Jamie Foxx Mocks Clone Rumors By Promoting New Film Amid Public Sightings

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 14, 2023

Jamie Foxx Mocks Clone Rumors By Promoting New Film Amid Public Sightings

Jamie Foxx is aware of the clone rumors about his recent public sightings and the only clone he’s worried about is his new Netflix film, They Cloned Tyrone.

Foxx ended a month-long social media hiatus Wednesday when he took to Instagram and Twitter to promote his new Netflix film that premieres Friday, July 21, 2023. The Academy Award-winning actor used his new film’s plot to seemingly mock the speculation surrounding his recent appearances.

“They didn’t clone me but THEY CLONED TYRONE. See you July 21, only on @netflix,” he wrote.

They didn’t clone me but THEY CLONED TYRONE. See you July 21, only on @netflix pic.twitter.com/MtvSaVCWWe

— Jamie Foxx (@iamjamiefoxx) July 12, 2023

It was his first statement since early June, when he also promoted the new film he stars in with John Boyega and Teyonah Parris. Foxx has been mum since his hospitalization for a medical emergency that made endless headlines back in April.

In May, the Ray star shared a short statement thanking everyone for all the “love” they extended his way following mixed reports about what caused his hospitalization. Foxx said he was “feeling blessed,” despite the concerns about his health.

Most recently, Foxx was seen playing pickleball after a series of sightings in Chicago in recent days, TMZ reported. Foxx has also been seen riding on a yacht, holding a golf club, and returning a lost purse to a woman in Chicago.

But fans remain skeptical about whether or not Jamie is back outside or if it’s a stunt double. Critics responded to his latest tweet with their doubts about his recent sightings.

“Something a CLONE would say,” one fan said.

“So who’s this Jamie Coyote,” added another who posted a photo of Foxx’s stunt double.

https://twitter.com/kayanthonyth3rd/status/1679265921427296259?s=20

Insiders say Foxx is on the mend but not completely in the clear.

“Jamie is doing so much better and he’s starting to feel like himself again,” a source told “Us Weekly.”

“He’s not 100 percent and is still taking things easy, but he’s definitely on the road to recovery.”

The 1st One-A-Day, Over-The-Counter Birth Control Pill Approved By FDA

by Stacy Jackson

July 14, 2023

The 1st One-A-Day, Over-The-Counter Birth Control Pill Approved By FDA

Since 1960, every birth control pill has required a prescription. The drug company, Perrigo, offers a once-a-day, over-the-counter pill birth control option for women and girls to purchase.

Opill was approved in 1973 and has not been marketed since 2005, the company said in a statement.

The change in the availability of contraceptives reflects the efforts of medical societies and women’s health groups. This is significant because out of the estimated six million pregnancies in the U.S., approximately 45% of them are unintentional, according to News Nation.

https://twitter.com/opill_otc/status/1679472552719073283

“This is really a transformation in access to contraceptive care,” Kelly Blanchard said, president of Ibis Reproductive Health. “Hopefully, this will help people overcome those barriers that exist now.” Ibis Reproductive Health is a nonprofit group that supported the drug’s approval.

Opill will not require a prescription or have any age restrictions to make a purchase. This benefits low-income individuals, women, and teens of color who face a disproportionate number of barriers to accessing birth control pills, such as costly doctor visits or finding time away from work to attend a doctor’s appointment.

Opill has received significant support because it is associated with fewer safety concerns than newer birth control pills.

Kelly Blanchard of Ibis Reproductive Health said, “It’s been around a long time, and we have a large amount of data supporting that this pill is safe and effective for over-the-counter use.”

After extensive research by Perrigo, the approval was received, but not without hesitation by the FDA. This is because of concerns that women with particular underlying medical conditions may not be aware that they should not use this medication.

The FDA discovered it was difficult for some women to understand the information presented on the drug labels, such as content about women with a history of breast cancer who should not take the pill because it can induce tumor growth. Women experiencing unusual vaginal bleeding are also urged to speak with a doctor before starting the drug because it may reveal a potential underlying medical concern.

