The Phoenix Suns’ attempt to leave cable behind has been blocked so hard, some fans might be wondering if Dikembe Mutombo was judging the case.
In late April, the NBA’s Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury announced that they had struck a deal with Gray Television, who henceforward would distribute the teams’ games on local broadcast television stations. As part of the deal, the streaming startup Kiswe would provide a direct-to-consumer (Dtc) streaming option that would not require a pay-tv subscription to access.
Suns and Mercury games are currently broadcast by Bally Sports Arizona during the regular season. The regional sports network’s parent company Diamond Sports Group (Dsg) is currently in bankruptcy court, attempting to restructure a debt load of more than $8 billion. Dsg objected to the deal between Gray and the two teams, saying it violated bankruptcy code and constituted a breach of contract.
Judge Christopher Lopez,...
In late April, the NBA’s Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury announced that they had struck a deal with Gray Television, who henceforward would distribute the teams’ games on local broadcast television stations. As part of the deal, the streaming startup Kiswe would provide a direct-to-consumer (Dtc) streaming option that would not require a pay-tv subscription to access.
Suns and Mercury games are currently broadcast by Bally Sports Arizona during the regular season. The regional sports network’s parent company Diamond Sports Group (Dsg) is currently in bankruptcy court, attempting to restructure a debt load of more than $8 billion. Dsg objected to the deal between Gray and the two teams, saying it violated bankruptcy code and constituted a breach of contract.
Judge Christopher Lopez,...
- 5/11/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Dikembe Mutombo, the gravelly voiced center whose finger-wagging shot-blocking made him a Denver Nuggets legend and built a cult following among basketball fans worldwide, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, the NBA said in a statement Saturday on behalf of him and his family.
“He is receiving the best care possible from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment,” the statement said.
The 56-year-old Mutombo was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo before moving to the United States and playing college basketball at Georgetown University. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets as the fourth pick in the 1991 draft. He later played with six NBA teams throughout his 18-year career and was an eight-time NBA All-Star.
He retired in 2009 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
He added to his fame when he appeared in a...
“He is receiving the best care possible from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment,” the statement said.
The 56-year-old Mutombo was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo before moving to the United States and playing college basketball at Georgetown University. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets as the fourth pick in the 1991 draft. He later played with six NBA teams throughout his 18-year career and was an eight-time NBA All-Star.
He retired in 2009 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
He added to his fame when he appeared in a...
- 10/15/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Alcon Entertainment has joined Rtg Features and May 3rd Films for their upcoming docuseries on legendary basketball coach John Thompson.
Alcon is co-financing and co-producing alongside Rtg, the sister studio to global basketball media leader Slam, with Kirk Fraser (ESPN 30 for 30‘s Without Bias) directing and producing via his company, May 3rd. Also coming aboard the project as writer and creative producer is Jesse Washington, who collaborated with Thompson on his autobiography, I Came As a Shadow.
Passing away in late 2020, aged 78, Thompson was a pioneer credited with opening the door for a generation of African-American head coaches, with his commitment to education, racial justice and women’s rights setting him apart from his peers. He coached the Georgetown University men’s basketball team for almost 30 years, taking them to three Final Four appearances and one national championship, with his 1984 title being the first claimed by a Black head coach in college basketball.
Alcon is co-financing and co-producing alongside Rtg, the sister studio to global basketball media leader Slam, with Kirk Fraser (ESPN 30 for 30‘s Without Bias) directing and producing via his company, May 3rd. Also coming aboard the project as writer and creative producer is Jesse Washington, who collaborated with Thompson on his autobiography, I Came As a Shadow.
Passing away in late 2020, aged 78, Thompson was a pioneer credited with opening the door for a generation of African-American head coaches, with his commitment to education, racial justice and women’s rights setting him apart from his peers. He coached the Georgetown University men’s basketball team for almost 30 years, taking them to three Final Four appearances and one national championship, with his 1984 title being the first claimed by a Black head coach in college basketball.
- 9/7/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Justina Valentine at the 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards. Pic credit: ©ImageCollect.com/Birdie Thompson/AdMedia
Wild ‘N Out star Justina Valentine recently teased fans with a preview of an upcoming track and made sure there was an eye-catching presentation of the audio snippet as she posed in a skimpy bikini.
On Thursday, the popular TV host, singer, and rapper posted a scorching-hot video on her Instagram page, where she often shares new music, clothing selections, and clips from Wild N’ Out.
Valentine donned a glittery two-piece swimsuit for her video, with an intro to her upcoming song playing. Along with the sparkly bikini top and bottoms that barely cover her, Justina wears a shiny watch and several chains, including one holding her name “Valentine.” Her overall presentation gets extra sizzle with a pair of knee-high cheetah-print boots.
As the camera gets closer, she adjusts her vibrant red hair before...
Wild ‘N Out star Justina Valentine recently teased fans with a preview of an upcoming track and made sure there was an eye-catching presentation of the audio snippet as she posed in a skimpy bikini.
On Thursday, the popular TV host, singer, and rapper posted a scorching-hot video on her Instagram page, where she often shares new music, clothing selections, and clips from Wild N’ Out.
Valentine donned a glittery two-piece swimsuit for her video, with an intro to her upcoming song playing. Along with the sparkly bikini top and bottoms that barely cover her, Justina wears a shiny watch and several chains, including one holding her name “Valentine.” Her overall presentation gets extra sizzle with a pair of knee-high cheetah-print boots.
As the camera gets closer, she adjusts her vibrant red hair before...
