Russell Westbrook has made his first post-NBA career move. According to ESPN, Westbrook is transitioning into executive sports leadership by joining the global basketball venture Project B as a co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer. He’s also taking an equity stake and a seat on the board of directors. Westbrook plans to play an active, hands-on role in shaping the upstart league’s long-term vision. He’ll focus on commercial partnerships and basketball operations alongside co-founders like the Chief Basketball Officer. Project B, which features a Grand Prix-style 5-on-5 global circuit across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, aims to revolutionize modern sports economics by giving its men’s and women’s players direct equity and decision-making power.  Westbrook’s move brings instant credibility and star power to the player-centric model, signaling a mission to ensure athletes are built into the ownership structure as true business partners rather than just employees.  “At every step of my career, what was most valuable to me was making sure everyone had a seat at the table,” Westbrook said in a statement. “With Project B, we’re challenging the norm and bringing a new vision to the intersection of premium sport, culture, and entertainment. We’re reimagining the experience with players not only as key value drivers, but also as shareholders and decision makers.”  Drafted fourth overall as the franchise transitioned to Oklahoma City, Westbrook quickly formed a dynamic duo alongside Kevin Durant, leading the Thunder to four Western Conference Finals appearances and a trip to the 2012 NBA Finals. However, his legacy in OKC reached iconic status after Durant’s 2016 departure, when Westbrook embraced sole leadership of the franchise with unmatched ferocity.  In the  2016–17 season, he won the League MVP and became the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double across an entire season. He would repeat the feat he went on to repeat the feat three more times. Eventually, he surpassed Robertson as the NBA’s all-time leader in career triple-doubles. 

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ projected release date from federal prison has been moved up again, according to Bureau of Prisons records. The hip-hop mogul is now scheduled to leave Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix in New Jersey on Feb. 5, 2028. His prior projected release date was Feb. 20, 2028. View this post on Instagram The latest adjustment cuts more than two weeks from Combs’ projected federal incarceration. His release date has shifted several times since he entered custody. A federal jury convicted Combs in July 2025 on two counts of transporting people across state lines for prostitution. The charges stemmed from allegations involving sexual encounters prosecutors described as “freak offs.” Prosecutors alleged Combs arranged encounters involving his girlfriends and male sex workers. They also alleged he watched and recorded some of the encounters. Hip-Hop Mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs Release Date Pushed Up Again To February 2028. Jurors, however, acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Those charges carried substantially greater potential penalties than the counts resulting in convictions. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced Combs in October 2025 to four years and two months in federal prison. He began serving that sentence at FCI Fort Dix the same month. Combs’ incarceration has included a reported altercation with another inmate. The incident allegedly led to a brief period in solitary confinement. His projected release date initially stood in June 2028. It later shifted to January 2028 before moving to Feb. 20, 2028. Federal records now list Feb. 5, 2028, as Combs’ projected release date. The Bureau of Prisons can revise projected release dates based on applicable custody and credit calculations. Combs’ case followed a closely watched federal prosecution in New York. Prosecutors pursued allegations involving sex trafficking and racketeering, but jurors rejected those counts. The defense argued prosecutors had overstated the evidence. The verdict ultimately separated the prostitution-related conduct from the government’s more serious allegations. For now, Combs remains incarcerated at FCI Fort Dix. His projected release date is Feb. 5, 2028, although that date could change again.

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine is planning a “Lil Durk Going Away Party” if rapper Lil Durk is convicted in his federal murder-for-hire case. 6ix9ine made the comments during a livestream while speaking with DJ Akademiks. He also invited Akademiks to attend the proposed event. “When this n**** get found guilty, you coming to my party?” 6ix9ine asked. The remarks came as prosecutors presented testimony in Durk’s federal trial in Los Angeles. Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, has pleaded not guilty. The exchange followed testimony from cooperating witness OTF Jam, whose legal name is Kacey Hester. Hester mentioned 6ix9ine while testifying about an alleged plot targeting rapper Quando Rondo. Hester has been identified as one of three masked gunmen involved in a 2022 shooting at a West Hollywood gas station. He testified that Banks promised between $500,000 and $1 million for Rondo’s killing. According to Hester, the alleged offer arose during a meeting at an Atlanta recording studio. He described the subsequent shooting as “sloppy.” Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine Prepares “Lil Durk Going Away Party” If Durk Banks Is Found Guilty In Murder-For-Hire Case “I wasn’t feeling good about it at all,” Hester testified. Hester also addressed his relationship with Banks and his decision to cooperate with prosecutors. “I had to get it off my chest. It was weighing on me,” Hester told jurors. Despite testifying against Banks, Hester said he still had affection for the rapper. “I still do have a lot of love for him,” he said. “What he did for me, you can’t forget that.” Hester also said his feelings had not preserved his respect for Banks. “I still got love for him, I just got no respect for him. He probably hate me now,” he testified. Federal prosecutors allege Banks orchestrated the attempted killing as retaliation for the 2020 death of King Von. The government claims Banks directed members of his Only The Family, or OTF, collective. Prosecutor Daniel Weiner told jurors the case concerns an alleged murder plot, not the music industry. “This case is not about music — it’s about murder,” Weiner said. Weiner also alleged that Banks used his financial resources to pressure OTF members into pursuing the attack. “Banks used his wealth and used his purse strings to put pressure on his OTF members to get that revenge,” Weiner said. If convicted, Banks faces a potential life sentence. The case remains pending in federal court.

