No one would have expected Russell Westbrook to break Oscar Robertson’s triple-double record way back in 2017. Years after, though, the Milwaukee Bucks legend has stepped up to defend the Denver Nuggets guard after all the hate directed at him.

February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA great Oscar Robertson is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Robertson has strongly criticized the Los Angeles Clippers and other franchises over their treatment of Westbrook. Also known as The Big O, the Bucks icon expressed his frustration with the way Westbrook has been handled by teams throughout his illustrious career.

Feb 17, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Former basketball players Julius Erving (left) and Oscar Robertson (right) attend NBA All Star Saturday Night at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA legend who was a pioneering force for player empowerment and one of the greatest all-around players in NBA history, believes Westbrook has been unfairly maligned and scapegoated by various organizations. He argued that Westbrook’s impact goes far beyond just numbers and statistics, as he brings an unparalleled energy, leadership, and a winning mentality to any team he plays for.

The Clippers’ recent decision to part ways with Westbrook after acquiring him in a trade has further fueled Robertson’s outrage. He believes Los Angeles did Westbrook a disservice by not giving him a proper opportunity to contribute and showcase his unique skillset to the team and its fans.

He emphasized that Westbrook’s relentless work ethic and unwavering commitment to the game of basketball should be respected and celebrated by the league and its franchises. He believes teams should strive to build around players like Westbrook rather than quickly discarding them when things don’t go as planned or when they face a bout of adversity.

Milwaukee Bucks Legend Oscar Robertson Defends Russell Westbrook From Haters

Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; NBA legend Oscar Robertson waves to the crowd during the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The past few years have certainly been tough for Westbrook. In an article by Joey Linn for Sports Illustrated, Robertson had a few words of support for the former MVP.

“For some strange reason, I don’t know why they want to keep blaming everything that happens on him,” Robertson said of Westbrook. “When he plays he is dynamic, he gives the team a spark. Then all of a sudden they don’t care for him, they don’t want him.”

The Hall of Famer’s strong words highlight the need for more player-centric decision-making in the NBA and a greater appreciation for the intangible qualities that players like Westbrook bring to the table. Robertson argued that teams should focus on maximizing the talents of their players rather than constantly criticizing and undermining them.

Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Western Conference forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers greets former professional basketball player Oscar Robertson before the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Robertson’s passionate defense of Westbrook serves as a reminder that the NBA should value the contributions of all players, not just the statistical superstars. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding, the league can unlock the full potential of its athletes and create a more fulfilling and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA great Oscar Robertson is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

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-Credit: (Image: Kevin Mazur)
We’re just a few songs into an epic two-hour set at Co-op Live arena when Justin Timberlake begins instructing the crowd.

Using only his hands – and a mischievous grin that he wears almost constantly throughout the night – the singer-turned-conductor starts a Mexican wave of cheers from one side of the cavernous venue to the other. Only switching it up slightly to check his loyal fans are paying attention.

Not that that was really ever in doubt. From the moment he arose through a trapdoor on the stage and the first bars of No Angels rang around the room, the Tennessee-born singer had the audience in the palm of his hand.

Currently on the UK leg of his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour, and drawing from his sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was, the pop sensation behind some of the biggest tracks of the last twenty five years including early noughties hits Cry Me a River and Rock Your Body and more recent earworms such as Can’t Stop The Feeling, the 43-year-old is on fine form.

Justin Timberlake performing as part of the The Forget Tomorrow World Tour in Birmingham -Credit:Kevin Mazur
And despite recent news headlines relating to his arrest in New York for running a stop sign and failing to stay on the right side of the road resulting in a charge for driving while intoxicated, the showman let his music do the majority of the talking at his show in Manchester. Moreover, it seems the controversy surrounding the star has done little to deter his legion of fans from coming out, with sell-out crowds and rave reviews here and across the pond.

