Latest news with #Beasley
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Michael Beasley shares why he hates the narrative that Luka Doncic is out of shape: "When I'm scoring 50, tell me then to get in shape"
Luka Doncic may be a transcendent talent, but two significant flaws have overshadowed the Los Angeles Lakers superstar's career. One is his lack of effort on the defensive end, which was abundantly apparent in their first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in this year's NBA Playoffs. Another is his lack of conditioning, which fans and analysts have pointed to as the main reason the Dallas Mavericks stunningly traded him to the Purple & Gold before this season's trade deadline. Advertisement However, one former NBA veteran, Michael Beasley, has pushed back against that popular narrative, claiming that if the Slovenian ace doesn't have optimal physical conditioning, he wouldn't be able to put up the numbers he regularly does or even lead the Mavs to the NBA Finals last season. You have to be in shape to put up a lot of shots in the NBA The NBA is a grown man's league, wherein getting a shot off takes a lot of strength and stamina. In his eight-year NBA career, the 6'6" guard has averaged over 20 shots a game, proving his ability to handle the physical demands of the league. It's a point that Beasley, the second-overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, champions. "I hate this narrative on Luka, right? It's just something that I'm hearing in the news. I hate this like "out of shape" narrative that I'm hearing, 'cause it's like everybody that's saying he's out of shape is the same ones that's cheering hurrah hurrah when he's scoring 50 points or 60 points," the left-handed forward said. Advertisement Beasley, who last played in the Association for the Lakers in 2019, added that this critique of Doncic's game only comes out of the woodwork whenever his team loses. However, it all fades when the native of Ljubljana, Slovenia, drops 73 points on defenses designed to stop his every move. "In order to score 50, you got to be in shape to shoot 30 shots at least, right? Especially in the NBA. When it works, what shape are we speaking about? It's like you always got to find something bad to say about him. And it's like—why? Like bro, sometimes the other guy was just better and just bust their ass. And just really bust their ass. And it's as simple as that," "Beas" pointed out. Related: Michael Jordan warned the NBA about pushing the "next MJ" narrative: "There's a danger to that, the credibility of the game can take a hit" Don't try to ruin a man's reputation Luka was keen on staying a member of the Mavs organization for his entire career. He had helped build something special in Dallas after the team acquired him in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, the Mavs' decision-makers did not believe in "The Don" as much as the latter believed in his team. And not only did Dallas trade him, but they also tried to assassinate his character on his way out with talks regarding his subpar physical conditioning. It was something that Beasley certainly took offense with. Advertisement "It's like, when I'm scoring 50, tell me then to get in shape," the "Walking Bucket" stressed. "The second I get a turnover, or the second I don't win one of the games that you clearly been paying me — now I'm out of shape?" "That s**t messes up the players' money. And the organizations know what they're doing. That's not fair," he added. With the Lakers' offseason starting earlier than they would have liked, it seems like Doncic has not wasted any time getting to work. He recently attended a basketball game of his former team, Real Madrid, and looked to be in great shape. While there is no doubt that "Luka Magic" has natural talent, his dedication to staying fit and improving his game only bodes well for him and the Lakers moving forward. Related: "Keep putting him in trade rumors for second string centers" - Austin Reaves' agent issues warning amid constant trade rumors
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
No. 99 WR Cole Beasley: Cowboys Top 100 Countdown to the 2025 season
