Mj Rodriguez for Fault Magazine!
From FAULT Magazine: MJ Rodriguez’s masterful acting and singing skills have garnered her accolades and praises far beyond what she could have once ever imagined for herself. Nevertheless, she has stayed focused on her creative journey, determined to prove to those that follow through the doors she is opening, that no dream is beyond their reach.
This week, fans of the much-loved series POSE will have to say goodbye to a show which has shone a light on a community arguably still yet to receive its flowers. Given the hard task of channelling the stories of so many previously unheard women – through her portrayal of Blanca, MJ Rodriguez expertly displayed the humour, love, community and crushing lows faced by those living through the 90s LGBTQI+ community.
As MJ steps into this new chapter of her career, we caught up to discuss her creative journey, her process and, of course, her FAULTs.
Dress – Christian Siriano
Earrings – Erickson Beamon
Ring – Lady Grey
Turban – Stylist’s Own
Blanca is a character that means so much to so many different people. As the show draws to an end, have you had a chance to let her go and close that door or does she still linger?
I have had some really beautiful moments with Blanca. I’ve loved being able to build her at the beginning of the show and find that this woman is more similar to me than I first thought. I will say that a part of me has just let her go. It was an extremely emotional process to separate myself from Blanca and to let her story land where it needed to land, but it’s the perfect way to send her off into her future because her future looks very, very bright.
Dress – Christian Siriano
Earrings – Erickson Beamon
Ring – Lady Grey
Turban – Stylist’s Own
When you’re in the process of filming the more painful scenes, are you able to leave those emotions at the studio, or does it weigh on you even after the cameras have stopped rolling?
A lot of the occurrences of that time do weigh heavy on me. Sometimes I have to really watch my emotions, wash myself of those memories and historical events that happened because they do take a toll on you, especially when you’re an actor trying to embody a character living through it. I built Blaca on my mother’s experience and researched many trans women I saw in the ballroom scene and in documentaries like Angie Xtravaganza. She was this sweet and caring person, and I would see a lot of the resemblance between Blanca and Angie, so their fight and shared struggle would really weigh on me.
Dress – Iris Van Herpen
Earrings – Erickson Beamon
Rings – Kelty Pelechytik, Lady Grey, Pamela Love, Erickson Beamon
Moving on to ‘Loot’, your new apple series is so different from anything we’ve seen you in either on stage or television, is that change of direction by design or chance?
I’m blessed with my team, we have had many conversations about what I want to delve into in order for people to see that other side of me. I think this was the perfect opportunity to show the range that I have as an actress. I think the show is the best choice because I get to do it with Maya Rudolph – an icon who’s been in the business for a long time. I love that I get to work alongside her and learn the ropes of comedy from her. I mean, I’m a funny girl myself, but it’s always good to be tagged alongside an icon like Maya Rudolph.
Dress – Iris Van Herpen
Earrings – Erickson Beamon
Rings – Kelty Pelechytik, Lady Grey, Pamela Love, Erickson Beamon
When reading about your work or talking with friends, “Icon” and “groundbreaking” are descriptors that are often used, which may be true, but do you ever feel burdened with the cultural responsibility you now have to live up to?
As far as the responsibility goes and me feeling burdened, no, because it was something that I’ve always asked for. I knew what came with a platform like this, and I was ready. I’m someone who’s built on love. I’m someone who loves to promote love, hard work and a strong work ethic. I’m trying to change the narrative, not only me being an Afro Latina, but also a trans woman and ensuring I’m showing people what a different kind of role model looks like.
As far as an “icon”, I don’t think that about myself just yet; I still have dues to pay. As much as people have called me “icon”, I always make sure I let them know ‘chile, no, that’s not me yet.”
Dress – Danielle Frankel
Top – Michael Fausto
Choker – Erickson Beamon
Rings – Pamela Love, Erickson Beamon,
Shoes – Call It Spring
Do you ever fear that your creative decisions might be at odds with what people feel that you should be doing?