Serving up his poptastic crowd-pleasers, flawlessly arranged choreography and set design and visuals of cinematic proportions, the performance is near pitch perfect. Thursday night felt more like Friday, as fans had a chance to soak up new material seamlessly interwoven with some of his biggest hits in what was a two-hour, musical feast spanning pop, disco, blues, funk and soul.

Justin Timberlake performing as part of the The Forget Tomorrow World Tour in Birmingham -Credit:Kevin Mazur
Supported by a trio of backing singers, a dazzling ensemble of dancers and a big band with its own brass section, Timberlake and his crew, affectionately referred to as his ‘Tennessee Kids’ dazzled the crowd as they took them on a whistle-stop tour of old and new.

He’s on the charm offensive too – “Manchester Y’all look good tonight” he coos, before stopping to lead the crowd in a rendition of Happy Birthday for one fan and chatting to a pair of eight-year-old twins decked out in the JT merch, presumably passed on from their parents who beam at the spotlight falls on them.

A super tight trio of LoveStoned, Like I Love You and My Love set the tone, before Timberlake promises to take it up to ten, switching it up with blues-heavy Sanctified, disco-infused Infinity S**, a dramatic rendition of Cry Me a River reverberating around the arena.

Justin Timberlake performing as part of the The Forget Tomorrow World Tour in Birmingham -Credit:Kevin Mazur
While all eyes are on him, it’s hard not to be distracted by the set behind the star. We’re talking big screen visuals here, with psychedelic desert landscapes unfolding before us, as we pass buzzing nightclubs, parking lots and trailer parks. Not forgetting the show piece, a monolithic-style screen separated from the rest of the set, which tilts, spins, and comes into its own during the encore.

If the main stage is all about the block-buster visuals and back-catalogue of big hitters, stage B, a smaller stage towards the back of the arena, is all about stripping it back for a second. After a sumptuous nod to Suit & Tie, the guitar is out and the crowd mesmerised by Say Something, the high notes of Pusher Love Girl, and a series of more tender, slowed down tracks.

Justin Timberlake performing as part of the The Forget Tomorrow World Tour in Birmingham -Credit:Kevin Mazur
Before closing out the second stage with an acoustic rendition of Selfish, and What Goes Around…Comes Around, the latter interwoven with a few bars of Careless Whisper, Timberlake thanks them for coming along for the ride. “So many of us have grown up together, we’ve been together for 25 years and for those that it’s your first time, I hope you feel the love and this fellowship in the room, because it goes decades deep.”

Running back to the main stage, the final few songs bring the energy right back up. Those who took five to replenish their beverages during the slower portion of the set or are perched on their seats, rise instantly as Can’t Stop the Feeling booms throughout the room, the feel good hit leading us into the classics Rock Your Body and SexyBack, both performed with bucket loads of panache.

It is the encore that seals the deal though. A high wire, nail-biting finale sees the singer push his acrobatic skills to the limit as he soars above the aforementioned screen and his adoring fans below, belting out Mirrors, which is sung back to him with gusto. As endings go, it’s a pretty striking image to be left with, not so much freefall but a star rising again.

Rihanna, the music and fashion icon, continues to prove that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of style. Known for her boundary-pushing fashion choices, the Barbadian superstar recently made headlines yet again, this time for her striking collection of luxurious fur coats. Whether she’s spotted on the streets of New York or attending exclusive fashion events, Rihanna’s bold fur pieces have become a key feature of her distinctive fashion persona, cementing her status as one of the most daring style icons of our generation.

In recent public appearances, Rihanna has stunned onlookers by effortlessly pulling off a variety of fur coats, each one more striking than the last. From oversized, brightly colored fur to more elegant and refined pieces, she manages to add her own unique twist to every outfit. Her love for fur has become a hallmark of her style, blending high fashion with streetwear in ways that only she can.

