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Iowa State sensation Audi Crooks scores 40 points in NCAA debut

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STANFORD, Calif. (AP) Des Moines police consider they’ve little likelihood of stopping Audi Crooks.

Either way, it is a good-natured message they’re sending.

Crooks is popping heads all over the place after a dominating 40-point NCAA Tournament debut, and the nation’s police are having just a little fun with Iowa State’s NCAA Tournament success up to now, powered by its stellar freshman center.

“Some fraudsters no one can stop.”

This is what social media is congratulating post to the team and Crooks read on the police channel via X, formerly Twitter, posting a photograph of a smiling Crooks wearing a No. 55 jersey and holding a basketball.

Iowa State center Audi Crooks reacts after scoring against Maryland in the second half of a first-round college basketball game throughout the NCAA women’s tournament in Stanford, California, Friday, March 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

The imposing 6-foot-3 Crooks and Iowa State play in Ames, about 55 miles from the state capital of Des Moines. Sure, Crooks doesn’t have the celebrity of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, but she’s quickly made a reputation for herself on the March scene.

“I thought it was pretty funny. It’s nice that the police are watching and taking notice,” said the deceptively quick Crooks. “It actually brings a lot of attention to our program and women’s basketball, so overall I think it’s just a positive thing.”

With a relentless smile and poise well beyond her 18 years, Crooks converted 18 of 20 shots and led the Cyclones to a 20-point comeback as seventh-seeded Iowa State (21-11) defeated Tenth-seeded Maryland 93-86 on Friday night.

This signifies that the second round of the competition will happen on Sunday evening, in which No. 2 seed Stanford (29-5) will play on Cardinal’s home field.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that Audi has the opportunity and the platform to impact our sport,” Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly said Saturday.

According to OptaSTATS, Crooks joined Bill Walton because the only players in NCAA Tournament history to attain 40 points on not less than 90% shooting after Walton did it for UCLA in the 1973 NCAA Championship Game.

“Obviously last night was interesting, so not every game is going to be like that,” Crooks said a day later. “I’ll just take whatever comes next.”

Stanford players were in a position to watch Crooks play live in the stands before heading to the locker room to arrange for the tip of the sport.

“She’s phenomenal, very efficient and I think she was 18 out of 20 last night,” guard Hannah Jump said. “So I think I’m just trying to limit her catches, be aggressive, make sure we take her out and don’t let her get any second chances.”

Hall of Fame Cardinal coach Tara VanDerveer is delighted with the fanfare surrounding the Crooks’ breakout.

VanDerveer gave a shout of appreciation to the police officer: “I thought it was really cute that there’s nothing wrong with being a crook.”

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The Des Moines Police (*40*) public information officer is Paul Parizek, a friend of Fennelly and this system.

In an email to the Associated Press, Parizek described Katie Dinnebier of Clark, Crooks and Drake as “a homegrown Iowa talent who has made her mark on the national stage.”

“Our perspective is that if women succeed, we all succeed. Anything we can do to help increase the achievements of women in our state is a win for everyone,” Parizek wrote. “Our agency has quite a big social media following in central Iowa, and we wish to do all the things we will to focus on the outstanding achievements of female role models.

“These actions, which discourage law enforcement agencies across the country from using social media platforms to acknowledge the greatness of our communities, promote the success of others, and expand our reach amongst the various communities we serve, seem like counterproductive to our collective success. It’s Women’s History Month and a lady’s place is anywhere she wants, regardless of what uniform she wears!

VanDerveer knows that form of recognition could reach a brand new audience, which could shed a brand new perspective on women’s basketball and fans who won’t otherwise tune in on Sunday.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said VanDerveer, who passed former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski earlier this season as probably the most successful coach in men’s and ladies’s basketball. “…We need regular people, not only basketball fans who’re all interested in basketball, but everyone who says, ‘Hey, let’s check the rating, let’s watch.’ It’s great. I believe it’s really exciting that something like that is getting this much attention.

Crooks realizes that repeating her first-round performance is not realistic, especially considering Stanford’s Cameron Brink is the nation’s top shot-blocker and had six shots in the first-round win over Norfolk State.

Brink has 115 blocks this season, and her frontcourt teammate Kiki Iriafen is equally able to disrupting shots regularly.

“It kind of reminds me of growing up playing against my sister, who was a lot taller than me and hit all over the place,” Iowa State’s Addy Brown said of older sister Kennedy, a Duke star. “They’re really good inside at blocking shots, especially Cameron. I just have to be smart and prepared for it, know that she will come. You can’t be afraid of it.”

VanDerveer will depend on several players in Crooks’ defense, calling her a “great talent.”

“I’m glad I don’t have to watch her,” the coach said. – We have players on the team who will work really hard against her.


