. Castaño 2 Saturday night (May 13) on Showtime starting at 9PM ET/6PM PT.

Watch the full interview above and get ready for Charlo vs. Castaño 2 today with the preview below.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Jermell Charlo Talks Brian Castaño, Jermall Charlo, Al Haymon & More appeared first on The Source.

Last night NASCAR turned into WWF wrestling when Ty Gibbs and Sam Mayer came to blows.
Gibbs lost the lead to Brandon Jones in the final corner and attempted a final drive off the corner when Sam Mayer ran into Gibbs from behind, moving him up the racetrack and creating a three-car jam for second place. Mayer then ended up driving Gibbs into the wall.

Gibbs expressed his displeasure by running into Mayer after the checkered flag, and things escalated once the two stopped on pit road. Gibbs quickly confronted Mayer, and the two exchanged words and shoves before Gibbs began punching and grabbing Mayer by the head. The two went down in a pile before being separated.

“I tried to talk to him, and he got all in my face. At that point, we’ve got to start fighting,” Gibbs told Fox Sports. “We got put in a bad position there. The only thing I’m mad about … He wasn’t going to get past the No. 16 there and I just got hit in the left rear. It’s just frustrating. I just got drove in the fence at the end.”

Mayer, who was left with a black eye and some bruising to his face, said his racing Gibbs hard on the final lap would have awarded $100,000 to Mayer had he passed Gibbs to be the highest-finishing Dash 4 Cash-qualified driver.
Mayer criticized Gibbs for getting upset for being on the receiving end of getting moved out of the way despite his willingness to do the same to other drivers Gibbs previously moved John Hunter Nemechek for the win at Richmond, a point which Gibbs agreed.

During the melee an official was also placed on a stretcher and taken to an ambulance with unspecified injuries.
Watch the video below

The post [WATCH] Where’s The Outrage? Nascar Thugs Fight It Out On The Track appeared first on The Source.

Floyd “Money” Mayweather (50-0) picks up another bag as he continues his exhibition boxing run – this time, he will be fighting in the United Arab Emirates.

TMZ broke the news that the 45-year-old undefeated Hall of Famer has signed a deal to participate in his third exhibition bout, to be called “The Global Titans Fight Series,” against the undefeated boxer Don “Dangerous” Moore (18-0-1) in an eight-round match on top of a literal helipad above the Burj Al Hotel in Dubai on May 14. Mayweather originally announced plans for the fight last December after meeting with promoters.

MORE: Antonio Brown & Floyd Mayweather Hit The Studio

Moore and Mayweather are familiar with one another as Moore trained with Mayweather’s late-Uncle and former coach, Roger Mayweather. Moore and Mayweather sparred together in 2015 to get Mayweather for his bout against Andre Berto. Mayweather beat Berto that September via the decision to secure his 49th victory. You may check out the clip of Mayweather and Moore’s 2015 spar below.

Before the upcoming exhibition, Mayweather boxed two previous opponents, including kickboxing star Tenshin Nasukawa and YouTuber star Logan Paul last June. The last time Mayweather fought professionally was in 2017, when he defeated MMA star Conor McGregor by TKO. 

Mayweather says the attendance will be exclusive, calling the latest exhibition a “limited edition boxing showcase,” Mayweather says the attendance will be exclusive. “It’s going to be a very special crowd, not too many people,” he said. “So if you get the chance to come here, you must know, you’re very, very special for this event.”

The Global Titans Fight Series will be co-presented by FrontRow and ROQU and, of course, in conjunction with Floyd’s Mayweather Promotions. The undercard will include marquee names in MMA legend-turned-boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva and Mayweather protege and former Light Heavyweight champion boxer Badou Jack (25-3-3). Silva, 46, will be facing Brazilian star, Bruno Machado. 

No official word of Mayweather’s purse and full undercard at press time.

MORE: Floyd Mayweather Celebrates Star-Studded Birthday Weekend on the Heels of New Investment

In related news, Mayweather has joined the metaverse with his own NFT project, titled Mayweverse. “Mr. I don’t lose at nothing, is back and if you in the NFT world and you betting on me, you will never lose,” he said. “Ladies and gentlemen, follow me. As you can see, we like to call this the great room, coz I’m great. Let’s go in here, that beautiful masterpiece right there, soon that’s gonna be an NFT. But what I need you to do right now, go get Mayweverse. That’s my new NFT, I’ve been working on that for months and I just dropped right now, go get it.”

See the latest addition to the Mayweverse NFT collection below. 

The post Floyd Mayweather Makes Boxing Return With Exhibition In Dubai This May appeared first on The Source.

