Black Enterprise 40 Under 40
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 15, 2023

Black Excellence was Front and Center at the BLACK ENTERPRISE 40 Under 40 Honoree Celebration

A night of inspiration paying tribute to a diverse group of accomplished young leaders for their outstanding achievements and contributions.

Black excellence was the theme at Black Enterprise’s second annual 40 Under 40 Honoree Celebration on December 10. The annual event recognizes a remarkable lineup of visionaries and trailblazers who’ve reached the pinnacle of success in their respective fields before turning 40 years old. Launched in 2021, each year the 40 Under 40 List highlights young Black leaders in tech, business, arts and entertainment, finance, media, fashion and beauty, political and social impact, and sports.

The lavish soiree was held at The Altman Building in New York City and included guests like celebrity stylist and author Ty Hunter and Love and Hip Hop star Paris Phillips.

Following welcome remarks from Black Enterprise President/CEO Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr., multi-platinum recording artist and entrepreneur Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins kicked off the night with a fireside chat with Black Enterprise Deputy Digital Editor Selena Hill about his thriving music career and transition from a street hustler to a multimillion-dollar businessman.

Jeezy and Selena Hill
Source: Recording artist and entrepreneur Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins and BE Deputy Digital Editor Selena Hill (Photo Credit: Kevin Jean-Jacques for Black Enterprise)

“I think that you live and you learn. If you get burned by a stove, you learn not to put your hand back on the stove,” said the Grammy-nominated rapper.

He also talked about his latest project, “I Might Forgive…But I Don’t Forget,” where he raps about the trauma and deception he experienced in his past. The album was released in November through his independent record label, CTE New World, following his departure from Def Jam after 20 years.

“When you’re evolving and you’re starting to have the success, and you’re walking into these different rooms, and meeting these different people, you’re on this path and you’re having this ‘Tony Montana moment’. [However,] you’re still dealing with the same emotion that you dealt with when there was betrayal.”

Jeezy Black Enterprise
Source: Multi-platinum recording artist, author, and entrepreneur Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins walks the red carpet at the Black Enterprise 40 Under 40 Honoree Reception (Photo Credit: Kevin Jean-Jacques for Black Enterprise)

Following the fireside chat, the 40 Under 40 honorees were presented with customized plaques featuring their faces on a Black Enterprise magazine cover. Hollywood publicist Ernest Dukes accepted his award under the Creative Arts and Entertainment category along with Khadeen Ellis, who accepted the award on behalf of her husband, actor, The New York Times best-selling author, and podcast host Devale Ellis.

Ernest Dukes
Source: (L-R) Selena Hill, Khadeen Ellis, Ernest Dukes, and Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr. (Photo Credit: Kevin Jean-Jacques for Black Enterprise)

SCOUTZ founder Antonio Depina was presented with an award in the Sports category. In the Tech category, Aisha Bowe, the founder and CEO of STEMBoard and LINGO, Netta Jenkins, CEO of Aerodei, and Dasia Taylor, scientist, founder, and CEO of VariegateHealth™ were also in attendance to receive their honors.

The Business category honorees included Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper, co-founders of East Side Golf; Tarshena Armstrong, director of Diversity Marketing and Development at General Motors; Derrick Hayes, founder and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, and Songe LaRon and Dave Salvant, co-founders of SQUIRE Technologies, Inc. attending to receive their honors.

Earn Your Leisure co-founder Rashad Bilal hit the red carpet and stage to receive his award within the Finance category. He was joined by Mathilda Lambert, vice president and community manager at JPMorgan Chase, Megan Holston-Alexander, partner and Head of the Cultural Leadership Fund at Andreessen Horowitz, and Anthony O’Neal, speaker, author, and podcaster and Terance “DJ Tao” Takyi, managing director at UBS.

