The Inquisitr - News

November 19, 2021 Administrator , ,

The Inquisitr - News

NBA Rumors: Knicks-Pistons Trade Could Send Jerami Grant to New York, Obi Toppin To Detroit

Posted: 19 Nov 2021 05:09 PM PST

The New York Knicks headed into the 2021-22 NBA season with the goal of fully dominating the Eastern Conference and winning the NBA championship title. So far, the Knicks are going through plenty of ups and downs, sitting in the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference with an 8-7 record.

The Knicks may be currently in the playoff race but if they are serious about capturing the Larry O'Brien Trophy, most people believe that they should strongly consider improving their roster before the 2022 NBA trade deadline.

Jerami Grant To New York Knicks

According to Kenneth Teape of NBA Analysis Network, one of the most intriguing targets for the Knicks on the trade market is Jerami Grant of the Detroit Pistons. Since the Pistons started rebuilding their team, rumors have been continuously swirling around Grant and his future in Detroit.

The Pistons may not be actively trading Grant right now, but they are highly expected to move him if they are presented with a great offer. Having a plethora of young players and future draft assets, the Knicks are in a strong position to trade for Grant should the Pistons decide to make him available on the trading block.

Proposed Knicks-Pistons Trade Centered On Jerami Grant

Though he's not an All-Star, targeting a player like Grant would still come with a huge price for the Knicks. In the proposed trade scenario by NBA Analysis Network, the Knicks would be sending a package that includes Obi Toppin, Kevin Knox II, Alec Bucks, a top-3 protected 2022 first-round pick, and a 2023 second-round pick to the Pistons in exchange for Grant.

If the trade would push through before the 2022 NBA trade deadline, Teape believes that it would help the Knicks and the Pistons in filling up the needs to improve on their roster.

Knicks Get A Solid Two-Way Player

Grant would be an incredible addition to the Knicks. He's yet to earn his first All-Star recognition, but he's considered as one of the best two-way players in the league. The successful acquisition of Grant would boost the Knicks' performance on both ends of the floor.

As Teape noted, Grant would give the Knicks an "ace defender" and another "go-to option" behind Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Kemba Walker. This season, the 27-year-old small forward is averaging 18.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals while shooting 40.5 percent from the field and 30.9 percent from beyond the arc, per ESPN.

Pistons Add Two Talented Prospects

The Pistons may still consider Grant as part of their long-term future but at 27, he clearly doesn't fit the timeline of their young core. Instead of keeping him on their roster, trading him to the Knicks would enable them to add two talented prospects in Toppin and Knox II and two future draft assets to their collection.

"Obi Toppin looks ready to break out with a bigger role. His athleticism leads to plays to get the crowd going and his energy is infectious," Teape wrote. "Kevin Knox II has some potential, but he will never realize it with the Knicks. The Pistons could provide him with some minutes to continue his development, which has stalled being stuck at the end of New York's bench."

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Gucci Heiress Opens Up About Child Abuse

Posted: 19 Nov 2021 04:08 PM PST

Maurizio Gucci's life ended on March 27, 1995, when he was shot to death by a hitman hired by his own wife.

Prior to being murdered, Maurizio battled with members of his own family for control of the company, and ultimately prevailed.

But his murder and death are not the darkest secret of the Gucci family, though they are detailed extensively in the much-anticipated upcoming crime drama House of Gucci.

The Gucci family is covering up another dark and disturbing secret, according to Alexandra Zarini.

Alexandra Zarini

In an op-ed penned for USA Today, Zarini opened up about being sexually abused by her stepfather Joseph Ruffalo.

Zarini is the great-granddaughter of Guccio Gucci the founder of the global fashion empire, portrayed by Al Pacino in House of Gucci.

Zarini claims she and her sister were sexually abused by their stepfather for 15 years.

Ruffalo vehemently denies the abuse, and has reportedly tried to stop Zarini from speaking out, in order to preserve the Gucci brand and protect the family name.

Read more below.

