• News

by Rafael Pena

December 1, 2023

Former Popeyes Chicken Employee Pleads Guilty To Throwing Hot Grease At Co-worker

The guilty plea comes after Duncan threw a pot of scalding hot grease at Kelvin Early, a fellow employee of the Popeyes restaurant.

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​​In a shocking incident that unfolded at a Popeyes restaurant in Macon, Georgia, Jordan Alexander Duncan pleaded guilty on Nov. 27 to aggravated battery in Bibb County Superior Court, according to WSBTV. The guilty plea comes after Duncan, 25, threw a pot of scalding hot grease at Kelvin Early, a fellow employee of the Popeyes restaurant, resulting in second-and third-degree burns. The incident occurred in November 2021 at the Popeyes on Mercer University Drive.

According to prosecutors, Duncan entered Popeyes to collect his final paycheck from his previous employment at the establishment. However, instead of a routine visit, Duncan grabbed a pot, dipped it into the fryer, and callously threw the hot grease onto Early. Court docs didn’t disclose what caused the former employee to chuck the scalding liquid. According to Macon.com, during the court proceedings, Duncan, his attorney, and his mother all testified that he grappled with mental health issues and substance abuse problems. Despite the acknowledgment, the suspect received a three-year prison sentence from Judge David L. Mincey III. Both Duncan and his mother expressed a desire for him to undergo rehabilitation in addition to serving his prison term, highlighting a commitment to addressing his challenges.

Early, the victim of the grease attack, did not attend Duncan’s sentencing, but prosecutors noted that he sought some form of retribution for the incident. In addition to the prison sentence, special conditions were imposed on Duncan, requiring him to stay away from both Kelvin Early and the Popeyes restaurant where the assault occurred.

The case underscores the severity of the consequences when workplace disputes escalate to violence. As Duncan begins his prison term, questions linger about the broader implications of workplace confrontations and the importance of addressing mental health and substance abuse issues to prevent such incidents in the future.

• Sports

by Rafael Pena

December 1, 2023

LeBron James’s Business Partner Maverick Carter Accused of Illegal Sports Betting

Maverick Carter, the longtime manager and business partner of LeBron James, is facing allegations of engaging in illegal sports betting.

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In a surprising turn of events, Maverick Carter, the longtime manager and business partner of NBA icon LeBron James, is facing allegations of engaging in illegal sports betting, as revealed in federal law enforcement documents from November 2021, as reported by Forbes. The accusations suggest that Carter placed bets on NBA games, including those involving LeBron James’s team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to authorities, Carter utilized the services of an unauthorized bookie named Wayne Nix to place bets on various football and basketball games over the course of a year. The wagers ranged from $5,000 to $10,000, raising eyebrows and prompting investigations into the legality of Carter’s actions.

While sports gambling has gained mainstream acceptance and has been legalized in numerous states, strict rules prohibit players and executives from professional teams from participating in wagers on events within their own sport. However, an interesting nuance arises in the case of Carter, a businessman closely associated with LeBron James, arguably one of the greatest players in NBA history.

As reported by The Washington Post, Carter, known for his role in managing James’s career and business ventures, claimed to authorities in 2021 that he could not recall ever placing bets on games related to the Los Angeles Lakers. The revelations shed light on the challenges posed by the intersection of sports and gambling, even for individuals on the periphery of professional athletes.

Nix later pleaded guilty to charges related to running an illegal sports betting ring. This development prompted law enforcement to interview various figures in the sports world, including NBA legend Scottie Pippen, who was also mentioned in the documents.

The case raises questions about the boundaries of sports betting regulations and the potential impact on individuals associated with prominent athletes. As sports gambling continues to evolve and become more widespread, the incident involving Maverick Carter highlights the need for clarity and adherence to rules governing the involvement of team associates in such activities.

Carter, credited for contributing to LeBron James’s success, was pivotal in launching various platforms, including the highly successful Uninterrupted umbrella. As the legal proceedings unfold, the sports and business communities await further developments in a case that has brought unexpected scrutiny to the intersection of sports, celebrity, and the burgeoning world of sports betting.

