Latest news with #Pritchard
Malaysian Reserve
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
SAMSONITE TAPS BOSTON'S PAYTON PRITCHARD FOR NEW CAMPAIGN: "IT'S NOT JUST A BAG, IT'S A SAMSONITE"
The basketball standout brings his signature discipline, grit, and on-the-go lifestyle to Samsonite's latest storytelling effort — built for movement, not just travel. MANSFIELD, Mass., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Samsonite, the iconic and trusted leader in travel gear headquartered in Massachusetts, USA, unveils its latest campaign: 'It's Not Just a Bag, It's a Samsonite.' The campaign spotlights the brand's commitment to creating expertly designed bags for all types of travel, from quick commutes to international journeys and reframes travel as a state of constant motion, where the right gear is essential to staying ready for whatever comes next. At the center of the campaign is Pritchard, whose discipline, adaptability, and quiet confidence make him a natural fit for the Samsonite ethos. Whether it's early flights, late-night practices, or showing up under pressure, his story mirrors that of today's modern traveler: focused, fast-moving, and defined by preparation. Shot across three visual chapters, Tunnel Walk, Courtside, and Travel Ready the campaign follows Pritchard through a typical day-in-motion with three distinct Samsonite collections Silhouette 18™, Proxis™, and Outline Pro®. From high-visibility style moments to focused solo downtime to the sprint toward the next destination, each scene is a nod to the different facets of travel and the products that support them. Samsonite's signature durability and iconic aesthetic are front and center, reimagined through the lens of a traveler who brings the same intensity to everyday movement as he does to game day. 'I'm always moving, always trying to stay one step ahead — and having the right travel gear with me makes a difference,' said Pritchard. 'A Samsonite isn't just a bag. It's a part of how I show up and stay ready.' David Oksman, Vice President of Marketing and Direct to Consumer at Samsonite, said, 'Travel has the power to shape us, shift perspective, and inspire new ways of seeing the world and Samsonite creates bags with that journey in mind. Payton's fast-paced lifestyle, both on and off the court, mirrors the journey of today's traveler: balancing ambition with authenticity, and movement with meaning.' The campaign's creative execution was brought to life by StudioHS and directed in partnership with Gut Feeling Production – setting out to explore and reimagine today's travel essential as a symbol of identity, resilience, and personal style. Using XR LED technology, Unreal Engine environments, and real-time motion tracking – the visuals blur the lines between physical and digital to deliver a cinematic, hyper-real world where form meets function. 'Payton is the embodiment of the modern-day utility player – versatile, dynamic, and always moving with intention,' shared Veronica Rodriguez-Greene, Chief Brand Officer and Executive Creative Director, StudioHS. 'He is not just an athlete, he's an explorer whose every move, every game, every story reflects the journey of many of today's travelers and the essence of the campaign: timeless, innovative, and quietly iconic.' Creative Team: Photographer, Bonnie Nichoalds Stylist, Derrick 'Dex' Robinson Set Designer, Natasha Nicolau XR Visual Design, Dimension 5 Production Facility, Studio Lab The campaign will roll out across digital, social, and US retail to see it across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and premium digital platforms, with a focus on video, vertical, and immersive storytelling. Behind-the-scenes content, campaign cutdowns, and travel-style editorials featuring Pritchard will continue to drop throughout the summer. Link to hi-res images HERELink to BTS video HERE Photo credit: Courtesy of Samsonite For more information, visit or Instagram:@samsoniteusa | Youtube:@samsonite | Tiktok:@samsoniteusa. #ItsASamsonite For media inquiries, please contactSamsonite | samsonite@ About SamsoniteFounded in 1910, Samsonite is the world leader in superior travel bags, luggage, backpacks and accessories. Samsonite builds trusted and innovative products that elevate the way we travel. Inspired by the past and built for the present, Samsonite's purpose is to pack confidence into every single journey and believes those who experience the world will move it forward. Instagram:@samsoniteusa | Youtube:@samsonite | Tiktok:@samsoniteusa
Wales Online
2 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
Police found counterfeit tobacco in his car but it was nothing next to what they discovered at home
Police found counterfeit tobacco in his car but it was nothing next to what they discovered at home Kieran Pritchard's car was stopped by police but it led officers to search his home as well Kieran Pritchard (Image: Dyfed-Powys Police ) The discovery of counterfeit tobacco in the back of a man's car led police to discover he was a cocaine dealer, a court has heard. Officers found scores of packages of counterfeit tobacco in Kieran Pritchard's car which he said he was buying cheaply from abroad and selling on. An investigation showed he had also been dealing cocaine over the previous 18 months. Swansea Crown Court heard Pritchard got involved in dealing to pay off debts incurred by his brother following his sibling's incarceration, and that "he believed he was doing the right thing". David Singh, prosecuting, told the court that on December 29, 2023, police stopped Pritchard's Vauxhall Astra on the road between Llandysul and Pencader and found 73 packages of what was purported to be Golden Virginia and Amber Lead tobacco. He said an examination of the tobacco found it to be counterfeit. Pritchard told the officers he was buying tobacco cheaply from overseas and selling it on at a profit, making £5 per pack. The court heard that police subsequently carried out a search of the defendant's house and found a quantity of cocaine, empty bags, weighing scales, and £29,000 in cash. Pritchard's phones were seized and examined and they showed not only his dealing in tobacco but his involvement in cocaine supply over the previous 18 months. Article continues below The prosecutor said that in his police interview the 33-year-old defendant told officers he had turned to dealing as he felt "obliged" to pay debts owed by his brother following his incarceration. The defendant also said he had bought the cocaine "from a lorry driver" to be sold on at a profit. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter Keiran Pritchard, of Heol y Gaer, Llanybydder, Carmarthenshire, had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply counterfeit tobacco, possession of cocaine with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and possession of criminal property - namely cash - when he appeared in the dock for sentencing. He has no previous convictions. Kate Williams, for Pritchard, said it was unlikely the defendant would have become involved in the offending had he not felt obliged to pay off his brother's debts, adding: "He believed he was doing the right thing". She said her client had a good work ethic and said a period of immediate incarceration would have a significant impact on his young daughter. Recorder Christopher Felstead said he was sorry for the impact a custodial sentence would have on Pritchard's daughter but told the defendant that was something he had brought on himself when he chose to get involved in Class A drug dealing. With a one-quarter discount for his guilty pleas Pritchard was sentenced to 40 months in prison. He will serve up to half that sentence in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community. A proceeds of crime investigation will now be launched into the defendant's finances. Article continues below
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Man who claims to be event promoter accused of stealing $13,000 from metro Atlanta musicians
A Cobb County man is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from musicians that he failed to pay for six holiday shows in 2024. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Royce Watson Productions promoted the Vintage Vibes as a supper club serenade with tunes from a well-known singer and musicians. A $120 ticket gave customers a gourmet dinner or brunch while being serenaded by timeless hits. The Cherokee Chophouse says it agreed to the deal with a certain percentage from ticket sales. Some of the bands' musicians told Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell Watson agreed to pay each of them different amounts totaling $13,000 immediately following the last show. 'Royce was a great customer. He would come maybe once or twice a week. He just told us he had a great idea, a great band. He organizes nice events, he told me he is good buddies with Hayden Rider, who is a backstreet singer he starred in big events on Broadway. We took it as a great business opportunity. We saw nothing wrong with it. We are closed on Mondays, so we took the opportunity to open on Mondays just for the show,' said George Tselios, General Manager of the Cherokee Chophouse. TRENDING STORIES: 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Dwight Eubanks diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer Snellville teen charged in shooting spree that targeted former classmates 'Nursing imposters': Man impersonating healthcare worker arrested, officials say Some of the musicians told Newell, Watson called some of them individually before he formed the band. 'Royce found me online through a booking website,' said pianist John Burke. 'He was friendly, and he also seemed like he already had a relationship with The Chophouse. He said that his great friend, the owner Gus, was putting together the show, and he was going to pack the show. As a musician, that's really all you need to hear,' said musician Hollie Pritchard. The band spent hours practicing before the show. 'We did six shows over the course of late November through December,' said Pritchard. However, after the last show, Pritchard said the band never received the money they were owed. A text message Watson allegedly sent the band states that he was sick. In the message, Watson apologizes for the delayed payment and blames it on a delay from the credit card company. Pritchard said Watson eventually stopped communication with the band altogether, before police were contacted. 'He made about $80,000 from what the report said,' Tselios said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] 'This has been pretty upsetting for all of us. Super devastating both personally and financially,' Pritchard said. 'We would feed the customers for free just cause they paid but we wouldn't let him in unless we got paid. We got jipped on a few things the VIP meet and greet wasn't our plan,' Tselios said. Tselios said Watson paid the restaurant what was owed because they refused to let him enter without receiving the amount Watson agreed to pay. Pritchard and some of the other musicians said they did all they could to get the money they were owed, but they said Watson went ghost. Police eventually got involved, and now Watson is facing numerous criminal charges that include felonies. Some of the musicians told Newell they will be sure to sign contracts with promoters they don't know, moving forward. The Cherokee Chophouse is stepping up in a big way, forming some sort of silver lining to what's been a nightmare for the musicians. 'We want to make it up to them; they are great people, great musicians,' Tselios said. Some of the musicians are now hired for three months of shows beginning June 22 at the Cherokee Chophouse. Newell tried to contact Watson, but hasn't heard back. The website for his production company and the phone number he used for ticket sales are inactive.