After the unstoppable buzz surrounding their celebrity boxing matches, Triller Fight Club announces the next phase of the brand with a new boxing competition series, titled So You Think You Can Fight. Partnering with TV super-producer Nigel Lythgoe, Triller will produce an unscripted competition series with a similar format to the popular competition show, “So You Think You Can Dance.”

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Five Men Face Murder Charges For 2012 Slaying Of Boxing Great Hector “Macho” Camacho

Reported as a weekly series, “So You Think You Can Fight” will be an hour-long show that pairs a celebrity action star with a pro fighter, each who will select an amateur boxer through a global talent search and competition audience voting and participation. The selected contestants will undergo a series of mental and physical training, fighting against each other with one winner for each division — lightweight, heavyweight, and MMA. The show’s winner will go on to a pro bout on a Triller Fight Club main event to launch their pro boxing career. 

“So You Think You Can Fight” is slated to premiere late-2022 on Triller’s new streaming platform, Triller Verzuz TV, formed by TrillerNet’s recent acquisition of the Timberland and Swizz Beatz-created live streaming channel Verzuz and global live event streaming platform, FiteTv.

MORE: Jake Paul Will Retire From Boxing if UFC’s Dana White Does These Things

“Triller has built something extraordinary, and they truly have their finger on the pulse of where live event entertainment is headed,” Lythgoe said. “As a lifelong fan of music and boxing, I am thrilled to be getting into the ring with Ryan, Snoop and the whole Triller team to join their disruptive and innovative journey. Everyone is fighting for something in this world, and I’m excited to tell the many fascinating stories behind the raised gloves.”

“Nigel Lythgoe is a giant among giants, and his new role at Triller is a total game-changer for us,” said Ryan Kavanaugh, co-owner of Triller Fight Club parent company TrillerNet. “Nigel has changed the face of competition-based television around the world, and there is no one better to help us bring the excitement of Triller Fight Club to our global audiences, both through our exciting new streaming series and by adding his visionary storytelling abilities to our Fight Club events. We could not be more excited to welcome Nigel to the Triller team.”

“Boxing and dancing share the same movements and the same rhythm, and who better to take Fight Club to the next level that the person who brought the world ‘American Idol’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ the iconic talent discovery platforms where music, competition, movement and showmanship all count towards the victory, which in our case is hopefully by a knockout,” said Triller Fight Club partner Snoop Dogg.

The post Triller Announces Boxing Competition Series ‘So You Think You Can Fight’ appeared first on The Source.

Professional athletes and performers in New York City no longer have to comply with the private sector coronavirus vaccine mandate. Mayor Eric Adams says he’s making an exemption because hometown teams had an unfair disadvantage because visiting players who weren’t vaccinated were allowed to play.

This now means unvaccinated Nets star Kyrie Irving no longer has to sit out home games and Yankees and Mets players who have not gotten the shot can play at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field once baseball season starts.

The mayor is getting backlash from some who say this is unfair to other employees who were forced to get the shot. Hundreds of city employees were fired for not getting the vaccine and Adams says they will not be re-hired.

Councilman Joe Borelli took to Twitter saying it’s unfair to exempt basketball players from the city’s private sector vaccine mandate but not arena ushers or janitors.

The post NY Mayor Eric Adams Doubles Back On Vaccine Rule For Pro Athletes, Performers appeared first on The Source.

Adidas is announcing a new “name, image and likeness” network that’s open to student-athletes at NCAA Division One schools sponsored by the company.

The new network allows 50-thousand students throughout 23 sports and 109 schools to be come paid spokespeople for the brand.

Adidas says the program is set to launch in phases over the next 12 months, starting with historically Black colleges and universities and also Power Five conference partners in the fall.

“The adidas NIL network embodies our belief that sport has the power to change lives by upskilling athletes and giving them the ability to begin to experience an entrepreneurial path that will carry them beyond their college years,” Jim Murphy, Adidas NCAA program lead, said in a statement.

It will be available to other participating schools by April of next year.

Student athletes will initially be paid a percentage of the sales they drive at adidas.com or the adidas app, as well as the ability to be paid per social media post. The company didn’t disclose how much the student athletes would be making if they choose to participate in the new program.

The post Adidas Announces HBCU Student Athlete Ambassador Network appeared first on The Source.

A little over a decade ago, Puerto Rican boxing champion Hector “Macho” Camacho was shot and killed while sitting in a car in his native country. Today(March 10), four of the five assailants who were wanted in connection to the shooting were flown to San Juan, Puerto Rico to stand trial for his murder.

“Justice! Justice has been done,” shouted the former WBC Featherweight champion’s mother María Matías. “They gave me justice..I can sleep in peace. I can eat and drink a little cup of coffee in the morning.”

