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Ryan Garcia’s Apology to Ex-wife Drea Celina Draws 2-Line Response From Sylvester Stallone’s Brother

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ryan garcia

Just when you think things can’t get any worse, Ryan Garcia delivers a bolt out of the blue. Safe to say, life should not be giving Garcia any more lemons, as lemonades will be the last thing you can expect from him right now. If you are struggling to keep up with his antics, don’t worry! We are here to cut to the chase. After being expelled by the WBC for his racist and Islamophobic remarks on X, he has trashed his ex-wife Andrea Celina’s home in a drunken stupor. According to allegations made by Celina, he had broken into her home in an attempt to see their children. In the aftermath of the break-in, Celina revealed in the Instagram story that he needed to “focus on getting sober” otherwise, she would be forced to limit his access to their children. “Ryan needs to focus on getting sober. I do not want anyone who is always under the influence around my children and causing harm and destroying our home physically,” Celina stated in one of her stories. To make matters worse, Garcia had also sent her threatening NSFW messages in her DMs. Now, Garcia’s ex-wife has decided to put her “foot down” and will be involving “lawyers” to make sure his visits to the house are “supervised”.

With his co-parenting duties up in the air due to his troublesome behavior, Ryan Garcia has issued a heartfelt apology to his ex-wife. Furthermore, it got a stamp of approval from Sylvester Stallone’s brother who felt it was a genuine effort from the Victorville native to make amends.

In the apology video, Garcia said, ” I woke up the next morning regretting everything I did, and everything I said about Andrea. And, I came out here just to say ‘I am sorry’. Andrea you are the mother of my children and will always have love and respect for.” With that being said, he took back all the allegations he made against her about “stealing money” and “cheating” on him.

Garcia and Celina publicly announced the news of their divorce in January of this year. “Irreconcilable differences” drifted the couple apart who got hitched up in 2021. The now-separated couple have a daughter and a son, Bela and Henry. “I finally decided to get some help, I’m going to rehab. In the next couple of months you’re gonna see a change,” He further said.

Furthermore, Garcia revealed that he was finding it difficult to cope with setbacks in his personal and professional lives, and was deeply sorry for his erratic and unpredictable behavior. He then expressed his wish to return to normalcy after rehab, where he sees himself boxing again, and leading a stable family life co-parenting his kids.

Feeling the genuineness of his apology, Frank Stallone, Sylvester Stallone’s brother supported him in his initiative to get help for his declining mental health. “It takes a real man to take responsibility for their actions. We are all proud of you,” Stallone wrote on X. Meanwhile, Garcia’s family has also expressed concern about his mental health.

Family Matters!

Garcia’s recent racist and Islamophobic statements didn’t go down well with his parents. In a statement, they assured the wider public that they would encourage their kid to get “necessary help” as he is struggling with “mental health” issues. Moreover, Garcia’s mother has publicly disapproved of his son’s friend circle, insinuating they were “not helping” him during such difficult times.

I know there’s people around him in his circle right now that it’s not within my power to say, okay. you need to leave now! Um, you’re not helping and even though they think they are, they’re not. Because every effort we’ve made has been thwarted because they think they know best and undermine the efforts of his family and his parents. And um, some of the people that are around…. couple of his staff and um are they not letting you around,” Lisa Garcia told to MillCity Boxing.

 

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GOLF

Tiger Woods Health Updates: Royal Troon Sighting Exudes Positive Energy Ahead of the 2024 Open

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tiger woods

The man, the myth, the legend! The GOAT Tiger Woods is proving yet again why the golf world calls him a legend. With fifteen major wins under his belt, the golfer is ready for the sixteenth! Even after going through so much, he is not ready to say goodbye to it all, and this is what sets him apart from others! A few could argue too, but this might be the common consensus. With the latest sightings, it seems that Woods himself is very eager to rule the greens again, and his health is allowing him to do so!

The golfer was recently seen at the Royal Troon ahead of the Open, showing off his exceptional skills. The video posted by TWLEGION on X shows the golfer swinging the club in his signature style in practice for the last major of the season. You might be wondering what’s so special about Tiger Woods’s practice. Well, in this case, there is something special.

Woods was practicing after an overnight flight to Scotland. This proves the determination the 82x PGA Tour winner has for the sport, even after having won several trophies. The fans of the golfer are as appreciative of him as he is of the sport! One fan commented under the post complimenting Woods’ form and swing, “Swing looks better than I’ve seen in a while.” Fans know how their favorite has struggled with his injuries in the past year. His 2023 went in recovering from an ankle surgery.