- 8/19/2022
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
On Wednesday night, the biggest stars in sports and entertainment convened at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to celebrate the year’s best moments in sports at the Espys.
Below is a full list of who took home the night’s hardware:
Best Championship Performance: Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Eileen Gu, Skiing
Best Athlete, Women’s Sports: Katie Ledecky
Best Athlete, Men’s Sports: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels
Best Record-Breaking Performance: Stephen Curry most 3-pointers made in NBA history
Best Play: Megan Rapinoe Scores from the Corner
Best Comeback Athlete: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
Best Team: Golden State Warriors
Best Nwsl Player: Ashley Hatch, Washington Spirit
Best Mls Player: Carlos Vela, Lafc
Best Athlete with a Disability, Men’s Sports: Brad Snyder, Paratriathlon
Best Athlete with a Disability, Women’s Sports: Jessica Long, Swimming
Best Athlete, Men’s Action Sports: Eli Tomac, Supercross
Best Athlete,...
Below is a full list of who took home the night’s hardware:
Best Championship Performance: Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Eileen Gu, Skiing
Best Athlete, Women’s Sports: Katie Ledecky
Best Athlete, Men’s Sports: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels
Best Record-Breaking Performance: Stephen Curry most 3-pointers made in NBA history
Best Play: Megan Rapinoe Scores from the Corner
Best Comeback Athlete: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
Best Team: Golden State Warriors
Best Nwsl Player: Ashley Hatch, Washington Spirit
Best Mls Player: Carlos Vela, Lafc
Best Athlete with a Disability, Men’s Sports: Brad Snyder, Paratriathlon
Best Athlete with a Disability, Women’s Sports: Jessica Long, Swimming
Best Athlete, Men’s Action Sports: Eli Tomac, Supercross
Best Athlete,...
- 7/21/2022
- by TheWrap Staff
- The Wrap
Forest Whitaker has joined global economist and author Dr. Dambisa Moyo to become the latest among a group of African business leaders and ex-basketball players to invest in NBA Africa. They are strategic investors who bring money, brainpower and activism to the body. Whitaker’s Oscar came from The Last King of Scotland, playing the tyrannical former Ugandan leader Idi Amin.
“The game of basketball is incredibly inspirational, and my decade working in Africa has shown me how sports can be a transformative method of helping to foster peace, as well as an economic engine for socioeconomic development in areas of conflict,” Whitaker said. “ I too deeply believe in the league’s commitment to youth empowerment and am so excited to work alongside the NBA Africa family.”
Last July, former President Barack Obama joined NBA Africa as a strategic partner. Strategic investors in NBA Africa also include a consortium led by Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo,...
“The game of basketball is incredibly inspirational, and my decade working in Africa has shown me how sports can be a transformative method of helping to foster peace, as well as an economic engine for socioeconomic development in areas of conflict,” Whitaker said. “ I too deeply believe in the league’s commitment to youth empowerment and am so excited to work alongside the NBA Africa family.”
Last July, former President Barack Obama joined NBA Africa as a strategic partner. Strategic investors in NBA Africa also include a consortium led by Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo,...
- 12/21/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Alumni Pros Global Sports (Apgs) has set an exclusive partnership with David Steward II’s Lion Forge Animation studio (Hair Love), making Lion Forge Animation the official partner and producer of all animated content conceived by the hundreds of professional athletes within the Apgs network.
Apgs advisors and investors include NBA Hall of Famers Julius “Dr. J” Erving, George Gervin, Spencer Haywood, Allen Iverson, Dikembe Mutombo, and Mitch Richmond, NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, and current NFL players Brandon Copeland and Tahir Whitehead.
The pact, constructed by Apgs co-founder Robert Smith and Lfa’s Head of Business Development Jimmy Thomas, will span long and short form episodic series as well as features, shorts, and hybrid content.
The partnership will look to capitalise on content produced, written and distributed by current and retired professional athletes and give pro athletes the opportunity to pool their resources to finance, produce, distribute,...
Apgs advisors and investors include NBA Hall of Famers Julius “Dr. J” Erving, George Gervin, Spencer Haywood, Allen Iverson, Dikembe Mutombo, and Mitch Richmond, NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, and current NFL players Brandon Copeland and Tahir Whitehead.
The pact, constructed by Apgs co-founder Robert Smith and Lfa’s Head of Business Development Jimmy Thomas, will span long and short form episodic series as well as features, shorts, and hybrid content.
The partnership will look to capitalise on content produced, written and distributed by current and retired professional athletes and give pro athletes the opportunity to pool their resources to finance, produce, distribute,...
- 10/27/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
We’ve got questions, and you’ve (maybe) got answers! With another week of TV gone by, we’re lobbing queries left and right about shows including Batwoman, This Is Us, Seal Team, American Idol and Grey’s Anatomy!
1 | What did the Wynonna Earp writers know and when did they know it, that last week’s cannibalism-tinged episode had an Armie Hammer reference in it?
More from TVLinePerformer of the Week: Cynthia ErivoThis Is Us Recap: In the Nick of Time -- Plus, Who Made a Surprise Return?This Is Us Sneak Peek: Will Nicky Accept Jack's Romantic Advice?
2 | After seeing...
1 | What did the Wynonna Earp writers know and when did they know it, that last week’s cannibalism-tinged episode had an Armie Hammer reference in it?
More from TVLinePerformer of the Week: Cynthia ErivoThis Is Us Recap: In the Nick of Time -- Plus, Who Made a Surprise Return?This Is Us Sneak Peek: Will Nicky Accept Jack's Romantic Advice?
2 | After seeing...
