Latest news with #AnthonyDavis
Arab News
10 hours ago
- Arab News
Black student dragged from his car and punched by Florida officers says he was scared and confused
A Black college student shown on video being punched and dragged from his car by Florida law officers during a traffic stop faces a long recovery from injuries that include a concussion and a broken tooth that pierced his lip and led to several stiches, his lawyers said Wednesday. At a news conference in Jacksonville, 22-year-old William McNeil Jr. spoke softly as he made a few brief comments with his family and civil rights attorneys by his side. 'That day I just really wanted to know why I was getting pulled over and why I needed to step out of the car,' he said. 'I knew I didn't do nothing wrong. I was really just scared.' McNeil is a biology major who played in the marching band at Livingstone College, a historically Black Christian college in Salisbury, North Carolina, Livingstone President Anthony Davis said. The encounter with law enforcement happened in February, but the arrest didn't capture much attention until the video from McNeil's car-mounted camera went viral over the weekend. That's when the sheriff said he became aware of it and opened an internal investigation, which is ongoing. The sheriff said a separate probe by the State Attorney's Office cleared the officers of any criminal wrongdoing — a finding fiercely criticized by McNeil's lawyers. Video from inside the car captures him being punched Footage of the violent arrest has sparked nationwide outrage, with civil rights lawyers accusing authorities of fabricating their arrest report. The video filmed by McNeil's camera shows him sitting in the driver's seat, asking to speak to the Jacksonville officers' supervisor, when they broke his window, punched him in the face, pulled him from the vehicle and punched him again. He was then knocked to the ground by an officer who delivered six closed-fist punches to the hamstring of his right thigh, police reports show. Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday defended law enforcement officers and implied the video was posted to advance a 'narrative' and generate attention on social media. 'That's what happens in so many of these things,' DeSantis said. 'There's a rush to judgment. There's a, there's a desire to try to get views and clicks by creating division.' DeSantis says he hasn't seen the video, but backs law enforcement DeSantis said he hasn't reviewed the viral video but has 'every confidence' in Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, who has urged the public not to cast judgment based on the footage alone. 'If people get out of line, he's going to hold them accountable,' DeSantis said. Body camera footage of the encounter shows McNeil had been repeatedly told to exit the vehicle. And, though he earlier had his car door open while talking with an officer, he later closed it and appeared to keep it locked for about three minutes before the officers forcibly removed him, the video shows. The vantage point of the body camera footage that was released makes it difficult to see the punches. The cellphone footage from the Feb. 19 arrest shows that seconds before being dragged outside, McNeil had his hands up and did not appear to be resisting as he asked, 'What is your reason?' He had pulled over and had been accused of not having his headlights on, even though it was daytime, his lawyers said. On Wednesday, civil rights lawyer Ben Crump said his client had every right to ask why he was being pulled over and to ask for a supervisor. Report that McNeil reached toward a knife is disputed A point of contention in the police report is a claim that McNeil reached toward an area of the car where deputies found a knife when they searched the vehicle after taking him into custody. 'The suspect was reaching for the floorboard of the vehicle where a large knife was sitting,' Officer D. Bowers wrote in his report. Crump called that police report a 'fabrication,' saying McNeil 'never reaches for anything.' A second officer observed that McNeil kept his hands up as Bowers smashed the window. 'After Ofc. Bowers opened the door, the subject refused to exit the vehicle, but kept his hands up,' the second officer wrote. Sheriff says officers have been cleared of committing any crimes The State Attorney's Office determined that the officers did not violate any criminal laws, the sheriff said. No one from the State Attorney's Office ever interviewed McNeil, Crump said. Daniels called their investigation 'a whitewashing.' 'But for that video, we would not be here,' Daniels said. 'And we thank God Mr. McNeil had the courage to record.' Asked about the criticism of the State Attorney's review, a spokesperson for the office said Wednesday that 'a memo to McNeil's file will be finalized in the coming days that will serve as our comment.' Shortly after his arrest, McNeil pleaded guilty to charges of resisting an officer without violence and driving with a suspended license, Waters said. Civil rights attorneys call for accountability 'America, we're better than this, we're at a crossroads,' Crump said. 