Latest news with #Kentucky
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Be happy about the balloons" - DeMarcus Cousins hilariously ruined John Wall's long-awaited NBA return party
"Be happy about the balloons" - DeMarcus Cousins hilariously ruined John Wall's long-awaited NBA return party originally appeared on Basketball Network. Suffering a devastating injury and trying to return from it can be a harrowing time in an NBA player's life. This was especially true for former All-Star guard John Wall, who didn't get to play for two years due to a heel injury and, later, a ruptured Achilles tendon. Advertisement However, the day of his return to the basketball court eventually came in December 2020. Not long after he was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Houston Rockets, the explosive guard was giddy with excitement at the chance to do what he loved most: hoop. But just when John's enthusiasm was at an all-time high, he was suddenly brought back down to earth as he was imposed with a league-mandated seven-day quarantine due to "health and safety protocols," thereby delaying his much-awaited return. DeMarcus Cousins, Wall's former college teammate at Kentucky and later in Houston, revealed that the incident figuratively deflated Wall's excitement. A celebration organized by Wall's loved ones to mark his NBA return was abruptly cut short. A party pooper In an interview on the "Run Your Race" podcast, DeMarcus told host Theo Pinson that he and John lived in the same condominium complex, with the latter residing a floor above him. As the anticipation built for his first game, which came against the Portland Trail Blazers, Wall's team prepared a celebration to commemorate his return. Advertisement "I remember going up to his condo like the day of the game. And at this time, COVID was around. So, you know, it was really, really sensitive. You did this, you know, you couldn't play," Cousins recalled. "So John was super excited about his first game back. They had this whole little setup in the house with balloons and s—t." However, as Wall was getting ready to go to shootaround, he was abruptly told to get off the court and quarantine for seven days. Apparently, a teammate tested positive for the virus, which meant John had to get tested and get cleared to play. Safe to say, he didn't take the news lightly. Related: Dwyane Wade explains why the Heat didn't pull the trigger on Kevin Durant: "This is what the Heat do; they are not turning their chips until they feel like they got a winner" Wall was pissed It wasn't just Wall who was asked to quarantine because of that incident; so were Cousins and fellow Rockets Eric Gordon and Mason Jones. However, with DeMarcus living nearby, he took the chance to rib his good friend about it. Advertisement "So they had this whole little setup. I remember walking into his condo and, you know, John sitting on his couch. He's pissed," Boogie shared, laughing. "So he's just sitting there, he's sad as f—k. Nobody in there. He got all these goddamn balloons and s—t." "And I remember walking in, I'm like, 'Damn dog.' I'm like, 'Man, 11B I know you mad as a MFer, bro. Hey, this s—t cool and s—t.' He like, 'Bro, get the f—k out, man. Like I ain't trying to hear this s—t.' I'm like, 'Why you mad at me, bro?' I said, 'These some nice ass balloons and s—t, though. Like man, hey, hey, be happy about the balloons," DeMarcus continued narrating. Wall eventually got to play for the Rockets, returning with a bang, registering 22 points and nine assists in a 122-119 win over the Sacramento Kings. A few days later, he proved that his performance was no fluke, as he tallied 28 points in yet another win against the Kings. John's time in Houston, though, was short-lived, as he played in only 40 games and was waived by the team in June 2022. Related: Adam Silver plans to use Artificial Intelligence after the NBA's injury surge: "Ingest all video of every game a player's played in to see if we can detect some pattern" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Baby Elephant Spots Butterfly and Maximum Cuteness Ensues
Baby Elephant Spots Butterfly and Maximum Cuteness Ensues originally appeared on PetHelpful. As little ones, we explore the world with fresh, new eyes and a childish enthusiasm that makes the simplest moments the most memorable. The same can be said for our animal friends, and @noodleknowsnovels reminds us of that. They recently posted a flashback video featuring a very special memory with a baby elephant named Fitz. Filmed at the Louisville Zoo, the clip showed a time when this baby elephant spotted a butterfly, and Fitz could not contain his excitement. Fair warning: This moment ranks at maximum cuteness levels! But don't take my word for it. Go ahead and press play to see this adorable interaction. Is this not the cutest thing to grace your timeline today? Well, people can not get enough of this watching this throwback video of this elephant's reaction to seeing a butterfly, and no one could blame them. Fitz was mesmerized by the tiny creature as it fluttered about. You can actually see the awe in this baby elephant's eyes. He was fascinated by this winged wonder, so he did what most curious kids do. He followed the butterfly around, and while doing so, he expressed his feelings at seeing this little insect in action with the cutest noises. Viewer @echowonderlark wrote that it, 'reminds me exactly of a human baby experiencing bubbles [and] the little screamy laugh they do.' There are definitely similarities between the two because Fitz is saying something through his little rumbles and trumpet watcher related to this baby elephant. @sblizzard7 added, 'Fitz, I get just as excited when I see a butterfly, too.' Really, who wouldn't be a little thrilled to have a butterfly come and bring a little whimsey to your day? 'He's throwing fitz over that butterfly,' joked @digi_talis, and he most certainly did. @noodleknowsnovels said in the post caption, 'We loved seeing Fitz at [the @louisvillezoo] and miss him so much!' So many feel the same way because this little guy was a favorite among zoo visitors in the video's comments. This was such a special memory to share, and hopefully, this video brightened up many of our feeds. Fitz will truly never be forgotten. Baby Elephant Spots Butterfly and Maximum Cuteness Ensues first appeared on PetHelpful on Jun 28, 2025 This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
