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Bruh August 9, 2019
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Enough is enough: Why it’s time to rid America of its rampant gun violence

In the wake of a devastating 24 hours for our country, with mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, leaving at least 31 people dead, gun control is again at the forefront of the national conversation.

It feels like nowhere is safe in this country- not concerts, restaurants, movie theaters, schools or Walmarts. In fact, as of Wednesday, Aug., 7 the Global Human Rights Movement issued a travel warning for the U.S. due to the rampant gun violence that is ravaging the “greatest country in the world.” 

Ernest Coverson, campaign manager for the End Gun Violence Campaign at Amnesty International USA said in a statement:

“Travelers to the United States should remain cautious that the country does not adequately protect people’s right to be safe, regardless of who they might be. People in the United States cannot reasonably expect to be free from harm – a guarantee of not being shot is impossible.”

Coverson continued:

“Once again, it is chillingly clear that the U.S. government is unwilling to ensure protection against gun violence.”

https://twitter.com/keithedwards/status/1157740352838742016?s=20

But despite the immense number of lives lost to gun violence and the mounting calls for politicians to reduce the accessibility of semi-automatic weapons by enacting common-sense gun reform, little has changed over the years. Not even when the parents of Sandy Hook victims testified before Congress. 

It becomes a sort of wash rinse repeat: The mass-shooting occurs, Republicans tweet their “thoughts and prayers” to the victims’ families, and things proceed– more or less– as before.

Especially when the shooter is white…

Even after the massacres in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, the conversation turned not into a debate to those suffering from mental health issues having access to guns but to our culture of rampant gun violence being fueled by video games.

In a statement shortly after the shooting, Trump specifically said,

“We must stop the glorification of violence in our society. This includes the gruesome and grisly video games that are now commonplace.” 

Anyone would contend that Trump and his cronies are geniuses. But surely they know that video games are not the real problem. Rather, most likely, they are an excuse and a scapegoat so that they can continue to profit off of NRA donations and power. 

Additionally, NBC News ran a fact check on Trump and his theory that dates back to 2012 that violent video games are to blame for mass shootings. Four separate studies released in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019 all failed to find evidence that video games spurred violence. In these studies, researchers even noticed signs that crime may be reduced by violent games.

Also, it is clear that the United States is not the only country that has an affinity for video games; not even close. According to Newzoo’s 2019 Global Games Report, the United States is projected to bring in $36,869M in-game revenue. Followed closely behind is China with a revenue (in U.S. dollars) of $36,540M. Next is Japan at $18,952M.

Yet the U.S. is the only wealthy country in the world where mass shootings are a common occurrence. So, if other countries have violent video games but few to no mass shootings, what could be the reason behind this? What does the U.S. have that other countries don’t? 

The answer is simple: guns and a lot of them. 

China and Japan were not in the top ten in gun homicides in 2010 or 2016. Most guns are illegal in Japan and China has taken measures such as banning certain guns after rare shootings (Council on Foreign Relations). The next highest country in a number of mass shootings so far this year in Mexico… with three. 

The El Paso shooting also highlights the ever-growing empowerment of individuals embracing white supremacy, following the election of Donald Trump. The shooter confirmed to investigators that he had set out to murder Latinx individuals as possible, selecting the store only five miles from the U.S.- Mexico border.

This is not a case of mental illness. It is a hate crime, white nationalism, domestic terrorism. All of the above.

Even the white supremacist-in-chief decried the ideology. In a public address Monday, he asserted,

“In one voice, our nation must condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy…Hate has no place in America.”

He also voiced support for “red flag” laws in states, which allow the police to confiscate guns from individuals deemed by a judge to pose an imminent threat to themselves or to others.

Fifteen states, along with D.C., already have some form of these laws, also known as “extreme protection orders,” and support for this legislation is picking up among members of the G.O.P. in Congress following Trump’s address.

In the wake of Trump’s address, Senate Majority Leader and all-around evil dude Mitch McConnell also suggested several chair members host bipartisan meetings, discussing red flag laws and other solutions. Hopefully, this includes background checks, which are supported by a majority of the American public.

We need these bipartisan efforts in order to continue making meaningful reform. This includes both sides of the aisle admitting to the gaps in their arguments in the gun control debate.

A recent Politico article highlighted the connective, social power of guns that Democrats and gun control advocates might not take into account. The authors argue that people who support gun rights are not card-carrying NRA members, but people who grew up in a social context were gun ownership was the norm and where guns are “social assets,” ways to meet people, forge bonds and give their lives meaning.

Still, in our increasingly fragmented society and political life, we need allyship more than ever. 

Bruh August 1, 2019
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Sheldon Adelson: The rise of one of Trump’s biggest backers

Contrary to some social media reports, Donald Trump has many friends but few are as supportive or as influential as Sheldon Adelson. The man who is said to have donated more than $25 million to the President and his party is a pivotal background figure in US politics.

