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Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills Suffered Cardiac Arrest On Field

Monday Night Football saw a disturbing scene when Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest while on the field. According to sources, Hamlin suffered the attack about nine minutes into their game versus the Cincinnati Bengals after tackling Tee Higgins. The play appeared normal to most watching, albeit a rather hard tackle for Hamlin. However, following the play, Hamlin immediately returned to his feet before taking two steps and collapsing on the field to the shock of officials, teammates, and fans of both teams. According to all sources, Damar Hamlin suffered from cardiac arrest following the tackle on Higgins, who slammed into Hamlin with a copious amount of force, which caused the horrific aftermath.

Damar Hamlin’s Accident and Aftermath

Medical personnel quickly made their way to Hamlin, wherein Hamlin received the needed treatment. Despite their efforts, Hamlin left the stadium on a stretcher in critical condition. Both teams became visibly affected during the ordeal; some began praying together for Hamlin’s health. Following about an hour of play delay, the NFL announced the game to be postponed. Vice President of NFL football operations released a statement, “Neither coach was talking about resuming play, the players were not thinking of resuming play…”

As of this morning, Damar Hamlin remains in critical condition at University of Cincinnati Hospital. Where at least one hundred saddened fans gathered to support Hamlin and gain information on his condition, this story is ongoing. More details about Hamlin’s condition will follow as they become available.

The Sports World’s Reactions

Despite the horrible event, it did bring the sports world together in support of Hamlin, his family, and his teammates. The NFL Players Association released a statement in which they bluntly claimed Damar Hamlin’s recovery was the only matter of any fundamental importance. This sentiment echoed throughout the world of professional football. Arizona Cardinals defensive end announced support. Likewise, Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Hamlin’s teammate Josh Allen asked fans to support Hamlin through prayer. Josh Allen’s simple tweet read, “please pray for our brother.” The support came from outside of the football world. 

After setting a franchise scoring record of 71 points, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell offered his support for Hamlin. During a postgame interview, the record-setting shooting guard stated, “Prayers up for the Bills safety. I had heard about it but didn’t see it. I wish him and his family. … we’re praying for ’em, all of us in the locker room,” Tennis stars Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff voiced support for Hamlin. Pegula is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula, owners of Hamlin’s team, the Buffalo Bills. Even all-time sports icons Lebron James and Mike Trout offered support.

Unified Support for the Young Player

Damar Hamlin’s horrible accident set the world ablaze. Many around the United States have Hamlin in their mind and prayers. They range from an average Monday Night Football viewer to billionaire sports figures. While the country waits for updates on the player’s health, perhaps it remains best to heed Josh Allen’s advice and offer up support for Hamlin however they can. Expect updates to this ongoing story.

Ryan Fields

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FM Sports Trending

Bezos, McConaughey, and Jay-Z Plan to Buy Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders Up For Purchase
The Washington Commanders. Image source: Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports.

The sports business is a multi-billion dollar industry, and few brands are as profitable as the NFL. The National Football League generated seventeen billion dollars in revenue last year. As such, any remotely competent entrepreneur desires a piece of an NFL team. Now it appears for rapper and mogul Jay-Z, NFL ownership is close to being a reality. He and the financial group’s leader Jeff Bezos are bidding for the ownership of the Washington Commanders. 

How The Commanders Came Up For Sale

The Commanders, formerly the Washington Redskins, became the talk of the football world this week. Unfortunately, this did not spring from a fantastic season of play or a star player. Earlier this week, Daniel Snyder and his wife, Tanya Snyder, announced they hired a division of Bank of America to look into potential buyers for the franchise. After the announcement, many speculated on who the new owners might be—Snyder’s management of the franchise ranks among the least popular in the NFL. The most prominent name on the list of potential buyers is Jeff Bezos, the second richest man on the planet, alongside Jay-Z and actor Matthew McConaughey.

The desire to own an NFL team is evident from a business standpoint. Few purchases could come with a more built-in customer base than a storied albeit not consistently successful NFL team. The Commanders always retain one of the more passionate fanbases in the league, which is impressive considering how popular football is in America. The result would be an almost instant success and profit for Bezos and Jay-Z. 