William Rodríguez Rodríguez, Luis Ayala García, and Joshua Méndez Romero were already behind bars in Florida for other unrelated crimes while Jesús Naranjo Adorno was arrested in the same city where the other three suspects were being held.

The fifth suspect, Juan Figueroa Rivera, was already locked up in Puerto Rico on another charge. According to the authorities, two other suspects were killed in unrelated events in 2013 and 2015.

According to several police reports, Camacho was killed while sitting in a car with friend Adrián Mojica Moreno, who possessed nine small bags of cocaine in his pocket and a 10th bag that was open at when they were both shot and killed.

Public prosecutor janet Parra says that she cannot reveal the motive hehind the Camacho killing.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Five Men Face Murder Charges For 2012 Slaying Of Boxing Great Hector “Macho” Camacho appeared first on The Source.

Ever since he was a young man growing up in Bergen County, New Jersey, Ariel Levy has been a sports fanatic. Some of his fondest childhood memories were watching iconic sports moments, which ultimately inspired his vision to become the CEO of his own sports management business. When he was 17, he started in the sports world when he founded his agency, ASL Sports Group. At ASL Sports Group, Ariel Levy focused on representing basketball players playing in the pros overseas and NBA G League players. After being in the agency business for two years, Ariel Levy felt unfulfilled and decided to follow his true passion, sports management.

Today, Ariel Levy focuses on day-to-day services, endorsements, marketing, PR, social media, and investments for his athletes. At 21, Ariel Levy represents 12+ athletes across the NBA and NFL. He has built up an excellent name for himself within the sports industry and was recognized as the youngest agent to represent an NBA player at 19 years old. In 2020 Ariel Levy was even featured in Men’s Health Magazine 20 under 20 alongside Zion Williamson. His determination, passion, and love for helping athletes have put him at the top of the industry headed towards the pinnacle of his profession.

The quality that sets Ariel Levy apart from the rest of his competition is his emphasis on the long-term success of his athletes. Currently, he is building up a real estate portfolio for his athletes to create a passive income source that will pay his athletes for life. Ariel Levy has grown his athlete’s real estate portfolio to roughly 3+ million in 2021 and plans to exceed 10+ million in 2022. Ariel Levy wants his athletes to secure their financial future and their kids’ future. The statistics of young athletes going broke are staggering and Ariel Levy will make sure his athlete’s economic future is secure in safe cash flowing, appreciating assets.

The sky’s the limit for young Ariel Levy. He has already amassed 50+ million in yearly earnings for his athletes and plans to continue expanding his outreach. Young athletes need to receive proper representation, and the buck stops with Ariel Levy. If you or an athlete you know needs proper representation, reach out to Ariel Levy. Check him out on Instagram and keep up with his career.

The post Ariel Levy Impacts Countless Athletes’ Lives appeared first on The Source.

NFL Hall-of-Famer and current Jackson State University Football head coach Deion “Prime Time” Sanders reveals he’s had two toes amputated due to foot surgery complications in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday afternoon (Mar 8).  The viewer’s discretion advised post on his verified profile showed the removal of his big toe and second toe on his left foot immediately after surgery several weeks ago. The revelation comes in promoting Sanders’ new episode of his Barstool Sports presented docu-series called “Coach Prime.”

MORE: Deion Sanders Drops Surprise Gems To Keep A Woman Happy

“I told y’all we were gonna show it all in this documentary and that’s what this is,” Sanders captioned with the preview of the documentary’s episode 5 on Instagram. “I got to warn ya This ain’t a pretty sight! I may have lost a couple soldiers in the battle but I never lost my faith in God! I endured a lot while I was in the hospital during our historic season but I am so thankful for GOD being there to help pull me through. I am so thankful for those who sent messages of faith and those who visited me during this troubling time. This episode of Coach Prime is an emotional one and you all deserve to know what went down so that’s exactly what we gon show you! I Love y’all and am elated to be on my way back. Episode 5 tonight at 7 PM CT on barstools YouTube.”

Last September, Coach Prime reportedly had foot surgery, initially, to fix a long-time injury. But, ultimately, after eight surgeries and months needing a wheelchair and scooter to get around, Sanders had to have two mangled toes from the left foot surgically removed. Doctors initially feared that the legend would lose the entire left leg due to complications.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Deion Sanders Shades NFL for Not Drafting Any HBCU Players

Sanders and his family promised to reveal more on the new episode. “Coach Prime” originally premiered in August 2021, following Sanders’ becoming Head Coach at Jackson State University, which he accepted that same year. The series is currently on its second season with Barstool Sports and SMAC. 

Before the release of episode 5, check out episode 1 of season 2 below, and watch the complete series, available now on Barstool Sports’ official YouTube channel.

The post Deion Sanders Reveals Amputation of His Toes On Instagram appeared first on The Source.