The singer was recently photographed in a bright red fur coat while out and about in Los Angeles, a look that instantly turned heads. Paired with sleek sunglasses, thigh-high boots, and a mini dress, Rihanna once again showcased her unparalleled ability to mix elements of glamour with urban edge. The bright red fur coat draped elegantly over her shoulders, exuding luxury while also making a bold fashion statement. Fans and fashion critics alike were quick to praise her look, with many noting how she continues to break the rules of conventional fashion.

Her fur collection doesn’t stop at just one iconic piece. Rihanna has been spotted in everything from neutral-toned furs to extravagant multi-colored designs, each one elevating her outfits to new heights. One of her most memorable appearances was at a New York Fashion Week event, where she dazzled in a pastel pink fur coat paired with a satin slip dress. The look was sophisticated yet playful, a perfect representation of Rihanna’s approach to fashion—never taking herself too seriously, while always making a powerful impact.

Rihanna’s influence on fashion cannot be understated. Over the years, she has solidified her place as a trendsetter, never afraid to experiment with bold colors, textures, and silhouettes. Her love of fur is just another example of how she redefines what it means to be a fashion icon. While fur coats have long been associated with old Hollywood glamour, Rihanna has reimagined them for a modern audience, adding a rebellious flair that feels fresh and exciting.

Beyond her personal style, Rihanna’s influence in the fashion world extends to her business ventures as well. As the founder of the fashion brand Fenty and the lingerie line Savage X Fenty, she has revolutionized the industry with her emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Her clothing and beauty lines cater to all body types, skin tones, and fashion tastes, reflecting her belief that fashion should be for everyone. Her fur coat choices are an extension of this philosophy—bold, unapologetic, and entirely her own.

Of course, with Rihanna’s love of fur also comes controversy. In a time when ethical fashion is becoming increasingly important, fur remains a divisive topic in the fashion world. Many designers and brands have moved away from using real fur in their collections, opting instead for sustainable alternatives like faux fur. Rihanna, however, has continued to embrace the luxurious material, making her own rules in the fashion game. While some may criticize her for wearing fur, her bold choices speak to her larger-than-life personality and her refusal to conform to industry norms.

Fashion insiders have noted that Rihanna’s embrace of fur may also be seen as a nod to her Caribbean roots, where bold colors and extravagant style are celebrated. Her fur coats are not just fashion statements—they are expressions of her identity, her heritage, and her fearless approach to life. Rihanna’s style reflects her confidence, independence, and willingness to take risks, making her a role model for countless fans around the world.

It’s not just her choice of fur that makes Rihanna’s fashion so iconic; it’s the way she wears it. Whether she’s pairing a floor-length fur coat with a casual outfit of jeans and sneakers or draping it over an extravagant evening gown, she never fails to look effortlessly cool. Rihanna’s ability to blend luxury with everyday wear is what sets her apart from other fashion icons, allowing her to influence trends while staying true to her own unique style.

As Rihanna continues to shine on both the music and fashion fronts, her bold fur coats will likely remain a staple of her wardrobe. Fans and fashion lovers alike eagerly await her next appearance, knowing that whatever she wears, she will undoubtedly make a statement. Whether she’s rocking a vibrant red fur coat or a soft pastel piece, one thing is for sure—Rihanna’s style is as fearless and powerful as ever.

In the end, Rihanna’s love for fur coats is more than just a fashion choice—it’s a reflection of her fearless attitude towards life. She’s not afraid to stand out, break the rules, and create her own path, both in the fashion world and beyond. As she continues to push the boundaries of style, she inspires others to embrace their individuality and to always be bold, daring, and unapologetically themselves.

Michael Jordan’s Highland Park, Chicago mansion remains unsold after 12 years, despite price cuts and luxury features tied to his NBA legacy.

Michael Jordan’s mansion remains for sale after 12 years (Image: Getty)

A basketball Hall of Fame bid, six NBA titles, and five league MVPs still aren’t enough for anyone to buy Michael Jordan’s old Chicago mansion, which has been on the market since 2012.

Despite being one of the most iconic figures in basketball history, Jordan’s former mansion in Highland Park, Illinois, remains unsold after more than a decade on the market.