Child Sexual Abuse

"For me, it started when I was six and continued until I was 22," Zarini wrote in her column.

"To protect the family name, I am convinced my mother, Patricia Gucci, colluded with him to conceal it. Unsurprisingly, Ruffalo has denied the abuse ever occurred and my mother and grandmother deny having known about it," she continued.

"I always suspected Ruffalo was holding something over my mother in exchange for her silence... It has become clear to me that her fear... may have guided her decision to stay quiet," Zarini wrote.

Hold Abusers Accountable

Zarini noted that research shows one in 10 children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday, and that 91 percent of child sexual abuse is conducted by someone known to the child or the child's family.

Child sexual abuse exists and is a major issue in every country, including the United States, Zarini wrote, and it can only be prevented if enough people speak out.

"Violence against children, in all its forms, must be confronted and their abusers held accountable, regardless of how difficult or painful the experience may be, to protect those who cannot protect themselves," she said.

End Stigma

Zarini, who is the Founder of Gucci Children's Foundation, concluded her column by expressing support for the Keep Kids Safe Movement, which is lead by various child safety organizations.

"The stigma of child sexual abuse must end. It will take all of us -- parents, teachers, bystanders -- to recognize the warning signs, and take action when we see or hear something that troubles us. It starts with a willingness to have an open and honest conversation about the topic," Zarini wrote.

"If we stay quiet, abusers win. We must make the protection of children a priority and break the silence. There's hope for all survivors of child sexual abuse. I am living proof of it," she added.

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Sixers Rumors: James Harden To Philly, Ben Simmons To Brooklyn Nets In Proposed Sign-And-Trade Deal

Posted: 19 Nov 2021 03:55 PM PST

The Philadelphia 76ers are currently one of the most active teams on the trade market in the 2021-22 NBA season. Though they continue to make efforts to convince him to stay, the Sixers are actively finding disgruntled superstar Ben Simmons a new home before the 2022 NBA trade deadline. Despite his shooting woes, the Sixers are still expecting a huge return for the former No. 1 pick.

In any potential deal involving Simmons, the Sixers have made it clear to everyone in the league that they would only entertain an offer that includes an All-Star caliber player in the trade package.

Harden Emerging Potential Sixer's Target

In a recent article, Sam Amick of The Athletic revealed that the Sixers have a list of at least 30 difference-making players whom they would consider trading Simmons. One of the potential targets for the Sixers in the deal involving Simmons is All-Star shooting guard James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets.

With his strong connection with Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, it's hardly surprising why "The Beard" is being linked to Philadelphia. However, with Harden focused on helping the Nets end their title drought, the Sixers may have to wait until the end of the season to pursue him on the market.

Sixers Believe James Harden Will Consider Philadelphia

As of now, Harden hasn't shown any sign that he's no longer happy with the Nets. However, if they fail to reach an agreement regarding a new contract in the 2022 NBA free agency, the Sixers believe that they could steal Harden from the Nets, according to Sam Quinn of CBS Sports.

"Multiple reports have now suggested that Philadelphia is interested in reuniting the pair," Quinn said referring to Simmons and Morey. "On paper, that appears unlikely. Harden got the trade he wanted. He is playing for a championship contender with the Brooklyn Nets. But he can become a free agent this offseason, and he hasn't yet signed a contract extension. All signs point to a new deal in Brooklyn, but if one does not materialize, Philadelphia seems to believe it would be atop Harden's wishlist."

A Perfect Fit With Joel Embiid

Harden would undeniably be an incredible trade target for the Sixers. Though he's not a great defender like Simmons, his potential arrival in the City of Brotherly Love would significantly improve their performance on the offensive end of the floor. He would give them one of the league's best active scorers, as well as a great playmaker, rebounder, and elite three-point shooter.

This season, the 32-year-old shooting guard is averaging 20.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from beyond the arc, per ESPN. With his ability to efficiently knock down shots from the three-point range, he would nicely fit alongside Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.