Concerning the ongoing debate surrounding women’s reproductive rights, medical professionals, health advocates, and Democratic politicians have lobbied for increased accessibility to birth control. The push for reform regarding birth control access is seen as a pressing issue for these advocates, as some states have restricted women’s reproductive rights.

The Ireland-based company has not released a price for the over-the-counter drug. However, non-prescription medications are typically less expensive than prescription medications. Insurance does not cover these costs.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 14, 2023

Ja Morant Attorneys Want To Impose ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law As A Defense In Lawsuit

The attorneys for suspended Memphis Grizzlies starting point guard Ja Morant want to utilize the “stand your ground” defense in the lawsuit filed against him by a basketball player.

According to The Associated Press, Morant’s attorneys have presented another defense before the judge hearing the case of the Grizzles player assaulting a then-17-year-old player at the NBA player’s residence last year.

Circuit Court Judge Carol Chumney said Morant’s attorneys could argue that he hit the teenager in self-defense during the pickup game. They are trying to receive immunity for Morant under Tennessee law.

The then-teenager, Joshua Holloway, filed the lawsuit after engaging in a scuffle in July 2022 while at the home of Morant.

Morant’s attorneys have already admitted that he punched Holloway after the teenager threw a basketball at Morant and it hit him in the chin. In an earlier motion, they stated he should be immune from liability under Tennessee’s “stand your ground” law.

Judge Chumney has informed both sides that she would like to hear from lawyers in the case, including those representing the Tennessee Attorney General. She wants to determine if the “Stand Your Ground” law applies under the state Constitution in this case.

Holloway, 17 at the time of the incident, accuses Morant and his close friend, Davonte Pack, of assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect, and infliction of emotional distress. There have been no criminal charges filed against both men. Holloway filed the lawsuit in September 2022 after the incident at Morant’s home in Eads, Tennessee, on July 26, 2022.

Morant has also filed a countersuit accusing Holloway of slander, battery, and assault.

In June 2023, the NBA suspended the Grizzlies’ All-Star guard for the first 25 games of the 2023–24 season for conduct detrimental to the league. The 23-year-old was suspended for eight games in March 2023 following another incident when he was seen with a gun on an Instagram Live video at a Denver nightclub.

Damar Hamlin Tearfully Awards Buffalo Bills Staffers Who Saved His Life At Espys

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 14, 2023

Damar Hamlin Tearfully Awards Buffalo Bills Staffers Who Saved His Life At Espys

Damar Hamlin, the NFL player whose heart stopped in the middle of a January game against the Cincinnati Bengals, tearfully presented the Pat Tillman Award for Service at this week’s 2023 ESPYS to the the Buffalo Bills staffers who saved his life.

The award, established in 2014, is named after the late NFL player and veteran Pat Tillman, who died in 2004 while on a tour in Afghanistan. The Bills safety shared that what he learned most from the ordeal was about human connection and a desire to help someone whose life depends on it.

https://twitter.com/hamlinisland/status/1679313562848890881?s=46&t=EnI8LpkKUkdwbsuH0OtHUQ

“Any of us, at any given time, are capable of doing something as incredible as saving a life, and living a life in service of others,” Hamlin said in a video preceding the presentation, which moved the 25-year-old to tears.

After a standing ovation from the crowd of celebrities and athletes, the staffers joined Hamlin on stage to receive the award. Bills head trainer Nate Breske expressed his admiration for Hamlin.

“Damar, first and foremost, thank you for staying alive, brother,” Breske said. “Seriously, we are so honored to be standing up here with such a strong and courageous human being.” He also urged teams and the general population to engage in widespread CPR training; the lifesaving procedure was significantly helpful in reviving Hamlin.

Hamlin’s collapse during the nationally televised Monday Night Football game, the last game of the week, shocked the sports world, but inspired prayers across the nation for the health and well-being of the young player.

Since the incident, Hamlin has been cleared to play football and has been attending and participating in practices. The Bills’ preseason starts August 11; the team’s regular season starts September 11 against the New York Jets, a division rival.