Indianapolis Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Doyel: Yes, the Pacers have superstars. And they have two more who don't actually play
These Indiana Pacers — sorry, these 2025 NBA Finalist Indiana Pacers — are said to have two stars, superstars, franchise players, whatever you want to call Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. And that's true, if we're looking only at the roster. Haliburton has been an NBA All-Star twice, and earned third-team All-NBA recognition this season for the second consecutive year. Siakam has been an NBA All-Star three times, twice has earned All-NBA recognition, and was named MVP of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. They are stars, franchise players, max contract guys. Whatever you want to call them. But the Pacers, these specific Pacers — this team headed to the NBA Finals, which begin Thursday at Oklahoma City — have two more stars, superstars, whatever you want to call them. Don't scan the roster for the names because they aren't there, and I say that with all due respect to Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith. And to elite bench players Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell. These two guys were here before almost everyone on this roster. They were here before Haliburton and Siakam, in particular. And before Nembhard and Nesmith, and Mathurin and McConnell. The stars, the original stars, of the 2024-25 Indiana Pacers are the executive who put this team together, Kevin Pritchard, and the coach who will put that team on the court Thursday night against the Thunder, Rick Carlisle. How about we give them their flowers now, huh? Doyel from Game 6: Pacers on a 'magical ride.' Four more wins means first NBA title. Insider: Pacers' unconventional path back to NBA Finals 'a new blueprint for the league' This is the team of Pritchard's dreams, the team he has been trying to craft since he took over for Larry Bird as Pacers president in 2017. Pritchard is not your typical NBA executive, in part because he's not overseeing your typical NBA franchise. He doesn't have an unlimited budget, and even if he did, it wouldn't matter. History has shown that the very best of the very best – past, present and future MVP candidates – don't come here as free agents. And because players of that ability can dictate where they want to play, those guys don't arrive here in trades, either. Some franchises can money-whip a roster into shape, just put as many stars on the court as possible and see what happens next. That's been the story in Philadelphia and Los Angeles — Lakers and Clippers — and even in recent years, Golden State with the please-take-me additions of Kevin Durant and Jimmy Butler. Miami also has done it that way, with success. Brooklyn and Phoenix have tried it, without. Pritchard has always seen his ideal starting five not as one or two superstars — and whoever else can fit around the salary cap — but as five fingers forming a fist. Look at some of the Indiana teams of recent years that fell short of this season's success, or any success really, but would've had power-packed starting fives had injuries not ruined things. That's one hallmark of a Pritchard team, as we're seeing this season with Haliburton-Siakam-Turner-Nembhard-and-Nesmith. But there's another hallmark, and I'll call it the Kumbaya factor. Pritchard is an idealist, a romantic at heart, and sometimes it has cost him. He sees the best in people, in players, and was burned when Paul George turned out to be less of a building block than a mercenary. The unraveling of Victor Oladipo was less about Pritchard's idealism, and more about the brutal injury Oladipo suffered in 2019, months before he expected to receive a max contract extension. Whereas Paul George was changed by his rise to stardom and his visions of self-important grandeur, Oladipo was changed — understandably so — by that career-altering injury. But this team? These Pacers? They've been built in Pritchard's double-vision of depth and decency — and we are seeing the result. Earlier in the Eastern Conference Finals, before Game 1, the New York media was asking Carlisle about this team's secret sauce. Here was one of Carlisle's most telling comments: 'A group of guys that have high character,' he called his roster. What does that mean? It means Bennedict Mathurin, who came into the league as the No. 6 overall pick in 2022 and immediately compared himself to LeBron James and then averaged an eye-popping 16.7 ppg as a rookie, has gone to the bench for the good of the team. Nesmith needs to start, for defense and the way he runs alongside Haliburton and moves the ball, so Mathurin accepted a role as a primary scoring force on