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WNBA star Jewell Loyd teams up with best friend’s son to raise autism awareness with his new shoes – Andscape

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Jewell Loyd is one of the crucial successful WNBA players. The Seattle Storm guard is a two-time WNBA champion, a five-time All-Star and was named to two All-WNBA selections. During her season debut, Loyd took the sector in her Player Edition Nike GT Cut 3 in the colours of a dusty cactus and blooming lilac. Her sneakers have special significance because they were designed by her best friend’s son, Justice Swann, who has autism.

Andscape caught up with Loyd and Justice’s mother, Laci Swann, to discuss the shoe’s design and the impact of its launch. The 2015 WNBA Rookie of the Year also discussed the changes within the league and what it’s like to make the jump from college to the professionals.

The Seattle Storm star said he donated the design to Nike. She wanted something authentic to represent her as she tried to push the sneaker giant out of its comfort zone. “I told them the best way to understand myself is to understand my surroundings and my people,” she said. “I wanted to start with Justice.”

Loyd and Justice’s family, the Swanns, have known one another for ten years. Swann and Jewell met through mutual friends and immediately began working together. When Swann’s husband, former Florida State University guard Isaiah Swann, began playing basketball overseas, Loyd visited them over the summer. Through the visits, she and the family strengthened their bond. The relationship between Loyd and the Swann family is the main focus of GT Cut 3.

Judge Swann is wearing the Nike GT Cut 3 shoes that he helped design for Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd.

Laci Swann

The colours of the Jewell Loyd sneakers are inspired by the colours Justice Swann often utilized in his drawings.

Laci Swann

“He’s my little buddy,” Loyd said of Justice. “We were just always connected.” She didn’t know many stories about sports and autism and wanted her new publication to mix them. “It raises awareness, but it’s also educational,” she said. “(We) managed to do it with this shoe.”

Justice covered the sneakers with smiling faces and the long-lasting Nike swoosh replacing lips. Loyd said he was already drawing them across the house. His mother hired painters to paint over the faces, but the previous Notre Dame trader made sure Swann took photos to recreate them on the sneaker. “He ended up doing (the project),” she said. “So that’s how it worked out.”

Justice’s sister Sloan also contributed creatively. The shoe has two messages: “Ready, Set, Go!” on the outsole on the heel and the words “Gotcha!” within the back. Swann wrote on Instagram that Nike used Sloan’s handwriting in each phrases. She said she told the corporate it could do whatever it wanted with her kid’s ideas. Nike representatives told her they needed to specify the design because that was what Loyd had asked for.

“Every little detail, from the laces, to the interior colors, to the patterns and the placement of the faces, my children shared their ideas and thoughts,” she wrote. “Sloan’s handwriting on the back is a chef’s kiss.”

The 2014 ACC MVP said the sneaker’s launch also helped others round her. Friends and relations of individuals with autism told her about their diagnoses. People all around the world have contacted her and are pleased to show their children what is feasible. “There is a history that we can connect with Justice through sports, so it was really cool to see that,” she said. Loyd said she is learning how to help and supply more resources.

Some of the proceeds will help fund a Swann summer camp for neurodivergent children through your non-profit organization, Little Boy Blue foundation. The camp will likely be held in Tallahassee on July 22-26. They established the inspiration after Justice was diagnosed in 2020 through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Laci felt he was different when he was three months old. When the family moved to Italy, they noticed his speech was deteriorating, and although he spoke a couple of words in Italian and English, she had him tested when he stopped speaking completely. “After he was on quite a long waiting list, which is a common problem for families seeking a diagnosis, he was actually given a non-verbal diagnosis of autism,” she said. “Then we jumped into advocacy mode and started looking for source-based therapies.”

Justice’s mother stated that the discharge was significant for her family. It gives them “more opportunities to support children with fewer resources or who are unfamiliar with autism,” she said. “(We were able to) shed light on all the special characteristics of neurodivergent children, and it was a beautiful, wonderful surprise for us and everyone around us.”

Seattle Storm defenseman Jewell Loyd warms up before their game against the Minnesota Lynx on May 14 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

Scott Eklund/NBAE via Getty Images

Loyd said it didn’t take long to select the colour scheme. There were three to six repetitions. However, the sneaker’s design is basically a recreation of what Justice drew. She didn’t want to change it. “It’s more about making sure the colors he used, the markers, his favorite colors, his sister’s handwriting and (to make sure it was) included that there as well,” she said. “So it really just brought us together, but it brought us together authentically.”

Nike wants to promote the GT Cut 3 because the official team shoe of the league, so it was value collaborating with them on its player editions. There are also other projects in preparation. “He had (one) with some lightning bolts on it, which I’m going to wear this month,” she said.