'We are a Democracy, we believe in the Constitution. We are not a police state where the police can do anything they want to citizens without any accountability.' Crump said his client remained calm while the officers who are trained to deescalate tense situations were the ones escalating violence. He said the case harkened back to the Civil Rights movement, when Black people were often attacked when they tried to assert their rights. 'What he exhibited was a 21st century Rosa Parks moment where an African American had the audacity to say 'I deserve equal justice under the law. I deserve to be treated like a human being with all the respect that a human being is entitled to.'' The sheriff has pushed back on some of the claims by Crump and lawyer Harry Daniels, saying the cellphone camera footage from inside the car 'does not comprehensively capture the circumstances surrounding the incident.' 'Part of that stems from the distance and perspective of the recording cell phone camera,' the sheriff said in a statement, adding that the video did not capture events that occurred before officers decided to arrest McNeil. Cameras 'can only capture what can be seen and heard,' the sheriff added. 'So much context and depth are absent from recorded footage because a camera simply cannot capture what is known to the people depicted in it.' Many of the speakers at Wednesday's news conference said they hope the Florida case results in accountability so that what happened to McNeil doesn't happen to others. 'It's incumbent upon everyone to understand that this could have been us, this could have been me, this could have been you,' civil rights lawyer Gerald Griggs said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakers exec's Luka Doncic message ahead of contract extension eligibility
The post Lakers exec's Luka Doncic message ahead of contract extension eligibility appeared first on ClutchPoints. With Luka Doncic eligible to sign a contract extension beginning August 2, a Los Angeles Lakers front office executive made it clear that the franchise sees the 26-year-old as a long-term cornerstone. During NBA 2K26 Summer League coverage in Las Vegas, Spotrac's Keith Smith spoke with coaches and executives across both conferences. Among those conversations was a message from a Lakers executive regarding Doncic's looming extension eligibility. 'We aren't even allowed to do that until next month (August 2nd), so it's a bit early to talk about that,' the executive said. 'But Luka and his reps know how we feel about him. They've known that since we've traded for him. This will hopefully be a long, long partnership between Luka and us.' Doncic was acquired by the Lakers in a blockbuster midseason trade with the Dallas Mavericks in February that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas. Since his arrival, Doncic has embraced the transition, quickly becoming the focal point of the franchise under head coach JJ Redick. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals across 28 games with the Lakers to close out the 2024–25 regular season. In the playoffs, he elevated his performance even further, averaging 30.2 points in a five-game first-round series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Lakers prepare extension offer as Luka Doncic helps reshape roster The Lakers can offer Doncic a four-year, $229 million extension beginning August 2. Alternatively, he could sign a three-year deal with a player option that would position him for a five-year supermax contract worth over $400 million in 2028 when he reaches 10 years of NBA service time. Doncic has shown every indication of wanting to stay in Los Angeles. In a recent interview, he expressed his desire to leave a lasting legacy with the Lakers. Asked what he hopes to be remembered for in Los Angeles, Doncic responded, 'The guy that brought championships to the city.' Off the court, Doncic has also taken an active role in shaping the roster. He reportedly played a part in recruiting center Deandre Ayton, who signed a two-year, $8.1 million deal after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers. More recently, he was involved in the recruitment of veteran guard Marcus Smart, who plans to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option for the 2026–27 season once he clears waivers. The Lakers have begun shifting toward a new era, with Doncic at the center of the franchise's future plans. As Summer League concludes and training camp approaches, all eyes will soon turn to Doncic's contract decision. While the front office remains restricted from initiating formal negotiations until early August, messaging from within the organization signals a clear desire to secure a long-term future with one of the league's premier talents. Related: Lakers exec drops 'silly' take on LeBron James' contract situation Related: Nike Kobe 9 EM 'China' releasing Holiday 2025
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA rookies: 5 big questions for this year's class, including Cooper Flagg's fit and Yang Hansen's hype
