Latest news with #Satterthwaite
NZ Herald
09-08-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
‘Run it straight' $200k Dubai winner apologises after Kiwi teen's death linked to controversial sport
Speaking to the Herald five weeks after winning the Dubai event, Olosoni said Satterthwaite's death 'hurt me so much'. Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, died from serious head injuries suffered during a copycat run it straight game in Palmerston North in May. Photo / Instagram 'It made me think about life. Imagine being so young and you could've been something, then that happens to you... It's pretty rough [and] I feel sorry for the family that is enduring that pain,' he said. 'I apologise for that as well... influencing the younger generation to do that type of thing.' Olosoni said the incident made him rethink his participation in the sport and prompted Runit organisers to hold a string of meetings with competitors. 'They had a few conversations about it, making sure the boys understood what we were getting into, because it [death] is a possibility. 'In anything you do, you are at risk... Everything's risky, and the thing is we have to manage risk. 'One thing could happen inside the contact where if you're not trained enough, it could affect you long term. If you have constant concussions, you'll have dementia down the line.' Vulangi Olosoni, 26, took home A$200K after winning the Runit Championship League's Dubai-based final in June. Photo / Sylvie Whinray But Olosoni said the sport is helping people's lives, with life-changing sums of money up for grabs. 'This sport is going to help people who love contact, but also who would love to be in a contact sport where it can help their family long term. 'This income has helped my family, but also helped many others create income for their families as well.' He urged against copying the sport in an unprofessional setting like a backyard, over fears of another death. 'We had everything, that's why we were safe. We had doctors, nurses, a physio and made sure the referees were well trained in CPR and stuff like that. We had everything we could to give our best.' Despite the safety measures in place during the Dubai final, three competitors were forced to retire after displaying symptoms of a concussion – including former NRL veteran and Kiwis representative Kevin Proctor, who suffered a serious head injury and subsequent seizure after a collision. 'Run it straight' and other emerging combat sports are now at the centre of top-level Government discussions, with a decision on their futures in New Zealand set to be reached in the next six months. Concussion to Runit champion Olosoni, who grew up in rural South Auckland's Waiau Pa, said he was first told about the new sport by one of his closest friends – whom he used to 'run it straight' with in the backyard growing up. His background in sport includes 1st XV rugby at Rosehill College and a stint at premier club level in the Counties Manukau region, but he hung up the boots in 2022. 'The curious person I am, I went online and started searching run it straight up. I was like, 'Wait, I've done this many of times in rugby'.' His fears of getting seriously injured were put aside after he prayed and decided to throw his name in the hat. 'When I'm old, say for instance 65, would I regret not taking a chance that I could've? And that's what made me choose it myself.' Vulangi Olosoni: 'You feel like you have something to prove to everybody, that you should be there... I had to remember why I was there, to win for my family.' Photo / Sylvie Whinray Despite not playing any form of contact sport for three years, Olosoni was accepted to compete at the second Auckland trial night at Trusts Arena in front of hundreds of spectators. 'When I was there preparing, all these negative thoughts came to me. It was like 'You're not good enough, you won't achieve it, you won't win, you won't succeed'. 'My head space was cooked.' Olosoni ended up having only one run on the night after copping a shoulder to the head while he was tackling, causing him to stumble around and struggle to stay on his feet. He was forced to retire from the event. 'I wanted to make sure I kept my head away but I still got smacked in the head and that impact caused me to have a concussion.' Vulangi Olosoni was forced to retire during the Auckland trials after suffering a concussion while tackling. Photo / Photosport Two weeks after his concussion, he was contacted by the organisers asking him to compete in the final as a wildcard – bringing with it a free trip to Dubai, with Runit covering costs of flights, accommodation and giving the eight competitors spending money. 'You feel like you have something to prove to everybody, that you should be there. I had to remember why I was there, to win for my family.' As he stood 20m away from his opponents, Olosoni said there was 'a lot of fear that came over my body'. Despite this, he won two match-ups to qualify for the final against Australian Samuel Suamili. 'Everyone knows him as the 'Iceman', because he freezes bodies, and I was just like, 'Whoa, calm down'.' The final was called off after three of the six runs, when it was determined Suamili was too dazed to continue. Emotion overcame Olosoni, who burst into tears as his arm was raised in victory. 'It felt like the weight off my shoulders was lifted. I was just relaxed and tears were coming down my eyes. I was just appreciative to the people who were right by my side, my wife and God, as well as my little sister who flew out too. 'Wouldn't you regret not reaching your potential? Imagine that you reach 70-years-old and you think, 'I should've done this'. The worst thing [that could happen] is that you learn from it.' As for his A$200,000 prize, Olosoni said he's given away about $32,000 to family and friends, but hasn't touched the rest, and had enlisted the help of financial advisers to help him long term. Vulangi Olosoni said he's given about $32k of his prize to family and friends, but hasn't touched the rest. Photo / Sylvie Whinray The Herald understands Runit's next event will be held in the United States in the coming months, but organisers say it is yet to be confirmed. Olosoni said they were trying to push the next event further out so competitors would have more time to prepare. He hadn't decided if he would compete at the next event. 'My biggest choice that I'm thinking about right now is if it's worth it. If I did get chosen again, I would have to make sure that I get income before I even go. I've got to make sure that my family is looked after.'