The nine-yr WNBA veteran is pleased to wear the sneakers on the court because they provide her a bonus. They allow her to “stop for a moment” and “get up off the ground even faster” because she shouldn’t be “encumbered” by the shoe. “It’s really just that 1% that I think is really important… that 1% rebound, that 1% angle. It interacts with how I play,” she said. “It felt really good and I can feel the difference (due to) the lightness.”

Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd (right) drives to the basket during a game against the Minnesota Lynx on May 17 on the Target Center in Minneapolis.

Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images

The “Golden Mamba”, as her close friend and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant called her, debuted in these shoes during one of the crucial anticipated WNBA seasons. After record-breaking leads to the NCAA women’s tournament in March, a few of the biggest stars of this academic discipline began their skilled careers on May 14. Loyd, who joined the league in 2015, said adapting to the physicality is one of the crucial significant differences in adapting to playing on the skilled level.

“You’re playing against people who have played abroad. They are smarter,” she said. “People pay to keep you and score points, so it’s a different physical and mental approach than college.”

The Storm finished last season with an 11-29 record and are hoping to improve with the return of former Notre Dame player and WNBA veteran Skylar Diggins-Smith. Loyd said it’s nice to spend time with her former college friend as she and Storm work to re-establish the rhythm that produced organizational championships in 2018 and 2020.

In pursuit of this goal, she’s going to have the support of her close friends each time she laces up her GT Cut 3 shoes. According to Kixstats.comLoyd has worn several different sneaker models on the court – Dallas Mavericks guards Kyrie Irving’s previous signature line, Kobe Bryant models and other Nike shoes. But in the event that they built a statue of her in front of the Climate Pledge Arena, could she be immortalized in only one pair?

“I will say a new one. “Justice” edition,” she said.

Garfield Hylton is knowledgeable journalist, ghostwriter and digital storyteller. When he is not writing essays, he’s within the gym working on his jump shot to keep young boys from running him off the court.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Dolly Parton Enrages Beyoncé Fans with Controversial Comments Supporting CMA’s Decision Not to Nominate ‘Cowboy Carter’

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‘Get Out Here, B—ch, You Ain’t Stealin’ Mine’: Dolly Parton Has Strong Feelings About Beyoncé

It’s been over every week and Beyoncé fans are still outraged after learning that the singer’s album “Cowboy Carter” didn’t receive any nominations on the upcoming Country Music Awards.

But now the Beyhive’s fury has been stoked as country veteran Dolly Parton has had her own thoughts on the snub. The 10-time Grammy winner seemed to query whether Beyoncè’s lack of nominations was “intentional.”

“Get Outta Here, B—-ch, You Won’t Steal From Me”: Dolly Parton Has Strong Feelings About Beyoncé’s Performance of Her Country Classic “Jolene” (Screenshot: @dollyparton / Instagram ; Photo: @beyonce / Instagram )
Dolly Parton is seemingly defending the CMA Awards after Beyoncé failed to receive a single nomination for her album “Cowboy Carter.” (Photo by @dollyparton/Instagram; @beyonce/Instagram)

In the September 17 issue of Variety interview, Parton said, “Well, you never know. There are so many great country artists that I think probably in the realm of country music, they probably thought, well, we can’t leave out some of these guys who spend their whole lives doing this. But I didn’t even realize that until someone asked me that question.”

Parton, often known as a rustic music legend, is credited twice on the “Cowboy Carter” project. In the primary instance, Parton lent her vocals to the ninth track, “Dolly P,” which serves because the intro to the second track, Beyonce’s version of Parton’s 1973 hit “Jolene.”

The second song Parton participated in, titled “Tyrant,” is a rustic meets R&B track. In fact, Parton’s performance earned her first place on seven Billboard charts — six of that are R&B.

“But it was a great album,” the 78-year-old continued. “She can be very, very proud of it, and I think everyone in country music welcomed it with open arms and thought it was good.”

Parton concluded her thoughts on Queen Bey’s lack of nomination. She said, “So I don’t think it was a matter of exclusion, of intentionally doing it. I think it was just more of what the country charts and country artists have been doing, who have been doing it all along, not just a special album.”

Irate fans responded to Parton’s response, which was reposted on The Jasmine Brand’s Instagram.

“What do you expect from a woman on yt?” said one commenter. Another shared, “I love Dolly but stop talking crap. The new country slogan should be for white people only.”

“I love my Aunt Dolly but they only did this to send her a clear message,” wrote a 3rd fan.

