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Rihanna‘s Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show is officially the most-watched halftime show performance of all time, according to an adjusted Nielsen report Tuesday (May 2).
The live performance — her first in more than five years — attracted 121.017 million viewers during the Feb. 12-dated broadcast. Nielsen’s revised report regarding Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles also makes this year’s big game the most-watched Super Bowl in history.
According to the Associated Press, Nielsen revised this year’s original figure of 113.1 million by 2 million “after a review that revealed encoding irregularities as well as issues with out-of-home measurement.” The new 115.1 million figure breaks the record that was previously set by the 2015 Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, which had 114.442 million viewers (not including streaming). This year’s figure also surpassed that of the 2017 Super Bowl between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots (113.668 million), which previously held the most-watched record out of Fox Sports’ 10 Super Bowl broadcasts.
During RiRi’s now history-making performance at Glendale, Ariz.’s State Farm Stadium, she not only revealed she was pregnant with her and partner A$AP Rocky‘s second child, but she also performed her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits like “Only Girl (in the World),” “We Found Love,” “S&M,” “Rude Boy,” “Work” and more. Ahead of her big night, Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty lingerie and clothing brand sold “Rihanna concert interrupted by a football game, weird but whatever” T-shirts as part of its game day collection. And considering millions more people tuned into her “concert” than the game, there’s truth to that slogan.
The Atlanta Hawks are still alive in the NBA Playoffs, and that will force fans planning to attend Janet Jackson’s concert in the city this week to wait a day to see the music star.
The Hawks rallied to beat the Boston Celtics 119-117 in Game 5 of their playoff matchup on Tuesday night, sending the series back to Atlanta for Game 6.
It means that State Farm Arena was double-booked for Thursday night. The casualty was Jackson’s concert, Live Nation said in a statement following the the team’s victory.
The concert was moved to Friday, and all tickets for Thursday’s show will be honored for Friday night. Refunds will be available at the point of purchase for those who are unable to change their plans.
State Farm Arena’s Twitter account posted this message late Tuesday: “SHOW UPDATE: Due to tonight’s @ATLHawks Game 5 win, we will host Game 6 on Thursday, moving Thursday’s Janet Jackson concert to Friday. If you have tickets to the original show date, they will be honored for Friday’s date.”
Doors for Jackson’s show Friday will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7:45 p.m.
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Source: Ezra Shaw / Getty / Stephen Curry
Unlike his teammate Draymond Green, Stephen Curry rarely makes a mistake on the court, until yesterday.
The best shooter in basketball, Stephen Curry, almost cost his Golden State Warriors the game, and they could have been down 3-1 heading back to Sacramento after making an egregious blunder.
With just 40 seconds left in the game, the Kings trapped Curry leaving him nowhere to go or pass the ball. So generally, in that situation, you will call a timeout, and that’s what he did.
But there was one issue, the Warriors didn’t have any timeouts left after head coach Steve Kerr lost the team’s final timeout in an unsuccessful challenge that even Draymond Green told him not to do.
“I didn’t realize when we lost the challenge that we didn’t have any timeouts left,” Curry said. Like a true leader, Steve Kerr took the blame for the moment, protecting his all-star player.
Curry still owned up to his mistake, adding, “[Coach] took the blame for it, but I ain’t going to lie: I thought it was the smartest play in the world. I looked at the bench, and everybody was shaking their head. It was an unfortunate situation.”
The Kings took advantage of what many call Steph’s “Chris Webber moment,” referencing retired hooper calling a timeout his team did not have during the 1993 National Championship game costing the Michigan Wolverines the chip.
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With a technical free throw and a three-pointer from the NBA’s most clutch player, De’Aron Fox, the Kings were only down one in a game that at one point looked like a sure win for the Warriors.
The Warriors did survive after Harrison Barnes missed a go-ahead three-pointer.
NBA Twitter Came With The Jokes
As you can imagine, NBA Twitter had plenty of reactions to Curry’s brain lapse and Harrison Barnes’s potential game-winning brick.
You can see those in the gallery below.
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Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty
1. Accurate
2. Very true
7. Y’all aint right
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Star NFL player Odell Beckham Jr. has been named as a suspect in an assault that took place in Los Angeles – an incident his representatives deny ever happened.