The property, located at 2700 Point Ln, was originally listed for sale in March 2012 at $29 million but has since seen its asking price drop to $14.8 million, according to Baird & Warner Real Estate. Even with the significant price reduction, the mansion has struggled to attract buyers.

The large estate, built in 1995, sits on 7.39 acres and has a massive 32,683 square feet of living space. The mansion’s 60035 zip code in Highland Park is a wealthy area with an average household income of $242,190.

But less than 40.5 percent of households in the surrounding cities of Highland Park, Highwood, and Lake Forest earn over $200,000 a year, making purchasing such a luxurious property challenging from a residential standpoint. According to Property Club, the home is positioned in Illinois 11th most richest area.

Jordan’s mansion includes tennis courts, pools, golfing and more (Image: Google maps)

The property has been listed on Zillow for 1,010 days and continues to sit unsold, raising questions about why a home with such storied past and luxurious features has yet to find a buyer.  The surrounding neighborhood continues to be filled with more modest millionaire homes as it sits.

Jordan’s mansion is equipped with a range of over-the-top amenities tailored to the lifestyle of an NBA legend. It includes nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, a regulation-sized basketball gymnasium, a circular infinity pool, a putting green, a tennis court, and a cigar room, all featuring nods to Jordan’s illustrious NBA career.

One of Jordan’s living areas inside the mansion (Image: Tiktok/decayingmidwest)

The gate to the property features Jordan’s iconic number 23, making it clear who the home belonged to. Inside, the mansion offers a wide array of features, including a laundry room, a library, a 1,056-square-foot living room, an office, a study, a den, a dining room, and multiple family rooms.

The property also includes parking for 14 cars and a heated driveway to combat Chicago’s notoriously cold winters. Outdoor amenities include a private in-ground pool, waterfront ponds for fishing, and an outdoor grilling area with a fire pit.

Despite its lavish offerings and connection to one of the greatest basketball players, the mansion has been difficult to sell. Jordan reportedly even offered a pair of every edition of his signature Air Jordans as an incentive to potential buyers, according to Sole Retriever. Still, even a personalized MJ offer has not been enough to seal the deal.

A basketball court and kitchen in Jordan’s abandoned mansion (Image: TikTok/decayingmidwest)

A $1.6 million home just a one-minute drive away features similar amenities, including four bedrooms and five bathrooms. It was listed for 17 days and sold on Aug. 1.

According to Zillow, another home just an eight-minute ride away sold for $1.3 billion at a $10k increase from its listed value. Within the past four months, at least six mansions valued at over $1 million were sold and purchased in Jordan’s same neighborhood.

The View has a knack for distilling some thorny current events, but every now and then, even they need a little extra time to untangle the headlines.

On this morning’s episode of the daytime talk show, moderator Whoopi Goldberg had to fully repeat a Hot Topic when the audience and her co-hosts were equally confused.

As she welcomed viewers back from a commercial break, Goldberg began to read off the second Hot Topic of the episode, but seemed to become increasingly puzzled with every word that came out of her mouth.

“As concerns grow over U.S. reproductive rights, a circuit court just ruled that a Texas law which requires parental consent before a minor can get birth control somehow does not conflict with federal guidelines that gives [sic] minors confidential access to it,” she said, as a perplexed Joy Behar could be heard asking “Huh?”

(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 March 14, 2024 when this episode first aired. The View will return with new episodes in September.)

Goldberg, reading the room like a pro, asked, “Does this make any sense to you?”

When the studio audience replied, “No,” Goldberg replied, “OK, you wanna hear it one more time? Because it is confusing.”

“Re-roll, please,” she said, as legal expert Sunny Hostin tried to help explain the complicated issue, reminding the panel, “Federal law usually trumps state law, every time.”

Goldberg said, “That’s what this is about,” then repeated, “As concerns grow over U.S. reproductive rights, circuit court just ruled that a Texas law which requires parental consent before a minor can go get birth control somehow does not conflict with federal guidelines that give minors confidential access to it.”