• News History

by Mary Spiller

December 1, 2023

Tuohys To Remove All Mentions Of Michael Oher As Their Adoptive Son, Under Lawyer Advisement

The removals will come from the couple's website and all of their public speaking events advertisements.

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Memphis couple Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy were advised by their lawyer on Nov. 29 to remove any mentions of NFL player Michael Oher being their adopted son from their website and public speaking appearances. The change comes on the heels of a legal battle with Oher over how they took him into their home in high school before he went on to become a star in the NFL.

The lawyer, Randy Fishman, revealed to a probate judge that all mentions of Oher being officially adopted by the Tuohy family will immediately be removed from advertisements for public speaking events for the couple and their own website. 

The prompt removal is related to the lawsuit lodged against the couple by Oher in recent years. He’s requesting for the Tuohys to account for all the money they allegedly made from him from the Oscar-nominated film The Blind Side, which earned actress Sandra Bullock an Oscar for her performance playing Leigh Anne in the story of the couple’s relationship with Oher as his football career kicked off. 

In a court filing issued in August, Oher accused the Tuohys of misleading him into believing that they officially adopted him when they were just in a conservatorship agreement since 2004 once he turned 18. He claimed that they’ve been falsely advertising themselves as his adoptive parents to make money off him and his story. 

Oher, 37, filed a petition in probate court because the Tuohys lied and had him sign the papers to make them his conservators when he thought they were adopting him. Oher is demanding in the suit that the conservatorship be immediately terminated and that the Ohers provide a full accounting record of the money they earned from his name and story to have them pay him what he’s owed with interest.

• Business

by Mary Spiller

December 1, 2023

IRS Delays Implementation Of $600 Reporting Forms For Third Party Sellers

The change was implemented due to corporate push back about the low threshold.

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A new IRS change has relieved millions of online sellers with a delay to their recently announced reporting rule. The 1099-K $600 IRS tax reporting rule set to go into effect this year has been pushed back for a second time due to consumer outcry. 

The 1099-K rule requires online marketplaces that use payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, Etsy, and eBay to file a tax form if they received over $600 in payments for services or goods. The new rule would’ve had an estimated 40 million taxpayers filing the new form, even some who hadn’t had any tax obligation in the past. 

The rule has been amended for the 2023 tax year to have a $20,000/200 transaction threshold instead. According to Kiplinger, third-party payment apps will issue 1099-K forms to people who received over $20,000 in service payments and have had more than 200 separate transactions. 

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel released a statement explaining the change. He explained it was a response to overwhelming corporate concerns over the low threshold and sudden implementation. 

He said, “We spent many months gathering feedback from third-party groups and others, and it became increasingly clear we need additional time to implement the new reporting requirements effectively. A [changed approach] is the right thing to do to prevent unnecessary confusion.” 

Although the previous standing reporting amount remains the same for this tax year, the IRS announced plans to introduce a $5,000 threshold for the 2024 tax year. The requirement only includes payments for goods and services, not any money sent through personal transactions.

The distinction caused the IRS to warn that “the casual sale of goods and services, including selling used personal items like clothing and furniture at a loss, could generate a Form 1099-K for many people, even if the seller has no tax liability from those sales.”

The IRS believes the eventual move to a lower reporting threshold for the 1099-K form will hopefully increase tax compliance as long as sellers fully understand how to use the forms. 

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 1, 2023

New York State Court Orders DoorDash, Uber, and GrubHub Delivery Workers To Be Paid Nearly $18 Per Hour

Needless to say, the delivery companies aren't happy, with a DoorDash rep calling the court decision 'bad policy.'

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Delivery drivers in the Big Apple are going to be cashing in.

Delivery workers for DoorDash, Uber Technologies, and GrubHub will be paid $17.96 per hour after their employers failed to convince an appeals court to block the minimum wage rule, Fortune reports. The delivery conglomerates sued New York City over its law in July 2023, arguing the law would hurt delivery workers more than help them. According to CNN, DoorDash released a statement calling the law a “bad policy. We will not stand by and let the harmful impacts of this earnings standard on New York City customers, merchants, and the delivery workers it was intended to support go unchecked,” the statement read.

