Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are both running on empty after a busy summer schedule, according to Jack Draper.

Jack Draper isn’t surprised that Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are drained (Image: Getty)

The quickfire exits of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open were unprecedented at such an early stage, but Jack Draper believes there’s a clear explanation for why both stars underperformed. The Paris Olympics appear to have taken its toll on several tennis players, and Draper is convinced that Djokovic and Alcaraz are emotionally and physically drained.

Alcaraz was stopped in the second round after losing in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschulp and Djokovic fell a round later, losing in four sets to Alexei Popyrin. Both Alcaraz and Djokovic continue to dominate the men’s singles and recently met in both the Wimbledon and Olympic finals, but it caught up to them in New York.

Even when both stars went two sets down in their respective matches it was expected they would fight back and clinch a five-set thriller, just as fans have seen many times before. However, both lacked the energy required and Draper is convinced it’s down to the Olympics.

“Yeah, I mean, it is obviously weird, but you know, I think both of them obviously played the Olympic final,” Draper said after beating Van de Zandschulp to advance to the fourth round. “I think that’s taken a lot out of them.

“It’s taken a lot out of everyone, but they obviously made the finals, and it was emotional for both of them. Obviously, Novak, that was probably his biggest goal, and to come through that is obviously emotionally challenging to sort of have a rest and then come here.

Draper thinks that Alcaraz and Djokovic have burnt out (Image: Getty)

“Same with Carlos as well. You know, he’s achieved so much this year winning the French, Wimbledon. I’m not surprised that they’re probably feeling really tired and emotionally a bit drained.

“But I watched both the matches, and I thought Botic played an incredibly high level of tennis against Alcaraz. Even Popyrin last night, he won in Montreal, and again, I watched the opening two sets before I went to bed.

“I didn’t honestly feel like Djokovic was playing incredibly badly. Maybe his serve was a bit below par, but I felt like Popyrin played an incredible match as well. There’s a lot of players on the tour at the moment who are really dangerous and on their day can play an amazing match against the best players in the world.”

Draper would have faced Alcaraz if not for the upset but ended up dominating Van de Zandschulp and setting up a fourth-round clash with Tomas Machac.

The WNBA is gaining popularity among basketball fans, who are showing as much interest in it as they do in the NBA. However, there are still significant differences between the two leagues, the biggest being salary variations. Forbes reports that the average WNBA salary is about $150,000 per season, while the NBA average salary is roughly $10 million. Former NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who recently criticized Team USA, has shared his thoughts on this salary gap between the leagues.

Shaquille O’Neal (Image Credits: Getty Images)

During a recent game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, the ‘Big Diesel’ was present court-side to watch the intense competition between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Meanwhile, a reporter had the chance to ask the owner of the Big Chicken brand a few questions. During the discussion, the reporter asked O’Neal about his thoughts on the growth of the WNBA and the changes needed for women’s basketball to engage more fans.

“Well, I love it, especially for women. Listen, they’ve always played great. They’ve always played hard. I’m glad they’re getting their exposure. They definitely deserve it. Now we just gotta get them similar contracts to what some of these NBA guys are making.” Shaquille O’Neal said.

O’Neal, who is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players and centers of all time, mentioned that WNBA players consistently put in a lot of effort and perform incredibly well. The Hall of Famer opined that contracts for women’s basketball players ought to be comparable to those of certain NBA players.

Just Hope They Get Similar Pay: Shaquille O’Neal

In the same interview, O’Neal was asked about watching Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese compete while seated in the audience. Shaq, one of the most entertaining personalities in the NBA, gave both Reese and Clark high marks. He mentioned that he liked Clark’s style of play as much as he liked Reese’s.

“Look, [Reese] plays hard, I like the way she plays. I love her, I love the way Caitlin Clark is playing. The game right now is just at an all-time high for the females, and I’m happy for them. And again, I just hope they get similar pay that the guys are making,” O’Neal added.

In a dominant performance, Clark, the standout player for the Indiana Fever, scored 31 points, made 12 assists, and grabbed 4 rebounds in 32 minutes of play. Meanwhile, Reese, the forward for the Chicago Sky, scored 10 points, had 2 assists, and secured 11 rebounds. The game ended with Clark and the Fever securing a 100-81 victory over Reese and the Sky.

The post Shaquille O’Neal Believes WNBA Players Should Get Similar Contracts To NBA Players To Put Both Leagues On The Same Page originally published on Total Pro Sports.

WNBA fans hit out on Chicago Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon over what they perceived to be her conscious effort to help rookie star Angel Reese pad her stats during garbage time of their 100-81 loss to the Indiana Fever on Friday at home.

Despite being down by 25 points at one point late in the contest and the game already settled, Weatherspoon still decided to keep their prized rookie in the game, which eventually saw Reese notch another double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds to set a new rookie record.

Fans had misgivings on the move of the first-year Sky coach, taking to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts:

One fan urged Weatherspoon to have some shame and question her coaching style, saying:

“Angel Reese in the game and they down 25 looking to stat pad and you wonder why players requesting a trade come on T Spoon have some shame.”

Another one along the same line commented:

“Angel Reese out here in garbage time trying to get her double double. Sides not yelling at Weatherspoon like a clown.’”

“‘Angel Reese still in the game just to get that double-double. Teresa Weatherspoon something else,” a fan asserted.

One user, for its part, detailed some flaws in the coaching of Weatherspoon, writing:

“Teresa Weatherspoon has zero control over her team. DeShields committing multiple flagrant fouls on Caitlin Clark and then allowing Angel Reese to chase a garbage time double double. The only stat that matters is wins and losses. Westherspoon and Reese need to understand that.’”

