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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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Source: Soul Brother / Soul Brother
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
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Source: Justin Ford / Getty
Police in Colorado have stated that Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant will not face criminal charges over flashing a gun in a social media video last weekend.
On Wednesday afternoon (March 8), the Glendale, Colorado Police Department announced that after finishing their investigation into Ja Morant after being alerted to an Instagram Live video he streamed showing him flashing a firearm while in Shotgun Willie’s strip club, that they would not file charges.
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“GPD was not able to determine that probable cause existed for the filing of any charges,” the press release partially stated. “In this case, it should be noted that on the night in question, the GPD did not receive any calls for service at the nightclub regarding a weapon of any type. Subsequently, no disturbances were reported, and no citizens or patrons of the club came forward to make a complaint. The investigation also concluded that no one was threatened or menaced with the firearm and in fact, no firearm was ever located.”
Morant was spotted on his Instagram Live flashing the weapon while in the club early Saturday morning (March 5) hours after his Grizzlies team lost to the hometown Nuggets. The club is five miles from Denver’s home stadium Ball Arena. After the footage was released, the Grizzlies announced that the 23-year-old would not be available for the team’s next two games against the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers. So far, the team has stated publicly that he is to miss the team’s next four games at least.
Morant deactivated his Twitter and Instagram accounts that Saturday as the news spread and issued a statement saying he was stepping away. ”I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being,” he said.
The trouble may not be over for Ja Morant, as the NBA has been investigating the incident in addition to others he’s been involved in. In addition, while Nike issued a statement of support for the two-time All-Star, Powerade has taken steps to take down its ads featuring Morant on its website and social media according to reports.
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Photo: Justin Ford / Getty
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For UFC 285, Jon Jones is returning to the ring for the first time in three years, making his long-awaited heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane on Saturday (March 4). The PPV fight will stream on ESPN and ESPN+.
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Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the must-watch UFC 285 fight, including how and when to watch, fight card details and more.
UFC 285 prelims will take place Saturday, March 4, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. The main card PPV fight will take place at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will only be available on ESPN+.
UFC 285 prelims will be available to watch on ESPNews, ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass.
Jon Jones is finally returning to the UFC to take on Ciryl Gane for the vacant UFC heavyweight title. Francis Ngannou, who held the title, was stripped of his position following a contract dispute in January, allowing Gane another shot at the belt after he was defeated by Ngannou last year.
Gane is known as one of the most technically skilled heavyweight fighters in the league and is sure to be a tough competitor against Jones.
Jones is favored to win among betters, but Gane has fought six times in the time Jones has been away from the octagon, preparing his move into the heavyweight.
Jones, 35, and Gane, 32, are also in a close race when it comes to measurements. Both fighters are 6 feet 4 inches tall, with Jones weighing 255 pounds and Gane coming in at 247 pounds. Jones also has a slightly larger reach of 84.5 inches compared to Gane’s 81.
The UFC 285 PPV fight will be available exclusively on ESPN+. Already subscribed? Click here to log in and follow directions to order the fight, or click the buy button below.
New to ESPN+? It’s the go-to streaming destination for dedicated sports fans. From UFC to NFL, sports lovers will find a variety of live and on-demand programming, including PPV sporting events, documentaries and exclusive series.
ESPN+ is $9.99 a month (or $99.99 a year) to subscribe to the service by itself. To expand your streaming library, bundle ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu for $12.99 a month.
UFC 285: Jones vs. Gane
To watch UFC 285, subscribe to either ESPN+ or the bundle deal and add the PPV fight. The Disney bundle includes Hulu’s ad-supported plan and can be canceled anytime. PPV purchases are non-refundable.
In addition to the main event, the co-main event features Valentina Shevchenko facing off against Alexa Grasso, Geoff Neal vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov, Mateusz Gamrot against Jalin Turner and Bo Nickal vs. Jamie Pickett.
UFC 285 preliminary fights include Cody Garbrandt vs. Trevin Jones, Derek Brunson vs. Dricus Du Plessis, Viviane Araújo vs. Amanda Ribas and Julian Marquez vs. Marc-Andre Barriault. Early preliminary fights include Ian Machado Garry vs. Song Kenan, Mana Martinez vs. Camerono Saaiman, Jessica Penne vs. Tabatha Ricci, Da’mon Blackshear vs. Farid Basharat and Kamuela Kirk vs. Esteban Ribovics.
UFC 285: Jones vs. Gane
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Baseball is back! While the official 2023 Major League Baseball season doesn’t start until March 30, spring training kicked off on Friday (Feb. 24).