The golfer has come forward with positive health updates multiple times in the past couple of months. At the PGA Championship, Woods talked about the soreness and stiffness he felt in his back, “Yeah, my body’s OK. It is what it is,” said the golfer. Ever since the start of the year, people have been worried about his walking, but the golfer has shown resilience and has chosen majors as his poison. He did address the betterment in his health and said “I’m physically getting better as the year has gone on,” and he has, as evidenced by the latest sightings.

Woods has faced multiple injuries in the past few years, but that is just not enough to make the golfer not be there for his fans, and his friends also know this.

Tiger Woods is the epitome of resilience, as per his friend

The golfer’s old friend and a commentator for NBC Sports, Notah Begay III, said that Woods has been facing some major back issues ever since his accident in 2021, and by the looks of it, Woods knew the pain was inevitable. “He’s got zero mobility in that left ankle and really has low-back challenges now, which he knew he was going to have,” said Begay, according to USA Today.

Undoubtedly, it must be tough for the golfer to keep up the good performance after all the injuries, but as per Begay, Woods is trying his best to recover and come back stronger. “He’s trying to formulate a strategy and approach that he can work within given the constraints that he’s presented with. And he’s got some constraints,”  continued Begay.

Every golf fan wants to see their favorite golfer rule the greens for as long as they can, and Tiger Woods is not letting his fans down. Woods is a reminder of how hard the game of golf can be for some players.

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GYMNASTICS

Simone Biles’ Best Friend Jordan Chiles’ Mother Celebrates the GOAT’s Latest Comeback Achievement at the 2024 ESPY Awards

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simone biles

Who said competitors can’t be friends? Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles are the perfect example of a persisting friendship despite their cutthroat professional rivalry. The two stellar gymnasts compete for Team USA and are among the five who qualified for the Paris Olympics. The duo have always stood by in solidarity with each other through thick and thin. In various stages of life, Simone Biles’ best friend, Jordan, was seen praising her masthead Biles for her undulating support through professional stand ins or in Biles’ mental health journey. Chiles was even seen cheering for Biles on the grounds of the Olympic trails as the gymnastic queen gears up for her Olympic dream after refraining from the Tokyo season because of her mental health.

Simone Biles is in red hot form this time around, vanquishing all her demons. However, after a mental health break, her performance thrilled the audiences when Biles returned to the mat with a power-packed comeback at the 2023 World Athletics Championship. Gymnastic fans and esteemed platforms like ESPY celebrated and honored her with the ‘best comeback performance of the year.’ and rightly so. To add a cherry on top of this cake, Simone Biles’ best friend’s mother couldn’t help but toast to Biles’ victory.

GOAT Simone Biles’ is a phoenix from the ashes

After two years of mental breaks and mindfulness, the legendary Simone Biles returned with a bang! Her qualification to the Paris Olympics with the highest score of 117.225 in the US Olympic trials has added to her repertoire, based on which ESPY has honored her with ‘Best Comeback of the Year.’ Nellie Biles, the mother of Simone Biles, shared a tweet on X congratulating Biles on the prestigious honor. Mother Biles captioned the post as “ESPY come back Athlete of the year award WAY to go Simone.” Not just Nellie, but someone else clamored for the gymnastic sensation. It was Gina Chiles! Simone Biles’ best friend and teammate Jordan Chiles’ mother. Gina Chiles commented on Nellie’s post, applauding Simone’s comeback, as she penned down in the comment section, “Amazing and deserved!!”

Simone Biles had no choice but to withdraw her name from the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 due to the debilitating twisties. The Olympian claimed to be taking some time off for her mental health, but she also assured that her issues wouldn’t cost her team a medal in prestigious games like the Olympics. Biles’ actions immediately split the public forum into two factions, with some supporting her and others deriding her for being a “quitter.” She made headlines after recovering from her ‘twisties’ trauma and her head held high, she is sure to strike gold. Jordan Chiles, though, doffs her hat .

