Tag: Politics

On Bill Russell, the Boston Celtics, and good trouble

Russell’s greatness stems not from what he did on the court, but from what he did off of it in spite of what he could have lost.

Basketball and an activism that became accompliceship have been two threads in my life that have tied my identity as a person together long before I knew how closely intertwined they actually were. I mention this today after hearing the news of the man who embodied both more than anyone I have ever known passed away in one William Felton Russell.

My heart, like many, is heavy. But it is also full of joy that there was a man like Russell in this life to have guided us, to show us what is possible when one fights with everything they have, regardless of the context. That such struggles don’t require one to throw oneself against the rocks but to be careful with where one spends one’s energy, to walk with others who share your principles and energy.

Like so many others, Russell’s life changed how I looked at what was possible.

Bill Clinton: Bill Russell was a …

Bill Clinton: Bill Russell was a legendary player and coach, and an even better person. He approached everything he did with determination, principle, and wisdom. I will always be grateful for the chance to call him my friend.

Barack Obama on Bill Russell: Today, we lost a giant

Barack Obama: Today, we lost a giant. As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher—both as a player and as a person. Perhaps more than anyone else, Bill knew what it took to win and what it took to lead. On the court, he was the greatest champion in basketball history. Off of it, he was a civil rights trailblazer—marching with Dr. King and standing with Muhammad Ali. For decades, Bill endured insults and vandalism, but never let it stop him from speaking up for what’s right. I learned so much from the way he played, the way he coached, and the way he lived his life. Michelle and I send our love to Bill’s family, and everyone who admired him.

Nets hired lobbyist to push NYC mayor to change vaccine rules to exempt Kyrie Irving

It’s clear the mandate change and Irving’s stance put an end to those title hopes. Sitting second in the East on Jan. 15, the Nets dropped 16 of 21 after Durant suffered a left knee injury. They fell to eighth by the time he returned six weeks later — and Tsai took action. On Feb. 6, Irving said, “Anything can happen these next few days, the next week. Just crossing my fingers that something can come up either before All-Star break or even just after.” Two days later — with the Nets on an eight-game losing skid — they hired ex-New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson to lobby new Mayor Eric Adams about changing the mandate so Irving could play at home.

Nets hired lobbyist to push NYC mayor to change vaccine rules to exempt Kyrie Irving

It’s clear the mandate change and Irving’s stance put an end to those title hopes. Sitting second in the East on Jan. 15, the Nets dropped 16 of 21 after Durant suffered a left knee injury. They fell to eighth by the time he returned six weeks later …

It’s clear the mandate change and Irving’s stance put an end to those title hopes. Sitting second in the East on Jan. 15, the Nets dropped 16 of 21 after Durant suffered a left knee injury. They fell to eighth by the time he returned six weeks later — and Tsai took action. On Feb. 6, Irving said, “Anything can happen these next few days, the next week. Just crossing my fingers that something can come up either before All-Star break or even just after.” Two days later — with the Nets on an eight-game losing skid — they hired ex-New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson to lobby new Mayor Eric Adams about changing the mandate so Irving could play at home.

Source: Josh Kosman, Brian Lewis @ New York Post

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
If the Celtics get Durant and the Lakers get Kyrie, Lakers-Celtics becomes a Christmas Day lock and probably the most anticipated regular-season game since… well it’s been awhile. – 2:47 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I think Jaylen Brown and Ben Simmons is a really interesting start to a team.
Brooklyn would also presumably get three picks from Boston, two more from the Lakers for Kyrie, and they still have one left from Philly for the Harden trade.
They could trade for a third major piece. – 2:45 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kyrie Irving reportedly wasn’t only Net who didn’t want to get vaccinated nba.nbcsports.com/2022/07/24/kyr… – 10:38 PM
Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
Per the NY Post: The Nets hired a lobbyist in the winter to push the NYC mayor to change the vaccine rules to exempt Kyrie Irving. The rule was changed the next month, although the local baseball teams did their share of pushing. https://t.co/Qhk2CEHIYx pic.twitter.com/jWJnq2tbwe – 10:34 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Inside one-line tweak to #NYC vax mandate that derailed #Nets, Kyrie Irving’s season #nba nypost.com/2022/07/24/how… via @nypostsports – 7:38 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Former Nets All-Star hopes Durant and Irving stick around: ‘Let’s give it one more run’ nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 7:24 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
POV: Fanspo’s trade machine as I try to concoct 5-team blockbuster trades around KD, Mitchell, Kyrie and Westbrook for the 512th time
pic.twitter.com/n9hPBWkeLr – 7:41 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
ICYMI, Friday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! We discussed the pros/cons of waiting out Kyrie vs. an earlier potential trade for Hield (and maybe Myles Turner?). Plus, Schröder wants to run it (“it” being “him*) back? @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sho… – 2:08 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
New podcast episode! @ethman43 joins me to discuss:
• NBA Summer League studs and duds
• The Boston Celtics’ terrific offseason
• The top contenders entering next year
• The Kevin Durant sweepstakes
• Kyrie Irving’s future
• Donovan Mitchell to NY? podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bre… – 11:48 AM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
For the sickos who like to watch, Friday’s @LockedOnLakers pod, YouTube version. We debate the merits of trading for Buddy Hield (and maybe even Myles Turner) vs. Kyrie… plus, Dennis Schröder, Part Zwei??? @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
youtube.com/watch?v=npcjxP… – 5:33 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Friday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! Should the Lakers keep waiting on Kyrie, or try for a quicker deal for Buddy Hield and/or Myles Turner? How badly do they need a trade? Plus… Schröder reunion? #FirstListen @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnLakers
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sho… – 11:49 AM

More on this storyline

“Kyrie wasn’t the only one on the Nets who didn’t want to get vaccinated,” a source with direct knowledge of the situation told The Post. -via New York Post / July 24, 2022
“No one was expecting the mandate the way in which he wouldn’t be able to play. No one expected it,” a source close to Irving said. “The entire thing was that vaccination was absolutely going to be a choice and not anything that was forced. -via New York Post / July 24, 2022
“[Tsai] laid it out that you needed to be vaccinated or you can’t play,” a source close to the situation said. “A number of players did not want to get vaccinated. They all decided to get vaccinated except Kyrie. … The thinking was the players would all blink.” -via New York Post / July 24, 2022

Mayor Jacob Frey: I’ve proclaimed today …

Mayor Jacob Frey: I’ve proclaimed today @KarlTowns Day in the City of MPLS! We’re so lucky to have KAT’s commitment to our city and community — and that’s solidified through his recent @Timberwolves contract extension. Congrats, KAT!

Former NBA star Charles Barkley said …

Former NBA star Charles Barkley said “if you’re gay and transgender, I love you!”, with footage of the remark rapidly spreading on Twitter. “I want to say this: If you’re gay and transgender, I love you! Hey and if anybody give you sh–, you tell them Charles said ‘F–k you!’” he said, according to a video that appeared to be posted on TikTok, eliciting cheers as he spoke.