Posts Categorized: Sports

0

Unvaccinated Aaron Rodgers IN; Fully vaccinated Ben Roethlisberger OUT with Covid-19

Photo may have been deleted

Patrick McDermott/Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left) will play today against the Seattle Seahawks 11 days after he tested positive for Covid-19.

Rodgers, who is unvaccinated, was activated to play on Sunday. Meanwhile, NBA superstar Kyrie Irving, who is also unvaccinated, is forced to sit out the season.

Last week, Rodgers complained about cancel culture attempting to end his career for saying he was "immunized." He further angered the left by consulting with Joe Rogan on Covid-19 treatment.

Photo may have been deleted

Twitter

Rodgers was not sick and spent most of his 10-day quarantine working out and staying in great shape.

The Packers were fined $300,000 and Rodgers was fined $14,000 for violating the NFL's COVID protocol.

Rodgers will face Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson who is also coming off the injured reserve list with a fractured finger on his throwing hand.

Photo may have been deleted

Twitter

Russell's wife Ciara Wilson shared this Instagram photo of Russell flexing his muscles following surgery on his right hand just four weeks ago.

Russell had a pin inserted in his right middle finger. His swift recovery surprised his surgeon and the Seahawks.

Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Ironically, the news is not so good for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, aka Big Ben.

Roethlisberger, who is fully vaccinated, will not play on Sunday after he tested positive for Covid-19.

Roethlisberger fell ill and reported his Covid-19 symptoms to the Steelers prior to testing positive.

Twitter had a field day comparing the two Covid-infected quarterbacks.

One Twitter user wrote: "Wait What But the vaccine Either it WORKS or it DOESN"T Apparently not! Seems to be happening quite frequently with those who have gotten the shots."

A second user wrote: "There's people actually upset that Rodgers didn't die of Covid."

And a third person tweeted, "A fully vaccinated Ben Roethlisberger missing today's game due to Covid completes the idiocracy loop."

0

Twitter Roasts Atlanta Braves for Driving Through Parade Route at Breakneck Speed

Photo may have been deleted

Twitter

Thousands of loyal Atlanta Braves fans who lined up for hours to watch the Atlanta Braves parade were outraged when the bus carrying the World Series champions flew past them at 35 mph.

The Braves defeated the Houston Astros to win the World Series title in Houston on Tuesday. Braves fans waited for hours to celebrate with the team -- only to see the bus speed through like they were afraid of being carjacked.

Twitter users complained that they took the day off from work only to see the players for a brief second.

Someone clocked the bus going just over the speed limit.

One Twitter user wrote: "So appropriate for the #Braves to speed through huge crowds in downtown/midtown on the way to have a real parade in the suburbs."

Another person tweeted: "The Braves speedin thru atlanta to enjoy the parade in cobb is racist."

And a third user wrote: "I know we not use to doing them but damn they came by at the speed limit!!"

0

Aaron Rodgers quotes MLK to explain unvaccinated status after testing positive for Covid-19; ‘You have a moral obligation to object to unjust rules’

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers quoted civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. to explain why he chose not to get the mRNA vaccine.

Rodgers sparked outrage when media outlets reported he is unvaccinated after he tested positive for Covid-19.

The star quarterback will miss one game before returning next week. He is not expected to be fined or suspended for being unvaccinated.

On Friday, Rodgers ranted against "cancel culture", the "woke mob," and whoever leaked his vaccination status to the news media.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The 2020 league MVP previously said he was "immunized" against the virus, leading many to believe he was vaccinated.

"I realize I'm in the crosshairs of the woke mob right now, so before the final nail gets put in my cancel culture casket, I'd like to set the record straight on some of the blatant lies that are out there about me now," Rodgers said during an appearance on pro wrestler Pat McAfee's YouTube show.

"At the time, my plan was to say that I've been immunized," Rodgers said.

"It wasn't some sort of ruse or lie, it was the truth. Had there been a follow up to my statement that I've been immunized, I would have responded with this. I would've said, 'Look, I'm not some sort of anti-vax flat-earther, I am somebody who is a critical thinker, you guys know me, I march to the beat of my own drum, I believe strongly in bodily autonomy.'"

Rodgers continued:

"I would add this to the mix, as an aside. But the great MLK said that you have a moral obligation to object to unjust rules and rules that make no sense."

 

 
Rodgers, who will earn $33.3 million this year, said he has an allergy to an ingredient in two of the COVID vaccines and he chose another treatment that raised his antibody levels.

He declined to name the specific treatment, saying, "I'm just going to keep it between my doctors and myself, but it was a way to stimulate my immune system to create a defense against COVID."

Twitter users argued that his treatment didn't work since he got Covid-19.

However, fully vaccinated White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti both tested positive for Covid-19 last week.