Jim Jones adds high-fashion runway model to his multi-hyphenate profile as he hits the runway with an all-star cast as part of this year’s Off-White show on Monday (February 28) at Paris Fashion Week. 

The Harlem native surprised fans of his involvement in the Fall-Winter 2022/2023 by Virgil Abloh (In memoriam) show with a series of Instagram posts that ranged from the entertainer eating in Paris to sitting in the make-up chair, preparing to walk to walking the runway in an all-egg plant Off-White outfit with a lavender undershirt. Jones walked with icons in both fashion and sports like Serena Williams, Cindy Crawford, and Kendell Jenner.

MORE: Dave East Walks for Hakan Akkaya’s NYFW Runway

“Talkin bout my walk told u I’m a #RunwaySteppa I’m back on my DiddyBop had to put that shit a n real quick,” Jim Jones wrote in an Instagram caption with video of him posing in front a chandelier, in the center of the Off White showroom. “yal mad cause I’m a runway model a rapper and a trainer lol Came to the @off____white fashion in my @off____white turn it to a splashin show.”

It was a proud moment for Jones and Hip Hop as well. The Harlem native was showered with praise by peers and fans alike in the hip hop community on social media throughout the entire fashion show. Commentary ranging from celebratory to comic relief.

“I’m just gonna say this you get it from your mama! Do the damn thing! You got to love him! Because I love him all the way up to God,” Mama Jones, Jim Jones’ mother, comments.

“Legendary sh*t,” Yella Beezy comments. “1 time for Harlem @jimjonescapo,” Kanye West captioned soon after in an Instagram story showing Jim Jones walking the runway. “Walking like you had it on you and the boys was getting close,” followed media correspondent Wayno, who wrote on Jim Jones’ Instagram post.

“Gooooooooo jimmy,” Fat Joe commented with fire emoji.

“cat walk capo!” commented Angie Martinez with three fire emojis.

“I never saw you walk like that before? Lol,” Maino comments with wide-eyed face emoji.

“The Artist Formerly Known As Capo,” Dave East comments with six hilarious laughing-faced emojis.

MORE: North West Makes Kim Kardashian Proud With Runway Debut

In other news, several days before the show, Jones shared that he was in the studio with the Migos working on new music. The two acts recently collaborated on Jim Jones’s latest project Gangsta Grillz: We Set The Trends, hosted by DJ Drama. “@djkhaled voice another one wit @Migos in the studio layin down #WeSetTheTrends youtu.be/BPxO1JkTXXs,” he tweets.

Want to see all the pieces in the OffWhite Paris Fashion Week show? Watch the whole show below.

The post Jim Jones, Serena Williams & More Walk Runway in Off-White Paris Fashion Week Show appeared first on The Source.

All the NFL head coaching vacancies have been filled and once again Eric Bieniemy was passed over for one of those job.

Bieniemy’s contract with the Chiefs is expiring, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Monday. Bieniemy could return to the Chiefs for a fifth season or he could become a “hot free-agent OC,” Pelissero added.

Although he received several interviews for head coaching vacancies over the past few years, he was never hired as a head coach. Before the Chiefs faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card game, coach Andy Reid mentioned a few words on his disappointment that Bieniemy hasn’t been hired yet.

“It disappoints me that somebody hasn’t hired him,” Reid told reporters. “Because he’s so good.”

“I think this year he’s gonna end up with one,” he said. “ I’m hoping that that takes place.”

With his contract expiring, Bieniemy has the option to depart Kansas City for other opportunities His qualifications were also outlined in former NFL coach Brian Flores’ 58-page class-action complaint on league hiring practices. 

“Without question, Mr. Bieniemy has the pedigree, track record and reputation to make him a sought-after Head Coach,” the suit states. ”However, despite being interviewed for approximately 20 vacant positions over the last five years, no team has extended Mr. Bieniemy an offer. During this time, numerous white candidates who are clearly less qualified have taken over the Head Coach duties for numerous NFL teams.”

The Chiefs offense have been the best in the league for the last three seasons. It’s a shame that Bieniemy can’t get a real chance to run his own team the same way he ran the Chiefs offense.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Eric Bieniemy Passed Over As NFL Head Coaching Vacancies Filled appeared first on The Source.

Former Welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-1-0) makes his return to the ring tonight after a two-and-half-year hiatus to reclaim his popularity against a tough opponent in Mario Barrios.

MORE:  SOURCE SPORTS: Terrance Crawford Stops Shawn Porter In The 10th Round To Remain Undefeated

During fight week, One Time spoke with The Source’s Bryson “Boom” Paul about his return, mental health, criticism from the entire boxing community, the welterweight division right now, Barrios and so much more in this half-hour interview. Thurman returns to the ring seeking redemption following a 2019 loss to legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao — the first loss of his career. Now at 100-percent, Thurman wants to remind everyone why he is the best and reclaim his championship belt.