Sixers' Complicated Pursuit Of Harden

The Sixers' rumored pursuit of Harden in the 2022 NBA free agency won't be easy. As Quinn noted, Morey would need the cooperation of the Nets to make his reunion with Harden in Philadelphia next summer possible. The dream scenario for the Sixers is convincing the Nets to agree to a sign-and-trade deal that would send Harden to the City of Brotherly Love and Simmons to Brooklyn.

After successfully acquiring Harden, the Sixers would have to find a way to fill the rest of their roster using the limited salary cap space that they have.

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Real Life Gucci Girlfriend Speaks Out

Posted: 19 Nov 2021 03:37 PM PST

The biographical crime drama House of Gucci -- which stars Lady Gaga, Jared Leto, Al Pacino, and Adam Driver -- will be released theatrically in the United States next week.

The film has rekindled interest in Maurizio Gucci's life, as well as his murder, which was carried out by a hitman hired by his wife Patrizia Reggiani.

Reggiani was sentenced to 26 years in prison and released on parole in 2016, after 18 years.

One of Gucci's lovers, Sheree McLaughlin, is now speaking out. Read more below.

Sheree McLaughlin

Sheree McLaughlin, a native of Orange, Connecticut, met Maurizio Gucci in 1984, when she was 26 years old. They met in the Sardinian town of Porto Cervo during the 12-Metre Class World Championship.

A seasoned sailor, McLaughlin joined Maurizio's crew. Initially, she had no idea who she really was, but "was struck by how delighted he was by being out on the water," according to Bloomberg.

"It was as though he didn't have anything like that in his life. He had come alive. We laughed so hard. I felt like I had known him all my life," McLaughlin told the outlet.

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Gucci was married when he met McLaughlin, and so was she. But Maurizio nonetheless tracked McLaughlin down in Clearwater, Florida, where she and her husband ran an operation for the sailmaker North Sails.

The two talked on the phone every day, and Maurizio told her about the issues he was having with members of his family, who wanted to take ownership of the Gucci brand.

He also talked about the problems he was experiencing with his wife, and frequently shared stories about his two daughters, according to McLaughlin.

Romance

One day, McLaughlin told her husband that she got a job offer from Gucci and flew to Nice, France, to meet with Maurizio. When they met, the Gucci heir told her about his plans to rebrand his father's company.

In 1985, Maurizio told his wife he was leaving on a business trip. But he never returned. He packed his bags and simply vanished from her life.

"I was the catalyst. I didn't want to break up his marriage, but he said it was already broken," McLaughlin told Bloomberg.

Sheree got a divorce a year later, and Maurizio rented her an apartment in New York. That's when their relationship officially began.

Breakup

McLaughlin and Gucci saw each other frequently, meeting in New York, London, and Paris.

In 1988, McLaughlin moved to London, which made it easier for the couple to see each other. They traveled the world together, but after less than a year their relationship regressed.

In late 1989, McLaughlin told Maurizio she was ending their relationship.

On March 27, 1995, McLaughlin -- who was, at the time, working at Vogue -- received a phone call from Maurizio's lawyer Allan Tuttle.

"Sit down," Tuttle told her.

He explained what happened: Maurizio had been killed by a hitman as he walked up the steps of his office in Milan.

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NBA Rumors: Blockbuster Warriors-Mavericks-Raptors Trade Would Send James Wiseman To Toronto

Posted: 19 Nov 2021 03:00 PM PST

Though Klay Thompson is yet to return from an injury, the Golden State Warriors are already making their presence felt in the 2021-22 NBA season. As of now, the Warriors have won nine of the last 10 games, currently sitting in the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference with a 13-2 record. However, despite their impressive start, some people believe that the Warriors should still consider upgrading their roster before the 2022 NBA trade deadline.

Having a plethora of trade assets, the Warriors are in a strong position to engage in a blockbuster deal this season.

