Latest news with #JamieWalker
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Brooklyn Nets jersey history No. 15 - Jamie Walker (1987)
Brooklyn Nets jersey history No. 15 - Jamie Walker (1987) The Brooklyn Nets have 52 jersey numbers worn by over 600 different players over the course of their history since the franchise was founded in 1967 as a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), when the team was known as the "New Jersey Americans". Since then, that league has been absorbed by the NBA with the team that would later become the New York Nets and New Jersey Nets before settling on the name by which they are known today, bringing their rich player and jersey history with them to the league of today. To commemorate the players who played for the Nets over the decades wearing those 52 different jersey numbers, Nets Wire is covering the entire history of the franchise's jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team. The 17th of those 52 different numbers is jersey No. 15 which has has had a total of 14 players wear the number in the history of the team. The seventh of those players wearing No. 15 played in the (then) New Jersey (now, Brooklyn) Nets era, guard alum Jamie Walker. After ending his college career at Virginia Union University, Walker was picked up with the 48th overall selection of the 1987 NBA draft by the Nets. The South Boston, Virginia native would play the only seasons of his NBA career with New Jersey, leaving the league after just nine games when he was cut. During his time suiting up for the Nets, Walker wore only jersey No. 15 and put up 4.7 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
Scotsman
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Former Hearts star becomes free agent as 'Bagpipe Messi' seeks new club
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now He's featured over 200 times for Hearts and is now looking for his next challenge. Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hearts favourite Jamie Walker is on the hunt for a new club after his time at Bradford City came to an end. The playmaker was part of a Bantams side who have achieved promotion to League One under the management of former Scotland international Graham Alexander. Walker has played 125 times for Bradford City since joining the club in 2022 at the end of his second spell in maroon. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This campaign, Walker has featured 43 times but minutes have been resricted in 2025 and he is now one of the players who will leave the club once his contract expires this summer. He has been wished a fond farewell by the side in claret and amber though as he prepares to enter free agency. Bradford City message to former Hearts star They said on X: 'Our Bagpipe Messi. Thank you for everything, Jamie. All the best for the future.' A club statement added: 'Bradford City AFC can confirm our retained list ahead of the 2025/26 season. The following players have not been offered new contracts and will be released on June 30 2025; Callum Johnson, Gabe Wadsworth, Jamie Walker, Romoney Crichlow, Sam Stubbs, Vadaine Oliver. Announcements regarding academy scholars who have been offered professional contracts will be made in due course. The club would like to take this opportunity to thank all departing players for their efforts while at Bradford City AFC, and wish them the very best for the future.' A boyhood Jambo who came through the academy ranks at Hearts, Walker made 240 appearances over two senior spells at Tynecastle with 55 goals and 43 assists. He's helped the club out of the Championship twice but there's now room for another club in his heart as the playmaker paid tribute to Bradford City. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jamie Walker sends farewell He said on social media: 'My time at Bradford City has come to an end. 125 times I pulled on the claret and amber shirt and I hope you seen a player who cared about your football club and always gave everything! 3 times 90 minutes from Wembley I thought the success and celebrations would never come but finally we got over the line and gave you the the promotion your unbelievable support deserves. That weekend/week will be a day that lives long in my memory as one of the best days of my life. 'This season hasn't been plain sailing and I've had to dig deep at times on and off the pitch but to have contributed and finish top of the assists chart is a testament to myself and my character. When I signed for Bradford city on loan over 3 years ago never did I think I would fall in love with your club and city so much it really is a special city and football club with so many unbelievable people. The supporters WOW! I think this season has taught everyone a lot the wins the losses the draws the opinions the criticism and everything else it's why we love this sport so much. 'As soon as I entered the pitch home away or warming up my song rang around the stadium which made me so proud to play for your club. You welcomed me and my family into your club and city as if we were one of your own and we are forever grateful. You definitely have 2 new Bantams for life my son and daughter. The roar of the Valley Parade crowd when my goal hit the back of the net in the play off semi final will live with me for a long long time. 'A special mention to my teammates some who have been on the journey from the start and some who have just joined. I know it's a bit cliche after a promotion but there is some incredible human beings mentally and emotionally within that group. To the staff I wish them nothing but good luck for next season. Lastly every time I sign for a football club I come with the hope that when I leave I have contributed towards the club being in a better place on and off the pitch and I truly believe that is the case. City's going up ole ole.'