Source: (L-R) Sidnee Michelle, Terance “DJ Tao” Takyi, Mathilda Lambert, Rashad Bilal, Megan Holston-Alexander, and Anthony O’Neal (Photo Credit: Kevin Jean-Jacques for Black Enterprise)

Women’s sports journalist, advocate, and Founder of HighlightHER Arielle “Ari” Chambers was present to accept her honors within the media category along with Watch The Yard founder Jonathan Rabb. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and U.S. Head of CAA Social Impact at Creative Arts Agency (CAA) Ambre Stanford attended to accept their award within the Political and Social Impact category.

Attendees hit the red carpet to share their respect for the legacy of Black Enterprise and how the renowned Black media outlet helped shape many of their entrepreneurial journeys. The success of the second annual 40 Under 40 Honoree Celebration sets the stage for the ceremony’s future in celebrating the next generation of Black visionaries and changemakers.

Congratulations to all of the 2023 honorees!

See the full list below.

CREATIVE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

· Quinta Brunson – Actress, Writer, and Producer

· Kiari “Offset” Cephus – Grammy-nominated Musician, Global Influencer, Philanthropist, and Fashion Icon

· Devale Ellis – Actor, New York Times Best-selling Author, and Podcast Host

· Ernest Dukes – Founder and CEO, The Nottingham Agency

· Ziwe – Comedian and Author of Black Friend: Essays

FASHION AND BEAUTY

· Winnie Harlow – Supermodel and Founder, Cay Skin

· Sergio Hudson – Fashion Designer and Founder, Sergio Hudson

· Olamide Olowe – Founder and CEO, Topicals

· Laquan Smith – Designer and Founder, Laquan Smith

· Nancy Twine – Founder and CEO, Briogeo Hair Care

SPORTS

· Antonio Depina – Founder, SCOUTZ

· Andre Iguodala – NBA Champion, Entrepreneur, and Investor

· Nicole Lynn – Agent and President of Football, Klutch Sports Group

· Angel Reese – NCAA Champion and Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 Women’s Basketball NCAA Championship

· Sanya Richards-Ross – Olympic Gold Medalist and Founder, MommiNation

TECH & STEM

· Aisha Bowe – Founder and CEO, STEMBoard and LINGO

· Netta Jenkins – CEO, Aerodei

· Dasia Taylor – Scientist, Founder and CEO, VariegateHealth™

· Everette Taylor – CEO, Kickstarter

· Alex Wolf – Tech Philosopher

BUSINESS

· Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper – Co-Founders, East Side Golf

· Tarshena Armstrong – Director of Diversity Marketing and Development, General Motors

· Derrick Hayes – Founder and CEO, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

· Songe LaRon and Dave Salvant – Co-Founders, SQUIRE Technologies, Inc.

· Kwame Onwuachi – Chef, Author, and Restaurateur

FINANCE

· Rashad Bilal – Co-Founder and CEO, Earn Your Leisure

· Megan Holston-Alexander – Partner, Head of the Cultural Leadership Fund, Andreessen Horowitz

· Mathilda Lambert – Vice President, Community Manager, JPMorgan Chase

· Anthony O’Neal – Speaker, Author, and Podcaster

· Terance “DJ Tao” Takyi – Managing Director, UBS

MEDIA

· Arielle “Ari” Chambers – Women’s Sports Journalist & Advocate and Founder, HighlightHER

· Rachel Lindsay – Author, Attorney, Media Personality, Podcaster, and Speaker

· Chris “Speedy” Morman – On-camera Host, Journalist, and Executive Producer

· Lindsay Peoples – Editor-in-Chief, New York Magazine’s The Cut

· Jonathan Rabb – Founder, Watch The Yard

POLITICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT

· Maxwell Frost – U.S. Representative, Florida’s 10th Congressional District

· Justin Jones and Justin P. Pearson – Tennessee State Representatives

· Maya Penn – CEO, Global Activist, Animator, and Filmmaker

· Brandon Scott – Mayor, Baltimore

· Ambre Stanford – U.S. Head of CAA Social Impact, Creative Arts Agency (CAA)

RELATED CONTENT: 40 Under 40 Confirmation

Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, CULTURE
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 15, 2023

Power In Representation: Celebrating Black Culture In The U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands stands out as a unique destination, blending a tapestry of cultures across its three main islands.