0

ESPN Report: Suns Owner Robert Sarver Used Racist, Sexist Slurs

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

According to more than 70 current and former staffers, Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver is an unrepentant racist who drops the N-word often.

Sarver, who also owns the WNBA's Mercury, is pictured above with WNBA player Shay Murphy.

According to the report, Sarver once told 2 basketball operations staffers to find local strippers willing to get impregnated by NBA players. He allegedly wanted the players to be motivated to remain in Phoenix close to their offspring.

The shocking details were hashed out in a bombshell report published Thursday by ESPN's Baxter Holmes.

"The level of misogyny and racism is beyond the pale," one Suns co-owner told ESPN about Sarver. "It's embarrassing as an owner."

"There's literally nothing you could tell me about him from a misogynistic or race standpoint that would surprise me," another former Suns basketball executive told ESPN.

Among the sordid details included in the report are:

  • Sarver made inappropriate comments, including discussing when his wife performed oral sex on him.

  • Sarver used racial slur to explain to a staffer why he preferred hiring Lindsey Hunter, who is Black, over Dan Majerle as head coach in 2013.

  • Sarver once asked a female employee whether he "owned" her to determine if she was a Suns employee.

 

Sarver, through his attorneys, acknowledged dropping the n-word once many years ago, but he said other allegations in the report are untrue.

When the reports were made public on October 22, the Suns issued a statement, saying they "urge everyone not to rush to judgement here. Especially based on lies, innuendo, and a false narrative to attack our organization and its leadership."

0

Atlanta Braves Win 1st World Series in 26 Years, Rout Houston Astros 7-0

MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Atlanta Braves clinched the World Series title on Tuesday, routing the hapless Houston Astros 7-0 on their own home turf in Game 6.

Jorge Soler, Freddie Freeman and the Braves won their first World Series championship in 26 years. Soler was a toddler and Freeman was six-years-old the last time the Braves won the championship in 1995.

"I've always said the team that has that little boy in them are teams that do good in the postseason," said Brian Snitker, Atlanta's manager. "And I really believe that. I think the team that just plays with emotion and enjoys what they're doing in the postseason is really dangerous."

Soler opened the barn door with a three-run homer in the third inning. And Freeman slammed it shut with a solo home run in the seventh inning for a final score of 7-0.

The Braves were heavily criticized for their offensive name, hatchet logo, and "the chop" gestures. The press also treated the team unkindly for not having any Black players.

Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Most of the dark-skinned players on the Braves are Hispanic. The closest to a Black man on the Braves team is 2nd baseman Ozhaino "Ozzie" Albies, 24, a native of Curacao.

The two-time All-Star became an Internet meme when he peered into the 2nd base dirt camera during Game 6.

0

Dawn Staley’s Historic $22.4 million Contract ‘Glimpse of Hope For Women’

Lance King/Getty Images

WNBA legend Dawn Staley says her historic seven-year, $22.4 million contract is a "glimpse of hope for all women."

Staley, head coach for the South Carolina University women's basketball team, is the highest-paid Black women's coach in NCAA women's sports.

"I think this is an opportunity for us to have a broader conversation on how much women get paid on the dollar versus their male counterparts and many Black women get paid to their white counterparts and men," Staley said.

"Having to fight for what I think is justifiable, it is a fight that many women across this country fight for every single day. Maybe it's a glimpse of hope of one day getting what they deserve."

 
READ ALSO: Atlanta Dream won’t bring back WNBA players in viral fight video
 

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

The 5x WNBA All-Star said she had a set annual figure in her mind when she went in to negotiate her contract.

"They could've said no," said Staley. "They could've said no, we're not willing to invest in you that way, we pay you pretty good and that's what you'll get. But they wanted to be a part of history."

Staley, 51, led the Gamecocks to a 2017 NCAA Championship and South Carolina women's basketball team finished in the top 25 in each of the last 10 seasons.

Staley's stellar career includes three Olympic gold medals.

"What a great gift this game has given me," Staley said. "I feel like I owe basketball. I am coaching to repay my debt to basketball. It is a gift that keeps on giving."

0

LeBron James Slams Haters After Dwyane Wade’s Son, Zaire, Drafted by G-League Team

Photo may have been deleted

Getty Images

LeBron James rushed to his "nephew" Zaire Wade's defense when Internet trolls mocked the 19-year-old after he was drafted by a G-league basketball team.

Zaire, eldest son of former NBA star Dwyane Wade, signed a player contract with the G-league's Salt Lake City Stars, an affiliate of the Utah Jazz two weeks ago.

As soon as the news broke, critics descended on social media and blogs to diss the teenager who has struggled to fill his father's shoes.

LeBron, whose Lakers are 1-2, defended the youngster in social media posts over the weekend. LeBron is sick and tired of broke people bullying Zaire.