“We – and others – clearly and repeatedly warned the city that using such a flawed process to underpin its rulemaking would have lasting and harmful impacts for all New Yorkers who use these platforms.” Now, the state appeals court’s ruling from Nov. 30 will allow the law to go into effect immediately and gives delivery services two options: paying the couriers the flat hourly rate or paying per delivery at nearly 50 cents a minute.

All three companies shared their feelings about the new law and how it will affect their business. A spokesperson from GrubHub said the company was “disappointed with the judge’s decision and are evaluating our next steps,” while DoorDash said the court is ignoring what they described as “harmful consequences.”

“The sad truth is that the court has chosen to ignore the harmful consequences such a misguided minimum pay rule will cause,” the spokesperson said. “We will continue to explore all paths forward to ensure these minimum pay rules work for everyone who uses these platforms in New York City.” 

NYC’s lawmakers, including Mayor Eric Adams, are singing a different tune. After the law was announced, the mayor’s office released a statement from Adams suggesting the rule would ensure workers could earn a living and achieve higher economic stability. Commissioner of New York’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Vilda Vera Mayuga says the law is designed to support the city’s delivery drivers.

“Delivery workers, like all workers, deserve fair pay for their labor, and we are disappointed that Uber, DoorDash, GrubHub, and Relay disagree,” Mayuga said. “The minimum pay rate will help uplift thousands of working New Yorkers and their families out of poverty. We look forward to the court’s decision and to apps beginning to pay these workers a dignified rate.”

RELATED CONTENT: Uber, Lyft To Pay $328 Million To Settle New York Wage Theft Claims

• Sports

by Derek Major

December 1, 2023

ESPN Pundit Stephen A. Smith Defends Co-Worker Malika Andrews Over Josh Giddey Coverage

ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith defended co-worker Malika Andrews on his podcast over her coverage of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Josh Giddey.

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ESPN personalities Stephen A. Smith and Malika Andrews have had their fair share of spats over the years, but Smith recently defended Andrews on his podcast over her coverage of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Josh Giddey.

Smith’s defense came out after former Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant called Andrews out on X, formerly known as Twitter, for being notably silent when it was reported that Giddey, a white player from Australia, was being investigated for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl. 

Smith started the segment by pointing out that Giddey is being investigated for an inappropriate relationship with a minor but added that the facts of the situation have yet to be released.

“And because we don’t know the facts and we represent a network, we have to make sure i’s are dotted and i’s are crossed before we provide commentary to that.”

Smith continued mentioning that neither the NBA, Giddey, nor the Oklahoma City Thunder have commented on the situation.

“So getting on Malika Andrews about this I believe is off-kilter and it’s a bit extreme bringing up her parents, her upbringing, her private school, and her education, come on Dez, what if she brought up your stuff,” Smith added. “Come on bro, it’s not necessary.”

Andrews has repeatedly called out Black NBA athletes for their legal situations, including Brandon Miller, who Andrews mentioned was connected to a murder case immediately after he was selected No. 2 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. Miller was not charged in the case.

Andrews has also mentioned the legal situations of Memphis Grizzlies guard JA Morant, Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazulla, and former Celtics coach Ime Udoka, among others, during segments on ESPN.

Bryant apologized to Andrews Wednesday and offered to appear on Smith’s podcast to discuss the matter.

Smith and Adrews have had contentious moments on the air in the past, including when Udoka was suspended for having an inappropriate relationship with a Celtics staff member while he was dating actress Nia Long.

• Sports

by Stacy Jackson

December 1, 2023

Simone Biles Lands Partnership With Athleta Sportswear

Simone Biles and Athleta are again celebrating women with a new holiday campaign featuring leggings, sports bras, and sweatpants.

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Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has announced a new campaign with Athleta, and it’s all about the women feeling comfy and balanced.

The Athleta celebrity spokesperson took to Instagram on Nov. 30 to share news about the hoilday campaign.

“Holiday ‘fits coming in strong – and comfy. There’s no time like the present,” Biles captioned a carousel of photos modeling some of her favorites from the line of athletic wear.

