by Derek Major

November 28, 2023

Former New Orleans Saints Tight End Boo Williams Calls Out NFL Disability Program

Former NFL tight end Boo Williams calls out the league's disability program after he was denied benefits for his neck and shoulder injury.

Boo Williams played 59 games in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints from 2001-05, and every morning he wakes up feeling the toll those games took. Williams now suffers from a litany of issues due to his time in the league, including debilitating headaches and pain shooting down his neck. Now he needs surgery, medicine, and doctors ,but isn’t able to afford it, NBC News reported.

The Mississippi resident was recently awarded $5,000 a month by the NFL’s Disability Benefit Plan, a pittance compared to the $500,000 he believes the league should’ve paid him over the last 14 years and has accused the league of repeatedly mishandling his claims.

“I need all the help I can get because, some days, it feels like it’s going to be all over,” he told The Associated Press. “Sometimes I can’t sleep. It all makes it harder when you’re fighting to get what you deserve, and all you do is get frustrated.”

Williams is one of dozens of former NFL players who believe the NFL’s Disability Benefit Plan has swindled them, and as a result, they spend their days dealing with a tangled web of lawyers, paperwork, and bureaucracy fighting with the NFL and its NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan, according to the outlet.

NBC News reported the NFL has added millions of dollars to the plan for retired players suffering from injuries long after their playing days were over. The most recent collective bargaining agreement between the league and the NFL Player’s Association (NFLPA) will pay more than $330 million in benefits this year, according to NFL Spokesman Brian McCarthy.

However, lawyers representing the former players say the system is rigged due to the NFL’s high rate of claim denials and the fact that doctors assigned to examine players are paid by the NFL.

This has been a years-long fight for retired players. In 2018, a group of Pro Football Hall of Famers, including Eric Dickerson, Jim Brown, Joe Namath, Lawrence Taylor, and Sarah White, the widow of Reggie White, wrote a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and former NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith demanding better health insurance coverage and a share of NFL revenue, threatening to boycott Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

Additionally, 10 NFL players, including former Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee, filed a lawsuit accusing the NFL of financially incentivizing doctors to deny more claims.

“These benefits are not a gift, these were bargained for, this is part of the deal, they are entitled to it,” Christopher Seeger, one of the lawyers representing the players, told reporters during a video news conference.

Willians, who signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent, made about $2 million during his career and sought benefits under the league’s “line of duty” disability policy for active and recently retired players who suffer football-related injuries.

Dr. George Canizares, an orthopedist who was assigned by the plan, evaluated Williams and graded him with “whole person impairment,” which qualified him for benefits. However, weeks later, Canizares downgraded an injury to Williams’ shoulder at “the suggestion” of NFL Disability Plan Director Dr. Stephen Haas. That started a 14-year fight for Williams to receive benefits, which he said led to depression.

Since being approved earlier this year, Williams has received about $45,000 but says it’s still not enough for the medical care he needs for his neck injury and has contemplated suicide more than once.

by Iman Milner

November 28, 2023

Diddy Steps Aside As Revolt Chairman Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Music mogul Diddy has temporarily stepped down as chairman of Revolt amid sexual assault allegations from three different women.

In the wake of several accusations of sexual assault lodged against him, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has stepped down as chairman of Revolt. The move, though temporary, was made to limit any distraction the 54-year-old’s personal life may have caused as the company celebrates its 10-year anniversary, TMZ reports.

Though Diddy has not had a hand in the entertainment media company’s day-to-day in recent years, he remains one of the most notable faces of the brand alongside CEO Detavio Samuels and Chief Brand Officer Deon Graham. The decision comes on the heels of two more women stepping forward with allegations of sexual assault against the Bad Boy founder, following the swift settlement of a lawsuit filed against him by his former partner, R&B singer Cassie.

An attorney for the music mogul clarified that the immediacy of the resolution did not point to his guilt, saying, “Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”

However, Cassie’s allegations would only be the first.

On Nov. 23, a woman named Joi Dickerson-Neal filed a lawsuit against Diddy, alleging that when she was a student at Syracuse University in 1991, he drugged her and then sexually assaulted her while secretly recording the encounter. Dickerson-Neal also claimed that Diddy showed the video to others, including an artist who alleged the explicit interaction was shown to “everybody.” The woman claims that she was forced to drop out of college and was later diagnosed with clinical depression due to the alleged assault.

