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Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday follows his faith and family to success in the NBA Finals

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BOSTON – Shawn and Toya Holiday sat proudly in the TD Garden stands, this time representing their son, Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday, by donning his green No. 4 uniform after one other victory in Sunday’s NBA Finals.

The Holidays are one in all the biggest legacies of an NBA family whose three sons – Jrue, Justin and Aaron – currently play in the league. The Holidays honored Jrue that night, who scored a team-high 26 points to lead the Celtics to a 105-98 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The Celtics’ first-year guard is now two wins away from a second NBA championship in Game 3 of the best-of-three series on Wednesday in Dallas (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC).

“It’s at all times fun for us when he plays well. He’s having fun,” Shawn Holiday told Andscape.

“It’s a blessing. What an excellent opportunity at our age: to enter the stadium and watch our child gain strength. Nice… We’ll go home and speak about all of it night,” Toya Holiday said.

Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday arrives before Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on June 9 in Boston.

Mike Lawrie/Getty Images

Were 70 sets of brothers who played in the NBA. The group of three brothers played in the NBA six times. And once there have been 4 of them: the Jones brothers, Caldwell, Charles, Major and Wil.

The oldest of Holiday’s siblings, Justin, 35, played last season for the Denver Nuggets, won an NBA title with the Golden State Warriors in 2015 and played 11 seasons in the NBA. Aaron Holiday (27) is a guard for the Houston Rockets who played for six seasons in the NBA. The Holidays even have a daughter, 30-year-old Lauren Fuller, who played 12 games in two seasons for UCLA before retiring in 2014 after repeated head injuries.

“We’re proud of it, but it’s more of a blessing,” Jrue Holiday, 33, said of his three NBA vacations during the June 5 NBA Finals media day. “It humbles us to know that not many families have the same variety of experience. We are very positive about every opportunity we get. It’s a blessing from God…

“Also, people forget that we had a sister who played. She also contributes. That’s funny. We are all in a bunch chat. I talk to them individually or we’ll talk (together) about something. For the most part, I would not say this is applicable to basketball. It’s more about life and encouragement if I actually have a foul match. We keep basketball to a minimum and then life.

Shawn and Toya Holiday credited their Christian faith and exertions for his or her kid’s success in basketball. Jrue Holiday wore a T-shirt with the words “Jesus Is Coming Back” during Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

“The key was the blessing of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior,” Shawn Holiday said. “We built our foundation on the church while they were growing up. I feel like that is what they’re occupied with. Some children are rebellious, but they agreed with what we wanted to show them. It worked for God and us. The ability that God has given them, that is what it’s all about.

“We are always asked what the secret was. It’s all of them. We just helped them find a way. They put in a lot of work.”

“I believe it’s a lot of prayer. It’s a gift from God… I know one of the scriptures we rely on is in Deuteronomy, which says that God said if you keep my commandments, I will bless you. And I just really believe that our kids believe that. We love God,” Toya Holiday said.

Toya Holiday (left) and Shawn Holiday (right), parents of three NBA players, attend Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 9 in Boston.

Marc J. Spears for Andscape

Shawn and Toya Holiday, who met at Arizona State, played college basketball, it was true love and basketball.

Shawn Holiday was a 6-foot-10 guard who averaged 3.1 points and 2.5 assists for the Sun Devils from 1981-83. Toya DeCree played for Arizona State with future WNBA star Kym Hampton and then for US International in San Diego. Toya Holiday was a 2024 inductee into the Southern California Basketball Hall of Fame and was an All-Los Angeles All-Star at Toya High School. John F. Kennedy. She described herself and her husband as “okay” basketball players, while her husband said she “was better.”

Jrue Holiday credits his parents with the family’s passion for hoops.

“They are the reason we even played basketball and played sports in the first place,” Jrue Holiday told Andscape at the NBA Finals media day on June 5. “We were at all times outside doing things. Watching my parents play pickup showed how much they loved the game. They instilled that in me. They not only respected the game, but they respected other people. I feel like that is a part of basketball too.

Shawn and Toya Holiday said they didn’t impose basketball on their 4 children. Toya Holiday said their children “loved every sport, but the one they remembered most was basketball.”

“They were playing basketball in the park. It was more of a social thing,” Toya Holiday said. “We were blessed that our children had family and friends growing up who are still family and friends today. All their club teams are still (connected).”

“They saw us play and they liked it too,” Shawn Holiday said.

Jrue Holiday is the most talented basketball player in the family. He is a two-time NBA All-Star, six-time NBA All-Defensive Team member and 2021 NBA Champion with the Milwaukee Bucks. He also won the 2021 NBA Sportsmanship Award for his charitable work.