- 3/26/2021
- by Vlada Gelman, Matt Webb Mitovich, Andy Swift, Dave Nemetz, Rebecca Iannucci, Ryan Schwartz, Nick Caruso and Mekeisha Madden Toby
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Newly launched Rtg Features, the sister studio to basketball media company Slam, has set one of its first projects, co-financing and co-producing a documentary about Georgetown University basketball coach John Thompson, who died in August at age 78.
Kirk Fraser, whose credits include ESPN 30 for 30’s Without Bias, is directing the docu and will also produce under his May 3rd Films banner. Jimmy Jenkins (Showtime’s Basketball County: In the Water) and Ronny Thompson, the son of Coach Thompson, will also produce.
Thompson spent almost 30 years as the coach of Georgetown’s men’s basketball team, leading them to three Final Four appearances and one national championship. In 1984, he made history as the first Black head coach in college basketball to lead his team to an NCAA Division I title. The legendary coach was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999 and was a pioneer credited with opening the...
Kirk Fraser, whose credits include ESPN 30 for 30’s Without Bias, is directing the docu and will also produce under his May 3rd Films banner. Jimmy Jenkins (Showtime’s Basketball County: In the Water) and Ronny Thompson, the son of Coach Thompson, will also produce.
Thompson spent almost 30 years as the coach of Georgetown’s men’s basketball team, leading them to three Final Four appearances and one national championship. In 1984, he made history as the first Black head coach in college basketball to lead his team to an NCAA Division I title. The legendary coach was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999 and was a pioneer credited with opening the...
- 9/23/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
John Thompson Jr., the legendary basketball coach who led the Georgetown Hoyas to the NCAA national championship in 1984, died Monday. He was 78.
The Team 980, a D.C. sports radio station, first reported the news. No cause of death has been announced.
Thompson, affectionately known as “Big John,” became the first Black coach to win the NCAA championship when the Hoyas topped the Houston Cougars by nine points in 1984. He led the Hoyas to three other Final Fours in the 1980s and also coached the U.S. men’s basketball team to the bronze medal at the 1988 Olympics.
Also Read: Cliff Robinson, NBA All-Star and 'Survivor' Contestant, Dies at 53
Among the players he coached in his 27-year career at Georgetown included Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo and Allen Iverson. His son, John Thompson III, later coached Georgetown from 2004-2017, leading them to one Final Four appearance.
As a player, John...
The Team 980, a D.C. sports radio station, first reported the news. No cause of death has been announced.
Thompson, affectionately known as “Big John,” became the first Black coach to win the NCAA championship when the Hoyas topped the Houston Cougars by nine points in 1984. He led the Hoyas to three other Final Fours in the 1980s and also coached the U.S. men’s basketball team to the bronze medal at the 1988 Olympics.
Also Read: Cliff Robinson, NBA All-Star and 'Survivor' Contestant, Dies at 53
Among the players he coached in his 27-year career at Georgetown included Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo and Allen Iverson. His son, John Thompson III, later coached Georgetown from 2004-2017, leading them to one Final Four appearance.
As a player, John...
- 8/31/2020
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
Emmy Award-winning entertainer, radio personality, motivational speaker, New York Times best-selling author, business mogul and philanthropist, Steve Harvey returned to Georgia with his mentoring weekend.
Steve Harvey Invitational Golf Tournament hosted by Lexus
The weekend kicked off with the Steve Harvey Invitational Golf Tournament hosted by Lexus. In addition, the weekend included the Boys Mentoring Camp and the Single Mother’s Enrichment Summit.
Steve added to the excitement of the weekend when the golf tournament concluded with a surprise announcement that he would pay off the remainder of one of his mentee’s college tuition. The biggest surprise of the weekend came when the Steve Harvey Foundation made the dream of nearby hospice patient, Kristen Moore – whose lifelong wish was to meet Steve Harvey – come true by inviting her to his VIP reception where she was able to sit down with Steve, her favorite entertainer.
The golf tournament was followed...
Steve Harvey Invitational Golf Tournament hosted by Lexus
The weekend kicked off with the Steve Harvey Invitational Golf Tournament hosted by Lexus. In addition, the weekend included the Boys Mentoring Camp and the Single Mother’s Enrichment Summit.
Steve added to the excitement of the weekend when the golf tournament concluded with a surprise announcement that he would pay off the remainder of one of his mentee’s college tuition. The biggest surprise of the weekend came when the Steve Harvey Foundation made the dream of nearby hospice patient, Kristen Moore – whose lifelong wish was to meet Steve Harvey – come true by inviting her to his VIP reception where she was able to sit down with Steve, her favorite entertainer.
The golf tournament was followed...
- 6/25/2019
- Look to the Stars
Cameras caught the moment when Dikembe Mutombo's fancy Rolls-Royce was smashed in Sunday night ... and the video appears to show a person messing with the NBA legend's car for several minutes. The incident took place at Landmark Diner in the Atlanta, Georgia area on Father's Day ... when cops say the windows on Mutombo's 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom were damaged by a vandal. In the video, obtained by TMZ Sports ... you can see a person back into...
- 6/23/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
The finger wag celebration is Back ... 'cause NBA rookie Mfiondu Kabengele says he got approval from his Hall of Fame uncle Dikembe Mutombo to use his signature block celebration!!! ... well, sort of. He's just gotta keep his wallet nearby. TMZ Sports spoke with the 6'10", 250 lb. ex-Florida State star one day after getting drafted by the L.A. Clippers ... and he says he can't wait to get to L.A. and meet his new teammates and coach Doc Rivers.
