An NFL star is about to face his toughest opponent: the legal system. Antonio Brown, who shined for years as one of the top wideouts in professional football, is back in the United States to stand trial for a shooting that happened in Miami earlier this year.
Brown was extradited Thursday from Dubai and is now booked at the Essex County Correctional Facility in New Jersey, per booking documents.
A warrant for an attempted murder charge was issued earlier this year. According to WPLG in Miami, authorities said at that time that Brown was believed to be overseas.
The Miami news outlet reported U.S. Marshals went to Dubai to get Brown, once they knew he was there.
The attempted murder charge comes from an incident that happened May 17 at a boxing event put on by popular streamer Adin Ross.
At that event, Brown was allegedly seen in a fight with multiple people while holding a pistol and chasing someone.
WPLG reported back in June that a warrant was issued for Brown&#8217;s arrest, stating he was facing a second-degree attempted murder charge with a firearm. The warrant said Brown&#8217;s target was Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, who was fighting with Brown.
The former football player claimed after the incident that he was innocent.
Before Brown&#8217;s legal troubles, he was one of the most prolific players in the NFL. He played 12 seasons in the league, the majority of which were with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His storied career ended in 2022, playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when he infamously ran off the field during their game against the New York Jets.
Brown competed on season 22 of &#8220;Dancing with the Stars.&#8221; He finished fourth that season.
His personality shined on the football field, as well as the ballroom, where he made his phrase &#8220;business is boomin'&#8221; a popular saying among his fans.
Those days seem like a different lifetime. In recent years, Brown has made headlines for multiple arrests, including for assault and failure to pay child support, among other charges.
He&#8217;s expected to be extradited to south Florida for his latest charge. Per WPLG, authorities haven&#8217;t given any further information on when that will happen.

Antonio Brown

Business Not Boomin’ For Antonio Brown After Extradition On Attempted Murder Charge

Crime

Dubai

Football

World

Former University of Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron has entered the race for lieutenant governor, saying the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk inspired him to “get off of the sidelines” and serve his state.
&#8220;Alabama&#8217;s conservative and cultural values are under attack from every direction,&#8221; McCarron said in a <a href="https://www.wsfa.com/2025/10/23/former-alabama-qb-aj-mccarron-announces-run-lieutenant-governor/">press release</a> announcing his candidacy. &#8220;That&#8217;s why Charlie Kirk&#8217;s assassination affected so many of us so deeply. His example convinced me to get off of the sidelines, get into the game, and stand tall for our conservative beliefs, so today, I&#8217;m announcing my candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama.&#8221;
McCarron was a standout quarterback at the University of Alabama, where he led the Crimson Tide to back-to-back BCS National Championships in 2012 and 2013 as a starter. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft and spent several seasons as their backup before brief stints with the Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, and Atlanta Falcons. Most recently, he started at quarterback for the St. Louis BattleHawks in the United Football League.
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McCarron endorsed Donald Trump for president in 2016.
The ex-NFL player is currently working as a college football analyst and co-owns McCarron Real Estate with his wife, Katherine, who was Miss Alabama USA in 2012. They live in Mobile with their three children.
Earlier this year, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), the former head coach at Auburn University, announced he was running for governor of Alabama.
“The Montgomery insiders and career politicians have had their chance. It’s time for political newcomers and outsider candidates like me to lead the battle,” his statement said. “When Coach Tuberville is governor, I’ll be the quarterback who helps pass his conservative outsider agenda.”
Other GOP candidates in the lieutenant governor race include Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, pastor Dean Odle, and Nicole Jones Wadsworth, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46699763/ex-qb-aj-mccarron-running-alabama-lieutenant-governor">ESPN</a>. The state primaries will be held on May 19, 2026.