Warriors Lose James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Brown

In a recent article, Jack Simone of Fansided's Hoops Habit came up with a hypothetical three-team blockbuster trade idea that would enable the Warriors to add some frontcourt reinforcements before the 2022 NBA trade deadline. Aside from the Warriors, the deal would also involve the Dallas Mavericks and the Toronto Raptors.

In the proposed trade scenario, the Warriors would acquire Dorian Finney-Smith, Chris Boucher, and Maxi Kleber, the Raptors would get James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Brown, while the Mavericks would obtain Goran Dragic, Nemanja Bjelica, and Svi Mykhailiuk.

Warriors Solidify Their Frontcourt Depth

Though they wouldn't be getting a superstar in exchange for their two best trade assets, the hypothetical three-way blockbuster would enable the Warriors to solidify their frontcourt depth.

"Boucher and Finney-Smith have struggled to shoot the ball, but both are great defenders who could turn things around shooting-wise at any point," Simone wrote. "They fit the mold of what Golden State is trying to do to a tee. The same can be said for Maxi Kleber. He has missed extended time with an injury, but once he returns, he would be a solid defender who can stretch the floor for the Warriors."

Raptors Get Rebuild Assets

Meanwhile, the Raptors could end up being the biggest winner in the proposed blockbuster deal with the Warriors and the Mavericks. By simply giving up Boucher and the aging Dragic, the Raptors would be acquiring assets that would be essential to their rebuilding plans.

Wiseman, Brown, and Kuminga could join OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, and Isaac Bonga and form the core of the next title-contending that the Raptors would try to build in Toronto in the post-Kyle Lowry era.

Mavericks Add Veteran Playmaker Goran Dragic

The suggested three-way blockbuster trade would also make a lot of sense for the Mavericks. At the cost of their two best defenders, the Mavericks would be receiving a veteran point guard with plenty of playoff experience in Dragic and two reliable floor-spacers in Bjelica and Mykhailiuk.

Dragic may no longer be in his prime, but having him on their roster would help the Mavericks ease the loads on Doncic's shoulders in terms of playmaking and scoring. Three years after winning the gold in EuroBasket in 2017, Dragic and Doncic, who both came from Slovenia, would definitely love to team up again in their quest for their first NBA championship title.

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Lauren Boebert & Mike Lindell Implicated In FBI Raid On MAGA Election Clerk

Posted: 19 Nov 2021 02:42 PM PST

FBI agents on Tuesday raided Colorado elections clerk Tina Peters' home, reportedly over a leak of 2020 election data to QAnon conspiracy theorists.

The leak took place in May, when someone turned off the security cameras monitoring Mesa County elections machines, which allowed a person using the pseudonym "Gerald Wood" to leak election data to Ron Watkins, a far-right conspiracy theorist and former administrator of the QAnon-hosting forum 8kun.

The leak fed into 2020 election conspiracy theories that former President Donald Trump has pushed since losing to Democrat Joe Biden.

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Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert and My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell are also implicated in the FBI's raid, according to The Daily Beast.

Lindell, a staunch Trump supporter and a proponent of the theory that the 2020 race was rigged for Biden, used Mesa County data as a talking point at his so-called cyber symposium this summer. Peters actually attended the symposium -- she traveled there on Lindell's private jet, but bought a ticket to the event using taxpayer's money.

Peters also gave a speech at Lindell's gathering, becoming a star of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

Peters & Lindell

After her speech at the symposium, Peters went into hiding -- she allegedly hid in one of Lindell's "safe houses" somewhere in the United States.

Peters reemerged in mid-September, returning to Colorado. Legal troubles mounted while she was away. Now, Peters is being sued by the Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's office, which claims that she has not filed a campaign finance report since January 2019.

Furthermore, Colorado activists have filed a complaint against Peters, accusing her of violating the state's constitution by accepting gifts worth more than $50.

Lauren Boebert

The home of Sherronna Bishop, Lauren Boebert's former campaign manager, was reportedly raided on the same day the FBI raided Peters' house in Colorado.