Everyone is entitled to say or feel how they want to feel, but I have the right to make decisions for myself at the end of the day. I’m going to make the decisions as an actress that feel comfortable. If my fans or my supporters, friends, and family feel the opposite, that’s for them to feel, and I’m completely accepting of it, but it’s not going to change my perspective or deter me. I see that there’s a bigger picture as far as what I’m doing with my craft.
Dress – Danielle Frankel
Top – Michael Fausto
Choker – Erickson Beamon
Rings – Pamela Love, Erickson Beamon,
Shoes – Call It Spring
What about your life hasn’t a journalist asked about, but is something that’s important in your day to day?
I always want people to get the realist answer, so I think simply about what I do when I’m not working and when I’m not a workaholic because chile I’m a Capricorn, you know, we’re all workaholics and perfectionists. [laughs] More than my work life, I love to draw and play games like the nerd that I am. I like to escape and delve into the digital world.
Dress – Danielle Frankel
Rings – Erickson Beamon, Pamela Love, Kelty Pelechytik
Sunglasses – Stylist’s Own
You like sci-fi and adventure games, is there a movie from those genres (even if it’s already been made) that you’d love to bring to life on screen?
My boyfriend and I are writing something now set in the sci-fi realm. I would love to have been a part of a Lara Croft movie or portray a lead in Indiana Jones or a James Bond movie. I love that there’s an action-packed storyline but also nuance in the fashion and sexiness of it all.
You’ve been working non-stop all of your career. Do you feel you’ve taken the time to stop and reflect on how far you’ve come, or has it passed in a blur?
I think most of the time; it’s a blur for me. I’m a perfectionist and a workaholic, and sometimes it’s the worst parts of me because I don’t know when to stop. I don’t know when just to have time for Michaela Jaé Rodriguez to embrace and enjoy life. Some things are left as a blur but not in a negative way – I am just focused on all the future achievements I still have to hit. The real drive behind me working so hard is knowing there are people out there who need to see a face like mine and know that it is possible.
Dress – Jason Wu
Sleeves – Christian Siriano
Earrings – Erickson Beamon
Stockings – Wolford
Shoes – Call It Spring
Rings – Kelty Pelechytik
When you look back on your career, what do you want your portfolio to say about you, the person?
I hope my portfolio says, “She’s a philanthropist, a humanitarian. She did all of these amazing things. She opened doors for young people. She also just, most importantly, instituted love and taught people how to love again.” That’s my main goal in this world, as cheesy as it sounds, but I’m going to say it until I die. I’m going to make sure I encourage people to love even through the worst, most confusing, uncertain times, challenge yourself, or challenge someone else to love and have a good heart.
Dress – Christian Siriano
Rings – Erickson Beamon, Kelty Pelechytik, Pamela Love
Turban – Stylist’s Own
If you could return to the start of your career and leave yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
“You better keep pumping, keep pumping until the stardust trickles off that heel.” I had to do so much work on myself, knowing that there was a world that was against me. As a child, I was always rambunctious, always confident, but still got knocked down. For me, if I could speak to myself at that time, I would make sure to instil all of the confidence into that person so that when they grow up, they won’t have anything to worry about.
What’s the biggest fear you have as it pertains to your art?
That I won’t accomplish what the directors or the producers may want, I’m an overachiever, and a lot of people don’t see it because I’m very quiet on set. Professional focus is key, especially when someone is speaking, but even when I’m listening, and I’m receiving, and I don’t give them what they need, I feel like I’ve let them down. And I never ever want to do that because I always want to make sure that the team is always feeling good because, after all, even if I’m number one or number two, or even number five on the call sheet, we’re still doing it together.
FAB!
RHOA: Kandi Burruss Kicks Off Pride Month In This Fun & Flirty Rainbow Two-Piece!
Happy June 1st, a.k.a, the start of Pride Month and unofficial kick-off of summer. What a glorious time to celebrate our LGBTQ community and show our support! Some of our favorite celebrities took to social media to commemorate the day.
Kandi Burruss showed her support of the LGBTQ community in a cute two-piece rainbow set, rainbow ponytail, rainbow umbrella, jewel tone accessories and vibrant yellow sandals. She captioned the Sterling Pics photos, “Live your life to the fullest!”
