Month: July 2024

The name of Rihanna‘s baby son can finally be revealed after she kept the moniker a secret for nearly a year.

DailyMail.com has exclusive obtained a copy of the little boy’s certificate of live birth, revealing he is called RZA Athelston Mayers.

The child, whom the superstar, 35, has with her partner A$AP Rocky, is thought to be named in honor of the producer and rapper RZA, 53 – the leader of the Wu-Tang Clan – the American hip hop collective formed in Staten Island in 1992.

Rihanna has hinted at the name by wearing clothing repping Wu-Tang Clan, which comprises RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol’ Dirty B**tard, multiple times since giving birth.

Fans had recently speculated that the little boy might have been named Noah, but there were few indications of his true name.

Finally revealed! DailyMail.com has exclusively obtained a copy of the certificate of live birth for her son, revealing that his full name is RZA Athelston Mayer (Rihanna pictured in a Wu-Tang Clan top last month)

Under the radar: Rihanna and her partner A$AP Rocky welcomed the baby boy on May 13 of last year, but she has so far kept his name a secret from her inquisitive fans

Big fan? The extent of Rihanna’s fandom for RZA and the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan isn’t totally clear; pictured April 15 in LA

Notably, the certificate of live birth indicates that RZA was given his father’s middle name of Athelston.

However, Rocky’s middle name has previously been listed by multiple outlets as ‘Athelaston.’

Athelstan is a masculine name of English origin, meaning ‘noble stone.’

It is derived from the Old English æþele and stān, which translate to ‘noble’ and ‘stone,’ respectively. Athelstan is closely linked to Anglo-Saxon nobility, with the first king of England sharing this aristocratic moniker.

The certificate of live birth also indicates that RZA was born at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

One of Rihanna’s recent hints about her son’s secret name was on April 5, when she was seen carrying the beaming boy while wearing a baggy black Wu-Tang Clan top as she was seen leaving a meal at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica.

The Umbrella singer wasn’t particularly subtle on August 12 of last year, nearly three months after she gave birth, when she stepped out in New York City in a baggy white RZA T-shirt.

The whole clan: The group are pictured in 2007 – RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God and Masta Killa (left-right)

Recent: RZA is pictured performing in Aukland in May

The extent of Rihanna’s fandom for RZA and the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan isn’t totally clear.

Her partner Rocky is definitely a fan, though, as he previously collaborated with Raekwon from the rap group on the 2015 song Fly International Luxurious Art.

Wu-Tang Clan are one of the most iconic rap groups of all time, both as a collective and as solo artists and producers.

RZA, real name Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, is the most prominent members, having produced most albums for the group and its respective members. He has released solo music under the name Bobby Digital.

A$AP Mob, the collective that Rocky belongs to, also earned comparisons to the legendarily hip hop group early in its existence.

Like Wu-Tang, the group features a string of high-profile core members, along with peripheral members who are featured less frequently.

RZA almost had an opportunity to collaborate with Rihanna, but on screen instead of in the studio.

Pregnant Rihanna resembles a bride at 2023 Met Gala with A$AP

Wink wink: One of Rihanna’s recent hints about her son’s secret name was on April 5, when she was seen carrying the beaming boy while wearing a baggy black Wu-Tang Clan top as she was seen leaving a meal at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica

Back in 2008, the rapper told MTV News — which is now being shut down by Paramount Global after a 36-year run — that he hoped to film a remake of the 1985 kung-fu comedy The Last Dragon with Rihanna appearing in it.

She would have taken on the role of a video show host and singer, much like in the original film.

‘That’s the one I’m rooting for,’ he said of the Barbados-born songstress. ‘We’re keeping that same concept of the girl being in the music business.’

However, in a fit of particularly bad taste, RZA later suggested to XXL in 2009 that Rihanna’s ex Chris Brown should star with her in the film, even though he had beaten her severely enough to require a trip to the hospital just months earlier.

The film, which had already cast Samuel L. Jackson, never came to fruition.

She gave them all the clues: The Umbrella singer wasn’t particularly subtle on August 12 of last year, nearly three months after she gave birth, when she stepped out in New York City in a baggy white RZA T-shirt

It’s unclear if Rihanna plans to be as secretive about her second child’s name.

She revealed that she and Rocky were expecting again when she debuted a new baby bump during her show-stopping Super Bowl halftime performance on February 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

During her stunning appearance at the Met Gala with her boyfriend, Rihanna shared with ET that her latest pregnant was ‘so different’ from the first one.

‘No cravings. Tons of nausea. Everything’s different, but I’m enjoying it,’ she explained.

She added that she was ‘in love’ with her littlest one. ‘I’m obsessed and I don’t even feel guilty about it,’ she said.