No. 99 WR Cole Beasley: Cowboys Top 100 Countdown to the 2025 season WR Cole Beasley played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2010 through 2018. Although he's said a lot that in his time since leaving the organization that has led a lot of the fanbase to sour on him, his contributions while in uniform cannot be denied. Beasley was flat out one of the most efficient receivers in the NFL. According to data analyst Daniel Houston, from 2013 through 2019, 1,167 receivers caught an NFL pass. Beasley ranked No. 30 in receiving expected-points-added (EPA) over that stretch. The former UDFA from SMU spent his career being one of the most sure-handed, first-down conversion machines (44% rate since 2013) the league has seen over that span. Beasley was a bridge between two eras, being the primary slot target for both Tony Romo and Dak Prescott. In his 103 games with the club, he caught 556 passes for 5,744 yards while reeling in 34 touchdowns, building up a 30 Career AV with the club before moving on to Buffalo. America's Team indeed. The Dallas Cowboys have been in existence since 1960, and as a franchise born through cunning chicanery, they embody the spirit of American sports, doing any and everything necessary to earn a seat at the table. From the moment they held the rights to the then-Washington Redskins fight song hostage until their franchise received the green light, they've been at the forefront of a game that has captured the attention of the American public. Leading up to the NFL's 100th season, 2019, Cowboys Wire first ran a Top 100 countdown of the franchise's best players. The list was revisited in 2022 and now a new tradition will be established, updating the list every three seasons. Dallas has been the home of many of the league's best players and a handful of its most colorful personalities. A formula was necessary to measure individual impact across the last seven decades that produced eight trips to the Super Bowl and five championships. Starting with Pro Football Reference's Approximate Value metric — a useful tool to help evaluate contributions across the various eras — each member of the organization was scored on their career achievements, three-season peaks, game-by-game greatness, longevity and postseason contributions. Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
FLUENT Reports First Quarter 2025 Results
- Q1 Revenue Grew 5.91% YoY to $26.7 million- Ended quarter with $30.7 million of cash and cash equivalents- New York operations continuing to progress as Buffalo cultivation facility nears completion TAMPA, Fla., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FLUENT Corp. (CSE: FNT.U) (OTCQB: CNTMF) ("FLUENT" or the "Company"), a vertically-integrated, multi-state cannabis company, today announced its financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. Unless otherwise indicated, all financial results are presented in U.S. dollars. Management Commentary 'In Q1 2025, we generated $26.7 million in revenue, a 5.9% increase year-over-year, despite continued price compression and increased market saturation in Florida,' said Robert Beasley, Chief Executive Officer of FLUENT. 'While adjusted EBITDA declined to $3.5 million, largely due to softness in Florida, our core fundamentals remain strong. We continue to invest in infrastructure and brand development to support long-term growth. Despite industry-wide challenges this quarter, we remained focused on disciplined execution.' Beasley added, 'In New York, integration of the RIV Capital assets is progressing well, with the Buffalo cultivation facility nearing completion and the FLUENT retail rebrand underway. In Florida, we launched new products and completed construction of the Roza facility, expanding production capacity ahead of our next planned harvest. Our cash position of $30.7 million, up from $8.5 million a year ago, gives us the flexibility to support near-term priorities and long-term growth.' He concluded, 'While macro and regulatory uncertainties remain, we are focused on strengthening our core markets, managing costs, and positioning the company to adapt and grow as market conditions evolve.' Q1 2025 Financial Highlights (vs. Q1 2024) Revenue was $26.7 million compared to $25.2 million. Florida revenue was $19.2 million compared to $21.1 million. Gross profit before fair value adjustments1 was $12.5 million or 46.8% of revenue, compared to $12.3 million or 48.6% of revenue. Adjusted EBITDA was $3.5 million compared to $6.8 million, reflecting the ongoing startup and ramp-up in the New York market following the RIV acquisition, as well as continued softness in the Florida market. Cash flow used in operations for the three months ending March 31, 2025, was $1.5 million compared to cash flow provided by operations of $4.1 million in the prior year. The decline is primarily attributable to the settlement of payments that had been carried over from previous periods. On March 31, 2025, the Company had approximately $30.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and $79.1 million of total debt outstanding, with approximately 700 million shares outstanding on an as-converted basis, compared to $8.