Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Judge dismisses sleeping Yankees fan's $10M defamation lawsuit against ESPN (VIDEO)

A New York City judge has ruled that the Yankees fan who was caught on camera nodding off during a game last spring, while ESPN announcers commented about his slumber, has no legal basis for filing a $10 million lawsuit against the network for poking fun at his impromptu baseball bedtime.

Andrew Rector, a used car salesman from the Bronx, was caught sleeping in his seat by a camera during a game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees in April last year.


The drowsy fan later made national headlines by suing MLB Advanced Media, the Yankees, ESPN and announcing team Dan Schulman and Jon Kruk for $10 million after they made fun of his unusual place for nap time. He even appeared with Matt Lauer on Today and said, "I have a reputation too."

However, the defamation lawsuit was dismissed by Bronx judge Julia Rodriguez late last month after she found that he did not have grounds to sue.



Rector, who was greeted by a round of applause from the stadium crowd when he woke up, said he suffered "mental anguish" because of the ordeal.

He alleged in his suit that the broadcasters published statements against him that allegedly called him a "fatty cow," "stupid," "socially bankrupt" and a "symbol of failure."

Although Schulman and Kruk said none of those words.

Jason Pierre-Paul blows off scheduled appearance at NYC benefit: Report

Jason Pierre-Paul has become quite adept at blowing things off this summer.


Sadly it started with his fingers in a fireworks accident. Then it was the New York Giants' inquiries into his health and condition. And now, it was his first public appearance in New York since the July Fourth incident.

On Tuesday night, the star defensive end was scheduled to attend the Harboring Hearts Benefit event in Manhattan, JPP's first planned public appearance since his secret meetings with the Giants on Labor Day.

But, according to New York Daily News, Pierre Paul failed to fulfill his commitment to appear at the charity function.

The event ran from 6:30-8:30 and, possibly in JPP's defense, teammates Landon Collins and Damontre Moore were also supposed to be there, but they didn’t show either.

A press person for the event insisted multiple times that the three Giants were stuck in traffic.

And a dog ate their playbooks.

Chris Mullin lands top NYC recruit Shamorie Ponds for St. John's: Report

In what can only be called laying a solid cornerstone for the future of St. John’s basketball, Chris Mullin landed one of New York City’s top players Tuesday when Shamorie Ponds, a 6-1 guard from Thomas Jefferson High in Brooklyn, verbally committed to the Red Storm program.



“It felt like a perfect fit,” Ponds said at a press conference. “It is close to home. I’m St. John’s No. 1 recruit for the class of 2016 and they are putting the ball in my hands.”

In landing Ponds, Mullin, the first-year coach, already has done what his predecessor, Steve Lavin, had a hard time doing — keep the city’s top talent in the city.

"It was a long process," Ponds said at Tuesday's presser. "I'm attending the University of St. John's."

And nobody seemed happier than Matt Abdelmassih — the Johnnies new assistant coach and recruiter.


The smooth-shooting Ponds is a four-star recruit and is rated as a top 50 recruit nationally by recruiting services Rivals and Scout. Ponds made an official visit to the school last month.

Ponds picked the Red Storm over Providence and Creighton, and becoming the first top local player to join Mullin’s program.

“I guess I can set an example,” he said. “This is basically a dream come true. I always wanted to stay home, play in front of my family.”

Arizona recently expressed interest and Ponds had offers from the likes of Minnesota, Miami, South Carolina, Seton Hall and Oklahoma as well. But his hometown school won out.

“They love me here,” Ponds said. “There’s no arena like Madison Square Garden. [Mullin] said, ‘If you put on a show there, you can write your own ticket.’”

Ponds, a southpaw with a sweet 3-point stroke, is the highest-rated local player to pick St. John’s since Maurice Harkless committed to play there under former coach Steve Lavin in August 2011. 

Ponds led Jefferson to the city finals two years ago and the semifinals last year, when he averaged 25 points per game, 8.6 rebounds.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's puppy dies after eating moxic mushroom

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson lost one of his new puppies on Monday after it consumed a poisonous mushroom.


The Hollywood and former WWE star adopted two French bulldogs that his family named Hobbs and Brutus last month. Since then, the pups have appeared in numerous adorable posts on The Rock's Instagram account.