Behar, always itching to get to the point, asked bluntly, “So can you get it or can’t you?” as Hostin explained, “Not without parental consent.”
Photo: ABC

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After they’d gotten a firmer grip on the specifics, Behar asked, “So they think in Texas that if you are not allowed as a 16-year-old to get birth control that you won’t have sex? That’s their thinking. I have news for you.”

When Goldberg mentioned Olivia Rodrigo‘s distribution of free condoms and morning after pills at her concert in Missouri, Behar got in another quippy remark when she joked, “Did they do this during, like, Tony Bennett concerts? Hand out condoms?”

Goldberg, not missing a beat, shot back, “Most of us were born to Tony Bennett!”

Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s blazing comet, is lighting up the WNBA with jaw-dropping plays and record-smashing feats, but her fiery intensity has her coach, Christie Sides, reaching for the proverbial fire extinguisher. With two wins fresh out of the Olympic break, the Fever might be feeling the heat—but it’s Clark who’s generating most of it, and not always in the way her coach prefers.

After returning from a much-needed vacation, Clark wasted no time reminding everyone why she’s the WNBA’s hottest rookie. She casually dropped 29 points and 10 assists on the Phoenix Mercury, marking her tenth double-double. Then, like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, she conjured 22 points and 9 assists against the Seattle Storm, obliterating the rookie assist record. You know, just another day at the office.

But while Clark was busy putting up numbers like she was playing a video game on cheat mode, Coach Sides was eyeing the foul count like a hawk. Why? Because Clark is now just two fouls away from earning herself a courtside seat—a one-game suspension—thanks to her fifth technical foul. And with the Fever neck-deep in a playoff push, that’s the kind of timeout no one wants.

“We’re definitely going to have a conversation,” Sides said with the kind of stern resolve that usually makes rookies quake in their sneakers. “Caitlin’s too valuable to this team to be sitting out a game. We’ll address this head-on.” Translation: Clark might be walking on water, but she’s not above getting benched if she doesn’t cool it with the techs.

New Updates:  Caitlin Clark’s Ticket Tussle: “WNBA Salary or Season Pass? Pick One!”

Of course, Clark’s passion is part of what makes her such a phenom. She plays like her life depends on it—like every three-pointer is a personal vendetta and every assist is a middle finger to anyone who doubted her. But as much as Sides admires that fiery spirit, she’s not about to let it turn into a full-blown inferno that burns the team’s playoff hopes to the ground.

“Caitlin’s a fierce competitor, and that’s what sets her apart,” Sides acknowledged, likely imagining Clark as a wildfire—beautiful, awe-inspiring, but oh-so-dangerous if not controlled. “But there’s a balance. We can’t afford to have her sitting out because of avoidable fouls.” And by “avoidable fouls,” she means the kind of techs you get for something as harmless as punching the padded back of the basket after a missed three. Yeah, that happened.

Clark, of course, didn’t agree with the call—who would? But instead of sulking, she channeled her inner Kobe Bryant and let the frustration fuel her play, helping the Fever crush the Storm even more thoroughly. After the game, she even managed to find some humor in the situation. “I thought we got better after that, so I guess I should thank the ref,” she joked, proving that she’s got the wit to match her talent.

But humor aside, Sides isn’t laughing. As the Fever march toward the postseason, she’s walking a tightrope of her own—trying to keep Clark’s competitive fire from turning into a raging wildfire. The message to Clark is clear: Keep bringing the heat, but for the love of all that’s holy, leave the techs on the bench.

The ladies on The View are defending Billy Baldwin amid his back-and-forth with Sharon Stone.

Stone recently revealed that producer Robert Evans tried to pressure her into sleeping with Baldwin to make his acting “better” in their 1993 thriller Sliver. Baldwin then retaliated on X (formerly known as Twitter), where he threatened to reveal “many disturbing, kinky and unprofessional tales” about his former co-star.

Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sunny Hostin and Joy Behar weighed in on the actors’ feud this morning — and they couldn’t understand why Stone felt the need to rehash the drama after all these years.

(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 March 14, 2024 when this episode first aired. The View will return with new episodes in September.)

Griffin kicked things off, telling her co-hosts that Stone “needlessly shamed” Baldwin’s acting abilities while speaking on The Louis Theroux podcast. However, she didn’t think he handled himself well in his response, either.

“With all the benefit of what we know from #MeToo and dynamics with power, like, having a boss that’s encouraging you to sleep with your co-star when you don’t want to — if I were [Baldwin’s] PR team, I would’ve said either don’t say a word or be like, ‘I’m sorry Sharon went through this,’” Griffin explained.

While Haines noted that Baldwin’s response was “snarky and reactive,” she felt that Stone made too many references to “how bad he was as an actor” in her interview.
Photo: Everett Collection
“Why bring it up anyway?” Goldberg chimed in. “And the other thing is — he’s getting hit from women left and right … so maybe he’s just tired of people taking potshots at him.”

Hostin agreed with Goldberg, before wondering if Stone is really “still upset” since it’s been more than 30 years since the whole mess allegedly went down.

What do you think? Post a comment.

Meanwhile, Behar claimed that people (like Stone) “crave relevancy.” The comedian speculated that Stone probably wasn’t upset when Baldwin threatened to spill dirt on her, adding, “She’s probably like, ‘Yeah, bring it out, because I haven’t been in the public eye for a while.’”

Haines concluded that Stone needs to “let [it] go a little.”

Taylor Swift’s Tortured Poets Department tops the Billboard Hot 200 for 15th week… and it’s NOT due to digital variants

Taylor Swift continued to assert her dominance by topping the Billboard Hot 200 chart for the 15th consecutive week with her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department.

The 34-year-old pop star successfully moved another 85K equivalent album units in the States of the album (13K more than newcomer Chappell Roan), so she would’ve still been number one even if she sold zero digital album downloads this past week – according to Billboard.

Some in the industry had criticized Taylor for ‘blocking’ her rivals by continuously dropping new digital variants and live versions of TTPD, which amassed yet another 10K downloads this week.

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Among Swift’s recent digital variants were The Prophecy (Long Story Short – Live From Lyon) recorded on June 2 and thank You aimEe (Mean – Live from London) recorded on June 22.

When the 14-time Grammy winner debuted The Anthology double-album edition on April 18, all 31 tracks occupied the top 14 of the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously for the first time in chart history.

 

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Taylor Swift continued to assert her dominance by topping the Billboard Hot 200 chart for the 15th consecutive week with her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department

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The 34-year-old pop star successfully moved another 85K equivalent album units in the States of the album (13K more than newcomer Chappell Roan), so she would’ve still been number one even if she sold zero digital album downloads this past week

On Spotify, where Taylor averages 91.6M monthly listeners, TTPD made history as the first album to accumulate one billion streams in a single week (in just five days).

‘The Tortured Poets Department [is] an anthology of new works that reflect events, opinions and sentiments from a fleeting and fatalistic moment in time – one that was both sensational and sorrowful in equal measure,’ Swift – who boasts 551.3M social media followers – wrote in April.

‘This period of the author’s life is now over, the chapter closed and boarded up. There is nothing to avenge, no scores to settle once wounds have healed. And upon further reflection, a good number of them turned out to be self-inflicted.

‘This writer is of the firm belief that our tears become holy in the form of ink on a page. Once we have spoken our saddest story, we can be free of it. And then all that’s left behind is the tortured poetry.’

The Pennsylvania-born hitmaker is currently enjoying a much-needed break from her $1.039B-grossing, 149-date The Eras Tour, which doesn’t resume until October 18–20 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL.

Taylor will next compete for 10 Moonperson trophies – including artist of the year – at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, which will be broadcast September 10 from the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY.

