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Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Kissed LeBron's a**': Tom Brady called a fraud by Skip Bayless for praising 'insecure' LeBron James
Skip Bayless has ignited controversy by labeling Tom Brady a "sellout" for praising LeBron James (Getty Images) Skip Bayless is back in the headlines, and this time he's going after an unlikely target—his longtime hero Tom Brady. Known for his unwavering support of the NFL legend, Bayless shocked fans by labeling Brady a 'sellout' after the quarterback publicly praised LeBron James as the 'greatest ever' during a recent appearance on The Shop. Skip Bayless says Tom Brady betrayed true greatness by crowning LeBron James the GOAT Tom Brady, appearing alongside LeBron James at Fanatics Fest in New York City, spoke glowingly of the Los Angeles Lakers star, stating: 'He's always done things the right way. He's always risen above the noise and the BS and continued to deliver. So you're witnessing the greatest ever, and I hope you guys appreciate that.' But that praise didn't sit well with Bayless, who took to his own YouTube show to unleash a scathing response—not just toward LeBron, but surprisingly, toward Brady as well. Bayless accused Brady of pandering to LeBron's massive global fanbase for financial and branding purposes, especially now that both athletes are navigating their post-career paths. 'Tom Brady will say and do whatever is required to polish his good guy image,' Bayless fumed. 'He even kissed LeBron's a** in front of LeBron because he knows how many billions of followers, how many fans LeBron has.' Known for championing Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate, Bayless didn't hold back his disdain for LeBron's legacy talk either. 'LeBron James just can't help himself,' he said. 'He just can't hide his runaway insecurity… knowing deep, deep down that he will never ever be seen as the greatest basketball player ever, by those who really know the game.' Kyrie Did Something LeBron NEVER Does! Stay Away From Harden! Caitlin Clark Coverage 'Inhumane'?! Since Undisputed was canceled following Shannon Sharpe's departure in 2023, Bayless has seemingly become even more unfiltered. With no major network to answer to, he's taken his hot takes to YouTube—turning his critical eye not only on LeBron, but now Brady too. Bayless's harsh comments signal a major shift in sports media narratives, with fans and analysts alike surprised to see the veteran commentator turn on Brady after years of loyal praise. Also Read: Tom Brady and Orlando Bloom both chasing Sydney Sweeney? Bezos wedding turns into wild love triangle Whether this fiery rhetoric helps him regain his spotlight or alienates his audience remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: Skip Bayless isn't holding anything back. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Skip Bayless slams Tom Brady as a 'sellout' and questions his loyalty to the NFL legacy
Tom Brady and LeBron James' friendship sparks Skip Bayless meltdown on live TV (Getty Images) Skip Bayless is no stranger to stirring controversy, but his latest meltdown might have topped them all. The 73-year-old sports commentator went nuclear after witnessing Tom Brady — a longtime idol of his — publicly praise LeBron James during a live taping of The Shop at Fanatics Fest in New York City. What was meant to be a feel-good moment between two sporting legends quickly turned into Bayless' personal nightmare. Skip Bayless melts down over Tom Brady's praise for LeBron James The exchange that triggered the tirade? Brady called LeBron 'the greatest ever,' adding that the NBA star was a shining example of consistency and class. That was enough to send Bayless into full-blown attack mode. 'Tell me I'm wrong,' Bayless fumed. 'LeBron James just can't help himself... he can't hide that runaway insecurity. Deep down, he knows he'll never be seen as the greatest basketball player ever — at least not by people who actually know the game.' LeBron James Just Can't Help Himself But Bayless wasn't done. He turned his attention toward Brady, and this time, there was no mercy. 'What a sellout Tom Brady has become post-football,' he snapped. 'On the field, greatest clutch competitor ever. Off the field? He's saying and doing whatever it takes to polish his good guy image. He's kissing up to LeBron on stage like he's trying to land a Netflix buddy comedy deal.' The scathing criticism didn't stop there. Bayless suggested that Brady's flattery wasn't heartfelt — it was calculated. 