A third woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, came forward on Nov. 24, alleging that Diddy and singer Aaron Hall took turns raping her and a friend in Hall’s apartment in the early ’90s. Additionally, she claims that the “Last Night” rapper showed up at her home days later “and began assaulting and choking” her to “the point that she passed out.”

All three women sued Diddy under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, a law providing alleged victims of sexual abuse a one-year window to file a civil lawsuit, even if the statute of limitations had expired.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 28, 2023

Health Orgs Push Support Groups For Black Menthol Smokers

Health organizations are spreading awareness to Black menthol smokers that vast resources and support groups are available to help them quit.

With Black menthol smokers disproportionately impacted by the highly addictive drug, health organizations are advocating for support group awareness for potential quitters.

While the nation awaits further legislation from the Biden administration to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, health advocacy groups are noting that Black smokers are the most at risk. The majority of Black smokers use menthol products, as 41% of menthol cigarette-induced deaths from 1981 to 2018 were of Black individuals, according to a statistic revealed by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Nicotine, in conjunction with the “cooling” mint flavoring, can create a sensation that is highly appealing to users, who then can swiftly become addicted to the smoother inhalation. With tobacco companies historically targeting the Black community, in reports confirmed by the CDC, the damage must be remedied through communal and governmental support, especially in how treatment like nicotine patches and social groups is amplified.

“The important elements of engaging menthol tobacco users are sort of the context in which the intervention is delivered,” shared Amanda Graham, Truth Initiative’s chief of innovations. “This includes acknowledging that they’re using a menthol product or that they may be from a racial or ethnic minority in which menthol use is more prevalent — and making sure that the imagery reflects the population most likely using the product.”

Despite the menthol ban by the Food and Drug Administration not being official yet, its combined impact with policies that dismantle the systemic racism that has worsened the conditions for Black menthol smokers is pivotal.

“One thing that we can all do is really help to remind the White House that there are sufficient resources out there, specifically for Black people, to help quit menthol,” stated Jennifer Folkenroth, The American Lung Association’s national senior director of tobacco programs. “No one’s going to be left behind. No one is going to be left without anything to help them and their addictions.”

The ruling is expected to be legalized before the end of the year. Still, health organizations are already paving their own way to ensure Black menthol smokers receive ample help in quitting their addictions.

College Park Subway Customer Accidentally Leaves $7K Tip, Finally Receives Refund

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 28, 2023

College Park Subway Customer Accidentally Leaves $7K Tip, Finally Receives Refund

Vera Conner had to wait nearly a month to correct the error she made in October

A $7.54 sandwich purchase actually became a $7112.98 charge on the credit card bill of a Georgia woman who ordered her food from a local Subway restaurant on October 23. After making the mistake and contacting the bank about the error, she recently stated that they are finally reversing the charge.

According to NBC News, regular Subway customer Vera Conner went into her local store in College Park to buy her regular order. While paying for her meal, she inadvertently placed a tip of $7,105.44 after accidentally inputting her phone number into what she thought were her Subway loyalty points. Yet, several days later, while going through her recent receipts, she realized that there was a huge error.

“When I looked at my receipt, I was like, oh, my God!” Conner told the media outlet. “I thought this number looks familiar — it was the last six numbers of my phone number. Who would leave a tip like that?”

She contacted the bank that issued the credit card, Bank of America, and after trying to correct her error, the financial institution denied the reversal of the charge. She didn’t imagine that she would get a denial, so her concern grew after getting their response.

“I thought it would be an easy fix. … Then I got the denial from the bank. That’s when I started worrying.”

She then contacted Subway and was told by a manager that the bank that would process the chargeback.

Bank of America stated that the chargeback was denied because she requested the full amount, as opposed to deducting the primary charge for the sandwich, according to the outlet. So, since she disputed the $7.54 as well, she had to resubmit the total minus the cost of the sandwich she purchased.

“You hear all the time that you should use your credit card instead of your debit card so that these things don’t happen,” she said. “I’m even getting mad at the bank because I’m like, ‘How did they not think $7,000 was suspicious at Subway?'”

She was given a “temporary credit” from Bank of America after having to endure this for almost a month.

