Giannis Antetokounmpo still feels like he’s one of the best players in the NBA. During NBA Media Day, “the Greek Freak” spoke about his standing in the league. ​“Yeah. I really do believe that,” he said. “If not the best, I’m one of the best players in the world. I know I’m at my best when I’m locked in, when my body’s right; I really do believe that I can dominate the game. “ “I can impact the game in both ways, offensively and defensively,” he added. “And I think I’ve shown it over the years, even in a year. Last year,  that wasn’t one of my best years, probably one of my toughest years. And I was still able to affect the game in some way.” “I think it’s hard for people who don’t understand. But when you’re up there, top five, top four, top three, two, one, whatever, top 10, the best player is whoever is able to impact the game and help his team go deep in the playoffs and win a championship,” said Antetokounmpo. For Antetokounmpo, he stated who he believes is the best player today. “So right now, the best team in the NBA is the New York Knicks,” Antetokounmpo said. Bam Adebayo groaned at his statement “And they have one of the best players, Jalen Brunson.” Taking the podium, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra shared his main goal for Antetokounmpo. “We brought him here for a reason. He’s here for a reason,” he said. “We want to establish him in that conversation of best player in the league.” ANTETOKOUNMPO’S LEGENDARY CAREER Antetokounmpo has evolved into one of the most physically dominant and decorated players in NBA history. In 2021, he led Milwaukee to an NBA Championship, putting up a historic 50-point performance in Game 6 to earn Finals MVP honors. He’s won back-to-back regular season MVPs (2019, 2020), the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award, and a Most Improved Player award (2017). Antetokounmpo is one of only three players in league history, alongside Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon, to win MVP, Finals MVP, and DPOY in a career. Named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Antetokounmpo is a multi-time All-NBA First Team selection and perennially recognized as one of the game’s elite two-way superstars.

LeBron James revealed that he would have signed with the New York Knicks if they didn’t win the championship. ​During NBA Media Day, James spoke about how he was close to coming to the Big Apple. ​”I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James told ESPN on Monday. “One of the best places I’ve ever played.’ ​”I think it’s the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as a basketball player goes. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, ‘Hey, I can’t.’ I couldn’t do it,” he added. Lebron on almost signing with the Knicks: “I had visions of definitely playing in the Garden, finishing my career in the Garden. One of the best places I’ve ever played. I think it’s the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San… pic.twitter.com/vWcx9WTYTm — Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) September 28, 2026 ​James admitted that the backlash would have been too much if her joined a team that just won the title. ​”Y’all wouldn’t have let me lay that down, at all,” James said, referring to the media at large. “But much respect to the Knicks, obviously. An unbelievable team, unbelievable players. Shout out, Jalen Brunson. I love that guy; he’s unbelievable. But, yeah, I’m happy where I’m at, and I’m looking forward to it.” ​James stunned the sports world by taking a team-friendly deal with Philadelphia to chase one last title alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. In that alternate timeline, joining the 76ers gives James a final opportunity to act as the ultimate floor general—sacrificing financial maximums for roster depth to push Philadelphia past the Eastern Conference elite and secure a storybook fifth championship. ​James also spoke about what he brings to the Sixers. “You got to try to stay even keel,” James said. “Understand that the noise is going to be the noise. What happens outside of this building is going to consistently happen, and it’s going to be doubled and tripled and quadrupled now that I’m here. It just comes with the territory. I understand it.”