- 6/21/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Dikembe Mutombo's fancy Rolls-Royce Phantom was smashed up while he was having a Father's Day dinner with his family ... and now cops are on the hunt for the culprit. The 52-year-old NBA legend was dining at the Landmark Diner in the Atlanta area late Sunday evening -- when someone ran into the restaurant and yelled out that multiple cars had been vandalized in the parking lot. When Dikembe checked out his 2009 Rolls, he noticed...
- 6/17/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Turner Sports and the NBA today announced that broadcasting legend Robin Roberts will be the recipient of this year’s Sager Strong Award at the 2019 NBA Awards presented by Kia on TNT, airing Monday, June 24, at 9 p.m. Et.
Robin Roberts to be Honored with Sager Strong Award
The Sager Strong Award, named for iconic Turner Sports sideline reporter Craig Sager, is presented annually to an individual who has been a trailblazer while exemplifying courage, faith, compassion and grace. The award is bestowed upon the recipient in the form of a colorful suit jacket, a replica of the one worn by Sager during his unforgettable “Time is simply how you live your life” speech in 2016. Past Sager Strong recipients include NBA legends Monty Williams in 2017 and Dikembe Mutombo in 2018.
As anchor for ABC’s Good Morning America, Roberts has been recognized with numerous awards due to her leadership, courage, sustained...
Robin Roberts to be Honored with Sager Strong Award
The Sager Strong Award, named for iconic Turner Sports sideline reporter Craig Sager, is presented annually to an individual who has been a trailblazer while exemplifying courage, faith, compassion and grace. The award is bestowed upon the recipient in the form of a colorful suit jacket, a replica of the one worn by Sager during his unforgettable “Time is simply how you live your life” speech in 2016. Past Sager Strong recipients include NBA legends Monty Williams in 2017 and Dikembe Mutombo in 2018.
As anchor for ABC’s Good Morning America, Roberts has been recognized with numerous awards due to her leadership, courage, sustained...
- 5/9/2019
- Look to the Stars
The child Dikembe Mutombo flew to the U.S. to remove a massive tumor from his face has sadly died after he suffered a "rare and unpredictable genetic reaction to anesthesia" during surgery ... TMZ has learned. 8-year-old Matadi Sela Petit from the Democratic Republic of Congo died Friday night after complications from his delicate surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A. ... according to The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation. The foundation says ... "We are devastated by...
- 12/22/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
The child Dikembe Mutombo brought to the United States for a surgery to remove a life-threatening tumor on his face, went into cardiac arrest during the operation ... TMZ has learned. Sources familiar with the surgery tell us, at around 6 Pm Sunday, more than 6 hours into the operation, 8-year-old Matadi went into cardiac arrest and was immediately taken to the Intensive Care Unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A. We're told he's now in stable condition and is slowly recovering.
- 12/18/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
The little boy who came over from the Congo -- with a major assist from retired NBA star Dikembe Mutombo -- is on the operating table right now, and by day's end, he could be tumor free. TMZ has learned 8-year-old Matadi went into surgery Sunday at 11:30 Am Pst at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. We're told the operation is expected to last around 6 hours. His family is at the hospital waiting on word from doctors.
- 12/16/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
This Is Amazing. Dikembe Mutombo flew an 8-year-old boy from Africa with a large tumor on his face -- who's been shunned by society -- to Los Angeles ... so he could be operated on by a team of American doctors. TMZ Sports saw Mutombo at Lax ... when he told us the heartwarming story. The NBA Hall of Famer says he met the young boy back in September at the hospital he built in Congo ... and...
- 12/13/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
You can clearly tell just how much George H.W. Bush was liked and respected simply by the incredible number of celebs who turned out for the late President's funeral in the Lone Star State. Reba McEntire sang "The Lord's Prayer" and The Oak Ridge Boys gave a powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace" during the funeral services Thursday at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston. Everything's bigger in Texas, including Houston sports stars -- past...
- 12/6/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Dikembe Mutombo loves Joel Embiid so damn much, he wants the young star to carry on his legendary finger wag ... so he's offering up personal lessons! First off, props to Mutombo who spent his Turkey Day volunteering at the Hosea Williams Feed The Hungry Thanksgiving dinner in Atlanta. Good on you and everyone involved in that program. As for Embiid, Mutombo has previously talked about how he views the Philadelphia 76ers star "like a son...
- 11/23/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Dikembe Mutombo is a Georgetown basketball legend, and one of the biggest supporters of the Hoyas you could ever imagine, so you'd figure his Huge son would be destined for bball in D.C. Doesn't seem like it. We got Mutombo out at Lax with his son 15-year-old Ryan Mutombo, who At 6'9" is already making some noise on the prep basketball scene. Our guy asked if Ryan would be interested in pairing up with...
- 6/30/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
He's a living legend in Africa -- he was born there, he does a ton of charity work there ... but when it comes to the World Cup, Dikembe Mutombo says his #1 team is from Another continent. "My #1 team is still Brazil," Mutombo told TMZ Sports on his way out of Catch in West Hollywood. "If I have to pick a #2, I think I would go with Senegal & Nigeria. I got to cheer for my homeboys.
- 6/26/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
The second annual NBA Awards were handed out Monday night. Winners received their trophies at a ceremony hosted by Anthony Anderson.
The league's top performers from the 2017-18 season were honored at the awards show, taking place at the Barker Hangar in Los Angeles and airing live on TNT at 9 p.m. Et. Travis Scott performed his songs "Butterfly Effect" and "Goosebumps" during the ceremony, while the Inside the NBA studio team of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal was featured throughout the show.