Written by U.S. Virgin Island Commissioner Joseph Boschulte

The U.S. Virgin Islands stands out as a unique destination, blending a tapestry of cultures across its three main islands. Influences from Taino, Amerindian, Spanish, Dutch, African, Caribbean, and American heritage create a rich and diverse atmosphere. While the territory has a long history of hosting Black travelers, we are now witnessing a growing trend wherein many destinations are beginning to appreciate the importance of showcasing their distinctive cultural identity to attract visitors.

The current landscape for Black travelers in the U.S. Virgin Islands reflects a journey of growth and empowerment. More and more members of the African diaspora recognize the beauty and historical significance of the U.S. Virgin Islands and are choosing to explore and experience its rich culture. From lively carnival celebrations to music and food festivals, these travelers contribute to the islands’ local economy, supporting businesses and adding unique perspectives to the cultural panorama.

RELATED CONTENT: The U.S. Virgin Islands To Host 2023 CHICOS Conference

Embracing a variety of perspectives in travel representation is important because it enables the sharing and acceptance of diverse experiences. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, we believe that if you want to encourage diversity in those who visit, your marketing should authentically capture the essence of the experience. We actively feature the people living on our islands, who represent the wide range of our cultural makeup. When Afro-Caribbean culture is celebrated and represented in destinations like the U.S. Virgin Islands, it sends a powerful message of inclusivity and equality. It gives travelers of color a sense of belonging and pride while educating and inspiring others. In our commitment to creating a welcoming environment, we actively promote the exploration and appreciation of Black culture through our cultural exchange programs. We invite musicians and artists from around the world to share their work during festivals and events, creating a space for global connectivity.

Our carnival celebrations are the heartbeat of our culture. With three annual festivals, we begin with St. Croix’s Crucian Christmas Festival, a month-long celebration featuring parades, music, and cultural performances. Come April, St. Thomas takes center stage, hosting our biggest carnival, a vibrant showcase in the capital city where day and night events bring Caribbean culture to life through dance, costumes and music. The finale arrives in July on St. John during the island’s celebration, honoring the enduring spirit of the Afro-Caribbean and indigenous natives as we commemorate the emancipation of slaves in the Virgin Islands.

More than just America’s paradise, we welcome Black travelers from all over to fall naturally in rhythm with the U.S. Virgin Islands, where representation matters. Together, we can build a more diverse and inclusive travel industry, one that resonates with the true essence of our islands.

RELATED CONTENT: The New York Jets And U.S. Virgin Islands Announce Multi-Year Partnership

NFL Makes History In Chargers-Raiders Game With All-Black Officiating Crew Including 3 Women
by Derek Major

December 15, 2023

NFL Makes History In Chargers-Raiders Game With All-Black Officiating Crew Including 3 Women

Thursday's NFL game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers included the first all-Black officiating crew with three women

NFL history was made during Thursday’s game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers as referee Ronald Torbert captained the first all-Black on-field and replay crew to officiate a game.

In addition to being an all-Black crew, the Athletic reports, the officiating team included three women, with Maia Chaka serving as the line judge, Artenzia Young-Seigler as the replay official, and Desiree Abrams as the replay assistant. The crew called a combined 10 penalties for 95 yards in the game.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1735463440238645350

The NFL has boosted its diversity and inclusion efforts in recent years and announced during a media session earlier this month on its DEI efforts that 51% of NFL club personnel are people of color and women, the most in league history. Today, the NFL has nine full-time Black general managers, five full-time Black team presidents, and four head coaches, including Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, who guided his team to a 63-21 victory Thursday to give the team a 6-8 record this season.

The first NFL game to be officiated by an all-Black crew was on Nov. 23, 2020, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted the Los Angeles Rams. Jerome Boger led the seven-man officiating crew for the game. It included Barry Anderson (umpire), Anthony Jeffries (side judge), Carl Johnson (line judge), Julian Mapp (down judge), Dale Shaw (field judge), and Greg Steed (back judge).