R&B singer Jacquees was arrested Sunday morning in South Florida after authorities discovered him unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle. The 32-year-old artist, whose legal name is Rodriguez Jacquees Broadnax, faces multiple criminal counts including driving under the influence and battery on a law enforcement officer. The Hollywood Police Department responded to a call just before 8 a.m. regarding a person passed out in a vehicle near North 62nd Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers identified the driver as Broadnax. Police said the singer became combative with first responders while being transported to a local hospital for evaluation. According to Broward County booking records, Jacquees was charged with DUI, battery on a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or EMT, and resisting or obstructing an officer without violence. While early records indicated a hold-for-hearing designation, he was no longer appearing in the online jail database as of Monday afternoon. This recent incident adds to a growing list of legal challenges for the Atlanta-based singer. In 2023, Broadnax was arrested in Georgia following an alleged physical altercation at a mall, where he faced charges of simple battery and obstruction. His history also includes a 2018 arrest for driving 116 mph in Atlanta and a separate traffic-related incident in Miami Beach. In recent months, the R&B singer has been in the public eye regarding his personal life and co-parenting relationship with Deiondra Sanders, daughter of football legend Deion Sanders. Under Florida law, the “HG” bond designation initially applied to his case typically means a suspect must remain in custody until they appear before a judge. Representatives for the singer have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the Hollywood arrest. The investigation into the specific circumstances of the DUI remains ongoing by local authorities.

Angela Stribling, a pioneering voice of Black Entertainment Television and a legendary radio personality, has died at the age of 58. Her husband, Ken Washington, confirmed that Stribling passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, Sept. 26, following a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer. Washington shared the news through his wife’s social media accounts and in a statement to WHUR 96.3 FM, the station where Stribling made history. “Angela leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, kindness, inspiration, and a voice and spirit that will never be forgotten,” Washington said. He noted that Stribling’s sister, Darlene, was also by her side at the time of her passing. Stribling was a cornerstone of BET during its formative years, becoming a familiar face to millions of viewers across the country. She co-hosted the entertainment news program “Screen Scene” alongside Melvin Lindsey and frequently appeared on the network’s flagship show, “Video Soul.” Her passion for music extended to “Jazz Central,” where she shared hosting duties with legendary figures like Ramsey Lewis and Lou Rawls. In the radio industry, Stribling achieved a historic milestone as the first woman to host the original “Quiet Storm” on Washington’s WHUR. Her sultry voice and sophisticated delivery later anchored “Pillow Talk with Angela,” a late-night program that reached a national audience through Sirius XM. Her versatile career also included a cameo as a news anchor in the 1992 film “The Distinguished Gentleman” and a 2020 appearance on “The Real Housewives of Potomac.” Colleagues and friends in the media industry expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Veteran journalist Ed Gordon, a longtime contemporary at BET, described Stribling as a “sweet soul” and noted that her passing has been particularly difficult for the close-knit network family. View this post on Instagram Stribling had recently expressed gratitude for another year of life during her final birthday post in October 2025, calling her health challenges the most difficult experience of her lifetime while remaining hopeful for the future. A celebration of life is currently being planned for the Washington, D.C. area. Her husband stated that details regarding the date and venue will be announced at a later time. Stribling’s impact on Black media and her trailblazing role in jazz and R&B broadcasting remain a significant part of her enduring legacy.

Hip-Hop star Iggy Azalea appears to be returning to her rap career after retiring from music five years ago, according to a new Instagram post. The “Fancy” rapper revealed she has started recording music again after repeatedly declaring her exit from the industry. Azalea shared the news on Instagram alongside photos from the studio. She also opened up about her complicated relationship with music and her decision to revisit recording. “I am back recording music,” Azalea wrote. View this post on Instagram “Is that a bad idea? Maybe. Probably. Definitely.” The Australian-born rapper said music remains connected to her sense of identity. She admitted that stepping away has sometimes forced her to question who she is without creating. “Still, every time I’m incapacitated by mushrooms of the magical kind I seem to have an inner crisis about who Iam if I’m not making music,” she wrote. Azalea also acknowledged feeling anxious about social media. She said fans frequently ask when she plans to release new music. Hip-Hop Star Iggy Azalea Reveals She’s Returned To Rap Music “I also have to admit, although I enjoy living very privately & offline… I have a sort of anxiety when I do post or announce other things here,” she wrote. After months of reconsidering her future, Azalea decided to return to the studio. “Anyway blah blah blah… after months (maybe years) of pondering I’ve decided it’s unlike me to run away from anything in life,” she wrote. The decision apparently left her feeling energized. “So recently I decided just to be sure I haven’t been running away from MYSELF too, I’d better record and guess what?” Azalea wrote. “I drove home really fucking happy that day.” She closed with a cryptic message about her possible comeback. “Baby steps my darlings but I fear I may be coming…” The revelation marks a sharp turn for Azalea. In 2024, she said she would not finish her next album. She later doubled down on her retirement plans. In November 2025, she said, “I don’t want to come back.” Now, Azalea is back behind the mic, though no new release has been announced. For now, the rapper is calling it “baby steps.” Still, her studio return could mark the beginning of her next chapter.