But, after Brutus became sick after eating the toxic fungi and had to be put down, Johnson took to Instagram and Facebook and shared the news of his loss.

Another reminder we have to live and love as greatly as we can today, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. At approximately 11:15pm last night myself and @laurenhashianofficial had to make the painful decision to end Brutus' suffering by taking him off of life support and sending his soul to pup heaven. I held his lil' paw as he was finally at peace. As all puppies and dogs do, he ate a mushroom while playing outside with his brother Hobbs. This mushroom happened to have a lethal toxicity and within hours it was rapidly destroying his liver and immune system to the point of no return. I encourage all of you out there to be mindful of mushrooms in your yards, parks or anywhere outside your dogs play. What looks innocent, can be deadly to your lil' family members. Thank you Dr. Deckelbaum and Dr. West and the incredibly caring nurses and staff at The Animal Medical Center At Cooper City. We'll always love you Brutus.. and you'll always be my lil' main man and rough housing Brute. #RIPBrutus #WishICouldveSavedYouOneMoreTime
A photo posted by therock (@therock) on


Johnson's post also contained a warning about a danger most other dog owners don't even pay much attention to.

"I encourage all of you out there to be mindful of mushrooms in your yards, parks or anywhere outside your dogs play. What looks innocent, can be deadly to your lil' family members," he wrote.

RIP little Brutus. Your death was not in vain.

Yankees fan muffs three separate chances to get foul ball (VIDEO)

There's seems to be good reason why this Yankees fan is sitting in the stands and not playing on the field.


Not only did the dude with the expensive front row third base seats muff a shot at catching three separate foul balls hit in his direction, he even drops the third one a sympathetic ball boy try to hand-feed him from a few feet away.


And don't think the YES announcers didn't notice it:



Not exactly Jeteresque, unless he's with the slightly embarrassed honey sitting next to him.


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Florida Gators band told to stop playing penalty tune due to 'you suck' fan chant (VIDEO)

The Florida Gators marching band has been instructed to stop playing its "You Can't Do That" penalty tune after the athletic department received complaints of inappropriate language stemming from the chant.


Over the last decade, students have changed the "You Can't Do That" chant, which originated during basketball games, into "Move Back You Suck" for football games.



Jay Watkins, the associate director of bands at Florida, told WUFT the band decided to stop playing the tune after the athletic department received several emails calling the chant too yucky for The Swamp.

"The reason why it's been stopped is because there have been too many complaints from fans to the athletic department that the student section was saying something else that the fans thought was vulgar and inappropriate," said Watkins, according to WUFT.


Several fans told WUFT they want the 10-year tradition to continue and will do their own acapella version of the chant if they can't have the music.

The real problem is the few whiny fans who ruin some harmless college fun for everyone else. Welcome to these PC times.

Giants to give former Redskins tight end Chris Cooley a tryout

Former Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley hasn't played in a game since 2012, but still might be a viable commodity — at least to the New York Giants.


The 33-year-old Cooley, who currently serves as a Redskins radio analyst, has scheduled a tryout with the G-Men on Tuesday, according to ESPN.


Cooley hasn't played a full season since 2010, and was “literally begging” for a chance to tryout with an NFL team this preseason.

The Giants will get a first-hand look at him, and see if he’s physically able to contribute to their depleted and ineffective tight ends squad. They regularly use two-tight-end sets and Larry Donnell and Daniel Fells are the only two active healthy tight ends on the roster. They also have Will Tye on the practice squad.

Cooley's comeback might be harder than he thinks if the Giants defense has anything to say about it. Their former rival had some unflattering things to say about the Giants D before they beat Washington, 32-21, on Thursday night.

Papelbon jerseys removed from Nationals store (PHOTO)

Closer Jonathan Papelbon, who is coming under a lot of heat from fans and was suspended by the Nationals on Monday, after his dugout fight with teammate and top MVP contender Bryce Harper, apparently doesn't have much support in the team store either.

  
On Monday, Darren Rovell of ESPN tweeted photos showing that Papelbon jerseys had been conspicuously removed from the Nationals team store following the incident:

It's not a good sign for Papelbon's return to Washington — even if he is under contract for 2016 and owed $11 million.