Rihanna flashes her baby bump as she steps out in New York City

On record: Rihanna’s partner Rocky is definitely a Wu-Tang, as he previously collaborated with Raekwon from the rap group on the 2015 song Fly International Luxurious Art

What might have been: Back in 2008, RZA told MTV News  that he hoped to film a remake of the 1985 kung-fu comedy The Last Dragon with Rihanna appearing in it; seen April 5 in Santa Monica

Rihanna is being similarly tight-lipped about baby number two, and she has not yet revealed its sex.

Some fans thought she might have hinted that she was expecting a girl after she was seen looking at pink baby clothes last month.

However, she had also been spotted looking at girl clothes prior to welcome RZA, so she might have been shopping for someone else’s baby.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have been friends and collaborators for more than a decade, and they even attended red-carpet events together in recent years, but it wasn’t until late 2020 that they officially became a couple.

What was he thinking? In a fit of particularly bad taste, RZA later suggested to XXL in 2009 that Rihanna’s ex Chris Brown should star with her in the film, even though he had beaten her severely enough to require a trip to the hospital just months earlier; seen April 15 in LA

Tracy McGrady was one of the finest offensive players of his generation and an interesting question was put forth to him recently. McGrady was asked who would win a 1-on-1 game between him and Michael Jordan at their primes and here’s what he had to say.

“I’m about three inches taller than MJ so he won’t affect my shot at all,” McGrady said. “He’s cat-quick, so I have to give him some space but he can shoot the mid-range, he elevates well on his shot. MJ was strong.

“Again, seven-game series, I think it could go either way,” McGrady continued. “I think it would be a good competition, though, because I don’t think MJ has ever faced a guy like myself, with the skill set that I have. Being 6’9”, being able to shoot the ball, the quickness with the ball, the creativity off the dribble with it.

“It’s all hypothetical, man,” McGrady stated. “Who the f— knows? I just would have loved to play MJ 1-on-1.”

It sure seemed like McGrady wanted to say he would win but then decided to give the politically correct answer. I do think he could have given Jordan, or anyone else, for that matter, plenty of headaches.

McGrady was a force of nature on offense at his peak. He was an explosive athlete who could score from anywhere on the court. If I had to pick his best season, it would be 2002-03, where he averaged 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game for the Orlando Magic.

Kobe Bryant once said that McGrady was the toughest guy he ever played against, ahead of the likes of Kevin Durant, Allen Iverson, and Carmelo Anthony. He was undoubtedly a special talent but would he beat Jordan 1-on-1? I have my doubts about that.

There are too many seasons to pick from when it comes to Jordan’s prime, but let’s just go with the 1987-88 campaign. He put up 35.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game for the Chicago Bulls, which is just absurd. He would score almost at will against McGrady, who wasn’t a great defender to begin with.

On the other end, while Jordan is giving up three inches, he was ever so strong, as McGrady himself mentioned. The Bulls icon, who also won DPOY in 1988, would have at least managed to bother him enough, from time to time, to eventually come out on top.

Tracy McGrady Believes Kobe Bryant Would Have Beaten Michael Jordan If They Played 1-On-1

While McGrady didn’t go as far as to say he would beat Jordan, there is someone else whom he believes would have gotten the better of the five-time MVP. McGrady said Bryant would beat Jordan in a 1-on-1 game.

“I’m going with Kob,” McGrady said. “I’m going with Kob because I think Kobe was the most skilled basketball player I’ve ever seen. I think he took what MJ was and enhanced that skill set.”

As great as Bryant was, Jordan was just better and I think he would have beaten him too. While some like McGrady would argue that Kobe took what Jordan did and enhanced it, he still didn’t end up achieving as much as his idol did in his career.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were spotted departing a private residence in a black luxury SUV on Saturday night in Los Angeles.

The 35-year-old Fenty Beauty – who recently marked five years of her Savage X Fenty line – mogul was dolled up with her hair in long corn row braids as she sat in the backseat.

Rihanna, who is expecting her second child with the 34-year-old rap artist, looked stunning in a full face of makeup.

The couple were joined by Rihanna’s best friend since childhood, Melissa Forde.

It comes after the stylish duo celebrated son RZA’s first birthday on May 13.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were spotted departing a private residence in a black luxury SUV on Saturday night in Los Angeles

Festive: Pink balloons were visible in the very back of the SUV, which matched A$AP’s flamboyant furry pink and blue coat

Rihanna and ASAP Rocky celebrate their son RZA’s first birthday

The Bajan superstar, who was signed to Def Jam Recordings by Jay-Z at just 16-years-old, rocked a cream and black leather bomber jacket.

Her cheekbones were contoured and blushed and she wore a matte lipstick on her shapely pout.

The soon-to-be mother-of-two’s eyelids were dusted in a shimmery eyeshadow and she rocked fluttery lashes.

Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was decked out in glinting jewelry including a sparkling choker.

The superstar was joined in the backseat by Melissa while the Harlem-bred music artist took the front passenger seat.

The umbrella singer wore a black Wu-Tang Clan graphic t-shirt that was cropped and exposed her growing baby bump.

She has been seen repping the beloved rap collective’s merchandise regularly and the couple even named their firstborn after the frontman.