AJ McCarron

Charlie Kirk Just Inspired A Legendary Alabama Quarterback To Run For Office

Former Alabama QB Announces Bid For Lt Governor, Cites Charlie Kirk As His Inspiration

Alabama

Charlie Kirk

Elections

Politics

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that there are no plans to replace Bad Bunny as the halftime performer at Super Bowl LX in February.
Goodell made his first statement on the matter as backlash against the Puerto Rican performer, who only performs songs in Spanish and has expressed anti-ICE sentiments, has grown in recent weeks. A <a href="https://ew.com/petition-replace-bad-bunny-with-george-strait-super-bowl-halftime-show-passes-50000-signatures-11833542">petition</a> to replace Bad Bunny (real name Benito Ocasio) with country performer George Strait earned more than 50,000 signatures.
“It’s carefully thought through,” Goodell said of the performance, per <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/bad-bunnys-super-bowl-halftime-show-reconsidered-nfl-126764247">ABC News</a>. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching.”
“We’re confident it’s going to be a great show,” the commissioner added. “[Ocasio] understands the platform that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be exciting and a united moment.”
“He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell said of Bad Bunny’s global appeal. “That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important element to the entertainment value.&#8221;
The artist’s selection, which was made in conjunction with Jay-Z’s company Roc Nation, was controversial because of his past anti-ICE statements, including his refusal to schedule any tour stops in the United States due to alleged fears about his fans being taken into ICE custody at his shows.
“…There was the issue of — like, f***ing ICE could be outside (my concert). And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about,” Bad Bunny said, referring to ICE agents as “motherf***ers” and “sons of bitches.”
Ocasio also addressed the backlash he and the NFL received about none of his songs being English, advising viewers to learn Spanish if they didn’t like it.
Earlier this month, Turning Point USA <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/turning-point-usa-announces-bad-bunny-free-all-american-halftime-show-to-rival-nfls">announced</a> that they would be hosting an alternative All-American Halftime Show at the same time as the Super Bowl halftime show.

Bad Bunny

NFL Commish Gives Update On Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show Amid Backlash

NFL Commish Confirms They're Not Replacing Bad Bunny For Super Bowl, Despite Backlash

Music

Roger Goodell

Super Bowl

Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny addressed the backlash the NFL has been receiving after it was announced that he’d be the halftime performer at the upcoming Super Bowl, saying anyone unhappy with it should just learn Spanish.
Many people reacted negatively to the 31-year-old recording artist headlining the event, as they noted that, first and foremost, none of his songs were in English. 
Social media users also pointed out that Bad Bunny, whose legal name is Benito Ocasio, had previously refused to perform in the United States as a form of protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents enforcing federal law.
Ocasio referenced the criticism during an appearance on “Saturday Night Live” over the weekend.
“Especially all of the Latinos and Latinas in the world here in the United States who have worked to open doors,” Bad Bunny said in Spanish. “It’s more than a win for myself; it’s a win for all of us. Our footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.”
The singer then switched to English, saying, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bad Bunny&#8217;s monologue! <a href="https://t.co/pjS0Ejckcg">pic.twitter.com/pjS0Ejckcg</a>
— Saturday Night Live &#8211; SNL (@nbcsnl) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcsnl/status/1974684057045786842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Reactions on social media echoed what NFL fans have been saying since it was announced that Bad Bunny would be the halftime performer.
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“That smug, arrogant clown standing on SNL telling Americans to ‘learn Spanish’ if they want to understand his halftime show? That’s the perfect snapshot of what the NFL has become under Roger Goodell. A bloated, elitist trash heap that worships identity over unity, politics over patriotism, and virtue signaling over actual entertainment,” one commenter <a href="https://x.com/SchoenPhotog/status/1974828994764972492">wrote</a>. “The NFL can go to hell.”
“Imagine an English-speaking artist going on live TV in another country and telling the locals they have four months to learn English. They&#8217;d be canceled by morning,” another person <a href="https://x.com/asectomidnight/status/1974699539631116504">said</a>. “But when its reversed? It&#8217;s called REPRESENTATION.”
Previously, Ocasio referred to ICE agents as “motherf***ers” and “sons of bitches” in a video he posted to Instagram.
The three-time Grammy Award winner said during an interview earlier this month that he didn’t book any tour stops in the United States because he was worried ICE agents would target concert attendees.
“There was the issue of — like, f***ing ICE could be outside (my concert). And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.”
The Super Bowl is scheduled to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Bad Bunny Backlash Explodes After He Tells NFL Fans To Learn Spanish

Celebrities

Puerto Rico

Saturday Night Live

singer

U.S.