But how did Adelson become so prominent, despite being so low profile?

Sheldon Adelson early life and success

Born in Boston in 1933, Sheldon Adelson began to make business breakthroughs in the growing computer industry of the late 1970s. He and his commercial partners were responsible for the pivotal COMDEX Trade Shows which ran from 1979 to 2003.

Those exhibitions took place in Las Vegas and, clearly, Sheldon Adelson must have been bitten by the vibe in this part of the world. In 1988, he was involved in a consortium that purchased the Sands Hotel and Casino – and this was where Adelson began to build his multi-billion dollar empire.

From there, Adelson has developed further interests in Vegas while building casinos in Pennsylvania, Macau and Singapore. In 2019, the veteran is also involved in the media but there is no doubt that he built his considerable fortune around the casinos of Las Vegas.

Throughout his business life, he has remained a staunch Republican and his many benevolent acts for the party include those huge donations to the Donald Trump administration.

Given that Adelson has done so well out of the gambling industry, you might assume he’d also be involved in innovating around the industry – taking a front seat in its evolution, like other entrepreneurs. But in fact, this couldn’t be much further from the truth.

A conservative figure in a changing landscape

Las Vegas Sands, which is owned by Sheldon Adelson

 

Las Vegas has been among an isolated set of states that have embraced casino gambling in a country that has largely outlawed the practice. In the modern-day, however, that could be set to change.

The US is just starting to relax its strict attitude to sports betting across the country. In 2018, the US Supreme Court moved to overturn the earlier PASPA ruling that has effectively limited betting and gambling to just one lone state for the previous 25 years.

Slowly, the country has reacted with developments in states such as New Jersey where sports betting halls have been constructed in Atlantic City casinos. Sports teams have entered into commercial partnerships with gambling operators while the National Basketball Association (NBA), now has a betting partner.

In the new climate of acceptance, many feel the time is right to allow internet gambling across the US – but that doesn’t include Sheldon Adelson. He remains fiercely opposed to the suggestion and in 2019, he succeeded in forcing the Wire Act to clarify its position. The Department of Justice had previously stated that a law prohibiting bettors from transferring data from state to state would only apply to sports betting – not gambling at online casinos. In the present day, that law covers all internet gambling.

Why the strict stance against online gambling?

The UK’s online gambling industry is booming

 

Many have questioned Sheldon Adelson’s vociferous opposition to online gambling in the US. In response, he’s claimed it’s a “moral issue” rather than a financial one. 

“I’m in favor of gambling. I’m in favor of it as a form of entertainment. But I am not in favor of it exploiting the world’s most vulnerable people. I know I am a Republican and I am not supposed to be socially sensitive, but I am very socially sensitive,” he said.

However, many experts might look across the Atlantic for an example of an online gambling industry that’s both flourishing and responsible. In the UK, the online sector is thriving across the Atlantic – bringing in one-third of total gambling revenue.

And the reasons are clear, the benefits obvious – at least for players. Playing at an online offers so much flexibility and convenience for those involved. Unlike a brick and mortar casino, there is no need to dress up and you can just switch on your PC, laptop or mobile device and play in your pajamas if you really want to.

Online casinos also take away the hassle of queuing and, with fewer overheads, it’s also possible to provide a wider choice of games. And these games are of a high standard, with engaging slots and immersive live casino games among the titles you can enjoy playing online.

The benchmark among game developers has been set pretty high, with some games rivaling consumer-facing titles for their quality and speed. To get a sense of just how impressive today’s gambling sites really are, you might want to visit an online casino in the UK which is widely regarded as one of the best.

Source: Mordor

And to counter Adelson’s suggestion that online casinos are somewhat morally bankrupt, they have several measures in place to protect problem gamblers, include ‘take a break’ sessions, which give gamers the ability to lock themselves out of the casino site if they want to cut down the time they spend gaming – an equivalent that wouldn’t be afforded to them in land-based casinos.

Could it be that Sheldon Adelson is merely looking to shut down the opposition? It’s certainly true that the rise of online gambling in the UK has had an adverse effect on the bricks and mortar establishments across the country. There have been many closures while moves to build a number of so-called Super Casinos under the previous Labour government came to nothing.

Such a changed landscape in Las Vegas would clearly have a negative impact on Sheldon Adelson’s fortune. If the size of the black market is anything to go by, online gambling would be raking in at least $150 billion per year if it was legal. And inevitably, it would be taking away profit from land-based casinos, where Adelson’s interests lie.

How long will Adelson continue to be an influence?

Adelson is a key influence in the Trump administration

As Sheldon Adelson is such a major donor to the Republican Party, there are obvious reasons as to why the Trump administration will need to keep him on-side. With the next Presidential Election due in 2020, we’re unlikely to see any changes in internet gambling laws before then and that’s a testament to Adelson’s influence.