According to reports, law enforcement claims that a woman filed a report stating that the Baltimore Ravens wide receiver assaulted her at a popular restaurant “several weeks ago”. She claimed that OBJ “went up to her and grabbed her throat with light pressure” at the Delilah restaurant, an eatery that’s notable for having a high celebrity clientele. Representatives for the wide receiver stated that they hadn’t been contacted by police and strongly denied that he did anything wrong.
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When contacted by the press, Delilah’s owner John Terzian vehemently denied the incident happened. “We were contacted about an investigation and reviewed the videos, the claim is false,” he said. “There is no evidence of this person even being in the area where she claims the incident occurred.” Sources in the initial report claim that both the woman and Beckham remained at the venue after the alleged incident took place.
The West Hollywood eatery was also caught up in controversy with another notable figure linked to the National Football League. Former three-time Super Bowl champion Willie McGinest was involved in an assault there last December, which was caught on video. McGinest would be let go from his analyst position with the NFL Network after being charged with two felonies and is set to go to trial later this month.
The 30-year-old Beckham has had a few tumultuous months – he recently signed a one-year deal with Baltimore for $18 million in a surprise to many expecting him to join the New York Jets to play with their expected new quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. At the press conference, he claimed that during the 2022 Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals, he played “without an ACL” as a member of the winning Los Angeles Rams squad. He also had a run-in with law enforcement last November, being escorted off of a plane at Miami-Dade Airport for “unruly behavior”.
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Photo: Getty
Metro Boomin is preparing fans everywhere for Major League Baseball’s Opening Day on Thursday (March 30) with a special video.
The nearly three-minute clip from MLB Network’s studio programming kicks off with Metro (who’s wearing a baseball cap that reps his hometown team, the St. Louis Cardinals) opening up Pro Tools on his laptop and gearing up to make hits — a normal day for the multi-platinum producer — which he compares to players gearing up for a 162-game regular season.
“Whenever I start working on a new record, there are a million different ways that it can go. I might try something new. I might just want to pick up where I left off with the last big hit. Link up with an old friend, or get a bunch of the big dogs together. Go get them young hitters, or help someone trying to follow up a huge hit,” he says as “Trance” (featuring Travis Scott and Young Thug) from his latest Billboard 200-topping album Heroes & Villains plays in the background. “Sometimes you find an artist that breaks all the rules. Sometimes, the rules change right in front of your eyes. But all throughout, you’ve gotta be true to yourself, ya dig? Inject that flavor and that sauce that makes whatever you’re creating different from everything anyone else has ever come up with.”
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The piece features several images and highlights of MLB rising stars and veterans, including Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels, Justin Verlander of the New York Mets, Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners and Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins. Later, the song shifts to the John Legend-assisted “On Time” from Metro’s Heroes & Villains.
“You can’t beat this time of year. Everybody’s staring at 162,” Metro says while peering into the camera. “162 chances to make that beautiful music…. It’s time to play ball.”
Watch the “Eyes on 162” clip below.
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Source: Jim McIsaac / Getty / Ben Simmons
Brooklyn Nets fans don’t have to worry about Ben Simmons being a liability for the team when the playoffs begin.
ESPN reports the Brooklyn Nets are shutting down Ben Simmons for the remainder of the season; coach Jacque Vaughn told the press on Tuesday.
“Ben will not be joining us the rest of the year and through the playoffs,” Vaughn revealed after practice. “After consulting with our doctors, multiple specialists, he’s just going to begin a rehab program. Our doctors and the specialists feel and think that he’ll have a full recovery, so that starts now.”
The fragile hooper has not hit the court for the Nets since the team’s final game before the All-Star break because of a nerve issue in his back. Simmons has been beset with knee and back issues, but Vaughn says he does not expect the point guard to get surgery for this latest injury.
“That is not in sight,” Vaughn said. “That’s the recommendation right now.”
Before making his Nets debut following a trade that saw the Brooklyn franchise swap James Harden for him, Simmons underwent back surgery last summer.
When he did return, he was a mere shell of his former self, seeing a steep decline in his performance from his All-Star days with the Sixers.
During the small sample size with the Nets, Simmons posted career lows in minutes (26.3), points (6.9), rebounds (6.3), assists (6.1), and free throw percentage (43.9).
Jack Vaughn Still Believes In Ben Simmons
Still, his coach remains hopeful the 26-year-old professional hooper can return to his old form.
