sports
Page: 3
Gucci Mane finally linked up with his doppelgänger, NBA referee James Williams.
The Atlanta rapper attended the playoff game between the Cleveland Cavs and the Miami Heat on Tuesday (April 29), and posted a picture on Instagram of himself and Williams having a courtside chat.
Back in 2021, NBA superstar Ja Morant reshared a photo of himself and Williams posted by the NBA’s Latin America X page, writing, “Me & Gucci,” and it went viral. And ever since, Williams said fans and players only refer to him as “Gucci or Guwop.”
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“I am Gucci Mane, at this point that’s who I am,” Williams told the Crown Refs podcast back in 2023. “I’m actually shocked when somebody on the floor calls me James. Nobody calls me James, everybody calls me Gucci or Guwop.”
Trending on Billboard
He continued by saying that he doesn’t take it seriously and actually finds the situation funny. “I’ve really just embraced it. I think that it humanizes us,” he said. “Referees who are just the cops out there, I’m not a big fan of ’cause that’s not how I referee. I like to go out there, I like to have fun; engage the fans, the players, the coaches. While we have a job to do, you should still have fun while you’re doing it.”
He added, “Once that thing went viral, just like my life has been completely altered forever. It’s a part of who I am at this point. Nobody calls me James, it’s really quite comical to be honest with you.”
@crownrefs In this classic clip from episode 304 of the Crown Refs Podcast, NBA Finals referee James “Gucci” Williams talks about his famous nickname and how he’s embraced it because it’s fun and humanizes officials. Be sure to check out the RefMasters app, available for iOS and Android. @RefMasters ♬ original sound – Crown Refs
He then told a funny story about a time when he was in Chicago catching a flight and a random youth basketball team wanted to take a picture with him. “The other day I was in O’Hare and there was a basketball team walking through,” he recalled. “I’m walking to my gate and they’re like, ‘That’s the Gucci Mane ref. Can we get a picture?’ I think it’s funny, I really do. I don’t take myself too seriously. We get to referee a kid’s game for a living.”
Williams has been in regular rotation during the NBA playoffs this year, so fans will be seeing more of Gucci Mane’s twin reffing games.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Getty Images / Luka Doncic / Kobe Bryant
Luka Doncic hasn’t delivered an NBA Championship to the city of Los Angeles yet, but he is quickly earning the respect of Lakers fans.
Some unknown individual defaced a Downtown Los Angeles mural of the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, with graffiti, turning it into a canvas for a dispute between street artists.
The touching tribute piece, which features Bryant donning his Lakers jersey while kissing a young Gigi on the cheek, was covered in white paint and graffiti tags.
TMZ Sports reports that someone wrote “keep running your mouth p***y” in the top corner where the mural’s creator, “Sloe Motions,” name is located.
That message or threat is crossed out with a reply stating, “Leave a name, p***y! Don’t B scared.”
Well, it looks like Luka Doncic, who is currently in his first year of donning the purple and gold after the Dallas Mavericks shockingly traded him to the Lakers, is stepping up to fix the mural and is opening up his wallet.
Per TMZ Sports:
There’s a happy ending to this story … as TMZ Sports has learned Lakers superstar Luka Doncic has donated $5,000 to help restore the mural.
It’s an incredible gesture … as that is the total amount the fundraiser was hoping to rake in for the effort.
That’s dope of the NBA superstar.
Kobe Bryant & His Daughter’s Global Impact
Following the tragic passing of the iconic NBA superstar and his daughter as a result of a helicopter crash, murals sprang up all over Los Angeles and around the globe honoring the Lakers legend and his daughter, who aspired to follow in her father’s footsteps on the basketball court.
Weirdly, a LA native would do such a thing to a piece of art honoring someone who is the embodiment of the city and brought so much joy to Lakers fans.
Salute to Luka Doncic.
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Source: Getty Images / Giannis Antetokounmpo / John Haliburton
If this is the final time we see Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Milwaukee Bucks uniform, he went out fighting, both literally and figuratively.
Things got extremely chippy at Gainbridge Fieldhouse after final buzzer of the Indiana Pacers stunning 119-118 overtime victory over the Bucks, eliminating the Bucks from the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo got into it with Pacers guard Ben Mathurin at center court first, which led to the hoopers having to be separated. It looked, at first, as if the players were exchanging pleasantries, as players always do at the end of the game, but. Mathurin pushes Giannis, who had his hand on the back of Mathurin’s head.
Then Antetokounmpo got into it with Tyrese Haliburton’s father, John Haliburton, after his son sealed the Pacers’ win with a game-winning drive past the Greek Freak. Antetokounmpo shook hands with John Haliburton before two butted heads and began screaming at each other before they each had to be separated.
Following the game, Tyrese Haliburton spoke about the incident, saying that his father was in the wrong, adding that a conversation would be had.
“I don’t think that my pops was in the right at all there. … We will have a conversation and I’ll talk to Giannis, it’s unfortunate we’re all grown men,” Haliburton said during the post-game press conference.