In return, the endorsements received by the Republicans help to keep Sheldon Adelson’s profile high and they will, therefore, enhance his own business interests. The cynics will say that Adelson will never endorse internet betting purely because of his own personal concerns and maybe they are right. 

Alternatively, a win for the Democrats in 2020 could change the landscape completely. In regions such as the UK, online sportsbook and casino play contributes to a growing industry.

Can the US continue to ignore such potential? The influence of Sheldon Adelson says they can – but an altered political climate may disagree in 2021 and beyond. 

Bruh July 19, 2019
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How Comic-Con become one of the world’s greatest phenomenons

The first-ever Comic-Con took place in San Diego 49 years ago. The brainchild of Shel Dorf, Richard Alf, Ken Krueger, and Mike Towry has gone on to become a world phenomenon.

With the San Diego Comic-Con recently celebrating its 50th anniversary, let’s take a look back at some of the pivotal moments in the history of the convention.

May 24th, 1964: 80 people attend a science fiction comic book convention at the Hotel Tuller in Michigan. The event was organized by Shel Dorf, an avid comic book fan who titled his one-day convention “The Detroit Triple Fan Fair”.

March 21st, 1970: In what he would later call a ‘dry run for future conventions’, Shel Dorf – now a San Diegan – runs a one-day event called, “Golden State Comic Minicon”. 145 people attend the one day convention, which convinced Dorf that the convention had a long-term future.

August 1st -3rd , 1970: Flush with confidence, Dorf organizes his first three-day event, this time calling it “Golden State Comic-Con” and sees 300 guests at the convention.

August 16th-19th, 1973: Shelf Dorf takes a backstage role in managing Comic-Con, leaving much of the organizational duties to Ken Krueger. For the first time since its inception, over 1,000 guests attend the event at the Sheraton Hotel, thanks largely to the celebrity brunch organized by Krueger.

August 1st-5th, 1979: After spending most of its early years at El Cortez Hotel, Comic Con moves to the San Diego Convention Center for the first time. Over 6,000 people attend the new venue, where Comic-Con would remain until this day.

August 4th-7th, 1983: The first whiff of commercialization is seen at the convention with the sale of themed souvenir programs. Over the years commercialization would go on to become a key component of the event, with themed costumes, casino games and collectibles on sale.

August 1st-4th, 1985: Rick Geary’s Toucan mascot for the event is first displayed, a character that would go on to be synonymous with Comic-Con.

August 3rd-6th, 1989: Comic-Con breaches 10,000 attendees for the first time as fans clamor to meet Paul Chadwick, Mark Hamill, and other famous stars.

August 13th-16th, 1992: Acclaimed comic book artist, writer, and editor Jack Kirby celebrate his 75th birthday at the event along with 22,000 fans. The co-creator of cult character Captain America, unfortunately, passed away 18 months after the event.

July 27th-30th, 1995: 34,000 people attend the San Diego Convention Center for Comic-Con, which changes its name to Comic-Con International, opening the door for globally licensed events.

July 14th-17th, 2005: 103,000 descend upon the Comic-Con festival marking a monumental moment in the history of the event.

November 10th, 2018: Comic-Con President, COO and CFO John Rogers passes away. Rogers was often hailed as the man behind the curtain for whom Comic-Con as an event owes much of its modern-day success.

July 18th-July 21st, 2019: Exclusive footage emerges of a private expo in which D&D wholeheartedly apologize for butchering the final season of Game of Thrones. We can but hope…

10K80 June 17, 2019
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Laurel Park: The History of Horse Racing Runs

Maryland is home to several professional sports such as football, basketball, and baseball. For instance, Laurel Park is one of its known race horsing venues and located in Laurel, Maryland, and it has a circumference of one and ⅛ miles. 

In the year 1911, Laurel Park Racecourse opened within the leadership of the County Fair in Laurel spearheaded by James Butler and Philip Dwyer who are both businessmen and notable horsemen. They obtain the track in the year 1914, and appointed Matt Win as the overall manager of the plan. 

On October 17, 1917, Kentucky Derby’s first foreign-born winner, Omar Khayyam, confronted reigning Belmont champion Hourless in a $10,000 competition that attracted 20,000 individuals. The result of the race shows that Hourless still won the game. 

The first century of the race curse engaged more than horse racing. In the year 1918, Laurel Park became Camp Laurel. Soldiers of Army Corps of Engineers made the course as their training site, and U.S troops positioned their tents on the field. 

Moreover, the Jockey Club in Maryland, owned by Pimlico and Timonium, acquire Laurel from the property of a Butler in the year 1947. They both had a concept of transferring the Pimlico conference to Laurel. The track then leased to Morris, who had John Schapiro as his youngest son, who later became the new chairman of the field. This phenomenon happens after the General Assembly in Maryland dismissed the concept of succeeding Pimlico with the Park. 

The track underwent a history of notable change from 1950-1984. Renaming the field to Laurel Race Course, the Washington International Stakes introduced at the one and ½ miles on turf. 