Jrue Holiday and the Bucks lost 2-0 in the 2021 NBA Finals to the Phoenix Suns before winning 4 straight games to capture the championship. He says he’s definitely much happier this time around, having won 2-0 in the final. Shawn and Toya Holiday said they plan to attend the remainder of their son’s NBA Finals games.

While the Celtics guard takes it game by game in the Finals, his mother looks on at a possible Mavericks victory. However, the 15-year NBA veteran expects NBA star Luka Dončić and the Mavericks to play significantly better in Game 3.

“They’ll come back with something. They’re going home. We’ve got to be ready for that,” Jrue Holiday told Andscape after the second game.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (right) drives the ball around his brother, Indiana Pacers guard Justin Holiday (left), at the Smoothie King Center on December 28, 2019 in New Orleans.

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

The Holiday siblings’ biggest moment got here on December 28, 2019, when Jrue Holiday, then playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, played against his brothers, who played for the Indiana Pacers. Aaron Holiday scored 25 points in the game and Justin Holiday was held scoreless in 25 minutes. However, the Pelicans won 120:98. Jrue Holiday scored 20 points, 8 assists and 2 steals.

Toya Holiday believed there can be a probability for more family moments if the Celtics faced the 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets in the Finals. Son Jrue would fight son Justin for the NBA championship. However, the Nuggets were upset in the second round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“I’m pissed off. I’m pissed off. They seriously ruined my dreams,” Toya Holiday said. “It was hard. But they took it. One day.”

The Holiday family may have more reasons to cheer on son Jrue soon at the 2024 Paris Olympics as he competes for his second gold medal with Team USA. If she wins, she is going to match her wife Lauren, who won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women’s national soccer team. Jrue and Lauren Holiday have a daughter and a son.

“He can catch up with his wife. It’s close,” Shawn Holiday said with fun.

“Well, she has a World Cup gold medal too. We are excited because our grandchildren can see it. You can do anything because your dad did it,” Toya Holiday said.


Reflecting on her family’s basketball journey, Toya noted that “the basketball world is tight-knit and people really help.”

The Holidays said they received invaluable basketball suggestions for his or her sons, especially from former NBA stars Magic Johnson and Baron Davis and Portia Collins, mother of former NBA players, twins Jarron and Jason Collins. And for folks who dream of their child playing in the NBA, WNBA, skilled basketball or college basketball, the advice is to be married to three sons playing in the NBA.

“Support them. I know them. Dream big,” Toya Holiday said.

“Just be there for them. Whatever they need to do, support them. I would not encourage them to do anything. If they don’t desire to do it, that is wonderful too,” Shawn Holiday said.

“NO. No. Push them,” Toya Holiday said. “They’re going to have a tough time. So push them.

Marc J. Spears is Andscape’s senior NBA author. He used to have the option to dunk on you, but he hasn’t been able to do it for years and his knees still hurt.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Former Super Bowl player arrested after allegedly assaulting 82-year-old at gym

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A retired NFL player has been arrested after being accused of assaulting an 82-year-old man while they were each at an area Planet Fitness in August. According to , the incident occurred in North Providence, RI, where police arrested former New England Patriots defensive end Patrick Pass on September 18.

The assault allegedly occurred at a gym on Aug. 28. Pass allegedly punched 82-year-old Juan Muriel after the 2 argued over exercise equipment, police said. Muriel fell to the ground and suffered back injuries.

informed that the surveillance recording revealed According to Alfredo Ruggiero Jr., North Providence Police Chief, Muriel went to the machine to wipe it because she thought it was empty. That’s when an argument broke out with Pass, who was standing near the machine.

“I believe the victim thought the machine was empty, which meant he thought he could use it,” Ruggiero said.

Authorities say Pass is charged with assault on a person over 60, causing bodily harm and disorderly conduct. The former football player was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond pending a hearing, in line with court documents.

Police said he was scheduled to seem in court in December.

A Planet Fitness spokesman said:

“At Planet Fitness, the safety of our members is our top priority and we take incidents like this very seriously. The individual’s membership has been canceled and the local franchise group is working closely with authorities on the ongoing investigation. Please contact your local authorities for additional information.”

A reporter from spoke to Pass at his home, and he responded, “Look at me, do you think I’m going to do this? Really? Please come on,” Pass said. “I’ve got better things to do than try to mug someone.”

Pass is because of appear in court in December.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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‘Mike Doesn’t Look His Healthiest’: Fans Spot Disturbing Changes in Michael Jordan’s Appearance That Raise Serious Health Concerns

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Many sports enthusiasts consider Michael Jordan to be the best skilled basketball player of all time. However, fans of the NBA legend are actually concerned about his well-being.