Pink balloons were visible in the very back of the SUV, which matched A$AP’s flamboyant furry pink and blue coat.

Beauty: Rihanna, who is expecting her second child with the 34-year-old rap artist, looked stunning in a full face of makeup

Fashion-forward: Rocky, who was born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, added a vertically ribbed white beanie hat, which he wore over a pink bandana

Bejeweled: Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was decked out in glinting jewelry including a sparkling choker

Pregnant Rihanna carries son after a dinner date in LA

Rocky, who was born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, added a vertically ribbed white beanie hat, which he wore over a pink bandana.

Like his girlfriend, who he’s been dating since 2020, A$AP was also adorned in flashy jewelry.

The D.M.B. hitmaker wore a sizable gold ring on one finger and a diamond-covered ring on another.

He also rocked multiple chains around his neck and diamond stud earrings in his ears.

The outing comes one day after RZA’s first birthday, which A$AP celebrated with a tribute Instagram post.

The rapper also confirmed that RZA was named after the leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, writing in his caption: ‘”WU TANG IZ 4 DA CHUREN,” HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO MY 1st BORN . RZA❤️’

Rocky’s Instagram caption was in reference to the late Wu member Ol’ Dirty Bastard and his disruptive 1998 Grammys speech — which the rapper also included as a clip among the photos — where he stated, ‘Wu Tang is for the children.’

Last week DailyMail.com revealed that the pop star named her son RZA Athelston Mayers after exclusively obtaining a copy of the little boy’s certificate of live birth.

Fan: The umbrella singer wore a black Wu Tang graphic t-shirt that was cropped and exposed her growing baby bump

Decked out: He also rocked multiple chains around his neck and diamond stud earrings in his ears

One of the adorable snaps saw the Praise the Lord hitmaker — who’s currently expecting a second child with the Umbrella singer — holding the little one with one arm, and embracing Rihanna with the other.

The doting mom was seen gazing over at her little boy, with all three matching in sunglasses. Behind them were colorful balloons.

The Barbados-born star stunned in a black vinyl corset and a Louis Vuitton monogrammed skirt.

Meanwhile her beau rocked a red hat and matched her in a black leather jacket over a blue button up.

Another sweet image saw A$AP taking a photo of the trio in a mirror. Rihanna looked incredible in a woven dress as she held the little one in her arms.

Two other shots saw the proud parents relaxing on the beach in the nighttime. RZA was sat in between them on a blanket, while Rihanna rocked a white fishnet dress.

Rocky sat on the other side in a T-shirt and jeans as well as an American flag bandana on his head. In another beach shot Rihanna was pictured giving her beau a kiss on the neck.

There was also a snap of Rocky sitting on a pair of steps and watching his son play on a grassy backyard, with Rihanna’s pregnancy bump visible in the form of a shadow.

Lap of luxury: The couple sat comfortably in a black Cadillac as they exited the private celebration

BFF: The couple were joined by Rihanna’s best friend since childhood, Melissa Forde

Looking good: Melissa smirked as she flaunted a full face of glamorous makeup while sitting in the backseat

Exit: The SUV was seen pulling off, driven by a chauffeur with the trio in tow

Rihanna shows off happy and heartwarming moment with her baby

The loving father also shared a number of solo shots featuring just him and his son.

One one photo he rocked a white T-shirt while holding a diaper-clad RZA in his arms. Another tender moment saw Rocky showing RZA how to shave.

The name of her baby son was revealed after the couple kept it secret for nearly a year.

The child was apparently named in honor of the producer and rapper Robert Fitzgerald Diggs — stage name RZA.

Taylor Swift fans were sent wild on Sunday night after a video on social media appeared to show the singer’s shocked reaction at seeing Travis Kelce in the crowd.

Kelce missed the first two nights of his girlfriend’s Eras Tour show in Dublin after attending a team-mate’s wedding in the US, but he was back in Europe on Sunday night to watch night three at Aviva Stadium.

It is unclear whether Taylor knew he would be there, but a video filmed by a fan showed the singer glance at the VIP area during the show, before visibly gasping.

In a separate clip, Kelce is keen arriving with security midway through Swift’s rendition of August – about halfway through the final show in Ireland.

Fans went crazy when Kelce emerged from the bowels of the stadium to make his way through to the VIP area, where Julia Roberts and Stevie Nicks were among the A-list guests in attendance.

Taylor Swift appeared to gasp as she spotted her boyfriend Travis Kelce in Dublin on Sunday

Swift then pointed at her man in the VIP area, after he arrived halfway through the tour show

When the three-hour show ended, Kelce was quick to make his way to the side of the stage where he greeted his girlfriend – much to the delight of the adoring crowd.

In a romantic clip, Kelce can be seen hyping up the crowd in a bid to make them cheer louder for Taylor after her performance.

During the second half of the show, Kansas City Chiefs star Kelce was pictured enjoying a beer as he gazed lovingly at his other half on the stage.

