6/16/24

The Daily Buzz For Jun 17☕📰☕

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#MAGFAB: Dionne Brown For Cosmopolitan U.K, June 2024(Digital Cover)
British actress Dionne Brown is stroking the cover of British Cosmo. You can read the story HERE 


#RHOA: Kenya Moore reacts to her RHOA suspension after allegedly sharing posters of costar performing oral sex!
Kenya Moore has addressed her future involvement on The Real Housewives of Atlanta after reports of her being indefinitely suspended from the Bravo show for unveiling NSFW posters of series newcomer Brittany Eady during filming.

"You will be seeing me," the reality star said during an Instagram Live on Friday. "I'm not going anywhere despite all this stuff."
Moore showed off the posters, which featured Eady allegedly performing oral sex on an unknown person, while cast and crew were on location at the grand opening of Kenya Moore Hair Spa in Atlanta on June 6, PEOPLE reports. Eady was not present when Moore revealed the posters.

In the aftermath of the incident, a source confirmed to the outlet that Moore has been suspended from the show and will not return until the network has completed its investigation. The source also claimed that Moore shared the posters after Eady allegedly threatened her using the word "gun."

However, a second source close to the Bravo production told PEOPLE, "At no time was Kenya ever threatened with a weapon nor was there ever a weapon present during the course of production."
Moore first spoke publicly about the alleged incident in a June 8 post on her X (formerly Twitter) account.

"I would never engage in revenge porn," she wrote at the time. "I have never distributed private images or footage of anyone, nor solicited images owned by others to use to threaten or blackmail. I have always been vindicated. I can't talk about STORY even with people planting fake news #sweet16."
Eady also addressed the situation in a series of posts on her Instagram Story, which have since been reposted on social media. "Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me about what took place at the event yesterday," she wrote. "I am still processing the nasty, low, disgusting, vile things that was done to try to hurt me. BULLYING and revenge porn is never okay."

In a second post, Eady added, "It's never a good feeling being targeted or HAZED by someone I thought would embrace me into a new circle, that I never met. For the record, I've never once had possession of any weapons or threatened anyone ever. I've never been to jail, in [a] fight, or even had as much as a speeding ticket. That's not my character. I am hurt by the narrative that's being displayed. Wrong is wrong."

Moore has been a mainstay on RHOA since joining the series in season 5. She had a guest role in season 11 in 2018 and 2019, but she returned as a main cast member for season 12.

Representatives for Moore and Bravo did not immediately respond to request for comment.


#NewMusic from Ne-Yo “2 Million Secrets”!

R&B superstar Ne-Yo returns with the release of his new single “2 Million Secrets”.
The release comes via Compound Entertainment and is his first as an independent artist. This signals a new era for the hitmaker as he will have full creative control of his music as he steps into a new entrepreneurial chapter of his life. He adds:

“It’s a blessing to be in this position to control my own destiny as an independent artist. My artistry means everything to me and I’m excited to embrace this new beginning with ‘2 Million Secrets.’ It’s a personal song that took growth to write, but I’m proud to share it with the world.”

The song was produced by Hitmaka and highlights Ne-Yo’s vulnerable side as he croons about his passionate confessions and the ramifications of the secrets.

LISTEN HERE

The release of NE-YO’s new single is also fresh off the heels of the announcement of his upcoming Las Vegas residency. The Human Love Rebellion Residency will take place at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on August 7, 9 and 10.


#HipHopNews: Cardi B Says New Album Announcement Is "Coming Real Soon"
According to Cardi B, a new album is on the way. During a performance over the weekend (June 15), she asked fans if they were ready for an album announcement before stating that it was “coming real soon.”
While fans have not received a release date, talks of a new album have been heating up for the long-awaited sophomore effort. In response to the clip, one fan said, “I’ll believe it when it happens… She said it’ll be sooner than last month.” Another user claimed, “I’ve never seen someone tease teasing an album so much before.”