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $62.9 million of total debt, with approximately 300 million shares outstanding on March 31, 2024. Recent Operational Highlights Company Footprint: As of the end of the reporting period, FLUENT operates a total of 42 retail locations and 8 production facilities across its key markets of Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Florida: Currently operating thirty-five retail locations and five production facilities. On track to opening three additional stores in Florida by the end of 2025. Successfully relocated the North Miami Beach dispensary to Aventura, offering more points of sale, larger vault storage, and a refreshed store design. Completed construction of the new Rosa cultivation facility in Tampa; cultivation commenced in early May with the first harvest expected in August 2025. Launched two differentiated whole flower brands: KNACK – a high-quality, affordable offering. Bag-O – a value-driven line available in larger formats. Introduced 10mg THC chocolate bites, FLUENT's first single-serve edible product. New York: Currently operating four retail locations and one production facility. Construction of Buffalo, our second cultivation facility in New York, is nearing completion. The first planting is expected in Q2 2025, with the inaugural harvest projected for Q4 2025. Initiated rebranding of New York retail locations to FLUENT following the successful acquisition of RIV Capital assets. Expanded the KNACK brand portfolio in New York to include pre-rolls, alongside a rotating selection of whole flower strains. Texas: Currently operating one production facility and a delivery program. Commenced construction of the Houston Education and Pick-Up Center, with an expected opening in Q3 2025. Pennsylvania: Currently operating three retail locations in the state. The company is actively monitoring legislative developments and is encouraged by the accelerating momentum toward adult-use legalization in Pennsylvania and the potential expansion of the medical program in Texas, both of which represent promising future growth catalysts. _____________________________1 Gross profit before fair value adjustments is a non-IFRS financial measure that does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company calculates gross profit before fair value adjustments from gross profit plus (minus) the changes in fair value of biological assets, as presented in the consolidated statement of operations. Conference Call The Company will host a conference call and live audio webcast today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial and operational results, followed by a question-and-answer period. Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern timeToll-free dial-in number: 1-844-763-8274 (toll -free)International dial-in number: 1-412-717-9224 (international) Join Instructions: Participants to ask to be joined into the FLUENT Corp. call. Link: FLUENT Corp Conference Call Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. The conference call will also be available for replay for up to two weeks via the News & Events section of the Company's investor relations website at Forward-Looking InformationCertain information in this news release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent the Company's expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on many opinions, assumptions, and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the factors described in the public documents of the Company available on its SEDAR+ profile at These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. For further information visit: and Investor Relations Contactinvestors@ Media Contact: press@ Officer Contact:Robert Beasley, CEO (850) 972-8077 Fluent Corp. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 (USD '000) March 31,2025 December 31,2024 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 30,744 $ 40,106 Accounts receivable 235 422 Biological assets 3,298 3,162 Inventory, net 20,051 15,155 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,824 2,587 Total current assets $ 56,152 $ 61,432 Property and equipment, net 53,757 52,200 Intangible assets, net 37,315 37,590 Right-of-use assets, net 45,523 46,731 Goodwill 1,525 1,525 Deferred tax assets 1,248 1,039 Other assets 6,534 6,476 Total assets $ 202,053 $ 206,992 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 4,439 $ 6,331 Accrued expenses 8,923 8,423 Income taxes payable 1,003 1,003 Derivative liabilities 1,691 2,148 Short term provision liability 5,000 4,957 Current portion of notes payable 458 755 Lease obligations - current portion 4,943 4,751 Total current liabilities $ 26,457 $ 28,368 Long-term liabilities Notes payable, net of current portion and financing costs 69,261 68,775 Lease obligations, net of current portion 51,168 51,727 Deferred tax liability 5,542 4,817 Uncertain tax position 48,176 43,314 Long term provision liability 8,980 9,044 Convertible notes, net 6,729 6,482 Other long-term liabilities 3,447 3,447 Total long-term liabilities $ 193,303 $ 187,606 Total liabilities $ 219,760 $ 215,974 Shareholders' equity Share capital 206,419 206,419 Share-based compensation reserve 7,300 7,275 Equity conversion feature 7,097 7,097 Warrants 29,634 29,634 Accumulated deficit (266,961 ) (258,211 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1,196 ) (1,196 ) Total shareholders' equity (17,707 ) (8,982 ) Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 202,053 $ 206,992 Fluent Corp. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024 (USD '000) For the three months ended March 31,2025 March 31,2024 Revenue, net $ 26,717 $ 25,227 Cost of goods sold 14,195 12,966 Gross profit before fair value adjustments 12,522 12,261 Fair value adjustments on inventory sold (301 ) 1,628 Unrealized gain (loss) on changes in fair value of biological assets 3,025 1,047 Gross profit 15,246 14,936 Operating expenses: General and administrative 4,894 3,963 Sales and marketing 6,319 5,434 Depreciation and amortization 2,025 1,730 Share-based compensation 25 49 Total operating expenses 13,263 11,176 Income from operations 1,982 3,760 Other expense (income): Finance costs, net 4,423 4,711 Gain on change in fair value of derivative liability (457 ) (1,687 ) Loss on disposal of assets - 212 Other expense, net 12 2 Total other expense 3,978 3,238 Net income (loss) before income taxes (1,996 ) 522 Income tax expense 6,754 4,685 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (8,750 ) $ (4,163 ) Net loss per share - basic and diluted $ (0.02 ) $ (0.01 ) Fluent Corp. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024 (USD '000) For the three months ended March 31,2025 March 31,2024 Cash flows used in operating activities Net loss $ (8,750 ) $ (4,163 ) Adjustments for non-cash items: Bargain purchase gain on business combination Loss on issuance and extinguishment of debt instruments, net Intangible assets impairment Unrealized (gain) loss on changes in fair value of biological assets (3,025 ) (1,047 ) Realized (gain) loss on fair value amounts included in inventory sold 301 (1,628 ) Share-based compensation expense 25 49 Depreciation and amortization 4,553 3,703 Accretion and interest expense 4,332 4,686 Net change in fair value of derivative (457 ) (1,687 ) Loss on dispositions of fixed assets - 212 Uncertain tax position 4,862 - Deferred tax expense 516 1,216 Changes in non-cash working capital Accounts receivable 187 (17 ) Inventory 3,279 3,939 Biological assets (5,587 ) (3,551 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 763 747 Right of use assets / liabilities (1,000 ) (1,317 ) Other assets (58 ) (90 ) Accounts payable (1,892 ) 630 Accrued expenses 500 (4,192 ) Income taxes - 6,938 Other long-term liabilities - (375 ) Net cash provided by operating activities $ (1,451 ) $ 4,053 Cash flows used in investing activities Purchase of property and equipment $ (4,179 ) $ (2,948 ) Net cash provided by used in investing activities $ (4,179 ) $ (2,948 ) Cash flows provided by used in financing activities Principal repayments of notes payable (2,681 ) (2,340 ) Payment of lease obligations (1,051 ) (765 ) Net cash used in financing activities $ (3,732 ) $ (3,105 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $ (9,362 ) $ (2,000 ) Cash, beginning of period 40,106 10,521 Cash, end of period $ 30,744 $ 8,521 Fluent Corp. EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA CALCULATION For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024 (USD '000) For the three months ended March 31,2025 March 31,2024 Net loss $ (8,750 ) $ (4,163 ) Finance costs, net 4,423 4,711 Income taxes 6,754 4,685 Depreciation and amortization 4,014 3,702 EBITDA $ 6,441 $ 8,935 For the three months ended March 31,2025 March 31,2024 EBITDA $ 6,441 $ 8,935 Change in fair value of biological assets (2,724 ) (2,675 ) Change in fair market value of derivative (457 ) (1,687 ) Professional fees(1) 74 1,789 One-time employee costs(2) 133 160 Share-based compensation 25 49 Loss on disposal of assets - 212 Other non-recurring expense 12 2 Adjusted EBITDA $ 3,504 $ 6,785 (1) Legal and professional fees associated with potential transactions and professional fees associated with prior periods. (2) Severance and relocation costs. 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Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FLUENT Corp. to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 29, 2025