He was also spotted chatting to Julia Roberts in the VIP area, and fans went crazy for his shock appearance at the show.

He had traveled a very long way after being spotted dancing with friends at team-mate Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s wedding in California just 24 hours earlier.

After seeing his Chiefs pal tie the knot to JoJo O’Connor in Calabasas, the tight end was straight on a flight across America, and then the Atlantic, to land in Dublin in time to catch the second half of the show.

Swift now has a few days off before her Eras Tour recommences in Amsterdam on July 4, hinting that the loved-up pair are set to spend a few days together in Europe.

Kelce was also greeted by Hollywood A-lister Julia Roberts in the VIP area at the Aviva Stadium

They have already enjoyed a break at Lake Como this summer, and Kelce currently has some spare time before heading back to Kansas City for the start of practice ahead of the NFL season.

It is exactly a week on from Kelce’s shock appearance on stage with his girlfriend as a backing dancer at Wembley Stadium.

The 34-year-old joined Taylor and her crew for the song ‘I Can Do It With a Broken Heart,’ sending Swifties into delirium in front of Sir Paul McCartney and Fleabag‘s Andrew Scott.

While on stage, he wore an old school tux that included a white bow tie, tailcoat and top hat, and even carried his popstar girlfriend in front of the sold-out crowd at one point.

She’s just weeks away from welcoming her second child with beau A$AP Rocky.

And Rihanna concealed her baby bump in a typically stylish ensemble as she stepped out for dinner in Santa Monica on Saturday night.

The singer, 35, showed off her pregnancy curves in a black satin co-ord as she headed to one of her favourite eateries Giorgio Baldi.

She completed her look with strappy black heels and toted a trendy bag while adding some glamour with a silver necklace.

Rihanna wore her dark tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and opted for a glowing makeup look complete with a bold red lip.

Expecting: Rihanna concealed her baby bump in a typically stylish ensemble as she stepped out for dinner in Santa Monica on Saturday night

She looked in good spirits as she headed inside and showed off incredible pregnancy style.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, 34, welcomed a son last year in March and are currently expecting their second child.

Two weeks ago, DailyMail.com revealed that the pop star named her son RZA Athelston Mayers after exclusively obtaining a copy of the little boy’s certificate of live birth.

The child was apparently named in honour of the producer and rapper RZA from Wu-Tang Clan.

Fans had recently speculated that the little boy might have been named Noah, but there were few indications of his true name for nearly a year.

She revealed that she and Rocky were expecting again when she debuted her bump during her show-stopping Super Bowl halftime performance on February 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

During her stunning appearance at the Met Gala with her boyfriend, Rihanna shared with ET that her latest pregnancy was ‘so different’ from the first one. ‘No cravings. Tons of nausea. Everything’s different, but I’m enjoying it,’ she explained.

Beauty: The singer, 35, showed off her pregnancy curves in a black satin co-ord as she headed to one of her favourite eateries Giorgio Baldi

Family: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky , 34, welcomed a son last year in March and are currently expecting their second child

She added that she was ‘in love’ with her littlest one. ‘I’m obsessed, and I don’t even feel guilty about it,’ she said.

Rihanna is being similarly tight-lipped about baby number two, and she has not yet revealed its sex. It’s unclear if Rihanna plans to be as secretive about her second child’s name.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have been friends and collaborators for more than a decade, and they even attended red-carpet events together in recent years, but it wasn’t until late 2020 that they officially became a couple.

After the Super Bowl and pregnancy reveal, the couple appeared on the March cover of British Vogue, where Rihanna gushed that Rocky is her ‘best friend’ and admitted she can’t remember what her life was like before having her son in May 2022.

Cute: Two weeks ago, DailyMail.com revealed that the pop star named her son RZA Athelston Mayers after exclusively obtaining a copy of the little boy’s certificate of live birth

Idea: The child was apparently named in honour of the producer and rapper RZA from Wu-Tang Clan

Rihanna stuns in throwback clips celebrating Savage x Fenty

She said of becoming a mother: ‘It’s everything. You really don’t remember life before, that’s the craziest thing ever.’

The singer added that motherhood also emboldened her, leading to her accepting the Super Bowl gig just months after having her first child… and seven years after she last performed on stage.

‘It’s this knowing that you can do anything, even things that seem the craziest, like, ‘I’m going to say yes to the Super Bowl in the middle of postpartum?” she said

‘What the heck am I thinking? But you’re geeked on a challenge like that because you know what your body just did. You feel this sense of ‘Nothing is impossible,” she said.

February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA great Michael Jordan is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Jerry West had a direct impact on some of the greatest basketball players to ever live, and Michael Jordan says he was among them.

West died on Wednesday at the age of 86. Shortly after the Los Angeles Clippers shared the news, Jordan issued a statement in which the six-time NBA champion said West was “like an older brother to me.”