A fourth fan chimed in: “Goodbye Dolly, with respect. We already know why and YOU KNOW TOO ‼️”

However, others seemed to agree with Parton and debated whether Beyoncé’s album must have earned the “diva” a CMA nomination. “I love Cowboy Carter, but She’s not completely wrong. Special album vs. shutting out someone whose only genre is country,” one fan wrote.

A fourth person said: “Beyonce herself said it’s not a country album. If it’s not country, why does the CMA have to add it to their categories? We need to stop seeking acceptance from people who will never give it to us.”

This is in reference to a post Beyoncè made in March, just 10 days before the discharge of “Cowboy Carter.” In the caption of the post, the “Obsessed” actress confirmed, “This is not a country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album.”

She previously opened up in regards to the origins of the album, which took her five years to create. “It came from an experience I had years ago where I didn’t feel welcome,” the Houston native said, noting her performance with the Dixie Chicks — now often known as The Chicks — on the 2016 CMAs.

That same 12 months, Beyoncé was invited to perform the song “Daddy’s Lessons”, which was her first country song from her sixth studio album, Lemonade.

Sure, Queen Bey received loads of praise for her performance, but she was reportedly met with boos from the audience and racially aggravated attacks online. However, the “Run the World” singer didn’t let the mean comments and hate get her down.

Instead, she created an album that touched on all musical genres.

Continuing her post, Beyoncè said, “The criticism I faced when I first entered the genre forced me to push beyond the limitations that were placed upon me. Act II is the result of challenging myself and taking the time to bend and combine genres to create this body of work.”

The CMA Awards will air on November 20 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

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


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Fans Concerned Over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Strange Public Behavior Raises Health Concerns

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is probably the most famous and talented basketball stars. He left the NBA because the all-time leading scorer and broke records that LeBron James had already broken.

That’s why many individuals expressed concern after a video of Abdul-Jabbar and his slow movements while interacting with fans was reposted.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s appearance at Fanatics Fest left fans asking questions on the NBA legend. (Photo: @kareemabduljabbar_/Instagram)

Internet personality Darren Jason Watkins Jr., higher often known as IShowSpeed, met the Basketball Hall of Fame inductee at Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 in August.

Show speed broadcast live his experiences at a New York event for sports fans and collectors; and photographs of the 19-year-old streamer interacting with Abdul-Jabbar on TikTok.

“Yo, Kareem! Yo, Kareem! Kareem!” iShowSpeed ​​​​shouted repeatedly as he approached the 77-year-old sitting on the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

It took a moment for Abdul-Jabbar to show around, after which the YouTuber said, “Hey, what’s up, man? Nice to meet you. My name is Speed. I’m a big fan of yours.”

The six-time NBA MVP hesitated for a moment, but then reached out to shake Speed’s hand and replied, “Thank you.”

When the clip went viral last month, many commenters focused on Abdul-Jabbar’s appearance.

“I hope Kareem is okay, he looked a little out of it” wrote one in every of the TikTok users.

On one other TikTok videoone fan wondered, “Damn, is Kareem good?”

One joker said, “Bro hasn’t been the same since Bron broke his points record.”

Others took issue with the best way IShowSpeed ​​addressed the basketball legend and blamed IShowSpeed ​​for the awkward exchange.

“For fuck’s sake Speed, show some respect,” one person wrote. An analogous comment read, “Kareem ignored him. ‘Yo Kareem’ for an older man is wild.”

Another person defended Abdul-Jabbar, responding: “He’s known for hating it when people approach him in public.”

Another follower said: “Let’s not forget Kareem is old, old, lol he’s old, don’t you think he’ll be old.”

Abdul-Jabbar, 77, has battled a variety of medical issues throughout his life. The former “Dancing With The Stars” contestant has battled prostate cancer and leukemia. He was also diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition that required quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery.

In an interview with NIH Medline Plus Magazine, he explained that he had symptoms of “shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness” that he didn’t take seriously until 2021, when he became dizzy and unable to face on his own at a baseball game. He was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation shortly thereafter.

“I was ultimately diagnosed with atrial fibrillation when my symptoms sent me to the hospital. I was surprised because I didn’t know what AFib was before my diagnosis,” Abdul-Jabbar revealed.

“I’ve since learned that AFib is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm, which prevents the heart’s lower chambers from filling completely or pumping enough blood. Blood can pool in the heart, which increases the risk of blood clots forming and can lead to stroke and other heart complications,” he continued. “In fact, people with AFib are about five times more likely to have a stroke.”

He added: “I also had to accept that I could no longer do everything I did before.”

In December 2023 former Lakers player underwent medical procedure for a broken hip suffered after a fall at a concert in Los Angeles. His business partner, Deborah Morales, publicly thanked the Los Angeles Fire Department and UCLA Hospital staff for his or her help.

