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Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas trucked Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark in the third quarter of Wednesday’s game, but if she thought she hurt her, she was wrong.

Caitlin Clark (Photo via WNBA/Twitter)

The Indiana Fever rookie phenom has had her fair share of bumps and bruises throughout her first WNBA campaign, but the WNBA break at the Olympics certainly helped her get a bit stronger as the season progressed.

Clark was trying to chase a Sun player in the third quarter when Connecticut center Alyssa Thomas came up and laid her out with a vicious pick.

Caitlin Clark hit the court hard after making contact with Thomas’ right shoulder.

Despite the hard shot, Clark did not have to leave the game at all. In fact, she could be seen with a scary reaction as she stuck her tongue out to the crowd to let them know she was a warrior.

After the game, Caitlin Clark was asked about the concerning hit she took during the contest.

The Indiana Fever rookie phenom admitted that it “hurt” but wasn’t shocked by it since basketball can be quite the physical sport.

Caitlin Clark Previously Spoke On Hitting The Weight Room And Getting Stronger

Not for the first time this season, Caitlin Clark found herself on the end of some brutal shots in her rookie year.

Indiana Fever hosted the Connecticut Sun when the rookie was caught by a hefty bodycheck and sent crashing to the court during the game.

The violent move came from Connecticut center Alyssa Thomas and was called a common foul.

Caitlin Cark wasn’t hurt and wouldn’t leave the game.

Things have changed since she first started her WNBA career.

Taking hits and being pushed around was the reason why she decided to hit the weights and get bigger.

“I’m small, but I try to hold my own the best I can,” Clark told reporters earlier this month, per Andrew Crane from the New York Post.

“… I don’t know, I think I’m discreetly strong. I’m never gonna be the strongest person. I know that. I try to put on some weight, and I’ve been working hard in the weight room. Obviously, there’s some limits to that and what I can do, obviously being in the season, but over the course of the last three weeks or so, we’ve all been going pretty hard in the weight room.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8uFztFkFC4

Caitlin Clark© Provided by Next Impulse Sports

On Saturday morning, WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark was officially left off of the Team USA roster ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic games in a decision that shocked many fans around the country, given her surge in popularity in recent months and years. But the reason for that decision has now been revealed.

According to a report from Christine Brennan of USA Today, Caitlin Clark was left off of the Team USA roster due to concern about how fans would react to the limited playing time she was expected to receive if she did make the veteran-heavy roster.

“Two other sources, both long-time U.S. basketball veterans with decades of experience in the women’s game, told USA TODAY Sports Friday that concern over how Clark’s millions of fans would react to what would likely be limited playing time on a stacked roster was a factor in the decision making. If true, that would be an extraordinary admission of the tension that this multi-million-dollar sensation, who signs autographs for dozens of children before and after every game, has caused for the old guard of women’s basketball. The two people spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter,” Brennan wrote for USA Today.

While Clark is among the most exciting players in the league, she is not quite as proven as the other players who made the roster. So even if she did make the roster, she was unlikely to get all that much playing time.

For Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and girlfriend Taylor Swift, the Super Bowl will be a blended family affair.

The 14-time Grammy winner landed in Los Angeles on Saturday and flew into Las Vegas before kickoff on February 11. TMZ purchased a suite at Allegiant Stadium that cost well over $1 million. The suite’s guest list includes Swift’s parents, Andrea and Scott, her younger brother, Austin, and his girlfriend, Sydney Ness.

This Super Bowl isn’t the first Chiefs game Austin and Sydney have attended. They joined Swift for the Chiefs’ 23-20 win over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 1. Austin, who dressed as Santa Claus, and Sydney, were also by Swift’s side during the Chiefs’ loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Day.

Austin has been dating Sydney, a model and photographer, for nearly two years, according to People. Along with Selena Gomez, the Haim sisters, and Ashley Avignone, Sydney joined Swift’s July 4th party last summer. Swift shared photos from the all-girls party on Instagram.

“You have pulled me out of fires and carried me up mountains. The gift of getting to witness you become the wonderful person you are today has been the greatest privilege and honor of my life.”