Baltimore Washington International Turf Cup

From the year 1952 to the disappearance of D.C in the year 1994, the race was one of the largest turf races in the world. The opening of the sport attracted seven horses from four nations, including the British winner, Wilwyn. 

The event is a Grade II American race that took place at the Laurel, Maryland in the field of Laurel Park Racecourse. Horses run through a distance of one and ½ miles, and at that time, it attracted several top racehorses from Europe and North America. 

Racehorse Kelso, the only five-time horse of the year, attempted for the fourth time to beat rival Gun Bow in the year 1964 at the Washington D.C International. During his three prior attempts, Kelso completed second, all by less than a distance of length. 

International Stakes happen annually at the Laurel Race Course, then discontinued due to its location on the calendar which is late in the fall as well as the Breeders’ Cup Turf’s reputation.

During the year 2005, the race brought back its entertainment as the Colonial Turf Cup held at Richmond, Virginia, particularly in Colonial Downs. Thus, in the years 2015-2016, the competition runs its event as Commonwealth Turf Cup at the  Laurel Park Racecourse. 

The race changed its name several times at different venues, in the year 2017 it again alters its title as the Baltimore Washington International Turf Cup. The event enchants several people, and there are many laurel park picks, and famous horses for betting. 

Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash Stakes

One of the many races that run annually at the Laurel Park Racecourse is the De Francis Memorial Dash. The event is an American Thoroughbred horse race which is open to three-year-old horses and older. 

Horses run at a field of dirt over a six-furlong range. During the year 1999, it turned into a Grade I race, however in the years 2008 and 2010 it discontinued its runs. After being restored in the year 2011, the race dropped its graded position and turned into a Grade III event in the year 2016. 

The De Francis Dash Stakes features a purse worth $900,00 and is a highlight of the Fall Festival of Racing. Furthermore, in the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championship Series, the De Francis Stakes was also the final race of the event. 

Horses must compete for at least three races of the MATCH Series. This phenomenon is to qualify their trainers and owners by collecting a majority of points in each division. Thus, one of the race participants, Lewisfield, had a chance to tie with a De Francis win for the general championship, but the Jeff Runco novice finished off the board. 

Commonwealth Oaks

Since the year 2015, this kind of American Thoroughbred horse race runs at the Laurel Park in Maryland. Virginia Oaks, as what it is known as it takes place back in Colonial Downs in New Kent County, Virginia. Thus, the race is available to fillies from three years of age who are prepared to run a one and ⅛ miles on turf. 

The race did not take place in the year 2018 since Colonial Downs intended to start racing in 2019. Thus, it could display a graded stake as part of the offering in the first year, even by getting a year off. 

Takeaway

In summary, several horse racing events run in Laurel Park in Maryland. Each of the races holds various histories and reigning periods. Thus, Laurel Park is a marvelous place where horse racing is popular. 

epl June 11, 2019
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Why All Eyes Should Be In London In The Next EPL Season

The English Premier League gets underway soon and Manchester City and Liverpool are expected to dominate the title race once again and it’s hard to disagree. However, the more interesting viewing may well be in the capital city, London, rather than the country’s northwest.

Chelsea

The big change in London is the official confirmation of former Chelsea legend and New York City midfielder, Frank Lampard, returning to Stamford Bridge as the new head coach following Maurizio Sarri’s move to Juventus. Whilst it was hardly a secret nothing is done until it’s done and now it has been confirmed the season ahead poses serious intrigue for the future of the club – both in the short and long term.

Lampard proved during his time with Derby County in the English second tier that he’s a meticulous manager who demands high standards, which is what he has grown up with, and if you match the required effort then he’ll pour his trust into you and give you a platform to develop, whatever your age. That should be music to the ears of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who struggled for game time under Sarri despite spending most of their time in and around the first-team squad.

Meanwhile, defenders Fikayo Tomori, a loan signing for Lampard last year, and Ethan Ampadu, who has eight caps for Wales, could also see some time on the field. On the creative front, it’s predicted another of Lampard’s Rams loanees, Mason Mount, will play a big part in the new-look Chelsea side and Tammy Abraham will hope to take any opportunity that comes his way up top.

If Lampard is given the time, he could well guide Chelsea through their transfer embargo and develop a core of youngsters to help them for a decade or more.

Arsenal

Whilst it’s all change at Chelsea, another club in London are steadying the ship after parting ways with their long-standing manager, Arsene Wenger. Arsenal had a reasonable campaign last time out under Unai Emery and now he’s worked with his team for 12 months they’ll be much stronger this season – particularly if they can land Wilfred Zaha and Kieran Tierney – two long term targets – from Crystal Palace and Celtic respectively, but so far they have only signed a Brazilian youngster called Gabriel Martinelli.