Colin Kaepernick can officially add another accomplishment to his résumé. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback’s new memoir, “The Perilous Fight,” debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times Best Sellers list. The book landed atop the hardcover nonfiction rankings following its Sept. 15 release. Kaepernick celebrated the news on social media shortly after the ranking was announced. “#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER,” Kaepernick wrote. He also thanked readers who purchased the memoir and attended stops during his book tour.’ “It’s been a long time coming,” he wrote. The achievement comes a decade after Kaepernick’s national anthem protest became one of the biggest stories in professional sports. “The Perilous Fight” was published by Legacy Lit, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. Journalist and author Nick Chiles collaborated with Kaepernick on the memoir. The 288-page book traces Kaepernick’s childhood, football career and evolution as an activist. It also revisits his controversial departure from professional football. An audiobook version is narrated by Kaepernick and was released alongside the hardcover and e-book editions. Kaepernick tells his story in his own words Kaepernick entered the NFL after the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the second round of the 2011 draft. He eventually became the team’s starting quarterback and helped lead San Francisco to Super Bowl XLVII. However, his career took a dramatic turn during the 2016 NFL preseason. Kaepernick initially sat during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police violence against Black Americans. He later began kneeling after discussing his protest with former NFL player and Green Beret Nate Boyer. The demonstration sparked a national debate surrounding race, policing, patriotism and athletes using their platforms for social causes. Kaepernick has not played in an NFL regular-season game since the 2016 season. In “The Perilous Fight,” he provides his perspective on the events surrounding his protest and subsequent exit from the league. The memoir also explores the experiences that influenced his political and social awareness. Kaepernick writes about being adopted by white parents and navigating predominantly white environments while growing up. He also discusses his growing interest in Black history and racial justice. His reading included “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” which became influential in the development of his worldview. Kaepernick also addresses several high-profile moments that followed his protest. That includes his relationship with the NFL and his disagreements with some prominent figures in sports and entertainment. A new chapter beyond football “The Perilous Fight” arrives as Kaepernick continues building projects outside professional football. He founded Know Your Rights Camp, an organization focused on education and empowerment for Black and brown youth. His other ventures include Kaepernick Publishing and Kaepernick Media. Kaepernick previously expanded his story into television with Netflix’s “Colin in Black & White.” The scripted limited series examined his teenage years and experiences surrounding race and identity. His newest project gives readers a more extensive account directly from his perspective. The memoir also arrives roughly 10 years after his protest first drew widespread national attention. Kaepernick has continued discussing the decision during interviews surrounding the book’s release. He told Time that he intentionally avoided becoming the only voice associated with the movement after leaving football. Kaepernick said he wanted other athletes and activists to have room to speak. Now, readers appear eager to hear more of his own story. With “The Perilous Fight” reaching No. 1, Kaepernick’s story has found a sizable audience beyond the football field.