Pride month is an annual celebration that honor the end of the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan. Gay liberation activist Marsha P. Johnson became a pivotal figure as one of the first drag queens to go inside the Stonewall Inn, the historic birthplace of the rebellion. The previously “male only” gay club became a hub for the movement after the community fought back during violence police encounters. Johnson, a fixture on the NYC scene, became a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front while raising awareness for the rising AIDS epidemic.
This month is all about saluting the movement and supporting our LGBTQ community whether you’re apart of it or not.
#MusicNews: Chris Brown Says He’ll Put Out New Music when He Gets Ready!
It feels like Chris Brown has been using his time towards handling stand-out guest appearances than any solo music. The singer has been popping up on just about everyone's track in the past year since releasing the 32-track Indigo album (with the exception of Slime & B with Young Thug).
Fans have been incredibly eager to hear Chris Brown deliver a new body of work. We will be outside this summer, after all. And what's a summer without a Chris Brown banger blaring through the radio speakers? Unfortunately, it seems that we won't be releasing a new album any time in the near future because Chris Breezy wants to leave his fans in anticipation of his next release. He broke the news on his Instagram Story earlier today. "I ain't dropping my album until I'm ready," he wrote. "I need to give y'all a chance to miss me."
It's unfortunate because he did preview some heat last October while suggesting that he would be releasing new music this year. However, you gotta trust the process. Given that Breezy has released two albums with over 30 songs each since 2017, there's more than enough music to hold fans over until he slides through with his next album.
Hopefully, Breezy drops at least a new single to ride out to this summer.
#HipHopNews: Quavo Says ‘Culture Iii’ Will Be The ‘Greatest Album Of This Year’!
As Migos gears up to release its long-anticipated album Culture III next week, Quavo said to expect “greatness.”
In an interview with Complex, Quavo declared the third installment in the Culture series “the greatest album of this year.”
According to Quavo, the music is what’s needed to lift people up in a post-pandemic world.
“I feel like this album going to open up the world. We’re having fun and smiling again,” he said. “Everybody’s been hurtin’, and going through this pandemic, and losing loved ones. I feel like this is a breakthrough. This is the sonic boom to the new life and new world that we live in. We’ve been going through this pandemic for like a year-and-a-half.”
Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff originally planned to release the project last year before the world shut down. “We haven’t dropped any music in three years. The year that we was going to drop, the pandemic hit. So I just feel like it’s a breath of fresh air,” he explained.
In addition to the lead single “Straightenin,” Culture III will feature some special guests including a “really, really, really hard record” with Pop Smoke.
“We got some good guys on there. We got our good friends on there,” Quavo revealed. “It’s going to be the greatest album of the year. We put our blood, sweat, and tears into it. We had a lot of time to go over and a lot of time to bond and be together with this album.”
Culture III arrives June 11.
Grand Slams offers support to Naomi Osaka, vows to improve player experience at events
The Grand Slams will try to improve player experience at its events following Naomi Osaka pulling out of the French Open.
The committee issued a statement Tuesday saying it offers its "support and assistance" to Osaka as she takes time away from tennis to focus on her mental health.
The Grand Slams — a group made up Jayne Hrdlicka, Gilles Moretton, Ian Hewitt and Mike McNulty — said it would "continue to improve the player experience at our tournaments." The group also wants to maintain "a fair playing field, regardless of ranking or status." When Osaka initially announced her media blackout, the Grand Slams group said the boycott gave Osaka an "unfair advantage." The group stuck with that reasoning Tuesday.
Osaka was fined $15,000 for not speaking to the media. The Grand Slams did not mention that fine in its statement Tuesday.
A day after Osaka was fined, she pulled out of the French Open. Osaka revealed she's battled depression since winning the 2018 U.S. Open. She said she would take some time away from the court for now.
A number of athletes, including Russell Wilson, Stephen Curry and Billie Jean King, offered support for Osaka following her announcement.
Following Osaka withdrawing from the event, Iga Swiatek is listed at +175 to win the French Open, according to BetMGM.