Shea Moisture And Roku Launch New Show, ‘Next Black Millionaires’

by Lauren Nutall

July 14, 2023

Shea Moisture And Roku Launch New Show, ‘Next Black Millionaires’

On July 7, in partnership with Shea Moisture, Roku debuted a new docu-series called The Next Black Millionaires. The six-episode show centers on three Black business owners as they discover how to elevate their brand and solidify their position as their industry’s next big name. Meet Dorian Morris of Undefined Beauty, LaToya Stirrup of KAZMALEJE, and Neil Hudson of the Scotch Boyz.

Dorian Morris launched her beauty and wellness brand Undefined Beauty in 2018. With an incentive to “undefine” the beauty industry as we know it, Morris combines traditional plant magic with clinically-proven science to create products that are unapologetic, uncompromising, and unfiltered.

LaToya Stirrup helped found the haircare company, KAZMALEJE, alongside her two sisters, LaTasha and LaTrice. The siblings grew tired of their wash days lasting hours at a time, having to aggressively detangle their hair, and dealing with excessive shedding. So, they decided to create KAZMALEJE. The three sisters took the idea of finger detangling and applied it to hair combs. Soon, they managed to design combs suitable for all types of hair. Not long after, the tools grew in popularity and can now be purchased in mass retail.

Neil Hudson founded Scotch Boyz with his three childhood friends, Drew Gray, Matthew Wallace, and Kemar Swaby. The idea for the hot sauce company arose when the group won a barbecue competition held in Jamaica. After receiving frequent requests for more sauce, the men eventually decided to launch their own company, called Scotch Boyz. This sauce and seasoning company allows you to enjoy the island flavors of Jamaica without ever leaving the comfort of your home.

The new series will follow these three entrepreneurs as they strive to become the next Black millionaires. In addition to the series, Shea Moisture will also feature the three brands’ best-selling products in Target stores nationwide, starting on July 9. 600 locations across the country will sell the items featured on the show in Next Black Millionaires-branded displays, granting them exposure to wider audiences. Be sure to keep an eye out.

Kobe Bryant Named “NBA 2K24” Cover Athlete

by Daniel Johnson

July 14, 2023

Kobe Bryant Named “NBA 2K24” Cover Athlete

According to a press release, Kobe Bryant is NBA 2K24’s cover athlete, confirming widespread speculation.

This is the fourth time Bryant has been on the cover of the popular video game and the second time since his untimely death in January 2020.

NBA 2K24 is honoring Bryant in a number of ways. Not only do some of the game’s preorder bonuses have “capsules” with digital items but the other cover star is a branch on the “Kobe tree.” Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty point guard, is on the cover of the game’s WNBA edition, which was introduced in the game’s NBA 2K21 iteration.

“Sabrina’s ascendance has been an absolute joy to watch, as she continues to showcase her skills on a nightly basis,” NBA 2K’s global chief marketing director Melissa Bell told The Athletic. “As one of the next-generation of WNBA stars, Sabrina has proven to be a major influencer and driver for growing women’s basketball and the WNBA. We couldn’t be more delighted to have her as this year’s NBA 2K24 WNBA Edition cover athlete.”

Ionescu’s selection has come with some controversy, even though the basketball star called it a “full circle” moment for her. Ionescu was a mentor to Kobe’s late daughter, Gianna.

Fans and WNBA players feel more deserving players were kept off the cover, like two-time MVP A’ja Wilson. Other players that some feel other members of the “Kobe tree” are more deserving, including Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd and Dallas Wings star Arike Ogbunwale.

The Lakers legend christened Loyd the Gold Mamba, giving her his stamp of approval by bestowing her a version of his “Black Mamba” nickname.

https://twitter.com/nikebasketball/status/1653084813774012416

NBA2K is making this game in large part a tribute to Kobe Bryant through a featured game mode called
“Mamba Moments.” As described on the game’s website:

”Embody one of the greatest basketball players of all time in Mamba Moments mode, recreating several of Kobe Bryant’s most dominant and captivating performances. Unleash Kobe’s unguardable baseline jumpers, technical savvy in the post, and ruthless will to win as you progress through the highlights of his legendary NBA journey.”