Keke Wyatt is pushing back against reports surrounding her recent arrest in Georgia. The R&B singer was booked into the Henry County Jail on Sept. 20 under her legal name, Ketara Wyatt Darring. She was released two days later after posting a $1,050 bond. Initial reports said Wyatt was booked on several charges following an alleged confrontation. Those included terroristic threats, assault and third-degree cruelty to children. However, Wyatt’s representatives now say those reports do not reflect the case currently before the court. “Contrary to information currently being circulated, the Henry County court documentation reflects one charge: simple assault,” her representatives said. Her team specifically denied that Wyatt was charged with cruelty to children, terroristic threats and acts or aggravated assault. The statement comes as public booking information appears to conflict with the account provided by Wyatt’s representatives. CBS News Atlanta reported that Henry County booking information listed aggravated assault and terroristic threats and acts. The entry also listed third-degree cruelty to children as a misdemeanor. Wyatt’s team disputes child cruelty reports Wyatt’s representatives expressed particular concern about reports involving children. “We are not offering excuses or asking anyone to prejudge the circumstances surrounding the case,” the statement said. Her team said Wyatt plans to address the matter through the appropriate legal process. The child cruelty designation reported in the booking information does not necessarily allege that Wyatt physically harmed a child. The booking entry reportedly identified the allegation as third-degree cruelty to children involving a witness. Georgia law can apply that provision when a child witnesses or hears certain alleged acts of violence. New details about the alleged confrontation also emerged after Wyatt’s statement was released. An arrest warrant affidavit reportedly claims the incident occurred during a child custody exchange on Sept. 20. A witness alleged Wyatt displayed a black 9mm Beretta during an argument and threatened another woman, according to reports. Three children were reportedly nearby during the confrontation. Wyatt reportedly acknowledged having the firearm when speaking with authorities. However, she denied pointing it through a vehicle window or threatening anyone. The allegations contained in the warrant have not been proven in court. Conflicting records leave questions about case The case now carries two conflicting descriptions of the charges connected to Wyatt’s arrest. A Henry County booking entry reportedly lists aggravated assault, terroristic threats and acts and third-degree cruelty to children. Meanwhile, Wyatt’s representatives maintain court documentation reflects only a simple assault charge. The team has not publicly explained whether the initial allegations were changed, reduced or declined after Wyatt’s booking. Wyatt, 44, rose to prominence through her collaborations with fellow R&B singer Avant. Their recordings included “My First Love” and “Nothing in This World.” Both appeared on Wyatt’s debut album, “Soul Sista.” She later expanded her career into reality television. Wyatt appeared on all three seasons of TV One’s “R&B Divas: Atlanta.” She later starred in “Keke Wyatt’s World,” which followed her career and family life. Despite the ongoing legal matter, Wyatt’s representatives said her scheduled performances remain unchanged. Her team said she intends to fulfill her existing professional commitments while the case moves through the legal system.

SZA has added another major honor to her résumé, and this one hits especially close to home. The Grammy-winning singer was officially inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame on Thursday, Sept. 24. The ceremony took place at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. SZA was recognized in the Performing Arts & Entertainment category. Actor and fellow New Jersey Hall of Famer Danny DeVito hosted the ceremony. Although SZA was born in St. Louis, the singer was raised in Maplewood, New Jersey. She also attended Columbia High School. The Garden State played a major role in shaping her identity before she became an international star. “I just want to say, I love Jersey, every corner of Jersey,” SZA told the crowd during her acceptance speech. The singer also gave a special shoutout to her home county. “I love my county. Shout out to Essex County,” she said. SZA Reflects On Her New Jersey Roots SZA, whose full name is Solána Imani Rowe, reflected on several places connected to her upbringing. She recalled attending Maplewood Middle School and working at local businesses before her music career. Those jobs included Village Trattoria in Maplewood and a sneaker store in Irvington. SZA also spoke about New Jersey’s diversity and the experiences that helped shape her worldview. She described growing up around different cultures and communities throughout the state. She also mentioned Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood while reflecting on her memories. For SZA, New Jersey deserves more recognition within the larger tri-state area. “Sometimes people [skip] over Jersey and go straight to New York,” she said. Her parents, Audrey and Abdul Mubarak-Rowe, were also part of the celebration. Both spoke about watching their daughter develop into an artist. Her mother recalled knowing SZA would accomplish something special, even if she did not know what path she would take. Her father reflected on hearing “Ctrl” and discovering another side of his daughter through her songwriting. SZA later called the induction “one of the biggest honors I’ve ever had.” A Career Filled With Milestones The Hall of Fame honor arrives as SZA continues expanding an already decorated career. She has won seven Grammy Awards and accumulated more than 70 billion streams across platforms, according to the organization. Her 2017 debut album, “Ctrl,” helped establish her as one of R&B’s leading voices.

