Saquon Barkley Becomes NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back After Signing With Philadelphia Eagles
The contract extension is worth $41.2M, with $36M guaranteed. The deal also includes $15M in incentives.
Just one year after joining the Philadelphia Eagles and playing a key role in their Super Bowl victory, Saquon Barkley has become the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
The Eagles rewarded this year’s NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year by extending his contract into the 2028 football season.
The running back also broke an NFL record for rushing yards in a season (including the playoffs) when he amassed 2,504 yards. That total broke Terrell Davis’ 1998 record of 2,476 yards. Barkley had a franchise-record 2,283 yards from scrimmage. He was responsible for a league-high 34.8 percent of the team’s output, with 15 total touchdowns in the regular season.
Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman stated that Barkley’s historic year was “the best season for any skill position player in NFL history.”
In a social media post, the Eagles player said, Overflow! “Grateful for the Eagles Organization , grateful for my team, grateful for the amazing fans in Philly. Fly Eagles Fly”
Overflow! Grateful for the Eagles Organization , grateful for my team, grateful for the amazing fans in Philly. Fly Eagles Fly 🦅 @EdwardMBerry 😤 pic.twitter.com/q2u4gr9IX2
“It’s very obvious when you watch the tape how good of a player he is, right? But the things that he has that he brings to our football team as far as his leadership, his work ethic. He’s an awesome teammate. Those are the things that make him very special,” Head Coach Nick Sirianni said in a written statement. “And that’s pretty special that I’m saying that even more after you see him jumping over guys backwards and all that stuff.”
The Associated Press reported that the contract extension is worth $41.2 million, with $36 million guaranteed. The deal also includes $15 million in incentives.
The Eagles signed Barkley last year to a three-year, $37.75 million deal in free agency when he entered free agency after playing for the New York Giants as a No. 2 draft pick in 2018.
ICYMI: Day 2 Of The Women Of Power Summit Did Not Disappoint
Conversations That Count series was held between two sets of women in power
After an awe-inspiring event at the 19th Annual Women of Power Legacy Award Gala, attendees shifted into power mode the next day, March 6, diving headlong into the spectrum of activities, meaningful conversations, and, of course, informative leadership sessions. World-renowned fitness expert Jenna De Leon headed the day with a morning workout before breakfast, followed by remarks from BLACK ENTERPRISE President and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. and Mia Hairston, senior vice president of Human Resources for Nationwide. The Conversations That Count series was held between two sets of women in power: Glenda McNeal, Robin L. Washington, and Edith Cooper, cofounder of Medley, discussed “Peak Performance,” while Valerie Jarrett, Karine Jean-Pierre, and Abby Phillip spoke on “Politics Not As Usual.” Get caught up with BE’s gallery below.
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Florida Police Officers Claim Toddler Seen Lying Down In Viral Video ‘Mimicked’ Her Mother Being Arrested
The Department of Children and Families were notified after the incident given the violent nature of the alleged crime with a child present.
After a viral video of two white Winter Haven, Florida, police officers arresting a Black woman alongside her toddler-aged daughter caused backlash, officials are claiming the child “mimicked” her mother, WFLA reports.
The video shows an officer arresting the woman. At the same time, her daughter, a toddler, was seen lying on the ground next to her in the same position—with her hands behind her back—while a supporting officer was seen pointing a weapon down at them.
While social media comments labeled the move as “crazy,” Winter Haven officials released a statement saying the child was never placed in handcuffs and the toddler simply “mimicked” her mother’s actions after officers directed her to get on the ground.
“Officers responded with an appropriate level of caution with the understanding there was a weapon involved seeking to resolve the situation,” the statement read. “When approaching (the mother and her child), officers could not have known who was in possession of the firearm.”
The incident started on March 4 when a 911 call went out in connection to a disturbance involving a firearm at a shopping center. Witnesses claimed a man got into a fight with one of the store’s employees in the parking lot prior to fleeing in a red Nissan Altima. The mother and child in the video were passengers.
When officers found the vehicle, all three passengers were already out of the car. As one officer placed the suspect under arrest, the unidentified mother immediately complied with the officer’s commands.
A Diamondback 9mm semiautomatic pistol was later found inside the Nissan.