Boebert, who was elected to Congress in the previous election cycle, is a strong Trump supporter and, much like Lindell, a proponent of the rigged election conspiracy theory. She also has ties to QAnon, and has in the past expressed support for the far-right movement.

Neither Boebert nor Bishop responded to The Daily Beast's requests for comment, so their position on the situation remains unclear.

QAnon In GOP

Some fear that the QAnon movement is taking over the Republican Party.

As Business Insider reported, GOP Rep. Peter Meijer of Michigan said earlier this year that the movement might even destroy his party.

"The fact that a significant plurality, if not potentially a majority, of our voters have been deceived into this creation of an alternate reality could very well be an existential threat to the party," Meijer said in an interview with CNN, noting that Q conspiracy theories fuel "incredibly unrealistic and unachievable expectations."

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How Anna Kendrick Stepped Out Of Kristen Stewart's Shadow

Posted: 19 Nov 2021 02:37 PM PST

Anna Kendrick may have started out as Kristen Stewart's sidekick of sorts in Twilight but she has proven that she deserves to be on the spotlight too.

The 36-year-old actress has made quite a name for herself, starring in box office franchise Pitch Perfect and HBO series Love Life, which she both stars in and produces.

Scroll down to see Anna's rise to stardom.

Anna Kendrick In The Twilight Movies

Kendrick's first big movie role was in the Twilight saga. She played Bella's friend Jessica Stanley, who didn't really have much significance in the series.

Anna shared in a video for Vanity Fair that she was actually miserable filming the first film because the weather in Portland, Oregon was so cold.

"I just remember my Converse being completely soaked through and feeling like, 'You know, this is a really great group of people and I'm sure that we would be friends at a different time, but I want to murder everyone."

Theater Background

While a lot of people think that Twilight was Kendrick's first try at acting, she actually started her career when she was 12 year old.

She first started in theater, landing a role in 1998 Broadway musical High Society. Her impressive performance earned her a nomination for a Tony award, making her one of the youngest theater actors to be nominated.

Her talent for singing was apparent early on. This eventually led her to more musical roles in film, including Trolls, Into The Woods and Pitch Perfect.

Anna Kendrick Dedicates Performance For Emily Blunt

Anna's performance prowess isn't reserved for the Broadway stage alone. She has also performed for the Lip Sync Battle stage, battling it out with actor John Krasinki, not just for the winning title but also for Emily Blunt's heart.

Kendrick taunted Krasinski by dedicating her performance of One Direction's 'Steal My Girl' to his wife. She even wore a t-shirt printed with a heart-shaped photo of herself and Blunt, as she serenaded a TV screen with pictures of the British actress.

Watch Anna's winning performance below:

Success Of HBO's 'Love Life' Series

Currently, Kendrick has also found success in TV, starring in and producing hit HBO romantic anthology series Love Life.

In the show, she plays the charming New Yorker Darby Carter, who is navigating her love life after a heartbreak.

The first and second seasons of the show were a huge success, prompting viewers to demand a third installment. There are no confirmations yet but it is likely that the show will be returning for a third season.

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NBA Rumors: Zion Williamson Could Form Pelicans' 'Big Three' With Karl-Anthony Towns & D'Angelo Russell

Posted: 19 Nov 2021 12:44 PM PST

Since the 2021 NBA offseason, rumors have been swirling around All-Star power forward Zion Williamson and his future with the New Orleans Pelicans. After failing to reach the playoffs for the third consecutive year, Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, and William Guillory of The Athletic revealed in mid-June Williamson's camp was growing unhappy with the Pelicans.

However, as of now, there's no indication that Williamson and the Pelicans would be parting ways soon. Instead of listening to offers for him, the Pelicans are finding ways to surround Williamson with talents that could help them become a more competitive team in the 2021-22 NBA season.