“I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and mentor — like an older brother to me,” Jordan wrote. “I valued his friendship and knowledge. I always wished I could have played against him as a competitor, but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate. I admired his basketball insights and he and I shared any similarities to how we approached the game. He will be forever missed! My condolences to his wife, Karen, and his sons. RIP, Logo.”

Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA Legend Jerry West: pic.twitter.com/iHmQS3oVrh

— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) June 12, 2024

Jordan referred to West as “Logo,” which is the nickname West had that referenced how his silhouette is featured on the NBA logo that was created and has been used since 1969.

West played for the Lakers for all 14 seasons of his career. He then coached the team for three years and worked as a scout and executive for the franchise from 1979-2000, so Jordan competed against many teams that West assembled.

There are few people in NBA history who left the type of mark on the league that West left, and we are being reminded of that with the tributes from Jordan and some other legends of the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo, regarded by many as the greatest football of all time, cried nothing short of a river on Monday night, so frustrated was the Saudi-based striker with his inability to find the back of the net in the Euros knock-out match against Slovenia.

And the footballing superstar isn’t the only one to howl at the moon in public. Taylor Swift‘s squeeze Travis Kelce has cried on camera on multiple occasions during his football career.

When King Frederik of Denmark took the Danish throne in January this year, he couldn’t stop the tears flowing from his eyes, using his formal white glove to dry his moist eyes.

And even Brits, renowned for our stiff upper lips, are beginning to let it go in public.

Dermot O’Leary has been known to well up when faced with harrowing real-life stories on This Morning and even Jeremy Clarkson, who appears granite of heart much of the time, couldn’t help looking a little choked up when told it was better ‘not to ask questions’ about the fate of his beloved pet cow Pepper on an episode of Clarkson’s Farm.

Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson has also appeared emotional in public, amid reported ‘crisis talks’ with his girlfriend Zara McDermott.

But should men wear their heart on their sleeves, or have the male species got a little bit, well, mushy?

Here, two men and two women serve up their very different opinions on the issue…

And they hadn’t even lost the match! A distraught Cristiano Ronaldo is comforted by his team-mate Diogo Dalot on Monday night after his penalty was saved by Slovenian keeper Jan Oblak

Prince to King equalled tears for Frederick of Denmark back in January this year; the country’s new monarch couldn’t hold back the flood as he greeted his people in Copenhagen

TV presenter Dermot O’Leary regularly tears up at some of the tough real-life stories he discusses on This Morning, and even Jeremy Clarkson has been known to be moist of eye on Clarkson’s Farm

NO, MEN SHOULDN’T CRY IN PUBLIC

‘Men who bawl their eyes out at any given opportunity. Sorry, it’s a hard pass from me!’ 

Mother-of-one Annette Kellow, 40, who is a journalist, from London, believes men should be ‘stoic, sturdy and strong’.

‘Is there something in the water? It seems so, with blubbering bloke Ronaldo breaking down at last night’s Euros.

And he’s not alone. Andy Murray has also wept on court, while Ireland rugby star Peter O’Mahoney started crying before the game.

Fans of cricketer Steve Smith even chanted ‘We saw you cry on telly’ when he walked onto the Ashes pitch in 2023.

It begs the question; should men be crying in public at all?

Many moons ago I dated a guy who cried. He didn’t like his job and he’d fallen out with a family member, then his car was broken beyond repair.

Yes, crying is a good release but this was generic life stuff. And dare I say it, menial.

Writer Annette Kellow says she has little time for men who ‘trauma-dump’ in public

It instantly gave me the ick and I had to end the relationship after a couple of months. His eyes were wet when I told him too. Now if I see a hint of glaze I’m gone.

Call me old fashioned but at one point men were stoic, sturdy and strong. They would open doors, be the shoulder to lean on and take a pragmatic approach to life. They were dependable and something that many now turn their nose up at; chivalrous.

Now you have men who want to ‘trauma-dump,’ live in a coffee-cup festering bedroom at 40, and bawl their eyes out at any given opportunity. Sorry, it’s a hard pass from me.

Since my cry-baby boyfriend, I have avoided moist-eyed men at all costs and have only ever picked restrained ones who know how to act in public. Crying is for funerals, for really serious scary stuff, not for basic life issues which crop up day to day.

While expressing emotions is healthy and of course, is beneficial for us all to find a network of friends and family for support, in my opinion, it’s unnecessary for it to be so public.

As a woman, I would find it pretty alarming if I saw a man out and about having a full-blown weep fest, particularly if it was in the nighttime and dark.

While I understand sometimes a man may find himself unable to hold back the tears, life presents us with many failures and difficulties and there’s a time and a place for everything.

With so many emotional baggage boys around, I actually find it attractive to see a very composed man.

Sometimes discretion is everything and when he knows how to hold himself, and embodies a dignified approach, you can’t beat it.

For me, I believe men crying in public will only lead to unwanted attention, speculation and while they may feel better for letting it all out, that’s what toilets and snivelling under the duvet is for.