On Wednesday (June 12) morning, she hopped on Instagram Live and told fans to expect something on Thursday (June 13) possibly. “I want to drop something. I want to drop a little song. I want to drop something on Thursday, but [my team], they’re telling me not to drop it. Should I drop it? Should I leak it? I don’t know,” the rapper stated online.

“It’s very mean. Very, very mean,” Cardi continued. “Complex said, ‘[Drop it].’ You want me to drop it ‘cause it’s messy. Complex, you’re messy.”
This came shortly after BIA shared a diss track towards the “BONGOS” emcee. After teasing the diss on Instagram Live, BIA officially released her new track, “SUE MEEE?,” which is aimed at Cardi B. With most of the lyrics staying the same as the teased version of the track, fans have started reacting to the bars on the record.


50 Cent’s Life Threatened By Former Drug Lord Currently Suing Rapper For $1 Billion

50 Cent‘s life has been threatened by a former drug kingpin who is currently suing the television producer for $1 billion.
Cory “Ghost” Holland Sr. filed the lawsuit against Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Courtney Kemp, Starz, and Lionsgate in 2021 for allegedly basing a majority of Power‘s premise around his life without his permission. Since, the former hustler claims the G-Unit boss has sent “goons” to harass him, as well as family members.

 “If a motherf**ker gets killed because your motherf**king client threaten me and my family, file a motherf**king motion for that. I ain’t playing with your motherf**king client no more, next time he or anyone he sends pull up, f**k the litigation,” reads a statement from Holland to Jackson’s reps, obtained by AllHipHop. “50 Cent plays games with people’s lives, he humiliates people, he comes to their homes, then plays a victim. He constantly in somebody mess. Plaintiff has warned 50 Cent, he ain’t no entertainer.

50 Cent’s legal reps have since responded, expressing their concern with the violent nature of the statement to Judge Analisa Torres.
“This language can only be understood as a threat of violence against Mr. Jackson and his counsel,” they informed the court. “We are also in the process of notifying the relevant local authorities.”

As for Holland, he insists that 50 has made attempts to intimidate him into dropping his suit, alleging he was threatened by the rapper’s henchman while at a gas station. He also claims he’s been forced to relocate his mother.

“Plaintiff had [to] up and move [his mother] from her state out of fear that 50 Cent was go harm her and me. Plaintiff try’s [sic] to protect himself  and deal with the constant pressure and fear that is real,” a letter to the judge from Holland read.
Reps for 50 Cent have dismissed Holland’s claims of stealing his life story for Power, claiming all characters were fictional. Holland claims that the storylines were exact depictions of his life that stemmed from a series of recordings he’d done in 2007 to discourage at-risk youth from following in his footsteps, warning them about the dangers of street life.

“This is not one of those lawsuits from a deranged fan or some somebody trying capitalize off of someone else’s success,” Holland wrote within his original complaint. “This is about the actual theft of my life, and the damages that it has done, as well the profits that the defendants have made from the of stealing and telling my life story without my consent.”


Nia Long Speaks On Playing Katherine Jackson In ‘Michael’ Biopic: “I Was Scared To Death”
The actress discusses how the role is a divine opportunity. Nia Long explained her divine purpose in her upcoming role as Katherine Jackson in the anticipated Michael biopic.
Speaking on Ally’s Money and Mindfulness panel on Thursday (June 13) in Miami at the 2024 American Black Film Festival, the 53-year-old detailed how she realized her preparedness to step into the famed matriarch’s shoes.

“When you are a creative person, the work that you do is a reflection of who you are in that moment. I think the thing that I love most about my career is there is a core authenticity that is unwavering that follows every woman that I play, and that is very intentional,” began the veteran actress.

She continued to explain how that mindset led her to the aforementioned role.
“I’m playing Katherine Jackson. I was scared to death. I was so scared. But, I knew that God put me in that …gave me that opportunity because he thought I was ready, right? Because think about her journey and what she’s been through being Michael Jackson‘s mother. And I started to think about it and I was like ‘Wow, we do have things in common.'”