Proposed Blockbuster Trade Benefits Pelicans' Zion Williamson

In a recent article, Greg Patuto of NBA Analysis Network came up with a hypothetical blockbuster trade idea that would enable the Pelicans to pair Williamson with Minnesota Timberwolves superstars Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell. In the proposed trade scenario, the Pelicans would be sending a package that includes Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas, Josh Hart, Garrett Temple, a 2022 first-round pick, a 2023 first-round pick, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2025 first-round pick to the Timberwolves in exchange for Towns, Russell, and Jaylen Nowell.

Karl-Anthony Towns Forms Formidable Frontcourt Duo With Zion Williamson

Valanciunas may be performing well in his first year in New Orleans, but swapping him with Towns should be a no-brainer. Karl-Anthony Towns would be a massive upgrade over Valanciunas at the starting center position. Aside from being a dominant force under the basket, the former No. 1 pick is also capable of knocking down shots from beyond the arc.

This season, the 26-year-old center is averaging 23.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.4 steals while shooting 50.6 percent from the field and 46.0 percent from beyond the arc, per ESPN.

D'Angelo Russell Boosts Pelicans' Backcourt

Towns isn't the only young All-Star who would be joining forces with Williamson in New Orleans, but also his close pal D'Angelo Russell. The successful acquisition of Russell from the Timberwolves would boost the Pelicans' backcourt. He would give them a very reliable scoring option, a great playmaker, and a decent floor-spacer.

This season, the 25-year-old point guard is averaging 18.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.0 steal while shooting 37.9 percent from the field and 33.0 percent from beyond the arc, per ESPN. If Russell, Williamson, and Towns find the perfect chemistry, the Pelicans could form their own "Big Three" in the 2021-22 NBA season.

Does The Trade Make Sense For The Timberwolves?

The proposed blockbuster deal with the Pelicans would be worth exploring for the Timberwolves, especially if Towns demands a trade and they want to undergo another rebuild. By sending him and Russell to New Orleans, the Timberwolves would be acquiring a new franchise cornerstone in Ingram, a young sharpshooter in Hart, two solid veteran role players in Valanciunas and Temple, and multiple future draft assets.

Valanciunas would serve as an immediate replacement for Towns at the starting center position, while Ingram would be Anthony Edwards new superstar running mate in Minnesota.

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Zac Stacy Wanted By Police After Savagely Beating His Ex

Posted: 19 Nov 2021 12:36 PM PST

Former Jets running back Zac Stacy is reportedly on the run and wanted by the authorities after savagely beating his ex-girlfriend Kristin Evans.

Footage from a home surveillance camera -- which can be viewed below -- clearly shows Stacy monstrously beating Evans in front of their 5-month-old son in, throwing her around, punching and dragging her across the room.

The disturbing case has attracted the attention of both the press and the NFL , with many players -- including Stacy's former teammates -- condemning Stacy's behavior.

Read more below.

Disturbing Video

In the surveillance camera video -- which has been posted to several social media sites -- the 30-year-old athlete is seen exploding with rage.

In the clip, Stacy first approaches Evans and hits her in the head with his fist. He repeatedly strikes her, and then throws her into the television set, causing it to collapse.

Evans then tries to tell something to Stacy, but he repeatedly hits her while she is on the ground, begging for him to stop. The former Jets running back then body slams his ex on their baby's walker.

Charges

Stacy now faces aggravated battery and criminal mischief charges. He has fled Florida and may be hiding out in the Nashville, Tennessee area, according to The New York Post.

"Efforts are underway to capture Stacy, and we would urge him to turn himself in and face the criminal charges," the Oakland Police Department said in a statement.

Evans called 911 after Stacy beat her. She was transported to a nearby hospital with bruises and a head wound. Evans previously filed a police report in October, when Stacy allegedly slapped her.

Kristin Evans Speaks Out

In a video posted to social media, Evans said that friends are hiding Stacy and asked the public for help.

"I don't know why his friends are hiding him. If you see him -- he drives a white Kia Optima, a 2020 I believe or a 2021. If you see him or you know of any location that he might be, please turn him in or call your local authorities," Evans said.

According to Evans, Stacy began abusing her when she became pregnant with his child last year.

