Even with the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks still didn’t make it far in the playoffs earlier this year. The latter, though, has recognized how everyone has overlooked their team ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.

Russell Wilson’s Final NFL Season & Broncos Rebuild Strategy

After a disappointing first-round playoff exit last season, the Bucks will look to bounce back in 2024-25 behind the tandem of Antetokounmpo and Lillard. However, the road ahead will not be easy.

Apr 5, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) puts up a shot against Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (30) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucks face a challenging schedule, including marquee matchups against the defending champion Boston Celtics and the retooled Philadelphia 76ers with All-Star wing Paul George playing for them. These battles could serve as a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, as the Bucks attempt to dethrone the Celtics and secure a top-two seed.

While the Bucks boast an impressive core, including Khris Middleton and the veteran presence of Brook Lopez, questions remain about the fit between Antetokounmpo and Lillard, as well as the consistency of their supporting cast. Head coach Doc Rivers will also need to quickly establish his system and find the right rotations.

The Bucks’ season forecast is difficult to predict, as their potential upside is high, but they also face injury concerns and chemistry issues. A 52-30 record is a reasonable projection, but their true championship aspirations will depend on how well the team is able to navigate the regular season and find their rhythm heading into the playoffs.

All-Star Guard Damian Lillard Shares Thoughts on Milwaukee Bucks Being Overlook Ahead of the Upcoming Season

Apr 5, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Along Lillard addressing concerns of breaking down, he also revealed his thoughts about the Bucks being overlooked for the upcoming season. In an article posted by Real GM, the All-Star point guard bared the advantage being enjoyed by Milwaukee.

Lillard also said that he’s OK that the focus is on the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks this season. “The fact that we’re there and we’re under the radar is perfect because they’re gonna think nothing of us and then they’re gonna be like…You gotta face the truth, eventually. That’s how that usually works,” Lillard said.

This productive summer sets the Bucks up for a promising 2024-25 season by making strategic offseason moves, such adding talent like Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince. Antetokounmpo is primed after leading Greece in the Olympics. Head coach Doc Rivers has time to implement his system. All-Star wing Khris Middleton’s recovery from ankle surgery is progressing well.
Apr 5, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) brings the ball up the court against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
If these factors prove to be advantageous to Milwaukee, there’s a strong chance they can prove their doubters wrong. In any case, fans will be eager to see how the Bucks will do in a more competitive Eastern Conference.
Apr 5, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Kelly Olynyk (41) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

For More Wisconsin Sports:

Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.

Mayfield Sports Marketing

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion.  Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows

President Joe Biden is preparing to pass the Democratic Party baton to Kamala Harris in a farewell speech to the convention in Chicago on Monday night.

The 81-year-old left the White House with First Lady Jill for the trip to the Midwest where he will speak to supporters as the former nominee, before jetting off on a vacation to California.

As he took the stage for a mic check, reporters asked if the moment was ‘bittersweet’ and responded when asked what he thought of Donald Trump saying he was the victim of a Democratic Party ‘coup’.

Kamala Harris meanwhile was getting ready for her coronation, and added to her policy platform by releasing a plan to increase the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent.

First Lady Jill Biden, followed by President Joe Biden, took the Democratic National Convention stage for a walk-through of Chicago’s United Center ahead of their Monday night speeches.

The first lady wore a light purple blazer and white slacks and sauntered to the podium, surrounded by a flurry of aides and grandchildren Natalie and Hunter, the children of the late Beau Biden.

‘Testing 1, 2, 3,’ Dr. Biden said into the mic.

Moments later, the president headed to the same spot.

The mic wasn’t on for Biden but he mouthed ‘I am’ when reporters yelled up at him from the convention floor, asking if he was ready to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.

‘You’ll hear tonight,’ the president added.

Asked if it was a bittersweet moment, he replied: ‘It’s a memorable moment.’

Asked about Donald Trump’s claim that he was ousted from the Democratic ticket in what amounts to a coup, Biden said: “His stability is still in question.”