This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Kevin Hart sparks outrage after ‘clichéd joke’ calling Delaware HBCU students ‘a bunch of n****s on campus’ sparks backlash

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Kevin Hart comments about delaware hbcu

Kevin Hart has been doing comedy since he was a young person, so there have been times when people have not liked his sense of humor.

The 45-year-old recently appeared on “The Breakfast Club,” where one of the topics discussed was the challenges of leaving college — particularly historically black colleges and universities. But the conversation took a special turn for fans when Hart joked that the faculty doesn’t qualify as an HBCU.

Kevin Hart Comments on Delaware HBCUs
Kevin Hart makes offensive remarks about HBCU students in Delaware, sparking outrage online. (Photo: Kevinhart4real/Instagram.)

“You know what’s crazy? A lot of old niggas can’t afford to go to college,” Hart said he said before adding that “there are a lot of old suckers who just don’t want to accept that it’s over.”

Film producer and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University graduate Will Packer addressed “The Breakfast Club” co-host DJ Envy, stating, “Envy, when you have a cat that’s never gone to any school… historically, he’s never gone to anything.”

Not one to be ashamed to confess it, the “Ride Along” star said, “I’ll tell you what, I didn’t do it and here’s why. You guys are the poster child for what you don’t want to be. It’s over.”

Host Loren Lorosa, who currently fills in for Jess Hilarious on the favored radio show, chimed in as she walked across the studio pouring drinks. She said, “You don’t understand HBCU culture. When you go to an HBCU, you don’t let up.”

Packer asked Lorosa which HBCU she attended. Before she could answer, Hart cut in and joked, “I didn’t.” Correcting the comedian, Lorosa said, “I did. I attended Delaware State University.”

Adding his comedic flair, Hart responded by saying, “This is not an HBCU.” However, many voices within the room quickly responded to Hart by saying, “It is.” He then said, “I know what Delaware State is. It’s just a bunch of n***as on campus.”

Packer, sending support to the college, said, “Delaware State shout. Don’t listen to him,” before the clip ended with Hart doubling down. “It’s niggas in Delaware,” he said.

Many fans expressed disappointment that the father-of-four shared what they believed was a tasteless joke.

Someone said, “No. That’s disappointing, a failed attempt at a satirical joke about a subject he knows nothing about. That’s not it @kevinhart4real.” Another person, who apparently went to DSU, criticized Hart’s 5’5, saying, “I know someone who’s not even tall enough to open the MLK door at my alma matter said sum.”

Several mentioned the time Hart performed in school and was allegedly booed. One wrote, “Don’t pretend you don’t have a shot at a career by doing our comedy shows in 2006 and 2007 at Homecoming. You got booed for doing the same sketch, man @kevinhart4real.” Another wrote, “okaaaay! How quickly they forget.”

Two others said: “He got booed earlier in his career and he still holds a grudge” and “So you’re saying he feels offended and throws tantrums…”

It is unclear whether Hart played at DSU during those years. However, the records show was scheduled to perform on Saturday, October 31, 2009, as part of the annual homecoming comedy show hosted by the University of Delaware Cultural Programs Advisory Board and hosted by comedian Will “Spank” Horton.

But others were capable of take the joke, including Lorosa, who responded by saying: “It was a joke. We have to learn to laugh and move on.” Another said: “It’s sad when you take jokes out of context smh.”

US News and World Report Lately ranked Delaware tenth on its list of top 10 HBCUs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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John Legend slams friend over Chrissy Teigen’s anniversary post, years after wife criticized their ‘romantic relationship’

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R&B singer John Legend, 45, celebrated his eleventh wedding anniversary with model Chrissy Teigen, 38, by posting on social media to mark the occasion.

“Anniversary date with my lover/best friend/wife. I’m so happy I met you 18 years ago. I’m so happy we said “I do” 11 years ago. I’m ready to do this for the rest of my life,” Legend wrote within the Instagram caption.

John Legend celebrated his eleventh wedding anniversary with an Instagram post featuring a family friend taking a dig on the R&B singer. (Photo: @chrissyteigen/Instagram)

Family friend Jen Atkin, 44, he commented under a photograph of Legend’s wife, which reads: “You’re lucky you managed to snag this beautiful Thai legend @chrissyteigen.”

Atkin also directed a comment on the “All of Me” singer. She jokingly wrote, “You ready to do this for life NOW???” Legend responded, “I always start with the s—.”

Other Instagram users responded to Atkin and Legend’s online exchange, with one complaining: “You took THIS from this beautiful post. I wish a man loved me like that.”

Another said: “Of course he’s friends with them and just jokes around.”

However, many individuals on Legend’s Instagram page took the complete exchange with Jen Atkin as friendly teasing.

“She’s one of their best friends,” a commenter noted of Atkin. One joked: “Let’s be glad it only took 18!!! Johnnnn.”

Another person tagged Legend and replied, “Love this! Imagine having a full-on wife!” However, one other Instagram account tagged Atkin and wrote, “Better late than never, John says.”