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘I was earning £95k before I went on benefits. This is how I got back to work'
Jamie Walker always prided himself on his work ethic. He had worked his whole adult life, with jobs ranging from a potato factory to a roofing business. It was part of his identity. He worked hard and became a small business owner, higher-rate taxpayer and family man. He may not fit into your stereotypical image of a benefits claimant. At one point, Walker was earning close to six figures. But in 2020, Walker's life took a downward spiral, forcing him on to Universal Credit and leaving him extremely 'vulnerable'. Fast forward five years and he says he has finally come 'full circle' – but it hasn't been easy to get back on his feet. At the age of 17, after completing a scholarship-funded course at drama college, Walker put his confidence and acting skills to good use in ambassadorial roles for drinks giants such as Bacardi and Diageo. He travelled the world, appeared on television and wrote several cocktail books. Years later, after getting married and having four children, Walker traded in the high-flying lifestyle for a back-of-house role. He worked as a commercial director and head of marketing within the luxury spirits and wine industries, earning £95,000 a year. Just after he broke away and set up his own business, ready to sell a 'really lovely portfolio of spirits', the Covid pandemic hit, forcing Walker's business – along with the rest of the world – online. In the space of a couple of years Walker faced a 'tsunami of challenges'; he separated from his wife, his mother passed away and his business profits were eroded by Covid. 'My mental health was taking a good kicking,' he says. 'I developed an alcohol addiction as I tried to drown out the pain.' In 2021, Walker started experiencing psychosis and hallucinations. 'Even at that time, all I wanted to do was work because I associated being able to provide for my family with who I was. But I was put into hospital on several occasions and it became very clear that I needed not to work,' Walker recalls. He started getting the support he needed in 2021 and signed on for benefits. This involved agreeing to the terms to receive Universal Credit, which often include attending the job centre and seeking employment. Universal Credit is a monthly payment for people who are looking for work, unable to work because of illness or disability, or in work on a low income. For single people over the age of 25, the monthly standard allowance is £400.14, but there are variables that mean you might get more or less than this. In 2023, there were roughly six million people receiving the benefit in the UK, according to data company Statista. While this state support can provide a lifeline for people suffering with illness – either physical or mental, like Walker – he recalls how 'bleak and austere' life on benefits was. 'I was careful to choose what to eat and when to put the heating or electric on. There was no room for any day-to-day luxuries,' he says. He remembers receiving £30 supermarket vouchers, which are issued by some councils – but it scarcely covered his needs: 'I was given a care kit with soap, toothbrush and shampoo. I have kept these as mementos. It reminds me of how far I've come.' At this time, Walker's ex-wife took over all the financial responsibilities for the children – 'this was devastating for my pride,' he admits. He was also fortunate to have an understanding landlord, who delayed the rent due on his one-bed flat in Kent until his benefits were approved He started going to the job centre but the staff were suggesting roles he wasn't trained for, such as a chartered surveyor. 'I think they were just basing it off the fact that I came in in a suit,' he says. After being put in touch with the employment charity Shaw Trust and, supported by its Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service, which helps people with mental health needs find work, Walker started to get back on track. They helped him realise he'd been at his happiest when he was acting and presenting, so encouraged him to get in touch with old contacts. A spokesman for Shaw Trust said: 'Many people with health conditions want to work but lack support. As an employment charity helping 350,000 people annually, we aim to change this. Our IPS programmes address health and work goals simultaneously, while also saving taxpayer money. 'Reviewing the return on investment of supporting over 19,000 people through our IPS services, we found a return of £2.43 for every £1 spent in the first year, accruing to £9.22 over three years.' Walker has since featured in a short film produced by Spike Curtis, son of Richard Curtis, as well as a short film with suicide prevention charity Calm. Now, Walker intermittently receives Universal Credit as he gets more and more work. Last month, the Government announced that the health element to Universal Credit would be frozen. For new claimants the payment will be halved from £97 a week in 2024 to 2025 to £50 in 2026 to 2027 and then frozen for the following three years. Charities have criticised the move after it emerged that 250,000 people could fall into poverty by 2029 to 2030. 