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would spend the hours ahead of the president’s scheduled 10 p.m. CDT speech preparing for the moment.

‘He’s going to spend time continuing to prep for a big night,’ she told reporters on board Air Force One.

Chicago’s mayor says Democrats will ‘celebrate’ Joe Biden tonight

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson acknowledged the complex mission the convention has of sending off Joe Biden and raising up Vice President Kamala Harris.

‘Democrats will celebrate President Joe Biden and nominate Kamala Harris for president of the United States of America,’ he said of the convention, while delegates still trickled into their seats amid holdups at security.

He called Harris ‘The daughter of a mom who worked hard every single day. And he invoked Harris race and pointed to her as a role model. ‘My daughter will see not only a reflection of herself in the White House, but she will experience the deepest part of American values,’ he said

Police clear out pro-Palestine protestors ahead of the DNC night programming after arrests made

Minyon Moore is the first to praise Biden for passing the torch as the convention comes to order

The convention speaking program got underway Monday when Chicago native and permanent convention chair Minyon Moore making the first ‘pass the torch’ reference of the night.

‘Last month, in a true act of patriotism he passed the torch to the next generation and the next president of the United States Kamala Harris,’ she said.

DNC chair Jaime Harrison then called the ‘in-person’ portion of the convention to order.

Gen Z voter mobilization group hands out ‘F*ck Project 2025’ condoms at DNC

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

Voters of Tomorrow are bringing their push for Gen Z Americans to cast their ballots this fall to the Democratic National Convention.

The progressive-leaning group plans to hand out 5,000 of their ‘F*ck Project 2025’ condoms from their booth in the Dempalooza expo hall a few miles from the United Center.

Visitors of the stand are also invited to make Taylor Swift-inspired friendship bracelets and exchange them with friends in a show of Democrat ‘community.’

US intelligence officials say Iran to blame for hack of Trump’s campaign

U.S. intelligence officials said Monday that Iran is responsible for the hack of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

It was the first U.S. government attribution of responsibility for a cyber intrusion that the Republican nominee had previously linked to Tehran.

The FBI and other federal agencies said Iran perceived this year’s presidential election to be particularly consequential and was determined through the hacking operation and other activities to interfere in American politics and ‘to stoke discord and undermine confidence in our democratic institutions.’

‘We have observed increasingly aggressive Iranian activity during this election cycle, specifically involving influence operations targeting the American public and cyber operations targeting Presidential campaigns,’ said a joint statement from the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

The statement said the Iranian hackers have ‘sought access to individuals with direct access to the Presidential campaigns of both political parties.’

The FBI has been investigating attempts to gain access to Democrat Kamala Harris’ campaign.

Inside the mobile clinic where DNC attendees can get abortions and vasectomies

The organizers behind a mobile health clinic offering free abortions and vasectomies near where thousands of people are gathering for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago are pushing back amid outrage from conservatives.

Planned Parenthood Great Rivers announced it was bringing its mobile health clinic to Chicago and offering free services to those who signed up on August 19 and 20, which are the first two days of the convention.

Before the clinic even arrived, they announced that all of the appointments had been filled and that they would follow up if they had cancelations but the move sparked an avalanche of criticism online.

‘The goal was we knew there were tens of thousands of people coming in around this time, and we really wanted to show and highlight what is possible when you have a state that supports reproductive access,’ Dr. Colleen Nicholas, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, told DailyMail.com.

Inside the mobile abortion and vasectomy clinic near the DNC
Inside the mobile abortion clinic set up near the Democratic National Convention offering free abortions and vasectomies that has sparked outrage.

Video: Justin Timberlake enjoys a workout session with wife Jessica Biel as they do pull-ups and shrug off pop star’s DWI scandal

Justin Timberlake delights his fans during his Manchester show which is part of his ongoing world tour.

The video I shared highlights a debate around Caitlin Clark not being selected for the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team. It starts with remarks from Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird about the challenges rookies face when transitioning to professional levels, suggesting that while Caitlin Clark has talent, there’s still a learning curve she would need to go through.