Regardless of incomings, one problem remains for Emery and that’s Mesut Ozil, who is the top earner at the club and clearly isn’t a huge part of the plan at the Emirates. Unfortunately, his wage seems to be a stumbling block to moving him on so it might well be that Emery has his hands forced; mind you, Ozil is some talent to have in your midfield – providing he turns up with the right mindset.

The one big loss Arsenal have suffered during the close season is Aaron Ramsey. The Welsh midfielder was a fan favorite and after moving to Juventus this Summer, will leave a big hole to fill in the hearts of Arsenal fans. It won’t make or break Emery’s second season but if they find their local rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, racing off ahead it could well be a contribution to any pressure that builds.

Tottenham Hotspurs

Spurs have their own business to look forward to and, arguably, have the most exciting season ahead of any team. The big news is their new stadium will be home for the entire season – like it should have been last year – and that’s a huge boost for the club.

After a couple of windows without any signings, it was suggested they didn’t have the funds to have the stadium and sign players, but they just landed French sensation Tanguy Ndombele for a record fee. Perhaps the increased season tickets, Michelin star restaurant, microbrewery, and Europe’s longest bar have all contributed to the transfer kitty. Also, since they will host games in October for the next season of NFL, future wagers are convinced in a positive outcome for Spurs next season.

On the field, they reached the Champions League final last time out where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool and it’s difficult to see them going one step further in 2020; instead, their focus should be on closing the gap to Man City and Liverpool whilst aiming to be best of the rest. This would mean at least one of Emery or Lampard would miss out on the top four to give the campaign added spice.

West Ham

Although they are not top 6 favorites, like the teams mentioned above, West Ham should be looked upon, since they are apparently doing some great business over there. The Irons were able to sell troublemaker Arnautovic for $25 million to China, cashing in some money that will be necessary to land Maxi Gomez, a bright talent that plays in Celta de Vigo. The Uruguayan forward is 22, while Arnautovic is already 30, so the switch seems to have ideal timing.

Plus, the East London side, that is coached by Premier League winner Manuel Pellegrini, has already signed Euro U21 sensation Pablo Fornals. The prolific attacking mid is one of the best Spanish talents and has joined from Villarreal for $24 million, a price tag that can be a bargain if he performs as he did in La Liga. West Ham finished 10th last season and they will be looking to improve that position.

Crystal Palace

Finally, in the London batch, there is Crystal Palace. They finished 12th last season, but they can say they were the only team capable of defeating the champions Manchester City in the last EPL. Andros Townsend wonder volley in that game even won the Goal of the Season Award. However, so far Crystal Palace hasn’t been having the best transfer season ever.

They secured Stephen Henderson on a free, but the goalkeeper from Nottingham Forest won’t be anything else than a backup. Still, they sold Aaron Wan Bissaka to Manchester United for $50 million, which means they have some cash to spend until the end of the month.

It is still uncertain whether Zaha stays with Palace, reports suggesting one of the North London teams will pick him up – Arsenal or Tottenham – but that would also mean more money coming in. If Palace is able to rebuild with young talent and spend the money wisely, they might be able to land another season safely from the relegation zone.

Who knows what the new season holds in store but, one thing is for sure. The London big boys should be fantastic to watch throughout the upcoming campaign.

Written by Ashley Munson

anthony davis June 10, 2019
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What does the future hold for Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans?

In January 2019, Anthony Davis’ agent Rich Paul informed the New Orleans Pelicans that Davis was ready to leave the team and that he had no intention of resigning a long term contract extension. It wasn’t easy news for the organization to take, even being quoted as creating a ‘dumpster fire’ within the team.

A trade request was made, and one of the hottest names in the NBA become open to discussions. Davis wants to play for a team that wins consistently and can give him a shot at the championship. Although the Pelicans have been aware of Davis’ desires to leave for a while, no agreement was made before the trade deadline in February.

As the NBA Drafts beckon, the discussions over Davis’ future are once again opening up. The Toronto Raptor’s trade for Kawhi Leonard last season was so impactful that it has brought them within reach of an NBA Championship.

If there was any doubt that a single player could change the direction of a team, there isn’t anymore. Davis could have a similar impact if he finds himself with the Lakers or Knicks.

What Do Pelicans Want For The Trade?

Screaming New Orleans Pelicans GIF by NBA - Find & Share on GIPHY

Star players like Anthony Davis come at a high cost. According to an article in ESPN, Pelican’s executive vice president David Griffin has outlined a framework for the trade, and not surprisingly he’s asking for quite a lot of assets in demand.

The framework includes an All-Star player, a young player with All-Star potential, and two first-round draft picks. Griffin does have some flexibility. The better the player(s) offered, the softer the asks would be for the draft picks, or vice-versa.

There are already few teams that could meet these requirements, and it’s likely that the deal, at least as it stands, would have to involve multiple teams to make it possible.