“I just kind of put my fears to the side and I just prayed a lot and said ‘God let me be the version of this character that you want me to be.’ I was able to tap into some of my own experiences. I was able to tap into the idea of loving your children so deeply that it just doesn’t matter what the world is saying about them.”

Michael is led by Jaafar Jackson, who plays his uncle, the King of Pop. Additionally, Colman Domingo stars as Joe Jackson, with Kendrick Sampson, Larenz Tate, Kat Graham, Jessica Sula, Laura Harrier, and more filling out the remainder of the cast.
“Next April will be the opening of the Michael Jackson film, which is going to be pretty fantastic and amazing,” added Long later in the panel discussion.

“It had always been my dream to work with Antoine Fuqua because I think he’s one of the most prolific directors of our time, and Graham King who is the producer and so passionate about the project that I was sold in five minutes. I’m really excited and blessed to be a part of something that is gonna be pretty important.”

Michael is due in theaters on April 18, 2025.


Caitlin Clark responds to bigotry in WNBA audience: 'People should not be using my name to push those agendas'

As discourse around Indiana Fever rookie and women's basketball phenom Caitlin Clark grows louder, some of the discussion has taken an uglier turn into racism and misogyny directed at the rest of the WNBA.

On Thursday, Clark refuted that language, saying that she does not want her name used in that context.
"Everybody in our world deserves the same amount of respect. The women in our league deserve the same amount of respect," Clark said in response to a question from The Athletic's James Boyd. "People should not be using my name to push those agendas."

Clark's response came after an answer to a question asked by The Athletic's Jim Trotter earlier on Thursday, in which Clark said that her name being weaponized is out of her control.

"I'm just here to play basketball," Clark said The answer, which some perceived as dismissive of the bigotry pervasive in the conversation, prompted criticism, including from Connecticut Sun guard Dijonai Carrington, who posted about the response on X.
"How one can not be bothered by their name being used to justify racism, bigotry, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia & the intersectionalities of them all is nuts," Carrington wrote. "We all have a platform. We all have a voice & they all hold weight. Silence is a luxury."

Boyd asked Clark the more specific question, relating to racism and misogyny, soon after Carrington's post. There, the former Iowa guard was more clear.
"Just treating every single woman in this league with the same amount of respect I think is just a basic human thing that everybody should do," Clark said. "I think it's very simple."

Clark has had to deal with a lot of noise since joining the WNBA in April, most recently around her being left off the Team USA Olympic roster — a perceived snub to many of her fans. Clark herself said that she sees being left off the team as "something to work for."

On Thursday night, Clark and the Fever won their fourth game of the season with a 91–84 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Clark scored seven points on 3-for-11 shooting, adding four rebounds and six assists. Aliyah Boston led Indiana with 27 points and 13 rebounds, followed by Kelsey Mitchell's 24 points.


Diddy Returns His Key to City After NYC Mayor Eric Adams Condemns Violence Towards Cassie
Sean “Diddy” Combs returned his key to the City of New York after Mayor Eric Adams sent him a pair of letters condemning his abuse towards ex-partner Cassie Ventura, TheWrap has learned.

According to the Mayor’s office, Combs returned the key on June 10 after letters were sent to addresses in both New York and Los Angeles on June 4 (Diddy also has a home in Miami, all three of which were raided by Homeland Security in March).
“Like many people, I was deeply disturbed by recent footage of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs assaulting his then partner,” the Mayor began his letter. “I strongly condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. Our city has worked tirelessly to make sure survivors are heard and seen by our administration.”

“The Key to the City of New York is presented to individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement, and who act as a model for fellow and future New Yorkers,” he continued. “After internal deliberations, the Key to the City of New York committee recommended nullifying and rescinding Mr. Combs’ key.”
“I have accepted their recommendation and am requesting that Mr. Combs immediately return his Key to the City,” Adams concluded. “The city record will be updated to reflect our decision.”