Watch the full interview above.

“It’s Keith Thurman versus Everybody,” he told Boom when asked about the statement he is looking to make on Saturday (Feb 5) to the rest of the boxers in the welterweight division. “Don’t talk smack if it don’t come with a contract…”

Mario Barrios comes into the fight with a lot to prove as he enters a new division following his Super Lightweight reign that was recently ended after suffering his first defeat in a knockout against Gervonta “Tank” Davis in October 2021. Barrios looks to make a statement against one of the best in the welterweight division right out the gate. Can Barrios have the same success in the high-profile division? We will find out tonight.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Gervonta Davis Moves Up In Weight to Become a Three-Division Champ

Thurman-Barrios includes an eight-fight lineup, including the return of popular Lightweight boxer Leo Santa Cruz.

“Look at the fight card,” says Thurman. “This is not Shawn Porter versus Terrence Crawford… You saw Porter vs. Crawford and there was not one fight you wanted to watch…”

Fight fans can watch Thurman vs. Barrios Tonight (Feb 6) on FOX Sports-PBC Pay-Per-View. Order here and check out the official weigh-in below.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Keith Thurman Jr Talks Return, Barrios, Crawford, Mayweather & More appeared first on The Source.

There is a chance that we may not see baseball this season and it all comes at the hands of the lockout that is currently active. With this lockout there could be substantial consequences if not figured out in a timely manner. The organization is on the clock as the players are staged within a strike for a new labor agreement. With training camps set to take place at the end of this month and the season to begin in March, with no new terms set in action things are beginning to look grim. The lockout comes as a result of the collective bargaining agreement which expired on December 2nd 2021 and at the time of expiration no new deal had been agreed upon.

This makes for the first lockout since 1994. If the lockout continues, it could put a damper on free agency and if an agreement is not met in within the season starting date it could cause a shortening or possible cancellation of the 2022 season. This of course then hurts not only the players but the staffing with each team, sponsorships and ticket holders. With no resolution insight this could be one of the most historic boycotts that could also ensue  significant financial turmoil moving forward. Many stay optimistic hoping to see a solution before the season however with no details of a solution being reported, the MLB organization remains on the clock. 

The post MLB Lockout Threatens 2022 Season appeared first on The Source.

A report from Variety has confirmed that legendary movie director Spike Lee that Spike will be directing a multi-episode documentary for ESPN about the controversial ex-NFL QB Colin Kaepernick.

Focused on Kaepernick’s childhood, his two-sport athletic career and his groundbreaking, yet silent protest against police brutality in America.

“Kaepernick, who has never given a full, first-person account of his journey, is collaborating closely with Lee who plans to use extensive new interviews and a vast never-before-seen archive to help Kaepernick tell his story from his perspective,” the press release states.

Variety confirms, “[p]roduction has started on the documentary, which was first announced in July 2020 as part of Kaepernick’s first-look deal with Walt Disney through his production company, Ra Vision Media.” 

The news was confirmed as Lee and Kaepernick were spotted at Madison Square Garden at the New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies game.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Spike Lee To Direct ESPN Documentary On Colin Kaepernick appeared first on The Source.

In his last eligible year to appear on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, San Francisco Giants living legend Barry Bonds was denied admittance into Cooperstown for his alleged participation and usage of performance-enhancing drugs.

Bonds was rejected for the 10th time in Cooperstown, with a group of baseball journalists saying that the asterisk by his name in the record books has had more of an impact on the game than his record-breaking feats on the diamond.

In his 22-season career, Bonds is the all-time home run leader with 762 HRs, holds the single-season home run record, won seven National League MVP trophies, and appeared in the All-Star Game 14 years in a row.

To the surprise of many, David “Big Papi” Ortiz was voted into Cooperstown with a 541 HR career record and several World Series titles from his tenure with the Boston Red Sox.

Ortiz’s career still doesn’t equate to that of Bonds, Roger Clemens, or Sammy Sosa, two more who were denied induction into Cooperstown this year following their exceptional careers.

The San Francisco Giants put out a statement about Bonds’ shutout, saying, “We remain hopeful that he will gain election into the National Baseball Hall of Fame through the next phase of the voting process.”.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Barry Bonds Denied Induction Into Baseball Hall Of Fame appeared first on The Source.

Award-winning director Tevin Tavares captures a new season of Top Class: The Life and Times of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers as he follows the eminent high school basketball team of Sierra Canyon.