Davis Enters Free Agency In 2020

Anthony Davis Ugh GIF by ESPN - Find & Share on GIPHY

To add a bit of risk factor to the deal, Anthony Davis will enter free agency in 2020. This means that whichever team he signs with, he could simply walk away from after one season. It would be a short term investment or a risk that he would stay on. This would make it more difficult for teams to part with their most precious players.

It’s a subject that Davis’ manager Rich Paul has not shied away from. He has made it really clear that Davis has a year left to play, but that after that he will definitely be a free agent. As yet, it is unclear which team will sign Davis, but whoever it is, they won’t necessarily hold on to him for too long.

Which Teams Could Sign Davis?

Lebron James Hug GIF by NBA - Find & Share on GIPHY

There have been several teams linked with negotiations and discussions around Davis, including the NY Knicks, LA Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, LA Clippers, and Boston Celtics. Of those, the field has now been narrowed down to a few teams that are expected to grab him, and one that is a clear favorite. 

Boston Celtics have been mentioned a few times in the NBA trade rumors. They could put together a worthy package with players like Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward, along with two of their three first-round draft picks. Yet they cannot realistically trade for Davis until free agent Kyrie Irving makes a decision on his future with the team, and the time seems to be ticking for the trade.

The New York Knicks have been more strongly linked, and have been in vocal pursuit of Davis. Their trading game plan is under question now that Kevin Durant has suffered an Achilles injury, putting a question mark over where the free agent will go and whether he will stay with the Warriors.

This season for sure will affect the predictions for the following year, especially for bookmakers such as FOXBet, upcoming next fall to face a new NBA era.

Knicks have the number three draft to trade with, and a decent roster too, but they may not want to risk losing their assets in a repeat of the 2011 Carmelo Anthony trade.  

The most likely team to secure a deal over Anthony Davis is the LA Lakers. They are reportedly furthest in the negotiations and are a preferred pick for Davis and his agent. Davis could be paired with LeBron with potentially devastating results.

Lakers are not favorites to land a top-level free agent, so a Davis trade makes a lot of sense. They also know that they are the team that Davis is likely to sign for when his free agency begins, giving extra leverage and value.

anthony joshua May 31, 2019
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Joshua vs Ruiz: Can Ruiz Beat the Odds and Claim the Heavyweight World Title?

Deontay Wilder (41-0-1), Anthony Joshua (22-0), and Tyson Fury (27-0-1) are the heavyweight division’s premier talent.

Wilder and Fury lit up the division late last year, with the former defending his WBC belt against the one-time lineal champ. The fight lived up to the hype, even as it ended in a controversial split draw. As Wilder and Fury staked their claim as the division’s alphas, Joshua quietly prepared for his American debut.

The unified IBO-IBF-WBO title holder was scheduled to take on Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller on June 1 at Madison Square Garden here in New York.

The fight had the makings of a must-see showdown, with bad blood simmering between the two. Miller, unfortunately, was pulled out of the fight after successive failed drug tests.

Initially, Miller’s March 20 sample tested positive for GW1516, forcing the New York State Athletic Commission not to grant Miller a license. He later tested positive for a human growth hormone and EPO, prompting the Joshua camp to look for a replacement.

Enter Andy Ruiz Jr. (32-1), who accepted the challenge. The grizzled veteran, who lost his only championship bout to Joseph Parker (25-2) in razor-thin fashion, has since reeled off three consecutive wins. Nonetheless, Ruiz is coming in as a heavy underdog.

But he will be fighting with that proverbial chip on his shoulder, with a bwin Boxing News article predicting how the Mexican-American is using his controversial loss to Parker as fuel. “They took it away,” Ruiz recalls. “So, this time I’m gonna let everything go and get what’s mine.” The challenger has been talking a big game, vowing to “bring pressure” to Joshua. Ruiz can talk the talk. Question is, can he walk the walk?

The answer is no. For all of Ruiz’s big talk, he’ll be overmatched by Joshua’s sheer physical gifts. The champ is bigger (6-6 to Ruiz’s 6-2), and boasts an 8-inch reach advantage. Ruiz says he’ll bring the fight to AJ, but it’s hard to envision the smaller Ruiz getting through Joshua’s pterodactyl-like arms.

Ruiz’s best shot is to get inside, yet that’ll prove to be immensely difficult given the size difference. Not to mention, The Surgeon packs concussive power and uncanny precision. He is also an elite fighter, as shown in his victory against the legendary Wladimir Klitschko in 2017.

There’s always the off chance that Joshua will underestimate Ruiz, and therefore not be at his best come fight night. But as Boxing Scene predicts in their review of the Joshua-Ruiz fight, that is very unlikely. “[Ruiz] can fight and box,” Joshua says of his opponent. “I think Andy is a great challenger and will bring it on June 1.”

The champ knows the importance of this fight, is clearly focused, and is not taking Ruiz lightly. That means the stocky Mexican-American will likely be facing a determined, well prepared, and in-form Joshua.