The NFL is facing major criticism following its announcement that artist Bad Bunny will perform at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.
Critics are pointing out that the decision appears political as Bad Bunny, who hails from Puerto Rico, has refused to perform in the United States due to his disagreement with immigration enforcement and has openly denigrated Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, calling them “motherf***ers” and “sons of bitches” in a <a href="https://x.com/MillyMendezpr/status/1935082845803839745">video</a> he posted to Instagram in June.
The three-time Grammy Award winner said during an <a href="https://i-d.co/article/bad-bunny-puerto-rico-residency-issue-375-cover/">interview</a> earlier this month that he didn’t book any tour stops in the United States because he was worried ICE agents would target concert attendees.
“&#8230;There was the issue of — like, f***ing ICE could be outside (my concert). And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.”
The singer, whose real name is Benito Ocasio, released a <a href="https://media.nfl.com/news-and-releases/music-entertainment/global-sensation-bad-bunny-to-perform-at-apple-music-super-bowl-">statement</a> Sunday about performing at the Super Bowl. 
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history,” he said. 
Roc Nation will produce the show in conjunction with Apple Music. Company chairman Jay-Z said in a statement, “What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.”
The move is being interpreted as a political statement because Ocasio has been outspoken in his political beliefs. He endorsed Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 election. 
Bad Bunny also supports the blurring of gender roles. “What defines a man, what defines being masculine, what defines being feminine?” he <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/bad-bunny-june-cover-profile">said</a> in a 2022 interview with GQ. “To me, a dress is a dress.” The Left celebrates the singer for wearing makeup and dresses as a way to protest against traditional masculinity.
On July 4, the singer released a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU5V5WZVcVE">music video</a> for his song, “NUEVAYoL,” which included a voice meant to sound like President Trump apologizing for his crackdown on illegal immigration. 
“I want to apologize to the immigrants in America. I mean the United States. I know America is the whole continent,” the faux Trump voice says. “This country is nothing without the immigrants.”
This, along with other factors, led to an avalanche of backlash on social media. 
Conservative activist Robby Starbuck noted how most of Bad Bunny’s songs aren’t even in English. “This is not a pick designed to unite football fans or let people just enjoy the show. It was a pick designed to divide fans, and no doubt Bad Bunny will find some way to push a woke message,” he shared on X. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bad Bunny was picked by <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RocNation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RocNation</a> to play the Super Bowl this year.
He made the following racist comment: &#8220;I highly doubt the type of gringos I don’t fuck with listen to me. Those were all the people at the Super Bown who were pissed odd about how Latino the halftime show… <a href="https://t.co/UqU5Ksobkm">pic.twitter.com/UqU5Ksobkm</a>
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) <a href="https://twitter.com/robbystarbuck/status/1972668839222526326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
“Are NFL owners in on this idiocy or are they just culturally that disconnected from reality and how [NFL commissioner Roger Goodell] uses the NFL to push left wing social issues?” asked Starbuck. “Is it that hard to pick a unifying music act who doesn’t want to peddle woke propaganda?”
“&#8230;This isn’t about music, it’s about putting a guy on stage who hates Trump and MAGA,” Starbuck concluded.
“I&#8217;m thoroughly convinced the NFL has no idea who Bad Bunny actually is,” another person <a href="https://x.com/redsteeze/status/1972498134145376610">quipped</a>.
The Super Bowl is scheduled to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