Despite the social media backlash, Winter Haven Police Chief Vance Monroe and Mayor Nathaniel Birdsong—both Black men—defended the officers, according to Fox 13 News.
“The optics are bad. We’re not going to skip around it. The optics of this incident are bad. They’re terrible. I truly wish that this child was not exposed to this,” Monroe said. “I know moving forward, we’re definitely going to be looking at ways and other avenues that we can safely and effectively engage with our citizens in situations like this.”
Both the woman and man were released following the ordeal as the other party involved failed to press charges. However, the Department of Children and Families was notified, given the violent nature of the alleged crime with a child present.
Cardi B Wins Big, But Waits Big: Tasha K’s $1.2M Delivery? Think Amazon Prime, But, Like, Five Years
Cardi B will finally receive a portion of her $3.9 million settlement from Tasha K.
Cardi B will finally begin receiving payments from Latasha Kebe, better known as Tasha K, as part of a structured plan to repay a portion of the $3.9 million defamation judgment.
Court documents outline that Kebe, who recently filed for bankruptcy, will make payments based on her generated income, though no fixed dollar amount has been set. She must submit quarterly income reports to California courts for verification.
Additionally, a non-disparagement clause prohibits her from making negative statements about Cardi B. Cardi, however, does not have to censor herself in relation to Kebe.
On Feb. 24, the judge upheld the full $3.9 million judgment, and the parties agreed that Kebe would pay $1.2 million over five years. Cardi B reserves the right to pursue the remaining amount after that period.
“Today marks the end of a multi-year long chapter of lies, deception, and fraudulent conveyance on the part of Tasha K, her husband, and their entities,” Cardi B’s attorney, Lisa Moore, said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “We are thrilled to put in place such an incredibly unprecedented and protective plan for Cardi.”
The agreement prioritizes Cardi B’s settlement in Kebe’s debt repayment plan. Although Kebe filed for bankruptcy to discharge personal debts, the defamation judgment remains intact.
Kebe’s legal team views the agreement as a way for the blogger to meet her financial obligations while continuing her work.
“By reaching this agreement, all parties can avoid prolonged litigation—fulfilling bankruptcy’s essential purpose. This resolution also enables Ms. Kebe to focus on her work while repaying creditors in an organized manner,” her attorney stated.
Cardi B will reportedly receive $176,532 in the first year of repayment from Tasha K, with the amount increasing each year. According to court documents, the blogger will owe $318,653 by the fifth year.
This structured plan ensures Cardi B gradually receives a portion of the $1.2 million settlement, while the remaining $2.7 million from the original defamation judgment remains unsettled.
Black Women Executives Talk Women-on-Women Bias in the Workplace
A panel of experts shared personal experiences and advice about navigating difficult relationships with other women coworkers at the BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit.
Three Black women executives opened up about the challenges they’ve faced with difficult women in the workplace throughout their careers at the BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit on Thursday.
Held in Las Vegas, the 19th annual professional development conference aims to enrich women of color with the tools, connections, and resources they need to ascend the corporate ladder.
The two-day event featured panels, one-on-one career and financial coaching, and exclusive networking opportunities. Panel topics included diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), leadership skills, building workplace relationships, professional branding, artificial intelligence, gender bias, and the pay gap.
During a session titled “Confronting Women-on-Women Bias,” a panel of experts shared personal stories and anecdotal examples about navigating toxic work relationships with women. According to CBS News, research shows that women can internalize bias and express it against other women in their workplace. Some believe that there is room for just a few women in leadership positions and, therefore, step on other women as they climb the ranks at their organization.
Source: L-R: Sidnee Michelle, senior digital editor, BLACK ENTERPRISE; Olivia Linson, director of platform operation and support at AFLAC; Celeste Warren, vice president of global diversity & inclusion center of excellence at
Merck; Heather R Younger, founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix (Photo: The Tyler Twins for BLACK ENTERPRISE Women Of Power 2025)
“I’ve worked for three “queen Bs” in my career. Those experiences really made me who I am today,” said Olivia Linson, director of platform operation and support at AFLAC, during the panel.
“I knew I couldn’t change her, but I could change me,” she continued, referring to a difficult woman boss.
Celeste Warren, the Vice President of Global Diversity & Inclusion Center of Excellence at Merck, advised attendees to “maintain professionalism” when engaging with difficult coworkers and to keep a record of events in case a negative relationship with a colleague escalates.