‘We must remember that a football field is a very different place to the office…’

Professional career coach Tim Mart, founder of employment training provider Know You More, says the essential test of a leader is how they manage their emotions…

Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears have certainly revived the discussion over emotional expressiveness in leadership, and whether there is a place for it.

Emotions are a natural part of our lives, and acknowledging them is essential for true leadership – but there are productive ways of doing so.

Leadership shouldn’t be about perfection, or ego, but should be about inspiration, motivation and empathy.

Ronaldo’s emotional display doesn’t indicate weakness, but the essential test of a leader is how they manage their emotions.

Leaders who learn to skillfully control their emotions within the workplace are in a stronger position to motivate their teams and foster a culture that values emotions.

Showing deep emotions at work, from anger to sadness, doesn’t always have a positive impact on colleagues, says employment coach Tim Mart

Showcasing deep expressions of anger, sadness or frustration in aggressive, or unproductive ways will have the opposite effect of this.

Yes, vulnerability can be inspiring, but expressing deep emotions can create feelings of discomfort among peers, where communication can drive motivation, understanding and affirmative actions.

We shouldn’t see Ronaldo’s tears as a sign of weakness, but as a metaphor of the blood, sweat and tears put into this hard, physical work to become the footballer that he is, and the grief of losing the penalty.

But we must remember, that a football field is a very different place to the office, where emotions aren’t as off the cuff, and the goal posts aren’t as intense, so they need to be handled differently.

It’s important not to hide emotions in the workplace, but it’s important to embrace healthy communication over intense expression, as this is more productive.

YES, MEN SHOULD CRY

‘Being in touch with your emotions and masculinity aren’t mutually exclusive’

Holly Matthews, 39, from Coventry, is a qualified self-development coach and founder of The Happy Me Project and author of a book of the same name, helping women build their confidence.

I am a huge fan of crying. I cry when I’m happy, sad, frustrated and in public if needed. Unfortunately, there are many negative connotations linked to crying, like, ‘it’s weak to cry’ and men particularly get taught to ‘suck it up’ or ‘dry your eyes’ from a young age.

But this message is damaging. When we cry, we are afforded a ‘release’ and tears contain stress hormones, meaning we are literally crying out our stress. This clever tool can stop some of the eruptions we might encounter when we bottle things up inside and if we were able to see other people in their moment of crying, we may give ourselves permission to do the same where needed.

Crying in public? Much better than keeping it all in and watching your mental health dive, says self-development coach Holly Matthews

I’m lucky in that I have good ‘crying mentors’. Both my parents were comfortable crying in front of me and seeing my strong Geordie Dad (who worked on oil rigs and ticks all the boxes of masculinity) cry over ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ every Christmas taught me that being in touch with your emotions and masculinity aren’t mutually exclusive.

Perhaps if men cried, there would be less ‘straight to anger’, less conflict, less war. If men were given the option to lift the lid on the boiling pot of human emotions we carry, then it wouldn’t bubble over into places that are unhelpful to them. This might seem simplistic, but crying is self-care, it’s brave and it allows others to see that we might be in need of support.

Now, you may still be stuck in the ‘story’ that crying isn’t what strong successful men and women do but every time you tell yourself that unhelpful story there will be someone else crying all the way to their best life. Steve Jobs was known to be a crier and I’m confident he did pretty well in life, even as the tears flowed freely.

In Japan they have realised the importance of this release and that culturally there is a huge stigma around outward displays of emotion and so ‘crying clubs’ have sprung up as a way to help. These clubs are called ‘rui-katsu’ which translates as ‘tear seeking’ and I really feel this is an incredibly pragmatic way to support our mental health.

So, do I believe that we should tell people to stop showing so much emotion in public places? No, I most definitely do not. I think the world is full of rage and war and humans wound up tightly like coiled springs and those people are wreaking havoc in our society.

I believe we should stop stifling this natural coping mechanism because of old stories and societal pressure and my hope is that the Mums and Dads right now teach their boys (and girls) that it’s OK and important that they feel their emotions, they release as needed and embrace any tears that come.’

‘I didn’t cry at the birth of my daughter – but blubbed watching Coldplay headline Glastonbury, men should feel free to express their emotions.’

Rich Pelley, 50, from London, is a journalist and father-of-one.

‘To say us men are not in touch with our feelings is not only a general sweeping generalisation, but – speaking on behalf of the less fair sex – also plain wrong. It’s just that our brains are wired differently. A girlfriend of mine would cry at the drop of a hat. I once came home to find her in floods of tears, and couldn’t for the life of me work out what I must have done. Turns out, Helen Daniels from Neighbours had died Neighbours a few hours earlier (actually, twice – once at 1.45pm and again in the repeat at 5:30pm). (Anne Haddy, who played the character, died two years later, which was admittedly a bit sad. But we’re talking about a TV character here).

There’s nothing wrong with a good blub, says writer Rich Pelley, whether it’s about your football team or something deeper

The same girlfriend cried when our pet goldfish died after one day because I’d hadn’t sterilised the water, or whatever I was supposed to do, and had to ceremoniously flush him down the toilet.