Some of the comments. meanwhile, highlighted how Weatherspoon’s move somehow unfortunately diminished what Reese has accomplished so far.

“Down 24 points and Witherspoon keeps her in to specifically get it against Fever players rarely in games. This is why this double-double thing is beyond ridiculous,” one fan pointed out.

One comment from a user said:

“Reese still in to get her double double after Fever cleared their bench… Congrats on that ‘record’ Angel.”

“Theresa weatherspoon leaving Reese in the game still after a terrible performance to let them fluke a** double double stats keep goin is crazy lol,” another of the comments read.

One comment, meanwhile, underscored how the move was of bad taste, saying:

“That double double record is such a lousy record… she just broke the record against the Fever bench. That is total bush league.”

While Reese got her double-double, she obviously struggled against the Fever, taking only nine attempts and making four of them while also being hounded by foul trouble in her 32 minutes on the floor.

Angel Reese sets a new double-double record for a rookie in game against Fever

While her latest double-double was not pretty, Angel Reese still made history by setting a new record for double-doubles for a rookie with her 10 points and 11 rebounds in their 100-81 loss to the Indiana Fever on Friday.

The double-double was her 23rd of the season, breaking the previous record of 22 set by WNBA legend Tina Charles while she was with the Houston Comets. Reese also broke the rookie rebounding record also previously held by Charles by taking her total for the season to 399 boards.

Angel Reese got her 23rd double-double with 1:32 left in their game against the Fever when the outcome was already settled. She has the opportunity to extend the record in their next game against the Minnesota Lynx on the road on Sunday.

From cleaning floors at a record label to the world’s sexiest rock star: the incredible life of Bon Jovi

The musician, who turns 62 today, knew he wanted to be a rock star in high school. His mother, one of the first Playboy bunnies, had encouraged his interest in music. The rise to fame of a musician who tried everything, but chose to remain faithful to his high school sweetheart and become a family man

Jon Bon Jovi kicked off 2024 with a recognition of his career and altruism at the MusiCares Person of the Year Gala in Los Angeles, California (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)

John Francis Bongiovi, better known as Jon Bon Jovi, could be said to have been born with a guitar in his hands. He had the privilege of growing up in a family that, in addition to encouraging his musical side, accompanied him on the path to his dreams. When he was seven years old, he received his first guitar as a gift. It was the idea of ​​his mother, Carol Sharkey, a Beatles fanatic, who had connections to the world of entertainment. She was one of the first Playboy bunnies. His father was a barber, but when he met Carol he was a soldier in the Navy. John is the couple’s firstborn. Later, his brothers Matthew and Anthony were born.

“I’m going to be a rock star ,” he announced to his family one day while in high school in his hometown of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He was not a good student. Nor did he have much interest in studying music. He said that once, frustrated, he threw his guitar down the stairs of his house and dropped out of school. When he reconciled with his family, he gained momentum and took up his studies seriously. He took piano, violin and trumpet lessons. Together with his friend David Bryan, he founded his first band called Atlantic City Expressway.

In 1978, this friend managed to get into the Juilliard School of Music in New York. John accompanied his friend, with the support of his family. There he got a job as a cleaning staff at a recording studio. And it was there, secretly, that he recorded his first song , Runaway , on a cassette , which had taken him no more than a week to write. He did so to send it to a radio contest, where his musical career took off. Because of this song, which was successful and heard throughout the United States, he got his first record contract in 1983 with Polygram. At the same time that he chose his stage name, Jon Bon Jovi, he had to sign his bandmates as well because of the requirements of the contract. He chose David Bryan, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres and Alec Such.

Jon Bon Jovi in ​​concert, 1987 (Getty)

At concerts, the audience was dominated by women. It was the eighties, the era of bands with long hair wearing tights or tight pants. And Bon Jovi was a hit. His attractive image did not always work in his favor. The man who was named the sexiest rock star by People magazine in 2000 once said: “I am a composer, I write songs and I am dedicated to entertainment. I can’t help it if they say I am a pretty boy, I just try not to pay attention to that,” he said in an interview he gave in 1987.

In his early days with the band, he was forced to break off his relationship with his high school classmate, Dorothea Hurley, who is now his long-time wife . In those days, showing “availability” in front of fans was a requirement for singers. Not to mention gays who had to appear heterosexual and without a girlfriend. Dorothea was the cool, rebellious girl at school who Jon loved from the first moment. “ We fell in love and we didn’t separate, we didn’t even go to the prom or the dance. That night we ran away to the beach to listen to music and go for rides in his car,” the musician recalled.

Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora (Getty)

Like all stars, they end up dating other stars. Jon had a passionate romance with actress Diane Lane, who was at the height of her career, starring in films directed by Francis Ford Coppola (The Outsiders , Cotton Club ). The musician was also riding the crest of the eighties wave. The relationship of this couple, which had a lot of chemistry, lasted only five months. She, who enjoyed losing control at parties, ended up in the arms of her bandmate, guitarist Richie Sambora , a fundamental piece of the band, with his long solos and arrangements.

Slippery When Wet – with 14 million copies it was one of the 100 best-selling albums in the world – and had several hit songs, such as Never say Goodbye , Wanted Dead or Alive , Livin’ On a Prayer and You give a love a bad name (”You give love a bad name”), the latter is believed to be dedicated to Diane Lane. After this resounding success worldwide, Jon felt the need to get back with Dorothea. “I fell in love with her the moment I saw her for the first time. I could never forget her,” said the rocker in an interview.