The video then critiques Taurasi, pointing out her less-than-stellar performance in the Olympics and questioning the decision to include her over Clark, who could have brought fresh excitement and marketing potential to the team. It suggests that there might be underlying jealousy or resentment towards Clark, noting that despite Taurasi’s legendary status, her performance was lacking during this Olympics.

The video also touches on the marketing and fan engagement aspect, arguing that Clark’s presence could have significantly boosted interest in the team and the sport, and criticizes the decision-makers for not capitalizing on her popularity. The inclusion of Taurasi is framed as a missed opportunity, with the narrator implying that the veteran player’s inclusion came at the cost of the team’s overall potential.

The commentary concludes by questioning the justification for Taurasi’s inclusion, given her age and declining performance, while also reflecting on the broader impact Clark could have had on the team’s visibility and the sport’s growth.

Aug 8, 2021; Saitama, Japan; United States guard Sue Bird (6) and guard Diana Taurasi (12) talk on the bench in the women’s basketball gold medal match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Share

Women’s basketball legend Sue Bird has nothing but love and admiration for Caitlin Clark even though she fell short in winning the national championship with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

While all the debate heading to the game was about whether or not Clark needs a title to be in the GOAT conversation, Bird basically refuted those talks and gave Clark her well-deserved recognition.

Sue Bird’s Powerful Message for Iowa Hawkeyes Star Caitlin Clark

November 11, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; Former professional basketball player Sue Bird after the NWSL Championship match between OL Reign and New Jersey/New York Gotham FC at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
After the Hawkeyes’ 87-75 loss to the Gamecocks, Bird took to X (formerly Twitter) to give Clark and Iowa their flowers. While all the focus has been on South Carolina as they completed their perfect season, the Seattle Storm legend made sure to not forget the fallen competitors.

Bird highlighted how much Clark has done for the game, and she shared her excitement about what’s next for the sharpshooter now that her Iowa career has come to an end.

The WNBA great also shared that Clark undoubtedly had one of the greatest collegiate careers ever, and ring or not, no one can take that away from her. She left a lasting legacy that will forever be remembered in college hoops, and one that will always be talked about when discussing the best players to ever suit up in the NCAA Tournament.

“What a season [Iowa] and what a career [Caitlin Clark]. We undoubtedly watched one of the all time best college careers….ring or not. Thank you for helping elevate our sport with your play, your poise, and of course your logo 3’s! I can’t wait to watch you at the next level!” Bird exclaimed.

Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates a 3 point basket by Iowa Hawkeyes guard Gabbie Marshall (24) during the NCAA Tournament championship basketball game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Sunday, April 7, 2024 in Cleveland.
The multi-time Olympic gold medalist certainly couldn’t have said it any better. And it sure means a lot to see her make that statement.

Clark may have not won a national title, but she changed the game forever and brought it to the forefront. That alone is a massive achievement, especially since many have tried to shoulder being the face of the sport but failed time and time again.

It’s Not Only Sue Bird Who Praised Caitlin Clark

Aug 12, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird (10) holds up the trophy after defeating the Connecticut Sun during the Inaugural WNBA Commissioners Cup Championship Game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
For what it’s worth, several other greats showed their admiration for Caitlin Clark. One of those is Magic Johnson, with the NBA legend calling the Iowa Hawkeyes guard the “catalyst for growing women’s basketball.”

“Caitlin Clark’s extraordinary play this season has been the catalyst for growing women’s basketball, with record-breaking viewership throughout the tournament. She deserves her flowers and I want to congratulate her on an incredible collegiate career!” Johnson added.

Clark’s impact cannot be overlooked. And while she’s moving on, expectations remain that she’ll continue to be the face of women’s basketball in general.

With what she showed throughout her Iowa career, there’s no doubt that she’s more than capable of wearing that crown.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes the ball during the NCAA Tournament championship basketball game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Sunday, April 7, 2024 in Cleveland.

Rafael Nadal may have some words of advice for Carlos Alcaraz after the Wimbledon champion lost his cool in Cincinnati.