I can pinpoint three moments in my adult life when I’ve actually sat, with tears running down my face, in the privacy of my own home, for a specific reason. These were all private moments triggered by something personal. The main one was being dumped by the above long-term girlfriend. (At least being emotionally repressed wasn’t one of the reasons she gave).

Other sad moments – such as the death of a grandparent, the death of a Monarch (RIP Queen) haven’t elicited a tear. I didn’t cry at the birth of my daughter. I’m not a heartless monster. It’s just that the sad thing hasn’t happened *directly* to me. In all the death and childbirth, I didn’t do much more than stand around and watch.

Yet I’ve stood up to my knees in mud watching my favourite bands with tears streaming down my face, and I haven’t been ashamed to show it beyond initial protests of ‘I must have something in my eye.’ I realise it’s not *me* headlining Glastonbury. But I get swept up in the emotion of the music happening *to me*.

I certainly *might* cry when England get knocked out by Switzerland on penalties on Saturday. What made it worse for Ronaldo was his extra-time penalty against Slovenia was hardly a private moment. His hoof was played over and over in slow motion to half the world watching on telly. The trigger was his mum in the crowd, also in tears at the fact her son couldn’t kick the ball past a goal keeper properly.

‘Even the strongest people have their bad days,’ Ronaldo said after the game. ‘I was sad at first but now I’m happy.’ I’m sure he was when he remembered his 200 million Euro salary. But at least he wasn’t afraid to show his emotion.

This should be a lesson to all men out there. There’s nothing wrong with a good blub, be it to Coldplay playing Fix You, your favourite team getting beaten, or flushing your dead goldfish down the toilet.’

“By the way, he should run the Lakers.”

Screen grab: ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast’

When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s often difficult to separate LeBron James’ desires from the team’s front offices.

While the 4-time MVP obviously isn’t the Lakers’ general manager, he clearly wields a massive amount of influence. And according to one of basketball’s most prominent voices, it’s time to stop acting otherwise.

“So LeBron’s going to take less money — this came out today — he’s going to take less money if they get a free agent that he wants. But he’s not running the Lakers,” Bill Simmons said sarcastically on the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast. “The Lakers are running themselves. They hired the coach themselves, they’re doing all the draft picks themselves.

“My point is, why do we have to pretend he’s not running the Lakers?  Like how long do we have to do this? How long? Give us a date. By the way, he should run the Lakers. I thought they should have hired Maverick Carter as the coach and then LeBron could have just told him what to do.”

While one could dispute whether James’ willingness to take a discount is an indication of his clout within the Lakers’ organization, it would be impossible to argue that he doesn’t possess such pull. In this offseason alone, Los Angeles hired JJ Redick — who has no previous NBA coaching experience, but hosted the Mind the Game podcast with James — and used a second-round pick on the 4-time NBA champion’s oldest son in what marked the worst-kept-secret of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Obviously, the idea of a superstar player pulling the strings within his organization is nothing new and is a notion that has followed James throughout most of his 21-year NBA career. But Simmons’ comments appear to be more directed toward the coverage of the Akron, Ohio, native than James himself.

Despite the Lakers being heavily linked to both Redick and Bronny James, reports persisted that James wasn’t involved in either Los Angeles’ coaching search or its draft plans. If that was the case, then it sure is a heckuva coincidence that the Lakers wound up hiring his podcast co-host and drafting his oldest son in the same offseason in which he has the ability to opt out of his contract and become a free agent.

While some of the narrative that James isn’t involved in the Lakers’ decision-making has been driven by Rich Paul, Simmons also noted that the NBA super agent also seemingly said the quiet part out loud when he told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony that if LeBron wanted Bronny on the Lakers, he’d “force” the team to take him in the first round. Ultimately, how much influence James has over the Lakers is a matter of semantics. But to Simmons’ larger point, it’s silly to act like his say isn’t sizable.

Yahoo’s Tom Haberstroh published a lengthy article on Thursday questioning the validity of Michael Jordan’s 1988 Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Award in light of his allegations that Jordan’s steals and blocks statistics were boosted by a friendly Chicago Stadium scorekeeper.

Were Michael Jordan’s 1987-88 steals and blocks stats really padded? And would that diminish or invalidate the 1988 DPOY award he won?

Below is a brief summary of the article and what it means for Jordan’s defensive legacy.

Why Jordan won the 1988 DPOY

According to the article:

“At season’s end, sportswriters looking at the statistical leaderboards were overwhelmed with gaudy per-game numbers next to Jordan’s name: 3.2 steals and 1.6 blocks. To this day, it’s never been matched.

“The eye-popping stats propelled Jordan to his first Defensive Player of the Year award, earning 37 votes from writers, besting rim-protecting centers Mark Eaton (9) and Hakeem Olajuwon (7).”