CNN
8 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Senate fails to advance Iran War Powers resolution
The Senate on Friday rejected a Democrat-pushed resolution that aimed to rein in the president's ability to use military action against Iran without congressional approval. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, originally introduced the resolution last week, under the War Powers Act of 1973, before President Donald Trump authorized US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. The resolution would have required congressional approval for any further strikes on Iran that are not in self-defense or due to imminent danger. 'I think the events of this week have demonstrated that war is too big to be consigned to the decision of any one person,' Kaine said on the Senate floor on Friday. 'War is too big an issue to leave to the moods and the whims and the daily vibes of any one person.' Lawmakers voted against advancing it to the Senate floor, 53-47. GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky voted with Democrats to advance the resolution. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted against it. Friday's vote was a notable departure from a similar war powers vote in 2020 related to Iran, in which eight Republicans voted with Democrats, seven of whom are still in the Senate. GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, one of those who had voted for the 2020 resolution and is now up for reelection, wrote on X Thursday, 'I'll be voting with Republicans against the war power resolution. When we're talking about nuclear weapons, the president should have the discretion he needs to act.' Indiana Sen. Todd Young, who also joined Democrats to back the resolution five years ago, said in his own post, 'Based on President Trump's stated goal of no further military action against Iran and conversations with senior national security officials regarding the Administration's future intentions, I do not believe an Iran war powers resolution is necessary at this time.' Sen. Susan Collins of Maine added, 'I continue to believe that Congress has an important responsibility to authorize the sustained use of military force. That is not the situation we are facing now. The President has the authority to defend our nation and our troops around the world against the threat of attack.' Paul declared he would back the resolution in a speech on the floor, in which he insisted Congress assert its constitutional authority. 'If we are to ask our young men and women to fight, and potentially give their lives, then we in this body can at least muster the courage to debate if American military intervention is warranted,' he said. 'Abdicating our constitutional responsibility by allowing the executive branch to unilaterally introduce US troops into wars is an affront to the constitution, and the American people.' Paul also warned that no one can predict how the Israel-Iran conflict could progress. 'History is replete with examples of leaders who in their hubris thought they could shape the fate of nations, but were subsequently proven wrong as events ended up controlling them,' he said. 'Pandora's box has been opened,' added Paul. 'Congress must now focus its effort on de-escalation and preventing the call for regime change – the consequences of which, if applied to Iran, risk the total destabilization of the Middle East.' The House could bring up its own Democrat-led war powers resolution after July 4. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who has faced heavy backlash from the administration for criticizing the strikes on Iran, had also introduced a war powers resolution as well, but ultimately decided not to bring it up amid a ceasefire in the Iran-Israel conflict. House Speaker Mike Johnson has sharply criticized members for demanding Trump receive congressional approval for strikes on Iran, adding that he doesn't believe the War Powers Act is constitutional. 'Many respected constitutional experts argue that the War Powers Act is itself unconstitutional. I'm persuaded by that argument. They think it's a violation of the Article Two powers of the commander in chief. I think that's right,' Johnson told reporters on Tuesday. He also called allegations that the strikes on Iran were unconstitutional, or even impeachable, 'outrageous.' 'It would be comical if it were not so serious and stupid. Let me be clear and be as clear as possible: the strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were clearly within President Trump's Article Two powers as commander in chief. It shouldn't even be in dispute,' he said. Other Republicans also sharply criticized the resolution, with former Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell warning in a statement that it was 'divorced from both strategic and constitutional reality.' 'Was degrading Iran's nuclear capability without expanding the U.S. military footprint in the Middle East a mistake? Was it wrong to seize the rare opportunity made possible by Israel's operations over the last 20 months? Did it not demonstrably advance U.S. interests in the region? Or are isolationists correct in suggesting that such interests do not exist?' he asked.