This feels like a similar feature that the game developer employed in 2K23, where players could recreate some of Michael Jordan’s career highlights through a game mode called the “Jordan Challenge.” In the mode, there were interviews with players who played against and with Jordan as well as basketball analysts like Inside The NBA’s Kenny Smith.

NBA 2K24 is available for pre-order before its September 8, 2023, release across all platforms. NBA 2K usually starts dropping teaser trailers and information about the game in advance of its release, so stay tuned.

Lebron James, espys, espy awards, Savannah James, family

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 14, 2023

Lebron James Presented An ESPY Award By Wife Savannah And Kids

The 2023 ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award) presented several noteworthy moments. One, featuring the family of LeBron James, brought laughs from the audience.

In the clip, James’ wife, Savannah, alongside their children, Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri, stands at the mic acknowledging her husband’s greatness before presenting “King James” with the ESPY for Best Record-Breaking Performance for overtaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer this past season.

As Savannah introduces LeBron, she says, “I think LeBron James is the baddest mother….” before her youngest child, Zhuri, taps her and says, “Mom!”

Zhuri had to keep Savannah James in check 😅 pic.twitter.com/RZPGl9UAtm

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 13, 2023

Another memorable moment occurred when LeBron took the stage. With speculation that the NBA legend is retiring after the Los Angeles Lakers’ season-ending sweep to the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, he let the sports world know that he will return for another season, ESPN reported.

“I don’t care how many more points I score or what I can or cannot do on the floor,” he said. “The real question for me is: Can I play without cheating this game? The day I can’t give everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.”

During the acceptance speech, he also showed the audience a rare vulnerable side.

“When the season ended, I said I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep playing,” he said. “And I know a lot of experts told you guys what I said, but I’m here now speaking for myself. In that moment, I’m asking myself if I can still play without cheating the game—can I give everything to the game still? The truth is, I’ve been asking myself this question at the end of the season for a couple years now. I just never openly talked about it.”

We look forward to seeing James continue his remarkable Hall of Fame career.

by Stacy Jackson

July 13, 2023

An HBCU Is Accusing Neighboring PWI Of Duplicating Its Doctoral Program, Urges An Intervention By Lawmakers

As the old saying goes, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

Morgan State University President David K. Wilson is accusing Towson University of duplicating a business doctoral program that has already been well-established at Morgan State.

According to Maryland Matters, the issue has incited an argument in Maryland regarding white institutions allegedly duplicating educational programs that have already been structured at historically Black colleges and universities. In a letter obtained by the outlet, Wilson said Towson’s program parallels Morgan State’s doctoral business administration program. In a 4-3 vote, Maryland’s Higher Education Commission (MHEC) ruled in favor of Towson moving forward with a doctoral program.

“It seems to me that the bill that legislatively settled the long-running HBCU lawsuit in 2021 explicitly required that a process be established to prohibit unnecessary program duplication going forward,” Wilson wrote to the lawmakers. “It was my understanding that until such processes and procedures were put in place, no action would be taken by MHEC that would harm the state’s HBCUs.”

In a letter addressed to two educational policy lawmakers, Wilson petitioned for help. The letter stated the MHEC’s verdict was contrary to a previous 14-year-old settlement of $577 million that determined the state of Maryland permitted an allotment of more resources to predominantly white institutions, which allowed these establishments to imitate programs from four HBCUs: Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

“The decision is based upon the determination…that Towson’s proposed program is not unreasonably duplicative of Morgan’s Ph.D. in Business Administration generally or of the concentration in Supply Chain and Logistics Management,” Chair Mary Pat Seurkamp wrote in a June 28, 2023 letter to Melanie Perreault. “The majority found that while some elements of the programs were similar, ultimately, the two programs have distinct differences in their curricula. This finding was made with the understanding that Towson’s admission criteria for the program are geared toward students who have a STEM background. Furthermore, we found that there was insufficient evidence of demonstrable harm to the existing program at Morgan.”