Mental health has come across as a major issue for sports personalities from time to time. And they have been outspoken about it. One such incident was shared with audiences when Jordan Chiles revealed in an interview with People that she was thinking of ending her gymnastics career. The episode dates back to 2018, when Jordan couldn’t make it to Team USA. Disappointed by the whole event, she was on the verge of questioning her potential. Chiles quotes, “I don’t think this sport really wants me.” Jordan adds that it was the decision to move to Texas and Simone Biles who changed her outlook on the game. Jordan mentions, “I discovered that gymnastics doesn’t always have to be about strictness. I actually realized this when I saw Simone compete. She looks like she’s having fun out there, laughing and giggling.”

Jordan revealed that it was the supportive environment of Texas, the coaching guidance, and the camaraderie of Simone that saved her career as she developed a newfound love for gymnastics. Chiles’ and Biles’ bond has been an example of support and friendship that lasts. On events, Chiles never hesitated to celebrate Simone Biles and her comeback, as she declared, “ know this comeback for her is about to be the biggest comeback that’s ever been known, and I’m really excited to see where this year takes her. Paris … this is her time. Paris is definitely going to be something that everybody is just going to be in awe because this girl has dedicated a lot to this.” This quote, ‘When you do good, you get good,‘ likely describes Simone Biles’ actions, and it’s no wonder she’s so famous!

 

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BOXING

Gervonta Davis vs Vasyl Lomachenko is close to becoming official with November date in sight

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gervonta davis

Ukrainian lightweight Vasyl Lomachenko was once at the very top of the world and looking indestructible, just like Gervonta Davis feels today. At a certain point during that great moment for ‘Loma’, even people like Joe Rogan were talking about him for his skills. Right now, it doesn’t feel like anybody can defeat Gervonta Davis, which is one of the main reasons promoters want this fight to happen in the first place. If anybody has the skillset to potentially defeat ‘Tank‘, that man is Vasyl Lomachenko. Because if Loma finds his best form again by November, we could be in for one of the best fights of 2024. There is no question about that and everybody who loves boxing would watch it.

During a recent interview with Fights ATW, legendary promoter Bob Arum revealed he has been talking to Lomachenko’s manager, Egis Klimas. It was a meeting at a restaurant in Beverley Hills. That’s exactly where Arum dropped the bomb, one of the fights every boxing fan would want to see. This is what he told Fights ATW during the interview” “We discussed Loma. Loma is coming here (this week), and we will sit down, and he will tell us what he wants. My feeling is, reading Egis, that it’s a Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis fight. It’s a Vegas fight, MGM or T-Mobile. We’d decide a date where there are openings.”

So, November 2024 in Las Vegas. That is the potential date but Arum did mention that this was the first time they talked about it. We will likely have a few months worth of negotiations before we get a final date and a venue. As far as where this fight might take place, the two options are the MGM Grand or the T-Mobile Arena. If this is announced over the next few weeks, we can already start speculating and wait for the show these two will put on during the press conferences leading up to the event. We are ready for another great fight to close out the year.

 

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GOLF

Top 5 Tiger Woods Things That Happened Since MC at the U. S. Open 2024

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tiger woods

Even though Tiger Woods is not winning any golf events, the golfer still makes the headlines. That’s right, Woods has not won an event since the 2019 Masters; however, he is still trending. A lot of things happened in the short period after he missed the cut at the 2024 US Open. Here’s a brief list to update you on what has been going on with the 15x major winner.

5. Nike lost $28 billion in market value

At the turn of the century, in 2000, Woods signed a five-year-long contract with Nike. The net value of the contract was $40 million back then. Their long-standing partnership went strong for 27 years straight. According to the BBC, “the research found that between 2000 and 2010, the company recovered 57% of its $181 million investment in Woods (at the time) in sales of golf balls in the US alone.”

However, earlier this year, Woods severed his ties with Nike. Although no relationship between Woods and their decline in market value has been made public, one might speculate on the possibilities. According to Sherwood, the brand had wiped out $28 billion in market capital at the beginning of this month. The brand has been predicting something like that and was already thinking of job cuts since February, a month after Woods left his partnership.

4. Charlie Woods’ stepping into the USGA

Woods’s son had quickly recovered from a bogey and a double bogey start at Eagle Trace Golf Club. He finished as a medalist in his qualifier after he scored 1-under-71. Along with three other qualified junior amateurs, the 15-year-old Woods earned a spot in the upcoming USGA event, the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. The event will commence on July 24th–27th.

Understanding his own shortcomings at the qualifiers, Charlie Woods confessed, “I didn’t play great my first two holes, but I played really good for the last 16.” The young golfer further added, “I just told myself not to make any more bogeys or doubles, and I took advantage of some nice birdie looks when I had them.”

3. Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake’s success at St. Andrews

Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake have a thriving business together with their T-Squared Social Sports Bar in New York. But as the duo wished to expand the business and focused on St. Andrews, where Woods received two of his Open Championship titles, a problem arose. Many citizens and conscious student communities were against the renovation of their heritage, the New Picture House.

There was a petition signed by 10 thousand people voting against the new plan last year. However, this month, Woods got happy news to celebrate with Timberlake. According to the Scottish Sun, Fife revealed, “The proposal is considered acceptable in terms of design, detailing, and choice of materials; and it would protect and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.” Hence, with a green signal on their $2 million plan, Woods and Timberlake will soon change the scene at St. Andrews.

2. Tiger Woods’ PopStroke expansion

Woods’ Popstroke has already announced its plans for expansion to Cedar Park, Texas. However, in July 2024, Golfweek brought to light another addition. That’s right. Woods-backed Popstroke has signed a new lease. This new venue of choice is in northeast Austin.

This new addition to the Parmer Austin corporate campus will come with several of Woods’s mini-golf facilities, just like in other Popstrokes. They reported, “Along with mini golf, the venue will have other entertainment options and culinary amenities, including a made-from-scratch, quick-service dining experience on an outdoor patio, complete with a bar serving craft beers and signature cocktails.”

The construction for the same will commence by the end of this year, as the organization plans to open its business in 2025.

1. Woods and Rory Mcilroy backed TMRW Sports’s value was hiked

The upcoming technologically advanced sports venture, TMRW, connected ties with Dynasty Equity by the end of last month. What came out of this new investor joining the plan was a massive valuation worth $500 million! But that is not all.

The co-founder of Dynasty Equity, K. Don Cornwell, also talked about a possible push toward women’s involvement in their golf plans. He announced, “Our goal has always been to partner with world-class management teams in sports that have a big following.”

According to Bloomberg, Cornwell further said, “TMRW is taking intellectual property and applying it in such a way that’s going to not only get existing fans excited but bring new fans under the tent. And, since accessibility and bringing diversity into sport are among our priorities, it’s a great fit.” The addition of women’s golf will certainly bring about a renewed audience, as Cornwell likes to think.

 

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GYMNASTICS

Simone Biles’ Stunning 2023 Comeback Highly Praised by Rival Rebeca Andrade: “It Was Incredible”

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Simone biles and Rebeca

Rebeca Andrade’s recent heartfelt declaration, “I’m so proud to know that I can continue her legacy,” was an echo of the reverberation that once rippled through the Sportpaleis arena in Antwerp, Belgium. Reminiscing about the sentiment of a sport in transition, Andrade’s 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships bore witness not only to Simone Biles’ spectacular return but also to a symbolic gesture that ignited discussions of a metaphorical changing of the guard.

The iconic moment that ignited this narrative came during the 2023 World Championships, the year when Biles solidified her resurgent dominance in the sport. In a spontaneous display of admiration and respect, Biles placed an imaginary crown on Andrade’s head. This gesture, captured in countless photographs, transcended the mere act of sportsmanship. It was a poignant acknowledgment of Andrade’s ascent within the gymnastics hierarchy and a testament to Biles’ magnanimous spirit. Andrade herself, in a candid moment of reflection, revealed the deeper meaning behind this act of sportsmanship.

In a recent interview with Brazilian Marie Claire, Andrade elaborated on the significance of the gesture, saying, “I saw it as something genuine, spontaneous, to recognize the position she has in gymnastics in the world… It was a huge honor to have her competing again, happily. It was incredible energy, one of the best competitions of my entire career.” Yet, to fully grasp the weight of this moment, one must revisit the extraordinary journey that led Simone Biles back to the pinnacle of her sport.

Simone’s 2023 season was nothing short of a phoenix rising from the ashes. It began with a triumphant return at the Core Hydration Classic in August, where she claimed first place in the all-around, floor routine, and balance beam, and third on the uneven bars. Her scores—14.0 on uneven bars, 14.8 on balance beam, 14.9 in floor exercise, and a baffling 15.4 in vault—stunned the audience in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, breaking a 90-year-old record for most U.S. all-around crowns previously held by Alfred Jochim.

The crowd of nearly 12,000 rose in a standing ovation as she walked off the floor, a testament to the enduring respect and admiration she commands—a respect that echoed the anticipation for Simone Biles’ return to the global stage.