Rafael Nadal explained that his family would have never allowed him to smash a racket on court (Image: GETTY)

Rafael Nadal explained during an interview nearly five years ago that his family would never have allowed him to break a racket on court. Reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz was forced to apologise after destroying his racket during his shock second round defeat to Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Masters on Friday.

Nadal has featured in 30 Grand Slam finals throughout his illustrious career and has tasted victory in 22 of them.

But the Spaniard has always managed to keep his composure on court and has refused to let his emotions boil over, even in the moments of highest stress.

Nadal was asked during an interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes in 2019 how many rackets he had broken. And he signalled the answer by forming a zero with his finger and thumb as a beaming smile appeared on his face.

He then explained: “My family, they wouldn’t have allowed me to break a racket. For me, breaking a racket means I’m not in control of my emotions.”

Nadal’s reluctance to show his anger means he may have some words of advice for Paris Olympics doubles partner Alcaraz.

The four-time Grand Slam winner annihilated his racket in a rare outburst after failing to convert a break point in the third set against Monfils. He smashed his racket onto the ground several times during the outburst and was then handed a code violation by the umpire.

Alcaraz, who had won the first set, was ultimately unable to battle to victory, with his opponent winning the match 4-6, 7-6, 6-4.

And after the match, he explained: “I felt sometimes that I wanted to break the racket. It never happened before because I could control myself in those situations, in those feelings.

Carlos Alcaraz smashed his racket in a moment of anger during his match against Gael Monfils (Image: TENNIS TV)

“Most of the time I could control myself and it could go better in the matches or in the situation that I’ve been feeling before.

“Today I couldn’t control myself because, as I said, I was feeling that I was not playing any kind of tennis. I think some players, a lot of players, during their careers and during certain moments, they can’t control themselves and it was one of the moments for me.”

He then took to Instagram on Saturday and penned: “I want to apologise for my attitude yesterday, it was not good and that should not happen on court. I’m human, the nerves had accumulated and sometimes it is very tough to control when there is that tension. I will work so that it doesn’t happen again.”

Justin Bieber was spotted for the first time since he yelled at a group of kids for following him last week.

On Thursday, the singer, 30, appeared in much better spirits as he arrived at The Peninsula Hotel in Los Angeles in his flashy Tesla Cybertruck.

Considering his solo outing comes just shortly ahead of his wife Hailey Bieber‘s expected due date for their first child, the dad-to-be seemed relaxed as he arrived for a business meeting.

The Peaches hitmaker — who went viral after a video surfaced showing him reacting to a group of youngsters out of ‘concern for the safety of his pregnant wife’ — looked comfortable as he sported one of his signature, casual and baggy outfits.

He sported a light gray sweatshirt layered over an oversize, white T-shirt and donned a pair of wide-leg khaki pants.

 

Justin Bieber was spotted for the first time since he yelled at a group of kids for following him last week. On Thursday, the singer, 30, appeared in much better spirits as he arrived at The Peninsula Hotel in Los Angeles in his flashy Tesla Cybertruck

Paired with his laidback look, he wore black and white oxford shoes and a cream-colored bucket hat.

He also wore a pair of light brown sunglasses with tinted lenses and carried his phone in a butter yellow phone case.

As he stepped out of his futuristic, ostentatious ride, he appeared to be in the middle of a phone call.

This comes after he was seen arriving in the hotel lobby of West Hollywood’s Waldorf Astoria last week and made headlines after a 12-second clip of him went viral.

In the TikTok video, he is seen angrily questioning the teenagers about what they find ‘so funny,’ and gesturing for them to move away as the hotel staff are seen ushering them towards the exit.

In the clip, he continues to scold them and tells the kids to ‘get out of here.’

Shortly afterwards, sources told TMZ that the pop star was meeting his pregnant wife at the hotel when the pack of eight kids, who were attending a bat mitzvah, began ‘following him around and yelling at him.’

According to the insiders, Bieber was polite initially when asking the teenagers to back off due to his limited security but grew increasingly frustrated when they continued to film him.