The wedding was a secret in Las Vegas. Even for her. He took her up on a helicopter and asked her to marry him. “Our last album had gone to number one. I was happy, so I looked at Dorothea and said ‘I have an idea, let’s get married now! ‘. She asked me if I was crazy, but I told her that this was the perfect time… So we ran to Nevada!”, he told Men’s Health magazine in 2010. And since then, they have been together. Jon Bon Jovi must be one of the few rockers with a stable love life. With her he had 4 children: Stephanie Rose (1993) Jesse James Louis (1995), Jacob Hurley (2002) and Romeo Jon (2004).

American singer, songwriter and guitarist Jon Bon Jovi and his girlfriend Dorothea in 1985 (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)

Before his first daughter was born, the artist suffered from acute depression. It was during a tour that had him playing for 16 months without a break. It was 1991 and the frenetic pace imposed by worldwide fame was a pressure he could not bear. The collapse was physical and mental. “My wife asked me to stop and I knew I had to. One day, on my way to see my psychiatrist, I thought about jumping out of the moving car,” he confessed to the Sunday Mail. It is not that he has been cured permanently, but he managed to overcome it and his family was later key to achieving balance. For Jon, Dorothea is his grounding wire.

The couple is highly regarded for their altruism. Just this year, Jon Bon Jovi was recognized as person of the year at the MusicCares gala, both for his contribution to music and his philanthropic work. At the event, he presented a new song, Legendary , and then performed on stage with another personality from New Jersey, his friend Bruce Springsteen.

Jon Bon Jovi and family at the 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Auditorium on April 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images For The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame)

Regarding his relationship with drugs, he said that he had tried them and soon knew what they were and knew that if he let them go he wouldn’t be able to handle them. So he decided to put them aside, revealed the singer, who, although he never made the media talk, doesn’t consider himself a saint either. He admitted to being one of those fathers who doesn’t attend birthdays or school events because of his career, his tours. But that doesn’t mean that he has always been and continues to be a family man.

The couple, who love their roots and feel satisfied by having built a family with values, help the community in different ways. Since 2006 they have had a restaurant called Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, New Jersey. It is not a luxury restaurant, nor is it served by professional waiters. The menu is presented without prices, only a suggested donation of 10 dollars per serving. And those who want to fill their stomach without having to pay can give back with voluntary work.

This action is one of many they carry out. They build homes for homeless people and also a center for teenage mothers and their children, among other things.

In 2020, he put his French-style mansion in New Jersey, located in Rumson, on the banks of the Navesink River, on the street of the same name, in the most exclusive part of Monmouth County, up for sale. The sale value was around $20 million . The property was built to his liking in 1999 and was the place where his children grew up. Now the silver-haired musician can be seen in Palm Beach, in the state of Florida, enjoying a much milder climate than the cruel winters of New Jersey. He first bought a house in Miami and at the end of 2020 he moved to an exclusive mansion in Palm Beach.

“Jon Bon Jovi’s Wife’s Sweet Confession of Love in Her Yearbook: A Treasure From the Past”

Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley met in high school and have maintained a strong relationship for more than 35 years

Jon Bon Jovi fondly recalled the note Dorothea Hurley wrote to him in his high school yearbook (REUTERS/Getty Images)

Legendary rocker Jon Bon Jovi , 62, surprised everyone by sharing a touching high school yearbook note written by his wife Dorothea Hurley during his appearance on Kelly Clarkson’s talk show. The two met in history class and began a relationship that has lasted for more than three decades.

In his conversation with Clarkson, Bon Jovi recalled how he fell in love with Hurley. “ I fell in love with the girl who sat next to me in history class ,” he said.

During the show, he also revealed the message Hurley left him in his yearbook, which referenced one of John’s first songs titled “Bobby’s Girl.”

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“ John, write a sequel to ‘Bobby’s Girl’ but call it ‘She’s Johnny’s Now.’ Love, Dot. ” Clearly moved, he explained that despite the nickname, he never calls his wife “Dot.”

The rocker shared how he fell in love with Hurley in history class (Disney/Hulu)

The singer also provided context about the reference to the song “ Bobby’s Girl .” He recounted that Dorothea was dating his friend Bobby, who joined the military along with two other of his best friends. “ It was my senior year of high school and I just fell in love ,” he added.

The couple’s relationship was cemented with a fleeting wedding in 1989 at the Graceland Chapel in Las Vegas. They have raised a family of four children: Stephanie (31 years old) , Jesse (29 years old) , Jake (22 years old) and Romeo (20 years old) .

In recent months, the renowned rocker has made headlines with statements about his marriage while promoting projects such as the documentary Thank You Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story , from Hulu.

The singer and Hurley’s wedding took place in a chapel in Las Vegas in 1989. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum)

In an interview with The Independent , he admitted: “ It’s about never lying about being a saint .” During a more explicit conversation with Michael Strahan on Good Morning America, the singer reaffirmed that he was not saying “ that there haven’t been 100 girls in my life, I’m Jon Bon Jovi . It was pretty cool.”

She added: “If you think I would ever jeopardize my… Anything, to believe that the narcissist in me was real? What stupidity. What kind of excesses does a man need to fuel that fire?  It’s just not worth it.”

The couple have been together for more than three decades since meeting in high school (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)

Despite admitting to not being a “saint,” Bon Jovi praised his wife and her pivotal role in keeping the family together.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that this world turns because of her. Because of what she did to keep the kids focused, what she does to keep me focused, what we do together to keep everything focused. She’s certainly not afraid to challenge me on something, but she’s also there when I fall . And I’m there for her when she falls,” the musician expressed.

