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Barry Bonds Joins Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame

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PITTSBURGH (AP) — Barry Bonds was moved in a way he didn’t expect when the Pittsburgh Pirates called to inform him he was being inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.

So when the moment arrived on Saturday, Bonds jumped at it.

He donned a gold jacket alongside fellow members Jim Leyland and Manny Sanguillen. He posed for photos in front of the sign bearing his name within the plaza just outside the left-center field gates at PNC Park.

And Major League Baseball’s home run king insisted he wasn’t fascinated with one other Hall of Fame, one which has proven elusive nearly twenty years after Bonds hit the last of his record-breaking 762 home runs.

“I don’t have to worry about those things in my life anymore,” Bonds said. “(I want) to be with my grandchildren and my kids. Those hopes (of getting into the Hall of Fame) are gone. Hopefully, I can breathe tomorrow (and see) if I can make it to 61.”

Former Pittsburgh Pirates player Barry Bonds pays tribute to the group during a ceremony for the team’s 2024 Hall of Fame inductees before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Bonds, who turned 60 last month, arrived in Pittsburgh in 1986 as a raw 21-year-old and was a catalyst for the franchise’s turnaround. The Pirates won three straight NL East titles from 1990-92, a span during which the skin hitter won the primary two of his seven NL MVP awards.

He left for San Francisco before the 1993 season, a return home seemingly a foregone conclusion given his ties to the Bay Area. But Bonds called his seven seasons in Pittsburgh “the biggest stop for me” since it prepared him for what was to return.

“It was a lot of fun,” he said. “Those were good times. I can’t thank you enough. It’s a great honor. It’s been a great journey for me.”

Bonds stays in the highest 10 in several categories for the Pirates, including home runs (175) and stolen bases (251). His combination of speed and power made him, as Leyland usually put it, “the best player I’ve ever coached.”

The Pirates never advanced beyond the NL Championship Series within the early Nineties, with their most notorious loss coming in Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS to Atlanta when Sid Bream scored the winning run on Francisco Cabrera’s single to Bonds in left field in the underside of the ninth inning.

More than 30 years later, that scar still stings somewhat, although any resentment Bonds felt when he left for San Francisco — where his father, Bobby Bonds, and godfather, Willie Mays, played — has softened. Bonds said he was “shocked” when owner Bob Nutting told him he was going to the Hall of Fame, which incorporates franchise icons Robert Clemente, Honus Wagner and Willie Stargell.

Former Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Barry Bonds takes an image of his plaque after his 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame induction ceremony before a baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and Pirates in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

That trio can also be honored in Cooperstown. Bonds shouldn’t be. He failed to succeed in the required 75 percent mark during his 10 years on the Baseball Writers Association of America’s Hall of Fame roster, largely because of the steroid allegations that dogged him in his final years with the Giants.

The Modern Players Committee also made a call to pick Bonds in 2022, though the committee could consider changing Bonds’ status in 2025.

Bond, who serves as a special adviser to the Giants — who retired his No. 25 in 2018 — seems resigned to what may or may not occur. His only hope is that any honors he may receive will come while his mother, Patricia, continues to be alive. Patricia Bonds attended Saturday’s ceremony, as did Bonds’ daughters, Shikari and Aisha.

While achieving a particular piece of baseball immortality stays elusive, Bonds — who responded, “I don’t have to answer that question anymore” when asked why he believes he’s not within the Baseball Hall of Fame — understands that the Pirates’ recognition could help educate fans and future players concerning the impact black players have had on the sport.

“Frank Robinson, Joe Morgan, my father, Mays, (Willie) McCovey, all my black icons are gone,” he said. “That’s it. Technically it’s just me, and we have Rickey Henderson, we have others. … I just hope my mom is still there for me if anything else comes into my life. Big if.”

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s Parenting Under Fire After Taking Their Daughter to ‘Party with Grownups’

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John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen are facing criticism over a brand new music video featuring their daughter, which comes weeks after Teigen threatened to leave the singer.

The couple has been busy throughout the election season, supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the primary woman to serve within the White House.

Their involvement within the case, nevertheless, recently sparked backlash for involving their 8-year-old daughter Luna in a political event, with critics accusing her parents of allowing her to attend an evening of adult discussion.

John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen are under fire for bringing their 8-year-old daughter, Luna, to an election event. (Photo: @johnlegend/Instagram)

The event in query was Kerry Washington’s “Vote Like You, Make a Meme” dinner, which was a part of Influence on change an initiative geared toward increasing voter turnout.

On September 21, Teigen shared footage of the event in an Instagram video. In the caption, she wrote: he wrote“I love taking my daughter to these events. I hope one day she sees how much power she has, FOR GOOD, for hope for the future, with her voice.”

The couple’s three other children, son Miles, 6, daughter Etsi, 1, and baby Wren, who turned 1 in the summertime, were praised by their efforts to teach Luna civic engagement. One commenter wrote, “Good on you for leading by example, mom,” while one other praised, “She’s getting the best education!! Luna will do great things… just like her parents!!”