“That’s our goal,” Vaughn said. “And overall, you just think about, he’s 6-10, athletic, what he can do and bring to our team, how he can help our group on both ends of the floor. We want to be involved in that. We want to see that. I want to coach Ben, and I want to be able to push Ben to get back to all-defensive team and impact our team on both ends of the floor. So that’s definitely the goal going forward.”
The Nets Will Continue To Support Him & Remain Hopeful He Can Return Next Season
According to general manager Sean Marks, the Nets will also continue to support Simmons.
“Same thing we’ve done in the past is support him,” Marks told ESPN. “This is a young man that has been through a very traumatic and pretty arduous last couple years here. And this is not news that he wants to hear. He didn’t want specialists telling him, ‘Hey look, here’s the best thing for you.’ The good news, they were in unison in their plan for a full recovery. I worked hard with these doctors, all the different specialists as well as Bernie Lee, his new agent, to come up with a plan that’s hopefully going to get him back, and back to being the Ben we’ve all seen.”
Marks continues, “I do feel for him because I know he wants to be out here. I know he wants to be part of this team. Nobody likes being told, ‘You didn’t amount to what you should have, and it shouldn’t be this, you should have done this, and so forth’ I hope he uses all of this as whatever you want to call it, chalkboard fodder for motivation, and attack [his rehab]. But I think he would fit with these guys we’ve got, and he fits for multiple reasons. So we hope that he’s back — and that he’s healthy, ready to go.”
Twitter Believes It’s A Wrap For Ben Simmon’s Career
While Simmon’s current team still believes in him, NBA Twitter is saying it’s a wrap for N0.10, and he will probably end up playing professional basketball in China.
LOL.
Damn, you all are ruthless.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: Jim McIsaac / Getty
2. Howling
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New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed that Meek Mill reached out to encourage him to trade for star Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
As the National Football League held its annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona on Monday (March 27th), Kraft spoke to reporters and revealed that he had a conversation via text with the “Dreams & Nightmares” rapper three days earlier. “Meek Mill texted and said, ‘Lamar Jackson wants to come to the Patriots,’ Kraft said before adding, “I said, ‘That’s Bill Belichick’s decision.’” When asked about the conversation, Belichick responded in his famously terse manner, “I’m not going to talk about players on any other team.”
Jackson, who’s been the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens since being drafted by them in 2018, announced that he requested a trade from the team on March 2nd. He related the news of his decision via his Twitter account on Monday, asking fans to personally ask him questions.
This comes 20 days after the Ravens applied a non-exclusive franchise tag after failing to come to terms with him on a long-term contract. That tag means that teams can negotiate with Jackson, but if he signs an offer sheet Baltimore has the right to match it or demand two first-round picks in return.
The 26-year-old quarterback is finding no takers for his services, as he is reportedly seeking a fully guaranteed contract similar to the $320 million contract Deshaun Watson signed with the Cleveland Browns. Many have speculated that the Patriots could make a deal with the Ravens despite their often-bitter rivalry with the franchise, but Kraft and Belichick have expressed support for their current QB, Mac Jones.
Meek Mill’s reported involvement sparked a buzz among industry observers, as it is well-known that he and Kraft have a close relationship. Another reason is that Jackson is not represented by an agent, and the NFL has already sent out an internal memo to all 32 teams to remind them not to engage an “unauthorized representative” by the name of Ken Francis in talks concerning a trade for Jackson.
It was soon revealed that Francis is a business partner of Jackson’s in a fitness equipment business. When contacted by ESPN, Francis denied any negotiating efforts, saying: “I don’t speak for Lamar.”
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Photo: Getty
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Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty
Look, Florida A&M University’s basketball team might not have had one of its best seasons, which the Rattlers finished with a 7-22 record, but one thing the ballers at FAMU have going for them is a cheerleader who DGAF that she’s hyping up a losing team—she’s still going to talk all the trash and put on for her school.
According to Blavity, the Rattlers cheerleader with the slick tongue who clearly doesn’t care how anyone feels about it is FAMU senior Nailah Clarington, who will be graduating soon, meaning FAMU might be down one diehard sh*t-talker who can rival any Black family sitting around the Sapdes table. (If you can thrive in that environment, you’re an official trash-talk blackbelt to be revered by anyone who wishes to avoid getting roasted beyond recognition.
“Messiah, yo coach says you suck. That was his words. Take him out of the game, Coach,” Clarington can be heard shouting from the sideline. She could also be heard telling the referee they don’t need to let people talk to them any old kind of way—while definitely planning to keep talking to folks any old kind of way.