Additionally, Dikembe Mutombo, who played for 18 seasons in ...
The league's top performers from the 2017-18 season were honored at the awards show, taking place at the Barker Hangar in Los Angeles and airing live on TNT at 9 p.m. Et. Travis Scott performed his songs "Butterfly Effect" and "Goosebumps" during the ceremony, while the Inside the NBA studio team of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal was featured throughout the show.
Additionally, Dikembe Mutombo, who played for 18 seasons in ...
- 6/25/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Dikembe Mutombo says he's gonna show the world just how honored he is to receive the Craig Sager Strong Award ... by actually wearing the crazy Craig Sager-inspired jacket given to the winner. It was just announced that Mutombo would be the recipient of the 2018 award ... which is given to individuals who display courage, compassion and grace to their fellow man. We got Mutombo at Lax and asked if he planned to actually wear the jacket,...
- 5/29/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Turner and the NBA today announced that Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo will be the recipient of this year’s Sager Strong Award at the NBA Awards on TNT, presented by Kia, to be held Monday, June 25, with coverage beginning at 9 p.m. Et.
The Sager Strong Award, named for iconic Turner Sports sideline reporter Craig Sager, is presented annually to an individual who has been a trailblazer while exemplifying courage, faith, compassion and grace. The award is bestowed upon the recipient in the form of a colorful suit jacket, a replica of the one worn by Sager during his unforgettable “Time is simply how you live your life” speech in 2016.
One of basketball’s most respected defensive players and rebounders, Mutombo is also well regarded beyond the game for his humanitarian work around the world. Two decades ago he created the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, dedicated to improving the health,...
The Sager Strong Award, named for iconic Turner Sports sideline reporter Craig Sager, is presented annually to an individual who has been a trailblazer while exemplifying courage, faith, compassion and grace. The award is bestowed upon the recipient in the form of a colorful suit jacket, a replica of the one worn by Sager during his unforgettable “Time is simply how you live your life” speech in 2016.
One of basketball’s most respected defensive players and rebounders, Mutombo is also well regarded beyond the game for his humanitarian work around the world. Two decades ago he created the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, dedicated to improving the health,...
- 5/24/2018
- Look to the Stars
The United Nations can make its voice heard on the power of sport in promoting both peace and development, a senior Un official said last Monday, urging participants at a special Headquarters event to “bring out our inner sports fans,” and harness sport as a force for positive change.
“Fair play, tolerance and team spirit – sports have a unique potential to help develop and reinforce positive life skills and values, and expand prospects, Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the Un Office on Drugs and Crime (Unodc),” told a Headquarters event on ‘Crime Prevention and Sustainable Development through Sport.’
He underscored that sports offer a practical, cost-effective means to help prevent violence and crime, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by world leaders in 2015 as a blueprint to achieve a healthy planet where people can live free of poverty and hunger by 2030.
“This event is a wonderful opportunity to...
“Fair play, tolerance and team spirit – sports have a unique potential to help develop and reinforce positive life skills and values, and expand prospects, Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the Un Office on Drugs and Crime (Unodc),” told a Headquarters event on ‘Crime Prevention and Sustainable Development through Sport.’
He underscored that sports offer a practical, cost-effective means to help prevent violence and crime, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by world leaders in 2015 as a blueprint to achieve a healthy planet where people can live free of poverty and hunger by 2030.
“This event is a wonderful opportunity to...
- 4/18/2018
- Look to the Stars
Dikembe Mutombo says LeBron James shouldn't "shut up and dribble" -- he should continue to take a stand to defeat social injustice ... and he's not the only one, we all should. Mutombo is reacting to the recent comments by Fox News host Laura Ingraham -- who said she doesn't care to get political advice from "someone who gets paid $100 million a year to bounce a ball." The comments sparked a nationwide debate on whether athletes...
- 2/19/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
On November 28, Unicef USA hosted the 13th annual Unicef Snowflake Ball at Cipriani Wall Street, celebrating Unicef’s lifesaving work for children around the world and honoring L’Oreal’s Carol Hamilton and Special Olympic gold medallist Lucy Meyer.
Host Harry Connick Jr. speaks on stage during 13th Annual Unicef Snowflake Ball 201
Credit/Copyright: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Unicef
Presented by Mariner Investment Group, the black-tie event raised $3.7 million for Unicef’s work to put children first, contributing to a total of $34 million raised since the inaugural event in 2005. Hosted by Emmy and Grammy Award winning and Tony Award nominated musician, actor and television host Harry Connick Jr., the evening featured a special performance by Grammy Award winning artist Diana Ross and a live auction hosted by Kate Chertavian.
Jake Gyllenhaal attends 13th Annual Unicef Snowflake Ball 2017
Credit/Copyright: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Unicef
Guests included Jake Gyllenhaal,...
Host Harry Connick Jr. speaks on stage during 13th Annual Unicef Snowflake Ball 201
Credit/Copyright: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Unicef
Presented by Mariner Investment Group, the black-tie event raised $3.7 million for Unicef’s work to put children first, contributing to a total of $34 million raised since the inaugural event in 2005. Hosted by Emmy and Grammy Award winning and Tony Award nominated musician, actor and television host Harry Connick Jr., the evening featured a special performance by Grammy Award winning artist Diana Ross and a live auction hosted by Kate Chertavian.
Jake Gyllenhaal attends 13th Annual Unicef Snowflake Ball 2017
Credit/Copyright: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Unicef
Guests included Jake Gyllenhaal,...
- 12/1/2017
- Look to the Stars
I think the Green Hornet is starting to believe his own press clippings.