the second unit. But along the way Mathurin has noticeably — I mean, obviously — become more of a defensive presence, in particular working so hard on his occasional assignments on stars Donovan Mitchell of Cleveland and Jalen Brunson of the Knicks. What does high character mean? It means Andrew Nembhard, who showed during the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals against Boston just how productive he can be if given the chance — 21 ppg, with Haliburton injured — willingly going back to his supporting role when Haliburton returned. Nembhard averaged 10 ppg this season. What does high character mean? It means center Myles Turner sharing minutes with Domantas Sabonis for years, never making a peep, never asking out. And when it was time to decide which center to keep, Pritchard let Sabonis go to Sacramento at the 2022 trade deadline — knowing the Pacers needed a point guard more than a ball-dominant post player, and knowing Turner would excel in a supporting role to the point guard Pritchard acquired from the Kings: Tyrese Haliburton. What does high character mean? It means, and it starts, with Haliburton playing a joyful style that insists everyone on the floor eats — often before he does, to his detriment. Haliburton, who averaged 6.3 assists per game in his 1½ season with Sacramento, has averaged 10.1 apg in 3½ seasons with the Pacers. Haliburton, a really nice Robin to De'Aaron Fox's Batman in Sacramento, has come to the Pacers and proved to be the better of the two: the All-NBA player, the U.S. Olympian, the author of postseason heroics. 'Sometimes,' Haliburton was saying Saturday night after the Pacers eliminated the Knicks in Game 6, 'I think (Pritchard and Co.) saw more in me than I saw in myself.' Pritchard does that. If I'm another NBA team's executive and Kevin Pritchard is on line one to propose a trade, I'm grabbing a pen and some paper, because I'm about to learn which player on my team is better than any of us had realized. Pritchard has done that, for previous Indiana teams and this one, with stars (Oladipo, Sabonis, Haliburton) and starters (Nesmith) and role players (Obi Toppin, Jalen Smith, Oshae Brissett). And the one time he didn't do it, when he saw something in Denver's Bruce Brown that didn't quite translate — Brown came here as a free agent in 2023, and proved to be the same player even with a bigger opportunity — Pritchard realized it right away. Brown played just 33 games with the Pacers before Pritchard packaged him in the deal that brought to this team… Pascal Siakam. Take a bow, Kevin Pritchard. These flowers are for you. But we have one more bouquet to give. Rick Carlisle, like Kevin Pritchard, received zero respect this season. That's a literal statement, in this way: Thirteen front-office leaders received votes — all 30 franchises had a vote — for 2025 NBA Executive of the Year. Kevin Pritchard? He received zero. Six coaches received votes — from 100 media members — for 2025 NBA Coach of the Year. Rick Carlisle? He received zero. That's a statement about the timing of those votes in particular, because while we (probably) didn't need the Thunder's NBA Finals run to realize Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserved MVP, the Pacers' run to these same NBA Finals has been instructive, to say the least. First, about the roster Pritchard put together (with help from Chad Buchanan, Ryan Carr and Kelly Krauskopf). But also about the coaching job of Carlisle. Put it this way: Carlisle is changing the game. Not just the Pacers are changing it — but Carlisle. He's the one employing depth and pace as weapons, and around the league, folks are noticing. After being eliminated in the second round by the Thunder, Nuggets MVP candidate Nikola Jokic noted the growing trend of deeper teams, and shouted out the Pacers before shouting out Oklahoma City, the team that eliminated the Nuggets. Put it another way: The best adjustment made during the Eastern Conference Finals by famously stubborn Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, the one that allowed the Knicks to win Game 3 and force this series to a sixth game? He copied Carlisle. After sticking with his seven-man rotation — 7½ players, tops — Thibs went nine-deep or even 10-deep the rest of the way. The media kept asking him about the Pacers' pace and depth, and while Thibodeau avoided the question entirely before Game 5 — 'It's been a hard-fought series,' he said, 'a couple possessions (apart)' — he tried to counter Carlisle's bench by discovering a bench of his own. That depth allows Carlisle to demand a fast pace from his players, and that pace has allowed the Pacers not only to wear out other teams over the course of 48 minutes — how many historic comebacks have the Pacers had this offseason? — but to maximize the greatness of Haliburton. Another acknowledgement from Thibs, this one spoken, came when he was asked about the Pacers' offensive pace. Specifically, he was asked: During a typical possession do the Pacers tend to get to their second and third actions quicker than most teams? Not really, Thibs said, in the most flattering way possible. 