The NFL’s first Black referee was Johnny Grier, who was promoted from field judge in 1988, 68 years after the NFL’s first season in 1920. Sarah Thomas became the first female to work as an on-field official in 2006, 99 years after the league’s first season.

“We’re focused on working with the clubs to improve diversity up and down the ranks of the NFL in their organizations,” Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity & inclusion officer, said during the media session. “It’s really the humans-to-human connection and building relationships that hopefully are long-standing.”

Yasmine-Imani McMorrin Elected First Black Woman Mayor Of Culver City
by Jameelah Mullen

December 15, 2023

Yasmine-Imani McMorrin Elected First Black Woman Mayor Of Culver City

In 2021, Culver City issued a formal apology for its past discriminatory practices.


Yasmine-Imani McMorrin made history when she became the first Black woman to be elected mayor of Culver City, CA, on Dec. 11. McMorrin was elected by the five sitting council members in a unanimous vote. 

The Jamaican-American woman thanked her supporters on the City Council’s Instagram page. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Culver City – Local Government (@culvercitygov)

 “As only the 6th woman – and first Black woman – council member, this moment is not lost on me, and I thank my colleagues for their vote of confidence to lead us through the next year with them and Vice-Mayor O’Brien,” she wrote.

McMorrin graduated from Spelman College and went on to receive her Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University. While at Rutgers, she served as the president of the Association of Black Law Students.  

The lawyer relocated to Culver City from New Jersey in 2016 and said she enjoyed the “small town charm” of the Los Angeles suburb. 

Located about 10 miles outside of Los Angeles, Culver City has a population of approximately 38,000.  African Americans account for less than 10% of the population. Having had a racist history, Culver City issued a formal apology for its past discriminatory practices in 2021.

McMorrin was motivated to run for city council because she wanted to address the city’s skyrocketing rental rates, which caused residents to have to relocate. 

“The displacement of our neighbors and friends, and especially school children, is harming not only those who are priced out, but the very fabric of our city,”  the mayor-elect wrote on her website. 

This isn’t McMorrin’s first time making history; in 2020,  the mother-of-one was also the first Black woman to be elected to the Culver City Council in 2020.  She was also Vice Chair of the Culver City General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC). The Spelman alum is a Director of Education Equity at California Children’s Defense Fund.

McMorrin will serve as mayor for a 12-month term, and she will lead first her city council meeting on Jan. 8, 2024.

RELATED CONTENT: Independent Candidate Elected First Black Mayor of Colorado Springs

Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Tackle ,Kevin Johnson, Killed, Los Angeles
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 15, 2023

Georgia High School Athlete Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver After Stopping To Assist Injured Dog

While trying to rescue the injured dog, Samuel Johnson Jr. was struck and killed by a vehicle traveling through the area

In Georgia, a high school football player was killed in a hit-and-run accident after going to check on a wounded dog.

According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Samuel Johnson Jr., who resided in Valdosta, was killed on Saturday, Dec. 9, as he tended to an injured animal and was struck by a vehicle that didn’t stop after hitting the teenager. The 16-year-old played on the local high school football team. Valdosta High School confirmed the news and offered condolences to his family on social media.

“It is with a heavy heart that we ask you to pray for the family of Sam Johnson, Jr. We mourn the loss of a student-athlete who was involved in a deadly accident last night. While we don’t know the details, we are heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. Rest in Peace, Sam 🥺”

The Valdosta Police Department stated on its Facebook page that another concerned person also saw a deceased dog and went to check on it, and that’s when she discovered Johnson lying in the grass median next to the injured dog. After calling 911, emergency personnel, Valdosta Police Officers, and Valdosta Firefighters arrived at the scene but were unable to revive him and pronounced Johnson deceased at the scene.

A statement was released from the Valdosta Police Department:

“On Saturday, December 9, 2023, at approximately 6:15 p.m., a 16-year-old male, Samuel Johnson, Jr., was walking in the 3900 block of Inner Perimeter Road. Johnson saw a dog that had been hit by an unknown vehicle, so he went to assist the injured dog. While trying to rescue the injured dog, Johnson was struck and killed by a second vehicle traveling through the area. The vehicle that struck Johnson did not stop.”