Express Tribune
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Man claiming Jay-Z is his father drops paternity lawsuit after years of seeking DNA test in court
Rymir Satterthwaite, who has claimed for years that Jay-Z is his biological father, has dropped his paternity lawsuit, according to Hip-Hop-N-More. Satterthwaite has alleged that Jay-Z had a relationship with his late mother, Wanda, in the early 1990s, claims which Jay-Z has consistently denied. In a January interview with the Daily Mail, Satterthwaite urged Jay-Z to take a paternity test, saying, 'If he is not, why can't he prove me wrong? Go to the court room and do what everyone else has to do. I can take a no. I can take being embarrassed, I just can't take him not saying nothing.' He added, 'I would never hate Jay-Z, I respect him for everything he did. I have been going through a whole lot for so many years because of this case. Me and my mom and my god mom we have seen the worst in people.' Satterthwaite stated he would continue seeking the truth, saying, 'I am going to fight until I am not here no more. If it takes another 10 years. Another 50. I may take this to the grave with me.' The case returned to public discussion earlier this month when Nicki Minaj referenced Satterthwaite in a social media post alongside an image of Jay-Z. The reason for the lawsuit's dismissal is not clear, and it is unknown whether it has been dismissed with or without prejudice. Satterthwaite may still have the option to refile in the future.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
JAY-Z Shuts Down Paternity Claims, Calls Rymir Satterthwaite's Allegations 'Fabricated'
In newly filed court documents obtained by Us Weekly, JAY-Z is asking a federal judge to step in and shut down a lawsuit filed by 31-year-old Rymir Satterthwaite, who continues to allege that the Hip-Hop mogul is his biological father. Satterthwaite, who filed the latest complaint in May, accuses Jay of knowingly avoiding a paternity test and using his celebrity status to silence him. The lawsuit also alleges fraud, manipulation of the legal system, and a pattern of intimidation — claims JAY-Z's legal team flatly denies. In response, the Roc Nation founder — born Shawn Carter — called the lawsuit the latest chapter in what he describes as a 'decades-long harassment campaign' carried out by Satterthwaite. His lawyers noted that similar allegations have already been 'addressed and rejected' by multiple courts and that continued efforts to push the narrative have resulted in contempt orders. JAY-Z also told the court he only learned of the latest filing on June 3 and requested additional time to formally respond. His legal team claims an attempt to contact Satterthwaite's guardian to coordinate was met with hostility, stating that the phone call ended with her hanging up. Satterthwaite's lawsuit outlines claims that his late mother, Wanda Satterthwaite, had a relationship with JAY-Z in the 1990s. He says the rapper has gone to great lengths to avoid acknowledging his alleged paternity, including allegedly refusing DNA testing and pressuring the courts. Satterthwaite claims the years-long legal battle has caused him emotional distress, public embarrassment, and even health complications. The Philly native also alleges a violent threat against him in the form of a car shooting — an incident he believes was a message intended to silence him. Despite the serious nature of his allegations, he says he's not seeking back child support but rather damages for the toll the situation has taken on his life. The 55-year-old icon has remained largely silent on the matter over the years, though his legal team maintains there is no truth to Satterthwaite's claims. The judge has not yet ruled on the latest filing. More from Who Is Rymir Satterthwaite? An Explainer Of JAY-Z's Alleged Son JAY-Z Performs On Cowboy Carter Tour Days After Nicki Minaj Call Out, Paternity Lawsuit Drama Nicki Minaj Says JAY-Z Owes Her $200 Million From Her Equity In Tidal Solve the daily Crossword
AsiaOne
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Jay-Z hits out at 'harassment' from man claiming to be his son, Entertainment News
Jay-Z has accused a man who claims to be his son of "harassment". The 55-year-old star, who is married to pop superstar Beyonce, has hit out at the "fabricated allegations" by Rymir Satterthwaite and asked a federal judge to intervene in the case. Court documents obtained by Us Weekly show that Jay-Z described the recent lawsuit filed by Satterthwaite as "just the latest" episode of "decades-long harassment" from the man and his godmother. The documents state: "The fabricated allegations and claims have been addressed — and rejected — in multiple other courts, and continued harassment and disregard of those orders has already resulted in a contempt order." Satterthwaite, 32, filed a federal lawsuit against the rapper — whose real name is Shawn Carter — in May and accuses the star of trying to keep him quiet about his paternity. The man claims that his mother Wanda had relations with Jay-Z during the 1990s. After she passed away, Sattherthwaite was cared for by his godmother and says that the pair have faced "unrelenting efforts by (Jay-Z) and his enablers to suppress the truth and silence those who dared to speak it". He accuses Jay-Z of refusing to take a paternity test or answer his claims directly. Sattherthwaite is insistent that he isn't pursuing fame and fortune with his legal case and just wants to discover the truth about his paternity. He told the Daily Mail last year: "Why can't he prove me wrong? "Go the courtroom and do what everyone else has to do. I can take a no. I can take being