From directing an animated video for 2020’s More Than a Vote campaign, to music videos for Damian Lillard and Khalid, Tavares had displayed an uncanny ability to capture game-changing moments behind the lens. As he travels back home to Oakland, CA for the holidays, he takes some time to talk about the experience of filming season 2.

The Trailblazers resume their season after an entire year without competitive play due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the departures of graduating seniors, BJ Boston (Clippers), Ziare Williams (Grizzles) and Zaire Wade (Sat Lake City All-Stars), the new-look squad looked to their younger leaders Amari Bailey, Shy Odom and Bronny James to fill that void. The team begins the season without James due to injury, one of many setbacks viewers will see.

Tavares talks about the importance of highlighting the demands of these young men. While they are some times perceived as rock stars due to their dominance on the court, they are working just as hard to develop themselves off the court as well.

“The series does a great job at humanizing these young men,” says Tavares. “They’re going through injuries, losses, and trials and tribulations throughout their day-to-day, while doing their best to balance everything else life throws at them.

An instrumental part of the team’s success derives from the coaching staff, lead by Andre “Coach Dre” Chevalier. Through the season Coach Dre echoes the importance accountability as the Trailblazers attempt to go after another state championship.

“The connection between Coach Dre and the players is unlike any other, which makes it even more relatable. You can see how emotional it gets when we touch on subjects like discrimination and when players suffer a lost,” Tavares says.

The team also experienced the loss of 19-year-old Terrance Clark, whom they paid tribute to during a game following his passing.

Camaraderie is on full display throughout each on-screen relationship. The Oakland filmmaker notes that “Family Ties” was this season’s theme.

“I already knew that family ties would be the theme this season, so it’s crazy how the universe just aligns. When the (Baby Keem and Kendrick) song came out, I told myself this has to be the theme song for the season. `Season 1’s theme was more cinematic trap, so we listened to a lot of Travis Scott, the Black Panther soundtrack…. to dictate the moods. Season 2 was more melodic. A lot of these kids listen to Lil Durk, Baby Keem, Polo G, Juice Wrld, it differs a bit from that of Season 1. We focused on more melodic and mellow music this time around.”

Tevin Tavares typically sends a playlist to his composing partner, Casey Gibson. For there they use it as a reference to score the series. The team also pulled musical inspiration from The Last Dance documentary as well.

With a successful galvanizing premiere season under his belt, season 2 of Top Class is no different.

Check out the series for free on IMbdTV.

The post ‘Top Class’ Season 2 Highlights the Return of Sierra Canyon’s Top-Level Basketball Team appeared first on The Source.

HBO’s new drama series Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty will debut this March with ten episodes on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max. A fast-break series chronicling the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, one of sports’ most revered and dominant dynasties; a team that defined an era, both on and off the court.

Based on Jeff Pearlman’s book “Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s,” the ensemble cast includes: John C. Reilly, Jason Clarke, Adrien Brody, Quincy Isaiah, Solomon Hughes, Austin Aaron, Jimel Atkins, Joey Brooks, Brett Cullen, Delante Desouza, Sally Field, Spencer Garrett, Molly Gordon, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Gaby Hoffman, Tracy Letts, Rob Morgan, Julianne Nicholson, DeVaughn Nixon, Sarah Ramos, Hadley Robinson, Jason Segel and Tamera Tomakili.

The post [WATCH] SOURCE SPORTS: HBO Releases Trailer Of New Drama Series ‘Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty’ appeared first on The Source.

LeBron tests negative for COVID-19 and cleared to play.

LeBron James won’t miss ten days of action after all. He’s out of the NBA’s coronavirus protocol and will be in the starting lineup when the LA Lakers host the LA Clippers tonight.

LeBron tested positive for coronavirus on Monday and missed Tuesday’s game in Sacramento.

That test sample was retested twice, generating one positive and one negative result. He’s since had two negative tests 24 hours apart, which clears him to play.

The NBA released the following statement on Twitter saying James initial positive test proved to be inconclusive after additional testing produced conflicting results.

It seems like LeBron knew the whole time he was not present with COVID-19 with this tweet he sent out Monday.

“Something is REAL fishy going on.”

“In accordance with the Protocols, and the consistent testing practice that has been in place since the 2019-20 Season Restart in Orlando, the sample that produced the initial positive test was re-run twice and returned one negative and one positive result on two different PCR instruments.”

“As a result, James underwent additional testing on November 30, with one test returning a negative result and a second test resulting in a clinically inconclusive result.”

Share your thoughts with us on social media.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: LeBron James Cleared To Play Tonight After Testing Negative For COVID-19 appeared first on The Source.

Even the COVID-19 virus won’t keep boxing legend, Oscar De La Hoya, out of the boxing ring.