 

The Peaches hitmaker looked comfortable as he sported one of his signature, casual and baggy outfits

 

Considering his solo outing comes just shortly ahead of his wife Hailey Bieber’s expected due date for their first child, the dad-to-be seemed relaxed as he arrived for a business meeting

 

This also comes after he was seen arriving in the hotel lobby of West Hollywood’s Waldorf Astoria last week and made headlines after a 12-second clip of him yelling at children out of ‘worry for his pregnant wife’s safety’ went viral

 

According to insiders, the pop star was meeting his pregnant wife at the hotel when the pack of eight kids, who were attending a bat mitzvah, began ‘following him around and yelling at him.’ Bieber was polite initially when asking the teenagers to back off due to his limited security but grew increasingly frustrated when they continued to film him, per TMZ’s report

 

The soon-to-be parents are currently, eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child in the coming days

 

The pair first met in 2009 and have been married since 2018

The outlet reported that the star was ‘just worried about his wife’s safety.’

The soon-to-be parents are currently, eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child in the coming days.

As Bieber prepares to enter a new chapter in his life as a first-time dad, he has not shied away from showing his emotional side.

In April, before Hailey, 27, went public with her pregnancy, Bieber posted a number of selfies of him in tears, which sparked concern amongst his fans.

A month later, the couple shared the exciting news with their fans by posting photos of her cradling her baby bump during a surprise vow renewal in Hawaii.

The pair first met in 2009 and have been married since 2018.

“Shocking Truth Behind Taylor Swift’s Silence Revealed—Heartbreaking Reason Exposed!”

The truth behind why Taylor Swift has yet to make a statement regarding the foiled terror plot that forced her to cancel three sold-out concerts last week has been revealed.

The 34-year-old singer will kick off five sold-out nights at London’s ­Wembley Stadium on Thursday — eight days after cancelling three shows in Vienna when police foiled an IS terror plot.

Since the shocking plan was exposed, Swift has fallen unusually silent and hasn’t been heard from since.

Some backlash from fans began to emerge across social media in response, with some calling out the star over her silence.

However, now the truth behind the superstar’s reason for not speaking out has been revealed.
Taylor’s security and of those around her has always been paramount, but even more so now,” a source told The Sun.

According to the insider, Swift has been told by authorities to remain quiet while preparations for her sold-out Wembley shows is underway.

“She and her dancers were told to ‘go to ground for their own safety’ in light of the Vienna threat. That’s why nothing has been said about the cancelled shows beyond the promoter’s statement.”

Over the weekend, the mum of Sam McWilliams — one of Taylor’s dancers — was also reported to have told a fan: “They’re all on lockdown but doing OK.”

It comes after the lawyer for the 19-year-old arrested over the Austria plot claimed the teen was a fantasist who just wanted to be “cool”.

She said: “He says the bomb wasn’t of good enough quality — it wouldn’t have worked.” But he had researched online on how to build a device, she added.

More Coverage
Speaking to the UK’s Sky News, London mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed that plans are going full-steam ahead for the pop star’s five sold-out nights at Wembley Stadium, which are set to kick off next week. “We have a huge amount of experience in policing these events. We’re never complacent, many lessons were learned after the awful Manchester Arena attack,” Mr Khan said, referencing the 2017 tragedy at an Ariana Grande concert that left 23 — including the assailant — dead.

“The police work closely, not just with City Hall and with councils, but also with those who host concerts, like the Taylor Swift concert coming up over the next couple of weeks.”

He added: “I’m sure Vienna has got its own reasons for deciding to cancel the Taylor Swift concerts, we’re going to carry on, working closely with police [and] ensuring that the Taylor Swift concerts can take place in London safely.”

As if the пatioп’s collective shock wasп’t eпoυgh with Whoopi Goldberg aппoυпciпg their iпteпtioпs to depart America’s shores, Joy Behar, co-host of The View, has throwп her hat iпto the riпg. “I doп’t get aпy respect either,” Behar qυipped dυriпg a receпt episode, sυggestiпg she’s coпtemplatiпg joiпiпg her colleagυe aпd the soccer sυperstar oп their qυest for a more υпderstaпdiпg homelaпd.

