Karl-Anthony Towns reconnects with his roots while playing top streetball talent in Venice Beach

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By: Alysha Tsuji| June 9, 2016 9:00 amFollow @alyshatsuji

VENICE, Calif. With several dunks and a few trick shots, Karl-Anthony Towns and top talent from the Venice Beach League put on a show for the crowd that gathered to watch them play on theafternoon of May 25 as part of the video shoot for Gatorades Beat the Heat program. The games were filled with smiles and laughter Towns said it reconnected him to his roots.

Its a different setting (than an indoor gym), but the biggest thing is this is where I started. This is where my grit, passion, desire, and a lot of my love started here, started playing outside, Towns said to For The Win during a break in the shoot. And its thanks to Gatorade that Im able to again go outside where I started my career, really, and get to go play not only against some great players, but the best legends that streetball has to offer.

This was Towns first time at the Venice court and he only dropped into the L.A. area for a few days, but he called the entire event a match made in heaven.

Photo: Gatorade/Susan Goldman

It was just a few years ago that Towns was named Gatorades 2014 Player of the Year as a senior in high school, and now hes promoting the brand as a rising NBA star.

The 20-year-old Timberwolves big man said it means a lot to him to be able to not only be here representing how great basketball is, showing legends on the court all at one time to people, but to also just talk about how much hydration and how important it is to athletes and to anyone in general outside.

Another whoa, Ive come a long ways in a short amount of time moment for Towns comes up when he thinks back to that time he interviewed Kevin Durant as a high school freshman. Within about a decade, he has gone from high school kid to No. 1 draft pickto NBA Rookie of the Year.

Its funny how all this happened, Towns said. Years ago, four or five years ago, Im interviewing Kevin Durant as a kid, and four to five years later, Im playing against him on national TV every single time in the NBA schedule. Its really cool, its a blessing. Its an honor, actually.

Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Click here tocheck out the full For The Win Q&A with Karl-Anthony Towns from the day of the video shoot where the Rookie of the Yearreflects back on his season and shares his (*DJ Khaled voice*) keys to success.

Jimmy Kimmel made a funny fake commercial making fun of Steph Curry"s new sneakers34m agoEx-Cavalier Andrew Bynum turned heads at NBA Finals with his blonde hair2hr agoJeff Van Gundy"s story about the O.J. Simpson car chase is pretty amazing4hr ago

Gatorade, Karl-Anthony Towns, streetball, venice, NBA

Source: http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/06/karl-anthony-towns-venice-beach-streetball-gatorade-video-beat-the-heat

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FOX Sports reporter suspended for derogatory comments

Web Extra: Austin Chontos Asks Emily Austen to Prom

Emily Austen just got a lesson on the dangers of live streaming. And may lose her job over it.

In a curse-heavy Facebook Live video broadcast by Barstool Sports, Austen, a Florida-based reporter for FOX Sports, rattled off enough stereotypes to garner the nickname "Trump Jr." from the 35-minute video"s co-hosts.

"Chinese guy is always the smartest guy in the class," is something Austen said on the since-deleted video, according to Deadspin.

The 27-year-old sideline reporter also claimed to not "even know that Mexicans were that smart."

She called Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love a "little b----" for being sidelined with a concussion.

To top it all off, Austen ripped into Jewish people after one of the co-hosts suggested they were "stingy."

Yeah, I went to school in Boca (Raton, Fla.), so I know most of that the way I used to talk to Jews in Boca, they hated because I was a server, and I just didnt care and they would complain and b---- about everything, she said, via a transcript provided by Vice Sports.

[WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT]

She was not speaking on behalf of FOX Sports, nor do we condone any of the statements she made in the video, FOX Sports Florida senior vice-president Steve Tello said in a statement to Deadspin.

Emily has been advised that her comments were unacceptable, and she is not scheduled to appear on any upcoming FOX Sports Florida or FOX Sports Sun broadcasts.

The video, which aired Thursday on Barstool Sports" Facebook page but was quickly pulled by the website, ended with one of Austen"s counterparts saying "we might have to hire you because you"re going to get fired."