The yearbook message included a reference to an early Bon Jovi song (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

The family has recently celebrated some major milestones. Son Jesse married Jesse Light at the same Las Vegas chapel in May.

Additionally, various outlets reported that his youngest son, Jake , secretly married Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown in a low-key and romantic ceremony. Bon Jovi described the ceremony as “small” and “beautiful.”

Jon Bon Jovi confirmed that the “Stranger Things” actress and the model sealed their love in an intimate wedding (Drew Gurian/Invision/AP/Instagram)

Jon Bon Jovi and the stability of marriage

The performer stressed that stability at home has been paramount, even amid the “ wonderful clichés of rock stardom ”. As he told The Independent , “It’s about never lying about being a saint, but also not being so stupid as to mess up life at home.”

As for his music career, the “ Livin’ on a Prayer ” singer reflected on his unwavering dedication and ambition to get better every day. “ What really mattered was outperforming everyone else ,” he noted.

Recently, Bon Jovi faced significant challenges with his vocal cords, leading him to consider retirement if his voice did not meet the desired standards. Following surgery, he adopted a new perspective on “embracing the day” and appreciating happiness.

Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley have four children: Stephanie (31 years old), Jesse (29 years old), Jake (22 years old) and Romeo (20 years old) (REUTERS/Aaron Josefczyk)

Harry’s mid-life crisis: As prince turns 40 and remains estranged from family, old friends say he is ‘lost’

Royal recap: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed in Colombia — but not at Prince William’s eventual coronation’Royal recap: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed in Colombia — but not at Prince William’s eventual coronation’

Prince Harry is preparing to turn 40 on September 15 — but it is pretty safe to assume his brother, Prince William, the future King of England, won’t be wishing him a happy birthday.

The renegade royal will enter his fifth decade with an A-list party organized by his wife Meghan Markle, 42, Page Six is told.

But it will be in Montecito, California, 5,000 miles away from the father and brother he grew up with after the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, when he was just 12 years old.

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Meghan Markle is organizing a party to celebrate Prince Harry’s 40th birthday on September 15 — but as he hits middle age, he’s more estranged from his brother than ever.ERNESTO GUZMAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

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Harry will be 5,000 miles away from his father and brother as he celebrates his 40th.Archewell Foundation via Getty Images

This week, Harry was in the same room with William for the first time in over a year — but there was no thawing of the frost that set in after Harry’s infamous Oprah Winfrey interview and the publication of his memoir, “Spare.” It’s said the two brothers, once thick as thieves, did not speak, and William does not want Harry at his own eventual coronation.

Harry, who left the royal family for life in America in 2020, flew back to his homeland to attend a memorial for his uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, a long-time royal courtier who was married to Princess Diana’s sister, Lady Jane Fellowes.

“William is not speaking to Harry,” said one source. “Harry is not the issue here.”

Another royal insider who has known them both said, “William is furious. I’m not sure what can ever be done to mend fences.”

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The Sussexes went on a recent tour of Colombia to promote mental health causes.Archewell Foundation via Getty Images

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Harry, seen here in Colombia, is said to be comfortable with his life in California.Archewell Foundation via Getty Images
William, 42, was sent over the edge when Harry wrote in his book about Kate Middleon, blaming her for encouraging him to wear a Nazi costume to a party in 2005. Middleton and King Charles, who have both been battling cancer, were the accused in another book, by reported Markle confidant Omid Scobie, as the “racist” royals who asked what color Harry and Markle’s mixed-race children would be.

On Thursday, both brothers attended the service for Fellowes at St Mary’s Church in Snettisham, close to the royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

However, onlookers said they stood far apart from each other and did not talk.

The Reverend Dan Tansey, who oversaw the service, admitted he was surprised to see both William and Harry at the service which was attended by around 300 people.

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Harry (center) was just 12 when his mother, Princess Diana, died. He will now spend his 40th birthday without his father, King Charles (second from right), and brother, Prince William (second from left)./PA Images/Alamy Images/Sipa USA
He told the Daily Mail, “It was only as I was thanking the congregation as they left that Prince William was shaking my hand, and then very quickly after that, so did Prince Harry.

“It was a surprise but a really pleasant one that they had both come, but maybe less shocking that William was there … I don’t recollect them speaking to each other but there were a lot of family members and friends speaking to them.”

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, seen at Prince Archie’s christening in July 2019, have been feuding with the royal family since they quit the UK in 2020.CHRIS ALLERTON HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX
The last time the brothers were in the same place was at King Charles’ coronation last May, and Harry flew back to the US that same day.

As sources told Page Six earlier this summer, Harry would be happy to reunite with his father if he the king allows him and his family — including Markle, son Archie, 5, and daughter Lilibet. 3 — to have royal security in the UK.

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Markle is organizing a birthday bash for her husband.Alexi Lubomirski / Duke and Duch
“King Charles can give Harry the security clearance he wants so desperately. As the monarch, he is the ultimate decision maker. That would be how father and son can reconcile,” said one royal source.

Harry has repeatedly said he will not bring his wife and children to the UK as long as he does not receive official police security. He and Markle lost their taxpayer-funded police protection detail after they stepped down from being working royals and moved to America.

To this, a palace source told us: “Security provision is decided upon exclusively by a committee called RAVEC in which His Majesty is not involved, though the [royal] household is represented.”

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William (front, with Markle, Harry and wife Kate Middleton) no longer talks to his brother.Getty Images
People magazine reported in July that Harry has attempted to call Charles, but his calls go “unanswered”.

What is clear is that Harry does not plan on opening up yet more fractions with his family. He will not be adding any updates to a paperback version of his bombshell memoir “Spare” when it is released this fall.

