basketball, NBA Draft Pick, James Nnaji , Baylor University

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 27, 2025

7-Foot Former NBA Draft Pick James Nnaji Signs With Baylor University

The university has secured a commitment from Nnaji, even though he was drafted at No. 31 in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.

Baylor University has just signed a former NBA Draft pick, 7-foot center James Nnaji, to play out the rest of this current season.

According to On3, the university has secured a commitment from Nnaji, even though he was drafted at No. 31 in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. The NCAA has granted him four years of eligibility, although he played professionally overseas before committing.

NEWS: 7-foot center James Nnaji, the No. 31 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has committed to Baylor, source told @On3sports.

The 21-year-old big man will play the second half of the season and has been granted four years of eligibility by the NCAA.https://t.co/3Qddu13Lyi pic.twitter.com/R0D9Z1s1sC
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) December 24, 2025

Nnaji has never played in the NBA, although he did play in this year’s NBA Summer League with the New York Knicks. After the Pistons drafted him, their rights were traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 2023. As part of the deal that brought the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks, the New York team acquired Nnaji’s rights.

However, he played overseas, most recently for FC Barcelona in the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague before leaving the team in August.

According to Scripps News, Baylor’s coach seemed excited about the recent addition.

“James is a really talented young player with a ton of potential, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Baylor family,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said. “Any time you add someone to the roster midseason, it’s going to be a process to get them acclimated and up to speed, but we know James will do everything he can to make it a seamless transition. Our immediate focus is on helping him take things step by step to ensure it’s best for both him and the team when he’s able to take the court.”

Injuries have decimated Baylor’s basketball team. Most recently, freshman forward Maikcol Perez suffered a knee injury, and center Juslin Bodo Bodo had an arm injury that has kept them out all season.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

Trump’s Niece Warns America Is Headed Toward ‘Something Awful’

Mary Trump predicts continued political decline unless significant changes occur.

Mary L. Trump, the estranged niece of Donald Trump, wrote that the United States is “on the precipice of something awful” and warned that the president’s leadership is faltering amid mounting political and economic pressures, according to Newsweek.

In a Dec. 23 post on her Substack newsletter, “The Good in Us, Mary Trump,” said the president has “lost the ability to control the narrative” and is on a “slippery slope down which he will continue to slide.” She wrote that his pattern of “lying, spinning, and obfuscating” has become less effective, making him appear “diminished to the point of impotence” to some observers.

Mary Trump attributed the president’s struggles to what she characterized as a growing inability to address the country’s problems. Mary says the solutions have become more complex and that Trump can pretend issues do not exist, but cannot persuade others that they do not either. She wrote that reversing course would require him to recognize his limitations, defer to experts, and admit mistakes — steps she argued he is incapable of taking, Newsweek reported.

While Mary Trump said the United States could still recover from its current course, her message was bleak about her uncle’s trajectory, predicting continued political decline unless significant changes occur.

Trump’s approval ratings have declined this year, with a YouGov/The Economist poll showing a majority of voters disapproving of his performance in office, the Newsweek report added.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded to the criticism in comments to Newsweek, calling Mary Trump a “stone-old loser who doesn’t have a clue about anything.” The remark underscored the administration’s rejection of her assessment.

The Substack post and the reaction come on the heels of the Trump administration’s decision to target Nigerian “extremists” on Christmas Day. Preceding these attacks, President Trump, along with Department of Defense officials, has also spoken of an impending war with Venezuela to claim its oil reserves.

Tyler Perry, sexual assault lawsuit, actor

by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

Tyler Perry Faces Another Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed By Actor

The civil complaint was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court by model and aspiring actor Mario Rodriguez.

Tyler Perry is facing a new lawsuit alleging sexual assault, marking the second time a male actor has brought claims against the filmmaker and studio executive.

The civil complaint was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court by model and aspiring actor Mario Rodriguez. In the lawsuit, Rodriguez alleges Perry sexually assaulted him on multiple occasions after inviting him to his home to discuss potential acting opportunities. Rodriguez is seeking $77 million in damages, according to court records.

According to the complaint, first obtained and reported by People, the alleged incidents occurred between 2015 and 2019. Rodriguez claims he first connected with Perry in 2015 and was later cast as a background actor in “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” After the appearance, Rodriguez alleges Perry invited him to additional meetings to discuss future roles and career advancement.