Antetokounmpo was also asked about the incident, and he added during his post-game press conference that “I believe like being humble in victory, ” and that he felt “disrespected,” but noted that all parties involved talked, adding “I think we’re in a good place.”
Social Media Is Reacting To The Chippy End
As expected, the two incidents have social media talking, especially if this is Giannis’ final game as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise.
Many believe the NBA champion will be traded and sent to a contender because it’s not looking suitable for the Bucks next season. The team has no first-round picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, and outside of Damian Lillard, who suffered a torn Achilles in his last game, putting an asterisk on his career, and whether he will play next season, there isn’t much to lure Antetokounmpo back.
Damn.
We won’t find out any time soon, but until then, you can view more reactions in the gallery below.
5. Nah chill
Yung Miami is clapping back at speculation she’s in pursuit of NFL draftee Shedeur Sanders. On Sunday (April 27), the former City Girls rapper responded to someone on X who implied she was “making it sooo obvious” that she romantically wants Sanders. “Y’all b—hes don’t know what ‘supporting your ppl’ look like!!!!” she wrote in […]
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Source: MANDEL NGAN / Getty
It was all good for Saquon Barkley after the Super Bowl. But after being spotted golfing with Donald Trump over the weekend, the star NFL running back is getting cooked on social media after he defended kicking it with the alleged racist in chief.
If you didn’t know, Barkley was photographed sitting to the left of Trump at his Bedminster golf course, which FOX News of course happily bigged up. Turns out he was hanging with the convicted felon, and he sees no issue with it.
Barkley might have initially looked like a hostage, but on Monday morning (April 28), he took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to defend himself, and it didn’t go well.
“lol some people are really upset cause I played golfed and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT. Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand,” wrote Barkley on X. “Just golfed with Obama not too long ago…and look forward to finishing my round with Trump ! Now ya get out my mentions with all this politics and have amazing day.”
Message to Mr. Barkley, it’s always about politics. Particularly if you’re a Black running back being used for photo ops with the same guy who said that NFL players who kneeled during the playing of the National Anthem a la Colin Kaepernick were “sons of b*tches.”
Also, Barkley having the audacity to mention President Barack Obama in the same sentence with Trump is also getting him absolutely fried. But hey, we still got Jalen Hurts avoiding any Sunken Place tendencies.
See the Barkley Backlash unfold in gallery. The Philadelphia Eagles deserve better than this from their star RB, respectfully.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Fanatics
Lil Wayne will be enjoying the NFL Draft in style. He has announced a Green Bay Packers-themed capsule collection with Mitchell & Ness.
As per Hypebeast, Lil Wayne is taking his love for the green and gold to new heights. This week, the authentic sports clothing brand announced a new drop that reinterprets the Green Bay Packers’ signature logo and marks. These limited-edition pieces put a fun twist on team wearables and game day apparel. Included in the capsule is a black jersey that features high density rubber print Packers lettering, tackle-twill name, and number graphics. In terms of branding it also carries screen-printed logos on the sleeves, an embroidered NFL crest and the Lil Wayne logo on the gusset. In addition, there is also a hooded sweatshirt and T-shirt in the mix, both available in two colorways.
Lil Wayne explained why this capsule collection is important to him in a formal statement. “We had to create something that reps the G but still drips with that Tunechi flavor. It’s more than merch,” he said. “It represents legacy, loyalty and a little bit of luxury for the real ones.” Emilie Arel, president of Mitchell & Ness, also commented on why the collaboration made so much sense. “This collaboration represents the essence of Mitchell & Ness – merging one of the most talented worldwide entertainers with iconic sports franchises and bold merchandise designs” she said. “We couldn’t be more excited to launch a collection with Lil Wayne at the NFL Draft and are excited to see this relationship come to life and different points throughout the year.”
The Lil Wayne x Mitchell & Ness capsule is available now. You can shop it here.
Fanatics
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
To celebrate the 2025 NFL Draft, which takes place in Green Bay on April 24-26, Lil Wayne has teamed up with Mitchel & Ness and the NFL to drop a limited-edition apparel collection that will extend throughout the year. As a lifelong “Cheesehead,” Wayne’s first release celebrates his favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers, but with a Carter VI-inspired makeover.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The collection will include limited-edition T-shirts, hoodies and a unique football jersey incorporating designs derived from the rappers upcoming album. Dropping Wednesday (April 23), each piece features bold graphics and premium detailing that pay homage to Green Bay’s rich football heritage.
Trending on Billboard
“We had to create something that reps the G but still drips with that Tunechi flavor. It’s more than merch,” said Lil Wayne. “It represents legacy, loyalty and a little bit of luxury for the real ones.”
For the collection, the iconic Packers “G” logo is front and center for each piece, and gets a cheesy redesign that’s seemingly melting on the front of the top. On the back, a “VI” motif takes center stage featuring an allover print of the original Green Bay “G” logo. The t-shirt comes in green, the hoodie in white, and the football jersey in black.