NFL Picks Anti-ICE, Anti-Trump Rapper Bad Bunny For Super Bowl Halftime Show

Entertainment

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Jay-Z

Sports

The days following the assassination of Charlie Kirk have been filled with tributes, both public and private, including from major corporations and celebrities. 
Ahead of Sunday’s NFL games, a league spokesperson said it would be left to individual teams to decide whether to acknowledge Charlie Kirk’s tragic death. Some clubs chose to do so, while others did not.
The Tennessee Titans displayed a photo of Kirk and his family on the Jumbotron while observing a moment of silence before the game.
The Miami Dolphins also held a moment of silence for Kirk, the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and “any other victims of violence.” They also offered a “prayer for unity in our country.”
The New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys honored Kirk’s memory, while the New Orleans Saints held a moment of silence.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨 HOLY CRAP! Even the DALLAS COWBOYS just honored Charlie Kirk on their big screen, holding a moment of silence
Afterward, the crowd broke out in cheers and applause!
Absolutely NOBODY knew how loved Charlie loved until he was gone ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/LtbK3SXKoI">pic.twitter.com/LtbK3SXKoI</a>
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/1967302647003984138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Kansas City Chiefs made an announcement at Arrowhead Stadium before their game Sunday night. It said, “Our nation has witnessed several acts of senseless violence in recent weeks, including the deaths of schoolchildren in Colorado, churchgoers in Minnesota, and Charlie Kirk in Utah.”
“At this time, we ask you to join us in a moment of silence as we remember those we have lost.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers did not hold an audible tribute but marked the occasion with a pregame flyover and flags at half-staff.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, and Minnesota Vikings chose not to hold any tributes for Kirk.
The Colts explained that the team instead held a moment of silence for Forrest Lucas, founder of Lucas Oil, the namesake of their stadium. They noted this tribute had been scheduled since his death last month. 
Prior to the weekend, the Green Bay Packers held a moment of silence before their Thursday night game against the Washington Commanders on September 11, one day after Kirk’s assassination.
“He was a national figure,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a <a href="https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl-teams-held-moment-silence-173347810.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHad-ke6OB-aLl4yHefMeCFEo_4IBe4TVCZ-RtSidcso0xWRLI8kL9WwYMGcuAZaBW9jBTFZGMlRRTuYD4jFWgITejZU94vbGONf6Ovf4ywOxk-uuH18Q_7eChQkgo-MHweBNX_t_hl9ob7N8Ru7H6D6tyAYvhIFfAnxoARx6-WD">statement</a> to USA Today Sports. “The murder took place about 24 hours before the game.”
“There have been a variety of moments of silence and tributes in-stadium and on-air in all games or a game immediately following events that rise to a national level. Clubs also often hold moments following a tragic event that affects their community.”
Outside of football, other professional sports teams also paid tribute, including Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen, who wrote “Charlie Kirk” on the side of his hat between two crosses. The New York Yankees also observed a moment of silence before their game on Wednesday. 
A memorial for Kirk <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/charlie-kirk-memorial-to-be-held-next-sunday-in-massive-nfl-stadium">will be held</a> next Sunday, September 21, at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, in Glendale. The venue seats 63,000 people.