The lawsuit claims that during those meetings, Perry made unwanted sexual advances toward Rodriguez. One alleged incident in 2018 involved Perry fondling Rodriguez’s genitalia. The complaint states that Rodriguez resisted and that a physical struggle followed before he was released. The filing further alleges that Rodriguez was told that if he complied with Perry’s advances, he would be “taken care of,” though the lawsuit does not specify what that entailed.

Rodriguez also alleges that after later encounters, Perry gave him $5,000 and an apology following another instance of alleged unwanted touching. The complaint characterizes the alleged offers as attempts to silence him and maintain control over his career prospects.

https://twitter.com/MsXaviB/status/2004776017823760842

Rodriguez addressed the lawsuit publicly in a social media video, describing the emotional toll of coming forward.

“For a long time, guys, I didn’t want to say anything, and I wanted to tell you guys why I didn’t want to say anything,” Rodriguez said. “But when it happened to me, I felt ashamed. I was scared. Because of the judgment and the questions that people were going to start asking, almost like they were going to blame me for just being there.”

Perry has denied the allegations through his attorney. Alex Spiro, who represents the media mogul, said the lawsuit is an attempt to extract money through false claims. He also says the lawyer in the case, who is also representing another Perry accuser, is being opportunistic.

“Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago, which will also be a failed money grab,” Spiro said in a statement provided to People.

The case remains pending, and no trial date has been set. Perry has not commented directly beyond his attorney’s statement.

Albany State University, David Bowser , football

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 27, 2025

David Bowser Hired As Football Head Coach At Albany State University

'I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to build on the legacy and tradition of this first-class institution and its outstanding football program,' said Bowser.

Albany State University recently announced its next football head coach, bringing in David Bowser to lead the program.

The school’s president, Dr. Robert Scott, and director of Athletics, Dr. Kristene Kelly, made the announcement on Dec. 24.

https://twitter.com/ASUGoldenRams/status/2003851912827854980

“I want to thank President Dr. Robert Scott, Director of Athletics, Dr. Kristene Kelly, and the entire administration at Albany State University for the trust and confidence they’ve placed in me to lead this great football program,” said Bowser in a written statement. “I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to build on the legacy and tradition of this first-class institution and its outstanding football program.”

Bowser is leaving Johnson C. Smith University, where he recently served as the special assistant to the head football coach, director of player Personnel, and linebackers, playing a significant role in the school’s success. While at Johnson C. Smith, Bowser supported roster management and recruiting strategy, oversaw key operational functions, and coached linebackers. He also contributed to the university’s academic accountability, compliance, and day-to-day football operations.

“Albany State football has experienced tremendous momentum, and our focus is on sustaining that success while continuing to grow as an institution,” said Dr. Scott. “Coach Bowser brings the leadership, experience, and vision necessary to guide this program forward in alignment with the University’s goals for growth, accountability, and excellence.”

Before his latest role, Bowser was Saint Augustine University’s athletic director and head football coach. He oversaw 12 NCAA Division II programs, managed athletic department budgets, led fundraising efforts, strengthened compliance structures, and implemented staff evaluation and accountability systems. While on the football field, he rebuilt the roster, emphasized academic progress, and generated support for the program through targeted fundraising initiatives.

Bowser played his collegiate football career at North Carolina State University,

Bowser will start as the school’s head coach on Jan. 5, 2026.

Nickelodeon, Daniel Curtis Lee, Tylor Chase, hotel, homeless, child star

by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

Homeless Nickelodeon Actor Trashes Hotel After Co-Star Tries To Get Him Off The Streets

the motel room was severely damaged within hours of Chase checking in.

Former child actor Tylor Chase, known for his role on the Nickelodeon series Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, remains homeless and is struggling with untreated mental health and substance issues, and a well-intended effort by a former co-star to provide temporary shelter ended in chaos.

Chase, 36, was seen living on the streets of California in a viral TikTok video. The footage prompted former Ned’s Declassified co-star Daniel Curtis Lee — who played “Cookie” on the series — to drive from Los Angeles to Riverside to check on Chase’s welfare and offer assistance.

Lee shared updates on Chase’s condition and arranged a hotel room so the Nickelodeon actor could have temporary shelter from inclement weather over the holidays.