The NBA handed down the largest punishment in the history of the league in the aftermath of the LA Clippers salary cap probe. Following a year-long investigation, the league found that the Clippers circumvented the league’s salary cap rules to give millions to Kawhi Leonard.  The Clippers will forfeit their next five first-round picks — in 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033. Clippers owner Ballmer will be fined $30 million, the league announced.  Also, Ballmer has been suspended for one year, “for knowingly seeking to help Mr. Leonard obtain off-court income opportunities.”   Leonard was ordered to pay a $700,000 penalty to the league. Additionally, his former business manager and uncle, Dennis Robertson, was banned from conducting business with NBA teams for five years  President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for one year without pay for her direct involvement and for lying to investigators. President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months without pay for approving impermissible expenses and endorsing improper player arrangements.  LEONARD ADDRESSES THE RULING In a statement, the Clippers pledged to fight the ruling that they disagree with. “We vehemently reject the NBA’s findings, which are the result of a heavily biased investigation seeking to justify a predetermined narrative rather than facts and evidence,” the statement read.  “For the past year, we cooperated fully and in good faith, and we will now fight just as hard to demonstrate our innocence. We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available.”  Leonard also released a statement about his role in the investigation and the acceptance of his punishment. Kawhi Leonard, through his new agent, Harrison Gaines, issues statement: “Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am. I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused… https://t.co/cgWhrjcXuR — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 2, 2026 “I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle. And I regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family,” Leonard said. “I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone’s part to circumvent the salary cap. … As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate.” 

Tiger Woods had his driver’s license suspended for five years after pleading no contest to reckless driving and refusing a lawful drug test in a Florida courtroom, ABC News reports. The plea agreement resolves charges stemming from a March 2026 rollover crash near his home on Jupiter Island, where investigators noted signs of impairment and recovered prescription painkillers at the scene.  Presiding over the Martin County Circuit Court, Judge Darren Steele issued a stern warning alongside the strict five-year suspension and court fines, emphasizing that any driving violation during this period would result in immediate jail time.  On March 27, 2026, Woods was arrested in Jupiter Island, Florida, following an afternoon car crash. According to authorities, Woods’ Land Rover clipped the back of a truck trailer while attempting a pass on a two-lane road, causing his vehicle to roll onto its side.  Responding deputies reported that Woods exhibited signs of impairment—including bloodshot eyes, slurred responses, and lethargy—and found two prescription hydrocodone pain pills in his pocket. Although Woods took a breathalyzer test that returned a 0.00 BAC, he refused to provide a urine sample, leading officers to arrest him on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence (DUI) with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test.  tiger woods’ future Woods, who stated he was distracted by his phone and changing radio stations prior to the impact, later stepped away from golf to enter an inpatient facility and focus on his health.  As Tiger Woods’ playing days wind down, his focus has shifted from chasing major number 16 to shaping his legacy. Years of severe injuries and surgeries mean his on-course future now hinges on selective appearances at majors, golf carts on the PGA Tour Champions, and his high-tech TGL league.  Off the course, his work as a tour director, architect, and mentor ensures he will control the game’s direction for decades.