The update comes a month after CNN released surveillance footage of a March 2016 incident in which Diddy can be seen assaulting Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. She first filed a lawsuit against him in November 2023, which he refuted at the time.
However, the disgraced musician has since apologized, saying, “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that. I was f–ked up. I mean, I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses.”

“My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video — disgusting. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went out and sought professional help. I got into going to therapy, had to go into rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace,” Diddy continued on Instagram. “But I’m committed to being a better man every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”

Howard University similarly rescinded Diddy’s 2014 honorary doctorate earlier this month due to the video evidence.


Timbaland Inducted Into Songwriters Hall of Fame: “God’s Timing Is The Best Timing”

Timbaland is getting his flowers for the impact he has made in the music industry. On Thursday night (June 14), the legendary producer was honored at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, where he was officially inducted into the prestigious institution.

The Virginia hitmaker briefly spoke with NBC News on the red carpet about the achievement. “You just be in awe, but you just think of you legacy. Half of your legacy is complete. And now I’m still living, so it’s like, what’s the other half?” he said with a smile. “I feel like it’s the new beginning of what’s to come.”

He then explained how the reception to his work throughout his career is what validated his confidence as a songwriter. “The people let me know I was a good songwriter. I didn’t know. Consistency let me know I was a good songwriter. The many hours I put in to my work. The many sleepless nights,” he added.

In his official acceptance speech, the Shock Value creator reflected on his long journey and how this moment was the most special. “I always pray a lot and I always wonder why I didn’t get certain awards,” he said. “But this is the best award, so God’s timing is the best timing.”

Kicking off his trailblazing career in the mid-90s, Timb has been an instrumental part in pushing the culture forward with his daring sounds, other worldly instrumentals, and collaborations that were well ahead of their time. His work is closely associated to being pivotal to the success of stars like Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, the late Aaliyah, Nelly Furtado, and countless others. He has won four Grammys and has seven Platinum records.

After performing an acoustic version of her SOS standout “Snooze” alongside frequent collaborator Carter Lang, the New Jersey-raised superstar shared a speech on why this specific award “means the most” to her.
“As an artist, I’ve been a lot of different people. I’ve been 200 pounds. I’ve been 130 pounds. I’ve been someone who doesn’t dance at all onstage, someone that can only close their eyes and look down, someone that is dancing and trying their best. I’ve just been all these things and I feel like, ‘Oh man, I struggle at the artist thing.’ Like, writing was where I felt like a person and that I had value and that I could show that I was smart, and it was beyond, ‘Am I pretty? Am I liked?’ And that basically meant everything to me,” she said according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“It made me feel like a person, that I was doing something worth something. So basically receiving this award validates my entire career.”


Camille Winbush Talks Joining OnlyFans, Says ‘Bernie Mac Show’ Residuals ‘Are Not Sustainable For A Living’

Camille Winbush addressed the chatter around her joining OnlyFans and why she isn’t living off of her residual checks.
The actress, many of us have come to know and love for her role as Vanessa Thomkins on the long-running TV sitcom, “The Bernie Mac Show,” joined the subscription platform and reportedly made a couple million in less than two years.

When she received backlash for having an OnlyFans, Camille Winbush took to Twitter writing:
The trolls are hungry again so here’s some food for thought- I’ve never been arrested, never been on drugs, don’t have any baby daddies, I pay all my taxes, I drink water, and mind the business that pays me…

If the most scandalous thing strangers can say about me is that I took some sexy pics as an adult and made a couple mil in less than 2yrs, I think I’m doing alright as a human in todays society.
While speaking to Comedy Hype, Camille had a word for those who make remarks about her residual checks from “The Bernie Mac Show.”

If I were on ‘Friends’ making a million dollars an episode – those residual checks would be very nice.
But, as time goes on…they get smaller and smaller every year.
You’re not making the same amount as when the show was current per episode. As someone who was just a kid, don’t get me wrong, still making good money…but 20 years later…those checks are not sustainable for a living.
Dee Dee Davis, who played Camille’s younger sister, “Baby Girl,” on the show also has an OnlyFans account.