This triumph was a precursor to her dominant performance at that year’s World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, where she collected four golds (team, all-around, balance beam, floor exercise) and a silver (vault). These victories, achieved with a tally of 58.399 across all apparatus, elevated her career world and Olympic medal tally to an unprecedented 34—surpassing Belarusian Vitaly Scherbo’s record of 33 world and Olympic golds. But these victories were merely a prelude to a statement that would reverberate far beyond the scoreboard.

Simon Biles’ words of resilience were a remnant of her meteoric rise from the ashes

I had to prove to myself that I could still get out here, twist, I could prove all the haters wrong, that I’m not a quitter,” Biles stated emphatically, encapsulating the drive that fueled her comeback. Her words resonated not only with the gymnastics community but with anyone who has faced adversity and fought to overcome it. The world might have witnessed her physical prowess, but it was her words that revealed the unyielding spirit that truly set her apart.

In the wake of her awe-inspiring performance, the Associated Press crowned Simone Biles the 2023 Female Athlete of the Year, a fitting tribute to a woman who redefined the boundaries of her sport. Yet, the narrative was not solely about Biles’ individual achievements. Andrade’s silver medals in the all-around and floor exercise, along with her bronze on the balance beam, signaled the emergence of a worthy contender.

“We had Rebeca on every single podium with me, so I feel like we give each other the best push that we can to bring out the best athletes,” Biles acknowledged, emphasizing the mutual respect and competitive spirit that characterized their relationship.

As the gymnastics world looks ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the narrative is poised to evolve further. Will Rebeca Andrade, the reigning Olympic vault champion, truly inherit Simone Biles’ mantle? Can the two athletes continue to elevate each other’s performances, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport? These are the questions that will fuel the anticipation for the next chapter in this thrilling saga.

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BOXING

Admitting Gervonta Davis Is a “Special Fighter”, Shakur Stevenson Highlights Tank’s Ability Downplays His Own

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shakur-stevenson and jeremiah-nakathila

It is likely that Shakur Stevenson will be an underdog in a fight against Gervonta Davis. However, while one must acknowledge Davis’ skills and contribution, the boxer from Newark feels he is deserving of praise and is a threat to the former’s legacy. So, in his latest interview with Cigar Talk, Stevenson highlighted that the perception built around Davis’ knockouts has downplayed his skills. In addition, Shakur also called out an unbeaten Mexican boxer with 27 knockouts!

In his last fight against Artem Harutyunyan, Shakur Stevenson showed excellent defense and vision. Shakur would know Artem’s limits, lean back in proximity, bob and weave, and let his opponent punch the air. His defense and vision were infested with confidence and accuracy. In one word, it was unflinching. So, yes, while Gervonta has the ability to KO his opponents, Stevenson has his defense and IQ.

But, the boxer from Newark complains that in light of Davis’ power, fans underestimate his techniques. “People are blessed with different abilities. He’s blessed with a God-given ability that if he cracks you, nine times out of ten you’re gonna go down. I’m blessed with amazing eyes,” began Shakur Stevenson.

“I can see punches coming my way and get away from them,” added Stevenson on Cigar Talk. “They probably are judging me from a scale of him. At the end of the day, he’s a great fighter, he’s a special fighter, but I’m special in my own right too.”

However, as per the updates available, Shakur Stevenson may not get his hands on Gervonta Davis soon as ‘Tank’ is in the process of sealing a deal with Vasyl Lomachenko. For that reason, Stevenson called out a different opponent.

Shakur Stevenson calls out the third-best Lightweight boxer in the world

The title defense against Artem Harutyunyan was Shakur Stevenson’s last fight with Top Rank Boxing. And he thinks, among others, Mayweather Promotions can be a viable option given they offer him a deal better than the $15 million Top Rank offered the boxer recently. But, while Shakur decides on his next promoter, the boxer is sure about his next opponent. So, on Cigar Talk, he called out the third-best Lightweight as per The Ring Magazine.

“Where is William Zepada? Where is he? That’s the fight we need. We going to keep hyping him up to fight these guys that he’s stopping in three/four rounds because he throwing volume, and nonstop punching these dudes ain’t in the shape that I’ll be in,” said Shakur Stevenson. “If ‘Tank’ gon’ go fight Lomachenko, why can’t I fight maybe the harder fight?”