Kareem Abdul Jabbar was scheduled for all three days Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 from August 16-18. Participated in autograph sessions, photo ops and panels.

“Just got back from a long weekend in NYC for @fanaticsfest. Best sports show ever! Got to meet so many friends and hang out with so many fans. Thanks to the @fanatics team for all the new memories!” Written by Abdul Jabbar on Instagram.

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


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Gary Owen walks away from ex-wife’s shocking alimony demands, months after claiming he needed a new man in his life

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gary owen joke about ex-wife

Comedian Gary Owen has once more opened up about his personal life amid his legal dispute with ex-wife Kenya Duke.

The Ohio-born artist posted a recording of his performance at Helium Comedy Club in Philadelphia online on Wednesday, September 18.

Owen is wearing a black Patriots T-shirt and a black cap. He says at first of the clip, “At one point, my ex-wife was asking for $44,000 a month in alimony.”

Gary Owen Ex-Wife Joke
Comedian Gary Owen believes his relationship with ex-wife Kenya Duke could be higher if she had a man in her life. (Photos: @garyowencomedy/Instagram, @trulykenya/Instagram)

“That’s a lot,” he added, before the group quickly responded by cheering throughout the room.

Owen told Shannon Sharpe on “Club Shay Shay” that he filed for divorce from Duke in 2021 in Ohio before she filed shortly thereafter in Los Angeles, citing infidelity. About two months later, Duke filed more paperwork looking for $44,000 in child support from Owen to assist her and their children financially support themselves.

Responding to his audience, Owen said, “I would never do that. If the tables were turned and she made more than me, I would never say, ‘I want $44,000 a month. No.'”

“I know what my dick is worth at this point in my life,” he said, as someone from the group interrupted, shouting, “Bullshit.”

Eventually Owen understands what a number of the women in the audience are saying, because the clip cuts to him telling certainly one of them, “Why did you say I was lying?”

Reenacting the scenario, he described what happened step-by-step, saying, “I heard you say it was $44,000. I would never ask for that. And you said, ‘You’re lying.'” He then asked the girl, “Do you think I would do it?” She replied, “Yes. I think a man would do it, yes.”

The explanation that the girl was talking about men in general looked as if it would bring him some relief. He jokingly said, “A man, yes—I wouldn’t do that.”

However, one other woman challenged Owen further, saying, “Yes, you would,” to which he replied, “No, no, no, no, I wouldn’t,” and so they began exchanging views.

The father of 5 ended the conversation by joking: “We have some fierce women here in Philadelphia. I’ll tell you that right now.”

Turning to the lads in the room, he said, “My God, guys. What the hell is wrong with women in Philadelphia?” Before hanging up, he said, “Women with bitterness here. Stop being so angry. Go to McDonald’s, take your kid.”

Gary posted a short clip to his Instagram and deleted it inside two hours. The clip remains to be available on YouTube, where commenters had plenty to say concerning the heckler in the audience.

One person said, “If she tells you what YOU would do? …she’s crazy!”

Someone else said: “Goddamn it, she’s mad at the world.”

The last time Owen spoke out about her or their kids, Duke criticized her ex-husband online. This time, nonetheless, it’s unclear whether she encouraged him to delete the Instagram post.

But it’s clear that the Meet the Blacks actor often draws inspiration from his real life. During a comedy performance in July, an audience member asked if he and his ex were getting along, and Owen said they were “polite. But yeah, I wouldn’t say we’re best buds.”

“I just need someone to fuck her. I think that would do the trick,” he said, hinting at something that may ease the strain between them. “Like fuck her in the ass. She’ll probably think, ‘How are you, Gary?’”

The former couple had been married for 18 years. Since filing for divorce, Owen and his two adult children, daughter Kennedy, son Austin and Duke older sonEmilio, who was adopted by the comedian, have been estranged, with his ex-wife repeatedly claiming Owen was a “loser” who abandoned her and their children and stopped caring for them financially in April 2021.

Duke also suggested that the “Think Like a Man” actor cheated on her multiple times, which he admitted, and he knows exactly why his children want nothing to do with him.

But Owen has since bounced back and, with his fiancée Brianna Johnson, welcomed twins, Royal and Rome, into the world.

As for Duke, she doesn’t appear to regret divorcing the “Comic View” stand-up. She told Hype Comedy, “His cheating on her or whatever he did there has nothing to do with me. It’s his fault, right? So I never felt responsible. Like someone could say, ‘Maybe it’s best to have left sooner.’

Duke admitted that she could managed her money higher through the marriage. In spousal support documents, she said, “Twenty-three years ago, I gave up a promising career as an account manager to solely support Gary and his career.”

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


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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