At the end of the day, I understand how it may be hard for child stars to transition into adults and do adult things in the public eye.
But, Camille is grown and free to do whatever she wants to take care of herself – whether we like it or not.


Marlon Wayans Celebrates Gay Pride With New Photo Shoot, Addresses Hate Mongers
Marlon Wayans has social media buzzing after he celebrated Pride month with a new photoshoot.
In one photo, the comedian and actor is shirtless and wearing metallic silver pants with a rainbow flag draped over his shoulder.

Marlon Wayans took to Instagram writing:
Happy PRIDE to all my LGBTQ+ peoples. Did a photo shoot with the great photographer @parrish_lewis dope pic.
@GOOD GRIEF on @primevideo NOW! Watch it THIS FATHER’S DAY.

P.S. I’m STRAIGHT… well, according to my child CIS-GENDER. I just love and support my peoples.
Marlon’s photoshoot drew mixed reactions as the gay community thanked him for being an ally and others announced they were disappointed and/or unfollowing him.

The comedian wasted no time taunting the “hate mongers” writing:
Yeah and just for the HATE MONGERS … I’m posting ANOTHER.
As a father of a child in the LGBTQ+ community I show my support. Zero f**ks what people think.
If i lost you… GOOD! Your hateful a** never loved me in the first place.

How can you love anyone when you’re too busy judging. Some of y’all funny. I’m a troll. I’ll post all day.
HAPPY PRIDE to all my friends, fam, fans and loved ones. I am happy you’re happy… period


A$AP Rocky Poses With Sons RZA & Riot Rose in Bottega Veneta's 'Portaits of Fatherhood' Photography Series by Carrie Mae Weems!
A$AP Rocky is sharing a glimpse into his personal life! The 35-year-old artist poses in a new photography series from artist Carrie Mae Weems called “Portraits of Fatherhood” by Bottega Veneta, commissioned by Creative Director Matthieu Blazy.

The series of six images were released on Father’s Day (June 16), and show the star in a home setting with his two young sons, RZA, 2, and Riot Rose, 10 months.
“This is the evolution of Mr. Mayers,” says A$AP Rocky in a statement, who was announced as Bottega Veneta’s latest brand ambassador.

“This is me embodying and embracing fatherhood, parenthood, companionship, and family, while still working on all aspects of my career.”
In one picture, he lifts up his youngest son and kisses his forehead. Another shows the young boys at a toy piano, with Rocky playing alongside them on a keyboard. There is also a short film, directed by Carrie Mae Weems, with music direction by Rocky.

Carrie says the project with A$AP Rocky represented “an important gesture that cannot be understated.”
“Rocky’s concerns as an African American man with children profoundly moved me. Historically there has been a deep lack of honest representation of the Black family. It has been distorted for centuries. This was a unique opportunity to say something not just positive, but truthful – not just about Rocky’s own experience, but about how that reflects out to the broader population. In the wake of all the atrocities committed against Black men — particularly because of their masculinity — Rocky can be seen with his children, in love. To be able to speak that authenticity through him was galvanising,” she continued.

“I first encountered Carrie’s photography as a student,” adds creative director Matthieu Blazy. “I was deeply moved by its originality, engagement, and social impact. Over the years since, I have carried the power and importance of her work with me. I am honoured that she has brought her lens and vision to this project with Rocky, exploring fatherhood and what it means today. The images shows the realness of Rocky as a father and as a man beyond the public figure. What strikes me first and foremost in the pictures is their intimacy.”

“I don’t think there are many people in my culture who advocate for fatherhood and parenthood. This player persona is very pushed. When you think about a rapper, you think about adolescence, about the single bachelor lifestyle. When you think about A$AP Rocky, you think about a playboy, pretty boy, bras being thrown on stage. This is about me as one-woman man, as a family man. It is about what completes my life now: being present as a partner and a parent,” Rocky adds.