After requesting assistance from the public to help identify the driver who struck Johnson, the Valdosta Police Department announced that they had found the person who hit the high school athlete. Police officials have taken the vehicle and stated that the unidentified driver had “fully cooperated” with the investigation of the incident. 

Fox 5 reported that there is a memorial service planned for the teenager that will take place on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. at Perimeter Road Baptist Church. He will be buried in a cemetery in Lowndes County.

nursing school
by Atiya Jordan

December 15, 2023

Black Nurses Association Votes To Move 2024 Conference From ‘Anti-Black’ Florida

An astounding 84% of NBNA survey respondents agreed on moving the conference to a different state.

Following a majority vote, the National Black Nurses Association is moving its annual national conference from Florida to California, KTVU reports, after members expressed concern for their safety due to the recent passing of what they consider anti-Black legislation laws in the Sunshine State.

“We had to go with what the majority of the members clearly articulated to us was their concern about us holding our conference in an environment that feels hostile toward us,” Sheldon Fields, president of the National Black Nurses Association told KTVU.

Ahead of its 2024 conference, the organization conducted a survey to uncover members’ attitudes and feelings about the event’s host location. An astounding 84% of respondents agreed on moving the conference to a different state.

“We really could not take the risk of anybody being hurt,” Fields said.

The 52nd Institute and Conference was originally scheduled to be held at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, from July 24–28, 2024. Now San Francisco will play host from July 23–28, 2024. Though the cancellation comes with a hefty cost of nearly half a million dollars, as reported by The San Francisco Standard, the organization value the lives of their members more.

Since 1971, NBNA has striven to “serve as the voice for black nurses and diverse populations ensuring equal access to professional development, promoting educational opportunities and improving health,” as stated in a release. The organization represents 450,000 black registered nurses, licensed vocational/practical nurses, nursing students and retired nurses from the USA, Eastern Caribbean, and Africa, through 112 chartered chapters, in 34 states and the District of Columbia. 

The hostility that drove the NBNA conference away is a result of many actions, including Governor Ron DeSantis’ deliberate attempt to erase African American history and DEI initiatives in schools. Last year, the controversial Republican politician signed the “Stop WOKE Act,” putting restrictions on how race and gender are discussed in classrooms, BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered.

In May, the NAACP issued a travel advisory ban to warn African Americans that the “state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

Furthermore, NBNA members also spoke up about the racially-motivated shooting in Jacksonville at a Dollar General in August that left three Black people dead. The gunman was in possession of racist manifestos that described his hatred for Black people, and the killings are under investigation as a hate crime. The families of the shooting victims recently filed a lawsuit against the store’s owner as well as the operator and security contractor for negligence.

“The passage of anti-Black policies and laws, which have taken a destructive position to erase and silence Black history, and restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools, together with the NAACP travel ban, and the recent senseless, racially motivated, hate-fueled murders of three innocent Black Americans in Jacksonville, Florida, has created a hostile dangerous environment in the state,” the NBNA wrote in its decision announcement.

San Francisco is happy to host the NBNA.

“As we do with every conference, we will work with our hospitality partners to welcome the attendees and ensure resources are in place to make the event safe, welcoming, and vibrant,” San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s office said, according to KTVU.

RELATED CONTENT: NAACP Issues Travel Advisory Warning Black People Against Traveling To Florida

Tens, Future, free mind, pregnancy
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 15, 2023

Tems Reveals Death Threats She’s Received Over Future Pregnancy Rumors: ‘It’s Crazy’

Singer Tems opened up about the death threats she has received as a result of pregnancy rumors involving the rapper Future.