In June 2022 Okay! published an article about Teigen’s friendship with Atkin. The British publication cited a light-hearted conversation from the “Chrissy’s Court” star’s ceremonial dinner.

Atkin apparently began recording videos at Tiegen and Legend’s home during a social gathering. Legend reportedly asked the OUAI hair care line owner, “Are you serious?” She replied, “I swear to God.”

Tiegen captured the moment between her husband and friend on her Instagram Story. Her caption read, “Did I just catch a romantic connection?”

Legend met Teigen while filming the music video for “Stereo” in 2006. The couple announced their engagement in December 2011, and their wedding took place on September 14, 2013, in Como, Italy.

The couple has 4 children: daughter Luna Simone Stephens (8 years old), son Miles Theodore Stephens (6 years old), daughter Esti Maxine Stephens (1 yr old) and one-year-old son Wren Alexander Stephens.

“Happy anniversary to my favorite person on the entire planet. Thank you for loving me and our family so completely. Thank you for being my partner and my best friend,” Teigen said on Instagram.

“18 years together. 11 years married. 4 kids. 4 dogs. 2 hairless cats. A bearded dragon. A house full of love and fun. We are so happy. I love you, honey!” she continued.

Celebrities like Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson and Kerry Washington congratulated the couple on their eleventh wedding anniversary within the Legend comments section.

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Atkin, meanwhile, has been married to 47-year-old photographer Mike Rosenthal since 2016. They have two children: 3-year-old River Julien Rosenthal and 2-year-old Sloane Soleil Rosenthal.

Rosenthal and Legend teamed as much as launch the restaurant discovery app It’s Good. In addition to their business partnership, their friendship goes back greater than a decade.

“We met through our wives and quickly became friends. We quickly realized that we shared a love of mathematics, travel, and Italian food,” Rosenthal revealed in a 2024 Forbes interview

He added: “Our families travel the world together frequently and share a passion for discovering unique gastronomic destinations.”


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Snoop Dogg’s wife Shante looks like herself again, months after sparking health concerns from fans who noticed a drastic change in her appearance

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Shante “Boss Lady” Broadus is popping heads again for all the best reasons! Snoop Dogg’s wife of 27 years has spent months under the watchful eye of fans who have grown concerned about her health amid years of infidelity rumors.

She appears to have lost a lot of weight in photos shared on Instagram in June. Now, three months later, those self same fans are praising her for looking higher than ever.

Snoop was outraged
Snoop Dogg’s wife Shante has unveiled a latest look, months after fans began to fret about her thin appearance. (Photo: Bosslady_ent/Instagram.)

Shante added a carousel of photos of herself and others from her cousin’s birthday celebration, which took place on September 16.

For the all-white event, she wore a pantsuit with cascading layers of sheer material that gave her outfit the look of a gown. The fashion selection also camouflaged her figure well, effectively stopping onlookers from commenting on whether she looked too big or too small.

This comments the post was proof that not only did everyone find her style “flawless,” but in addition they loved all the pieces about her subtle, glamorous look.

Shante kept her makeup easy, choosing a natural look and a twin-braided hairstyle, prompting one fan to comment that she “looks like a teenager.”

Fans say Snoop Dogg’s wife Shante Broadus is finally looking like herself again after months of rumors about her health. Photo: bosslady_ent/Instagram.

Elsewhere in the comments, someone wrote that she “still looks 20.” Several people called her beautiful, gorgeous, and even “stunning.” “BossLady, what kind of water are you drinking, because honey, listen, your skin is “skinning,” one other blissful fan joked.

Another person who was present and saw earlier comments accusing Shante of hiding health issues said her stunning appearance put an end to any speculative jokes. “They were talking s**t about you and you came back looking 20 times better, well you were always beautiful, you feel it. But you show off, boss.”

Snoop’s wife and mother of his three children, sons Cordae and Cordell and daughter Cori (the rapper also has a son named Julian, who was born in 1998, a 12 months after his wedding) has never addressed the rumors about her health.

Although the posts that raised eyebrows, all of them have a few things in common. In them, Shante often wears headscarves and loose clothing, and never a little bit of makeup. Whether she’s dressed elegantly or not, her husband’s love and admiration are unwavering.

The “Doggystyle” artist recently told People magazine that despite their marriage going through a “rocky road,” she is basically the yin to his yang, saying “the good to the bad is her,” and that there’s nothing that might ever tear their relationship apart.

The couple has long struggled with quite a few cheating rumors, mostly involving Snoop.

And while Shante is tight-lipped about her personal life, some followers can’t help but wonder if a few of her cryptic relationship posts are inspired by her marriage. Only Broadus’ family knows the reality.

“I have a strong wife with a strong backbone and a good heart — she loves and cares, and we were meant to be together,” Snoop said. “When we said we were going to get married, we were married until death do us part. Isn’t that what it sounds like? Not until the fights, arguments, or finances do us part, but until death do us part.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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