'I can only imagine what people are going through who are in the position I was three years ago, and to hear that benefits are being cut. The approach needs to be: support them back into work, but support them into the correct work,' says Walker. In a week's time he'll be three years sober. 'I'm on the upward curve,' he says. 'With the right focus you can turn your situation around by having a sense of purpose and aligning a career with your values and capabilities.' There are many out there like Walker. Casey Fuller, 29, has always been desperate to work and has had various roles in care and in warehouses but struggled to stay in one position due to anxiety and depression. 'You want more for yourself and it leaves you feeling deflated,' he says. At one point, Fuller checked himself into A&E because his suicidal thoughts were so severe. Two years ago he was at his lowest, but he has come a long way since. After spending time on Universal Credit, Fuller no longer needs to claim the benefit and has been working at Cook, a company which delivers frozen meals, for the past six months. 'I've put a lot of effort into securing and maintaining a job. It's so fulfilling – I haven't taken a day off yet,' says Fuller, who lives in Sittingbourne, Kent. Fuller works in what is called the 'finishing department', doing heavy lifting, loading the trolleys and monitoring the meals going out to be delivered. He gets paid weekly, which helps with budgeting for bills and other expenses. He's determined to progress in the company and one day wants to work helping others. 'This is a proud and inspiring moment for me. I'm a hard worker and having this job has given me self-love and self-worth,' he says. He's also got the financial and mental capacity to enjoy life outside of work with friends and family and is training to become a volunteer to help others. Fuller's advice to people in similar situations is to just stick at it: 'If you're willing to put the effort in, you will come through it. 'I've got a very strong ethos of working hard, it allows you to enjoy life.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
23-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
‘I was earning £95k before I went on benefits. This is how I got back to work'
Jamie Walker always prided himself on his work ethic. He had worked his whole adult life, with jobs ranging from a potato factory to a roofing business. It was part of his identity. He worked hard and became a small business owner, higher-rate taxpayer and family man. He may not fit into your stereotypical image of a benefits claimant. At one point, Walker was earning close to six figures. But in 2020, Walker's life took a downward spiral, forcing him on to Universal Credit and leaving him extremely 'vulnerable'. Fast forward five years and he says he has finally come 'full circle' – but it hasn't been easy to get back on his feet. At the age of 17, after completing a scholarship-funded course at drama college, Walker put his confidence and acting skills to good use in ambassadorial roles for drinks giants such as Bacardi and Diageo. He travelled the world, appeared on television and wrote several cocktail books. Years later, after getting married and having four children, Walker traded in the high-flying lifestyle for a back-of-house role. He worked as a commercial director and head of marketing within the luxury spirits and wine industries, earning £95,000 a year. Just after he broke away and set up his own business, ready to sell a 'really lovely portfolio of spirits', the Covid pandemic hit, forcing Walker's business – along with the rest of the world – online. In the space of a couple of years Walker faced a 'tsunami of challenges'; he separated from his wife, his mother passed away and his business profits were eroded by Covid. 'My mental health was taking a good kicking,' he says. 'I developed an alcohol addiction as I tried to drown out the pain.' 'All I wanted to do was work' In 2021, Walker started experiencing psychosis and hallucinations. 'Even at that time, all I wanted to do was work because I associated being able to provide for my family with who I was. But I was put into hospital on several occasions and it became very clear that I needed not to work,' Walker recalls. He started getting the support he needed in 2021 and signed on for benefits. This involved agreeing to the terms to receive Universal Credit, which often include attending the job centre and seeking employment. Universal Credit is a monthly payment for people who are looking for work, unable to work because of illness or disability, or in work on a low income. For single people over the age of 25, the monthly standard allowance is £400.14, but there are variables that mean you might get more or less than this. In 2023, there were roughly six million people receiving the benefit in the UK, according to data company Statista. While this state support can provide a lifeline for people suffering with illness – either physical or mental, like Walker – he recalls how 'bleak and austere' life on benefits was.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. Bank's Elavon Jumps Two Spots in 2025 Nilson Report Ratings