Wilson is challenging lawmakers to examine the Higher Education Commission’s review process in hopes that a plan will be implemented to diminish duplicated programs.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 13, 2023

Despite What Naysayers Think, Mark Cuban Stands By Kyrie Irving, Says He’s ‘Misunderstood’

Although he is considered one of the best point guards in the NBA, Kyrie Irving has had a tumultuous relationship with every team he has played on thus far.

Now, after signing a free agent contract with the Dallas Mavericks, team owner Mark Cuban is defending the controversial player, calling him “misunderstood.”

According to The Dallas Morning News, Cuban was interviewed recently on SiriusXM NBA radio by Frank Isola and Justin Termine. The outspoken owner discussed why Irving was given a contract and why the New Jersey native loves basketball.

After being asked if he was concerned that Irving wouldn’t stay on the team after the season, he said, “Kyrie just loves basketball and loves going to games, so no, I wasn’t concerned about that. But we traded for him because we wanted him to be a long-term piece, you know? And I think Kyrie’s just misunderstood. Everybody sees all the noise and everything around him, but when you actually talk to him, I like him.”

Cuban was then questioned about Irving’s previous actions before leaving each team and if he anticipates the same outcome in Dallas.

“You know, it’s interesting because when I would watch Kyrie before he came to the Mavs, I didn’t pay enough attention to his relationship with other players,” Cuban was reported as saying. “And then, when he came to us after the trade, it was inevitable. After every game, there were multiple players walking up and hugging him. Not just giving him, you know, high fives, but like a real, honest-to-goodness, ‘I like you,’ hug. And when you talk to players around them, they would say the same thing. And when you talk to our players after he got there, [they] say the same thing, we love the guy. You know?

“And so it wasn’t a question of his relationship with players. And then when you get into it more, you know, as he matured, he’s had different relationships with different organizations, which is why, you know, (Jason) Kidd and I made an effort to really get to know him.”

“We traded for [Kyrie] because we wanted him to be a long-term piece”@mcuban tells @TheFrankIsola and @TermineRadio why the plan all along was to keep Kyrie with the @dallasmavs #MFFL pic.twitter.com/uzSqkRGkVe

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 11, 2023

Irving was traded by the Brooklyn Nets to Dallas last season, where he became a free agent. He recently re-upped with the Mavericks for $126 million over three years.

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 13, 2023

Boxer Devin Haney Fighting New Charges After Semi-Automatic Gun Allegedly Found in Car

Lightweight boxing champion Devin Haney is facing some trouble outside of the ring.

Haney was arrested on July 13, 2023, after a semi-automatic handgun was found by police under a driver’s seat in his car, TMZ reports.

After a night out at Catch L.A. in West Hollywood, Haney, 24, was pulled over for an unsafe lane change and a failure to use turning signals. While Haney wasn’t the one driving, the person who was alerted officers that there was a firearm present in the vehicle.

Cops proceeded to get Haney and his security detail out of the car to engage in a search when they found the weapon. After no one took ownership, police had to arrest and book Haney for felony possession of a concealed weapon since the car was registered in his name.

He was released shortly after 8:00 am on $35,000 bail, according to jail records, and is due in court for a hearing in August.

Haney has become a star in the boxing world, holding a perfect 30-0 record. He is looked at as a top pound-for-pound boxer after winning a unanimous decision over Vasiliy Lomachenko in May, according to Bleacher Report. On July 12, 2023, he was challenged to a match over Twitter by Teofimo Lopez, who announced he was considering retirement after beating Josh Taylor last month.

Lopez took a jab at Haney after claiming he was “tired of helping this kid be something that he is not.”

“Yo @Realdevinhaney, since you were so quick to jump in the mix for my WBO Championship belt! Let’s make the fight happen so the world can see who is about that action,” Lopez said.

He responded with a simple, “Let’s do it.”

Let’s do it.. https://t.co/qS5P8wnO4t

— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) July 13, 2023

Haney’s reputation has grown over the years with impressive wins over George Kambosos Jr., Joseph Diaz Jr., and Yuriorkis Gamboa.