Oh, the irony.

Source: http://www.torontosun.com/2016/06/10/florida-sports-reporter-suspended-for-racist-comments

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California Earthquake: Will Another Quake Strike, And How Soon?

3/02/2016 -- Large Earthquake (M7.8) + Tsunami in Indonesia - US Agencies IGNORE Tsunami

California earthquake today has not only caused much concern among locals in Southern California, but has also sending pundits and analystsor, rather, doomsday sayersthat it might be the harbinger of what is called the Big Onean earthquake so devastating it could liquefy the state in a matter of minutes.

California earthquake struck in the wee hours of Friday, at 1.05 a.m., with no immediate report on casualties or damage assessment. Even at the time of this writing, much of what the world know about the San Diego earthquakecome mostly from social mediafrom twitter and instagram posts of frightened and concerned residents. And while according to seismologists, this particular earthquake today was produced at the San Jacinto fault, and that quakes triggered in that fault do not necessarily trigger quakes in the adjacent San Andreas fault, concerned citizens and pundits point out that this could be the herald of what they call the Big One. After all, says one reporter, it has been more than 150 years since the last quake from San Andreas fault occurred, and California is much ripe for another oneand this time, it could bring the entire state back to the Stone Age.

The San Jacinto and San Andreas faults run nearly parallel through the Coachella Valley, and despite historical data that indicate one faultnever triggering a quake in the other, there is much ongoing concernespecially with the US Geological Surveys announcement that the quake and aftershocks were about 6 miles deep, and that there is indeed a possibility of aftershocks much stronger than the main one to occur in the next few hours or days.

According to seismologist Lucy Jones, Every earthquake has a 5 percent (chance) of triggering an aftershock that is bigger than itself always within a few miles of location of the first earthquake.

Photo: Wikipedia

Tags:California earthquake, California earthquake today, San Diego earthquake

Source: http://www.healthaim.com/california-earthquake-will-another-quake-strike-soon/58498

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Andrew Bynum randomly showed up at Game 4 of NBA Finals

Andrew Bynum 36 points vs Clippers full highlights (2012.04.04)

When we last saw Andrew Bynum, he was not playing for the Indiana Pacers after not playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers after not playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. Bynum, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and once the most promising center in the league, faded from the league and has gone down as one of the big "what ifs" in recent history, not only for his injury troubles, but his work ethic and attitude problems.

NBA Finals

Bynum resurfaced Friday night in the most unusual of places, the NBA Finals, sitting what seems to be alone at Game 4 between the Cavaliers and Warriors, drinking a Miller Lite. You know, like you do when you"ve made over $72 million dollars and wound up injuring yourself bowling.

This is like the Loch Ness Monster showing up at the World Series rocking a vapor cigarette.

Long time, no see for the former Lakers hero. Good to know he"s OK, and that you can still get the Sisqo haircut.

Andrew Bynum enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Twitter

Source: http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/andrew-bynum-randomly-showed-up-at-game-4-of-nba-finals/

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Muhammad Ali"s Not So Great Fatherhood Legacy

Muhammad Ali"s only natural son hadn"t spoken to his father

With the recent passing of Muhammad Ali, there is much in the press to celebrate his life and legacy. And many stories lead with headline, He was the greatest. Indeed, Ali did some great things. His stand against racial discrimination in the 1960s, as well as the role he played as a goodwill ambassador in the twilight of his life comes to mind. However, as one who often views a mans life through the often forgotten lens of the fatherhood, I have a great concern.

You see, in Alis younger years, he had seven children from his four marriages, as well as two additional children from other relationships. Now, the Ali shuffle was fast. But it was not fast enough for Ali to transcend the space-time continuum to be an involved father, who provided for, nurtured, and guided nine children in many different homes. I am fond of saying that a child has a hole in his or her soul in the shape of their father, and when a father is unable or unwilling to fill that hole, it can leave a wound that is not easily healed. I know this well because I grew up in father-absent home. Alas, I am a wounded soul.

So, it did not surprise me when I came across an article a few years ago that included the below troubling commentary and interview with Alis son, Muhammad Ali, Jr.