Payments leader moves from 7th to 5th in latest report, spotlighting payments growth as ranked by Mastercard and Visa purchase volume MINNEAPOLIS, April 09, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Elavon, the merchant services payment provider of U.S. Bank, has moved up two spots in the 2025 Nilson Report to become the fifth-largest U.S. merchant acquirer and the second-largest bank-owned acquirer as ranked by Mastercard and Visa purchase volume. The Nilson Report, a stalwart of news and analysis of the global card and mobile payment industry, released the rankings at the beginning of April. Per the Nilson Report (Issue 1282, March 2025), Elavon is the fifth-largest acquirer of Visa and Mastercard volume in the United States, up from seventh in the prior year. For total purchase volume (Visa, Mastercard, and other credit and pin-debit), Elavon is the sixth-largest provider in the United States, up from seventh. Elavon remained the fourth-largest acquirer of card-not-present purchase volume, an indicator of eCommerce sales. "Our innovative, tech-led payment products and solutions are valuable to businesses we serve, from your favorite local restaurant or shop to some of the largest hospitality brands and airlines in the world," said Jamie Walker, chief executive officer at Elavon. "We intend to continue to deliver what our clients need and solve the business and payment processing challenges they face." Elavon is a global payments leader, processing more than $576 billion in transactions worldwide annually. Backed by U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States, Elavon offers a broad range of technologies and scalable payment solutions to businesses of all sizes. Elavon provides payment processing to eight of the Top 10 airlines globally and is the trusted payments partner for seven of the Top 10 largest U.S. hotel brands. Elavon has secured a number of strategic partnerships in recent years, resulting in increased purchase volume and customer growth. These partnerships include Delta Air Lines Tap-to-Pay on iPhone integration, Virgin Atlantic, Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA), the California Restaurant Association, and many others. Salucro, the healthcare payments company acquired by U.S. Bank in 2024, has been an attractive addition for clients and prospects in the healthcare sector. In addition, Elavon has recently launched innovative payment products and solutions, including its Avvance point-of-sale lending solution, Elavon Payments Gateway as a unified, digital, cloud-based payments solution, and talech terminal as a simple point-of-sale solution to help small businesses more efficiently run their businesses. "As the payments landscape continues to evolve at lightning speed, we are on the forefront of delivering solutions that businesses—no matter their size or industry—seek to ensure a seamless, simple payment experience for their customers," Walker said. For more information, visit About Elavon Elavon is owned by U.S. Bank (NYSE: USB), the fifth-largest bank in the United States. It provides end-to-end payment processing solutions and services to more than 1.3 million customers in the United States, Europe, and Canada. As the leading provider for airlines and a top five provider in hospitality, healthcare, retail, and public sector/education, Elavon's innovative payment solutions are designed to solve pain points for businesses from small to the largest global enterprises. About U.S. Bancorp U.S. Bancorp, with more than 70,000 employees and $678 billion in assets as of December 31, 2024, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses, including consumer banking, business banking, commercial banking, institutional banking, payments and wealth management. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, community partnerships and customer service, including being named one of the 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies and Fortune's most admired superregional bank. Learn more at Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. Services may be subject to credit approval. Eligibility requirements, restrictions and fees may apply. See a business banker for details. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Joseph 919.260.2994