embarrassed. I just can't take him not saying anything. It is not fair." Meanwhile, rapper Nicki Minaj claims that Jay-Z owes her between $100 to $200 million (S$128 to S$256 million). The Anaconda rapper was one of the original artists that went into partnership with Jay-Z's streaming platform Tidal, launched in 2015. She was reportedly given three per cent equity in exchange for exclusive content and promotion. In 2021, Jay-Z sold a majority stake in Tidal to Jack Dorsey's Square for US$302 million, and the fallout began when she was allegedly only offered US$1 million from the sale. Minaj has hit out at the music mogul on social media and has pledged to use the money she is owed to pay for her fans' tuition fees and student loans. She posted on X on Tuesday (July 8): "We've calculated about 100-200MM so far. #JayZ call me to settle this karmic debt. It's only collecting more interest. "You still in my TOP 5 tho. Let's get it n****. And anyone still calling him Hov will answer to God for the blasphemy." Minaj later added: "I'm going to use some of the money #JayZ owes me to send some of my Barbz to college, pay their school fees and student loans via my #StudentOfTheGame charity." [[nid:720055]]
7NEWS
10-06-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Run It Straight league holding a $200k competition despite health warnings
A Run It Straight competition is going ahead despite warnings from health bodies about the dangers of the sport. The Runit Championship League will award $200,000 to the winner of its RUNIT02 competition. In the sport, a runner and a tackler run at each other at top speed on a 'battlefield' that is 20m x 4m in dimensions. The loser is the one who is knocked out. The death of a New Zealand teenager last month shone a spotlight on the dangerous activity. Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, was rushed to hospital with serious head injuries and died on May 26 after playing the 'combat sport'. Police Manawatu area commander Inspector Ross Grantham said Satterthwaite, from Palmerston North on New Zealand's North Island, took part in an impromptu version of the game and his death is an 'absolute tragedy'. In response to Satterthwaite's death, Runit Championship League said the sport 'should only be held in highly controlled environments, which include professional medical supervision and support'. 'All RUNIT events follow established protocols including screening of participants for suitability, strict guidelines around where and how to tackle (between the shoulders and hips only), with qualified medical support and medical assessments conducted both during and after competition. 'We do not encourage any copying of the sport as it should only be done under the strict conditions outlined above in sanctioned RUNIT events.' 'Beer and head injuries don't mix' In May, two men were knocked unconscious and required medical attention during a game. Both men were knocked out, and one appeared to have a seizure, as they competed for an $18,500 cash prize. A leading concussion expert last month urged NRL fans to stop this activity after vision surfaced of a crowd engaging in Run It Straight at a Manly Sea Eagles game. Security reportedly stepped in when fans ran at each other on the hill at Brookvale Oval late in Manly's win over Brisbane on May 31. Sea Eagles chief executive Tony Mestrov said anyone found to have been involved will be banned. Dr Alan Pearce, who has worked with NRL players on concussions, said he is 'still speechless'. 'I'm pretty appalled by what we're seeing and I'm really concerned about the health of the people undertaking this activity,' he told Sunrise. 'There's no medical attention nearby if something happened.' Pearce said it was made worse by the apparent levels of intoxication. 'Beer and head injuries do not mix,' he said. 'This is what we're seeing now and this is something we've been concerned about surrounding the Run It events. 'Things like this will be happening everywhere now and they're not checked properly. That's the concern.' Do not try Run It at home While some of those filmed participating at the NRL game appeared to be grown men, Pearce said he fears for kids and even young adults involved in the trend. 'The damage to a young brain is potentially profound and catastrophic,' he said. 'With young people, kids up to the age of 20, there's a risk of what we call 'second impact syndrome'. 'Even though you might get a hit to the head and not necessarily think that there's anything going on, having a second hit to the head in a rapid time period after — it might be a few minutes, it could be 15 minutes — could be potentially life-threatening. 'This is something we are really worried about.' Other experts have also slammed the trend. Injury prevention expert Professor Patria Hume called the trend a 'reckless and dangerous spectacle' and 'a step backwards' in sport safety. 'We've spent years building evidence-based strategies to reduce head and neck injuries in rugby and contact sports,' she said. 'This event ignores all of that.' Following Satterthwaite's death, top sports neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce said the loss of life was sadly inevitable. 'This was a matter of time, really, as sad as that is to say,' Pearce told News Corp. 'The concern is that this can happen at any level. Even in the sanctioned Run It events, someone will probably die in that at some point as well. 'It can't be done safely and when there's kids and teens that see it, they like to copy what they see online, and this is something that absolutely not should be copied. 'It is the biggest 'please do not try this at home' disclaimer, if I've ever seen one'.