“To me, this is the first of its kind. It is a collaborative, collective art piece that shows the sincerity of my place and interactions as a father.”



Carmelo Anthony Announces Wine Collaboration

Life after the NBA is proving to be even more fruitful for many players. Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony reveals a wine collaboration with Robert Mondavi Winery. The partnership combines traditional winemaking with a fresh perspective.

In 2022, Anthony and business partner Asani Swann founded VII(N) The Seventh Estate. The founders are on a mission to bring new voices into the wine industry.
Chief Winemaker, Geneviève Janssens, and Anthony blend more than grapes to create their first offering, Ode to Soul.

Janssens received one of the industry’s highest honors, named Wine Enthusiast’s 2010 Winemaker of the Year.
“Joined by a vision to redefine fine wine, we are embarking on a journey to inspire conversation and more profound connection through a reimagined approach,” they share on the site. “With Ode to Soul, we look to harmonize tradition with innovation and create an inclusive and enriching environment where every individual can find their place at the table and appreciate the diverse beauty of wine.”

Ode to Soul is made with grapes from To Kalon Vineyard, one of Napa Valley’s most famous vineyards. The wine boasts a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Petit Verdot. It has an aroma of earth, plum, licorice, and violet with a subtle hint of date. You’ll taste notes of plush black plum and candied black cherry, complemented by fine tannins. With an alcohol by volume of 14.5%, this wine sells for $275 per bottle. Ode to Soul is the first offering in a multi-year partnership.

After a 19-year career, in May 2023, Anthony retired from the Denver Nuggets. He’s the No. 9 scorer in league history. He’s also the first men’s basketball player to win three gold Olympic medals from any nation. The 6’7″ player was named an NBA All-Star ten times and an All-NBA Team member six times. In 2021, he earned a place on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

Ode to Soul isn’t VII(N) The Seventh Estate’s first collaboration. The pair previously teamed up on a $95 wine with third-generation Rhône winemaker Stéphane Usseglio. Making only 200 cases, Oath of Fidelity is a Chateauneuf-du-Pape French, full-bodied red wine inspired by Haitian leader Toussaint Louverture.
“We want to invite people into worlds where they are not seen as often, and show other possibilities for creating a business,” Swann told Wine Spectator. “You don’t have to be a farmer to start a wine brand and be part of that community. We don’t have to change who we are; we just need to make more room at the table.”

In an interview with ESSENCE, Swann and Anthony shared their mission and how their creation will spark inclusivity.
“A huge piece of our mission through VII(N) ‘s collaboration with Robert Mondavi Winery is to innovate beyond the wine by bringing new voices and perspectives to the industry,” Anthony and Swann told the publication. “Ode to Soul serves as a shining example of the magic that is made when a group of experts with diverse backgrounds and experiences unite to share their passions to create something new and different.”

Carmelo Anthony’s wine collaboration is available at Robert Mondavi Winery’s Arch & Tower lounge in downtown Napa and online at Robert Mondavi Winery.


Deon and Karen Derrico Will Split Custody of 13 Children in Divorce Settlement
The stars of TLC reality show Doubling Down with the Derricos are divorcing. Deon and Karen Derrico, the show's leads and parents of 14 children, have reportedly decided to end their marriage in a June 4 filing, per TMZ. The legal document was signed off on just two days later.

Doubling Down has been on air since 2020, following the Las Vegas-based Derrico family and their large family. The parents also have an 18-year-old daughter, Darian, who was not named in the split custody agreement. The former couple, who got married in 2005, also share Derrick, 13, 12-year-old twins Dallas and Denver, quintuplets Deonee, Daician, Daiten, Deniko, and Dariz, 10, Irish twins Diez and Dior, 6, and triplets Dawsyn, De'Aren and Dyver, 4.

While Deon will reportedly shell out $1,166 in child support, Karen, who will keep her ex-husband's last name, will handle the responsibility of the family's health insurance.

The decision may come as no shock to viewers, as the couple consistently argued over their children in recent Doubling Down episodes.