CNN
8 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Senate fails to advance Iran War Powers resolution
The Senate on Friday rejected a Democrat-pushed resolution that aimed to rein in the president's ability to use military action against Iran without congressional approval. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, originally introduced the resolution last week, under the War Powers Act of 1973, before President Donald Trump authorized US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. The resolution would have required congressional approval for any further strikes on Iran that are not in self-defense or due to imminent danger. 'I think the events of this week have demonstrated that war is too big to be consigned to the decision of any one person,' Kaine said on the Senate floor on Friday. 'War is too big an issue to leave to the moods and the whims and the daily vibes of any one person.' Lawmakers voted against advancing it to the Senate floor, 53-47. GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky voted with Democrats to advance the resolution. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted against it. Friday's vote was a notable departure from a similar war powers vote in 2020 related to Iran, in which eight Republicans voted with Democrats, seven of whom are still in the Senate. GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, one of those who had voted for the 2020 resolution and is now up for reelection, wrote on X Thursday, 'I'll be voting with Republicans against the war power resolution. When we're talking about nuclear weapons, the president should have the discretion he needs to act.' Indiana Sen. Todd Young, who also joined Democrats to back the resolution five years ago, said in his own post, 'Based on President Trump's stated goal of no further military action against Iran and conversations with senior national security officials regarding the Administration's future intentions, I do not believe an Iran war powers resolution is necessary at this time.' Sen. Susan Collins of Maine added, 'I continue to believe that Congress has an important responsibility to authorize the sustained use of military force. That is not the situation we are facing now. The President has the authority to defend our nation and our troops around the world against the threat of attack.' Paul declared he would back the resolution in a speech on the floor, in which he insisted Congress assert its constitutional authority. 'If we are to ask our young men and women to fight, and potentially give their lives, then we in this body can at least muster the courage to debate if American military intervention is warranted,' he said. 'Abdicating our constitutional responsibility by allowing the executive branch to unilaterally introduce US troops into wars is an affront to the constitution, and the American people.' Paul also warned that no one can predict how the Israel-Iran conflict could progress. 'History is replete with examples of leaders who in their hubris thought they could shape the fate of nations, but were subsequently proven wrong as events ended up controlling them,' he said. 'Pandora's box has been opened,' added Paul. 'Congress must now focus its effort on de-escalation and preventing the call for regime change – the consequences of which, if applied to Iran, risk the total destabilization of the Middle East.' The House could bring up its own Democrat-led war powers resolution after July 4. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who has faced heavy backlash from the administration for criticizing the strikes on Iran, had also introduced a war powers resolution as well, but ultimately decided not to bring it up amid a ceasefire in the Iran-Israel conflict. House Speaker Mike Johnson has sharply criticized members for demanding Trump receive congressional approval for strikes on Iran, adding that he doesn't believe the War Powers Act is constitutional. 'Many respected constitutional experts argue that the War Powers Act is itself unconstitutional. I'm persuaded by that argument. They think it's a violation of the Article Two powers of the commander in chief. I think that's right,' Johnson told reporters on Tuesday. He also called allegations that the strikes on Iran were unconstitutional, or even impeachable, 'outrageous.' 'It would be comical if it were not so serious and stupid. Let me be clear and be as clear as possible: the strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were clearly within President Trump's Article Two powers as commander in chief. It shouldn't even be in dispute,' he said. Other Republicans also sharply criticized the resolution, with former Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell warning in a statement that it was 'divorced from both strategic and constitutional reality.' 'Was degrading Iran's nuclear capability without expanding the U.S. military footprint in the Middle East a mistake? Was it wrong to seize the rare opportunity made possible by Israel's operations over the last 20 months? Did it not demonstrably advance U.S. interests in the region? Or are isolationists correct in suggesting that such interests do not exist?' he asked.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
John Calipari Sends Strong Message About Lakers' Second-Round Draft Pick
John Calipari Sends Strong Message About Lakers' Second-Round Draft Pick originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers entered the NBA draft with only the 55th overall pick. However, on Wednesday morning, they made the decision to trade up from No. 55 to No. 45—before ultimately moving up again to secure the No. 36 pick. It quickly became clear they had a specific target in mind. Advertisement With that pick, the Lakers selected athletic two-way wing Adou Thiero from the Arkansas Razorbacks. Thiero was originally recruited out of high school by John Calipari and spent two seasons at Kentucky before following Calipari to Arkansas, where he had the best season of his collegiate career. Shortly after Thiero's name was called, Calipari took to social media to share a strong message about the player he helped develop—making it clear just how much belief he has in Thiero's NBA future "I'm so proud of how far Adou has come from a 5'11 9th grader to becoming an NBA player. Incredible journey. Forget what round he is drafted in he is a player they will look at and go 'how did he get drafted there that was a steal,' Calipari said. "We have had guys go in the second round or even undrafted that go on to have a great NBA career! He has what it takes mentally and physically to succeed in the NBA. Go do it Adou!" Thiero made significant strides during his college career. As a freshman, he didn't start a single game and averaged just 2.3 points per contest. That changed in his sophomore season, when he started 19 games and boosted his average to 7.2 points per game. Advertisement Then came the pivotal decision—he followed head coach John Calipari to Arkansas for his junior year, where he truly broke out. Thiero started 26 games and averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His growth as an athletic, two-way player made him an ideal fit for the Lakers, who are actively seeking versatile defenders who can run the floor and stretch the court. Former Arkansas Razorbacks forward Adou Thiero (3) Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images After being selected by the Lakers with the 36th overall pick, Thiero shared his excitement about joining one of the most prestigious franchises in NBA history. 'It feels good, dream come true, just happy to be here,' Thiero said. 'Playing for the Lakers too—that's a blessing for sure.' Advertisement As for his role under new head coach JJ Redick, Thiero made it clear he's ready for anything. 'Whatever Coach JJ needs me to do, I'm ready to go out there and do it. Just put me on the floor—I got you. I'm gonna go out there and do all the little things. Whatever needs to be done will be done.' Related: Auburn Reacts to Johni Broome Being Selected in Second Round of NBA Draft This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