In December 2020, he hyped up Swift’s Evermore album. He wrote on Instagram, “As a brother and friend I couldn’t be more proud, as a lifelong fan I am thrilled beyond words, as a human being I am simply dumbfounded at this level of artistry and depth of insight into what it is to love and to lose and to simply exist. Now please stop reading this and go listen to evermore by @taylorswift !!!!”

Most recently, he joined Swift at the 2024 Grammys, where she became the first artist in the show’s history to with Album of the Year four times. His older sister also surprised everyone by announcing her new album, The Tortured Poets Department, will drop on April 19.

In the wake of Britney Spears’ shocking post on social media, where she shared a naked video and expressed her desire to “disappear,” fans and the media alike have been eagerly awaiting responses from those close to the pop icon. Among those who have been scrutinized for their reactions is none other than Justin Timberlake, Spears’ former partner and fellow pop sensation. Timberlake’s response, or lack thereof, has sparked significant curiosity and speculation.

The relationship between Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake has long been a subject of public interest, especially given their high-profile romance in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In recent years, particularly with the #FreeBritney movement gaining momentum, attention has intensified regarding their past dynamics and Timberlake’s role in Spears’ life.

As news of Spears’ distressing video spread rapidly across social media platforms, fans eagerly looked to Timberlake’s channels for any sign of reaction. However, the pop star maintained silence on the matter, leaving many to wonder about his thoughts and feelings regarding Spears’ vulnerable statement.

Some speculate that Timberlake’s silence could be a strategic move to avoid further entanglement in Spears’ ongoing legal battles and the broader #FreeBritney movement. Given the heightened scrutiny surrounding Timberlake’s past actions, particularly his treatment of Spears following their breakup, any public statement from him could potentially reignite controversies and draw unwanted attention.

Others argue that Timberlake’s silence reflects a more genuine and respectful approach to Spears’ personal struggles. In recent years, Timberlake has faced criticism for his past behavior towards Spears, including his handling of their breakup and the narrative he perpetuated through his music and public appearances. His decision to refrain from commenting publicly on Spears’ video could be seen as a step towards acknowledging his own past mistakes and prioritizing Spears’ well-being over his own public image.

Despite the speculation and debate surrounding Timberlake’s response, it is essential to recognize the complexity of the situation and the sensitivities involved. Spears’ public struggles with mental health and her ongoing legal battles to regain control of her life have sparked widespread conversations about the treatment of celebrities and the importance of empathy and support.

As the world continues to watch and speculate about Britney Spears’ well-being, Justin Timberlake’s response, or lack thereof, serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame, relationships, and personal struggles in the spotlight. Whether he chooses to break his silence or continues to remain quiet, one thing is certain: the public’s interest in the lives of these iconic pop figures will persist, shaping discussions about mental health, privacy, and the responsibilities of those in the spotlight.

 

Before, Britney Spears has said a farewell to fans on Instagram after sharing a naked video a few days prior.

Over the last few years or so, the 42-year-old hitmaker has become renowned for her raunchy online content and racy dance videos. But in her most recent Instagram post, Britney shared that she doesn’t always want to post online.

Sharing an angelic photo on her page, the star wrote: “Some days I want to be here on Instagram but most days I disappear … It’s a gift and so is saying goodbye.”

It is not yet known if Britney is saying a permanent or temporary goodbye to her platform which boasts 42.4million followers. However, the Baby One More Time singer has recently revealed that she is feeling too weak to post on social media as she’s currently fasting.

Britney Spears has said she’s ‘saying goodbye’ after stripping off on Instagram (Image: Getty Imag
Britney shard the details of her new health journey with fans online. In a lengthy post, she wrote: “I have started intermittened fasting this week!!!

“It can make you feel weak for a few days but then you get a natural high from all the toxins being release … I actually feel a little too tiny and weak to even think about shooting for Instagram right now!!!

“But honestly, I like this spiritual dimension I’m on … I think we all have our level of prayer … I think I’ve experienced pretty low levels but also the highest levels as well!!!

The pop star has said she “wants to disapperar” (Image: Instagram)
She added: “It’s purification in its utmost way and to go into your body and mind to find your most enlightened state of consciousness seems so rad !!! Here’s a book I’ve been reading to stay inspired … have a good weekend, my friends!!!”