Brazilian referee pulls out a GUN during soccer match (VIDEO)

You know things are really tough for Brazilian soccer referees when one of the officials packs heat with his red cards and actually pulls out the gun during play.


That's the crazy scene that unfolded when this pistol-packing ref in one of Brazil's lower league matches pulled out the firearm after things got a little tense on the pitch over the weekend.



Referee Gabriel Murta was furious after getting some rough treatment from one of the teams, but his reaction might have been just a tad excessive — even for those rowdy Brazilian leagues.

Murta, said to be a policeman at his day job, was allegedly kicked and slapped by players from Amantes de Bola, while the team's manager reportedly stormed the pitch demanding a red card.

The furious Murta reacted by racing to the locker rooms and returning with the weapon.


Murta will now undergo a psychologist test before the Minais Gerais Football Federation decided on a punishment.

Cardinals' Stephen Piscotty suffers 'head contusion' after violent collision with teammate (VIDEO)

Stephen Piscotty, a rookie outfielder of the St. Louis Cardinals, was taken off the field on a cart after a frightening collision with center fielder Peter Bourjos in the seventh inning of Monday night's game against the Pirates in Pittsburgh. 


After the horrific incident, the team announced on Twitter that Piscotty suffered a "head contusion" and was sent to a local hospital. Tests came back negativebut he was being kept overnight for observation.

Piscotty and Bourjos collided after chasing a fly ball deep in the left-center field gap. Piscotty dove in an attempt to catch the ball and slams his head and neck hard into Bourjos' knee — leaving him motionless  near the warning track for several minutes.
Piscotty even managed a little wave with his left hand as he was being carted off the PNC Park field.




Monday, September 28, 2015

One Porsche winds up on top of another during cutest car crash ever (VIDEO)

Crashes aren't usually laughing matters at car races, but this mini pile-up during the Porsche Carrera Cup at the Circuit de Navarre on Sunday had everyone chuckling.

Somehow, driver Jules Gounon's Porsche ended up on top of Joffrey De Narda's car as the pack got bottle-necked 20 seconds into the race — and it remained perfectly perched atop its new companion while the other cars whizzed by.


Happily, it appears nobody was hurt in the cute little pairing.



Must be something about that sexy Carrera's sloped back that makes other Porsches want to get up close and personal.

New Jersey high school quarterback died from lacerated spleen: Report

The 17-year-old New Jersey high school quarterback who died shortly after being stretchered from the sidelines during a game last Friday was killed by massive internal bleeding caused by a ruptured spleen, officials said Monday.

Evan Murray, who gave a brave thumbs up to his Warren Hills Regional High School teammates as he was lifted to a gurney right before halftime against Summit High School, was taken to Morristown Medical Center and died a short time later.



The results of the autopsy performed on Saturday came back as cause of death being “massive intra-abdominal hemorrhage due to laceration of the spleen,” according to a statement from the Morris County medical examiner’s office.

The medical finding was released Monday afternoon through the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.

The spleen of the 6-foot-2, 190-pound three-sport star was slightly enlarged, making him vulnerable to possible injuries, said Doctor Ronald Suarez, who conducted the autopsy.

“During the examination, Dr. Suarez determined that the spleen was abnormally enlarged thus making it more susceptible to injury. There was no evidence of head trauma or heart disease,” the report said.

“The manner of death was accidental,” it concluded.

Warren Hills officials have not said how Murray was hurt. Teammates say he had taken a couple of hard hits late in the first half, including a helmet to the stomach.

"The last play before the half, he got hit and we helped him to the sideline," senior tackle Oscar Vega said.

His teammates went ahead with the game — only to learn that the popular team leader died afterwards.

Masahiro Tanaka will pitch Wednesday for Yankees, lining him up for potential Wild Card Game: Report

Joe Girardi had no answers Sunday regarding Masahiro Tanaka and when his ace would make his next start for the Yankees, leaving the manager wondering how his starting rotation would shake out leading into the playoffs and a probable one-game Wild Card playoff next Tuesday.

Now, according to the New York Daily News, Girardi said Tanaka will return to the mound Wednesday against the Red Sox, lining the righthander up to start the do-or-die game — if necessary.


Tanaka sustained a Grade 1 right hamstring strain Sept. 18 running to first base against the Mets and the Yankees were hopeful he'd start either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday against the Red Sox — helping Girardi to figure out his starting rotation heading into the post-season.