Now, part of what makes the division captivating is how one punch can change the course of a fight. Ruiz, despite his seemingly soft body, does have some power (21 KOs in 32 wins).

Joshua, meanwhile, was once dropped by Klitschko and badly hurt by Dillian Whyte. In other words, all it’ll take for Ruiz might be one big punch.

That is, if he can get close enough to the champ.

basketball April 16, 2019
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The Virginia Cavaliers’ road to the NCAA title

This year’s NCAA final saw two teams that were both playing for their first ever championship title.

In the end, the Virginia Cavaliers overpowered the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Thereby compensating for a surprising and upsetting defeat during last season’s first round of the playoffs. Here’s a recap of the Cavs’ ascent to place a winning hand on the title.

Previous Season

The Cavs’ first title follows another “first” from last season, though an upsetting one.

During the 2017-2018 season, it was the first time a No. 1 seed team lost to a No. 16 after The UMBC Retrievers defeated the Cavaliers 74:54 in the first round.

During that game, the ‘Hoos didn’t show the stable defense they are known for. Surprisingly, they lost by a whole 20 points.

Up until halftime, the Retrievers managed to take the lead several times, only to be tied by the determined Cavs, ending the first half, 21:21.

However, Virginia’s efforts were no match for the Retrievers who kept pushing throughout the game. Proving their efforts, they ended up with a 50 percent success from the three-point line versus 18 percent for the Cavs.

The Maryland-Baltimore team also out-rebounded its opponents 12:7. Another indication that the Cavs were far from their top game even if they did manage to tie in the first half.

It was actually the second one that proved decisive for Virginia’s loss.

During the final 20 minutes of the game, the Retrievers scored 53 points versus 33 for the Cavs. Thus ending the game with one point more than what their rivals scored in only half the time.

A notable moment after the game was coach Tony Bennett’s gracious acceptance of this team’s defeat. “We got thoroughly outplayed, and that’s the reality of it. Very hard to guard offensively and they defended us well,” he said.

Season 2018-2019

cavaliers-ncaa
Photo by tortugadatacorp

At 29 wins 3 losses, season 2018-2019 was a big one for the Cavs.

They kicked off with a home game against Towson who were no match for Virginia, losing to the ‘Hoos 73:42.

Another two home triumphs followed — against George Washington (76:57) and a serious upset for Coppin State (97:40).

Tony Bennett’s players outplayed Washington 17:42 during the first half and lost the second 40:34, with Ty Jerome and Kyle Guy each scoring 20 points.

The third win for the season was even more crushing with Coppin State suffering a 57-point defeat.

After the game, coach Juan Dixon said his team was focused on Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome. This allowed De’Andre Hunter to score 20 points in fifteen minutes.

The Cavs kept serving upsets and went on a 16-game win streak before their first defeat — a narrow 72:70 against Duke.

It was a tight win for the Blue Devils during the first face-off, with Tre Jones’ absence due to an injury.

Five games later, with Jones having recovered for play, Duke managed to take a second and more decisive win (81:71) on Virginia’s turf.

The third and last loss for the Cavs was also their final regular-season game against Florida State (69:59).

Playoffs

The Cavs opened the playoffs with a 15-point win over the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs.

However, the ‘Hoos narrowly escaped a second consecutive upset (after last season’s defeat by the Retrievers). At one point they experienced a 14-point deficit during the first half that finished 36:30.

In the end, the champions-to-be bounced back and won the second half 20:41. Thus ending the game at 56:71.

Next, the Cavs met Oklahoma for a 63:51 win. The rest of the postseason wins came with much narrower differences — 53:49 against Oregon, 80:75 against Purdue, and 63:62 against Auburn.

The game against Purdue ended with overtime as both teams managed to overpower each other only by one point during regular time.

As it was during the regular season, the high-scores went to De’Andre Hunter, Ty Jerome, and Kyle Guy, except during the face-off against Oklahoma when Mamadi Diakite scored 14-points for the Cavs.

Diakite, who was among the starting five for the game, told ESPN: “Starting is big to me, it’s a big challenge. [Coach] is telling you,`OK, you have the responsibility to help the team, and we’re trusting you’.”

Final Game

cavaliers-ncaa
Photo by Markus Spiske

Virginia might’ve enjoyed a good season, but the final triumph didn’t come easy.

The last game was a true battle between two of the best defenses in the league. It was an exciting show for impartial viewers and nerve-shattering moments for fans from both teams.

The ‘Hoos maintained a lead throughout most of the game, twice they lead by more than 10-points. But as expected the Raiders put up a tough defense.

The first half went to Virginia. Still, the Raiders managed to come out at 39:36 from the second half, leading the game into overtime which the Cavs won 9:17.

The star for the winning team shone above De’Andre Hunter who scored a career-high of 27 points, while Jarret Culver for the Red Raiders finished with 15.