Why Jay-Z Is Interested

Ownership of sports teams is becoming more prominent among celebrities and entertainers as it becomes apparent that it is almost always a worthwhile investment. Jay-Z isn’t the only rapper getting involved. Earlier this year, Drake became a passive owner in the famed Italian soccer team A.C. Milan. Even Jay-Z previously held a small stake in the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA before selling his shares. His partner McConaughey even has a stake in MLS team Austin FC.

The Takeaway

The Commanders have had a rough spell over the last several years. Synder’s ownership created controversy, the Redskins name caused many to call for a change, and the team has seen lackluster seasons. It caused the team and its fans to feel that change was in need. Perhaps it will, and the team needs the new owners right now. However, sources close to Synder claim he would not sell the team to Bezos. Bezos is also the owner of the Washington Post, an outlet Synder reportedly hates. 

Everything remains up in the air as of right now. Synder still needs to confirm he’s doing anything more than considering a sale of the team. Although his actions indicate he is serious, all we can do now is wait and see what the future holds for the Commanders, a team in a seemingly endless wave of chaos.

Written By: Ryan Fields 

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Drake And Lebron James Become Passive Owners In A.C. Milan

REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - MAY 22: Players of AC Milan celebrate with the Scudetto trophy during the award ceremony after the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on May 22, 2022 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images)

Few figures loom more prominent in popular culture than Drake and Lebron James. The pair’s similarities are striking. Both figures have been active in their respective fields for decades, albeit James’ basketball domination started before Drake’s chart dominance. However, both superstars have begun to see diminishing returns on their popularity. Lebron’s Lakers failed to make the playoffs during the 2021-22 NBA season, which is a very far cry from his 2020 NBA Championship run and Finals MVP award. Likewise, Drake’s last two LPs met more decidedly mediocre fates than his previous records. First, certified Lover Boy from 2021 became generally disliked by fans. After that, Honestly, Nevermind received more fanfare but fell short of Drake’s heyday in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Lebron and Drake Sports Interests

Despite relatively lackluster performances in the fields that brought them fame, the two moguls proved their business acumen is as sharp as ever. Both celebrities transitioned their court and chart success into ownership and investments that paid them handsomely. Now both are adding another lucrative asset to their ever-expanding portfolio.  

The Details Of The Deal

On Wednesday, August 31st, the famed Italian soccer club A.C. Milan announced a change in ownership. Redbird Capital and Yankee Global Enterprises agreed to a deal giving them a controlling interest in the Serie A team. Redbird Capital is the parent company of the Boston Red Sox and famed English Premier League football team Liverpool Football Club. Meanwhile, Yankee Global Enterprises, the parent company of the renowned MLB team, gained a ten percent stake in Milan. The company also owns a minority share in New York FC, a team in America’s MLS league. Through Redbird Capital’s newfound ownership, Lebron and Drake likewise became passive owners of the famed football club. However, due to the massive popularity of Milan, both in Italy and around the world, the small stake held by James and Drake is still sure to be a worthwhile investment.  

An Underreported Phenomenon 

The ownership shake-up indicates an underreported trend in the sports world as soccer continues to grow in popularity. The rise in popularity is impressive given its already established status as “the world’s sport” by more high-profile firms, and people see it as a worthwhile investment. Milan’s ownership is one in a long list of football clubs owned by household names. For example, even the smaller market American soccer league MLS teams have high-profile owners. Whether the New York Red Bulls, owned by the energy drink company or Lebron’s fellow NBA superstar James Harden holding a stake in Houston, Dynamo soccer teams will continue to serve as an investment opportunity worldwide. Despite the sport’s lack of association with hip-hop culture, as the sport continues to be lucrative, it should be expected that a genre fueled by hustling will only become more and more associated with it.

-Ryan Fields 

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Shannon Sharpe Speaks On Aaron Rodgers Using Illegal Substances

Shannon Sharpe Speaks On Rodgers Taking Drugs
In 2019, Shannon Sharpe attended the 71st Emmy Awards. Image Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic.