Jazzma Kendrick has come forward with allegations of physical abuse against rapper Rick Ross, sharing photos of facial injuries to her social media accounts early Sunday morning. Kendrick, who has been in an on-and-off relationship with the Florida rapper since early 2025, posted images to her Instagram Story that she claims show the aftermath of an assault. In one post, Kendrick shared a photo of a bruised and swollen lip, captioned as the day Ross allegedly “busted” her lip and the day she decided to leave the relationship. Responding to a follower who commented on her beauty, Kendrick wrote, “He saw a punching bag.” The model also included an emotional message for other women in similar circumstances, warning that domestic violence often escalates if the victim does not leave immediately. “I don’t know a lot of things, but I do know that a man that puts his hands on me, is a man that never loved me and never will,” Kendrick wrote. She urged her followers to value their lives and walk away after the first instance of violence, stating that “if a man hits you one time, he will do it again.” The posts did not provide a specific location or date for the alleged incidents. 50 Cent quickly weighed in on the allegations. While the G-Unit mogul has spent years trading insults with Ross over album sales and business ventures, he took a more serious tone regarding the domestic abuse claims while still taking a jab at the rapper’s career. “This punk put his hands on baby girl, he stressed that album didn’t sell,” 50 Cent wrote Sunday. “I’d laugh at him, but domestic violence is not a joke.” View this post on Instagram The reaction follows a recent string of social media spats between the two, including 50 Cent mocking Ross for canceling tour dates and Ross questioning 50 Cent’s business dealings in Shreveport, La. Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, has not yet issued a public statement regarding Kendrick’s accusations. Although Kendrick announced a split in September 2025, the couple appeared to have reconciled and were seen together in public as recently as July 2026.

A woman who accused hip-hop mogul Jay-Z of sexual assault has recanted her allegations in a new federal court declaration, saying she never met or spoke with the rapper. Jane Doe filed the 12-page declaration Thursday in Manhattan federal court, reversing claims that Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter sexually assaulted her after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards when she was 13. “Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter never raped me,” Doe wrote. “I have never met or spoken to Mr. Carter.” According to Rolling Stone the Jane Doe that made claims against Jay Z has now fully recanted their statements pic.twitter.com/UIgaiI4muv — 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) September 25, 2026 “Mr. Carter never engaged in any inappropriate conduct toward me whatsoever,” she added. Doe also stated there was “no truth” to her allegations against Carter and said they caused him significant harm. She claimed attorneys filed allegations against Carter without conducting an independent investigation. Her new attorney, James Blair Newman Jr., said Doe maintains she was sexually assaulted but was “entirely mistaken” in identifying Carter. Jane Doe Recants Sexual Assault Claims Against Hip-Hop Mogul Jay-Z “Mr. Carter did not rape her, sexually assault her, engage in any inappropriate conduct towards her, and she has never met him,” Newman said. Doe initially accused Carter and Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexual assault. An amended complaint later identified Carter as the second alleged assailant. Carter denied the allegations and later sued Doe and her attorneys, including Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee. His federal suit alleges malicious prosecution and related claims. Doe withdrew her underlying lawsuit with prejudice in February 2025 after acknowledging inconsistencies in her account. Buzbee has disputed claims that he pressured Doe to accuse Carter. He has said multiple attorneys interviewed Doe before his involvement and that his firm believed her account at the time. Carter’s litigation against Buzbee continues despite Doe’s dismissal as a defendant. The recantation comes as Carter marks the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and promotes the eight-part documentary series JAŸ-Z IN 8. Carter has not publicly commented on Doe’s latest declaration.