Singer Tems opened up about the death threats she has received because of pregnancy rumors involving the rapper Future on The Beat 99.9 FM’s Drive Time Show in Lagos on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

“I didn’t actually think anybody believed it,” she said of the rumors that surfaced in September. “I didn’t know it was serious, I didn’t know until I started getting messages, like death threats. Like, ‘How dare you! Of all the people in the world, Future? Really? Really, of all the people?’ And I’ve never even—I’ve never met him in my life. So, it’s cr*zy.”

It was three months ago when the “Crazy Things” singer hopped online to shut down claims accusing her of being pregnant by Future. The rumors ignited after a video surfaced of the Nigerian singer at Burberry’s Summer 2024 fashion show in London where she was seen adjusting her jacket.

Some fans mistook the movement as Tems attempt to hide a baby bump which was somehow a result of rapper Future. The pair won a Grammy earlier this year for their single, “Wait For U.”

“In conclusion, you people are all mad,” Tems wrote on Twitter/X.

Tems has heated up the music scene since her 2020 debut and has done a good job at keeping her name out of drama and gossip claims—until fans somehow linked her to Future.

Future has seemingly acquired a reputation for being a womanizer due to the eight children he’s fathered with eight different women in addition to the various women he dates throughout the industry. Future has never been married.

The closest he’s gotten to tying the knot was a brief engagement with singer Ciara that ended shortly after the birth of their son, Future Zahir, in 2014. They were engaged for less than a year and dated from 2012 to 2014.

In September, Ciara was asked about her co-parenting relationship with Future and burst out into laughter instead of providing a direct answer.

RELATED CONTENT: AfroFuture CEO Talks 2023 Festival Headliners And Unifying The Diaspora

Social Media Criticizes Movie About Tory Lanez And Megan Thee Stallion Shooting
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 15, 2023

Social Media Criticizes Movie About Tory Lanez And Megan Thee Stallion Shooting

Streaming provider Tubi is under fire for its new movie about the Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion shooting.

A movie is under fire for its theme around the Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion shooting.

On Thursday, Dec. 14, social media caught wind of a poster promoting the movie, The Rapper Who Got Shot In The Heel. Seemingly recreating the 2020 shooting incident between rappers Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion, movie stills show scenes that appear to directly replicate the details surrounding the real-life case. Social media users assumed the film was produced by the streaming network Tubi.

“Now Tubi…What is this?!” The Neighborhood Talk captioned a post that included side-by-sides of the movie stills and real photos/screenshots of Tory and Megan.

Fans took quick notice of the drastic similarities and called out Tubi for seemingly making a mockery of Megan being shot by the now-incarcerated rapper.

“Hell yea let’s make fun of a black woman that got shot…everything a joke…,” one person wrote.

“It’s all fun and games but she just revealed to us how all this had her suicidal & we’re trying to cash in on her traumatic experiences… idk but it’s kinda weird in here,” said another user.

“Weird … The trend of laughing at blk women’s pain😒🥴,” added someone else.

Tubi reps confirmed with BLACK ENTERPRISE that “Tubi does not have this title on its service and has no plans to host it.”

This isn’t the first time Tubi has faced backlash for a movie centered around a Black woman’s real-life traumatic experience. In September, Tubi was served a cease-and-desist for an episode of its Street Legal series that used aspects of the real-life tragedy surrounding the death of Shanquella Robinson, Revolt reports.

Season 2, Episode 2 of Street Legal, titled “Frenemies,” has a log-line that reads, “Within 24 hours, a group of friends traveling to Cabo, Mexico, for a birthday celebration turns into a crime scene, and everyone has a different story. Are they friends or enemies?”

The cease-and-desist accused Tubi of having “covertly exploited” Shanquella’s likeness for the show.

“This unauthorized use has caused significant emotional distress and harm to the Robinson family, as it has dredged up painful memories and portrayed our loved one in a manner that is inaccurate, disrespectful, and damaging to her reputation,” the filing read.

RELATED CONTENT: Megan Thee Stallion Still Independent Despite Warner Music Group Partnership

Draymond Green, Shaq
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 15, 2023

If It Were Up To Him, Shaquille O’Neal Would Have Suspended Draymond Green For Only 2 Games

"I don't think Draymond said, 'Hey, I'm going to punch this guy just 'cause he's pulling my jersey'. He was just trying to spin around."

Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green has been suspended indefinitely by the NBA after a flagrant foul call earlier this week. But, if it were up to a former NBA center, Green would be sitting down for just two games to satisfy the punishment.

In a video interview with TMZ, Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal gave his thoughts on what went down during the game on Dec. 12 that took place between the Warriors and the Phoenix Suns. Green was given a Flagrant Foul 2 and ejected from the contest after he hit Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face.

The NBA Hall of Famer, while speaking to the media outlet, said he didn’t think that Green was trying to hit the Suns player during that particular play. He feels he was trying to get the referee’s attention in an attempt to catch a foul call on Nurkic.

“I think he (Draymond Green) definitely was trying to sell the call. I think the mistake that he made is he had his arms out extended “, said Shaquille O’Neal.

As a former player, Shaq has a view that may make sense to other basketball players, adding, “I don’t think Draymond said, ‘Hey, I’m going to punch this guy just ’cause he’s pulling my jersey.’ He was just trying to spin around.”

So when confronted with the task of being the NBA commissioner when deciding the fate of Green, Shaq, calling him an honest player, states that he would only suspend the fiery player for just two games.

“He is an honest player, and what happened was unfortunate. I would give him two games.”

Sadly, for Green, the punishment was doled out by the NBA and not Shaq. Green was penalized due to his “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.” There is no timetable or minimum amount of games set to accomplish the goal of giving Green the help the league and team feel he needs.

RELATED CONTENT: Draymond Green Wants to Get Rid of Black History Month, ‘Teach My History’ All Year

‘Abbott Elementary’ Star Janelle James Criticized For ‘Uncomfortable’ Standup Set About Her Son’s Genitalia
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 15, 2023

‘Abbott Elementary’ Star Janelle James Criticized For ‘Uncomfortable’ Standup Set About Her Son’s Genitalia

"Abbott Elementary" star Janelle James is under fire for a resurfaced joke where she poked fun at the size of her son's genitalia.

Abbott Elementary star Janelle James is under fire for a resurfaced joke where she poked fun at the size of her son’s genitalia.

The Emmy-nominated actress has been trending for all the wrong reasons this week after one fan posted a video clip from James’ 2021 episode of Netflix’s The Standups, where she says, “My youngest son got a d – – k now. I didn’t know that.”

“I didn’t know. I didn’t know he had a d – – k,” she says in the clip. “They say you blink and you miss it. It’s true. I didn’t know he had a d – – k.”

James, who plays principal Ava Coleman on the Emmy Award-winning show, explained an awkward encounter with one of her two sons when he ran out of the bathroom.

“I was sitting on the edge of my bed, and he ran by from the bathroom. I guess he forgot a towel or whatever,” she said.

“And I was like, ‘Wtf is that?’ Like, it blew my mind. ‘That’s a d – – k. What? What?’ That’s a d – – k that needs a job. Okay? Can’t be walking around with all that d – – k and no income. That’s disrespectful.”

For James, she recalled the days when her son was smaller and she would play rhythm guitar on his “pee pee.”

“He used to have a pee-pee. The last time I saw it, it was a pee-pee,” she continued. “You change the diaper, and you play rhythm guitar on the pee-pee. Ding-ding-a-ding-ding-a-ding-ding-a-ding.”

“No other parents in here?” she asked the audience. “That’s the best part of having a baby boy.”

The Twitter/X user who posted the video clip noted how “uncomfortable” they were with the raunchy joke.

“i’ve never been so uncomfortable watching standup before like she’s a weirdo,” they wrote.

“This is soooo strange im???? like the fact that she got up in front of a crowd of people and said all that with no shame???” added someone else.

According to the NY Post, James hasn’t responded to requests for a statement on the backlash she’s facing due to the two-year-old joke.

RELATED CONTENT: Angela Bassett, Beyoncé, and Quinta Brunson Among Hollywood Reporter’s ‘100 Most Powerful Women In Hollywood’

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