Biles showed off her favorite color-coordinated Athleta looks on social media, with hopes of inspiring new ideas for her fans’ winter wardrobes. She posed for the camera in outfits that featured sports bras, leggings and sweatpants.

“I love the intersection of style and performance, and they’re so comfortable, I haven’t wanted to take them off,” Biles said in a press release obtained by E! News.

The holiday campaign features an Athleta Salutation Bodysuit, Conscious Crop Bra and Salutation Stash Mesh Tight, Solace Bra & Ultra High Rise Elation Tight, and Ultimate Longline Bra. The collection boasts a range of toasty, yet bold colors like clover berry, spiced cabernet, toasted brown, and of course, no collection is complete without classic Black.

The Olympian’s Athleta fashion venture is a reminder to her fans to prioritize self-care.

“I know the holidays can be a hectic time, but please remember to continue to prioritize yourself and your well-being through it all,” she said. “For me, I try to balance it all by making sure to spend quality time with my husband and family and making time for my own self-care. I encourage everyone to find what works for you. We only have one life, so treat it with care!”

Biles says she hopes women and girls “stay present” for themselves and find time to welcome balance into their lives this holiday season. The athlete has been an advocate for young girls through her Athleta campaigns.

Earlier this year, BLACK ENTERPRISE covered that Biles dropped her “Because I Can” back-to-school collection with Athleta to make girls feel special and empowered throughout the school year.

Find Biles’ top Athleta picks here.

RELATED CONTENT: Simone Biles Celebrates Husband Jonathan Owens’ First NFL Touchdown On Thanksgiving Day

• Entertainment

by Rafael Pena

December 1, 2023

The Game Accused Of Concealing Assets In Sexual Assault Case

Priscilla Rainey, the woman who successfully sued rapper The Game for sexual assault in 2016, claims he's avoiding paying off the settlement.

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Priscilla Rainey, the woman who successfully sued rapper The Game for sexual assault in 2016, is accusing him of resorting to deceptive tactics to evade paying the $7 million judgment against him. Rainey alleges that The Game, born Jayceon Terrell Taylor, along with his manager Cash Jones, established a web of shell companies to shield his assets from being seized.

Rainey, a former contestant on The Game’s VH1 dating show, She’s Got Game, alleged that during the show’s filming, the rapper sexually assaulted her. The court awarded Rainey millions in damages, but collecting the money has been arduous.

In her recent court filing obtained by RadarOnline.com, Rainey outlined her case against The Game, Cash Jones, and several companies linked to the rapper, including JTT Holdings, F12 & Associates, 5th Amendment Entertainment, and Pass Go 2 Win LLC.

Rainey has been persistent in her efforts to collect the judgment, filing various lawsuits to access The Game’s royalties and business profits. In her latest lawsuit filed in 2021, Rainey contends that The Game and Jones used these companies to maneuver money and prevent her from seizing it.

The court documents reveal that Rainey has only collected approximately $500,000 out of the $7,130,100 judgment. She alleges that The Game and Jones conspired to transfer and conceal assets through shell companies, making it clear through social media that they have no intention of paying the judgment.

The accusations include claims that The Game transferred ownership of his company to Jones transferred the rights to his trademark to Jones’ company, and transferred the ownership of his mansion to Jones. Rainey argues that these transfers are an attempt to elude financial responsibility.

Rainey asserted in the filing, “No one need guess about [The Game’s] and Jones’ intent to not pay the Judgment owed by [The Game] to Rainey, as they have made it abundantly clear in various social media posts that they never intend to pay a dime to Rainey on her judgment.”

She also challenged the legitimacy of the transfer of The Game’s mansion to Jones, asserting that it was a fraudulent move to obstruct her ability to place a lien on the property. Rainey is now seeking the court’s intervention to rule the home as owned by The Game.

Cash Jones has vehemently denied all allegations of wrongdoing. A trial on this matter is scheduled for the upcoming month, adding another layer to the contentious legal battle between The Game and Priscilla Rainey.

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy Steps Aside As Revolt Chairman Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 1, 2023

T.I. Stands On Business And Steps To Club For Using His and Son King’s Image To Promote Event

T.I.'s son isn't the only one who will stand on business. The rapper went viral after confronting a club who used their likenesses on a flyer.