However, according to Lee’s later posts, the motel room was severely damaged within hours of Chase checking in, with the door left open, the refrigerator overturned, and a microwave found in the bathtub. Lee said motel staff contacted him to report the state of the room. He said he was “devastated” by the outcome.

“I received a call from management. They’re upset,” Lee said. “The door is left open. Why is there a microwave in the tub? The refrigerator is turned over. I just feel so devastated. I am at a loss.”

@danielcurtislee
Happy Holidays. Difficult conversation about Tylor Chase and his recovery journey. #tylorchase #danielcurtislee #nedsdeclassified #shelter #epidemic
♬ original sound – Daniel Curtis Lee

Chase’s family previously discouraged efforts to give him cash after a small GoFundMe raised about $1,200. The family believed his problems needed more than monetary offerings. His mother has said he faces serious mental health challenges and substance abuse. Money would only worsen his situation. In his TikTok post, Lee says the family attempted to lodge Chase to no avail. However, he’d hoped this time the opportunity would help.

“I’m at a loss, and his Family told me that they had tried the, the hotel thing before and it didn’t work, and of course, Danny, why did you assume that you were gonna be able to, you, you know, just fix this situation.”

Lee’s commentary on the situation shifted as the video went on, bringing light to the mental health and unhoused. He also spoke about the government’s role in helping its mentally ill, drug addicted, and/or just down on their luck citizens.

“We have all these social systems where help should be provided for these people facing mental health issues, drug abuse issues, right? Taxpayers vote on this stuff all the time. 5150 exists. A third party should be able to get someone into treatment. [or] a psychological evaluation to figure out what is going on and allow them to detox. I’m just crushed that these systems are not working effectively,” Lee said.

Lee’s concerns are valid, as a report by Congress states, on any given night in the U.S., “there were 771,480 total people experiencing homelessness.” The staggering numbers on homelessness are similar to the statistics for drug addiction; the CDC says over 100,000 people die from drug overdoses yearly. The number does not reflect the number of people living with the illness.

While social safety nets are not working efficiently, people like Lee continue to show compassion and empathy to those who have lost their way. For now, it will have to be enough.

Donald Trump,judge, DEI, Executive orders

by Mary Spiller

December 27, 2025

Federal Judge Stops Trump Administration From Revoking Security Clearance Of Whistleblower Attorney

Court rules presidential memo targeting Washington lawyer Mark Zaid amounts to political retaliation and cannot be enforced against him.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from stripping the security clearance of prominent Washington attorney Mark Zaid, dealing another legal setback to President Donald Trump’s efforts to target perceived political opponents.

U.S. District Judge Amir Ali issued a preliminary injunction preventing the enforcement of a March presidential memorandum that ordered the revocation of Zaid’s clearance. The directive also named 14 other individuals, but, according to the ruling, could not be applied to Zaid as written.

The decision came the same day the Supreme Court declined to approve Trump’s request to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area, marking a second courtroom loss for the administration in a single day. Together, the rulings underscore how Trump’s policy and personnel actions have been repeatedly slowed or halted by judges since his return to office.

As reported by The Washington Post, Zaid filed suit in May, arguing that the revocation was motivated by politics rather than legitimate security concerns. In court filings, he described the Trump administration’s move as “improper political retribution” that threatened his ability to represent clients involved in sensitive national security matters.

Judge Ali agreed, writing that the government cannot use expedited clearance revocations to punish attorneys for their legal work. “This court joins the several others in this district that have enjoined the government from using the summary revocation of security clearances to penalize lawyers for representing people adverse to it,” Ali stated in his order.

The March memorandum stated that it was “no longer in the national interest” for Zaid and others to retain security clearances. The list included several high-profile figures who have drawn Trump’s criticism, including former Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former President Joe Biden, and members of Biden’s family.

The action is part of a broader pattern since Trump’s return to the White House, which has included directing investigations into critics and issuing executive orders targeting law firms and attorneys involved in cases he opposes. In August, the administration announced it was revoking the clearances of 37 current and former national security officials.

Zaid has practiced national security law for nearly 35 years and has represented clients from across the political spectrum, including military officials, law enforcement officers, and whistleblowers. In 2019, he represented an intelligence community whistleblower whose complaint about Trump’s call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy contributed to Trump’s first impeachment.

