Latest news with #ThePivotPodcast
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Warriors' Draymond Green was surprised Jordan Poole didn't move on after getting KO'd
The post Warriors' Draymond Green was surprised Jordan Poole didn't move on after getting KO'd appeared first on ClutchPoints. When the final buzzer sounds on his career, Draymond Green will leave behind one of the more complicated legacies in modern NBA history. He is guaranteed Hall of Fame enshrinement in Springfield, Mass., and could go down as the second-most important member of the Golden State Warriors dynasty. Advertisement But the veteran forward has also proven to be a volatile force on several occasions, costing his team wins with tirades and tantrums. He recently reflected on what many fans consider to be his most egregious indiscretion. While appearing on 'The Pivot Podcast,' which is hosted by former NFL players Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor, Green once again opened up about his 2022 physical altercation with former teammate Jordan Poole. The four-time champion punched the young guard in the face during a Warriors preseason practice, an infamous incident that hung over the then-defending champions all season long. Green offered an interesting perspective on the whole situation, which he expressed remorse for once again. Advertisement 'Age 33, 34, 35, I still learn those lessons,' Green said in the not safe for work (NSFW) interview, via ClutchPoints. 'That situation happened, and I'm like, 'cool we move on.' And then when we couldn't, I was like, 'huh.' And for a while, it made me think like, 'man, this dude's nothing like me,' because when those things happen, you just move on. But it taught me so much. ''You're right, he may not be like you. He ain't from where you're from. The things you went through, the way you had to come up, he may not have came up like that.' For that five seconds, I forgot where I was at because I immediately went to what I know. But what you know don't really work here.' Ex-Warriors teammates have experienced a lot since infamous exchange Although Jordan Poole, Golden State and their fans wish Draymond Green had this kind of outlook back in 2022, it is nice to hear him explain his thought process. He seems to understand what his temper and short-sighted approach did to the team during that tense time. Advertisement Poole has dealt with his own maturity questions, and may have a different viewpoint than he did when the exchange initially happened. In any case, both men have pressing concerns to deal with moving into next season. Green and the Warriors are focused on doing everything necessary to win another title before Bay Area basketball undergoes an inevitable and complete identity change at some point in the future. Poole must adjust to his new reality after being traded by the Washington Wizards to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. Despite their troublesome past, they will forever be linked by the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Winning a championship together usually means something. Regardless of if Green and Poole hang out any time soon, the former appears to have found some clarity. Hopefully, it is on display the next time he has the urge to unleash his fury in a Warriors game. Advertisement 'You're still learning,' the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year told Ryan Clark. 'It's [those] lessons that ultimately make me who I am to this day because, man, I f****d that up.' Related: Cooper Flagg's Mavericks fit draws 'lucky' Draymond Green admission Related: Warriors trade for multiple 2025 NBA Draft picks
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"He's the guy that came and got me out of jail when I was 15" - Dejounte Murray reveals how Mitch Johnson ended up as the Spurs' head coach
"He's the guy that came and got me out of jail when I was 15" - Dejounte Murray reveals how Mitch Johnson ended up as the Spurs' head coach originally appeared on Basketball Network. Many were surprised to see Dejounte Murray attend Mitch Johnson's introductory press conference as the San Antonio Spurs' new head coach. Murray is no longer with the Spurs and now plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, and he had to travel all the way to San Antonio just to be with Johnson on the biggest day of his NBA coaching career. But those who followed Murray's basketball career right from the start know what Mitch meant and still means to Dejounte. During his recent appearance on "The Pivot Podcast", the 28-year-old guard explained their story. Advertisement "He's the reason why I'm here right now," said Murray. "Mitch Johnson is the reason why I'm here right now. He's the guy who came and got me out of jail when I was 15 with my uncle and my uncle's best friends. Mitch Johnson created an AAU team for Dejounte Murray called A+. We went around the country. That's how I built my name. That's how I became a top recruit. That's how I got these scholarships. Because of Mitch Johnson." Mitch is the son of former NBA player John Johnson, who played 12 seasons for the Seattle SuperSonics. Like his dad, he played basketball and starred for Seattle's O'Dea High School before playing four seasons at Stanford. After he went undrafted in the 2009 NBA Draft, he tried his luck with the Tulsa 66ers, hoping to take the G-League route to the NBA. But after three years spent with the 66ers and stints in Europe, he decided to pursue coaching and returned to Seattle. That's how he met Murray's uncle, Terry Thompson. During that time, the teenage Dejounte was