While he was an amazing showman and had the courage of a lion in the ring, when it came to his private life, his morals were those of an alley cat. The way he treated his first three wives and neglected some of his nine children was frankly disgraceful. His son, who has plainly suffered the consequences of this loose behaviour, theorises that it was inherited from his grandfather, Cassius Marcellus Clay Senior, who was, he says, serially unfaithful to his grandmother, Odessa.

It was like the song goes, Papa was a rolling stoneWhen it came to women, my daddy and grandpa werent very nice people they were whores

Alis only son goes on to say, My Daddy would sometimes drop by and hand me a fistful of dollars but I didnt see much of him after he and my mother split upI also used to get picked on at school, he says, removing his glasses to show his broken nose.Kids wanted to box me because I was Alis sonI think he wished later on that he had paid me more attention. At his 50th birthday (when Ali junior was 19), he took me aside and we had our only heart-to-heart. He told me he was afraid what might happen to him in the afterlife because of some of the things hed done. I told him I still loved him, and his eyes filled with tears.

You see, when you float like a butterfly in and out of your childrens lives, your indifference and neglect stings them like a bee. Indeed, children are wired from the womb to know that a fathers most valuable and irreplaceable asset is his time. Indeed, children spell love T-I-M-E. They need more than a periodic fist full of cash and presents. They need a fathers abiding embrace and presence. They need him to connect with them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And in the young lives of Alis children, it certainly appears that Ali did not respond to the bell for some of them.

That said, I suspect, like many other prodigal fathers, in his later years Ali attempted to find his way home to repair the damage that he had done to the children he neglected. This is a good thing. But, a fathers absences, even when he repents and attempts to repair the damage done, leaves visible and invisible scares and holes in the wounded souls of his children, even into adulthood.So, its best for a father to treat the fragile young lives G*d entrusts to him with great care.

Now, I know in the midst of all of the celebration of Alis legacy that my comments are probably as welcome as a fly in a party punch bowl. Assuredly, some may complain that I am disturbing the parade by marching in the wrong direction. But someone needs to be in the corner for our nations children and hold those who we would call the greatest to a higher standard. So I am willing to take the body shots, because if we are to celebrate and learn from Alis legacy, we must examine all of it through the lens of truth, even if that truth is inconvenient.

Indeed, my desire here is not to shame a dead father but rather, as Fathers Day approaches, to inspire all living fathers to examine their ways before they can no longer get up from deaths 10 count. Time is short and tomorrow is promised to no dad. A legacy is not really what you leave. It is what you live everyday. Wise fathers learn from their mistakes. But the wisest and the greatest fathers learn from the mistakes of others.

Source: http://sixseeds.patheos.com/rolandwarren/2016/06/muhammad-alis-not-so-great-fatherhood-legacy/

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Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Lionel Messi as highest-paid athlete - Forbes

Messi discusses Argentina"s 5-0 victory over Panama | Copa America Highlights
Cristiano Ronaldo tops the Forbes list of highest-paid sportsman for 2016. A museum in Paris has marked the upcoming Euros by unveiling two wax figures of football"s biggest icons. Cristiano Ronaldo discusses his upbringing and how he made his dreams become reality. Ahead of Euro 2016, take a look at Cristiano Ronaldo"s life with Portugal through the years.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the highest-paid athletes in the world, according to US business magazine Forbes.

Real Madrid star Ronaldo tops the list having earned $88 million (60.9m) over the past 12 months, with Barcelona talisman Messi in second with earnings of $81.4m (56.3m).

Golfer Tiger Woods and boxer Floyd Mayweather had dominated proceedings over the past decade, but with Woods struggling with injuries and form and Mayweather having retired, Ronaldo and Messi have stormed to the top.

Ronaldo becomes only the second team athlete after basketball legend Michael Jordan to rank as the highest-paid since Forbes began calculating sports stars" earnings in 1990.

According to Forbes, the Portugal captain"s contract with Madrid, which runs until 2018, is worth more than $50m (34.6m) a year including bonuses, with one bonus being triggered last month after he inspired his club to Champions League glory.