"Proud of you nephew!!! Keep going and F the haters!! They ain't [shit] anyway," he wrote.

Photo may have been deleted

Instagram

LeBron also left a comment under an Instagram post about Bill Belichick's son being a coach for the New England Patriots.

LeBron wrote:

"FACTS!!!. I'm so sick of people and their opinions on shit that ain't got nothing to do with them!!"

Photo may have been deleted

Instagram

Photo may have been deleted

Instagram

Zaire attended Brewster Academy in New Hampshire after playing basketball for high school powerhouse Sierra Canyon in California, alongside LeBron's son, Bronny James.

Zaire decided to skip college to realize his dream to follow in his dad's footsteps into the NBA.

Cassy Athena/Getty Images

However, critics argued that Zaire is not his dad. They claim he is just not good enough -- even for the G-league -- and that he should go to college, like his father did, to gain more experience.

Eureweb.com writes:

"Not for nothing? Not for NOTHING at all, but Zaire could stand to play collegiate basketball for two more years. He isn’t particularly great at anything. Is he a good basketball player? I mean, yeah. He can shoot, sometimes. He can get to the basket, sometimes. He can score with a hand in his face, sometimes. Has shown the ability to play above the rim, sometimes."

Question: Do you think people are being too hard on Zaire?

0

Dwyane Wade’s Son Zaire Signs G-League Contract

Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

Zaire Wade, son of former NBA star Dwyane Wade, signed a player contract with the G League's Salt Lake City Stars, an affiliate of the Utah Jazz.

Dwyane, who retired from the NBA in 2019, is part owner of the Jazz, and proudly posted an Instagram video announcing the news.

In the video, Zaire, who is seen celebrating his new contract, states:

"I feel good, I feel confident. I just signed the standard player contract for the G League. October 11, 2021. 19 years old. Yessir."

Zaire transferred to Brewster Academy in New Hampshire after playing at high school powerhouse Sierra Canyon in California, with LeBron James' son Bronny.

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Zaire, 2nd from left, sat on the bench for most of his first season at Sierra Canyon High School after tearing a ligament in his right ankle.

The 19-year-old received several offers from small colleges. However, he chose to skip college to follow in his father's NBA footsteps.

Players who perform well in the G League are typically called up to the NBA where they are awarded with big money contracts.

Zaire's mother, Siohvaughn Funches, also shares 14-year-old MtF trans Zara, formerly Zion, with ex-husband, Wade.

Zaire has a half brother, Xavier, 7, and half sister, Kaavia, 2.

0

Brooklyn Nets Won’t Offer Kyrie Irving $186 Million Contract Extension

Roshan Perera/Splash News

The Brooklyn Nets will no longer offer NBA all-star Kyrie Irving a contract extension after he refused to get the experimental mRNA vaccine.

The decision means Kyrie will lose $186 million, in addition to $16 million of his $34.9 annual salary.

The news comes days after the Nets suspended Kyrie and announced that he can not practice or play in any games with the team in the 2021-2022 NBA season.

FayesVision/WENN.com

Previously, Kyrie was barred from playing home games in New York City or eating with the team - even if he tested negative for Covid-19.

Kyrie has said he is not anti-vaccine, however, he is taking a stand against New York City's strict vaccine mandates that are unfair to workers.

Derrick Salters/WENN.com

A source close to Kyrie told The Athletic that Irving is upset that people are losing their jobs due to vaccine mandates. He has explained his concerns to close teammates, who support him being closed doors.

NBA player Michael Porter, Jr. waited until after signing a $207 million extension before refusing the Covid-19 vaccine.

72,000 nurses, doctors and healthcare workers in New York have been fired for refusing the vaccines.

0

Nets Suspend Kyrie Irving – Get Vaccinated Or Lose $34 Million

Steven Ryan/Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets has suspended all-star guard Kyrie Irving from playing or practicing with the team.

General manager Sean Marks announced on Tuesday that Irving "will not play or practice" with the team unless or until he is vaccinated.

"Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant," Marks said in a statement Tuesday morning.

Steven Ryan /Getty Images

"Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his individual right to choose. Currently the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability."

New York City mayor Bill de Blasio announced strict Covid-19 vaccine mandates for all state buildings, restaurants and gyms.

However, authorities declared the Nets practice facility to be a "private office building" and thus exempt from the mandate.

MediaPunch / BACKGRID

Irving was willing to forfeit $16 million -- nearly half of his annual $34 million salary because he is ineligible to play in 43 home games.

On Sunday, Nets coach Steve Nash said Irving's status was unclear.

"I think we recognize that he's not playing home games. We're going to have to play without him this year. So it just depends on when, where and how much."

The NBA previously stated all players who refused the Covid-19 mRNA vaccine would forfeit their paychecks for every game they missed.

Irving stood to lose $381,000 for every game he missed.