Courtesy Photo
“This collaboration represents the essence of Mitchell & Ness – merging one of the most talented worldwide entertainers with iconic sports franchises and bold merchandise designs. We couldn’t be more excited to launch a collection with Lil Wayne at the NFL Draft and are excited to see this relationship come to life and different points throughout the year,” said Emilie Arel, President of Mitchell & Ness.
The collaboration doesn’t stop in Green Bay. Wayne and Mitchell & Ness plan to expand their collection with more NFL teams and designs inspired by his anticipated album at this years Fanatics Fest NYC on June 20-22 at the Javits Center. Until then, shop the Lil Wayne x Mitchell & Ness collection available on MitchellandNess.com, Fanatics.com, NFLShop.com.
Lil Wayne x Mitchell & Ness
Black Green Bay Packers Legacy Jersey
Lil Wayne x Mitchell & Ness
Cream Green Bay Packers Melt Pullover Hoodie
Lil Wayne x Mitchell & Ness
Green Bay Packers T-Shirt
Lil Wayne x Mitchell & Ness
Green Bay Packers Melt T-Shirt
Lil Wayne x Mitchell & Ness
Green Bay Packers Melt Pullover Hoodie
Lil Wayne x Mitchell & Ness
Green Bay Packers Melt T-Shirt
Cardi B is pulling no punches at this year’s WWE SummerSlam, which the rapper announced late Friday (April 18) she’ll be hosting both nights this August.
In a clip shared to the wrestling promotion company’s X account, Cardi — wearing an Eddie Guerrero T-shirt — excitedly shares the news. “What’s up, WWE universe?” she tells the camera, waving. “Guess what? SummerSlam. MetLife. Two nights. And I will finally be hosting.”
“And nobody better try me,” a hyped-up Cardi ends the announcement video following a montage of all-star fighters taking the ring. “We gonna turn up!”
Trending on Billboard
The two-day event will take place Aug. 2 and 3 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. It comes four years after the WWE reportedly wanted the “WAP” artist to appear at SummerSlam 2021 before her pregnancy with son Wave made her unable to do so, though the event still used her song “Up” as its official theme that year.
SummerSlam 2025 will also mark the first time the event has been held over the course of two days, something Cardi helped announce back in September. Tickets go on sale May 2, with a pre-sale taking place two days prior, for which fans can now register on WWE’s website.
The news follows the release of the hip-hop titan’s latest single, “Toot It Up,” with Pardison Fontaine. Cardi is also featured on the soundtrack for the upcoming Smurfs movie, with DJ Khaled’s “Higher Love” featuring the “Bodak Yellow” musician and Desi Trill dropping in February.
Both tracks come as Cardi is still working on her long-awaited sophomore album, which will follow 2018’s Invasion of Privacy. The star gave fans an update on the project earlier this month, saying on X Spaces, “The features on my album are really good … I’m working with artists, some that I have worked before and some that I haven’t worked before.”
“And the ones that I have not worked before, I feel like it’s gonna really, really surprise y’all,” she added at the time. “I can tell y’all this, I’m 100 percent confident with this album. I just don’t think what I got is out there.”
See the announcement for Cardi’s upcoming WWE gig below.
Brad Paisley is set to headline the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light on April 26, closing out three days of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Paisley will perform at the Draft Theater near Lambeau Field, offering a free concert to conclude Round 7 of the NFL Draft. “There’s nothing […]
Tennis great Serena Williams had the honor of being named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025 and was asked about her viral cameo during Kendrick Lamar‘s Super Bowl halftime show.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
She told Time that she and fellow Compton native Lamar have been “trying to do something together for ages,” but when he first reached out to ask if she would crip walk during his performance of “Not Like Us,” just as she did after winning Wimbledon for the fifth time in 2012, Williams admitted to being a bit confused.
Trending on Billboard
“I’m like, ‘Wait, what, you’re asking me?’” she admitted. “I’m not Taylor Swift, let’s be honest. I would have a better chance to be quarterback at the Super Bowl than dance.”
However, she didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to represent for their shared hometown, even if it meant dancing while a diss aimed at her ex-boyfriend Drake was playing. “Who would have thought that a tennis player from Compton would be regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time?” she asked. “It was just putting an exclamation on it.”
Williams is still not sure if she regrets it, though, telling the outlet, “I don’t know if I regret it or not. I don’t know the answer to that.” She also doesn’t feel like she was dissing the Toronto rapper. “Absolutely not. I would never do that,” the 23-time singles champ asserted. “And that was sad, that anyone would ever think that. I respect how they could. Obviously, I can see how someone would think that. But absolutely not.”
She added: “I have never had negative feelings towards him. We’ve known him for so many years.”
Back in 2022, on the song “Middle of the Ocean” from his joint album Her Loss with 21 Savage, Drake called Williams’ husband, Reddit co-founder Alex Ohanian, “a groupie,” which prompted Ohanian to respond on X. “The reason I stay winning is because I’m relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do — including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter,” Ohanian wrote at the time.