Many wondered how their parents influenced their voting habits, but not everyone was on board. Critics accused Legend and Teigen of imposing their beliefs on their daughter.

One critic stated, “Let’s be honest, you’re taking her away so she doesn’t question other people’s beliefs. The fake news about this is disgusting,” while one other slammed the couple, saying, “This is ridiculous. She should be in bed. School is the most important thing at her age. Not partying with adults.”

Despite the controversy, Luna compensated for her adult attendance with a weekend camping trip with a Girl Scout troop, jokingly nicknamed “Troop Beverly Hills.”

September 23 Teigen common videos from the trip, showing the group of moms and daughters engaging in activities like archery while having fun with a luxury “glamping” experience with a kitchen, grill and gourmet hot dog buns.

That day Teigen treated her 42.2 million Instagram followers to a recipe for a cucumber dish that’s popular on social media.

She may be seen throwing all of the ingredients right into a mason jar with just a few small sliced ​​cucumbers. But what was supposed to be a fun post turned controversial when some users accused her of not crediting the creator of the dish, Instagram user Logan, aka @logansfewd.

“TAG CREATOR. SO FUCKED UP” she began. “Me: “I did!”” followed by “YOU ADDED THIS THEN!!” Me: No, I didn’t? It’s not edited.”

Teigen ended her comment with, “Oh my god, please, is there anything that doesn’t drive you crazy?”

Others got here to her defense, with one fan asking: “Why are people so mean to Chrissy? She’s funny, entertaining, loving and makes delicious food!”

Legend’s wife has been no stranger to public criticism, from her fashion selections on the Olympics to her game show appearances and more.

During a recent appearance on Celebrity Family Feud, Teigen froze when asked to provide “something a man could say that’s actually a positive side to being in prison.”

Upon hearing the strike signal, she shouted “food,” which drew playful mockery from some.

One viewer commented: “Did she really say food?”, while one other joked: “She has the IQ of a fork.”

Regardless of the noise that seemed to always surround the previous model, her Ivy League graduate husband has stood firm by his wife’s side as Legend and Teigen proceed to raise their 4 children in their very own unique way, and fans have to either accept that or move on.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Pledges Over $15 Million If It Wins Hell’s Kitchen Casino Bid

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Jay-Z, Roc Nation, New York City casino, Black business, theGrio.com

Jay-Z says New Yorkers will profit if Roc Nation and Caesars Entertainment win one in all three highly coveted casino licenses currently up for grabs in New York.

The music mogul and Roc Nation announced they might donate greater than $250 million in grants to Hell’s Kitchen if the district bids to construct Caesars Palace Times Square casino, reports Page Six.

The website adds that Roc Nation will initially donate $15 million to the local people, along with “regular” donations based on 0.5% of the casino’s earnings.

According to sources, the Caesars Palace Times Square team has already met with residents of nearby reasonably priced housing developments to present the concept and explain how they may benefit from it.

“We are New Yorkers. Supporting and providing opportunities to our neighborhoods and communities is not just part of the Roc Nation ethos… it is our collective responsibility,” Jay-Z said in an announcement, in keeping with Page Six. “Any proposal that wins a gaming license will undoubtedly benefit. Our vision is to give back to New York City and ensure that the Broadway community, Hell’s Kitchen, and surrounding businesses and areas benefit. And not just in the moment, but in the long run.”

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Roc Nation has teamed up with Caesars Entertainment and SL Green to compete in June for one in all the town’s three casino licenses. Under the proposed plan, Roc Nation said it will award grants from a brand new community trust controlled by community residents. The “promise of $250 million in community funding” would also include improvements to Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen and other surrounding areas.

While the Roc Nation group says its bid has received support from “more than 150 organizations and businesses, including restaurants, hotels, residents, labor unions and Broadway stakeholders,” the plan so as to add latest casinos in New York was met with varied reactions.

This won’t be Jay-Z’s first foray into the gambling and gaming industry. This latest update comes just after Jay-Z was in Atlantic City to unveil a brand new brick-and-mortar location for the Fanatics sportsbook on the Ocean Casino Resort. Hova co-founded the web sportsbook with Michael Rubin, and the partnership has proven fruitful.

“The idea to do this together came to us three years ago,” Rubin said. The Philadelphia Inquirer through the opening event.

“Listen, I’ll tell you what my goal is. I want to be number one in the online sports betting/iGaming market,” he continued. “A year later, we’re 5% of that market. We’re growing really fast. Look at two amazing companies, FanDuel and DraftKings, but everyone else is losing share. We’re gaining share every month.”

Jay-Z cut the ribbon on the official opening and even made his way over to a table or two to play craps with attendees.

“Who wouldn’t want to play with Jay-Z?” Rubin said in an interview.