Britney recently set temperatures skyrocketing as she stripped completely naked for a stunning beach clip. Posing up a storm, the singer’s hair tumbled over her shoulders as she gave a naughty look down the camera lens.

Britney recently set temperatures skyrocketing as she stripped completely naked for a stunning beach clip (Image: Instagram)
Allowing fans to have full view of peachy bottom, Britney stood confidently on the sandy beach. Covering her modesty, she added heart emojis to the short clip so fans would not be able to see her chest. Captioning the video, she wrote: “So you see the pics are real … The video is a little blurry though.”

Whoopi Goldberg is defending Vice President Kamala Harris from attacks coming her way as she launches her campaign for the Democratic nominee for president.

On this morning’s episode of The View, Goldberg annihilated conservative politicians like Rep. Tim Burchett who are claiming Harris is a “DEI hire.”

Goldberg begun the segment by telling the audience that Republicans “have been ramping up their attacks on why she’s unfit to serve” and playing a clip of Burchett telling CNN that Harris is “mediocre” and “100% … a DEI hire.”

(Editor’s Note: The View is currently on hiatus; contrary to what you may have heard, The View was not canceled today. This article was originally published on July 23, 2024 when this episode first aired. The View will return with new episodes in September.)

In the clip, Burchett says, “First off, [Joe Biden] says he’s gonna hire a Black female for vice president. He just skipped over — what about, what about white females? What about any other group?”

After the clip concluded, Goldberg swiftly shut down Burchett’s remarks, proclaiming, “[Biden] never said that. He said that he was thinking about a woman. He never said her color, he never said anything.”

Indeed, President Biden said in early 2020 that he was planning to select a female vice presidential candidate to complete his ticket, but did not specify race or anything additional. Per Politico, he said during a primary debate, “There are a number of women who would be qualified to be president.”

On today’s episode, Goldberg tore into Republicans for twisting the truth, saying, “If you’re going to attack people, try to do it in a factual manner. I know that is almost insane for you to think about, but a fact really does make a difference. People won’t attack you if you’re accurate. They’ll say you’re wrong, but you’re beyond wrong.
Photo: ABC
What do you think? Post a comment.
“You’re trying to send a little message about the fact that she’s a woman of color. We all see it,” Goldberg continued. “We know what you’re doing. Stop it.”

When Joy Behar chimed in, “Why are these white men so scared?” Goldberg exclaimed, “Because Black women and women of color freak people out! I don’t know why!”

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre thinks it’s “ridiculous” that Republicans are calling on President Joe Biden to resign from the presidency.

GOP figureheads like House Speaker Mike Johnson and Donald Trump‘s running mate J.D. Vance are claiming that Biden dropping out of the 2024 election proves that he is unfit to finish up his term in the White House.

(Editor’s Note: The View is currently on hiatus; contrary to what you may have heard, The View was not canceled today. This article was originally published on July 23, 2024 when this episode first aired. The View will return with new episodes in September.)

Jean-Pierre appeared on this morning’s episode of The View, where co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin asked for her response to these demands.

“I think that’s ridiculous, seriously,” she said. “What I will say is the President decided not to run for re-election. That’s it. That’s all he decided on.”

Jean-Pierre continued, “He wants to continue to do the work — three-and-a-half years of unprecedented, historic work. I think that shows what he’s capable of doing. I think that shows how important his leadership is.”

She also praised Biden for his ability to “reach across the aisle” and “do things in bipartisanship,” despite the contentious political environment.

“We have so much more work to do and he understands that,” she said. “He’s going to speak to this in about 24 hours or so and he’ll lay that out. But this president is ready to continue to lead this country in a historic way and that stands.”

Biden addressed the nation on TV for the first time since ending his presidential campaign for a second term on July 24. Per a statement shared on X the morning before, he said he planned to discuss “what lies ahead and how I will finish the job for the American people” in his speech.
Photo: Getty Images
On The View this morning, Sunny Hostin asked Jean-Pierre for specifics about what sort of things Biden plans to accomplish with his remaining time in office, noting previous reports that he was set to call for a series of Supreme Court reforms like adding term limits, an enforceable ethics code and a constitutional amendment that eliminates broad immunity for presidents.

What do you think? Post a comment.