Tiffany Haddish In The 'Process' Of Adopting School-Age Child!
The "Girls Trip" actress told Entertainment Tonight that she was somewhat inspired by the coronavirus pandemic to make a familial expansion. She's even completed parenting courses required to begin the adoption process.
"I'm currently looking, deciding on adopting," she said. "First of all, especially after this pandemic, there are so many children left without their parents. It's Foster Care Awareness month right now, and I think we all should be aware and try to do what we can."
As someone who grew up in the foster system, the comedian initially looked into fostering but she's now looking at something more permanent.
"I really wanted to be a foster parent, but because I'm at a certain level of success, my lawyer suggested that it's probably best to just adopt, and I'm on that process now," she said. "I want to get somebody that's 5 [years old] and up. You know, already knows how to use the restroom, already knows how to talk, already knows how to communicate. All I want to do is pour knowledge in … get them ready for the big, bad world. That's what I want to do."
This isn't the first time Tiffany, 41, has expressed a desire to become a mother. On boyfriend Common's podcast last year, she said, "I just want to bring to them survival skills, share everything that I know with them."
"I definitely want to either foster kids or adopt and get them at, like, 7 [years old] — where they know how to use the bathroom already on their own, they can communicate, they can tell you they're hungry," she continued. "They should have some kind of manners, and if not, they can learn them."
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Are 'Starting to Talk About' Their 'Future' Together!
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are working towards taking their recently rekindled relationship to the next level.
A source close to the singer, 51, tells PEOPLE that she spent this past weekend in Los Angeles for business reasons, but also wanted to spend time with Affleck.
"They will continue to travel back and forth between Los Angeles and Miami," says the insider. "They are very happy together."
Furthermore, Lopez and the two-time Academy Award winner, 48, are reportedly "slowly starting to talk about the future."
"This is not a casual relationship," the source adds. "They are taking it seriously and want it to be long-lasting."
The couple's Los Angeles meetup comes a week after they were photographed together in Miami, including at Anatomy Miami Beach, Lopez's go-to gym.
"They were holding hands, hugging, kissing. They weren't trying to hide the fact that they were together," a source told PEOPLE at the time of the two during their workout sessions. "They are very much into each other and being together."
"Truthfully, they are really nice people," the insider added. "No one stands around the gym saying, 'Don't approach them.' No one bothers them; everyone is respectful. Everyone loves her. All the women are checking her out and her routine because she looks so amazing and is so strong."
Rumors of Lopez and Affleck's relationship first ignited in late April, when they were spotted outside her L.A. home following her split from Alex Rodriguez. The two later enjoyed a getaway to Montana, where they were photographed driving together on May 8.
The pair are prepared to make their cross-country situation work, with a source telling PEOPLE last week that Lopez and Affleck "are having fun and want to spend as much time together as possible."
"They don't want to hide anymore," the insider explained. "They are both excited about their relationship. They want to make sure they do everything they can to make this work."
"Jennifer is incredibly happy. She feels like she can just be herself around Ben," the source added of the pair, who dated in 2002 and got engaged later that year before splitting in January 2004.
Their reunion comes after Lopez and then-fiancé Rodriguez, 45, announced in March that they were working through some things, before they officially broke up in April. Affleck previously called it quits with then-girlfriend Ana de Armas in January, after they were first romantically linked in early 2020.
Chris Harrison Won’t Return To ‘Bachelor In Paradise,’ David Spade Set To Fill In!
Chris Harrison won’t be returning to front ABC’s “Bachelor in Paradise,” And the producers are taking something of a radical new approach the show’s hosting duties.
Back in February, veteran host Harrison announced that — after becoming embroiled in a race row because he defended a former “Bachelor” contestant who had gone to an “Old South” plantation-themed party — he would be “stepping aside” for an unspecified “period of time.”
Harrison sat out a season of the “Bachelorette” but it was unclear if he’d return for its tropical spin-off.
Now we’re told that he’ll be replaced by a revolving cast of guests hosts — including somewhat surprising stand-in, “Saturday Night Live” legend David Spade.