Tanaka did fielding drills and threw Monday afternoon, passing the final tests for Girardi to fit him back into the rotation after missing a start with the sore hammy.

Girardi said Tanaka will not have any restrictions Wednesday as far as pitch count.

Arizona football team's Maori haka war dance draws Kiwis disdain (VIDEO)

After the University of Arizona football team performed the haka war dance made famous by New Zealand's All Blacks rugby team before Saturday's game against UCLA, some natives of the country down-under are claiming the American team's use of the ritual is disrespectful and insulting to its indigenous people.


Video of the Wildcats' use of the intense pre-game stomp-and-chant has attracted a lot of attention online, but some critics have slammed the team for insulting the tradition of New Zealand's Maori.

The intimidating war dance, characterized by synchronized, threatening gestures and rhythmic yells, the haka has long been performed by the New Zealand rugby team — the All Blacks — before they play a match.

Here's ASU's version:



The Wildcats and other American teams have occasionally performed their own version of the renowned '"Ka Mate" haka for years and believe their performances are a fitting tribute to the warrior tribe. But, according to the New Zealand Herald, many Kiwis see the American version as a dig at their culture and nothing more than a comical pre-game floor show.

Here's the real deal in action:


And while Arizona's less intense rendition was okay, the team might want to work on their fierceness. They got blown out by the Bruins 56-23.

Victor Cruz insists he'll make season debut Week 4 against Bills

It was nice enough that the New York Giants celebrated a joyous victory over the Washington Redskins Thursday night, but now the team has found another good reason to work on their dance steps.

While indicating over the past three weeks that his strained left calf was getting better, Victor Cruz has finally made the declaration that he's ready to bring back his salsa.


In a video Cruz posted an online video Sunday, the receiver announced that he definitely will play next Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, despite the fact that he hasn't practiced since Aug. 17.
“I'm extremely excited to start my next game, to play my first game in this young 2015 season," Cruz said in the video. "I'm excited to team up with Odell (Beckham,) man. It's gonna be fun."
Cruz was working his way back from a torn patella tendon suffered in a game at Philadelphia in 2014, which ended his season.

So far this season, Cruz has been sidelined for roughly six weeks because of a left calf strain. Last week he was running at the Giants' practice facility and ran inside MetLife Stadium Thursday before the team's win over Washington. But to declare he will play Sunday despite not yet testing out the calf in a full practice is pretty ballsy.

"I just wanted to make sure that I'm 100% before I go back out there," Cruz says in the video. "I want to be clicking on all cylinders. I want everything to be full force just to prevent another injury, you know what I mean? So I'm excited, man. I'm excited for our team. We've got a lot of talent, a lot of young kids that are ready to play and that are playing very well, as well as some veterans that are playing well and really doing their thing. And now we're coming around; everybody's getting healthy again.

“So we're excited to make this push. We know that it's a long season and we have to stay consistent throughout the season, but I'm excited to come back individually and join my team and join my teammates and be that explosive player that I once was and be that again, and be confident that I can be that again."

Cruz ended the video with an emphatic: "The return is here."

Wife of Dolphins' Brent Grimes arrested for 'headbutting' police outside Sun Life Stadium (VIDEO)

The wife of Miami Dolphins' cornerback Brent Grimes, who is already known for her outspoken views and harsh criticism of NFL culture, might be adding police to that list after an incident outside Sun Life Stadium Sunday afternoon.

Miko Grimes' day apparently started off bad enough — even before her husband's team was humiliated 41-14 by the Buffalo Bills — after Grimes was arrested when police say that she pushed her way through a police blockade and into traffic despite being given several warnings to stop. 


The missus reportedly started screaming obscenities at the cops before allegedly charging at one officer while flailing her arms. The officer then put her in a bear hug and took her to the ground, where she was handcuffed.

After getting up off the pavement, she is said to have headbutted one cop before being taken away.

Video footage taken in the parking lot before the game shows her on her chest wearing her husband's jersey while being pinned down by several cops.

She can be heard yelling hysterically as the cops try to restrain her — loud enough to make her voice hoarse. She then starts shouting: "Get off my leg."

Video Warning: Graphic Language


A frantic Grimes is heard screaming, "Are you f***ing serious right now? Are you f***ing serious right now? You better f***ing listen to me right now."