in and out of juvenile detention until Mitch intervened at Uncle Terry's request. The rest, as they say, is history. "I put the work in," added Murray. "But he opened his house. He took responsibility as a father, as a big brother when he didn't have to. He was best friends with my uncle. He created a team for me, an AAU team for me. Dejounte and Mitch came to the Spurs in a package deal In 2016, the San Antonio Spurs drafted Dejounte 29th overall in the NBA Draft. Knowing about his turbulent background, the Spurs decided that his transition to the NBA might be easier if they also brought in the man who helped change his life. And so Johnson was hired to the Spurs' staff and assigned to the G-League as an assistant. Advertisement "We went into San Antonio as a package together," added Dejounte. "They'll tell you, we went in together. And there were plans for him, not because of Dejounte, but because Mitch Johnson is smart, Mitch Johnson understands the game, knows the game. He knows how to run a team. And that's why I'm not surprised where he's at. He had a plan and stuck with his plan. He went to the G-League, played the development, he was behind the bench, he got the bench now. He's the head coach." While Murray worked from the bottom to become an All-Star player in 2022, Johnson also rose from the ranks in the organization with his talent and hard work. And so, even after Dejounte was traded, San Antonio kept Johnson on their bench. After Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke, Mitch was appointed interim coach and last month, the organization awarded him the ultimate prize - the head coaching job of the Spurs. Related: Dejounte Murray recalls almost being murdered when he was a kid - "If it wasn't for that moment, an 8-year-old would've got killed in a crossfire" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'It was so crazy' – Legendary Gregg Popovich quietly offered help for Dejounte Murray's mom after her devastating tragedy
Gregg Popovich. Image via: Getty Images In the NBA, relationships between coaches and players rarely go beyond basketball. But Gregg Popovich and Dejounte Murray shared something to cheer for. During Murray's rookie year with the San Antonio Spurs, Popovich stepped in during one of the hardest times in the young guard's life. When Murray's mother was shot, Pop offered his support, but more than that, he quietly tried to move her to San Antonio using his own money. He even called her himself, without telling Murray. That moment proved Popovich wasn't just coaching him; he was showing what it means to truly care. Dejounte Murray shared Gregg Popovich's heartfelt story When Dejounte Murray entered the NBA in 2016, he was fighting for minutes on the court, but that was the least of his concerns as he was navigating the emotional chaos that followed him from his tough Seattle upbringing. That year, his mother was shot in the leg, adding another layer of emotional pain to an already challenging transition. But in an unexpected show of care, Gregg Popovich reached out to her directly, without even informing Murray at first. Dejounte Murray beat impossible odds going from the Seattle streets to NBA stardom | The Pivot 'It was so crazy—a lot of my people don't even know this,' Murray shared on The Pivot Podcast. 'Pop didn't want me to go to Seattle. When I first got drafted, I wouldn't go to Seattle. And that was a man who cared about me. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Had No Idea Why Boyfriend Wanted Her To Shower Twice Daily, Until She Met His Mom BimBamBam Read More Undo That was a man who wanted me to reach my full potential in life first—then as a basketball player.' Popovich didn't stop at emotional support; he offered a solution with his own wallet. 'He tried to move my mom to San Antonio with his own money after she got shot. My mom was shot in the leg my rookie year. He called her himself—without me knowing until after the fact. 'We want to move you here. No—not with his money, with my money.' That sounds like a dude that cares about me and loves me, right?' The moment shaped Murray's perception of Popovich forever. 'He's so real,' he said. 'He cared about me. He loved me with his actions, not just his words.' That fatherly presence stood in stark contrast to Murray's own biological father. 'I had my own father, when I got hurt, text me that somebody else was taking my spot,' Murray revealed. 'This stuff is so real.' Today, as he recovers from a torn Achilles and reflects on his journey from San Antonio to New Orleans, Murray's bond with Popovich remains the one constant in a career marked by change, loss, and growth. 'My kids need me. The youth need me,' he said. But through it all, it's clear that the life lessons Pop taught him will last much longer than any NBA season. Also Read: LaMelo Ball's latest tattoos revealed during offseason, took five artists to finish the job As for Coach Pop, he officially stepped down from his coaching duties with the team. However, he is still with the team as President of Basketball Operations for the San Antonio Spurs. Murray is now playing for the New Orleans Pelicans. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
CNN
18-06-2025
- CNN
‘I wish I could turn back the hands of time': Former NFL WR Henry Ruggs III apologizes to family of woman he killed in fatal DUI crash