Only time will tell.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Kevin Hart’s wild encounter with naked woman at Diddy’s party sparks controversy as shocking video resurfaces

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Kevin Hart

It appears the drama surrounding Sean Diddy Combs is casting a shadow over considered one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Resurrected video footage of Kevin Hart at considered one of Combs’ infamous “Freak Off” parties has sparked some discussion, with some wondering if the comedian’s profession has been hurt by his close relationship with the notorious music mogul.

In the 49-second clip posted to YouTube by RuCrazy730, Hart appears in a wild setting that many would consider a typical X-rated scene at all these parties — that are currently at the middle of a criminal case that might land the Bad Boy founder in prison for the remaining of his life.

Kevin Hart's Attendance at Diddy's Party with a Naked Woman Goes Viral (Photos: LOL Network / YouTube; @diddy / Instagram)
Kevin Hart’s Attendance at Diddy’s Party with a Naked Woman Goes Viral (Photos: LOL Network / YouTube; @diddy / Instagram)

The video shows Hart surrounded by three women: one in a bikini, one other naked in a candle-lit bathtub, and a 3rd sitting next to rapper Fabolous. Singer Trey Songz might be seen walking by.

Hart wryly notes, “When you have a scene like that, you have to bring your bosses along. As you can see, it’s female-friendly.”

At one point he says about considered one of the ladies that she is “bald as a stick” and naked.

Hart goes on to joke about potentially jumping into the tub, saying, “When everyone moves out and I’m left alone with the ladies. That’s my scene. I’m used to that kind of thing. I’m doing what I do best.”

Things take an odd turn when a woman’s hair in the tub catches fire from considered one of the encircling candles. Hart, visibly amused, asks the cameraman in the event that they captured the moment, laughing. Despite the unexpectedness of the moment, the scene shows the unpredictable and unsettling nature of Diddy’s infamous parties.

Reports indicate that there are more videos of Hart assuring party attendees that the woman was protected and sound, and even joking that precautions were being taken to stop similar incidents in the long run.

The “Jumanji” star has spoken out concerning the incident before, even mentioning it in a December 2010 interview with “The Breakfast Club” with Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee and DJ Envy.

Referring to the event as a release party for the “Dirty Money” album, Hart spoke concerning the chaos, saying, “It might have been the funniest thing I’ve ever personally witnessed. And I’ll tell you what you’re laughing at. See, you’re laughing at the wrong things.”

Hart moved on explain“You’re laughing at your hair burning; that’s not the funniest part of the movie. Watch the movie again, OK? Let me tell you what’s going on. It’s me, Fab, and Trey (Songz), all up there, you know, I’m doing an interview, right? You know we’re stupid. Everybody’s drinking; it’s fun, right? That’s what I hear — let me tell you how funny Trey is.”

The Hollywood star claimed that Trey was “in sexy mode when he said the girl’s hair was on fire, ‘Yo, her hair was on fire.’ Listen. Full flame! She had full flames in the back of her head. Trey didn’t panic.”

As the video continues to flow into, X users expressed their thoughts, writing on Twitter: stating“DaMN, everyone is at these parties. It’s like a black island of ePsTeIn.”

Another user excellent“Many of these celebrities used to attend these weird parties, but now they are silent.”

Some users sympathize with Hart, but one commenting“Bruh Ion wants to believe Kevin Hart knew something,” while one other questioned“no one mentions that Kevin was at Diddy’s horror parties.”

It’s no secret that Hart isn’t any stranger to scandals – he cheated on his first wife, Torrei Hart, after which engaged in multiple acts of infidelity with his current wife, Eniko Hart.

But it’s not the primary time he’s been linked to Diddy’s controversial world. Footage of Hart and fellow big name Usher Raymond recounts his time living with the producer as a young artist.

The video pans to the left as Diddy, who’s seen sitting on a bed at the start of the clip, says that he and the “U Remind Me” singer once fought over cereal.

Usher publicly stated that he was exposed to things he shouldn’t have done at a young age, expressing gratitude to other personalities within the industry for supporting him during difficult times.

Diddy’s legal troubles also brought more attention to the events.

Recently, allegations surfaced that the mogul hosted “freak parties” featuring lavish sex performances, which women were allegedly coerced into attending using drugs and Diddy’s famous influence.

Authorities say participants got IVs to regain energy during these intense parties, something Cassie noted in her lawsuit alleging similar allegations.

Federal investigators recently searched Diddy’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami, seizing greater than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, as well as several AR-15-style rifles.

The producer was arrested and charged with three counts, including conspiracy to commit extortion, human trafficking and transportation for the aim of prostitution, federal documents show.

While Hart hasn’t been named in any of the lawsuits against Diddy, the comedian has had his own legal battles. He’s currently being sued by his former friend TJ Jackson over a failed sex tape scandal settlement. Jackson claims that Hart’s 2021 Instagram post didn’t follow the agreed-upon language of the settlement, resulting in accusations of fraud and emotional distress.

While the video continues to garner attention, questions remain about how the general public will react to Hart being linked to Diddy’s controversial past.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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