Cops say she was put on to a police golf cart, which took her to a nearby station where she continued to be uncooperative.

According to reports, Grimes injured her right knee and her arm during the confrontation, and she was given medical attention at the station. She has been charged with disorderly conduct, battery on a police officer and resisting arrest with violence.


Her husband reportedly didn't know about the arrest until after the game, but Grimes' wife is known to text him every game during halftime, so it is possible he may have known, or at least suspected that something was wrong by the third quarter.

Son of Jets tight ends coach trashes players on Twitter, Cromartie fires back 

The New York Jets faced some trash talk on Twitter after their 24-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday night and, amazingly, the nasty tweets didn't come from Philly fans.

The tweets appeared to have come from Jets tight ends coach Jimmie Johnson’s 24-year-old son also named Jimmie. But before Junior's offending tweets were deleted, they were captured by Yahoo! Sports for the world to see.

In one tweet @JimmieJ82 posted a picture of Geno Smith posing with a young fan and wrote, “Bum ass Geno Smith.”


He followed it up with a picture of Antonio Cromartie, with the caption: “Antonio Cromartie with 2 of his 15 kids.”



That all might have been awkward enough, considering his father is a first year coach for the team, but the situation got worse when Cromartie took notice of the tweets. And the fuming cornerback didn't hold back.

After Cromartie responded: "Y the f you worried about my family. If it wasn’t for your dad you (wouldn’t) be nothing in life @JimmieJ82. You better watch yourself son," Johnson's son continued his Twitter assault: "yo f--- you Cro you weak ass bi----. You gonna be playing til you 60 to pay all that child support."



Eventually, the account’s handle was changed to @JTre88, and he apologized to Cromartie.

“@CRO31 apologize for the tweet man, I really didn’t mean anything by it. Stupid tweet. I hope I get to apologize to you in person,” he tweeted.

“Those tweets were really stupid on my part. Will apologize to both of them if I get the chance,” he added in another tweet. 

Kids today — even if they're grown men.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Steelers-Rams game delayed after pyrotechnics display sets game turf on fire (VIDEO)

Sunday's Steelers-Rams game in St. Louis was delayed almost 25 minutes after pregame pyrotechnics set a patch of the artificial turf on fire during the Rams entry to the Edward Jones Dome field.


The fire extinguisher reportedly left skin irritants all over the artificial grass and the start time was pushed back to vacuum it all up.
Count your blessings. These special effects guys could be shooting off the cannon at Tampa Bay Buccaneers games.

West Virginia WR Shelton Gibson runs over cheerleader after TD (VIDEO)

Star football player takes out cheerleader isn't exactly Man Bites Dog news in the world of college sports, but it is if the athlete plows the rah-rah into the turf.


And that's what happened when West Virginia wide receiver Shelton Gibson hauled in a 41-yard score against Maryland on Saturday and ran into an opposing Terrapins cheerleader in the process.



And just to show chivalry isn't dead, Gibson trotted back to check on the pompom girl after laying her out — but not before basking in the glory of his score.

She was OK, but probably won't turn her back to the end zone ever again.


Questions still surround NJ high school quarterback's death

While students, parents and coaches mourn the loss of Evan Murray — the New Jersey high school quarterback who died after being tackled on a routine play Friday night — many questions still remain about what happened to the seemingly healthy young man.


After walking off the field on his own power, the 17-year-old Warren Hills Regional High School three-sport star felt "woozy" after the second quarter hit against Summit High School and fell to ground on the sideline.

"He was laying on the ground and everyone was looking at him. He did get back up. He stood up with help and sat on a gurney," said a witness.

Onlookers said Murray mustered a brave thumbs-up gesture to his teammates and the crowd as he was being loaded onto the gurney after the routine tackle.

Even his teammates thought he would be fine as he was wheeled from the home field sideline. The game went on and was completed.

Meanwhile, Murray was then taken by ambulance to Morristown Medical Center, where he was treated and later died.

Medical authorities have not yet released exactly happened to cut short the life of the popular 6-2, 190-pound athlete who was called a "hometown hero" or how he was injured.

An autopsy was set for Saturday afternoon, said Warren County Prosecutor Richard Burke.