NFL Players Condemn Stacy

NFL players condemned Stacy's actions, as reported by Yahoo Sports.

"For the record, any man that puts his hands on a woman is a coward! Short of defending yourself in a life or death situation, there is no excuse!" Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell wrote in a tweet.

"I'm not retweeting the video but ZAC STACY NEEDS TO BE THROWN UNDER THE JAIL. Any man that puts his hands on a woman is a coward. Can't believe what I just saw," Packers receiver Davante Adams said.

Stacy's former teammate Chris Long, meanwhile, said that it is "crazy to play [with] someone for a couple years & you have no idea what kind of bullsh*t they do at home."

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Gary Payton II Was The Missing Piece For The Warriors' Championship Puzzle

Posted: 19 Nov 2021 12:33 PM PST

It's been a tough couple of years for the Golden State Warriors.

They went from making the NBA Finals five years in a row to not even making the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

Now, Steve Kerr's team looks again like a dynasty, and one of the biggest reasons behind their success has been the surge of Gary Payton II.

'The Mitten' barely made the Dubs roster but has become a crucial part of the rotation thanks to his new-found shooting stroke and his defensive fierceness.

Payton Didn't Like Being Compared To His Father

Payton clearly inherited some of his father's defensive traits.

But unlike 'The Glove', Payton's NBA journey has been tough and with plenty of adversity, constantly being cut and going on and off the G-League:

"You're probably going to be compared throughout your life," Payton told Basketball News. _ "Growing up it was a problem for me, I just didn't know how to deal with it, but as I got older and wiser I matured and I realized that he had his route and I have mine, and don't worry about what people are going to try to compare you to, because we have two different routes in two different eras. So I stopped caring about that some time ago."_

Shaq Uses Payton As An Inspiration

Payton has had to earn his stripes the hard way. Regardless of his gene pool or his last name, he's had to work for every single minute of playing time.

That's why he's turned so many heads around the league, and even Shaquille O'Neal had to take some time to shout him out on live TV:

"Before you roll the tape, let me introduce him to America," Shaq said, as quoted by NBC Sports. "College at Oregon State, you probably know that. Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year both seasons, didn't get drafted, G League for 128 games, Defensive Player of the Year in the G League. 85 games, six seasons with four franchises. Played 10 games with the Warriors last season. Was cut this year, they re-signed him."

"The message I want to send to the little kids is that you should never give up," Shaq added. "If you never give up and you believe in yourself and believe in your passion, this is what you become. We all know who the father is and how he was raised, I know his mother too. But listen, the guy plays hard, he plays well and he never gave up. There's a lot of guys who say 'hey, I'm not going to make it and I'll just do whatever.' But this kid never gave up and he's finally getting his chance."

Steve Kerr Praises His Defensive Prowess

Payton took Juan Toscano-Anderson's minutes in the rotation and has been often used in crunch-time lineups.

His newly-found ability to knock down shots provides the Warriors another floor-spacer, and his athleticism and instincts as a slasher no longer make him an offensive liability:

"He's just a great weapon to have, defensively especially, but he's also hitting his threes this year," Kerr said, per NBC Sports. "So he has worked hard on his shot, dynamic defensively. Ready every single night. Always cheering everybody on. He's a guy you can play 20 minutes or zero and he's still got the same energy, the same life. He's just a great guy to have on the team, great teammate."

Payton Has Been The X-Factor For The Dubs

The Warriors have had a guy like Payton in every single one of their title runs under Steve Kerr.

It was either Shaun Livingston or Andre Iguodala, but they've always had a versatile, pesky, physical defender that can switch in to multiple positions.

Thus far, he's averaging 6.1 points on 68% shooting and 40% from the floor while having the best defensive box plus-minus on the team at 4.8.

His 22.8 PER is second on the team behind Stephen Curry, and he's got the best offensive rating (141) and defensive rating (94) on the team as well.

Payton's impact goes way beyond the stat sheet and the eye test and, while he won't win Finals MVP, he'll play a big part in the Dubs' success this season.

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