The Green Hornet is a hero who pretends to be a villain. By day he’s Britt Reid, publisher of Chicago’s The Daily Sentinel newspaper. At night, Britt dresses up as the Green Hornet and pretends to be the secret crime boss of Chicago. He uses his guise as a villain to infiltrate criminal organizations and thwart them. And get the bad guys arrested. So sometimes he does some bad things but for the right reasons. Only now I think he’s starting to believe he is a criminal, because in The Green Hornet: Reign of the Demon #1, he started doing bad things for the wrong reasons.
According to the back story of Reign of the Demon, several months ago the Green Hornet took down crime lord Vito Cerelli. Apparently, the Hornet indicated that he...
The Green Hornet is a hero who pretends to be a villain. By day he’s Britt Reid, publisher of Chicago’s The Daily Sentinel newspaper. At night, Britt dresses up as the Green Hornet and pretends to be the secret crime boss of Chicago. He uses his guise as a villain to infiltrate criminal organizations and thwart them. And get the bad guys arrested. So sometimes he does some bad things but for the right reasons. Only now I think he’s starting to believe he is a criminal, because in The Green Hornet: Reign of the Demon #1, he started doing bad things for the wrong reasons.
According to the back story of Reign of the Demon, several months ago the Green Hornet took down crime lord Vito Cerelli. Apparently, the Hornet indicated that he...
- 8/4/2017
- by Bob Ingersoll
- Comicmix.com
The Law Is A Ass #415
I think the Green Hornet is starting to believe his own press clippings.
The Green Hornet is a hero who pretends to be a villain. By day he’s Britt Reid, publisher of Chicago’s The Daily Sentinel newspaper. At night, Britt dresses up as the Green Hornet and pretends to be the secret crime boss of Chicago. He uses his guise as a villain to infiltrate criminal organizations and thwart them. And get the bad guys arrested. So sometimes he does some bad things but for the right reasons. Only now I think he’s starting to believe he is a criminal, because in The Green Hornet Reign of the Demon #1 , he started doing bad things for the wrong reasons.
According to the back story of Reign of the Demon, several months ago the Green Hornet took down crime lord Vito Cerelli. Apparently, the...
I think the Green Hornet is starting to believe his own press clippings.
The Green Hornet is a hero who pretends to be a villain. By day he’s Britt Reid, publisher of Chicago’s The Daily Sentinel newspaper. At night, Britt dresses up as the Green Hornet and pretends to be the secret crime boss of Chicago. He uses his guise as a villain to infiltrate criminal organizations and thwart them. And get the bad guys arrested. So sometimes he does some bad things but for the right reasons. Only now I think he’s starting to believe he is a criminal, because in The Green Hornet Reign of the Demon #1 , he started doing bad things for the wrong reasons.
According to the back story of Reign of the Demon, several months ago the Green Hornet took down crime lord Vito Cerelli. Apparently, the...
- 7/14/2017
- by Bob Ingersoll
- Comicmix.com
[[tmz:video id="0_v3rxofc5"]] Dikembe Mutombo is beyond excited Patrick Ewing is taking over as head coach of the Georgetown Hoyas, telling TMZ Sports he owes his career to the Knicks legend. Mutombo played at Georgetown in the late '80s and when we got him in NYC he couldn't contain his joy about the hiring, saying he considers Patrick to be his mentor and will be right there to support him. Let's face it, Dikembe could read the...
- 4/5/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[[tmz:video id="0_2s6i74v7"]] As if losing the Super Bowl wasn't bad enough, the Atl Falcons just got the Finger Wag Of Shame from Dikembe Mutombo. Mutombo was leaving Nrg Stadium in Houston -- still sporting his Falcons jersey -- when we asked if he was impressed with the Patriots' comeback. That's when he busted out the finger. "We lost. Atlanta lost. That's all I care about." Read more...
- 2/6/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[[tmz:video id="0_wwosx30q"]] Johnny Manziel is convinced Lamar Jackson will win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday -- but when we asked if he should take his career to Cleveland ... Johnny turned into Dikembe Mutombo! The ex-nfl quarterback is back in L.A. after celebrating his 24th bday in Miami this week -- and hit up Catch (the hottest restaurant in town) with a few friends. We talked about Cam Newton and Lamar ... but when the topic turned to Cleveland,...
- 12/7/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[[tmz:video id="0_y9i2qpft"]] Word to the wise ... Don't ask Dikembe Mutombo to sing ... and Don't try to duet with him on the street ... 'cause it'll lead you down a path that ends in ... Finger Wave Humiliation. Mount Mutombo was out in NYC when one of our more adventurous camera guys asked him if he'd ever use that legendary bass voice to kick off a singing career. Check out the clip -- the question was met with the same...
- 9/17/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
When Phelps took gold on Tuesday in the 200-meter butterfly (by 4/100ths of a second!) he celebrated his victory with a gesture that has become very familiar at the 2016 Rio Games - the finger wag. U.S. swimmer Lilly King first demonstrated the move following the women's 100-meter breaststroke semifinals on Sunday. The athlete finger-wagged Russian competitor Yulia Efimova - who failed a doping test earlier this year - after Efimova finished first in her heat. "You're shaking your finger number one and you've been caught for drug cheating. I'm just not a fan," King told NBC at the time.