UAB To Provide Free Vision Care Services Through Gift Of Sight Event

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 28, 2023

UAB To Provide Free Vision Care Services Through Gift Of Sight Event

UAB's School of Optometry is conducting its 10th annual Gift of Sight event to provide comprehensive eye exams to low-income or underinsured patients in their community.

The University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) and its School of Optometry are giving back to its community with free medical services. During its 10th annual Gift of Sight event, the clinical program will provide free vision care through Dec. 1.

The Gift of Sight grants free comprehensive eye exams and glasses for patients who are from low-income backgrounds or lack insurance. Their partnership with VSP Insurance, Remote Area Medical, and Changing Lives Through Lenses has helped over 1,800 individuals receive the eye care they need over the last decade.

“Although UAB Community Eye Care provides services year-round to people of all ages throughout the state, this event provides an opportunity for all of our faculty, interns, and staff to come together to serve the amazing people in our community,” expressed Dr. Janene Sims, an associate professor at the school. “We are so honored to be able to give back to the Birmingham community for another holiday season.”

Sims is also a supervisor for the institution’s Family Practice Residency program and has emphasized the importance of routine eye exams and how they can detect other issues with one’s health.

“During a dilated eye exam, we can view the blood vessels in the back of the eye. Eye doctors can see what other doctors treat. If there is leakage, bleeding, or changes in the blood vessels in the back of the eye, the same changes are going on in the rest of the body. That is why staying on top of your eye health is important for systemic health.”

As UAB’s Community Eye Care is celebrating 50 years of dedication to ensure patients’ well-being through eye health, this event amplifies their mission to better the quality of living for all, with donations of toiletries also being accepted to provide additional support to those in need. The eye exams are available to those who apply through the school’s website and are being conducted at the Western Health Center Eye Clinic.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 28, 2023

Tupac And Biggie’s Arrest Fingerprints On Sale For Six Figures

For the special price of $225,000, you can get the arrest fingerprints of the late rappers Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G.

For the special price of $225,000, you can get your hands on the arrest fingerprint files of the late rappers Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G.

The California-based autograph broker Moments of Time announced the sale of the officially signed fingerprint cards taken for the arrests of Tupac and Biggie. Photographs show the arrest records taken from Tupac’s arrest in February 1995 and Biggie’s arrest in June 1995.

Die-hard fans or autograph enthusiasts can obtain the records for $225,000 apiece. Moments of Time confirms the authenticity of both items or a full refund of the purchase price.

Tupac’s fingerprints were taken after he was sentenced on Feb. 7, 1995, to 1.5 to 4.5 years in prison for allegedly sexually abusing a fan but acquitted of weapons and sodomy charges, XXL reports. He was housed at the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York.

The arrest came one month before the release of his third album, Me Against the World. During his sentence, Tupac married his girlfriend, Keisha Morris, but the union was annulled 10 months later.

After serving nine months, Tupac was released on Oct. 12, 1995, after Death Row Records CEO Marion “Suge” Knight put up $1.4 million for the rapper’s bail. In exchange, Tupac released three albums under Death Row.

While in jail, his nemesis, Biggie Smalls, real name Christopher Wallace, was arrested in June 1995 on a fugitive warrant following a concert in suburban Philadelphia. The warrant stemmed from a May 6 incident in Camden, New Jersey, where the rapper allegedly broke a man’s jaw and stole his portable phone, jewelry, and beeper. Shortly after his arrest, he performed at the Pulsations nightclub.

Shakur was fatally shot on September 13, 1996, and Biggie was killed March 9, 1997. Their premature deaths have long been the subjects of speculation and fascination.

by Rafael Pena

November 28, 2023

Florida High School Officials Reassigned After Allowing Transgender Player On Volleyball Team

School officials in Florida have been reassigned following their decision to allow a transgender girl on a volleyball team.

Four school officials in Florida were reassigned on Nov. 27 following their decision to allow a transgender girl to participate on a girls’ volleyball team, a move that contradicted state law, according to Daily Mail.

Several officials at Monarch High School in Pompano Beach, Florida, including Principal James Cecil, Assistant Principal Kenneth May, Athletic Director Dione Hester, and Volleyball Coach Jessica Norton, have been reassigned following allegations of improper student participation in sports, specifically involving a transgender girl on the girls’ volleyball team, according to the outlet. The move comes in the wake of the passing of a bill in Florida by Gov. Ron DeSantis barring transgender females from playing on public school teams designated for student-athletes born as girls.