FOX Sports analyst Shannon Sharpe argues that the Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers may not be in the best position, and the NFL may not be pleased with his recent actions.

As a guest on the Aubrey Marcus Podcast, the football player admitted that while on vacation in South America, he took the tropical plant-based hallucinogenic known as Ayahuasca before the 2020 season started. The consumption of Ayahuasca, an Amazonian psychoactive beverage, is a traditional form of religious ceremony in South America.

CBS 58 reports that in some South American countries, the plant is used as a medicine to treat a wide range of physical, mental, and spiritual problems. It is illegal in the United States to possess or use the active ingredient in Ayahuasca, called DMT.

Furthermore, Rodgers claims that the substances helped him become a better person and football player.

“I feel like I was opening my eyes for the first time,” he said. “That experience paved the way for me to have the best season of my career.”

Shannon Sharpe’s Perspective On The Situation

On Thursday, a TMZ reporter stopped Shannon for an interview while walking through the LAX airport. The interviewer asked about his feelings regarding Aaron taking Ayahuasca before winning two consecutive MVP awards. Sharpe’s response might be different from what the NFL will say.

“I’m sure the NFL is probably going to give him a call and say, ‘That’s not a good look,'” the former Baltimore Ravens tight end said. “I don’t know if the NFL is too happy about him taking hallucinogenics, but whatever it takes. It seems weird to me.”

In addition, he said that whatever helps a person grow and discover his inner self is okay with him. However, Sharpe does not recommend it; the choice is up to the individual.

Since many young prospective athletes view Aaron as a role model, taking mind-altering substances while trumpeting their benefits may be a drawback for a player of his stature.

The Effects Of Using As An Athlete

Shannon provided good answers to the questions posed. Ultimately, a person’s decision is 100% up to them. However, no one should encourage people to take illegal drugs to gain reliance and fulfillment. It is important to note that certain medications may have an unsettling effect on the body. Psychedelics cause hallucinations and can damage one’s health. An athlete on drugs could also ruin the sport and set a poor example for others.

There is a strong possibility that relying on so-called “performance-enhancing drugs” could lead to an unfair advantage against professional competitors. Teammates using substances is unjust since it disadvantages players who are sincere in their attempts to succeed in the league.

Do you think the quarterback will face any punishment for what he did? As of now, the answer remains a mystery.

Written by Nikiya Biggs

Twitter: @BiggsNikiya | Instagram: @ngv6236

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Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver Marquise Brown Injured And Arrested For Criminal Speeding

Arizona

As we all know, criminal speeding is a severe problem worldwide. Whenever I am on the road, regardless of where I am, I always encounter someone recklessly driving at high speeds. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, an Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, was arrested on Wednesday morning and charged with criminal speeding, according to KTAR News 92.3 FM and Arizona Sports.

Arizona Cardinals Player Drives Dangerously

In Arizona, a criminal speeding violation is defined as anything that exceeds 85 mph and travels at least 20 mph more than the posted speed limit. The violation is classified as a misdemeanor. It is the responsibility of citizens to adhere to the laws of their respective states. However, as the saying goes, not everything is as it seems.

Brown, drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, was arrested on Wednesday at 7:05 a.m. driving southbound on Loop 101 in North Phoenix while driving in a high occupancy vehicle lane. During his run, he reached a speed of 126 mph, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro. Marquise was later transported to the Maricopa County Jail.

As per sideline reporter Mark McClune, Brown was later released that same day on his own accord. His next court appearance will take place at 9 a.m. on Aug. 23.

Currently, there are no other details available.

Marquise’s Team Are Concerned About Him

Unless there is an emergency, it is best to avoid criminal speeding. Nevertheless, who has the motivation or energy in the early hours of the morning to commit such a crime? Unsafe driving is generally observed during the evening hours, but it can occur at any time of the day due to its unpredictable nature.

According to Arizona Sports 98.7, when reporters were observing the part of Wednesday’s practice that was visible to the media, the NFL wide receiver did not appear to be with the team.

“We are aware of the situation regarding Hollywood Brown and have reported it to the NFL office as required,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “We will comment further as appropriate.”