TAMPA, Fla., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FLUENT Corp. (CSE: FNT.U) (OTCQB: CNTMF) ("FLUENT" or the "Company"), a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and retailer, today announced it will report financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The Company will host a conference call and live audio webcast to discuss the financial results and provide investors with key business highlights. The company will issue a press release with its results prior to the call. CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS Event: FLUENT Corp. First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Call Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025 Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time Webcast Link: FLUENT Corp Conference Call Dial-In Number: 1-844-763-8274 (toll -free) 1-412-717-9224 (international) Join Instructions: Participants to ask to be joined into the FLUENT Corp. call. Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. The conference call will also be available for replay via the News & Events section of FLUENT investor relations website at About FLUENT Corp. ("FLUENT"), a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and retailer, is dedicated to being one of the highest quality cannabis companies for the communities it serves. This is driven by FLUENT's unrelenting commitment to operational excellence in cultivation, production, distribution and retail experience. FLUENT produces an assortment of cannabis products under a diverse portfolio of brands including MOODS, Knack, Wandr, Bag-O and Hyer Kind. FLUENT operates in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, FLUENT employs more than 700 employees across 8 cultivation and manufacturing facilities and 42 active retail locations. For more information about the Company, please visit FLUENT's Common Shares trade on the CSE under the symbol 'FNT.U' and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol 'CNTMF'. For more information about the Company, please visit Company ContactRobert Beasley, CEOinvestors@ Media Contact:press@ in to access your portfolio
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'This s*it messes up the players'- Former LA Lakers' star comes out in support of Luka Doncic over narrative around his fitness
While Luka Doncic is one the greatest basketball players, for some people he doesn't try hard on defense and isn't in the best shape. This impacts his image, especially after his team lost early in the playoffs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Some believe his poor fitness is why the Dallas Mavericks traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. However, former NBA player and former Los Angeles Lakers' star player Michael Beasley firmly disagrees. Michael Beasley takes a firm stand on the issue Michael Beasley firmly believes if Luka Doncic was really out of shape, he wouldn't be able to score so much or lead a team to the NBA Finals like he did. Beasley thinks Luka's performance proves he's better than people give him credit for. In the NBA, if a player needs to score well, a lot of strength and energy is required. Luka takes over 20 shots per game and has led his team to the Finals, which proves he can handle the tough physical game. Beasley said: "I hate this narrative on Luka, right? It's just something that I'm hearing in the news. I hate this "out of shape" narrative that I'm hearing, 'cause it's like everybody that's saying he's out of shape is the same ones that's cheering hurrah hurrah when he's scoring 50 points or 60 points.' Beasley believes people only criticize Luka Doncic's fitness when his team loses. But when Luka scores well, like 73 points, even against tough defenses, the criticism disappears. Beasley says this shows Luka is clearly fit and skilled, and the negative talk only comes up when things go wrong. "In order to score 50, you have to be in shape to shoot at least 30 shots, right? Especially in the NBA. When it works, what shape are we speaking about? It's like you always have to find something bad to say about him. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now And it's like—why? Like bro, sometimes the other guy was just better and just bust their ass. And just really bust their ass. And it's as simple as that.' Beasley further adds: "It's like, when I'm scoring 50, tell me then to get in shape," the "Walking Bucket" stressed. "The second I get a turnover, or the second I don't win one of the games that you clearly been paying me — now I'm out of shape? That s**t messes up the players' money. And the organizations know what they're doing. That's not fair.' Also Read: While NBA fans have been pleased to see Luka after at a recent game in Spain, having lost weight, Luka's strategies haven't changed a bit. Beasley points that out.