After his September 11th fight with Vitor Belfort was canceled due to De La Hoya being hospitalized after testing positive with COVID-19, the former champ still didn’t count himself out. 2022 seems to be the year that he’s ready and Mayweather is the first one on his list.

“Personally, right now I’m not motivated because of COVID. I was actually in great shape and then COVID hit me, so my morale right now is a little low in terms of me fighting in the ring personally, but come January, I’m sure I will get right back into it and start training again and prepare myself mentally first. But I do want to get out there again, possible Cinco De Mayo.”

The post [WATCH] SOURCE SPORTS: Oscar De La Hoya Calls Out Mayweather In 2022 Boxing Return appeared first on The Source.

Rodney McLeod is showing off his sense of style off the field. The Super Bowl Champion released his first collection just in time to make fashion statements to start the Winter.

Founded back in 2017, Back of House is a men’s streetwear brand with a modern aesthetic. The mission is to engineer unique high-quality products at an affordable price while focusing on storytelling.

The collection features a vast variety of pieces including an exclusive varsity jacket, Canvas work jackets and pants, hoodies, sweatpants, hats, socks and accessories. As a Washington D.C. native, Rodney McLeod his first release derives from his hometown influences while growing up.

In addition, BOH wants customers to remember that life is a journey. While at times humans have the tendency to emulate the result, humans must remember to enjoy the process of producing that result step by step.

Fashion is a prevalent passion for McLeod. He launched the Style Sold Separately Series alongside 2018 Super Bowl teammate Malcom Jenkins, where they highlight the drip of NFL players, give their insight on their favorite trends and more.

“Those tunnels walks have become run-ways for players now,” says McLeod.

McLeod’s mission is community first – bringing people together to establish the foundation and success of that community. Through his non-profit, Change our Future, he constantly gives back to the underprivileged communities of Philly and D.C.

Family, philanthropy and fashion leads McLeod’s life off the field. On the field, he will be instrumental in that effort as a defensive anchor, as the Eagles make their late season playoff push.

Be sure out Rodney McLeod’s latest collection with the release of Back of House.

Share your thoughts with us on social media.

The post Eagles’ Rodney McLeod Drops first collection for ‘Back of House’ Clothing Brand appeared first on The Source.

As the age of cryptocurrency slowly dawns upon us, many entertainers and athletes are now accepting their salaries and advances in Bitcoin, the largest form of cryptocurrency known in the world. Just as Money Man was given his advance from his deal with EMPIRE Records and Aaron Rodgers agreed to receive a portion of his agreed salary in cryptocurrency, Odell Beckham Jr. has now agreed to accept his full 2021-2022 Los Angeles Rams salary in Bitcoin through a deal he sealed with CashApp.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Odell Beckham Jr. Says He’ll Accept His Entire LA Rams Salary In Bitcoin appeared first on The Source.

After a brief manhunt as authorities did not know his whereabouts, ex-NFL player Zac Stacy is now in custody in Orlando, Florida, and is being charged with two felonies in the brutal assault of his ex-girlfriend in front of their 5-month-old son.

According to authorities, Stacy was arrested “without incident” as soon as he landed in Orlando from Nashville “with the intention of turning himself in.”

Stacy was wanted by police for aggravated assault and criminal mischief after he punched the mother of his 5-month-old son in the head several times before throwing her into the television – all insight of their son, who cried during the attack.

On Thursday, police announced that they were charging the 2013 draft pick with two felonies, at which time he was believed to be fleeing authorities.

Stacy is currently being held in Orange County Jail. If convicted, Stacy faces up to 15 years in prison.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Former NFL Player Zac Stacy Arrested, Detained In Florida Following Felony Domestic Assault appeared first on The Source.

A report from TMZ has confirmed that NFL linebacker Nigel Bradham, who won a Super Bowl title with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, was arrested on weapon and drug charges in Florida over the weekend following a routine traffic stop.

A Florida Highway Patrol Officer pulled over Bradham because of the unassigned tags on his 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. Upon a search of the vehicle due to the smell of marijuana, the officer discovered over three pounds of marijuana, ten bags that authorities believed were to be used for distribution, and two loaded handguns.

According to the police report, one of the handguns was reported stolen from Missouri and the 32-year-old’s name did not appear in the state registry.

The nine-year NFL veteran was charged with has been charged with possessing marijuana with intent to sell, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of marijuana over 20 grams; all of which are felonies.

Bradham was released from the Leon County Detention Center after posting $1,000 bond. TheSource.com will update this story as the details develop.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: NFL Linebacker Nigel Bradham Arrested On Firearm, Marijuana Distribution Charges appeared first on The Source.