Charles Barkley announces he will retire from broadcasting after 2024-25 season

Longtime TNT broadcaster Charles Barkley dropped a stunning announcement after Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday, revealing that he plans to retire from television after the 2024-25 NBA season.
Barkley made the announcement with little warning and plenty of emotion, explaining that he has discussed leaving TNT for other networks due to Warner Bros. Discovery's likely loss of NBA rights after next year, but ultimately decided he was ready to give up the microphone after one last season.

Barkley's explanation:
"There's been a lot of noise around our network the last few months. I just want to say, I talked to all the other networks, but I ain't going nowhere other than TNT. But I have made the decision myself, no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television.

"I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You guys have been great to me, my heart is full with joy and gratitude, but I'm going to pass the baton at the end of next year. I hope the NBA stays with TNT ... I'm not going to another network, but I'm going to pass the baton to Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter or you Steve [Smith], but next year, I'm just going to retire after 25 years."

TNT issued a response the next morning, saying it was still planning to discuss the future with Barkley.
"Charles is a Hall of Famer and broadcasting icon who is and will always be a beloved member of the TNT Sports Family.
"We're looking forward to another fantastic "NBA on TNT" season and further discussion of our future plans with him."

It's probably worth noting this Barkley has flirted with retirement multiple times over the past several years, but circumstances are very different this time around.

Next season was already set to be the end of an era at TNT, with the network still on the verge of losing its NBA package to NBC. TNT could still theoretically try to match NBC's bid or negotiate a smaller deal with the league, but there have been indications from WBD head David Zaslav that the network will instead pursue cheaper deals in other sports, such as college football and tennis.
Barkley has been unhappy with the entire process and has made his displeasure known, describing his company's leaders as "clowns" and decrying what the change will mean for his "Inside the NBA" show. He reportedly had the right to opt out of his deal with TNT should the network lose its NBA rights and has gone as far as suggesting his production company could take over "Inside the NBA."

Instead, he has decided to retire, ending a broadcasting career that has earned him just as many, if not more, fans than his Hall of Fame playing career with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets.
Barkley's career at TNT goes back to 2000, the season after he retired as a player. His run as a broadcaster included four Sports Emmys and no shortage of appearances elsewhere, most notably with his ill-fated "King Charles" show on CNN alongside Gayle King.

In the constantly shifting landscape of sports media, Barkley is a unique figure. Above all, he is known for his blunt honesty. If a player plays badly, he says he played badly. If he doesn't like a coach's decision, he says he didn't like the decision. If he is bothered by current events, he speaks out. There is no massaging of the truth, no attempt to save egos.

Sometimes that bluntness got Barkley in trouble, but it often made him one of the most entertaining personalities on television, further elevated by the chemistry with "Inside the NBA" co-hosts Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal. The quartet often created a feeling you were just watching four knowledgable friends trading jokes about basketball (and each other), and they were beloved as a result.

Barkley said he wants to pass the baton, but there's no way a person can replicate what he does on television. There may be someone out there who can draw in the amount of viewers Barkley attracted in some other way, but there is only one Charles Barkley.


Trump Packs Black Detroit Church With White Cultists

Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump repeated his characterization of Black communities as dangerous and depressed on Saturday, courting voters in a city he has called “hell” and “totally corrupt” as his campaign hopes incremental gains with Black voters could be decisive in swing states.

“Look, the crime is most rampant right here and in African American communities,” Trump said at 180 Church in Detroit. “More people see me and they say, ‘Sir, we want protection. We want police to protect us. We don’t want to get robbed and mugged and beat up or killed because we want to walk across the street to buy a loaf of bread.’”

The audience, which was not predominantly Black, cheered at the remark. He returned to the topic of crime when asked how he would address Black entrepreneurship. “The biggest thing we can do is stop the crime,” he said.

Read the full article at WaPo HERE 


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Bling Bracelet

And we’re pretty sure that this woman totally owned her monitor, adding some cute sparkling decorations and making it even catchier than any other regular one


HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM 

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