Swift has just two more archival albums (Taylor Swift and Reputation) to re-record after losing the rights to the first six of her master recordings by her underhanded ex-manager Scooter Braun, who’s since retired from the music industry.

On the personal front, the Emmy-winning producer and three-time Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce celebrated their first anniversary of dating last month.

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Some in the industry had criticized Taylor for ‘blocking’ her rivals by continuously dropping new digital variants and live versions of TTPD, which amassed yet another 10K downloads this week (pictured last Thursday)

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Among Swift’s recent digital variants were The Prophecy (Long Story Short – Live From Lyon) recorded on June 2 and thank You aimEe (Mean – Live from London) recorded on June 22

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8

View gallery

When the 14-time Grammy winner debuted The Anthology double-album edition on April 18, all 31 tracks occupied the top 14 of the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously for the first time in chart history

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8

View gallery

On Spotify, where Taylor averages 91.6M monthly listeners, TTPD made history as the first album to accumulate one billion streams in a single week (in just five days)

+

8

View gallery

Swift is currently enjoying a much-needed break from her $1.039B-grossing, 149-date The Eras Tour, which doesn’t resume until October 18–20 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL

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8

View gallery

The Pennsylvania-born hitmaker will next compete for 10 Moonperson trophies – including artist of the year – at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, which will be broadcast September 10 from the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY

Yoshihito Nishioka imploded during his Cincinnati Open match against Hubert Hurkacz.

Yoshihito Nishioka smashed three balls out of the court during an angry outburst (Image: Tennis TV)

Yoshihito Nishioka was hit with two penalties after having a meltdown during his second-round match at the Canadian Open.

The Japanese star led No. 5 seed Hubert Hurkacz by a set but got dragged into a decider where he imploded and started smashing balls into the crowd in frustration, with commentators saying he had “lost his mind”.

Hurkacz rolled through the rest of the match, winning 3-6 7-6(4) 6-1.

Nishioka looked on course to cause an upset when he took the opening set against Hurkacz. But the Pole stormed back to force a third and final set when he won the second in a tiebreak.

The world No. 52 quickly grew frustrated as the match started to slip away. Serving at 1-2 in the decider, he faced a break point and Hurkacz fired down a return winner to convert it, securing an advantage.

Nishioka responded by smashing one ball into the stands, asking the ballgirl for another, and sending that one flying too. Before the umpire could penalise him, commentator Barry Cowan knew what was coming. “[Hurkacz] is going to start 15-0 up as well. He’s snapped,” he said of Nishioka.

The umpire slapped Yoshihito Nishioka with two penalties in quick succession (Image: Tennis TV)

Cincinnati Open star ‘loses his mind’ as he smashes balls out of court in huge meltdown

Yoshihito Nishioka imploded during his Cincinnati Open match against Hubert Hurkacz.

Yoshihito Nishioka smashed three balls out of the court during an angry outburst (Image: Tennis TV)

Yoshihito Nishioka was hit with two penalties after having a meltdown during his second-round match at the Canadian Open.

The Japanese star led No. 5 seed Hubert Hurkacz by a set but got dragged into a decider where he imploded and started smashing balls into the crowd in frustration, with commentators saying he had “lost his mind”.

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Hurkacz rolled through the rest of the match, winning 3-6 7-6(4) 6-1.

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Nishioka looked on course to cause an upset when he took the opening set against Hurkacz. But the Pole stormed back to force a third and final set when he won the second in a tiebreak.

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The world No. 52 quickly grew frustrated as the match started to slip away. Serving at 1-2 in the decider, he faced a break point and Hurkacz fired down a return winner to convert it, securing an advantage.

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Nishioka responded by smashing one ball into the stands, asking the ballgirl for another, and sending that one flying too. Before the umpire could penalise him, commentator Barry Cowan knew what was coming. “[Hurkacz] is going to start 15-0 up as well. He’s snapped,” he said of Nishioka.