As Harry turns 40, sources say he has become “more comfortable” in California and within his life.

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The last time Middleton, William, Harry and Markle — once dubbed the “fab four” — were together was at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.ZUMAPRESS.com
“I think he has his convictions and he is determined, but I also think he’s more unburdened than before,” said a friend.

When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex originally signed a three-book deal with Random House as part of a rumored $20 million contract, announced in 2021, Page Six was told it included Harry’s memoir, a book which Harry and Markle were set to write together and a book from Markle herself.

But we’re now told there are no plans for any more books.

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Both Harry and William this week attended the funeral of their uncle Sir Robert Fellowes (second from left).Getty Images
The Sussexes are currently working with their Archewell Foundation and tied in a recent faux-royal tour of Columbia with plans to promote mental health for young people.

As for the launch of Markle’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, sources say that’s still up in the air.

“That is a whole other story,” said one Sussex source.

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Harry talks this aunt, Lady Jane Fellowes, and uncle Earl Spencer, during the unveiling of a statue of Diana, Princess of Wales, in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace in July 2021.Getty Images
While her Netflix lifestyle show will debut next year, the couple’s deal with the streamer is also set to end in 2025.

Meanwhile, Harry’s latest chief of staff, Josh Kettle, recently left the job after just three months just before their Columbia trip.

A Sussex pal in California said of the couple, “They are happy and enjoying their lives. You could see that from their trip to Columbia.”

But one longtime friend told the Sunday Times recently that he may have an “enviable lifestyle,” on the surface but, “or the Harry I know, I can’t imagine that gilded exile in California is where he wanted to end up.”

Tаylor Swіft fаnѕ SLAM Rіhаnnа’ѕ boyfrіend A$AP Rocky for referencіng ѕіnger on controverѕіаl new ѕong..

A$AP Rocky is set to release a new song titled ‘Tailor Swif’ on Thursday which is an obvious play on the Cruel Summer singer’s name – and Swifties are less than thrilled over it.

The Good For You rapper, 35 – who recently insisted his sons RZA and Riot will have a normal childhood – also released controversial artwork along with the single’s announcement on Thursday on social media.

However, Swifties immediately took to X to express their disappointment that Rihanna’s boyfriend was ‘using her name for clout.’

‘The obsession of male rappers with Taylor needs to be studied,’ one fan wrote, seemingly referencing to Taylor’s feud with Kanye West, which began back in 2009.

Another typed out, ‘Why does every male want beef with taylor swift? it’s weird,’ followed by a crying emoji.

 

 

A$AP Rocky is set to release a new song titled, Tailor Swif, on Thursday which is an obvious play on the Cruel Summer singer’s name – and Swifties are less than thrilled over it; seen earlier this month in London

The Good For You rapper also released controversial artwork along with the single’s announcement on Thursday on social media; seen in 2023 in Milan

‘Trying to get Taylor’s clout,’ a social media user shared, while one penned, ‘imagine how tired we are.’

One Taylor Swift fan also added, ‘Desperate for a hit so they have to include the industry someway or somehow.’

‘Bruh we don’t need this,’ another wrote, while one user on X typed, ‘who industry wants clout for her name.’

Another Swiftie also penned, ‘men won’t stop using her name for clout,’ as well as ‘can these men leave her alone…’

Tailor Swif appears to be a single off A$AP Rocky’s upcoming fourth studio album called, Don’t Be Dumb.

The LP was initially slated to drop on Friday, August 30 – but due to ‘leaks’ and ‘sample clearances,’ the music artist postponed the release to Fall 2024.

A$AP Rocky – whose real name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers – previously sang about the Bad Blood songstress last year in Miami during the Rolling Loud festival.

The rapper notably performed three unreleased songs that have been cut from Don’t Be Dumb, including a track titled Wetty (Taylor Swift).

However, Swifties immediately took to X to express their disappointment that Rihanna’s boyfriend was ‘using her name for clout’

‘The obsession of male rappers with Taylor needs to be studied,’ one fan wrote, seemingly referencing to Taylor’s feud with Kanye West, which began back in 2009

Another typed out, ‘Why does every male want beef with taylor swift ? it’s weird,’ followed by a crying emoji

Another Swiftie also penned, ‘men won’t stop using her name for clout,’ as well as ‘can these men leave her alone…’

Swift’s name has made appearances in other songs in the past, such as in tracks by rapper Kanye West – who also goes by Ye.

A feud between the pair began in 2009 when the Heartless hitmaker interrupted Taylor’s acceptance speech during the MTV Video Music Awards.

Afterwards, the pair put the past behind them and became friends – until he dropped the track, Famous, in 2016 which reignited the rift.

Lyrics included, ‘I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/Why? I made that b***h famous (Godd***)/I made that b***h famous.’

The songstress said she was not aware of the lyrics in the song before its release, while his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, told GQ that Swift had ‘approved’ of it.

‘She totally knew that that was coming out. She wanted to all of a sudden act like she didn’t. I swear, my husband gets so much s*** for things [when] he really was doing proper protocol and even called to get it approved.’

A source later told People, ‘Taylor was never made aware of the actual lyrics, “I made that b***h famous.”‘

Most recently, West mentioned Swift once again on the song, Lifestyle (Demo), off the Vultures 2 album with Ty Dolla $ign. Her NFL boyfriend, Travis Kelce, was also mentioned.

A feud between the pair began in 2009 when the Heartless hitmaker interrupted Taylor’s acceptance speech during the MTV Video Music Awards (seen above)

‘I twist my Taylor spliffs tight at the end like Travis Kelce,’ Kanye could be heard rapping in the lyrics.