“I don’t have anything to announce at this time. The President certainly will share more when he’s ready on those things,” Jean-Pierre said. “He believes that if you hold high office, you’re supposed to be delivering for the American people so you should be held to high ethics and transparency. That’s something that he believes and I’m gonna let him speak to that.”

Key Matchup: Caitlin Clark vs. D’Asia Carrington – What to Expect

Tonight’s game features a high-stakes matchup between Caitlin Clark and D’Asia Carrington, with the spotlight on their intense rivalry. Carrington has emerged as one of Clark’s most challenging adversaries, contrasting sharply with the media-fueled rivalry with Diana Taurasi, which was largely overblown. Carrington’s vocal stance against Clark has made this game particularly significant.

Carrington, the girlfriend of Clark’s teammate Nelissa Smith, has had a notable impact on Clark’s performance. One of Clark’s toughest games came against the Atlanta Dream, where Carrington’s social media demands for Clark to denounce negativity surrounding her caused notable distractions. This external pressure appeared to affect Clark’s game, though the Dream’s defense also played a crucial role. The Sun’s defense was another factor, showcasing their ability to neutralize Clark effectively, which highlights Carrington’s defensive prowess.

Carrington’s performance against Indiana has been impressive, consistently scoring high and playing exceptional defense. In contrast, Clark’s games against teams like the Connecticut Sun and the Liberty have seen mixed results, often impacted by Carrington’s defense. Carrington’s ability to pressure Clark defensively has contributed to Clark’s more challenging outings.

Tonight’s game is critical for Clark as she looks to assert herself in this particular matchup. Historically, Clark has struggled against teams like the Sun and the Aces, with her only real success coming against teams such as the Sparks and the Mercury. Her performance against the Dream remains one of the few blemishes on her otherwise stellar season.

To overcome Carrington’s defense, Clark must leverage strategic gameplay. This involves attacking Carrington, who is prone to fouling, and utilizing pick-and-roll strategies effectively. The key will be to navigate around Carrington’s physical defense and exploit matchups where Clark can gain an advantage. It will be essential for Clark to capitalize on screens set by teammates like Aliyah Boston, particularly in situations where Carrington’s defensive intensity could lead to foul trouble.

Chris Sides, the coach, should focus on running effective screens and pick-and-rolls to create opportunities for Clark. Guard-to-guard screens could be crucial to getting Clark matched up against less formidable defenders, and exploiting those matchups could be the key to overcoming Carrington’s defense.

My prediction for Clark’s performance tonight is a modest output of 14 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds, but with 7 turnovers. Her challenge will be to navigate Carrington’s defense and contribute effectively despite the high-pressure environment. The game promises to be a test of Clark’s ability to adapt and respond to one of the most formidable defenders she’s faced this season.

Taylor Swift recently addressed the controversy surrounding the film It Ends with Us, which features her longtime friend Blake Lively and includes music contributed by Swift. In a light-hearted and humorous response, Swift remarked, “Blake has made the film too controversial, so I’d better stay as far away as possible!”

Swift’s comment reflects her playful and supportive relationship with Lively, while also acknowledging the heightened discussions surrounding the film. It Ends with Us, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, has stirred conversations for its intense themes and emotional depth, leading to significant public and media attention.

Despite the controversy, Swift’s involvement in the soundtrack remains a testament to her commitment to supporting her friends and contributing to meaningful projects. Her decision to comment in a light-hearted manner underscores her ability to navigate public discussions with grace and humor.

As fans and critics continue to debate the film’s impact, Swift’s supportive stance and clever remark highlight her enduring friendship with Lively and her knack for handling complex situations with ease.

If Shaquille O’Neal had his own Hall of Fame, Stephen Curry would certainly occupy the top position. That’s how much the man is in awe of the Bay Area icon. He often humorously calls himself the ‘Black Steph Curry,’ dubbed him his ‘favorite player,’ and even said that he’s “never seen anything like Steph Curry.” But that wasn’t apparently always the case.

For one, any old-school player isn’t particularly pleased with how basketball has evolved. They aren’t too big on how the big man’s league has changed to a guard-dominant phase with three-point shooting becoming a necessary skill in every basketball player’s arsenal. While Shaq wasn’t too bitter about it, he wasn’t in Steph’s fan club initially.