Following a memorial for students and staff on Saturday, district interim Superintendent Gary Bowen issued a brief statement to media.

"I offer my sincere condolences to the Murray family and Warren Hills Regional School District," Bowen said. "The greater Warren Hills community is a close-knit group of fine people, and I thank everyone for their support. I am extremely proud of the students, staff and public officials who came to our stadium this morning to assemble."


And amongst the community's confusion and grief, condolences piled up on social media while a GoFundMe account has been established to raise money for Murray's family.





Mike Trout outdoes himself to rob Jesus Montero of home run (VIDEO)

It was starting to feel like highlight clips of Mike Trout had been relatively scarce over the past few weeks — emphasis on relatively. But just when you start thinking maybe the Angels centerfielder is merely mortal, he goes out and performs a feat to remind us that he is something more.

The 24-year-old already has more sensational catches in his four-year career than most respected veteran outfielders, but this incredible catch confirms that Trout is way more than your normal player.


With two men on base in the top of the fourth inning of Saturday's game against the Seattle Mariners, Trout scaled the Angel Stadium wall to rob Jesus Montero of a three-run homer. Not only did the four-time All-Star hang onto the wall to make the catch, but Trout also alertly got the ball back to the infield to keep the runners from advancing.



Throw in the fact that the Angels won a 3-2 game with Wild Card implications, and that's one timely catch even Trout will find hard to top.

So it's worth seeing again:


Saturday, September 26, 2015

Eagles’ Byron Maxwell says growing up in the South prepared him for criticism

Last offseason, cornerback Byron Maxwell spread his wings and flew from Seattle to Philadelphia and signed a $63 million contract to huddle with a new flock of birds.

But as the Eagles' new corner prepares to try to cover Jets receiver Brandon Marshall this week at MetLife Stadium, Maxwell was flapping more than his feathers about his chilly reception in Philly after two games.

“I feel it. They’re cold on me,” Maxwell told the New York Daily News. “That’s fine. Everybody’s got their opinion.”

The City of Brotherly Love is a tough place to play when things go bad, but Maxwell, who hails from South Carolina, isn't fazed by the negativity. After all, he is from the land that's more than just y'alls and pecan pie.

“Everything’s in your face in the South,” said Maxwell. “That’s how it is in the South. They got Confederate flags running around. . . . I’m just saying. You’re used to sh-t. You grow up with a thick skin in the South.”

He may need skin thicker than a hog's hide if he continues to get burned by quarterbacks who have feasted on his neck of the playing field.

“That’s part of being the guy with the big contract and being the big free agent coming in,” Maxwell said. “I haven’t performed up to it, but it’s a new week against the Jets. I get to play again.”

Let's see what those Yankees Jets think about that.

NJ high school quarterback dies after football injury: Report

A quarterback at a New Jersey high school died late Friday night after being injured in a home football game earlier in the evening.

Warren Hills Regional High School senior quarterback Evan Murray died after suffering an injury during the team's game against Summit, reported NJ.com.


The circumstances of his injury weren't immediately clear, but the game was completed and Warren Hills went on to win 14-12.

After midnight, Warren Hills coach Larry Dubiel said officials were still trying to process and determine what happened.

And the Warren Hills community quickly took to social media as word spread, with fellow students and others mourning his passing.




As the school community try to grasp the loss of one of their own, schools Superintendent Gary Bowen said grief counselors would be available for students at the Warren County high school at 9 a.m. Saturday.

The 6-2, 190-pound Murray was a three-sport athlete at Warren Hills and starting quarterback for three years. He also played baseball and basketball.

"We're all very deeply saddened by the passing of Evan Murray," Bowen said.

"We lost a fine kid," said Dubiel.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Antonio Cromartie's wife says she was pulled over for 'Driving while Black' in wealthy NJ town (VIDEO)

The wife of New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie, Terricka Cromartie, was reportedly pulled over by a policeman in an upper-middle class New Jersey town and took to Instagram Friday morning to express her displeasure about what she claims is racial profiling.

The Jets summer training camp is in nearby Florham Park.



The caption of her post read: "When you get pulled over for driving Black in Madison.. Why are you in Madison??? What did I do officer. Roll your windows Down.. SmDH. FYI I was pulled over for no reason, just to ask me to roll my windows, and why am I in Madison. Like how you don't know I live here. What am I doing in Madison is freaking 11:30a.m." 