Given that Harrison was replaced on the “Bachelorette” by former contestants Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe, the smart money would have been on another alum taking the reins for the “Bachelor in Paradise.”
But sources say that Spade was picked because he’s a “Bachelor” superfan who’s built a cult following among fellow fans because of the hilarious commentary about the show that he doles out on his Instagram account.
Spade has also recently spoken about his love of the franchise on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Meanwhile, an insider says the comic’s a fit because, “the producers want to put some fun in the show. They think it’s become too serious.”
Harrison’s downfall began after photos surfaced in February of recent “Bachelor” contestant Rachael Kirkconnell attending an antebellum-themed fraternity formal in 2018.
When asked about the shots on “Extra,” Harrison defended her saying, “We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion.”
“Because I have seen some stuff online — this judge, jury, executioner thing — where people are just tearing this girl’s life apart and diving into, like, her parents, her parents’ voting record,” he added, “It’s unbelievably alarming to watch this. I haven’t heard Rachael speak on this yet. And until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say any of this?”
He also said the “woke police” had come for Kirkconnell.
He later wrote on Instagram, “While I do not speak for Rachael Kirkconnell, my intentions were simply to ask for grace in offering her an opportunity to speak on her own behalf.” He added, “What I now realize I have done is cause harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism, and for that I am so deeply sorry.”
It remains unclear if Harrison will return to host “Bachelor.”
He had hosted the “Bachelor,” “Bachelorette” and “Bachelor in Paradise” since they debuted it debuted in 2002, 2003 and 2014 respectively.
#AHS: Ryan Murphy Announces First Four Cast Members for ‘American Horror Stories’!
Ryan Murphy has announced the first few of actors that will be appearing in his highly-anticipated ‘American Horror Stories’ series.
via Just Jared:
On Wednesday (June 2), Ryan took to Instagram to announce four actors, who he’s calling “The Fantastic Four,” that will be appearing in the American Horror Story spinoff series.
All four actors have appeared in previous TV shows and movies from Ryan.
Last summer, it was announced that Ryan‘s upcoming series will debut on FX on Hulu in July 2021.
While few details about the show have been revealed, Ryan tweeted out a brief explanation about American Horror Stories.
“We are doing 16 one hour standalone episodes delving into horror myths, legends, and lore…” Ryan tweeted. “Any of these episodes will feature AHS stars you know and love. More to follow…”
Louisiana HS Teacher Gives Shoes Off His Feet To Student Who Didn’t Meet Graduation Dress Code!
Louisiana HS Teacher Gives Shoes Off His Feet To Student Who Didn’t Meet Graduation Dress Code
John Butler, a Louisiana high school teacher is being praised a hero after giving the shoes off his own feet to a student who didn’t meet dress code at his graduation.
19-year-old Daverius Peters almost missed walking at his graduation from Hahnville High School because his shoes didn’t align with the ceremony’s dress code — which called for all dark dress shoes. Peters’ were made of black leather, but had white bottoms. After witnessing a doorperson halt Peters from entering the building, Butler, Peters mentor and a paraeducator, stepped in, took off his brown dress loafers and gave them to Peters.
The Name ‘Karen’ Reaches Lowest Popularity For New Babies Since 1927!
Now associated with middle-aged white women who act entitled or demanding, the name “Karen” is no longer as prevalent among new parents. In fact, the name dropped 171 spots over the last year.
Reaching its lowest ranking since 1927, the name Karen dropped from number 660 on 2019’s list of most popular baby names all the way down to 831 for 2020. Only 325 babies received the name last year, compared to 439 the year before.
The use of the name Karen has been in steady decline since the mid-1960s. It reached its peak in 1965 when 33,000 babies were given the moniker.
According to TMZ, the severe dropoff is probably partly attributed to the negative connotation the name now carries. It’s no surprise that new parents wouldn’t want to place that burden on their newborn.
Absent Karen, the top three baby girl names for 2020 were Olivia, Emma, and Ava. For the boys, the top three were Liam, Noah, and Oliver.
Swizz Beatz Slams Justin Timberlake For Cultural Appropriation, Then Backtracks!