Jordan traveled to Monaco together with his wife, Yvette Prieto, for the UEFA Champions League match between Monaco and Barcelona on September 19, which Monaco won 2-1.

Michael Jordan Donates $10 Million to Medical Clinics in His North Carolina Hometown: 'Everyone Should Have Access to Quality Healthcare'
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 24: Michael Jordan attends a press conference before the NBA Paris Game between the Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks on January 24, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)

Photos of the American billionaire in the European country sparked concern from social media users after Bleacher Report shared photos of Jordan on Instagram. Fans who zoomed in on the photo immediately noticed that his sclera (the white of his eyes) appeared discolored.

“What’s up with his eyes, man?” one person wrote in the comments section. Another asked, “Does he have jaundice??? His eyes are way too yellow.”

A 3rd fan wrote: “Mike doesn’t look the healthiest. Maybe he’ll have to give up the cigars and cognac.”

Jaundice is a disease that causes the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes to show yellow. According to Cleveland Clinicthe disease could also be brought on by liver dysfunction.

“His liver is begging for help,” one Instagram user wrote of Michael Jordan. Another account exclaimed, “Check out the GOAT’s liver!”

People on the web also offered advice to the six-time NBA champion. For example, one suggested, “MJ, drink some water, man, for fuck’s sake.”

There was also speculation that His Airness can have been smoking marijuana, with an Instagram user wondering: “Is this guy high or did he have a shot to the liver?”

Jordan was often known as a celebration animal in the ’90s. According to his former teammates and players, he had a habit of drinking beer while playing golf all day, then heading to the basketball court for a game. Today, he can often be found partying on yachts with friends, smoking a cigar.

Magic Johnson told an identical story about how Jordan, whom he described as “the strongest, non-basketball player… athlete I’d ever seen,” once wanted him to come back home after hours.

“I told Mike I can’t stay up until 4 a.m., have a drink, get up, play 18 rounds of golf, sleep for an hour and then come in and score 30 (points) by halftime,” Johnson told Shannon Sharpe on “Club Shay Shay.” “I know who I am.”

This isn’t the primary time Jordan’s eye color has been rumored. After the 10-part Netflix docuseries The Last Dance premiered in 2020, viewers theorized a few possible MJ condition.

“Yellow eyes should not be ignored because they are a sign of something more. There is literally more than meets the eye,” said ophthalmologist Dr. Val Phua VICE in 2020 in response to Jordan’s appearance in the film “The Last Dance.”

The doctor from the Eagle Eye Centre in Singapore also said that “leaving eye diseases untreated leads to vision deterioration and even blindness.”

While questions on his health proceed to arise, Jordan has expressed interest in helping others receive treatment. The North Carolina-raised athlete has teamed up with Novant Health to open three clinics in his home state.

Two Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinics have opened in Charlotte. The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic in Wilmington will open in May 2024.

“Everyone deserves access to high-quality health care, no matter where they live or whether they have insurance,” Jordan said in press release earlier this yr.

He added, “I am truly inspired by the many moving stories of people who are now experiencing success thanks to the support of our medical clinics in Charlotte.”

Jordan was previously married to Juanita Vanoy in September 1989. She was reportedly awarded a $168 million settlement after filing for divorce for a second time in 2006. They had three children: Jeffrey, 35, Marcus, 33, and Jasmine, 31, who’s involved in her father’s athletic shoe line.

The NBA Hall of Famer married Cuban-American model Yvette Prieto in April 2013. The couple, who met in 2008 and got engaged in 2011, share 10-year-old twin daughters named Victoria and Ysabel.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels steps into action

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Star black quarterbacks aren’t any longer the exception, they’re the rule. Throughout the football season, this series will explore the importance and influence of black quarterbacks from the grassroots level to the NFL.


ASHBURN, Va. – The Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback Jayden Daniels is off to a solid start, which comes as no surprise to the previous Commanders quarterback.

Jason Campbell, a former first-round pick of the Washington Redskins and a four-year starter for the franchise, became a fan of Daniels after watching him play in college at LSU. Daniels’ success as a running back has benefited the Commanders during their 1-1 start, Campbell said, and can help Daniels change into more comfortable within the team’s passing game. Campbell is optimistic about Daniels’ future, provided the Washington coaching staff properly handles the young player’s development.

Campbell said Daniels continues to make the precise decisions because the team prepares on the practice facility for a Week 3 road game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“One of the things he does really well is protecting the ball. He hasn’t thrown an interception yet, and for a rookie quarterback through his first two games, that’s really good,” Campbell told Andscape on Tuesday. “Even when that (fumble) happens, and it’ll occur, you’ll be able to see he understands he has to make good decisions with the ball. I do know they’re attempting to protect him from running an excessive amount of. I understand it’s a giant deal (a couple of potential injury). There was quite a lot of discuss him rushing 16 times in Week 1.