“Document when it happens [and] what time it happened because at some point if they don’t change their behavior, it’s going to come to blows,” she said.
Source: The Tyler Twins for Black Enterprise Women Of Power 2025
“The best revenge is excellence,” added Heather R Younger, J.D., founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a preeminent employee engagement and workplace culture consulting firm for Fortune 100 companies.
She continued, “Nobody is coming to save you. You have to save yourself.”
Poll: Black Americans Want Democrats To Defend DEI Attacks
This dismantling of DEI by the Trump administration is not sitting well with Black voters. In fact, the poll suggests that standing up to Trump and his allies will be key in determining if Democrats can win future voters.
Get up and fight back against DEI.
That’s what a majority of frustrated Black Americans want from Democrats in Washington, D.C., where they’re catching every stray and punch from Republicans who are attacking DEI initiatives.
A survey from the 2040 Strategy Group reveals that a majority of Black Americans (67%) want Democrats to prioritize defending attacks on DEI as a part of the larger scheme to resist President Donald Trump’s agenda, which a majority of Black respondents also say is hostile to nonwhite Americans.
“With Trump in power and really making his white nationalist agenda clearer, we decided to go back into the field and ask [Black voters] their thoughts on what’s happening,” said Tillery.
Tillery is the founder of the Alliance For Black Equality Super Pac. As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, Tillery sounded the alarm to Democrats more than a year before the presidential election that the party was losing ground with one of its core voting blocs: Black voters. He said the Biden-Harris campaign didn’t believe it. However, exit polls reveal Tillery was spot on.
“We calculated last fall that in order for them to win, they would need 83% to 84% of Black men to [turn out]. “Three weeks out from the election, she was only at 71% with Black men,” Tillery previously told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “The story of the election is that not only did young Black men vote significantly more for Donald Trump but also that Black voter turnout was down.”
Trump’s Warpath To Destroy DEI Initiatives
In his first 100 days in office, Trump has made a deliberate effort to roll back and weaponize civil rights laws that address discrimination and attempt to create an even playing field in the workforce, housing, and higher education — to name a few. In one instance, Trump rescinded the 60-year-old Executive Order 11246 (EO 11246), which required federal contractors to practice affirmative action based on race and gender.
As analysts point out in the 2040 Strategy Group’s latest survey, Trump’s executive order to end what it characterizes as “wasteful” DEI programs in the federal government puts a target on the backs of Black employees–who make up 18% of the federal workforce.
“Many Black Americans who once found access to the middle class through federal employment or even college now find that the door has been shut,” the report reads.
This dismantling of DEI by the Trump administration is not sitting well with Black voters. In fact, the poll suggests that standing up to Trump and his allies will be key in determining if Democrats can win future voters.
“The failure of the Democratic messaging during the 2024 campaign was their refusal to talk about race, racism, race relation and Trump’s threats to Black communities as a result of his ideology, so there’s a lot of pent-up frustration,” says Tillery. “Respondents want the new leadership of the Democratic party, whomever that might be, to step up and message on these issues.”
The poll also reveals that Democrats lost 2 million Black voters in the last election cycle. Tillery says the most straightforward path to regaining a majority is to court Black voters, especially millennial and Gen Z Black voters who did not vote for the Harris-Walz ticket.
“Harris ran a near-flawless campaign. She was gifted and a great candidate, but she had the wrong strategy,” says Tillery. “Her strategy centered on white women. They spent 1.5 billion dollars on trying to convince white women in the suburbs to vote for her because of abortion rights or because Liz Cheney liked her.”
Tillery adds, “The easiest path back to victory is to really engage Black communities and speak to their concerns.”
Diamond In The Rough: Man Arrested After Swallowing Tiffany & Co. Jewels In Daring Heist
How will the consumed jewelry be retrieved? Don't ask!
Jaythan Gilder, 32, of Houston, is facing multiple charges after allegedly robbing a Tiffany & Co. store at an Orlando mall on Feb. 26, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by CBS News.
But how he disposed of the evidence, law enforcement officials say, is what made this robbery memorable.
On the evening of Feb. 26, Gilder reportedly entered the store dressed in a red Polo shirt, a red hat, and ripped jeans. He identified himself as “Shawn” while claiming to be negotiating a sale for an Orlando Magic player. Police said he misled the staff to gain access to the jewelry.