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GOLF

Tiger Woods Becoming a Laughing Stock? Golf Legend Uses 6 Words to Destroy His Major Dreams

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tiger woods

Tiger Woods on the greens does not excite the same emotions as many felt before. The reason could be his declining rate of accomplishment. However, the underlying root cause of the same can be found somewhere else as well. Let us hear from the Scottish professional golfer, Colin Montgomerie who won 31 times on the DPWT.

In the last two majors, Woods did not make the cut, while in the Masters, he was dead last, finishing at T60. These numbers might not be surprising. However, in an interview, Montgomerie explained exactly what is going wrong with Tiger Woods now. And the answer lies in whether the golfer himself enjoys his shots or not. He said, “I hope people remember Tiger as Tiger was—the passion and the charismatic aura around him.”

Montgomerie then used six words to explain Woods at present compared to his glory in the past. He gave the 6-word verdict, “There is none of that now.” Then the golfer further added, “At Pinehurst, he did not seem to enjoy a single shot, and you think, ‘What the hell is he doing?’ He’s coming to Troon, and he won’t enjoy it there either.”

But what is the reason that Woods gives for staying active in golf? The 82-time PGA Tour winner once commented on how he would stop playing once he registered himself as no longer competitive. When the golf veteran heard this, he replied, “Aren’t we there? I’d have thought we were past there. There is a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye, but it’s very difficult to tell Tiger it’s time to go. Obviously, he still feels he can win. We are more realistic.”

Colin Montgomerie is no Tiger Woods hater. It is quite the opposite. The reason he brought this issue up is because he fears the present generation’s verdict on the legend. He reflected, “These guys only know Tiger Woods missing the cut, and he’s better than that, the best we’ve ever seen.” But when did it all start?

Tiger Woods’s beginning of a declining career

Tiger Woods was the youngest to win a career grand slam. He has won three so far. Although he won his latest major in 2019 at Augusta, the golfer’s buzzing career almost came to a halt in 2008 when he won 14 of his major titles out of 15.

With a five-year, $105 million contract extension with Nike in 2000, the golfer was at his peak among the athletes in his niche. After five years, from 2005 to 2010, Woods has also been the World No. 1 for a stretch. However, things took a massive turn soon after.

According to NBC News, Woods’ decline in golf has in turn brought about a decline in the sport quite hand in hand. They claimed, “The decline in golf’s popularity coincided with Woods’ 2009-2010 infidelity and divorce and recent physical ailments, said Rishe, and so has a lot of enthusiasm for the average person to pick up the game.”

Moreover, Woods’s long-persisted leg and ankle injuries and their subsequent surgeries since 2009 had also brought down his game play and participation. From World No. 1 to out of the top 500, according to Sporting News, this happened in 2016.

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GYMNASTICS

Simone Biles’ Youngest Family Member, Baby Biles’ Gymnastics Determination, Has 1-Year-Old’s Mother in Shock: “So Proud”

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Simone-Ronni

Gymnastics definitely runs in the Biles genes! Simone Biles‘ niece, Ronni, aka “Baby Biles,” is the latest addition to the sport. “Usually you start in ‘mommy and me’ classes or as soon as you can walk,” once shared Simone Biles. While her TT began gymnastics at the age of 6—which is considered a bit late in the gymnastics world—Ronni’s family has made sure to keep things safe and fun for her as she gets an early start. At just over a year and a half old, she’s already had a head start on her elite career since joining the family-owned gym WCC in Texas.

Watching her aunt Simone Biles book her ticket to a third Olympics has only deepened her love for gymnastics. In an Instagram post, Sammi Biles, Simone’s sister-in-law, shared adorable pictures of the tiny tot on the spring floor at the World Champions Centre in Texas, owned by her grandparents and Simone’s parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles.

Dressed in a GK Elite leotard, Ronni was performing a floor routine. Sammi, expressing her love for the sport at such a young age, marveled, “the way she is so intrigued w/ this sport at such a young age is so special for many reasons.” Sammi continued, “WCC’s littlest elite /honorary member kidding but ahhh so adorable.” Sammi isn’t the only one calling Ronni an elite gymnast already.

Even Simone Biles, back in May, shared the news. During a visit to the WCC, where Simone and other Team USA members train, the 7-time Olympic medalist proudly announced on Instagram, “WCC’s newest elite team member, my niece Ronni.” It’s clear that Ronni, like her TT Simone Biles, is obsessed with the sport. But did you know she chooses it over playtime and regular baby activities?