She also posted another Instagram message, with the caption: "Driving while Black... I'm thankful to be able to even make this message so many weren't as luck. But how do you deal with a police office who is simply just harassing you."





A composed, but visibly frustrated Cromartie captured video from a portion of the traffic stop — after questioning the officer and not getting an answer why she was pulled over. You can watch it below:




At this point, the officer presumably returned to his vehicle, wrote NJ.com. But it is still unclear what the outcome of the traffic stop was, why Cromartie was pulled over or when the stop in the wealthy enclave of Madison took place.

Cromartie said this in a separate video message: "So apparently, you can't be black, you can't drive a nice car in Madison, at 11:30 in the morning. I mean, who cares if you just came from the nail shop, you didn't get a ticket, the police let you go and say, 'have a nice day,' like that's OK?"

NFL gets permission for limited use of drones from FAA

The NFL may still be known as the No Fun League to many fans and players, but you can't call it the No Fly League any longer — well sort of.

After much concern and discussion, the Federal Aviation Administration has finally granted the NFL permission to use drones on a limited basis to record practice footage.

The NFL is the first major sports organization to receive permission from the FAA to fly drones over its playing fields — but the use of the little whirly-birds at games will remain strictly prohibited. 


NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said guidelines set by the FAA state that the drones will not be used on the day of games. The league prohibits the use of drones on game day in stadiums and in parking lots.

McCarthy said NFL Films will be allowed to use drones and teams may film their own practices if they comply with local, state and federal guidelines.

"NFL Films will use the unique visual images captured by drones to enhance their filmmaking and storytelling," McCarthy said.

Last October, the FAA issued notice that it's illegal to fly drones near Major League Baseball, NFL and NCAA Division I college football games, and major auto races. Other sporting events can put their own bans in place. But the penalties for violating a ban — and who hands out the punishment — are still unclear.



And it's not just the circumstances when flying a drone over a football field will be permitted, but the makes and models that can be used.

Only three models of DJI Phantom, a popular camera-toting quadcopter line, can be used, only during the day and with strict supervision and proper permits. But the biggest limitation is that drones can't be used during games.

In January, ESPN cleared numerous regulatory hurdles so it could have drones with cameras follow skiers and snowboarders down the hill for the Winter X Games.

The network got approval only by assuring it would not fly the drones over spectators or in the air space of planes flying in and out of a nearby airport.

And in June, Fox experimented with a four-wheel ground robot with a camera strapped on top during its coverage of golf's U.S. Open to mixed reviews.

Student stands up for bullied blind classmate, gets thrown off football team (VIDEO)

A California high school student who came to the aid of a blind classmate being physically bullied by another boy is now facing consequences of his own after stepping in to stop the violent attack.

Cody Pines didn’t hesitate to help when he saw a much larger teenager in a green cap and red pants beating up the blind student at Huntington Beach High School, but now Pines has reportedly been thrown off the school's football team for his heroic action.



A short video was uploaded to YouTube on Wednesday. It shows the unidentified blind student being harassed and physically attacked right before 17-year-old Pines jumps in and knocks down the bully with one punch. 



The blind student who had no interest or ability to fight back is continually punched by his assailant, only known as Noah. After Noah — who was later arrested — lands a blow to the blind student’s head, Pines jumped in from out of the camera’s shot and decks the assailant, sending him crashing to the ground.

“Trying to f*****g jump a blind kid, bro,” Cody said as he stood over the bully. “What the f— is your problem?”

The video has been seen hundreds of thousands of times online, and the vast majority of comments showed no sympathy for the bully, who was left bleeding on the concrete ground.

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO:


After the video was posted to Reddit,  many commenters called Pines a hero for taking such decisive action.

But apparently those in charge at Huntington Beach High School saw it differently. After the fight, Pines was reportedly kicked off the football team, the result of “zero tolerance” policies.

Now the Internet is trying to help. Someone started an online petition calling on the school to re-instate Pine to the football team.

The campaign's website states: "We believe Cody should be back on his football team and back in school where he belongs. While violence is never the best option what Cody did to defend his friend and classmate was justified.

"And schools 'zero-tolerance' policies out even the person saving disabled friends." 