Ali emphasized that the ruling does not permanently bar the government from reviewing Zaid’s clearance. The administration may still pursue revocation through standard procedures unrelated to the presidential memo. The injunction is set to take effect Jan. 13.

In a statement following the ruling, Zaid said the decision sends a broader message. “This is not just a victory for me,” he said. “It’s an indictment of the Trump administration’s attempts to intimidate and silence the legal community, especially lawyers who represent people who dare to question or hold this government accountable.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 27, 2025

Chrisean Rock Takes Up Boxing For New Career Path

She claims she wants to pursude the art of pugilism

Chrisean Rock, better known as the former girlfriend of rapper Blueface, has recently taken a different path, as she’s been seen at the boxing gym of renowned trainer Justin Fortune (Manny Pacquiao, Mike Tyson) to pursue a career as a professional boxer.

According to Hype Fresh, videos have been popping up on social media showing Chrisean putting in work at the gym and even training outdoors with her baby on, what looks like a mountain trail. She has been known more for her reality TV appearances, where she is typically beefing with Blueface and his mother, and for being chastised for how she cares (or, in some cases, does not care) for the son she had with Blueface.

A video clip reveals her going hard in the squared circle in the Fortune Boxing Gym. She is seen with a trainer going through some drills.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by I'm Elie Seckbach Reporting! (@elieseckbach)

Fortune reportedly died in April 2025, but the gym still operates, and Chrisean attends the venue in Hollywood.

To show her full commitment, she posted a video on X of herself working out and pushing through, highlighting the training she has to put in to be successful. The video may have been filmed on Christmas, as she says “Merry Christmas” while walking and then jogging up a hill with her son in a stroller. She is then seen running in a continuing clip.

https://twitter.com/mymixtapez/status/2004388017176559903

After being involved in a street tussle in Compton recently, where she was confronted by alleged gang members who attacked her because of her beef with Blueface, she also appeared on a live stream with boxer Ryan Garcia.

That’s when she announced to the world that she was going to enter the professional boxing arena, even naming Garcia as a potential trainer.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

New Mexico And 15 Other States Win Back Funding For Mental Health In Schools

The ruling restores funding to support mental health professionals in K-12 schools.

On Dec. 22, the New Mexico Attorney General’s Department of Justice announced the state won its lawsuit to restore federal funding for mental health; 15 other states have been successful in similar suits.

U.S. District Court Judge Kymberly Evanson of the Western District of Washington granted the states’ motion for summary judgment. The court found that the Education Department acted unlawfully when it abruptly discontinued multi-year grants meant to fund school-based mental health services. Funds were allocated under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

The ruling restores funding to support mental health professionals in K-12 schools. This includes smaller rural districts such as Silver Consolidated Schools and affects more than 5,000 New Mexico students who rely on those services.

Attorney General Raúl Torrez said in a statement that the office did not just join the lawsuit but helped lead a coalition of states to defend students’ access to mental health support.

“No one — regardless of politics — wants to deny our kids access to the mental health support they need to learn, grow, and thrive,” he said.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, whose legislative work helped secure funding for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, was pleased by the victory. Heinrich says the funds should never have been in jeopardy.

“This ruling is a major victory. “This ruling is a major victory for New Mexico students and families, and it restores funding that never should have been taken away in the first place. School-based mental health services are essential to helping our kids learn, stay safe, and succeed,” said Sen. Heinrich. “We will continue to hold this administration accountable and fight to make sure every dollar promised to our schools is delivered. Anything less is unacceptable.”

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was passed in 2022 with broad bipartisan support after a string of deadly school shootings. One billion dollars will be used to expand access to mental health professionals in schools nationwide.

The Education Department awarded multi-year grants with annual continuation decisions required under federal regulations. However, in April, it sent notices to grantees indicating the grants would be discontinued. The reasoning was not due to performance or logistics, but because the program no longer aligned with the department’s priorities. The coalition of states challenged that decision as “arbitrary and capricious” under the Administrative Procedure Act.

The lawsuit was led by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and joined by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as New Mexico.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 26, 2025

Will Bronny James Stay A Los Angeles Laker?