Justin Timberlake has long been viewed by many urbanites as one of the most prolific cultural appropriators of the modern era along with the likes of Miley Cyrus and Doja Cat.
The issue came back to the forefront during the Verzuz rematch between the creators Timbaland and Swizz Beatz on Sunday, May 31, 2021. Swizz went off on Timberlake for taking and accruing enormous profits from Black culture and not giving back.
“Until Justin let the world know that he—” Swizz began during the battle where he started, stopped and started in on Timberlake again, according to Rolling Stone. “Justin gotta come out, he’s coming out. He gotta admit that he loves the Black culture and he gotta be on this stage. You took from the Black culture, you give to the Black culture. Come to Verzuz and be a part of the Black culture.”
Swizz, 42, and Timbaland, 49, hopped on Instagram Live on Tuesday, June 1, to give a recap of their Memorial Day weekend showdown. During their conversation, Timbaland told Swizz that he went “too hard” on the 40-year-old Timberlake. Swizz seemingly backtracked when he rationalized his previous dig was just gamesmanship designed to entice Timberlake to engage in a Verzuz battle.
“Look, man, I had to go hard,” Swizz said on IG. “Did you hear how them songs were sounding on that stage? You and JT, it was like JT was in the building. I was like, man!” he said. “[I] don’t got no problem with JT. … Shout out to JT, we can’t wait to get you on stage having fun ’cause you deserve it too.”
What do you think of Swizz’s shade at Timberlake and his subsequent justification?
Taylor Swift Shares Heartfelt Pride Month Message, Joins GLAAD Campaign!
June has arrived, which means that it's officially Pride month — and Taylor Swift is kicking things off with a heartfelt message, joining GLAAD's "Summer of Equality" campaign to pass the Equality Act.
In a note shared to social media, Swift wrote, "I want to take a moment to thank the courageous activists, advocates and allies for their dedication to fighting against discrimination and hatred. And as always, today I'm sending my respect and love to those living out their truth, even when the world we live in still makes that so hard to do."
The star added, "Who you love and how you identify shouldn't put you in danger, leave you vulnerable or hold you back in life. I proudly join GLAAD in their #summerofequality and add my voice to those who support the Equality Act. Happy Pride Month!"
Swift has previously publicly supported and advocated for the Equality Act, and two years ago kicked off Pride Month 2019 with a petition to support the Equality Act. And, along with a letter to Senator Lamar Alexander, she wrote in a lengthy message on Instagram:
"While we have so much to celebrate, we also have a great distance to go before everyone in this country is truly treated equally." She added, "Politicians need votes to stay in office. Votes come from the people. Pressure from massive amounts of people is a major way to push politicians towards positive change. That’s why I’ve created a petition at change.org to urge the Senate to support the Equality Act."
Taylor continued, "Our country’s lack of protection for its own citizens ensures that LGBTQ people must live in fear that their lives could be turned upside down by an employer or landlord who is homophobic or transphobic. The fact that, legally, some people are completely at the mercy of the hatred and bigotry of others is disgusting and unacceptable. Let’s show our pride by demanding that, on a national level, our laws truly treat all of our citizens equally."
NFL to Halt “Race-Norming” and Review Concussion Claims of Black Players!
The NFL pledged to end the use of “race-norming,” which assumed Black players started out with lower cognitive functions, in the $1 billion settlement of brain injury claims. On Wednesday (June 2), the league also announced that they planned to review past scores for any potential race bias.
via: AP: The practice made it harder for Black retirees to show a deficit and qualify for an award. The standards were created in the 1990s in hopes of offering more appropriate treatment to dementia patients, but critics faulted the way they were used to determine payouts in the NFL concussion case.
Wednesday’s announcement comes after a pair of Black players filed a civil rights lawsuit over the practice, medical experts raised concerns and a group of NFL families last month dropped 50,000 petitions at the federal courthouse in Philadelphia — where the lawsuit had been thrown out by the judge overseeing the settlement.
Senior U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody later took the unusual step of asking for a report on the issue. Black retirees hope it will include a breakdown of the nearly $800 million in payouts so far by race. They fear the data will never come to light.