The petition to reinstate Pines to the team is apparently working. It quickly reached its goal of 6,000 students, with many praising Pines for stopping the bully from inflicting more injury to a defenseless young man.

Hopefully, common sense will prevail over protocol in this case.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Gisele Bundchen charging $700 for photo book of her modeling career

Patriots fans probably thought Christmas already came and went after Santa a judge tossed that Tom Brady Deflategate suspension down the chimney. But for the Pats fan who has everything, here's a $700 holiday gift idea sure to please.


Brady's supermodel wife, Gisele Bundchen, is charging that astounding price for a new coffee table book celebrating her 20 years in the fashion industry.


The book contains hundreds of snapshots, nude photos and even one picture of her wearing a large cheetah head.

Only 1,000 copies of the limited edition book will be sold, each of which will be signed by Bundchen herself.

The tome includes tributes from the 34-year-old Brazilian beauty's friends, family and famous fashionistas — which partly justifies the high cost, said the publisher, Taschen, in a statement.

And it will "shed light on how and why she has become one of the greatest models of all time," the Taschen statement added.

Jets fans will probably pool their money and buy it to see the naked pictures.

The pricey book will be available in November — just enough time to start saving up.

Bright lights from 49ers' Levi's Stadium causing problems for airline pilots: Report

Pilots preparing to land at San Jose Mineta International Airport usually get a birds-eye view of the San Francisco 49ers games in action at Levi's Stadium when they head for the runway, but some of them are now complaining that the bright lights of that venue are making it difficult to land.


The stadium, which opened  in August 2014 and already had problems with its grass, may now have to look towards the skies to solve another flaw in its design.

The stadium and the airport are less than five miles apart.


At least six commercial pilots have filed complaints with the Federal Aviation Administration after being blinded by bright light coming from the Santa Clara stadium, claiming it is a safety hazard, according to NBC Bay Area

"At first I couldn’t really tell where it was coming from," pilot Christina Kurowicki said. 

Kurowicki and her co-captain wrote complaints about the bright lights as soon as they landed.

"I was kind of mad," Kurowicki said. 

Kurowicki and her captain each filed a report with the FAA. She said the lights were so bright she ended up with a headache and her captain had to get medical treatment.

"We just knew that we were getting beams of light in our eye," she said. 

"Created a blind spot in my field of vision – had to rely on instruments until about 100 feet [above ground level] because of the distraction,” Kurowicki wrote in the compliant.

Here's game time proof of how close the planes are:



Last year, the FAA issued a safety-alert bulletin for pilots about the lights.

FAA public affairs manager Ian Gregor wrote in a statement that most of the reports it reviewed were when the stadium's scoreboard was being calibrated, making it brighter than usual. 

"The FAA relayed these concerns to the stadium operator, which agreed to provide the FAA with advance notice of all scoreboard testing and not to test or calibrate it at night during scheduled airfield hours," Gregor wrote.

Jay Rollins, a former American Airlines pilot and now an aviation safety consultant, said a lone warning is gambling with safety and hopes the 49ers will take action.

"They really have to choose between whether the lights in the stadium and the excitement that goes on there is more important than the safety of these arrivals," said Rollins.

High school kicker bounces ball off referee's face for extra point (VIDEO)

Here's another story about a referee getting blindsided on a high school football field but, before you start screaming kids today, this incident had no sinister intentions.

On Friday night, Midland Lee (TX) High School kicker Luis Aranda lined up for an extra point against El Dorado and let's just say he got a little help from that official.


The ball made it through the uprights—but not before the low kick bounced off the ref's face and over the crossbar to get there.
So ... when do they start awarding assists in football?

Empire State Building lights up in pinstripes to honor Yogi Berra (PHOTO)

While tributes honoring the life of Yankees legend Yogi Berra, who died on Tuesday at the age of 90, continued to pour in from all parts of the world, one of the grandest gestures came atop the symbol of New York City — the town where the Hall of Famer played and was adored.


On Wednesday night, the Empire State Building used beams of blue and white lights, symbolizing pinstripes, to honor the late Berra.
And since it was announced that  Berra's family has decided to say goodbye to the baseball great in a private memorial next week, this was one way for the public to look up and say their own farewell.


And it's a good bet Yogi was staring down and waving goodbye back.