The 2025-26 NBA calendar year is upon us. The draft is over, and so is most of free agency. While some rosters still need tweaking and adjusting, we know for the most part how teams will enter the season. As such, we can start to ponder the big questions, like how the 2025 rookie class — which got its first taste of NBA action during Summer League — will perform in the coming season. How will Cooper Flagg mesh with a roster led by veterans? The Mavericks are in a weird spot, as they feature Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, all in their 30s, and now have to balance that with Flagg, their prized rookie. Whether they believe they have enough to make a title push right now, or hope to win a championship within the next few years, they're going to need Flagg to produce at a near All-Star level in order to turn that dream into reality. Fortunately, despite not turning 19 until December, Flagg is one of the most complete forwards to enter the NBA in a while. Flagg is a 6-foot-9, two-way dynamo who will likely defend at an NBA level right off the bat, just as he'll be able to rebound, push the ball in transition, and score in a role as the secondary or tertiary offensive option. While it's impossible to pencil him in for a certain stat line, Flagg should be, at minimum, a high-end production starter from opening day, making the fit with Davis, Irving (when he returns from injury), Thompson, and D'Angelo Russell much more seamless. Will the Nets have a rookie who pops? The Brooklyn Nets more or less built a brand new starting lineup in the first round of this year's draft, which is impressive in its own right. But looking at each pick individually, you have to wonder if any of the rookies are ready to make a big impact in their debut season. Egor Denim was a reach at No. 8, but the 19-year-old guard has size at 6-8 and ball-handling capabilities to become impactful down the road. Nolan Traoré, the French international, is slight and still an inefficient shooter. Like Denim, he could use a year or two of seasoning before he's ready to contribute. Drake Powell is an athletic monster who could be a defensive ace sooner than later, but his all-around game remains underdeveloped. Danny Wolf, the 6-11 center out of Michigan, is developed but comes with a set ceiling. He's a wonderful play initiator, but can he ever become a solid post player on both sides of the floor? If anything, it's Ben Saraf, the 6-6 wing from Israel who could come in immediately and produce. The lefty guard/wing has a strong tool belt of skills at his disposal, in particular as a passer and as an aggressor when going toward the rim. His solid frame will also help him against NBA defenders. If his shot comes along, there's certainly something there. What role will Dylan Harper play in San Antonio? Remember when the Spurs had basically no point guard during Victor Wembanyama's rookie season? Well, now they're loaded at the position. San Antonio will have to juggle between De'Aaron Fox, Harper, and Stephon Castle, while having to play them at off-guard at times just to fit everyone in. Harper was the second player chosen in last month's draft, and his upside is substantial. He's a big 6-6 guard with a 6-10 wingspan and a developed frame, and he has a game that lends itself well to the NBA via his ability to pressure defenses at the rim, and pass out of screen-and-roll action. If that sounds familiar to what Fox provides, you're not mistaken. Fox, like Harper, is best with the ball in his hands, and offers many of the same attributes. This can have benefits, however, as the Spurs can install a consistent system, which runs regardless of whether it's Fox or Harper on the floor. Most teams have to alter their play calling when they go to their second unit, but the Spurs can run many of the same actions due to the similarities between the two, particularly when Wembanyama is on the floor. Harper, despite the crowded backcourt, should be able to find his way in such a streamlined system. How is Ace Bailey best developed? The Utah Jazz are clearly tanking this coming season, as they shipped away several veterans to open up minutes for the youngsters, which includes Bailey, who will enter this season with the greenest of lights to do, well, whatever. That might prove fruitful, in the sense that Bailey's green light could carry him toward stardom, or it might have the opposite effect of having him lean into empty numbers and become this era's Michael Beasley, which surely isn't the scenario Utah envisioned when it picked him fifth overall. There isn't a set formula, and that's what we all need to remind ourselves of when it comes to Bailey. Some players, like LeBron James, flourished under a green light as a rookie, in large part because he was mature and responsible enough to learn from the mistakes he made along the way. Others, like Jimmy Butler, needed years to get ready despite a long college career, and had to take several steps before they were ready to handle a significant offensive load. Which path is best for Bailey? It could be either of those, or even something in-between. Responsible freedom is, arguably, the best approach to any project, and in the case of Bailey, there has to be communication between him and the coaching staff, where both sides are ready to engage in some give-and-take. Yang Hansen: Question mark? Okay, look. Yang was off the board earlier than virtually everyone expected, but that doesn't mean he'll prove to be a bad pick. NBA teams, for the most part, know what they're doing, and clearly the Blazers felt they needed to grab him early, out of fear someone else would pick him in that same range. Who are we to question that process? If anything, Yang getting picked 16th overall only spices up the regular season, and makes him a particularly interesting player to track across next season. Yang is 7-1, and he hits 3-pointers, blocks shots, rebounds, and passes the ball like a guard. Yet the vast majority of NBA fans and pundits are only somewhat familiar with him — based off the occasional highlight, which would make its way across social media — meaning there are a ton of questions hovering over him as he enters the league. Is he ready to play already? Can he defend in space at the NBA level? Is the 3-point shot legitimate? Are the passes we saw in Summer League something we'll see against real competition? It's going to be enormously fun to find out.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakers star LeBron James had interest in reuniting with Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving
LeBron James had the opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Instead, the four-time champion chose to pick up his $52.6 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for an eighth season. There was speculation that James could request a trade or buyout to land in his preferred destination as there was limited cap space around the league this summer. He appears set to begin the season in Los Angeles, which would mark his longest consecutive tenure with one franchise. Despite the four-time MVP remaining with the Lakers, John Hollinger of The Athletic reported that he showed interest in joining Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving -- two of his former teammates that he won a championship with -- on the Dallas Mavericks. "While he opted in to the final year of his contract and does not appear to be an imminent trade candidate, as our Joe Vardon and Dan Woike reported here, that doesn't necessarily mean returning to the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year deal was at the top of his wish list," The Athletic's John Hollinger wrote Monday. "In particular, the whispers about him having eyes for Dallas — a place where he could have teamed up with former teammates Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving and young phenom Cooper Flagg — before opting into his deal were hard to ignore." Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp "Obviously, James wasn't willing to leave $52 million on the table to take a nontaxpayer MLE or something similar from the Mavericks or another team," Hollinger continued. "A buyout seems similarly unlikely. Additionally, the tax aprons on both sides will make any in-season transaction with a contender-class team challenging." James found himself the subject of trade proposals and buyout rumors for the first time in his illustrious career, which is set to enter an NBA record 23rd season. While he appeared to have some interest in joining the Mavericks, the move seemed unlikely from the moment that he picked up his player option. Instead, the superstar will return to the Lakers, who have made several additions as they look to build the roster around him and Luka Dončić. Los Angeles has added Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart during the offseason -- and appear motivated to continue adding talent. More NBA:
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
LeBron James had eyes on Mavs, teaming with Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Duke phenom Cooper Flagg before opting into Lakers contract
LeBron James had eyes on the Dallas Mavericks – specifically, teaming with two players he won a championship with, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, Duke Blue Devils basketball's Cooper Flagg – before he opted into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Athletic's John Hollinger shared that intel while seemingly indicating the LeBron-Mavs possibility is dormant. "In particular, the whispers about him having eyes for Dallas — a place where he could have teamed up with former teammates Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving and young phenom Cooper Flagg — before opting into his deal were hard to ignore,' Hollinger wrote. 'Obviously, James wasn't willing to leave $52 million on the table to take a nontaxpayer MLE or something similar from the Mavericks or another team. A buyout seems similarly unlikely. Additionally, the tax aprons on both sides will make any in-season transaction with a contender-class team challenging.' BasketNews's Vukašin Nedeljković came up with a deal involving James that'd send Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall, and Jaden Hardy to Los Angeles, while LeBron, Bronny, and Dalton Knecht would all end up in Dallas. Such a deal is on the road to working now that the Lakers have released Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin. Rob Pelinka would have to continue maneuvering the cap to make it fully work. If James has a thought about wanting out and prefers the Mavs, making a deal sooner rather than later would be ideal. Signing as a free agent after a potential buyout doesn't come with a guarantee that Bronny will remain his teammate. That's an unlikely scenario since LeBron has not taken a pay cut since winning two titles with the Miami Heat at a Big Three discount. James will likely stay in L.A., but it'll forever be hard to ignore ESPN's Ramona Shelbourne and Brian Windhorst planting the seeds that the baton is having a tough time being passed back from LeBron to Luka Doncic.