The younger James was denied a start with several players unable to play in a recent game

Los Angeles Lakers’ future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James may have been behind the team’s decision to draft his son, Bronny James, in the 2024 NBA Draft. Still, it seems the team is not necessarily behind playing the younger James, opting not to start the second-year player in a recent game.

According to Lake Show Life, the writing may be on the wall regarding head coach JJ Redick’s decision to start Nick Smith Jr. instead of Bronny in a recent game when Luka Dončić and Gabe Vincent were unavailable. Although Bronny signed a guaranteed contract and regularly rotates between playing in the G League (South Bay Lakers) and sitting at the end of the Lakers’ bench, Smith, who was picked up in September after being cut by the Charlotte Hornets, was chosen over him.

The writer surmises that Bronny only plays when the Lakers are carrying a considerable lead and resting the starters, or when the team is already losing and is bound to lose. That’s usually when Bronny is allowed off the bench, unless he’s playing with the South Bay Lakers (where his play this season is not doing him any favors).

For anyone to have a guaranteed contract, the stats don’t match, and there’s no reason to accept that he was given, not just a deal, but one that means they have to pay him for it. He is averaging a paltry 1.8 points, with 1.4 assists, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.6 steals, and shooting 32.4%, 29.4% from 3-point range, while playing 9 minutes a game in the 16 games he has been inserted in this season.

Last season, in 27 games, those numbers were 2.3 points, 0.8 assists, 0.7 rebounds, 0.3 steals, and 31.3% from the field, 28.1% from 3-point range. The numbers don’t seem to be trending upward, casting doubt that nepotism is the only reason he was selected, given a guaranteed contract, and remains on the team.

Even in garbage time, he is unable to pad his stats, which only makes his situation worse in the eyes of basketball fans. With LeBron possibly playing his last season (at least in a Lakers uniform), where would this leave Bronny once his father is no longer a Laker?

by Mary Spiller

December 26, 2025

Mariah Carey Awarded Almost $100K In Legal Fees In Dismissed Copyright Lawsuit

Federal court orders lawyers behind failed claim over “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to pay more than $92,000 following what a judge called “egregious” misconduct.

Mariah Carey has secured a legal victory just in time for the holidays, after a federal judge ordered attorneys representing a country musician to pay her more than $92,000 in legal fees tied to a dismissed copyright lawsuit.

According to court records reviewed by Rolling Stone, Carey was awarded $92,300 in attorney’s fees following the collapse of a lawsuit filed by Andy Stone — who performs under the name Vince Vance — alleging that Carey’s holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” copied a similarly titled song released by his band in 1988. The case, filed in November 2023, sought $20 million in damages and was dismissed in March.

U.S. District Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani ruled that Stone and co-writer Troy Powers failed to present credible evidence showing copyright infringement. In her ruling, Almadani sharply criticized the conduct of Stone’s legal team, calling their actions “egregious” when viewed collectively.

“Although each incident of sanctionable conduct, in isolation, may not warrant more than a stern reprimand,” the judge wrote, “it is the aggregate of misconduct reflected in Plaintiffs’ Motion that makes this an egregious situation warranting more severe sanctions.”

The court determined that Carey and her co-defendants — including Sony Music, Kobalt Publishing, and producer Walter Afanasieff — were forced to incur unnecessary legal costs responding to what the judge described as meritless claims and unsupported arguments. In total, the sanctions amount to $109,983, with Sony receiving more than $14,000 and additional sums awarded to Kobalt and Afanasieff.

In a separate filing, Judge Almadani raised concerns about the treatment of co-plaintiff Powers, noting that recent submissions from Stone’s attorneys failed to reference him at all. Attorney Gerard Fox told the court he “no longer had contact” with Powers, a statement the judge said did not absolve counsel of their professional responsibilities.

“Until leave to withdraw is granted, Fox and Schmidt remain under a professional duty to represent Powers’ interests to the best of their ability,” Almadani wrote, adding that it “does not appear that Plaintiffs’ counsel have upheld their ethical obligation to Powers.”

Fox and co-counsel Douglas M. Schmidt were ordered to explain by Jan. 5 why their failure to follow California’s Rules of Professional Conduct and local court rules should not result in disciplinary action. The judge warned that failing to respond could trigger additional penalties.

Carey has long denied any wrongdoing, and the ruling brings a decisive end to a case that challenged one of the most commercially successful holiday songs in music history.