Fueling the family’s next Simone Biles? Baby Biles is on her way!

Even before turning one, Baby Biles showed her passion for gymnastics early on. Once she was even seen trying to pull herself up on the crib’s rings, with her mom capturing the moment and writing, “Watching TT and wanting to be like her.” Her family has been supportive from the start, taking her to the US Gymnastics Championships in 2023 when she was just nine months old. For her first birthday, she received a biography of her aunt Simone Biles, and she even has matching leotards like TT’s.

During the 2024 Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships and the US Olympic trials, Ronni was right there, soaking it all in. On the Fourth of July, Sammi Biles, Simone Biles’ sister-in-law, shared a sweet video of Baby Biles enjoying the holiday, glued to the TV re-watching the US Olympic gymnastics trials. Ronni eagerly mimicked her aunt Simone’s moves with raised hands and a little jump.

Sammi playfully captioned the moment, “She loves a TT ‘stick it’ ” Sammi also shared, “Anyone else’s 1.5-year-old skipping cartoons for @USAGym?! Or just ours not complaining one bit.” As we reflect on how the Biles family is fueling Ronni Biles’ gymnastics dreams, it’s wholesome to see this love gently guiding her into the sport.

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TENNIS

“Got $16 Million Stolen” Shohei Ohtani Catches Surprising Strays Amid Serena Williams’ Great Attack on Gender Pay Gap at ESPYs

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serena williams

Hollywood’s Dolby Theater might have been glittering with star power on July 11th, but it was host Serena Williams who threw the first curveball. Her opening monologue landed a punchline on Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ phenom, who’d recently fallen victim to a $16 million theft by his ex-interpreter. To quote her exact words—“Male athletes get paid SO MUCH more than female athletes, they don’t even notice losing SIXTEEN MILLIONNN DOLLARS,” the tennis legend quipped, drawing both gasps and laughter.

For the subject of the satire, Ohtani, the night was a bittersweet symphony. He might have won the Best MLB Player award—yet, lurking beneath this triumph was the betrayal of trust and a staggering financial loss. The irony was palpable: celebrated for his athletic prowess, victimized by a close confidant.

Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter and trusted companion, now stands accused of orchestrating this grand larceny. Federal prosecutors allege Mizuhara, drowning in gambling debts, siphoned the funds from the baseballer’s account through deceitful means. A story of friendship turned sour, Mizuhara’s alleged actions cast a shadow over his long-time friend’s achievements, underscoring the vulnerabilities even the most successful athletes face. Besides the basepaths and buzzes of betrayal, though, lies Serena’s rallying cry, a powerful message that goes deeper than just the joke.

Williams’ roast, though delivered with comedic flair, served as a stark reminder of the persistent gender pay gap in professional sports. Ohtani’s misfortune became a parable for a larger issue. “Believe me—I would’ve noticed,” she asserted, highlighting the financial disparities female athletes often grapple with. Her words resonated with the audience as they were heard reacting with a medley of loud cheers and gasps, sparking conversations about equity and fairness in a male-dominated industry. However, beyond the controversy, the ESPYs showcased the year’s athletic excellence.

As a testament to Serena’s speech, the ESPY stage turned out to be a celebration of women’s achievements in sports. A’ja Wilson’s double victory as both the Best WNBA Player and Best Athlete, in Women’s Sports, along with Caitlin Clark’s win for Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports, and Best Record-Breaking Performance as NCAA All-time Leader, with Simone Biles’ triumphant return as Best Comeback Athlete, underscored the growing recognition and appreciation for women’s athleticism.

The South Carolina Women’s Basketball team’s win for Best Team further cemented the dominance and skill displayed by female athletes across various sports. This collective success painted a vibrant picture of empowerment, proving that women are not only breaking barriers but also redefining excellence in their respective fields. Beyond the controversy, the ESPYs showcased the year’s athletic excellence. Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback, clinched both the Best NFL Player and the Best Athlete, Men’s Sports awards, while Luka Doncic shone in his basketball domain as the Best NBA Player. The night celebrated triumphs but also underscored the challenges athletes face off the field.

As the dust settles, both Serena Williams and Shohei Ohtani will continue to shape their legacies—one joke, one hit at a time—Ohtani, on the field, and Williams, as a voice for change. The 2024 ESPYs will be remembered not just for their award winners but also for the conversations they sparked, the issues they raised, and the resilience they showcased. The game, in all its forms, goes on.

 

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