Last year, Drake also brought up Swift’s name in the track, Red Button – which is on the album For All The Dogs.

The lyrics included, ‘Taylor Swift the only n**** that I ever rated/ Only one could make me drop the album just a little later/Rest of y’all, I treat you like you never made it.’

A$AP Rocky’s album Don’t Be Dumb was set to drop on August 30, but he took to X earlier this month to explain the reasoning behind the delay.

He penned to his fans, ‘Leaks & sample clearances are disrupting the album. It’s been 6 years & I wanna make the best album ever. Im sorry for the wait.’

Last year, Drake also brought up Swift’s name in the track, Red Button – which is on the album For All The Dogs (seen above)

During a recent interview with Billboard, the rapper opened up about leaks in the industry and in regards to his own music.

‘At this point I’ve been working on music for six years, but they leak my music and I get over it and say, “F*** it.”‘

‘They leak a lot of the music and it ruins it. Like my Taylor Swift video. I was pissed off about it, so I never released it.’

Rocky collaborated with other rappers and producers on the album, such as Tyler, The Creator, Metro Boomin, Pharrell Williams and also Mike Dean.

‘At this point I’ve been working on music for six years, but they leak my music and I get over it and say, “F*** it’; seen in February in Milan

He explained that he had wanted director Tim Burton to help with the cover art, but due to scheduling conflicts, the pair weren’t able to find ample time to wok together.

However, the star revealed that the filmmaker has listened to Don’t Be Dumb.

‘I sat and I played the album for Tim Burton, and he was f***ing with it heavy,’ he said, and added Burton, ‘was rocking his head and he’s like, “Wow! I didn’t know you made that kind of music!”‘

Composer, Danny Elfman – who is known for creating music for an assortment of Tim Burton films – gave musical snippets which can be heard in tracks on the album.

Keep scrolling to read all of the lyrics to the song…

[Intro]

Hitkidd, what it do, man?

[Verse 1]

Shoot my shot, got her wet (Hoo)

Bet that’s all net, girl, that’s wetty

Ready, gave me all neck, I’ll be headin’, ready

Might just sign my ex-girl, on Malcolm and Eddie, already

Your ass might just go and get upset, don’t be petty, already

Smoke sess, so you stressed, boy, that’s Reggie, a ready

Got cadets in my set, who up next? Boy, they ready

She want sex, I profess my finesse (Hoo), who wetty

[Bridge]

For the punk shit, for the funk shit

For the thug shit, for the “Go dumb” shit

Get your gun shit (Gun shit), who got the funk shit? (Got the funk shit)

Fuck up the function (Function), who with the dumb shit? (Dumb shit)

“Don’t give a fuck” shit (“Don’t give a fuck” shit)

[Verse 2]

Eatin’ lamb chops on the block when we was broke (We was broke)

Even when I was poor, I was out here eatin’ goats (Eatin’ goats)

Mary had a lil’ lamb, but my momma need a coat

Yeah, I had a Shirlan and a Gucci link at four years old (Ahh, yeah)

[Chorus]

(A stick-up, stick-up kid; ah, ah)

I’m too swift, don’t tell Taylor ’bout this shit (Yeah, a stick-up kid)

I’m too swift (Yeah, yeah), now don’t tell Taylor ’bout this shit (Yeah, wetty, wetty)

Go to my tailor, got me dripped like (Yeah, wetty, wetty)

Go to my tailor (Wetty, wetty), got me dripped up than a bitch (Yeah, wetty, wetty)

(A stick-up, stick-up kid)

I’m too swift, don’t tell Taylor ’bout this shit (Yeah, a stick-up kid; yeah, wetty, wetty)

I’m too swift, don’t tell Taylor ’bout that (Yeah; wetty, wetty)

Go to my tailor (Wetty, wetty), got me dripped up in the pit (Yeah, wetty, wetty)

I’m too swift, don’t tell Taylor ’bout this sh— (Yeah; wetty, we—)

[Verse 3]

Was a stick-up kid, imagine all the shit I did (Yeah)

Violent, I was just a kid, I just fucked this feminist (Yeah)

Shawty, I ain’t feminine, why don’t you give my dick a kiss? (Yeah)

She tryna give my dick a kid, ridin’ on my strip again (Yeah)

Hidin’ through my window tint, hit a lick again (Yeah)

Got these niggas sick again, hit a lick again (Yeah)

We gon’ freak, we gon’ freak, we gon’ hold on (Yeah)

She on me, she on me, she on gold (Yeah), uh (She on gold, uh)

She on green, she on green, she on go, uh (She on go, uh)

I’m too G, she agree I’m a GOAT (GOAT)

Gotta keep a low prof’

Shawty might give me throat, bro

Chokin’ on me, no throat cold

Trickin’ on me, you hoes broke (Yeah)

[Chorus]

(A stick-up, stick-up kid; ah, ah)

I’m too swift, don’t tell Taylor ’bout this shit (Yeah, a stick-up kid)

I’m too swift (Yeah, yeah), now don’t tell Taylor ’bout this shit (Yeah, wetty, wetty)

Go to my tailor, got me dripped like (Yeah, wetty, wetty)

Go to my tailor (Wetty, wetty), got me dripped up than a bitch (Yeah, wetty, wetty)

(A stick-up, stick-up kid)

I’m too swift, don’t tell Taylor ’bout this shit (Yeah, a stick-up kid; yeah, wetty, wetty)

I’m too swift, don’t tell Taylor ’bout that (Yeah; wetty, wetty)