Former NFL wide receiver Henry Ruggs III has apologized to the family of the woman he killed in a fatal 2021 DUI crash on Tuesday. In 2023, Ruggs was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from the crash that killed a 23-year-old woman, Tina Tintor, and her dog in November 2021. Let out temporarily on special release, the 26-year-old spoke at Hope for Prisoners – an event for former and current prisoners – expressing his regret for what happened almost four years ago when asked what he would say to Tintor's family. 'I wish I could turn back the hands of time,' Ruggs said, according to a video taken by Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Vincent Bonsignore. 'I would love for them to meet the real Henry Ruggs and not the one that was escaping from something. 'I sincerely apologize for not only being a part of that situation, but the fact my face is always in the news, my face is always in the newspaper so they have to constantly be reminded of the situation, be reminded of me. Those memories have to continue to rise because of all the fame and notoriety that I have which I never asked for, I never liked.' Ruggs was traveling more than 150 mph – his alcohol level more than twice the legal limit – before his car rear-ended another car, killing the driver, Tintor, prosecutors have said. Ruggs pleaded guilty to one count of driving while impaired, resulting in death, and one count of vehicular manslaughter. Clark County District Judge Jennifer Schwartz sentenced Ruggs to a minimum of 36 months and a maximum of 120 months. He is eligible for parole in August 2026. When Ruggs was sentenced to prison, Tintor's parents said in a prepared statement: 'We pray that we all take away the importance of looking out for one another, remembering everyone you meet is another human's loved one. And we pray that we can all move forward in caring for each other with consideration, compassion, and love.' Ruggs was a first-round draft pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 when they selected him with the 12th overall pick out of Alabama. In his two seasons with the Raiders, he played in 20 games and had 921 receiving yards and four touchdowns. According to his former Alabama and Raiders teammate Josh Jacobs, Ruggs still holds ambitions of returning to the NFL. 'Keeping up with him and hearing him talk, it brings me spirits because he's always positive,' Jacobs said on 'The Pivot Podcast' in April. 'He's positive about everything. 'He's training. They let him train and things like that, so I'm like: 'When you come out, man, I don't know if you will get a chance.' I've been talking to some people for him. They've been saying a couple of teams are willing to give him a chance. I'm like: 'When you get that chance, man, you better not ever – don't look back, and prove to yourself and prove to everybody that one decision don't define you and who you are as a man.''
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shaq Says: My Dream Was $8 Million Over 10 Years. But Then, The Money Started Coming In Faster—And With It, A 'Higher Purpose'
Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal never set out to be a billionaire. Early in his life, the dream was pretty modest for someone of his future stature. 'My dream was to make $8 million [over] 10 years. That's $800,000 a year,' he said on a recent episode of 'The Pivot Podcast.' Then, as it happens when you become a basketball superstar, 'the money changed.' As the checks got larger, O'Neal said, the responsibility that came with them did too. He was able to make $40 million. He then had a thought: 'You know what? You're not working no more, mama. Daddy, you ain't working no more. Brothers and sisters, I'm going to pay for all your sh*t too.' Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Many are rushing to That shift, he explained, was about something deeper. 'That was my higher purpose,' he said. Throughout the interview, O'Neal reflected on growing up as a self-described 'high-level juvenile delinquent.' His grandmother was the only one who didn't discipline him. He promised her that one day, he'd buy her a house. She asked for one across the street from where they lived. It was just a regular house. 'So when I got some money, I knocked on the lady's door, said 'I want to buy your house,' she gave me a price and I doubled her price, and bought my grandmother her house.' Shaq said he did the same for his parents. He bought his mom a house and a car. Then he did the same for his siblings. Still, he admitted he carries regrets. 'I never told them thank you. That's why I cry. We live, we die, everybody has to die,' he said. Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. Even now, O'Neal says he doesn't feel fulfilled. 'I could stop right now, but I don't want to stop. You know why I don't want to stop? For them. I read all the time and I'm looking at the Rockefellers and the Rothschilds. I want my kids to be the O'Neals.' He also explained how he stays driven. It often comes from unexpected places, like jealousy. He described one moment in the Bahamas where he was enjoying time on a rented yacht, projecting success before truly feeling he had earned it. But then, an older man arrived on a much larger yacht, surrounded by a younger wife and her friends. The sight struck him. In his words, 'He was living my life.' That moment became fuel: 'I want to get enough to where I could get a big yacht and live somewhere blue. That's my new fake motivation.' Read Next: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . Here's what Americans think you need to be considered Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Shaq Says: My Dream Was $8 Million Over 10 Years. But Then, The Money Started Coming In Faster—And With It, A 'Higher Purpose' originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