Padded stats

Evidence that Jordans’s steals and blocks were padded is first introduced through two people: Alex Rucker, a Vancouver Grizzlies scorekeeper in the mid-90s, and Reinis Lacis, a Latvian basketball executive and amateur stat sleuth.

Rucker corroborated the widespread existence and acceptance of home stat padding during his time in the league, while Lacis reviewed six full games from Jordan’s DPOY season and found box scores crediting him with 18 more steals than he actually had.

While the stories are interesting, the most evident and unmistakable proof that Jordan’s 1987-88 stats were inflated exists in his home and road splits. Playing all 82 games that year, Jordan is credited with 165 steals and 87 blocks in 41 games at home, yet just 94 steals and 47 blocks in his 41 road games.

A deep dive into Michael Jordan's record-breaking 1987-88 season reveals numerous statistical and video red flags: https://t.co/Hj3TeIsRk6 pic.twitter.com/YrMHgyuEtA

— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) June 20, 2024

Validity of 1988 DPOY

If the extra blocks and steals Chicago Bulls’ scorekeeper Bob Rosenberg credited to Jordan were integral to winning his lone DPOY award, the validity of the award can fairly be called into question.

Using 125 percent of his road stats, the average difference between his home and road stats during his 20s, his 1987-88 averages would be closer to 2.6 steals and 1.3 blocks per game than the 3.2 and 1.7 he’s still credited with respectively.

Yet Jordan was far from the only player benefiting from stat padding that year or during that era. 1988 DPOY runner-up Mark Eaton (nine votes) played in all 82 games, with 176 blocks at home to just 128 on the road. Fourth-place finisher Alvin Robertson (six votes) had 145 steals at home to 98 on the road and an even more astounding 48 blocks at home to just 21 on the road.

Yes, Jordan won his 1988 DPOY in the lone year when his steals and blocks were slightly inflated. Yet he also won his 1988 DPOY by earning 37 of the 80 votes, more than the second-through-fifth-place vote-getters combined. He won it while making the All-Defensive team for the first time and comfortably winning his first MVP.

In short: he won a big award while having an even bigger season. And those broader accomplishments should outweigh the slightly boosted steals and blocks per game marks that were compared to peers’ figures that were also elevated.

The Gentle And Meek Appeal Of The Pink Color Of Supermodel Hailey Bieber

Hailey Bieber, the epitome of modern elegance and grace, effortlessly captures attention with her distinct affinity for the color pink. Beyond her role as a supermodel, Bieber’s influence extends into the realms of fashion, beauty, and cultural trends, where her love for this hue resonates deeply.




In the world of haute couture and street style alike, Hailey Bieber’s embrace of pink transcends mere fashion. It embodies a statement of soft power and femininity, challenging traditional notions with a modern twist. Her choice of pink speaks volumes about her personality – confident yet approachable, bold yet gentle.

One can observe Bieber’s subtle yet deliberate integration of pink into her wardrobe. Whether attending high-profile events or casual outings, she effortlessly incorporates shades ranging from blush to bubblegum, each carefully selected to complement her complexion and aura. This meticulous approach enhances her allure, making her a beacon of elegance in any setting.

Moreover, Hailey Bieber’s influence extends beyond the runway. Through her social media presence and collaborations with renowned designers, she champions the versatility of pink. From delicate pastels to vibrant tones, she showcases how this color can be both sophisticated and playful, catering to diverse tastes and occasions.

The allure of pink in Bieber’s aesthetic lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its symbolic significance. It symbolizes warmth, compassion, and sensitivity, traits that resonate with her public image as a model and influencer. Through her fashion choices, she communicates a narrative of empowerment, encouraging individuals to embrace their uniqueness with confidence.

Furthermore, Bieber’s advocacy for inclusivity and self-expression aligns seamlessly with her affinity for pink. By celebrating diversity in beauty and style, she inspires her global audience to embrace their individuality boldly. Her influence transcends borders and cultures, shaping trends and fostering a sense of unity among her followers worldwide.

In the realm of beauty, Hailey Bieber’s preference for pink extends to makeup and skincare. She incorporates shades of rose and coral into her beauty routines, creating looks that are both timeless and contemporary. Her collaborations with beauty brands reflect her commitment to creating products that cater to diverse skin tones and preferences, further enhancing her influence in the beauty industry.

Beyond fashion and beauty, Bieber’s advocacy work underscores her commitment to social causes. Through her platform, she raises awareness about issues such as mental health and body positivity, using her influence to effect positive change. Her support for charitable initiatives underscores her dedication to making a meaningful impact beyond the realm of fashion.

Hailey Bieber’s affinity for the color pink transcends mere fashion trends. It embodies a lifestyle characterized by elegance, confidence, and compassion. Through her distinctive style and advocacy efforts, she continues to redefine beauty standards and inspire millions worldwide. Hailey Bieber’s gentle and meek appeal of the pink color serves as a testament to the power of self-expression and individuality in shaping contemporary culture.