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T.I.’s 19-year-old son King isn’t the only member of the family who will stand on business. The rapper went viral after confronting a club who used his and his son’s likeness to promote a party.

A video circulating online showed the moment T.I. visited Atlanta’s Elleven45 Lounge to call the venue out for promoting a party with a flyer that included photos of him and King.

“Na, you can talk to me!” T.I. yells in the clip before directing his attention to a doorman. “Until then, ain’t nothin’ goin’! Ain’t nobody gettin’ nothing goin’. Nothing!”

“Call who you need to call, do what you need to do! Ain’t nothing happenin’. No money, no beers, no-no partyin’, no sections, nothing!” he continued “You put me and mine on the mothafu**in’ flyer, na get me everything. And if you can’t, don’t play with me.”

The “Whatever You Like” rapper issued a final warning before leaving the scene letting the club know how well connected he is in his hometown.

“I don’t know if y’all from here, but n***a, don’t play with me in this city. It’s my mothafu**in’ city,” he exclaimed.

For those wondering about the flyer, it included an image of T.I. choking up his son King in reference to their now-viral dispute that took place last week inside a box suite at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. King became upset with his parents T.I. and Tiny Harris after they called out his claims of growing up in the hood.

When Tiny and T.I. joked about King spending time at his grandmother’s house because she let him suck a pacifier until he was 12, King became enraged and started yelling about how he will “stand on business.” It prompted T.I. to grab his son and remind him, “You can’t do nothing with me.”

Fans and critics have continued referencing the now-viral moment on social media, hence the nightclub trying to use it to promote a party.

RELATED CONTENT: After Public Dispute Goes Viral, T.I. Sticks With Son King Harris

• Women

by Stacy Jackson

December 1, 2023

The BOSS Network To Honor Influential Women Of The ‘Divine Nine’ During 2023 ‘Ladies That Lead Conference’

Honorees of this year's virtual conference are women of the 'Divine Nine,' who have demonstrated leadership across their communities.

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Women of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., are preparing to be honored as the BOSS Network hosts its annual “Ladies that Lead Conference” on Dec. 2.

This year’s conference, presented by leading technology company Sage, will offer guests a virtual experience packed with panel discussions, fireside chats, award presentations, networking opportunities, and more as influential women share their stories and strategies for success.

“Our entire BOSS Network team is filled with anticipation about our upcoming Ladies That Lead virtual conference,” BOSS Network CEO Cameka Smith said in a press release.

According to the official website for the event, the designated theme for the 2023 conference is “Leadership is Legacy.”

Honorees of this year’s virtual conference are prestigious women of the “Divine Nine” sororities who have demonstrated exceptional leadership across their communities and the world. “I am personally ecstatic to be able to champion this outstanding slate of honorees–from the head of Chicago’s Urban League to the heads of the Divine Nine’s Black sororities,” the award-winning entrepreneur added.

The 2023 Ladies that Lead Conference honorees include:

• Elsie Cooke-Holmes, National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated,
• Rasheeda S. Liberty, National President of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated,
• Dr. Stacie NC Grant, National President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
• Danette Anthony Reed, National President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and
• Donna Jona Anderson, President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated.

A “Special Leadership” honor will be presented to Karen Freeman-Wilson, president of the Chicago Urban League, a group of community leaders committed to achieving equity for Black communities.

The annual conference, which boasts an attendance list of over 500 businesses and entrepreneurs each year, marks one of several events and initiatives the BOSS Network has established as part of its mission to support women entrepreneurs through its online community.

On April 13, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported that the network announced 25 Black women entrepreneurs as recipients of the 2023 Sage Invest in Progress $10,000 grant.

“As our fifteenth anniversary approaches in 2024, I believe that incredible work that BOSS is doing has just begun,” Smith said.

The BOSS Network has supported over 200,000 women of color nationwide. For more information about the conference, visit LadiesThatLeadTour.com or TheBOSSNetwork.org. Saturday’s event will take place from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM CST.

RELATED CONTENT: Black History Month: The Divine Nine