Red Raiders coach Chris Beard told ESPN: “In terms of my guys, I’ve never been more proud. This is real life. We’ll bounce back.”

What’s Next?

Despite being their first such triumph, the Virginia Cavaliers’ success was no surprise. Even with bookmakers suggesting the team would be one of the two most likely to claim the title.

The 2019 NCAA Championship is now behind the Cavaliers. Of course,  all eyes are set on what the winners will make out of their triumph.

Junior Kyle Guy already announced on Twitter that he is “declaring for the 2019 draft and signing an agent.”

Kyle also hinted he might make use of the new NCAA rule that allows players drafting for the NBA to go back to college.

Guy is the third star player from the Cavaliers to announce his attempts at the top basketball league. This was after De’Andre Hunter and Ty Jerome announced they will declare for the draft.

As for the Red Raider’s Jarrett Culver, he said he has not yet thought about whether he will participate in this year’s draft. He told the Dallas Morning News: “Now the season is over, I’ll take time with my family and coach and consider my future.”

overtime December 7, 2018
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Pull up to Overtime’s first-ever basketball pop-up this weekend in NYC

When it comes to basketball today, it’s bigger than just the game — it’s the culture. The lifestyle of being a hooper, from the music we listen to, to the kicks we wear, has become just as important as the game itself.

It’s all about the next generation of athletes and Overtime has been leading the way with some of the most fire content. Starting in 2016, the high school sports-focused network has grown into one of the biggest names in Gen-Z, and they’re just getting started.

Covering the top talent all over the country, from Zion Williamson to Mac McClung, and even international stars like Aidan Harris Igiehon, Overtime is going beyond the game and bringing hoop experiences to the people.

This weekend in NYC, Overtime is having their first pop-up — The Pull Up.

If you didn’t know, OT has merch for days on their online store, but now they’re bringing that, plus some exclusive collaborations and dope activations, to real life.

There will be plenty of action going on, from a photo exhibit and art installations to a variety of guest appearances and giveaways. But most importantly, there’s the OT store.

Overtime

With limited-edition Overtime gear available only at the pop-up, you can cop their new collabs with artist Sierato and hoops host Rachel Demita.

There will even be some exclusive footwear on display with collab they did with Japanese brand SUICOKE. Shipping out in the summer of 2019, you can peep before anyone else!

Overtime

Not only that but you’ll get the chance to chop it up with Sierato, Rachel Demita, Overtime Larry, and a bunch of the homies from the OT team! You might even get to meet the two founders of Overtime itself, Dan Porter and Zack Weiner. Porter spoke about the event and said,

“When we started Overtime, it was about the young players, the who’s next of basketball. Now, Overtime has grown to be about the culture of basketball, including streetwear, live activations and more. We are excited for people to join us for a celebration of basketball.”

That’s not all, either! If you’re an aspiring sports photographer, pull up and check out the work of some of the best in the game — Cassy Athena, Johnnie Izquierdo, Nicole Sweet, Nia Simone, Cameron Look, Michael Eng and Dontae Putmon. They will be having an exhibition that shows the beauty of the game.

Overtime

Overtime has been making some major moves and being a part of their first event like this will be something to remember. With investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Kevin Durant on deck, they are going to just continue glowing up.

Every day will be a different experience so peep the schedule to see who’s coming through and what’s going down. Don’t play yourself, pull up!

american youth football December 4, 2018
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Compete Beyond: The journey begins at the AYF National Championships

American Youth Football, aka the AYF, is one of the most prestigious youth football organizations in the country. Established in 1996, thousands of kids and future gridiron stars have gone through the process and competed in the AYF National Championships.

Taking place at the Austin-Tindall Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, which just partnered with Kobe Bryant’s newly minted Mamba Sports Academy, youth football players all across the country will get to participate in clinics, meet pros and of course, compete in the National Championships.

We are following Compete Beyond as they document the journey for thousands of kids and 160 different teams competing in this year’s tournament. With four different divisions to play in and kids aged from 7 to 15, some of the top talent in the country will get to show off their skills as they prepare for the next level.

Chapter 1 features all of the teams during arrival day, coaches checking their kids in and even NFL legend Darnell Dockett talking about how difficult the journey has been to get these kids here. With many of these children being at the at-risk age to gangs and violence, AYF offers mentorship as much as it provides football. Per the official AYF site:

“To prepare youngsters to face the future with sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, responsibility, self-discipline, positive aspirations, academic preparedness and confidence. If we teach them positive lessons, such as playing by the rules, our young athletes will learn to live by the rules.”

They also want to make sure football is all-inclusive no matter your background or situation. Their goal is:

“To make youth football and cheer ALL-INCLUSIVE, by not excluding participants based on superficial factors (such as weight, finances or athletic ability). To encourage programs for special needs, at-risk and anti-gang groups, as well as the international football community.”

Make sure you subscribe to Compete Beyond on YouTube and follow their journey as they showcase the next generation of athletic talent.