Charlie Kirk tribute

NFL Didn’t Require Tributes, But Teams Honored Charlie Kirk Anyway

NFL Teams Weren't Mandated To Honor Charlie Kirk, But Many Did It Anyway

assassination

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected early in the season opener Thursday night after he was caught spitting on Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.
The incident occurred following the opening kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field in Philly. As some staff tended to an injured player, Carter was seen going helmet to helmet with Prescott. 
Carter was immediately hit with a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected from the game. An Eagles staffer escorted him off the field, with cameras following and announcers expressing their shock.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jalen Carter was ejected from the Eagles’ season opener after appearing to spit at Dak Prescott.
(🎥 NBC) <a href="https://t.co/HbETVk1ALd">pic.twitter.com/HbETVk1ALd</a>
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1963761757760930233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Footage later emerged showing Prescott spitting towards Carter first, which is why he claimed he retaliated. But the quarterback insists he was just spitting forward and not aiming at anyone.
“I was just looking at him and I was right here in between two linemen,” Prescott said of the incident. “I guess I needed to spit, and I wasn’t going to spit on my linemen, so I just spit ahead.”
“He asked or goes, ‘Are you trying to spit on me?’ At that point, I felt like he was insulting me,” the Cowboys quarterback continued. “I wouldn’t spit on somebody, and I’m damn sure not trying to spit on you, we’re trying to play a game… He just spit on me in that moment, and it was more of a surprise than anything. The refs obviously saw it and threw a flag. I was like, ‘Hell yeah, we get 15 yards to start the game off,’ I didn’t realize he was getting ejected. Unfortunate that he did and hell of a player.”
Carter issued an apology after the game. 
“You know it was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,” Carter <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/eagles-dt-jalen-carter-ejected-before-playing-snap-after-spitting-on-cowboys-qb-dak-prescott-in-season-opener">told reporters</a> after the game. “I feel bad for just my teammates and the fans out there. You know, I’m doing it for them. I’m doing it for my family also but the fans, they show the most love. You heard them out there and not being able to start the game to finish the game just f*** me up, but it won’t happen again.”
Despite losing one of their best defensive players, the Eagles managed to eke out a win for week one, besting the Cowboys with a final score of 24-20.

Jalen Carter

Eagles’ Jalen Carter Ejected After Spitting On Cowboys QB, Says He’s Sorry

Eagles' Jalen Carter Apologizes After Being Ejected For Spitting On Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys

General

Philadelphia Eagles

Former NFL coaching icon Bill Belichick’s leap to college football got off to a hot start on Monday night, but it quickly devolved into an embarrassment as his North Carolina Tar Heels were stomped in front of a home crowd by Texas Christian University.
Belichick and the Tar Heels were among college football’s media darlings leading up to the opening week. The game attracted nationwide attention with a primetime slot on ESPN, and UNC legends Michael Jordan, Lawrence Taylor, and Roy Williams were all in attendance to see Belichick coach his first game since parting ways with the New England Patriots in January 2024.
North Carolina got the ball first and came out hot, driving 83 yards down the field in just seven plays and opening up the game with a 7-0 lead. The drive had the Chapel Hill crowd rocking, but the excitement only lasted for a few minutes. At the end of the first quarter, TCU scored to tie the game, and North Carolina’s offense began sputtering. TCU closed out the first half by kicking two field goals and picking off UNC quarterback Gio Lopez and returning it for a touchdown.
UNC’s collapse continued into the second half as Belichick’s defense — coached by his son, Steve — was embarrassed multiple times when TCU’s running backs sprinted past defenders for long scoring plays. Fans began their mass exodus from Kenan Memorial Stadium in the third quarter after TCU’s defense struck again with a strip sack returned for a touchdown. Belichick’s college debut was officially spoiled with more than 18 minutes of game time remaining.
By the end of the third quarter, the Tar Heels were down 41-14, and the team gave up another touchdown in the fourth quarter, setting a school record for points allowed in a season opener. It was also the most points ever <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bill-belichick-i-know-were-a-lot-better-than-that">surrendered</a> by a Belichick-coached team.
Belichick, who won six Super Bowls with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots between 2000 and 2023, said the Tar Heels have a lot to improve on, but added that he believes his team is a “lot better than that.” He also praised TCU’s performance.
“They were clearly the better team tonight,” Belichick <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401754523">said</a>. “They deserved to win and they did it decisively.”
On the other sideline, the TCU Horned Frogs believe they proved a point by quickly turning the attention away from Belichick and onto themselves.
“We wanted this game to be about us, and it was,” said TCU coach Sonny Dykes, according to ESPN.
“I think we all felt a little disrespected,” he added. “There was a lot of conversation about this game and none of it was about us.”