Friday’s MLB pre-season matchups include the Texas Rangers vs. Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners vs. San Diego Padres and an exhibition game between the Boston Red Sox and Northeastern Huskies. All three games are available on MLB.TV.
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On Saturday, the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies will face off along with the Kansas City Royals vs. Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jay vs. Pittsburgh Pirates and more.
Keep reading for a breakdown of MLB.TV and other streaming options.
How to Watch MLB.TV on Prime Video
Now that stadiums are back at full capacity after two years of COVID delays, canceled games and smaller crowds, fans have the option of enjoying games in person — or from the couch. If you chose the latter, then it’s time to join MLB.TV.
With MLB.tv on Prime Video, baseball fans stream MLB games on a smart TV, computer, phone and other compatible devices. For Prime members, Amazon’s streaming arm is an easy choice as the platform offers a free trial to MLB.TV. Baseball fans can also land a free trial at MLB.com.
What is MLB.TV? It’s a subscription package that lets you watch and stream thousands of major and minor league games live and on demand. You’ll get live access to out-of-market feeds for all regular season MLB games that aren’t subject to regional, national or another kind of blackout.
According to Amazon, live regular season games included in your subscription will feature out-of-market teams only. Nationally televised games and local team games televised in your area including MLB playoff games, the World Series and the All-Star Game will not be available for live streaming with MLB.TV.
MLB.tv on Prime Video
$24.99/month after 7-day free trial
MLB.TV is $24.99/month to stream 250+ spring training games, plus every out-of-market game and you can cancel anytime. The annual plan is $145.99 or $129.99 for a Single Team Pass. If you subscribe through Amazon Prime, the fee will be added to your Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year after a 30-day free trial.
How to Watch MLB Games on Fubo, ESPN+ and More
When it comes to nationally televised MLB games, there are plenty of ways to watch and stream without cable or satellite. For example, you can stream MLB games on Fubo TV, Vidgo, DirectTV Stream, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, Roku devices and ExpressVPN (to stream internationally).
Can you watch MLB on YouTube TV? Unfortunately, YouTube dropped MLB Network in January.
Meanwhile, ESPN and ESPN+ will carry a combined 10 MLB spring training games starting with next week’s matchup between the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals. The game will air on ESPN on Monday (Feb. 27) at 1 p.m. ET and stream on the ESPN app.
ESPN+
$9.99/month
Six spring training games will stream on ESPN+ from March 23-March 28. MLB spring training coverage will air on ESPN and stream on the app from Feb. 27- March 2. See the full schedule here.
How to Watch MLB Games on Apple TV+
Although the 2023 season hasn’t launched yet, Friday Night Baseball is returning to Appel TV+. For now, fans can relive the 2022 season and other sports like Major League Soccer until MLB games return. Apple TV+ is $6.99/month after a weeklong free trial.
MLB on Apple TV
$6.99/month after 7-day free trial
Want more baseball goodies? For officially licensed gear celebrating your favorite teams, hit up Fanatics, Dick Sporting Goods and the MLB Shop. Other MLB products and apparel can be found at major retailers such as Amazon, Kohl’s, and Walmart.
Visit MLB.com for a full schedule of baseball games for the new season.
Babyface appeared at the 2023 Super Bowl to perform a stunning rendition of the patriotic classic “America the Beautiful” ahead of the championship football game on Sunday (Feb. 12).
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The R&B singer appeared at the stadium solo, wearing an all-black suit — and his signature angular black sunglasses — with nothing but an acoustic guitar painted with American flag motifs to accompany him during the performance. The “When Can I See You” singer’s rendition of the track was a peaceful one, featuring him playing the guitar and singing the song’s lyrics with the occasional high note and vocal runs for added flair.
Babyface, whose real name is Kenneth Brian Edmonds, was accompanied by sign language interpreter Colin Denny, a deaf member of the Navajo Nation in Arizona. Denny signed “America the Beautiful” in both American Sign Language and North American Indian Sign Language.
Babyface has 12 Grammy Awards and five top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His performance of “America the Beautiful” is just one of many musical moments taking place during the 2023 Super Bowl. Before the singer-producer sang for the stadium of fans, Sheryl Lee Ralph dazzled with a choir-backed performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Chris Stapleton’s performance of the National Anthem followed Babyface’s “America the Beautiful” rendition.
Halfway through the game, Rihanna will be taking the stage for the Apple Music Halftime Show for what she described as a “jam-packed” 13-minute medley of hits that span her entire catalog.