“We are committed to providing all our students with a safe and inclusive learning environment,” stated Broward County School District spokesman John Sullivan in a written statement to CBS Miami, emphasizing the school district’s commitment to following state law and awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

Critics, including Scott Galvin, executive director of Safe Schools South Florida, expressed dismay at the school’s handling of the sensitive issue, highlighting the potential breach of the student’s privacy. Galvin criticized the school, stating, “It’s horrendous first on just a human level that the school would out somebody on an issue like this that’s obviously incredibly sensitive. It’s just dumbfounding, and the Broward County Schools should be ashamed of themselves.”

The student in question had not publicly disclosed her transgender identity at the time of the incident, and sources indicate that she transitioned several years ago. The school district superintendent and the regional superintendent of schools decided to reassign the Monarch High officials.

Gov. DeSantis signed the bill into law in 2021 and argued that it ensures fairness in women’s sports by aligning competition based on biological sex. The law has faced opposition from civil rights advocates, including the Human Rights Campaign, which plans to challenge it in court.

“This is yet another hate-driven attack from the governor and Republican legislators, and it’s insulting that they’ve staged this morning’s photo-op on the first day of Pride Month,” criticized state Sen. Shevrin Jones. Despite opposition, supporters of the law assert that it aims to maintain fairness in women’s sports, particularly concerning biological differences between males and females.

As the controversy unfolds, the legal implications and potential challenges to the law are expected to intensify, with critics arguing that it is discriminatory and unconstitutional, while proponents emphasize its focus on preserving opportunities for women in sports.

Steve Harvey Gives His Award For Television Icon To Wife Marjorie: ‘We Been 18 Years Strong’

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 28, 2023

Steve Harvey Gives His Award For Television Icon To Wife Marjorie: ‘We Been 18 Years Strong’

Steve Harvey paid a huge tribute to his wife, Marjorie Harvey, while accepting his Grio Award for Television Icon.

The famed comedian and television personality was honored with The Television Icon Award at theGrio Awards on Saturday, Nov. 25, and dedicated it to his wife. During his speech, an emotional Harvey praised his wife and seemingly addressed the cheating rumors that surfaced earlier this year.

“That woman right there been down with me like four flat tires,” Steve told the audience while pointing to his wife in a clip shared online. “That woman right there has been faithful to me, loyal to me, 85% of what y’all talking to me about happened after I married that girl right there.

Steve Harvey accepted #theGrioAward as the Television Icon. During his speech, he acknowledged his wife, Majorie Harvey, and gave her his award in honor of their love. #TheGrioAwards https://t.co/r71QVF579h pic.twitter.com/ewmeq0x1jV
— theGrio.com (@theGrio) November 26, 2023

“We been 18 years strong,” he added. “I don’t know what y’all been trying to do, but we covered though.”

The Original Kings of Comedy star closed his speech with a few biblical verses—Isaiah 54:17, Isaiah 43:1-2 and Psalm 91—that touched on the sanctity of his marriage before passing his award off to his wife.

“I’m a give this to you,” he said. “I love you, Marjorie Harvey. I appreciate you riding with me.”

Over the summer, Steve and Marjorie shut down rumors that circulated across social media accusing Marjorie of stepping out on the comedian with a staffer. While at Invest Fest in August, Steve denied the allegations, as seen in a TikTok captured by an attendee.

“Before I get started, just let me say, I’m fine. Marriage is fine,” he told the crowd. “I don’t know what y’all are doin’, but find something else to do ‘cause we fine, Lord have mercy.”

@culturedunplugged #steveharvey clears the rumors about his #marriage with #marjorieharvey #cheating #wife #husband ♬ original sound – Christopher R.

Marjorie followed up with an Instagram post of a Bible verse about “how to handle being lied about.” In her lengthy caption, she dismissed the cheating rumors.

“My husband and I don’t usually stop to address all the foolishness and lies that have been spread about us,” she wrote. “However to whom much is given much is required. I understand that with my platform comes some sort of responsibility to those that may not be as strong as we are.”

Lawmakers Host Special Session To Redesign Voting Maps In Georgia That Put Black Voters At A Disadvantage

by Sharelle B. McNair

November 28, 2023

Lawmakers Host Special Session To Redesign Voting Maps In Georgia That Put Black Voters At A Disadvantage

Major changes will most likely affect areas south of Atlanta, with other areas seeing more minor changes.