'Tom knows how many billions of followers LeBron has. He knows what a financial alliance with the King could mean. So there he is, saying, 'You're witnessing the greatest ever,' like he's auditioning for a lifetime supply of Nike stock options.' For longtime followers of Bayless, his disdain for LeBron James is nothing new. He's been vocal for years about his belief that Michael Jordan will always hold the title of the GOAT. But the shocker here wasn't just another anti-LeBron rant — it was the brutal takedown of Brady, a player Bayless has supported relentlessly for nearly two decades. To see his football idol publicly support the NBA star he has spent years dismantling clearly hit a nerve. In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Bayless emphasized, 'LeBron James just can't help himself. He just can't hide his runaway insecurity… and yeah, I know that over the weekend Tom Brady called LeBron James the greatest ever… What a sellout Tom Brady has become post-football.' Perhaps this moment is less about Brady or LeBron, and more about Bayless struggling with his heroes evolving in ways he can't control. At the end of the day, two sports icons shared mutual respect — but all Skip saw was betrayal. And maybe what Skip Bayless really needs now isn't another argument — just a break from The Shop. Also Read: After Sydney Sweeney, Tom Brady fuels dating rumors with Brooks Nader after cozy moments in Venice Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Really good at what we do': Sauce Gardner opens up about Ice Spice rumors, admits they share a rare bond despite backlash
Sauce Gardner opens up on Ice Spice connection (Getty Images) New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner has been making headlines not just for his plays on the field, but also for his unexpected bond with rapper Ice Spice. The NFL star recently gave fans a rare glimpse into their connection, revealing how the two met and what keeps them close — even if he's keeping the full details under wraps. Sauce Gardner hints at deep connection with Ice Spice amid romance buzz In an interview with TMZ Sports, Sauce Gardner disclosed that his first meeting with Ice Spice happened in April 2024 during a shoot for The Shop, LeBron James' popular YouTube series. That episode featured a star-studded panel, including Gardner, Ice Spice, LeBron, Travis Hunter, Julio Rodríguez, and Chad Johnson. The setting proved to be more than just a discussion hub — it marked the beginning of a surprising connection between the athlete and the rapper. Gardner recounted, 'I think we met at The Shop, the little interview that we did with LeBron and Trav. That's where we definitely first seen each other in person.' While that encounter seemed casual, it sparked something that continued off-camera. LeBron, Travis Scott, Ice Spice, Ochocinco, Sauce Gardner and J-Rod on Awards & Snubs | The Shop S7 Since then, the two have been spotted together several times, fueling speculation that there might be more than just friendship between them. From being seen out in public since February to posting a mirror selfie together on Instagram in April — which fans took as an unofficial relationship announcement — the signs were hard to miss. The pair even showed up at Adin Ross' Brand Kickboxing event, where they were caught on the kiss cam, though they playfully dodged the moment, further adding intrigue. When asked if the rumors about them dating were true, Gardner chose to keep things low-key, telling TMZ, 'We cool.' Pressed for clarity, he added, 'It's still the same for real. I ain't trying to speak too much on it.' But what he did share gave some insight into their bond. 'We just be having a good time,' he said. 'Two young individuals. She's from New York, I play in New York. She's talented, real talented at what she do — same for me. Two people that get hated on that's really good at what we do, so we've got a lot in common.' Despite coming from different worlds — one built on beats and rhymes, the other on tackles and interceptions — it seems Gardner and Ice Spice connect through their shared experiences, fame, and hustle. The 23-year-old NFL standout, who notched 49 tackles and nine passes defended last season, appears to be navigating both career pressure and newfound attention off the field with ease. Whether they're just 'cool' or something more, one thing's clear — their relationship, whatever shape it takes, started thanks to an unexpected matchmaker: LeBron James. Also Read: How much did Taylor Swift's stunning outfit for her PDA-filled date with Travis Kelce actually cost? Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
New York Post
29-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