- 8/10/2016
- by Rose Minutaglio, @RoseMinutaglio
- PEOPLE.com
Dikembe Mutombo would be proud. Following Sunday's 100-meter breaststroke semifinals, U.S. swimmer Lilly King gave a seriously sassy finger wave to Russian competitor Yulia Efimova - who failed a doping test earlier this year - after Efimova came in with a time of 1:05.72. The act was in response to Efimova's post-race No. 1 finger possibly referencing the very move King had performed earlier that day. (The two swam in separate semifinal heats and both nabbed the top spot in their respective races.) "Basically, what happened this morning was that I finished and then I waved my finger a little bit,...
- 8/8/2016
- by Rose Minutaglio, @RoseMinutaglio
- PEOPLE.com
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson struggled through their Game One NBA Finals victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. But Golden State's "Splash Brothers" were in a laughing mood during Thursday's Jimmy Kimmel Live!, making fun of themselves on national television by reading hilarious "Mean Tweets."
"Have you ever been downloading something online and halfway through it just froze and couldn't go anywhere? Think Steph Curry's puberty," said the NBA Mvp. "One day Klay Thompson is gonna leave the house without remembering to attach his goatee that he bought from Party City,...
"Have you ever been downloading something online and halfway through it just froze and couldn't go anywhere? Think Steph Curry's puberty," said the NBA Mvp. "One day Klay Thompson is gonna leave the house without remembering to attach his goatee that he bought from Party City,...
- 6/3/2016
- Rollingstone.com
NBA players are used to talking trash on the court—but Twitter is another matter entirely. In honor of the NBA Finals, Jimmy Kimmel invited players past and present to read "Mean Tweets" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Thursday. The hilarious recurring segment featured Jalen Rose, Klay Thompson, Blake Griffin, Andre Iguodala, Russell Westbrook, Reggie Miller, Doc Rivers, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Stephen Curry, DeAndre Jordan and Dikembe Mutombo. Some smiled. Some scowled. Some—like Curry, Griffin, Johnson, Jordan and Miller—participated in last year's segment. All were good sports, considering how cruel people were on social media. "Have you ever been downloading something online...
- 6/3/2016
- E! Online
[[tmz:video id="0_1swtvc6m"]] Uh oh. Dikembe Mutombo says reports that he personally gave Bismack Biyombo his blessing to use the signature finger wag is Completely False ... telling TMZ Sports, "Him and I need to talk." Biyombo has used the finger wag a couple times during the NBA playoffs -- most recently busting it out Monday night after a block during the Raptors victory over the Cleveland Cavs. Mutombo says he's seen reports that he had a conversation with...
- 5/24/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Wnba superstar and fashion icon Skylar Diggins says she is using her social media accounts to help "sustain the league." "I have the thought that one day I want my daughter to have the opportunity to play in this league and [I'm] just doing my part to make sure that's a possibility," Diggins, 25, tells People. "I'm trying to show young girls that they can do it too." The Dallas Wings guard, who is featured in this year's Espn The Magazine's WNBA20 issue alongside other basketball powerhouse players like Maya Moore and Elena Delle Donne, says she is doing her part to help the Wnba "flourish.
- 5/10/2016
- by Rose Minutaglio, Tiare Dunlap
- PEOPLE.com
Wnba superstar and fashion icon Skylar Diggins says she is using her social media accounts to help "sustain the league." "I have the thought that one day I want my daughter to have the opportunity to play in this league and [I'm] just doing my part to make sure that's a possibility," Diggins, 25, tells People. "I'm trying to show young girls that they can do it too." The Dallas Wings guard, who is featured in this year's Espn The Magazine's WNBA20 issue alongside other basketball powerhouse players like Maya Moore and Elena Delle Donne, says she is doing her part to help the Wnba "flourish.
- 5/10/2016
- by Rose Minutaglio, Tiare Dunlap
- PEOPLE.com
NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo was at the airport in Brussels at the time of the terrorist attack early Tuesday morning -- but wants to assure his fans ... "I am fine." Mutombo took to Facebook and wrote, "God is good. I am in Brussels Airport with this craziness. I am fine." He included a picture of people streaming out of the airport and added, "Thank you everyone. I am safe here. God is good." Read more...
- 3/22/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
This week's episode of Black-ish is a Trojan horse: You think you're watching Dre overreact about his mother's love life, but you also get lessons about the sacrifices of single parenthood, the double standards of dating, and even catfishing. Is it any wonder why this is one of the best family sitcoms on television?It can be traumatizing to learn your parents are sexual beings — or it was for Dre, at least. When he was younger, he'd push Ruby's suitors down the stairs, complete with a Dikembe Mutombo finger wag, to make clear they weren't welcome in his house. Eventually, Ruby stopped bringing dates around. Pops, on the other hand, had a steady flow of much-younger women he'd introduce as Dre's potential new mother. Dre didn't have a problem with those flings, but he couldn't accept Ruby dating. Flash forward to the present day, where Dre still can't handle the...
- 1/14/2016
- Vulture
It's hard to shop for clothes when you're 7'2" tall ... just ask Dikembe Mutombo -- who tells TMZ Sports it's too hard to find threads that fit on the rack, so he gets everything custom made! Problem is ... bespoke suits don't run cheap -- and according to Mutombo, a good quality outfit usually runs between $1,500 and $2,000-a-pop!!! It's a good thing Dikembe (reportedly) made about $143 Million during his career. We also asked D.M. about...
- 6/10/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Son of the Congo tracks Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka as he goes back to the Congo, the African country where he grew up. As Serge visits his family and shows us his childhood home, it’s clear just how much he overcame to make it to the NBA. Directed by Adam Hootnick, this is the first feature film produced by Grantland.
After the film’s premiere, I sat down with Hootnick and one of the producers from Grantland, David Jacoby. We talked about what sparked this project, the experience of shooting in Africa, and much more.