Go to my tailor (Wetty, wetty), got me dripped up in the pit (Yeah, wetty, wetty)

I’m too swift, don’t tell Taylor ’bout this sh— (Wetty, we—)

Tailor Swif

A$AP Rocky

Robert Parish was fortunate enough to add a fourth championship to his resume as a member of the Chicago Bulls in his last NBA season—at 43, he played in 43 regular season games and averaged 9.4 minutes per contest. Still, despite witnessing Michael Jordan’s greatness firsthand in their lone season together, The Chief couldn’t crown his former teammate as the greatest player ever.

robert-parish–michael-jordan© Provided by BasketballNetwork.net

“Michael didn’t beat great teams”

Whether it was Jordan’s hard-nosed and challenging leadership style or his ball-dominant playing style, Parish seemed to always have an issue with His Airness. However, that didn’t stop the Hall of Famer from giving MJ credit for leading the Bulls to two separate three-peats in the same decade.

Nevertheless, he did question how good the teams Jordan beat en route to basketball immortality were. Most notably, Robert mentioned Mike’s inability to overcome the Boston Celtics in the mid-80s and the Detroit Pistons in the late-80s.

“Michael didn’t beat great teams, in my opinion. Now think about this: When Larry, Kevin, and myself were in our heyday, he couldn’t beat us. He couldn’t get past the Pistons until Joe Dumars and Isiah got old. He couldn’t beat the Lakers in their prime. When he beat Phoenix, they only had one Hall of Famer.” Parish said on the ‘In The Post with Elvin Hayes’ podcast. “Now, don’t get me wrong now. Michael was great in his era. But the greatest of all time?”

Despite being swept by Boston in two consecutive playoff appearances, Jordan displayed unprecedented individual greatness in those series.

As a sophomore, MJ averaged 43.7 points per game in 1986, highlighted by an iconic 63-point Game 2 in a 135-131 double overtime loss—still the highest-scoring postseason performance in NBA history. The following year, Jordan once again led both teams in scoring with 35.7 points per game, with only two of his teammates—Charles Oakley and Gene Banks—averaging double digits in points.

In the 1988 second round, MJ was the best player in the series, but the Bulls lost to the Bad Boys in five games. In the 1989 ECF against the Pistons, Mike put up a series-high 29.7 points per contest, but that wasn’t enough for Chicago to beat Isiah Thomas and Co. The same was the case in the 1990 playoffs when the Bulls came one win away from reaching the NBA Finals but once again faltered against Detroit—Jordan averaged 32.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in that series and dropped 31 in Game 7.

So even though it took years for Jordan to finally lead his team to the first NBA championship, very few blame His Airness for it.

Parish picked Kareem as the GOAT

That wasn’t the only time Parish picked someone else as the GOAT over Jordan. During an appearance on Cedric Maxwell’s podcast, the Louisiana native said Kareem Abdul-Jabbar should be recognized as the greatest player ever simply because he had the most unstoppable shot ever.

“…Kareem’s skyhook was unstoppable. The jump hook and the skyhook are, in my opinion, the two most unstoppable weapons in basketball,” he said.

While his take is legit, and the legendary big man undoubtedly deserves more recognition in these debates, there’s a chance Robert’s back-and-forths with MJ impacted his opinion.

The older and older I get, the more and more I tend to think about my high school basketball team. Sometimes, if I think hard enough, I can still smell the gym and hear the creaks and moans of the tan floorboards under my Nike Shox. I can hear the “THUD” of the four green doors that led to the hallways of my school. I can still feel the butterflies in the pit of my stomach that I would have every time I got into the lay-up line when we had to face off against our town rival (Plainfield South).

They don’t tell you enough…© Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK 

It feels like I was rushing out of that unfortunately infamous back tunnel (long story for another day) with my green and white warmups with “33” on the chest both yesterday and a million years ago all the same.

I can’t tell you how much I miss it. How much I miss being a part of a team like that. How much I miss the bullshitting. How much I miss the passion. How much I miss being pushed in little ways to get the most out of my game. How much I missed pushing my teammates. How much I miss the sinking feeling in my stomach when I would wake on Saturday mornings after a hard loss the night before and knowing full well I was about to get my ass kicked.

They don’t tell you enough how little of THAT you get when you’re an adult. Sure you’re on “teams” at work but it’s not the same.

You don’t really have one consistent group of individuals all striving for something bigger. Striving to not only keep up with, but elevate the ceiling that was left behind by the juniors and seniors before you and those that came before them.

There was a standard. But standards are always able to be raised. And that was the goal.

It may have been a grind at times and I know I resented my coaches for how hard they were. But now? Oh what I wouldn’t give to have someone be in my ear trying to motivate me like that again.

Special times.

As I mentioned above, the collective “they” (aka the wiser and more, say, veteran presences in our lives) don’t tell you enough to soak all of that in while you’re actually in it. They don’t tell you enough about how fast it really does go. They don’t tell you enough how eventually your body will ultimately start to deceive you and despite all of that joy you get from diving after every loose ball now, pretty soon you’ll have a hard time getting up after changing your daughters diaper.

I suppose even if they did tell us, we still would’ve scoffed it off.

Oh the luxuries of being young(er).

Anyone that has participated on a team (sports, academic, work) that was able to successfully put together even a mildly successful run of wins knows how special and unique and complex and rare those times, those people, those situations truly are.

You never fully realize it or grasp it in the moment.

I suppose only time allows you the opportunity to have that 20/20 vision.

I say all of this because I kind of already feel that way about the last two years with Iowa women’s basketball. I feel like I was part of this in the smallest of ways. I feel like I’m going to look back on it with such respect and gratitude just like I do when I think about my own playing days and athletic accomplishments.