“I used to hate on him early on in his career; that he ain’t gonna make that. But he kept proving me wrong. That’s why he’s my best player. I like being proven wrong,” O’Neal said during an appearance on the All Smokes Podcast in 2021. Well, he certainly isn’t a hater now.

However, Shaq’s son, Shareef O’Neal, had recognized Curry’s greatness before his Dad would accept it. “Dad, Stephen Curry isn’t just a great shooter. He’s redefined what it means to be a game-changer in basketball. He’s inspiring a whole new generation,” he had said once.

Although it took the Warriors superstar proving him wrong for the Lakers legend to accept him, Shaq certainly agrees with his son’s wisdom now.

Shaquille O’Neal: Stephen Curry has opened a world of possibilities for youth

We are all familiar with how a young Steph was overlooked and passed on in favor of prospects that fit the traditional NBA mold. The slim, short stature of Curry had practically all colleges and coaches give nothing more than a once-over. In fact, the one college he really wanted to play for because of his father’s storied career, Virginia Tech, offered him just a walk-on spot because of his 160-pound frame.

No doubt they are beating themselves about it considering a humble Davidson simply accepted the future Hall of Famer for who he is. And what had his mom said to coach McKillop then? “The last thing she said was “don’t worry coach, we’ll fatten him up for you”. The Coach turned around and looked at us and said – don’t worry about that, we’ll take him just as he is,” Curry recounted in his documentary, Stephen Curry: Underrated. 

While the 10x All-Star was lucky enough to have an incredible support system, the same cannot be said of many aspiring young hoopers now. And that’s why the ‘Big Diesel’ was in awe of the Stephen Curry effect. “Steph Curry is messing the game up. I’m on the internet now, see a bunch of little kids dribbling, shooting 100-footers to start the game. But he’s doing something for them, he’s giving them a chance … They’re doing stuff even I can’t do!”

It truly is something else to see just how vital Stephen Curry was in the evolution of basketball. Not just evolution, but a beacon of hope that not everyone has to be a David Robinson or Tim Duncan to have a successful NBA career.

Jessica Pegula shared a behind-the-scenes video of her journey to the US Open.

Jessica Pegula took the metro to the US Open grounds (Image: Instagram @jpegula)

Jessica Pegula has explained why she prefers to take the train to the US Open instead of getting a “nice car”.

The world No. 6 shared a video of herself getting on the metro to Flushing Meadows and revealed that she often picks public transport.

Fans have loved seeing Pegula’s realistic travel journey – especially because she’d be able to travel in any luxury vehicle of her choosing.

As well as racking up millions of dollars in prize money during her career, Pegula’s father Terry is worth £5.1billion ($6.8billion) according to Forbes and owns two sports teams.

But the six-time title winner decided to make her own way to the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Centre recently, sharing her journey in an Instagram video. “Why am I taking the metro? I don’t like taking a car and I like trains,” Pegula explained.

“I always try and take the train. Actually in juniors I used to sometimes take the train to the courts.” Pegula also travels to other events by public transport.

Jessica Pegula won her opening match at the US Open (Image: Getty)

She added: “I do like taking the trains to go to a lot of baseball games. I went to a Yankees game the other day.” The American has been driven to the US Open grounds in the past but admitted that it made her feel sick.

“My agent makes fun of me for not wanting to take a nice car,” Pegula continued. “We actually went to Flushing [by car] one time, it took like an hour and a half in the car and I wanted to like throw up. I was ready to like jump out of the car and walk to the site. On the way back we took the subway.”

Fans have flocked to the comments to praise Pegula for her authenticity. “Jpeg the people’s people,” one wrote. Another added: “I love this – this is why people love Jess! Go get ‘em! Thanks for the behind the scenes!”

Shelby Rogers retired with her loss to Jessica Pegula (Image: Getty)

Pegula’s video also caught the attention of some of her colleagues. Retired British tennis star Laura Robson commented: “People’s princess.” And Victoria Azarenka wrote: “You are just the best.”

The sixth seed got off to a winning start at the US Open, beating Shelby Rogers 6-4 6-3 in the first round. It was the final match of Rogers’ career as the American announced her retirement ahead of the tournament.