Each of these womeп has had her share of the limelight — aпd пot always for υпiversally adored reasoпs.

Whoopi Goldberg, reпowпed for her straight talk aпd пo-пoпseпse approach oп The View, has had her fair share of foot-iп-moυth momeпts. While her caпdidпess has woп her legioпs of faпs, her “loυd moυth,” as some critics label it, has also laпded her iп hot water more times thaп she’d like.

Aпd пow, Joy Behar. Ofteп seeп as the comedic relief, her remarks have пot always laпded well with aυdieпces across the political spectrυm. She’s beeп the sυbject of coυпtless memes, talk-show discυssioпs, aпd eveп heated family diппer debates.

Iп light of the receпt aппoυпcemeпts, Behar’s feeliпgs of margiпalizatioп have come iпto sharp focυs. “If Whoopi aпd Megaп feel they areп’t respected here, why shoυld I thiпk aпy differeпt?” she mυsed dυriпg a receпt iпterview. Her rhetorical qυestioп paiпts a portrait of America that maпy pυblic figυres, particυlarly womeп, might sileпtly пod iп agreemeпt with.

While most people threateп to leave their home coυпtry after a disappoiпtiпg electioп or a sports defeat, it’s rare for celebrities to vocalize sυch desires, let aloпe act oп them. Bυt this trio seems iпteпt oп makiпg a statemeпt. Their collective grievaпce υпderscores a growiпg treпd iп the world of fame: the iпcreasiпg scrυtiпy, jυdgmeпt, aпd the trials of liviпg life υпder a microscope iп the digital age.

The big qυestioп пow is — where will they go? Caпada, ofteп the defaυlt promise of maпy “I’m leaviпg America!” proclaimers, might seem too close to home. Eυrope? Perhaps. Or maybe a more remote, exotic locale where talk-shows aпd peпalty kicks are of little coпcerп to the local popυlace.

There’s пo doυbt this collective move — or the threat of it — is caυsiпg ripples. It’s prompted thiпk pieces, late-пight show moпologυes, aпd earпest discυssioпs aboυt the way we treat oυr celebrities. Do we hold them to impossible staпdards? Are we too qυick to jυdge, criticize, aпd caпcel?

While there’s a comical edge to the idea of celebrities baпdiпg together to leave their homelaпd becaυse they feel υпderappreciated, there’s a kerпel of trυth beпeath the satire. The “Great Americaп Exodυs,” as it’s beiпg dυbbed, offers a mirror to society. It beckoпs υs to reflect oп how we perceive, treat, aпd react to those iп the spotlight. After all, they might be celebrities, bυt they’re hυmaпs first. Aпd like all hυmaпs, a little respect goes a loпg way.

 

“I just love that text because it shows Kobe’s competitive nature,” said Jordan.

Michael Jordan is still struggling with the death of Kobe Bryant.

The NBA star recently told ESPN’s Jackie MacMullen that he spoke with Bryant by text just weeks before his passing. The two were simply catching up over the holidays, as reported by TMZ.

“This tequila is awesome,” said Bryant to Jordan during the Dec. 8, 2019 exchange. The Charlotte Hornets Chairman had sent him a bottle from his liquor brand.

“Thank you, my brother,” Jordan responded.

“Yes, sir. Family good?” Bryant asked.

(Credit: Getty Images)
“All good. Yours?”

“All good.”

Jordan added, “Happy holidays, and hope to catch up soon. Coach Kobe??!”

“Ah, back at you, man,” Bryant wrote back. “Hey, coach, I’m sitting on the bench right now, and we’re blowing this team out. 45-8.”

Jordan added that the text was in reference to his daughter Gianna Bryant‘s team.

“I just love that text because it shows Kobe’s competitive nature,” said Jordan to ESPN. He added: “I don’t know why, but I just can’t delete it.”

Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna ,13, passed away from a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. Nine people in total died on the plane that crashed into a hillside near Calabasas, California.

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
MJ referred to Bryant as his “little brother,” so it was only right that he deliver a speech at the late player’s memorial last February at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. He recalled being nervous that his emotions would get the better of him.

“I was thinking, at first, I might be a little somewhat nervous about it, but then I realized I’m not going to be nervous about showing emotions for someone I absolutely loved,” Jordan said “That’s the humanistic side of me — people tend to forget I do have one.”

Jordan opened his remarks by expressing his gratitude to Vanessa Bryant and the family.

“I’m grateful to be here to honor Gigi and celebrate the gifts that Kobe gave us all – what he accomplished as a basketball player, as a businessman, and a storyteller and as a father. In the game of basketball, in life, as a parent – Kobe left nothing in the tank. He left it all on the floor,” Jordan said during the memorial.

“Maybe it surprised people that Kobe and I were very close friends. But we were very close friends. Kobe was my dear friend. He was like a little brother. Everyone always wanted to talk about the comparisons between he and I. I just wanted to talk about Kobe…”

(Credit: Getty Images)
He concluded the speech with: “I promise you from this day forward, I will live with the memories of knowing that I had a little brother and I tried to help in every way I could. Please, rest in peace little brother.”

Read More: Usman tops Masvidal, UFC 261 returns sports world to normal

According to NBC News, the firefighters of the Los Angeles County Fire Department who responded to the crash are being terminated for allegedly taking photos at the scene.

Two of the first responders were sent “intention to discharge” letters back in December. An investigation concluded the images they took “served no business necessity” and “only served to appeal to baser instincts and desires for what amounted to visual gossip.” The individuals apparently showed the images to their wives and girlfriends.

A third responder was suspended because he was apparently a media relations officer and instructed to interact with the press.

Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!

TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!

The post Michael Jordan says he can’t bring himself to delete Kobe texts appeared first on TheGrio.

Selena Gomez is Concerned That Taylor Swift is Moving Too Fast With Travis Kelce and might be heartbroken after recent news that Travis is….

The Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce saga is like a rollercoaster that’s missing a few safety bolts. Hold onto your hats, because we’ve got the scoop on the Selena Gomez angle, and it’s more cautious than a grandma with a crystal vase.

Selena Gomez, the dynamic BFF of Taylor Swift, is apparently looking at this whole romance with the skepticism of a detective inspecting a crime scene. According to a source who may or may not be a closet detective, Selena’s radar is blinking red.

She thinks Taylor’s whirlwind of attending games and gallivanting through the Big Apple immediately after meeting Travis is as uncharacteristic as a cat barking in Mandarin.

Historically, Taylor has been about as secretive as a magician guarding their best tricks, and now she’s acting like a kid who just discovered a new toy. Selena’s probably thinking, “Where did my privacy-loving bestie go?” It’s like the mystery of the missing Taylor, and Selena’s got her magnifying glass ready.

Let’s not forget that Taylor had been in a super-duper-secret, nearly-underground relationship with Joe Alwyn for six whole years.

It was so confidential that even the Loch Ness Monster said, “Wow, that’s impressive.”

Now, Selena and Taylor have been tighter than a pickle jar lid for ages. Selena confessed that she felt like the odd duck in a pond full of celebrity swans but found a kindred spirit in Taylor. She once said, “My only friend in the industry really is Taylor [Swift].” We’ve all been there, Selena, trying to fit into that celebrity cool kids’ club, but Taylor’s got your back!

Selena couldn’t stop singing Taylor’s praises either. She called Taylor the “most influential artist” in her book, not just because they’re BFFs, but because Taylor can groove through more music genres than your uncle at a wedding after a few too many drinks. It’s a skill that’s rarer than a unicorn riding a unicycle.

And Taylor? She’s all about supporting her BFF, Selena. She sent out a virtual “So proud of you. Love you forever” message ahead of Selena’s documentary launch. Their friendship is like a rare gem in a sea of cubic zirconias, and we’re here for it.