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is firmly rejecting the “King of New York” title recently bestowed upon him by city officials following the team’s historic championship run. Despite leading the franchise to its first NBA title in 53 years, the Finals MVP said he finds the moniker self-centered and prefers to focus on the work required for the upcoming season. During a recent appearance on the “Road Trippin’” podcast with former NBA players Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye and Kendrick Perkins, Brunson addressed the growing buzz surrounding his status in the city. The three-time All-Star made it clear that while fans and politicians may use the label, it will never come from his own mouth. “I’ve never called myself the king of New York. I will never call myself the king of New York,” Brunson said. He explained that adopting such a title would make him appear arrogant to his peers and the public, adding, “You guys are going to look like, ‘What the fuck, this dude is so self-centered.’” The nickname gained significant traction at City Hall last month. Mayor Zohran Mamdani officially declared Brunson “the king” during a city-sponsored youth event at Inwood Hill Park on Aug. 28. Mamdani previously presented the point guard with the Keys to the City following a victory parade in June, which celebrated the Knicks’ five-game series win over the San Antonio Spurs. Brunson’s performance in the 2026 Finals cemented his place in New York sports lore, joining the ranks of legends like Derek Jeter and Eli Manning. The 30-year-old guard averaged 32.6 points and 4.6 assists during the series, punctuated by a 45-point performance in the clinching Game 5. Despite the accolades, Brunson said the team is determined to move past the celebration to focus on a title defense. The Knicks are attempting to become the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Golden State Warriors accomplished the feat in 2018. “We don’t want to speak of the trophy, we don’t talk about the trophy, we don’t want to see the trophy,” Brunson said regarding the team’s mindset for the 2026-27 season. He emphasized that the roster needs to maintain a “tougher mindset” than they had during their championship campaign to avoid complacency. While the city remains in a state of “Knick-mania”—evidenced by a recent Mayor Mamdani look-alike contest in Washington Square Park—Brunson remains intent on distancing himself from the royal branding. For the man who ended the city’s half-century drought, the work on the court takes precedence over any crown.

Issa Rae and the core cast of the hit HBO series “Insecure” have canceled their highly anticipated 10th anniversary tour, citing irreconcilable scheduling conflicts among the show’s stars. The announcement, which was delivered via a comedic video posted to Rae’s HOORAE Instagram account, confirmed that 12 of the 13 planned city dates have been scrapped. The 13-city run was originally scheduled to kick off Sept. 10 in Philadelphia. The tour promised fans an intimate look at the beloved comedy-drama, featuring candid conversations and never-before-told stories from the cast and creative team. In addition to Philadelphia, the tour had planned stops in major hubs including Washington, D.C., Detroit, Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Atlanta and Houston. In the social media announcement, Rae was joined by fellow cast members Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis and Natasha Rothwell, along with showrunner Prentice Penny. The video maintained the show’s signature humor as the actors appeared one by one, each explaining their inability to participate due to heavy workloads. Ellis, for instance, checked in from the set of his latest project, “The Rookie North.” “Unfortunately, our schedules got messed up and we are so sorry, but we only wanted to do this if we could all be there and give you the best experience possible,” Rae said in the video. Penny added that while the team was “bummed” to cancel, the conflict arose because everyone in the ensemble had successfully moved on to new professional commitments. Rothwell, who gained further acclaim for her series “How to Die Alone,” joked in the video about carrying the weight of the news. “The tour ain’t happening, y’all. I’m so sorry,” she said. The cast emphasized that the decision was made because they did not want to deliver a touring experience that did not feature the full primary ensemble. Despite the sweeping cancellations, one date remains on the calendar. The event scheduled for Oct. 8 at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California, is still set to proceed as planned. Inglewood served as a central character and primary setting for “Insecure” throughout its five-season run, making the local date a significant milestone for the production. “Insecure” concluded its original run on HBO after five seasons, leaving a lasting impact on television for its authentic portrayal of Black friendship and life in Los Angeles. Fans who purchased tickets for the canceled dates are expected to receive refunds at their point of purchase as the cast continues to focus on their individual television and film careers.

Jodeci’s Mr. Dalvin is asking fans to keep his longtime friend T-Boz in their prayers as the TLC singer’s known health issues return. One-fourth of the legendary R&B group, whose real name is Dalvin DeGrate, shared an emotional message Tuesday for Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins. The TLC star recently missed a performance after experiencing a sickle cell flare-up. “I’m asking you, everybody, under the sound of my voice, to ask God to touch her and heal her, that she may have a speedy recovery,” DeGrate said in an Instagram video. Mr. Dalvin asking for continued prayers for his good friend T-Boz she’s had a sickle cell flare up that’s caused her to miss a few shows. https://t.co/wXlqJHctlj pic.twitter.com/9aWOTpJLGm — Nicole (@Nprezzed) September 2, 2026 He also asked for strength and peace for Watkins. Most importantly, he wants her to return to doing what she loves. “We all love you and we all appreciate you,” DeGrate said directly to Watkins. His message came days after Watkins missed TLC’s Aug. 27 concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in New York. Bandmate Chilli performed without her. Chilli told concertgoers that Watkins was dealing with a sickle cell flare-up. Some of Watkins’ vocals were reportedly played through prerecorded tracks during the performance. Watkins has lived with sickle cell disease since childhood. The inherited condition can cause red blood cells to become rigid and obstruct blood flow. Jodeci’s Mr. Dalvin Asks Fans To Pray For TLC’s T-Boz As She Battles Continued Sickle Cell Condition Those blockages can reduce oxygen delivery and trigger severe pain. Sickle cell crises can last for hours or days and sometimes require hospitalization. Watkins has openly discussed her diagnosis throughout her career. She has also faced other significant health challenges. In 2024, Watkins was hospitalized with an abdominal blockage caused by scar tissue from an earlier surgery. She later emphasized that condition was unrelated to sickle cell disease. Watkins has continued performing with TLC for more than three decades. The group has sold more than 65 million records and won four Grammy Awards. DeGrate and Watkins have known each other since the 1990s. TLC and Jodeci became two of R&B’s most influential groups during that era. Their friendship has endured through the years. The pair have also collaborated and teased future music together. Neither Watkins nor TLC has publicly detailed her current condition. There has been no confirmation of hospitalization or her next performance. For now, DeGrate’s message offers a simple request from a friend: Keep T-Boz in your thoughts and prayers.