'More often than not it's the primary action,' he said before Game 5. 'It's the kick ahead. There's no second or third actions. You've got to make sure you're getting back and taking care of the primary action.' Indeed, Haliburton probably gets more 40-foot assists than anyone but Jokic, and Andrew Nembhard devastated the Knicks with several such passes in Game 6. Carlisle describes 2025 Indiana Pacers basketball in a way that underscores the special nature of this team, from roster to coaching staff to front office. 'As we've put this group together around Tyrese,' Carlisle said before Game 1, 'we've had to make adjustments to develop a style that was effective for us — and it's a difficult style. It's physically demanding, takes a tremendous amount of wherewithal as an athlete, and then you have to be super unselfish and be willing to do a lot of hard things.' The Pacers have that kind of Kumbaya roster, that depth of talent, those two star players — Haliburton, Siakam — and then those other two central figures. Stars, superstars, whatever you want to call Rick Carlisle and Kevin Pritchard. Find IndyStar columnist Gregg Doyel on Threads, or on BlueSky and Twitter at @GreggDoyelStar, or at Subscribe to the free weekly Doyel on Demand newsletter.
Global News
7 days ago
- Climate
- Global News
More than 8,000 people so far forced to flee Saskatchewan wildfires
There were 15 wildfires burning in Saskatchewan, with seven of them still burning out of control, as of 11 a.m. on Friday, according to the latest update from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. More than 8,000 people from 16 communities have been evacuated. Provincial Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said changing weather conditions have been hampering firefighting efforts. 'We are experiencing high daytime temperatures, warm evening temperatures and combined with the winds these fires are continuing to move significant distances.' A number of structures have also been lost, said Pritchard, including to the Shoe fire, located north of Prince Albert, but heavy smoke and dangerous fire and road conditions have made it difficult for officials to get an exact estimate of how many. View image in full screen Residents of the northern Saskatchewan community of Pelican Narrows are amongst the residents of 16 communities have been forced to flee the growing number of wildfires. Courtesy: Gilbert Linklater Another of the hardest-hit areas is in Pelican Narrows, located about five hours north of Saskatoon, near the Saskatchewan-Manitoba boundary, where more than 2,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes. Story continues below advertisement The fire threatening the community continues to burn out of control and crews are preparing to put up barriers, should flames get to the outskirts of the community. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Heavy smoke has also restricted firefighters' use of aircraft to help fight the fire, said Pritchard, although the winds are expected to shift this weekend. 'A lot of the smoke that has been sitting for the last day or so will be moving south and in (the) next 24 to 48 hours, the communities in the south of the province will experience extreme smoke conditions and air quality alerts,' added Pritchard. 1:57 Smoke filled skies in Saskatchewan Firefighting aircraft from Quebec and Alaska and fire crews from Nova Scotia have also arrived in the province to help fight the fires and more firefighters from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and British Columbia are expected to arrive soon. Story continues below advertisement In addition to a fire ban, on Thursday, the province also put a ban in place on the use of all terrain vehicles and utility vehicles on all vacant Crown land, provincial parks and provincial forests. The province has also launched a dedicated toll-free phone line — 1-855-559-5502 — for anyone who has general questions about the fire and will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The latest information on the fire situation in Alberta is available online at Pritchard said that so far this year there have been 207 wildfires in Saskatchewan, well above the five-year average of 127 fires. — with files from The Canadian Press. 1:56 Shoe fire fallout