TCU v North Carolina

How Bill Belichick’s Hyped-Up College Coaching Debut Turned From Excitement To Complete Disaster

Bill Belichick

College Football

University of North Carolina

Despite most companies moving away from virtue signaling, the NFL has decided to keep a frequently maligned feature this season. For the sixth straight season, all 32 teams will have messages painted in the end zones with social justice themes and undertones.
The NFL will again be advertising messages such as “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love,” or “Inspire Change,” per <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-end-zone-messages-end-racism-593ea0278bccb1d30f8c741ccadcf943">Associated Press</a>. Just like in years prior, the opposing end zone will bear the message, “It Takes All of Us.” The outlet noted that “Inspire Change” is the only update from last year, when the message said, “Vote.”
Players will also have the option to display these messages on their helmets.
“We’re working hand-in-hand with players, and alongside our clubs, to amplify player voices and underscore what is most important to them,” Anna Isaacson, NFL senior VP of social responsibility, told the AP. “For decades, the NFL and its players have been a unifying force in American culture and society that brings people of all cultures and backgrounds together to enjoy America’s most popular sport.”
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“This is an honor and responsibility that the league takes seriously, which is why we actively invest in off-field programs and on-field initiatives that promote unity,” she added.
Reactions on social media were mostly negative, with followers questioning why the NFL was keeping up this campaign when so many other companies and organizations are moving in the opposite direction.
“Can&#8217;t we just escape politics and wokeism for a measly 3 hours and watch football? I&#8217;m out. I&#8217;m totally done with the NFL,” one reply <a href="https://x.com/PamelaHensley22/status/1957392218513129655">said</a>.
“It&#8217;s a shame, the actual game is lost on woke social practices.”
Many commenters also remarked on the current controversy about male cheerleaders being promoted as part of several NFL squads.
“Dumb. And also now with the male cheerleaders? Why?” one person <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/fan-backlash-against-male-nfl-cheerleaders-intensifies-vikings-issue-statement">wrote</a>.
While male cheerleaders have been part of NFL squads for several years, a clip of rookie cheerleader Blaize Shiek being introduced went viral on social media, igniting significant backlash. Shiek is one of two male cheerleaders on the Minnesota Vikings squad.
In 2022, Justine Lindsay became the first transgender-identifying man to become an NFL cheerleader with the Carolina Panthers.
“I have had so many parents of young kids in the trans community say thank you for what I’m doing and that their son or daughter is watching me,” Lindsay <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/first-openly-transgender-nfl-cheerleader-justine-lindsay-a-face-of-the-possible">said</a> at the time, per NFL.com. “They are so pleased to see that I’m tearing down that wall.”
Lindsay will be cheering again for the Panthers for the 2025 season.

Seattle Seahawks v Atlanta Falcons

‘End Racism’: NFL To Keep Virtue Signaling With End Zone Messages

NFL Keeps Up Woke Virtue Signaling With End Zone Messages Like 'End Racism'