The new “Name, Image and Likeness(NIL) rule established this year by the NCAA has opened up doors for athletes who may have their decisions swayed by gifts offered by some universities, but Biink Athleisure is making sure that HBCU athletes are getting an equally motivating incentive to attend their schools as well.

Biik Athleisure Wear, which was founded in 2015 by cousins Demarcus Thornton and James Densmore II, is the one of the largest athleisure wear companies on the Australian continent and has committed to giving $20,000 to HBCU athletes towards their NIL marketing and promotion. The guys at Biink believe that HBCUs are an integral part of African American heritage and those schools should not be looked at as a secondary option for the country’s top athletes, which most of the time, happen to be Black. 

When asked about the definition of athleisure wear and why this lane was chosen by Biink, co-owner and founder Demarcus Thornton responded, “As an ex-athlete and former All-American football player, I understand all the problems with Under Armour..I understand the problems with Nike, so I figured that me creating athleisure would be a better fit for me with my background. “

At the top of 2022, Biink has committed the $20K to four HBCU schools that have yet to be named, however, with sports stars of African-American descent from all sports able to take advantage of the incentive, Biink promises to double their commitment by next year.. Thornton contends that they got involved in NIl marketing for HBCUs because, “I was just impressed by what Deon is doing at Jackson State and it just showed me that HBCUs can compete with the major institutions and within those institutions, sports is going to be the main revenue driver. I wanted to create opportunities for HBCU athletes that major institution athletes have.” Thornton continues, “We’ll be giving about a thousand dollars per Instagram post and from my experience, this is commonly what these athletes are getting…it will be going towards buying marketing services from those athletes. “

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Biink Athleisure Co. Contributes $20K Towards NIL Marketing for HBCU Athletes appeared first on The Source.

The Los Angeles Lakers begin their quest to win the franchise’s 18th NBA Championship under the three-headed monster that is LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook under head coach Frank Vogel. 

The quest begins this evening as the Lakers host Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and the Golden State Warriors at home in LA’s Staples Center. 

The current NBA betting lines for today’s opening night game between both teams give the Lakers the edge. They are -3.5 favorites, while Golden State is seeing 61% of the bets coming in as underdogs.

The Lakers return this season with new pieces to their roster. In addition to Westbrook, Frank Vogel’s squad most notably added Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, DeAndre Jordan, Wayne Ellington, Kendrick Nunn, and Malik Monk to their roster. 

The addition of Howard makes Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy happy. “His physical presence is just… unmatched,” Handy shared with Bally Sports’ NBA Insider and former Source Magazine staff writer, Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.

“Dwight is a physical dude. Not only in his appearance but he IS physical! [laughs] in the way he plays; And that’s one thing that we kind of missed last year was that vertical presence. Him and JaVale [McGee] we missed both of those guys, man.”

The Lakers’ health has been a constant point of emphasis by many sports pundits and rightly so.

“Anytime Anthony Davis hits the floor; I think he’s done for a month,” notes NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller via Sportskeeda. 

“It just scares me.”

According to Statmuse: Lakers All-Star, Anthony Davis missed 36 out of a possible 72 regular-season games due to lower-leg injuries. 

And as USA Today noted, just as Davis rebounded his form in the first round of the playoffs, more leg injuries struck. 

A 51.4% shooter overall while shooting 31.2% from downtown, Davis’ value to the purple and gold is important especially because he gets to the free-throw line often. 

 While much talk has been about the newcomers added to the Lakers, LeBron James is still the face of the franchise. 

“We know the ultimate goal for the Lakers: championship or bust,” Reggie Miller told Scoop B over the weekend.

“Anytime you have LeBron on your team, I think that they have the big picture in mind to get to the Finals by playing well & being healthy.”

James will enter his 19th year in the NBA and is already listed sixth on the NBA’s all-time minutes played list. 

Last season, James, who will turn 37-years-old in December, averaged 33.4 minutes per game last season while playing in just 45 games, both career-lows. 

James missed 26 games with an ankle injury, too.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Begin Season Vs. Warriors As NBA Champ Favorites appeared first on The Source.

Venus Williams and K-Swiss swing for another hit collection.

The Tennis legend recently partnered with the footwear brand for another limited-edition capsule collection. The collection, “Retro by EleVen x K-Swiss” officially launched on Tuesday.

Back in May, the two parties released the “Glow Up” collection. It paid homage to the influence of 70s tennis and the psychedelic era. The new “Retro by EleVen x K-Swiss” is a 17-piece capsule, that fuses timeless and classic designs with a bold and contemporary twist. The collaboration comes just in time for woman to rack up on their cozy clothes for Fall fashion.

The prices ranges from $74 to $158. It can be bought at Kwiss.com and elevenbyvenuswilliams.com.

The post Venus Williams & K-Swiss Team Up for Limited Release appeared first on The Source.