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The umpire slapped Yoshihito Nishioka with two penalties in quick succession (Image: Tennis TV)

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Almost on cue, chair umpire Aurelie Tourte announced: “Code violation, unsportsmanlike conduct. Point penalty, Mr Nishioka.” Hurkacz then stepped up to serve at 3-1 15-0, having already received a point thanks to Nishioka’s penalty.

When he won the next one to lead 30-0, Nishioka erupted again and smashed a third ball out of the court. “Off he goes,” co-commentator Lee Goodall added.

“Yep, that’s again. He’s gone!” Cowan exclaimed as the 28-year-old sent the third one into the air. Nishioka quickly started working his way up the tier of punishments as he lost the game as a result of his continued outburst.

Yoshihito Nishioka sat down behind the baseline and muttered to himself (Image: Tennis TV)

“Code violation, ball abuse. Game penalty, Nishioka,” Tourte announced. With Hurkacz now leading 4-1, both men retreated to their benches for the changeover as Goodall was left baffled.

The commentator added: “What is he doing? He’s completely lost his mind. Self-destruction if you like. I mean, he knows the rules, he knows exactly what’s going to happen.”

After sitting at his bench, Nishioka got up and skulked to the back of the baseline, finding a rogue chair behind the advertising boards and sitting down as he continued to mutter to himself. The Japanese tennis player failed to win another game for the rest of the match as Hurkacz safely reached the round of 16.

Stefanos Tsitsipas recently announced that his dad had stopped coaching him.

Stefanos Tsitsipas was asked whether he went to Paula Badosa for advice when axing his dad (Image: Getty)

Stefanos Tsitsipas has answered whether his girlfriend Paula Badosa played a part in his coaching split with his dad.

The world No. 11 has been coached by his father Apostolos on and off throughout his career. But last week he announced that they were parting ways professionally.

Tsitsipas often uses Badosa, a former world No. 2, as a sounding board. And he was asked whether he went to her for “advice” when making the big decision.

“Paula is a great source of support. I’ve always spoken greatly of her because she’s been there in my toughest moments and she always was compassionate,” he replied. “She was always a shoulder to lean on when moments like this occur.”

However, the Greek tennis star revealed that Badosa had no bearing on his coaching split with his dad. Tsitsipas continued: “This was entirely my decision, not influenced by anyone else.

“It was a difficult one to make, and I didn’t actually advise with her, which I guess would have been a normal thing to do when you’re in a relationship. I felt like it was something I had to maybe think throughout myself, and get it processed in my own mind and on my own terms.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas ended his coaching partnership with his dad Apostolos last week (Image: Getty)

Tsitsipas split with his dad suddenly after throwing him under the bus in a frustrated rant at last week’s Canadian Open. The world No. 11 lost to Kei Nishikori in his opening match and said: “For me an ATP Master 1000 match is an important match.

“I need and I deserve a coach that listens to me and hears my feedback as a player. My father hasn’t been very smart or very good at handling those situations, it’s not the first time he has done that. I’m really disappointed at him.”

A day later, the 26-year-old released a lengthy, emotional statement announcing that Apostolos would not coach him anymore. “It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my collaboration with my father as a coach has come to an end. I prefer to keep my father in his role as a father, and only as a father,” he wrote.

Stefanos Tsitsipas is back in action in Cincinnati this week (Image: Getty)

Tsitsipas also expressed his remorse for his post-match outburst. He added: “Philosophy teaches us that wisdom comes through understanding our limits and acknowledging our mistakes. In my case, I realised that I was wrong to talk to my father the way I did. Tennis is not just a match, a hit or a performance of a few seconds. It is a long journey full of emotions, pressure and expectations.

“In that moment of frustration, there were many mistakes and errors on the part of my coach and father. As an introvert, I tend to hold in my emotions and build them up until I reach a bursting point. I consider myself patient, so the fact that I reacted this way left me shocked.”