“Words are cheap. Let’s see what they do,” said former Washington running back Ken Jenkins, whose wife Amy Lewis led the petition drive on behalf of NFL friends struggling with cognitive problems. Jenkins, an insurance executive, has so far been spared.
According to the NFL, a panel of neuropsychologists formed recently to propose a new testing regime to the court includes two female and three Black doctors.
“The replacement norms will be applied prospectively and retrospectively for those players who otherwise would have qualified for an award but for the application of race-based norms,” the NFL said in a statement issued Wednesday by spokesman Brian McCarthy.
Lead players lawyer Christopher Seeger, who negotiated the 2013 settlement with the NFL, said earlier this year that he had not seen any evidence of racial bias in the administration of the settlement fund. He amended those remarks Wednesday, apologizing for any pain the program has caused.
“I am sorry for the pain this episode has caused Black former players and their families. Ultimately, this settlement only works if former players believe in it, and my goal is to regain their trust and ensure the NFL is fully held to account,” Seeger said in a statement.
The NFL noted that the norms were developed in medicine “to stop bias in testing, not perpetrate it.” And both Seeger and the league said the practice was never mandatory, but left to the discretion of doctors taking part in the settlement program.
Better late than never.
Bob Baffert Suspended From Home Of Kentucky Derby After Medina Spirit's Failed Drug Test Confirmed!
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has been suspended from the home of the Kentucky Derby for two years after Medina Spirit's positive post-race drug was confirmed, the company that runs the Louisville racetrack said Wednesday.
The suspension, effective immediately, follows the confirmation of the Derby winner's positive test earlier
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) "has consistently advocated for strict medication regulations so that we can confidently ensure that horses are fit to race and the races are conducted fairly," said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. "Reckless practices and substance violations that jeopardize the safety of our equine and human athletes or compromise the integrity of our sport are not acceptable and as a company we must take measures to demonstrate that they will not be tolerated.
"Mr. Baffert's record of testing failures threatens public confidence in thoroughbred racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby. Given these repeated failures over the last year, including the increasingly extraordinary explanations, we firmly believe that asserting our rights to impose these measures is our duty and responsibility."
The suspension, which includes trainers directly of indirectly employed by Bob Baffert Racing Stables, is effective through the conclusion of the 2023 Spring Meet at Churchill Downs Racetrack, CDI said.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) has the sole authority to disqualify Medina Spirit as the winner of the Derby, the statement said.
"It is the understanding of CDI that the KHRC is pursuing the completion of its investigation of this matter in accordance with its rules and regulations," the statement said.
The commission declined comment on Wednesday.
The New York Racing Association this month temporarily suspended Baffert from entering any horses in races at the track that is host to the Belmont Stakes.
The Belmont Stakes, the third race in thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown, is set to run Saturday at Belmont Park.
Derek Chauvin Asks Judge For Probation Ahead Of Sentencing, Prosecutors Push For 30 Years!
According to ABC News, former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin is asking a judge to sentence him to probation instead of the lengthy sentence recommended by the prosecution.
The sentencing memorandum filed on Wednesday cites Chauvin’s lack of criminal history, his previous employment as a police officer, and that he could be targeted in prison as the main factors for a reduced sentence or probation.
In a separate memorandum filed by the prosecution, they asked the judge for a 30-year sentence. They believe that would “properly account for the profound impact of [Chauvin’s] conduct on the victim, the victim’s family, and the community.”
Chauvin is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25 for the second-degree murder charge. He is facing up to 40 years in prison, but Minnesota sentencing guidelines recommend only 10 and a half to 15 years.
Judge Peter Cahill previously found that “aggravating factors” in the case would allow for him to sentence the former officer to a longer sentence. The four aggravating factors include acting as part of a group, committing a crime in front of a child, abusing his position, and acting with particular cruelty. The judge found it particularly cruel that Chauvin continued to kneel on George Floyd’s neck with indifference while Floyd begged for his life.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘IT’S CALLED STYLE’
What you call it?
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet JJ
Meet JJ! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
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Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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