The Houston native assaulted employee Amit Nayee after swiping a pair of earrings and a ring. Nayee attempted to prohibit Gilder from leaving the premises but was overpowered.
Florida Highway Patrol stopped a car matching the suspect’s description for a routine traffic violation. Tiffany & Co. packaging was found on the vehicle floor. The driver was later identified as Gilder.
Officers witnessed Gilder swallowing unidentified objects before his arrest. During transport to Washington County Jail, Gilder was overheard saying, “I should have thrown them out the window.”
Thief posed as Orlando Magic player rep to steal $750k worth of Tiffany jewelry — then ate it, police say https://t.co/KqT0C5SAqv
The suspected thief was given a live scan, which revealed multiple foreign objects in his stomach. Officers believe the objects are stolen jewelry with an estimated total value of $769,500.
To confirm that Gilder did indeed swallow the six-digit gems, police will need to wait for them to pass through his system before collecting the items.
Gilder has been charged with two felonies: robbery with a mask and first-degree grand theft. Investigators also revealed that he had been involved in a similar crime in 2022 when he allegedly attempted a heist at another Tiffany & Co. store in Texas.
Nayee identified Gilder in a jail lineup, confirming his involvement in the crime. Glider is currently being held at the Orange County Jail. It is unclear if the diamond earrings have been recovered.
“With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones. Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans and his community.”
The post continued, “D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California. He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Tone! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many. For now, we ask that you continue to respect our privacy. We mourn with you and are deeply grateful for your love and support.”
The news followed a week of swirling rumors and conflicting reports about Wiggins’ health, underscoring the deep affection and care held for the Bay Area music legend. Earlier in the week, social media was rife with unconfirmed reports of his declining health, including claims of hospice care and premature obituaries. His family responded with a statement confirming his medical complications but stressing he was “fighting” and requesting privacy.
Wiggins, alongside his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley, formed Tony! Toni! Toné! in Oakland during the late 1980s. The group’s blend of classic soul, funk, and hip-hop-infused R&B quickly garnered attention, propelling them to the forefront of the burgeoning New Jack Swing era.
The group’s breakthrough album, The Revival (1990), solidified its status as a major force in the music industry. However, it was the 1993 masterpiece, Sons of Soul, that cemented its legacy, achieving double-platinum status and producing timeless hits like “If I Had No Loot” and “Anniversary.” The album’s critical and commercial success showcased Wiggins’ versatility as a guitarist and his integral role in the group’s soulful sound.
The group’s final studio album, 1996’s House of Music, further demonstrated the artistic depth and musical evolution of Tony! Toni! Toné! The album’s impact resonated with fans and fellow musicians alike.
Beyond his contributions to Tony! Toni! Toné!, Wiggins was a driving force in the Bay Area music scene. He established the House of Music recording studio, a creative hub that nurtured emerging talent. His keen ear and business acumen led him to sign Destiny’s Child to Grass Roots Entertainment, playing a pivotal role in launching the careers of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams.
Wiggins’ influence extended to collaborations with a diverse array of artists, including Keyshia Cole and Alicia Keys, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary producer and mentor. His solo album, Eyes Never Lie, released in 2000 through Motown Records, showcased his artistry beyond the group dynamic.
The outpouring of grief and tributes following Wiggins’ death highlighted his profound impact on the music industry and his community. Many artists and fans took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of his music.
The musician’s family emphasized his commitment to his craft and his unwavering dedication to his loved ones. Even during his battle with cancer, he remained present and engaged, a testament to his strength and character. His passing leaves a void in the music world, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans.
Wiggins’ guitar, his voice, his very presence wove a thread through the tapestry of Bay Area music and far beyond. He didn’t just make hits; he built a sound, a feeling, a place where soul and innovation met. That House of Music he created? It wasn’t just a studio; it was a launchpad. And those artists he touched, from Destiny’s Child to countless others? They carry a piece of his fire.
Now, with his passing, there’s a quiet space left, a space filled with the echos of his music and the warmth of his spirit. He’s gone, but those songs, that legacy, that’s what stays.