Check out the full interview below, and enjoy.
What was it originally about Serge’s story that made you want to get involved?
Jacoby: We love the NBA at Grantland and one of the things that we like to do is analyze the game, but also get into the men that are on the court.
After the film’s premiere, I sat down with Hootnick and one of the producers from Grantland, David Jacoby. We talked about what sparked this project, the experience of shooting in Africa, and much more.
Check out the full interview below, and enjoy.
What was it originally about Serge’s story that made you want to get involved?
Jacoby: We love the NBA at Grantland and one of the things that we like to do is analyze the game, but also get into the men that are on the court.
- 3/25/2015
- by Alexander Lowe
- We Got This Covered
Dikembe Mutombo says his swag ain't free ... telling TMZ Sports all the young NBA whippersnappers using his signature finger wave gesture need to pay homage ... and pay up. Mount Mutombo was in NYC when we asked the former defensive player if he thought the finger wag he did to celebrate blocked shots made his digit the most famous index in sports. Check out the clip -- Dikembe says not only is his the most famous,...
- 2/17/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Gwyneth Paltrow wonders why her past relationships didn’t work out, Prince William and Kate Middleton get one step closer to taking selfies, Kenya Moore got shut down by an A-list actress, and more celebrity news.
Gwyneth Paltrow opens up on her failed relationships with Ben Affleck and Brad Pitt. [Us Weekly] Prince William and Kate Middleton join Instagram and are already letting us in on their royal life. [@kensingtonroyal]
Prince Harry stands on tiptoes but still fails to measure up to retired NBA player Dikembe Mutombo who stands 7ft 2 inches tall at the #Coachcore graduation ceremony today. The NBA are supporting the #Royal
A photo posted by @kensingtonroyal on Jan 14, 2015 at 5:45am Pst
Kenya Moore was ignored by Lupita Nyong’o and now she’s pissed. [Jezebel] Jennifer Lawrence and Eddie Redmayne love the Real Housewives just as much as you do. [Vf] Lisa Rinna thinks Kylie Jenner got lip injections (and she...
Gwyneth Paltrow opens up on her failed relationships with Ben Affleck and Brad Pitt. [Us Weekly] Prince William and Kate Middleton join Instagram and are already letting us in on their royal life. [@kensingtonroyal]
Prince Harry stands on tiptoes but still fails to measure up to retired NBA player Dikembe Mutombo who stands 7ft 2 inches tall at the #Coachcore graduation ceremony today. The NBA are supporting the #Royal
A photo posted by @kensingtonroyal on Jan 14, 2015 at 5:45am Pst
Kenya Moore was ignored by Lupita Nyong’o and now she’s pissed. [Jezebel] Jennifer Lawrence and Eddie Redmayne love the Real Housewives just as much as you do. [Vf] Lisa Rinna thinks Kylie Jenner got lip injections (and she...
- 1/14/2015
- by Taylor Ferber
- VH1.com
Gwyneth Paltrow wonders why her past relationships didn’t work out, Prince William and Kate Middleton get one step closer to taking selfies, Kenya Moore got shut down by an A-list actress, and more celebrity news.
Gwyneth Paltrow opens up on her failed relationships with Ben Affleck and Brad Pitt. [Us Weekly] Prince William and Kate Middleton join Instagram and are already letting us in on their royal life. [@kensingtonroyal]
Prince Harry stands on tiptoes but still fails to measure up to retired NBA player Dikembe Mutombo who stands 7ft 2 inches tall at the #Coachcore graduation ceremony today. The NBA are supporting the #Royal
A photo posted by @kensingtonroyal on Jan 14, 2015 at 5:45am Pst
Kenya Moore was ignored by Lupita Nyong’o and now she’s pissed. [Jezebel] Jennifer Lawrence and Eddie Redmayne love the Real Housewives just as much as you do. [Vf] Lisa Rinna thinks Kylie Jenner got lip injections (and she...
Gwyneth Paltrow opens up on her failed relationships with Ben Affleck and Brad Pitt. [Us Weekly] Prince William and Kate Middleton join Instagram and are already letting us in on their royal life. [@kensingtonroyal]
Prince Harry stands on tiptoes but still fails to measure up to retired NBA player Dikembe Mutombo who stands 7ft 2 inches tall at the #Coachcore graduation ceremony today. The NBA are supporting the #Royal
A photo posted by @kensingtonroyal on Jan 14, 2015 at 5:45am Pst
Kenya Moore was ignored by Lupita Nyong’o and now she’s pissed. [Jezebel] Jennifer Lawrence and Eddie Redmayne love the Real Housewives just as much as you do. [Vf] Lisa Rinna thinks Kylie Jenner got lip injections (and she...
- 1/14/2015
- by Taylor Ferber
- TheFabLife - Movies
British royalty met music royalty when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made their way to Brooklyn, NY, on Monday for a game date. While the Brooklyn Nets played the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Barclays Center, Prince William and Kate Middleton sat courtside - and so did Beyoncé and Jay Z, who at one point met with the royals on the court. Will and Kate also posed for pictures with global ambassador Dikembe Mutombo and NBA commissioner Adam Silver, and the couple's representative said they hope to foster a relationship between The Royal Foundation, the NBA, and United For Wildlife, Prince William's wildlife conservation foundation. It was a night of exciting meetings for the duke and duchess, who also linked up with LeBron James. On Sunday, LeBron said he's honored to play before the royals, saying, "People like them are only in books growing up. And to hear that...
- 12/9/2014
- by Laura-Marie-Meyers
- Popsugar.com
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