“But it’s not like they designed 16 runs for him. If they did, yes, that would be a problem. But most of those runs were rushes. Those runs are going to open up explosive plays in the passing game because of the pressure they put on the defense when a quarterback can run like he can. There’s just not a lot of guys who can do that. The difference in Washington from LSU is that in addition to the running, he had so many explosive passing plays at LSU. Once he starts building that chemistry with his receivers, combined with the running, those plays are going to happen.”

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels steps out from outside the penalty area at Northwest Stadium on September 15 in Landover, Maryland.

Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire

Selected second overall within the 2024 draft, the 23-year-old Daniels is amongst six quarterbacks chosen in the primary round, tying a record set in 1983. Through two games, the Washington rookie has been the perfect of the bunch.

Daniels accomplished 75.5 percent of his passes for 410 yards. While he didn’t have any touchdown passes, Daniels, crucially, didn’t have any interceptions either. Daniels has 132 rushing yards (and a formidable 5.1 yards per rush average) with two rushing touchdowns. He fumbled the ball twice, however the Commanders recovered it each times.

For comparison, the opposite two rookies playing at point guard, the No. 1 pick Caleb Williams Chicago Bears and the twelfth pick Because Nixa The Denver Broncos struggled. Both seemed overwhelmed by the speed of the sport.

After the visiting Commanders lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Daniels’ profession debut, he showed poise of their home opener, confidently leading the game-winning drive that capped a 21-18 victory over the New York Giants. With the Commanders trailing 18-15 late within the fourth quarter, Daniels led the team in back-to-back field goals, including a 30-yarder as time expired. On those drives, he accomplished 7 of 9 passes for 91 yards. Daniels ran twice for 15 yards.

After watching Daniels at LSU, Campbell thought the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner’s game would translate well to the NFL because “it’s all about the RPO (run and pass option) in the league these days,” Campbell said. “NFL coaches want guys who can make plays with their legs now. And from the first time you watch him, you can see he really does that.”

In his current role as a radio analyst for Auburn Sports Network, Campbell has often watched Daniels play within the SEC. Selected as an analyst for his alma mater in 2023, Campbell was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2004. That season, he led undefeated Auburn to an SEC championship and a Sugar Bowl victory.

Washington chosen Campbell in the primary round (twenty fifth overall) of the 2005 draft. He then had a 10-year NFL profession, also playing for the then-Oakland Raiders, Bears, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.

When Campbell first saw Daniels, who transferred to LSU after three seasons at Arizona State, play in person, one thought immediately got here to mind: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Although Daniels wasn’t as polished as Jackson, the two-time AP NFL MVP, “you could see some of the same things,” Campbell said. “Guys like Lamar, Jalen Hurts (of the Philadelphia Eagles), Justin Fields (of the Pittsburgh Steelers) … they make big plays with their legs.

“When I was playing, they (coaches) always wanted you to stay in the pocket. If you didn’t stay in the pocket, it was like, ‘Oh shit. I did something wrong.’ Now, if you can get out of the pocket and run like they do, coaches see that as an added threat. The whole coaching mindset has changed. It’s a big bonus now. The RPO game has really allowed guys to come in and start right away and learn on the field. A guy like Daniels can beat you with his legs and his arm.”

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels celebrates after a game against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium on September 15 in Landover, Maryland.

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

As a member of the fraternity of black quarterbacks in Washington, Campbell is a giant fan of Daniels’ development.

Quarterback Doug Williams’ iconic, myth-busting Super Bowl performance got here when he led Washington to a 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII in 1988. Williams became the primary black quarterback to start out a Super Bowl game and won the sport’s MVP award.

Although Williams, who’s a senior adviser to the Washington general manager, was not drafted by the Commanders and commenced only 14 games for the franchise in 4 seasons, all the black quarterbacks who play for the team accomplish that in his shadow, Campbell said. The club also drafted Robert Griffin III (2012, No. 2 overall) and Dwayne Haskins (2019, No. 15 overall) in the primary round.

“You feel like there’s a little extra pressure to live up to that,” Campbell said. “Because he was the primary black quarterback to win a Super Bowl and he did it for Washington, that’s a giant deal.

“But the bottom line is, to get anywhere in this league as a quarterback, you have to be in the right place, in the right situation, and have the right pieces around you. For (Daniels), it’s going in a pretty good direction right now.”

Commanders fans, hungry for fulfillment, are hoping Daniels continues on his current profession path.

Jason Reid is a senior NFL author at Andscape. He enjoys watching sports, especially any games involving his son and daughter.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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