I’m sure I’m not alone in that feeling.

I also say all of this because I truly hope this incredible group of women have taken the time to understand and appreciate what they did together. I’m sure Lisa Bluder and her coaching staff have constantly expressed this message throughout this year and especially so during this run back to the National Championship, but I truly wish each and every one of those players were able to slow it all down and listen. I hope they were able to soak it all in. I hope they had the foresight and understanding to realize just how hard and how special this all really is.

So much has to go right. So many different people from different backgrounds, colors and creeds all have to come together as a unit and take one giant leap of faith after giant leap of faith after giant leap of faith in order for something like this to work…TWICE.

And when that’s not enough, perhaps even the cosmos need to align a little too:

“I think just reflecting back and soaking in everything that I was able to do because basically anybody other than me and Coach Bluder never thought this was possible.”

I used to not believe in fate as a kid…but boy do I believe in it now.

So much had to go right for all of this to happen at Iowa. If one thing would’ve gone differently, Caitlin Clark is probably at UConn.

Just one conversation could’ve changed all of our lives completely.

Isn’t that kind of crazy to think about? If Geno Auriemma makes a phone call or takes a plane ride to Des Moines, I would probably be sitting here bitching about the Iowa quarterback situation and yelling into the void like I normally do.

I should really send him flowers.

Had he taken a peak at 22, I probably wouldn’t have a million pictures of my kid dressed in a black “22” jersey. I wouldn’t have written what I believe are some of the best pieces I’ve ever put out to you all. I wouldn’t understand how BIG of a moment this really was for women’s athletics.

My eyes would still be shut.

But because everything aligned, I instead got to watch Caitlin Clark and Gabbie Marshall and Kate Martin and Hannah Stuelke and Sydney Affolter and Molly Davis and Kylie Feuerbach and Addison O’Grady and Monika Czinano or McKenna Warnock shine together.

And yes, they shined together.

Everyone knows that Caitlin Clark is special. I don’t really need to go through all of the accolades anymore. It’s not debatable despite everyone trying to do exactly that. You can take your arguments and have them look into the eclipse. Nobody has meant more or will mean more to women’s college basketball than she will. She is the single greatest women’s college basketball player of all time…even if she’s missing a ring.

I’m already making plans to go to New York with another Girl Dad and his daughters to see her play the Liberty (and I don’t know if I’d travel to New York for $5,000 cash and a free meal).

But that’s the pull of CC.

Hell, SNL did an entire opening sketch about her and the gravity she has in the national zeitgeist (and yes I realize I may be one of the last people on this earth that think that’s both one of the coolest pieces of this entire stretch and a true barometer on how CRAZY this whole thing has become).

But what’s even cooler to me right now is how much those little moments with everyone else mattered, too. Caitlin was the spotlight and deservedly so, but that doesn’t mean for one second that what those other women did all year long beside her will ever be forgotten.

No sir.

No ma’am.

Those women made her better. Those women raised their level of play to match hers night in and night out.

I’m sorry for beating the same drum again…but man is that special.

CC said as much above and has for her entire career at Iowa – there is no CC without Lisa Bluder or her teammates.

And there is surely no back-to-back national championship appearances without those teammates that made plays when she couldn’t. That did the dirty work to get the ball back in her hands. That defended like their life was on the line. That did all the little things that go so unnoticed to the average viewer.

I suppose I didn’t realize it then, but I realize it now… We truly got to see their own individual GOAT performances night in and night out, too. Each and every one of them achieved a level I bet they never even thought possible.

I guess that’s why they say a rising tide lifts all boats.

And it’s those moments, those times, those memories that they (and us) will all come back to. Sure, they (and we) will talk and think about the insanity that was Caitlin Clark and all of those buckets that send chills down your spine.

BUT the goosebumps will also come when thinking about Gabbie Marshall’s blocked shot against West Virginia or Hannah Stuelke’s graceful performance against UConn or all of those Dirk like one-legged fade aways Kate Martin hit in CRUCIAL moments or every single time Sydney Affolter just made a fucking play after stepping into the starting lineup after Molly Davis unfortunately went down with an injury.

I could keep going. I’m sure you all will in the comments below.

And I suppose that’s the point here. Drink it all in. Savor what we just witnessed.

Everyone.

This season I’ve talked a lot about being lucky and how truly blessed we are as Hawkeye fans. How fortunate it has been getting to see this all take place on our campus and in our city. But now that the journey is over and a new chapter of Iowa basketball is about to begin, I think we’re just as fortunate to be able to have shared these memories with the women that made them.

They pushed and pulled and earned everything they accomplished this season and we all got to indulge in their rewards.

They don’t tell you enough how beautiful it all really is…

The don’t tell you enough how important it is to all of our lives…

They don’t tell you enough how much it all meant…

They don’t tell you enough…until it’s all over

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jessica Biel is enjoying a very rare mother-son night out!

The 42-year-old 7th Heaven actress brought along 9-year-old son Silas Timberlake to check out a tennis match at the 2024 U.S. Open on Thursday (August 29) at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York.

For the match, Jessica looked chic in a cream-colored pantsuit while Silas wore a green and blue striped Ralph Lauren shirt, khaki pants, and blue sneakers.

If you didn’t know, Jessica shares Silas and his 4-year-old brother Phineas with husband Justin Timberlake.

In an interview from back in May, Jessica opened up about their family moving to Nashville and shared some rare comments about Silas growing up.

If you missed it, a source recently shared some insight into Jessica and Justin‘s relationship following his DWI arrest.

Photos: Getty Images