Forbes also calculates that Ronaldo earns $32m (22.1m) off the pitch, having signed a contract with Nike worth $13m (9m) last year, while he enjoys deals with Tag Heuer, Herbalife, Pokerstars and Clear Shampoo to name a few, as well as having his own line of products such as suits, cologne and underwear.

According to Hookit, which tracks sponsorship value in social and digital media, the former Manchester United player generated $176m (121.7m) in media value over the past year after posting 255 times on social media promoting a brand to his 215m followers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Messi, meanwhile, brought in $28m (19.4m) from sponsors over the last 12 months, with his Adidas contract worth more than $10m (6.9m) annually.

The Argentina captain, who earned bonuses from Barca and Adidas when he landed the Ballon d"Or in January, also has sponsorship deals with Huawei, Tata Motors, PepsiCo, Gillette and Electronic Arts.

Ronaldo and Messi saw off competition from basketball"s LeBron James, who ranks third with total earnings of $77.2m (53.4m), and tennis" Roger Federer, who sits fourth on $67.8m (46.9m). Fellow basketball player Kevin Durant completes the top five, having earned $56.2m (38.6m).

Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gareth Bale are the only other footballers to make the list, sitting 21st, 22nd and 25th respectively, with earnings of $37.5m (25.8m), $37.4m (25.7m) and $35.9m (24.7m).

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Source: http://www.espnfc.com/real-madrid/story/2888915/cristiano-ronaldo-is-highest-paid-athlete-lionel-messi-second-forbes

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"Black Knight" Curry 2S Release Updates: Under Armour Unveils Batman-Inspired Stephen Curry Shoes [See Photos]

KYRIE SHOES GOT ME BREAKING ANKLES | STEPHEN CURRY CANT GUARD ME | NBA 2k16 MyCareer

Under Armour is coming up with a Batman-inspired Stephen Curry 2S soon. Dubbed, Black Knight Curry 2S, the pair was created in anticipation of the reigning NBA MVPs second straight championship ring.

Initial photos of the Black Knight Curry 2S were released, featuring a high-top black and yellow design. The shoe is predominantly black, with yellow accents, similar to Batmans classic costume in the 90s.

SoleCollectorwrote that one of the most notable features of the Black Knight Curry 2S is the graphic on the inside of the tongue, which showcased the Bat-Signal. The upper of the shoe presented two tones of black, except for the yellow Under Armour logo on the side, Stephen Currys logo on the tongue and toe part, and the shoes cushioning technology, Charge, at the far side of the midsole.

The midsole is black, while the outsoles are yellow with black speckles. The shank linking the front and rear outsoles is black with a bold Under Armour logo in yellow at the center. The insole and inner lining of the shoe are black, while the shoelaces are black with subtle yellow accents.

SlamOnlinenoted that the Curry Two debuted late in 2015, presenting various components that ensure better performance and comfort on the basketball court. The model is reportedly the first basketball shoe to include a full-length Charged Cushioning midsole unit and a UA SpeedForm seamless upper.

The two technologies were combined to optimize Stephen Currys unique skill set. The shoe also boasts of locked in stability and control technology, allowing players to move freely and quickly, while maintaining control throughout. The Black Knight Curry 2S is expected to deliver the same benefits.

ComicBookwrote that the predecessor of the Black Knight Curry 2S, the Curry 2.5, featured colors that gave reference to Batman as well. The shoe is priced at $130, and will be available beginning June 11, 2016. The pair will be available on the Under Armour website, as well as select retailers.

Those who prefer the low-top version can also get the Chef Curry 2 Low, an all-white sneaker that will also drop on June 11, priced at $120. Before the Black Knight Curry 2S releases, fans can watch Stephen Curry and Golden State battle the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 10, 2016.

More updates and details on the Black Knight Curry 2S are expected soon.

TagsBlack Knight Curry 2S, Under Armour, Stephen Curry, Batman

Source: http://www.gamenguide.com/articles/28424/20160610/black-knight-curry-2s-release-updates-under-armour-unveils-batman.htm

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