After a judge found Georgia’s existing districts disenfranchised Black voters power, lawmakers are hosting a special session to come up with new political maps.

The session will happen on Nov. 29 to discuss federal Judge Steve Jones’ findings. Jones found that five of the state’s 14 congressional districts violated the Voting Rights Act, along with 10 of Georgia’s 56 state Senate districts and 11 of the 180 state House districts. Because of this, Jones ordered legislators in October 2023 to redraw the 2021 congressional and legislative maps with some specific goals – adding one Black-majority congressional district, two more Black-majority Georgia Senate districts, and five additional state House seats.

Ari Savitzky, a lawyer with the national ACLU Voting Rights Project, says this is a major win.

“This is a huge win for Black voters in Georgia and for all Georgians who want a level political playing field and progress from the past,” Savitzky said. While the state appealed the judge’s ruling, they didn’t look for a stay in the order.

Redistricting is a high-risk deal for lawmakers, especially for Georgia in the areas identified as problematic. Currently, Republicans have a 33-23 seat majority in the state Senate and a 102-78 seat majority in the state House. Redistricting might help Democrats narrow the margins. University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock said the state will likely add a Democratic U.S. House seat, and some Senate and House seats may flip blue. “Some individuals, primarily Republicans, are going to end up either in a district with another Republican, another legislator or they may find themselves in a district which is not going to be likely to elect a Republican,” Bullock said.

Major changes will most likely affect areas south of Atlanta, with other areas seeing more minor changes. With extending Democratic U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath’s 6th Congressional District in Atlanta’s northern suburbs further north, Republicans went from an 8-6 edge to a 9-5 margin. In a heavily Republican Forsyth and Dawson counties, McBath, mother of Jordan Davis, responded to being in an unfriendly district by running against Bourdeaux in the 7th District Democratic primary and capturing the Gwinnett-based seat.

Jones has given lawmakers a strict deadline of Dec. 8 to right their wrongs, and Bullock anticipates the session not taking long and running smoothly. “If you’re in south Georgia, you won’t have to worry about any of these changes,” he said. “It won’t be a complete redraw.”

by Rafael Pena

November 28, 2023

Honoring The Legacy Of Kool DJ Red Alert On His 67th Birthday

On Nov. 27 in 1956, Fred Crute, the influential Kool DJ Red Alert, was born. Marking the birth of a true pioneer in the world of Hip Hop.

Celebrating his 67th birthday today, Kool DJ Red Alert stands as one of hip-hop’s most influential DJs. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, The Source shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of this hip-hop pioneer, delving into the profound impact Red Alert has made on the culture.

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A post shared by THE KOOL DJ RED ALERT ™ 📻 (@propmasterretro)

To this day, listeners can tune in to him on 98.7 KISS FM in New York City, where his musical influence endures. On KISS FM, the airwaves resonate with tunes from iconic rap acts he discovered, featuring artists like Queen Latifah and groups such as A Tribe Called Quest and The Jungle Brothers. Primarily, these artists were affiliated with the Native Tongues movement during the late ’80s and early ’90s.

Red Alert was also a trailblazer in the development of mixtapes, and was one of the first DJs to pioneer this trend. In the 80s, he achieved another groundbreaking feat by being the first DJ to introduce dancehall music to mainstream radio. Furthermore, Red Alert played a pivotal role at the forefront of a historic rap battle between the Juice Crew and BDP, marking a significant moment in hip-hop history when he debuted the “South Bronx” single on KISS FM.

DJ Red Alert’s indelible mark on hip-hop transcends time, resonating with the vibrant beats and rhythms of the genre. His pioneering contributions have not only shaped the foundations of hip-hop but continue to inspire contemporary DJs. As the sole hip-hop DJ honored with a display in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Ohio, Red Alert’s legacy serves as a guiding light for aspiring artists and enthusiasts alike. Celebrating his 67th birthday, we acknowledge Red Alert not just as a pivotal figure in hip-hop history but as an ongoing force integral to the genre’s ever-evolving narrative. His influence reverberates through the beats of today, ensuring that the spirit of Red Alert remains an enduring component of the dynamic evolution of hip-hop.

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