LeBron James' Lakers plans revealed ahead of NBA free agency
With NBA free agency set to begin on Monday, one major move appears to be locked in. LeBron James is expected to exercise his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers for the 2025-26 NBA season, ESPN reported on Saturday. The move will limit the Lakers' options for upgrading their roster as they try to win one more championship with the 40-year-old James, whose playing future is a constant question given his age, despite continuing to perform at a high level. LeBron James (23) is expected to exercise his $52.6 million player option. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The ESPN report added that James is not entering next season, his 23rd in the league, with the idea it will be his last. During a live taping of 'The Shop' last weekend at Fanatics Fest, James was coy about when he would retire, only stating the obvious: 'I can't play that much further.' He did joke that 7-foot-3 Spurs stat Victor Wembanyama, who was on stage with James, could force him out of the league. 'The more and more time that I play,' James said, 'as long as [Wembanyama] keeps smacking my f–king shots into the stands, it's going to make me retire.' James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds during the 2024-25 regular season. The Lakers, after acquiring Luka Doncic from the Mavericks for Anthony Davis in a seismic midseason trade, earned the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference at 50-32 but lost to the Timberwolves 4-1 in the first round of the NBA playoffs. James suffered an MCL sprain during the final game of the series. Bronny James (l.) and dad LeBron (r.) NBAE via Getty Images He just returned to on-court activities after working out with his son, Bronny, whom the Lakers picked No. 55 overall in last year's draft. Bronny made 27 NBA appearances as a rookie, averaging 2.7 points, while spending time in the G League.
New York Post
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Sauce Gardner opens up on how LeBron James played role in him meeting Ice Spice
LeBron James, even if unintentionally, helped play the role of matchmaker for Sauce Gardner's rumored relationship with rapper Ice Spice, the Jets cornerback told TMZ. Gardner appeared on an April 2024 episode of 'The Shop' — a podcast featuring James — alongside rapper Travis Scott, former NFL wideout Chad Ochocinco and star Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, and Gardner told the outlet he believes that's when the couple met in person for the first time. They seemingly became Instagram official just over one year later in a post shared by Ice Spice with her and Gardner posing in front of a bathroom mirror. Advertisement 3 Ice Spice and Sauce Gardner are pictured at the Knicks' game May 16. AP While Gardner told TMZ that he wasn't 'trying to speak too much on it' when approached in Los Angeles, he did acknowledge that he and the rapper are 'cool' — and proceeded to reveal a bit about their relationship. 'We just be having a good time,' Gardner told the outlet. 'Two young individuals, you know. She from New York. I play in New York. She talented, real talented, when it come to what she do. Same thing for me. Two people that get hated on that's really good at what we do, so we got a lot in common. We cool.' Advertisement 3 LeBron James is pictured at Fanatics Fest on June 21. Getty Images Before Ice Spice's post, the duo had been spotted out in public on different occasions, and Gardner appeared to tease the relationship earlier in April by sharing a photo on Instagram that showed them standing next to a car in New York City. When they attended a Knicks playoff game at the Garden in May, they received a loud ovation from fans in attendance as they watched the Knicks close out their second-round series against the Celtics. Gardner, 24, will enter the 2025 campaign off a rough season and is entering the last year of his rookie deal, but he still attended the Jets' mandatory minicamp instead of holding out, getting fined and attempting to make a contract statement. Advertisement 3 Sauce Gardner addresses reporters during a June 12 press conference. Bill Kostroun/New York Post 'I just wanted to show my teammates and the coaches how much I'm bought into this,' Gardner told reporters on June 12. 'I want to win. I want to be a part of changing the organization.' He earned consecutive First-Team All-Pro appearances in his first two NFL seasons — as well as winning Defensive Rookie of the Year and securing a pair of Pro Bowl spots — but failed to even make the Pro Bowl last year.