In the past week, Marquise had been listed as having an active non-football injury before his return to training camp on Tuesday due to a hamstring injury. During July, he suffered a hamstring injury from exercising on his own.

In the hours following Brown’s arrest, it remained unsure if coach Kliff Kingsbury knew about the receiver’s arrest during his media availability Wednesday morning, soon after the news of his arrest broke. However, he was concerned about Brown recovering promptly. The team and coach are hopeful that the 25-year-old will be able to practice next week without restrictions. Despite this, the Cardinals wanted to be innovative and consider Brown’s health the most crucial factor.

 “We had hoped maybe this weekend, but we’re going to be smart, ” Kingsbury said. “When he’s back, I want him full speed and confident.”

It is wise to take an injury to a muscle seriously, as it can result in permanent damage. Sometimes, the recovery process is never complete if the tissue has been severely damaged. Before anything else, one’s health must come first.

Valuable Player

Although the Arizona Cardinals and coach are worried about Marquise’s well-being, his role on the team has become even more vital now that his teammate and wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, has been banned for violating NFL rules regarding performance-boosting substances.

As a Baltimore Raven last season, Brown caught 91 passes for 1,008 yards, both of which were personal bests. In addition to this, he also scored six touchdowns. Regarding value, Brown is a valuable player the team is looking forward to having back on board again soon.

 

Written by Nikiya Biggs

Twitter: @BiggsNikiya | Instagram: @ngv6236

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Ice-T Warns Rappers of Potential West Coast Dangers

Ice-T share's opinion on Mike Tyson's recent plane Incident
Ice-T warns new rappers of Mike Tyson & LA OG's. Image source: Mega.

Rapper Ice-T has a message for rappers who may be heading to the West Coast for this year’s Super Bowl. The rapper is a long-time resident of Los Angeles. He has been outspoken on an array of issues affecting residents of the city. In the past, he’s talked about police brutality and protests. These issues have a complicated history in L.A., but the focus this time is on gang violence. It was no surprise when he took to Twitter  Saturday to express his concerns. Ice-T claims there are over 50 thousand active gang members in L.A. With the deaths of  rappers like Nipsey Hussle and most recently, Drakeo The Ruler, there is a sufficient reason to worry.  

Recent Gang Activity and Danger in Los Angeles

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the city has seen an increase in theft. Motor theft increased by nearly 14%.  Also, officer-involved shootings rose 142.8% and homicides rose 38.8% in 2021. A significant number of homicides had to do with homelessness and the lack of mental health resources. However, gang activity is behind a lot of the homicides. According to LAPD crime statistics, the surge in murders started after the COVID-19 pandemic began. Murders are the highest they’ve been in a decade.

Earlier this year, officers arrested seven suspected gang members for a series of deaths and attempted murders. Two suspects are still on the run. Though this incident is upsetting on its own, it is just one of many incidents sparking alarm in the area. Ice-T himself, who has had past ties to gang activity, was right to warn followers. This is an issue outside the city as well.

Los Angeles isn’t the only major city experiencing a spike in crime. However, it’s important to highlight the city this weekend because of the influx of out-of-town visitors. In order to help combat potential issues, places like Santa Monica prepared safety guidelines ahead of time. The goal is to keep those who might visit, safe. No major threats are on the horizon. Law enforcement will increase surveillance to air on the side of caution. They can’t see everything, so Ice-T’s post is a warning to keeping up with personal safety.

Written by Kimberly Stelley

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Aaron Rodgers Finalizing Agreement to Play for Green Bay

Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers will play with the Packers after all

It’s been a rollercoaster of an offseason for Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. The franchise quarterback has been publicly dissatisfied with his situation with the team. Just last week, reports surfaced that he turned down a contract extension with the team. It seemed like he may never play with the team again.

Now, the 2020 MVP is likely return to play with the Packers for the 2021 season. Rodgers is working on finalizing a new agreement with Green Bay.

The new agreement has a number of conditions. It completely voids the 2023 season from his current contract, which would have been the final year on the deal. Apparently, the Packers will also have to be willing to trade Rodgers after this season.

Additionally, it gives Green Bay some cap room flexibility.

What does this mean for the NFL?