Dwight Howard To Be Inducted Into The Orlando Magic Hall of Fame
'Dwight Howard left an undeniable imprint on the history of the Orlando Magic,' CEO Alex Martins said.
Dwight Howard will become the 13th player to be inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.
The team announced that a ceremony will take place March 24 at 3:45 p.m. at the Kia Center before the Magic’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers and honored during the contest.
Dwight Howard will become the 13th inductee into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame
Howard will be inducted on Monday, March 24 at 3:45 p.m. in Kia Center, near the Orlando Magic Fan Experience. https://t.co/2tdj5vBKcQ pic.twitter.com/SDPkWN1qvE
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 7, 2025
“Dwight Howard left an undeniable imprint on the history of the Orlando Magic,” CEO Alex Martins said in a written statement. “From being the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft to our trip to the 2009 NBA Finals, Dwight’s work helped us achieve great success during his eight seasons in a Magic uniform, both on the court and in the community. We are looking forward to inducting Dwight into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.”
This ceremony may be the precursor to Howard’s induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, as he is a finalist this year.
Howard played for the Magic from 2004 to 2012. He averaged per game averages of 18.4 points, 13 rebounds, 2.16 blocks, 1.5 assists, and 1.01 steals while playing an average of 36.2 minutes a game. He led the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals and the Eastern Conference Finals in 2010.
Howard is the Magic’s all-time leader in points scored (11,435), rebounds (8,072), blocked shots (1,344), free throws made (3,366), free throws attempted (5,727), and minutes played (22,471).
His impressive resume includes being named to the All-NBA First Team for five straight seasons and winning the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award for three straight seasons (2008-2011), the first to accomplish that feat. Howard was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team for four straight years (2008-2012). He was an NBA All-Star from 2007 to 2012.
Howard received the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award (given to the player who gives back to the community outside of the basketball court) a team-record six times.
Howard will be joining 12 other inductees, including Magic co-founder Pat Williams (2014), Nick Anderson (2014), Shaquille O’Neal (2015), Rich DeVos (2016), Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway (2017), Jimmy Hewitt (2017), Tracy McGrady (2018), David Steele (2019), Darrell Armstrong (2020), John Gabriel (2022), Brian Hill (2022,) and Dennis Scott (2023).
Aja Naomi King, Katori Hall, And Tyler Perry Studios Exec Angi Bones To Be Honored By Black Women Film Network
Aja Naomi King is among the honorees at the 10th annual Black Women Film Network Summit.
The 10th annual Black Women Film Network Summit is coming to Atlanta, Georgia, where actress Aja Naomi King and others will be honored.
The Black Women Film Network (BWFN) Annual Summit is set for March 22 at Atlanta’s Loudermilk Center. The event will honor powerhouse women in the film industry and feature impactful discussions on key industry topics.
Honorees include acclaimed actress, producer, and activist Aja Naomi King, who will receive the AcceleratHER Award; Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall will receive the StoryTellHER Award, and President of Original Programming at Tyler Perry Studios Angi Bones will receive the ProduceHER Award.
Other awards to be given out include the Beacon Award, going to the Global Editorial Director of Original Content at Apple Music, Denise Williams Watts, and SVP, Casting, for Disney Entertainment Television, Felicia Joseph, who will receive the RainmakHER Award.
“These trailblazers embody the spirit of transformation, overcoming challenges and creating or fostering groundbreaking work along the way,” said BWFN Board Chair and filmmaker Chiquita Lockley.
“For almost three decades, BWFN has had boots on the ground cracking the door to create an entry point for women in film and TV. Our BWFN Summit is our biggest annual event and brings together all we do year-round. As our industry continues to evolve, often bringing uncertainty, we will continue to find ways to help our members navigate the pivot.”
This year’s theme, “Plot Twist: The Art of the Pivot,” highlights how Black women are successfully navigating change and reshaping the future of film, TV, and the entertainment industry. This theme will anchor fireside chats with Kat Graham, star of the upcoming film Tyler Perry’s Duplicity, and Sonay Hoffman, co-showrunner of NBC’s Found, along with panels on funding, marketing, and PR.
The programming lineup is designed to inspire and empower Black women at all career stages, equipping them to succeed even in challenging times. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from industry leaders, connect with like-minded professionals, and draw inspiration from the resilience and innovation that continue to shape the entertainment industry.