She also questioned the refs’ calls and shouted, “He’s not a shooter!” at multiple players from the opposing team, who were, apparently, not shooters.
Suffice it to say, the fine folks on Twitter were amused and appreciative of Nailah’s energy.
Clarington clearly won herself a lot of fans—and possibly a career as a sports broadcaster. Steven A. Smith better watch out.
Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty
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The iconic athletic brand AND1 is back in the limelight, marking its return with an anniversary party in New York City and a new movement with events occurring this summer.
For years, AND1 was a major part of the culture bringing streetball to the mainstream domestically and globally. Last Thursday (March 9), it celebrated three decades of that influence with an anniversary party in New York City that brought back its most recognizable faces, designers and other celebrities under the same roof.
The event was held at LUME Studios, an immersive design studio firm and facility located in lower Manhattan. The night kicked off with a panel discussion led by Dometi Pongo of MTV. The conversation’s focus was on AND1’s creation, its rise and enduring influence and what’s next for the brand. Taking part in the conversation was AND1’s Brand Director Dexter Gordon and Design Director Lars Astrom. Bronx streetball legend and one of the leading figures of AND1, Shane “The Dribble Machine” Woney, was also a part of the discussion.
The anniversary event was a preface to the brand’s launching of the “Summer of AND1.” The initiative will feature the return of their storied Open Run Tour as well as their Paint The Park initiative that brings street ballers and communities together. In addition, the company announced the release of The Rise and Chosen one CHAMPIONSHIP pack of sneakers, which debuted on their website on the following Friday.
Afterward, the stage was set for attendees to party and take in the galleries set up to display many items of memorabilia from AND1’s 30 years. These include jerseys from athletes who’ve worn the brand including NBA champion and Hall of Famer Ben Wallace of the Detroit Pistons (who was in attendance), Lance Stephenson and Chauncey Billups. Sneakers from the company were also on display. While DJ Annie Red held it down on the turntables, guests also got to check out videos and photos from the numerous AND1 Mixtape Tours and play the AND1 Streetball video game.
For more information, check out AND1’s website for upcoming merchandise drops and events. Check out some photos below.
Source: Soul Brother / Soul Brother
Source: Soul Brother / Soul Brother
Source: Soul Brother / Soul Brother
Source: Soul Brother / Soul Brother
Source: Soul Brother / Soul Brother
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Rosalía‘s Motomami, the Grammy-winning album’s logo will be on FC Barcelona’s jerseys for their El Clásico match against Real Madrid.
The Spanish superstar becomes the first artist to be featured on both the men’s and women’s teams home kits as part of Barcelona’s partnership with Spotify. The limited-edition shirt with the Motomami logo will also be available for fans to purchase.
Rosalía follows Drake who, in October, had his OVO brand owl logo placed on the front of the FC Barcelona men’s jerseys for the match after becoming the first artist to surpass 50 billion streams on Spotify.
“We’re honored to give up our space on the FC Barcelona shirt to celebrate Rosalía – the most streamed Spanish artist on Spotify in 2022,” Marc Hazan, vp partnerships, Spotify said in a statement. “It’s a chance to continue the celebration of our unique partnership with FC Barcelona and continue to bring the worlds of football and music together.”
In 2022, Rosalía was the most-streamed Spanish artist in the world on Spotify, with streams of her tracks growing by more than 110% year over year, and she was also the most-streamed female artist in Barcelona, according to the company.
Juli Guiu, vp marketing, FC Barcelona, added: “Seeing such a renowned artist as Rosalía on the beloved Barça jersey is a wonderful surprise for our fans around the world. Music and football form a special partnership with a long future ahead of them and we are happy to add another chapter to the story alongside the world’s most popular music streaming platform, Spotify.”
Barcelona’s El Clásico match will take place March 19. The women’s team will then also wear the Motomami jerseys at theirs on March 25.
Both team’s players will also be curating the El Clásico Matchday playlists featuring the top songs to motivate the players in the build up to the matches, which will, of course, include their favorite Rosalía songs.
Rosalía’s Motomami peaked at No. 3 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart. It won the Latin Grammy for album of the year. Most recently, Rosalía confirmed a joint three-song project with Rauw Alejandro titled RR, set to drop March 24.
FC Barcelona / Germán Parga