Assuming the deal gets completed, the Green Bay Packers will remain among the top teams in the NFL. Additionally, young quarterback Jordan Love will have to wait another season before taking the reigns.

Aaron Rodgers

Barring any major surprises, the Packers should still be the best team in their division, the NFC North.

Aaron Rodgers brought a Super Bowl to Green Bay in 2011 — we’ll see if he can do it one more time a decade later.

Written by Andrew “Jetlag” Preisig | IG @ThankYouJetlag | Twitter @ThankYouJetlag

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Black National Anthem to be played at all NFL games in 2021

Black National Anthem to be played

This season, the NFL will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black national anthem, alongside “The Star-Spangled Banner” before every game. Civil rights advocate James Weldon Johnson wrote “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in 1900, and his brother John Rosamond Johnson set it to music in 1905. It was soon adopted as the official anthem of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The NFL’s latest move follows Commissioner Goodell’s ten-year, $250 million commitment to combat racism and social injustice last June. The NFL featured the Black national anthem before the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner at Super Bowl 55 in February. Both players from the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers linked their arms together in solidarity. Once again, end zones will display the slogans “End Racism” and “Inspire Change” beginning in Week 1 of the preseason.

 

The NFL explored implementing the song as early as week one of last season. When the news initially surfaced last June, Jacksonville Jaguars player Chris Conley replied to the league’s early deliberations.

“The league taking the opportunity to play ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ (the black national anthem) is sweet. It’s a great way to honor those who started this movement year and years ago,” Conley tweeted.

In 2020, the NFL boosted its commitment to racial justice problems significantly, in response to the Black Lives Matter movement as well as criticism of the league’s handling of peaceful protests such as Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling in previous years.

“We, the National Football League, believe Black lives matter,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a video released last June.

Written by John Galietta | Instagram:@jgalietta17 | Twitter: @jgalietta17

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Julio Jones Out of Atlanta, Traded to Tennessee Titans

Julio

Julio Jones finally gets his wish granted.

Star NFL wide receiver Julio Jones has been the center of trade rumors for some time now. The 32-year-old has spent his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons. However, after 10 years with the franchise, it’s time to move on.

The Tennessee Titans pulled the trigger to acquire Jones on Sunday. Surprisingly, all it took was some draft picks. They will send a 2022 second-round pick as well as a 2023 fourth-round pick to Atlanta. The Falcons are also sending a 2023 sixth-round pick to Tennessee.

The Titans prepare for a new era.

With the addition of Jones, Tennessee will undeniably have one of the best receiving cores in the entire NFL. The star will be paired with A.J. Brown, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season in just his second year in the league. Through 14 games, Brown racked up 70 receptions, 1,075 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 2020.

Jones will be joining him with an even more impressive resume. He is a seven-time Pro Bowler and has led the league in receiving yards twice with Atlanta. Additionally, he is a two-time member of the All-Pro first team and three-time second teamer.

The duo will be catching passes from 2019 Pro Bowl quarterback Ryan Tannehill while the 2020 Offensive Player of the Year in Derrick Henry serves as the offense’s running back.

Football fans should surely be excited to see what this squad does on the field in the NFL’s upcoming extended season.

Andrew “Jetlag” Preisig | IG @ThankYouJetlag | Twitter @ThankYouJetlag

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FM Sports

NFL plans to increase regular-season schedule to 17 games

The NFL is increasing its amount of regular-season games.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the NFL is in talks to expand its regular-season schedule from its usual 16 games to now 17 games.

Since 1978, the league has had 16 regular season scheduled games, which is the longest stretch without a change in league history.

But this current talk doesn’t make the NFL players happy.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara made his stance clear with a four-word tweet: “S— dumb as hell.”

Former Colts player Darius Butler voiced his opinion, saying that the League is again choosing money over player safety.

Players Torrey Smith and Geoff Schwartz both thought an extra game is a good move as far as fan engagement and revenue, but are also concerned about a potential increase in player injuries.

The NFL owners are expected to vote yes on the proposal during league meetings tomorrow and Wednesday of this week.

Writer: kacee marie

instagram: @iamkacermarie