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Toronto Sun
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Drake bids heartfelt goodbye to Masai Ujiri after Raptors fire team president
Get the latest from Mark Daniell straight to your inbox Drake and Masai Ujiri seen during an announcement at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Monday Sept. 30, 2013. Photo by Ernest Doroszuk / Postmedia Network After the Raptors announced that Masai Ujiri has been relieved of his duties, the club's most famous fan is paying tribute to the team's former vice-chairman and president. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account In a message shared with his 142 million Instagram followers, the Toronto rapper — who is the outfit's Global Ambassador — bid a heartfelt goodbye to Ujiri, who replaced Bryan Colangelo in 2013. 'My mentor and my friend. The city will miss you,' Drake wrote alongside of an image of Ujiri Photoshopped over the Toronto skyline. 'Thank (you) for a unforgettable 13 years.' Drake reacted to the Toronto Raptors firing of Masai Ujiri with a heartfelt message. Photo by Drake / Instagram Under Ujiri's leadership, the Raptors earned seven straight NBA postseason berths between the 2013-2014 and 2019-20 seasons. Ujiri was also the chief architect of the team's 2019 championship run, trading star player DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard and hiring coach Nick Nurse ahead of the 2018-19 campaign. The longtime executive was heading into the final year of a five-year deal he inked in 2021, hoping to return the Raptors to NBA relevance after three years of missed postseason play. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But after former franchise cornerstones like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby were traded away only to find success with their new teams, not to mention Fred VanVleet (who left in free agency), Keith Pelley, the president and CEO of Raptors' owners Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, said it was time for a front-office shakeup. 'Thirteen seasons is an extremely long time in a sports leadership role,' Pelley told reporters Friday. 'Change is inevitable. What we really thought was with the current status of our team and the foundation that Masai has built, that this was the time to make the change.' Pelley said the decision to part ways with Ujiri was made earlier this month, but he was allowed to stay on through to the end of the NBA Draft with the Raptors selecting Collin Murray-Boyles and Alijah Martin. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. One of music's biggest stars, Drake was a long-time fixture much like Ujiri after he was tapped by the team more than a decade ago to become its Global Ambassador to help drum up excitement for the Raptors across Canada and the U.S. 'I just really want excitement for this team,' Drake said back in 2013. 'I want us to be one of the biggest teams in the league. I have a lot of friends in the NBA, but the opportunity to be a part of this NBA franchise at home has me more excited because it's the team that represents where I'm from.' At the time, Drake, who Ujiri once called 'the King of Toronto,' said he ' would love nothing more than to bring a championship' to the city. ' My goal is to add anything I can to this team,' he said. Over the years, Drake has been a staple at home games where he is frequently seen from his courtside seats cheering on the team. His October's Very Own brand is also a sponsor of the club's training facility and its gold and black colour scheme and owl logo figure into some of the squad's on-court uniforms. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Themed ' Welcome Toronto' nights also occur throughout the season in which Drake's logo appears on the court. As part of the partnership, Drake and the team have donated over a million dollars to help refurbish local community basketball courts and have invested heavily in Canada Basketball to help grow the sport across the country. 'It's nice to have the uniforms and the fancy court and the merchandise and stuff like that, but what was most important to me was just the call to action,' Drake said in 2018. 'In this day and age, it's really easy to go on social media and talk about things that we'd like to see change or things that we think are wrong, then there's an opportunity, when you're presented with one, to be able to do something about it. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The biggest thing I'm most proud of with this partnership is the million dollars that we're going to be giving to the city to redo these courts and, hopefully, to create an amazing atmosphere for anyone in that community to come out and either play casual basketball or potentially breed the next generation of Canadian basketball superstars, which goes to our other donation of $2 million to Canada Basketball who have produced incredible talent.' Drake, left, is given a diamond-studded jacket from Raptors president Masai Ujiri. Photo by Toronto Raptors / X With the stands closed on-and-off during the pandemic, Drake was one of the few hundred fans that was allowed in the Scotiabank Arena during parts of the 2021-22 season. During one game, the Grammy winner tried to expand his role to include front office duties. 'Masai not feeling my trade deadline plan,' Drake joked sharing a photo of the two to his Instagram. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Drake and Masai Ujiri seen at Raptors game in 2022. Photo by Drake / Instagram Pelley was asked about a rumoured rift between Ujiri and Edward Rogers, the executive chair of Rogers Communications, the majority owner of MLSE, but he said the decision to fire the popular exec was his alone. 'At the end of the day, this was my decision, supported by the board,' he told the Sun's Steve Simmons. On social media, Raptors fans sided with Drake as they blasted MLSE for dumping Ujiri. ' Masai changed the entire franchise, brought us a championship, recruited great players and did some good trades. Good luck in finding another replacement of that calibre,' one critic swiped on Reddit. Meanwhile, former Raptor Danny Green, who was acquired along with Leonard in the trade for DeRozan in 2018, called Ujiri 'legendary in the whole country of Canada.' After the Raptors finished with a 30-52 record last season, Ujiri was still promising Toronto's return to the postseason and was upbeat as he looked ahead to next year. Oftentimes, he repeated the mantra: ' We will win again in Toronto.' But if the team is able to do it, it won't be with Ujiri at the helm. mdaniell@ Read More World World Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs World
Toronto Sun
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Tim Dolighan cartoon, June 30, 2025
Tim Dolighan cartoon for June 30, 2025. Photo by Tim Dolighan / Special to Postmedia Network Tim Dolighan cartoon for June 30, 2025. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs Canada Sports Sunshine Girls
Toronto Sun
21 hours ago
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Digital Services Tax axed to 'advance' trade talks with U.S: Finance Dep't
Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne. Photo by TONY CALDWELL / FILES / Postmedia Network The federal government's Digital Services Tax has been rescinded to 'advance broader trade negotiations' with the United States, the Finance Department announced late Sunday night. In a statement on its website, the Finance Department said the decision was made 'in anticipation of a mutually beneficial comprehensive trade arrangement' with the hope that the two countries can come to a deal by July 21. 'In our negotiations on a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States, Canada's new government will always be guided by the overall contribution of any possible agreement to the best interests of Canadian workers and businesses,' Prime Minister Mark Carney said in the statement. 'Today's announcement will support a resumption of negotiations toward the July 21, 2025, timeline set out at this month's G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The DST, the government said, was announced in 2020 to address large technology companies operating in Canada that 'may not otherwise pay tax on revenues generated from Canadians.' However, it was a source of irritation south of the border with U.S. President Donald Trump calling off trade and tariff talks with Canada Friday due to what he called a 'direct and blatant attack' on the U.S. Read More The statement said the anticipated Monday collection of the DST will be halted with Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne expected to soon bring forward legislation to rescind the Digital Services Tax Act. 'Canada's new government is focused on building the strongest economy in the G7 and standing up for Canadian workers and businesses,' Champagne said. 'Rescinding the Digital Services Tax will allow the negotiations of a new economic and security relationship with the United States to make vital progress and reinforce our work to create jobs and build prosperity for all Canadians.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs Opinion Sports Toronto Raptors
Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
NHL Draft Day 2: Who the Calgary Flames Took
Postmedia Network Article content The Calgary Flames loaded up on centres in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday night. Article content On Saturday, they doubled-down on that approach before going after the best players available with the rest of their picks. Article content Let's take a look at who the Flames added to their prospect pool on Saturday, with comments from director of amateur scouting Tod Button about each. Article content Article content Article content Article content Theo Stockselius Article content Position: Centre Article content Height: 6-foot-3 Article content Weight: 196 lbs. Team: Djurgarden Jr. Article content What's his story: The third centre the Flames took in three picks after selecting Cole Reschny and Cullen Potter in Friday's first round, Stockselius averaged 1.28 points per game in the Swedish junior league and models his game on Flames captain Mikael Backlund, among others. He's got size, two-way instincts and a scoring touch, too. Article content Article content Third round, No. 80 Article content Mace'o Phillips Article content Position: Defence Article content Height: 6-foot-6 Article content Weight: 233 lbs. Team: U.S. National Team Development Program Article content What's his story: Phillips is huge, he's strong and he's physical. By no means is he a finished product, but he's a left-handed blueliner and that's something the Flames could use more of. His size alone meant he was worth a swing and while scouting reports do note he's got to cut down on the penalties he takes, there's lots of time for him to improve there. Article content Article content Article content Article content Ethan Wyttenbach Article content Position: Left-wing Article content Height: 5-foot-10 Article content What's his story: Wyttenbach was the first ever winner of The Gaudreau Award, which goes to the USHL player who best embodies the legacy of the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. That's a pretty amazing connection with the Flames, given all Gaudreau accomplished in Calgary. The right-handed winger scored 24 goals and added 27 assists for the Stampede this year and is committed to playing at Quinnipiac University next season. Article content What Button said: Update coming … Article content Article content Sixth round, No. 176 Article content Aidan Lane Article content Position: Right-wing Article content Height: 6-foot-1 Article content Weight: 193 lbs. Team: St. Andrew's College (Ontario High School) Article content What's his story: Lane is heading to Harvard next season and if that leads to him being anywhere near the player that Matt Coronato's become, this will be the steal of the draft. Even if he never reaches Coronato's heights, Lane put up 13 points in 13 games for the Brampton Steelheads in the WHL after leaving St. Andrew's College, suggesting the offensive upside is real. Article content What Button said: Update coming … Article content Article content Seventh round, No. 208 Article content Jakob Leander Article content Position: Defence Article content Height: 6-foot-4 Article content Weight: 196 lbs. Article content Team: HV71 Jr. Article content Article content Article content
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Toronto Sun
Man shot in parked vehicle outside Oakville restaurant
A file photo of police crime scene tape. Photo by Postmedia Network A man is fighting for his life after he was shot while sitting in his parked vehicle outside an Oakville restaurant early Saturday. Halton Regional Police say the shooting occurred in the parking lot outside Hashtag Garden Modern Kitchen and Lounge on Cross Ave. – west of Trafalgar Rd. – shortly before 12:30 a.m. 'A suspect vehicle approached, and two male suspects exited and confronted the victim,' police said in a statement released Saturday, explaining the man sitting in his parked vehicle was shot during the interaction. Police said the shooters were both wearing dark clothing and face coverings And they were last seen fleeing the parking lot in a late-model grey Honda CR-V SUV. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account SHOOTING: OAKVILLEPolice are investigating a shooting Cross Av near Trafalgar RdHeavy police presence Victim has been transported to hospital in a life threatening condition No ongoing threat to public safety Updates to follow^pr — Halton Police (@HaltonPolice) June 28, 2025 'The victim is currently being treated in the hospital for serious, life-threatening injuries,' police said. Nobody else was injured. And no further details were immediately available. Read More 'Unfortunately, there is limited information available about the suspects at this time,' police said. 'It appears that the victim was specifically targeted in this incident.' Anyone with information regarding this shooting, or who has footage of the area between 11 p.m. on Friday and 1 a.m. on Saturday, is urged to call the Major Crime Bureau at 905-825-4776 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). cdoucette@ @sundoucette NHL Sunshine Girls Toronto Raptors Sunshine Girls Columnists