Doja Cat spoke openly about her past struggles with substance abuse and mental health in a series of candid videos shared to social media Monday. The singer, whose legal name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, told her followers she felt a need to “get this sh*t off my chest” while addressing long-standing rumors regarding her personal life and behavior. The “Say So” singer revealed that she previously struggled with cocaine use approximately eight years ago. While she clarified that she never faced severe drug addiction beyond that period and her use of marijuana, she expressed gratitude for being “well past” that chapter of her life. Doja cat opens up: The 30-year-old artist also discussed her relationship with alcohol, noting that while she did not identify as an alcoholic, she frequently turned to drinking in ways that became problematic. Doja Cat emphasized the dangerous intersection of undiagnosed mental illness, substance use, and social media. @dojacat sorry about all the pauses throughout the vid my cat was being an innocent menace to society ♬ original sound – Doja Cat She explained that she often used the internet as a tool to validate the negative thoughts in her head, which were frequently exacerbated by alcohol consumption. “Alcohol and social media once reinforced my negative thoughts,” she said, warning her audience against pairing the two when dealing with mental health challenges. In addition to discussing sobriety, the artist addressed various online allegations that have followed her career, including claims that she is “demonic” or holds hateful ideologies. She flatly rejected accusations of being a white supremacist or a Nazi, describing such labels as projections from critics. She attributed the “demonic” imagery perceived by the public to the volatile combination of her past struggles and the way they were interpreted through a digital lens. The musician also touched upon her journey toward self-acceptance as a biracial woman. After moving to a predominantly white neighborhood at the age of eight, she said she faced internal struggles regarding her identity and appearance. She noted that as she has aged, she has learned to appreciate her natural hair and physical features, asserting that she does not hate herself despite what commenters may suggest. By sharing these personal reflections, Doja Cat said she hoped to provide a lesson for those who might be navigating similar paths. She urged her followers to be mindful of how they interact with others online, asking them to consider if their comments are based in truth or their own personal projections. The artist concluded by stating that she is focused on her ongoing healing journey and moving forward from her past.

Lionel Richie has been admitted to a St. Louis hospital for medical observation following a performance in the city over the weekend. According to reports, Richie checked himself into an intensive care unit to undergo a series of tests after appearing to struggle during his Saturday night set at The Muny in Forest Park. Witnesses at the outdoor venue reported that the 77-year-old “Hello” singer seemed physically taxed as his performance drew to a close. During his final song of the night, “All Night Long,” Richie reportedly requested a chair from his stage crew so that he could finish the set while seated. The decision to seek medical attention was described as a precautionary measure to address potential dehydration. Medical professionals are currently monitoring the singer, who is reportedly in good spirits. Those familiar with the situation said Richie is aiming to be discharged from the facility by Tuesday if his test results remain stable. His representatives have not yet released a formal statement regarding his current condition or whether future tour dates will be impacted. This latest hospitalization marks the second major health scare for the Grammy-winning artist this summer. In June, Richie was rushed to a hospital by ambulance in St. Paul, Minnesota, after he abruptly ended a concert. During that incident, he informed the audience he was feeling “dizzy” and “strange” before exiting the stage mid-performance. Following the June episode, Richie took a brief hiatus to recover, eventually returning to the stage in Pittsburgh in early July. At the time, he reassured fans that he was prioritizing his health to ensure he could continue his touring schedule. The recurrence of symptoms has raised concerns among fans regarding the rigors of his current travel itinerary. Richie has remained active in the industry beyond his live performances, recently making headlines for his critiques of contemporary touring packages and his role as a judge on talent competitions. The singer’s team is expected to provide further information once doctors complete their evaluation.