Social Justice

Virtue Signaling

Director Spike Lee&#8217;s multi-part documentary about former NFL player Colin Kaepernick is being left on the cutting room floor, according to reports.
The controversial quarterback was going to be the subject of the project, which was slated to air on ESPN.
&#8220;ESPN, Colin Kaepernick and Spike Lee have collectively decided to no longer proceed with this project as a result of certain creative differences,&#8221; the sports network said in a statement to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/espn-will-not-air-spike-lees-docuseries-colin-kaepernick-citing-creative-2025-08-16/">Reuters</a> on Saturday. &#8220;Despite not reaching finality, we appreciate all the hard work and collaboration that went into this film.&#8221;
Lee also personally confirmed with Reuters that the series got axed, but would not elaborate, citing a non-disclosure agreement. 
&#8220;It&#8217;s not coming out. That&#8217;s all I can say,&#8221; the filmmaker said when questioned on the red carpet ahead of a fundraising event in Beverly Hills on Friday. &#8220;I can&#8217;t talk about it,&#8221; Lee said when pressed.
Production on the series began in 2022 with the project being touted as a &#8220;full, first-person account&#8221; of Kaepernick&#8217;s life, career, and controversy, featuring interviews with the man himself. 
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In September, the series was reportedly being delayed over disagreements between Kaepernick and Lee on the direction of the film. ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro was open to shopping the project with other networks, Reuters reported. 
The 49ers picked Kaepernick in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He led the team to Super Bowl 47 in 2012 but lost in a close game to the Baltimore Ravens. He stayed with the 49ers until they released him in March 2017, and no other team has picked him up since, despite him being open to coming back.
The former NFL quarterback took a lot of criticism for his refusal to stand for the national anthem back in 2016 over complaints of racism.
&#8220;I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,&#8221; Kaepernick said at the time. &#8220;To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.&#8221;
Kaepernick has stayed in the headlines since losing his NFL job, primarily for his outspoken, radical social activism.

Colin Kapernick

‘Creative Differences’: ESPN Axes Spike Lee’s Doc About Colin Kaepernick

Spike Lee Doc About Colin Kaepernick Gets Axed, ESPN Claims 'Creative Differences'

Colin Kaepernick

ESPN

Many NFL fans are furious over videos of male cheerleaders being introduced as part of the 2025 cheerleading squad for the Minnesota Vikings.
While male cheerleaders have been part of NFL squads for several years, a clip of rookie cheerleader Blaize Shiek being introduced went viral on social media, igniting significant backlash. Shiek is one of two male cheerleaders on the Vikings squad, joining Louie Conn this season. 
“Dear Minnesota Vikings, Just Stop. Sincerely, All Sane Americans,” one popular reply on X <a href="https://x.com/OutlawPatriotX/status/1955419078971232490">said</a>. 
“Because nothing says ‘football’ like watching Chad do high kicks in booty shorts,” another person <a href="https://x.com/Salt_T1/status/1955362061497799027">quipped</a>.
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🚨BREAKING: The Minnesota Vikings under MAJOR backlash after the team hires a MALE as their LEAD CHEERLEADER for the 2025-26 NFL football season.
Recent Videos of the cheerleader are going VIRAL online with many calling to cancel the team. <a href="https://t.co/uwuMAWDTr2">pic.twitter.com/uwuMAWDTr2</a>
— The Patriot Oasis™ (@ThePatriotOasis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThePatriotOasis/status/1955289676404727941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Others noted that even though male cheerleaders are nothing new, the presentation now is vastly different. 
“Im not opposed to male cheerleaders like those guys on college teams that help with stunts or whatever but I am opposed to guys holding pom poms,” one person observed, echoing what others have been saying about Shiek’s flamboyant, overly feminine look and behavior.
Shiek seemed to troll critics with a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNI80qpNB4e/?hl=en">video</a> posted on Instagram. In it, one female Vikings cheerleader asks another, “Wait, where are the boys?” to which the second woman replies, “I don’t know. I heard they were throwing a fit.”
Then Shiek and Conn strut forward with their pom poms, as Shiek dramatically flipped his hair back and forth.
“SEE YOU AT 3,” Shiek wrote in the caption, referencing kickoff time. He went on to cheer during a preseason Minnesota Vikings game against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
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The response got so bad that the Vikings released a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxztOLNyLfI">statement</a> to NBC News on Wednesday.
“Male cheerleaders have been part of previous Vikings teams and have long been associated with collegiate and professional cheerleading,” the team said. “We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organization.”
Per The Spun via <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/article/12-nfl-teams-adding-male-212045510.html">Yahoo Sports</a>, 12 out of the 32 NFL teams have male cheerleaders. And while many X users were celebrating that Shiek is at least a male who isn’t pretending to be female, that’s not the case everywhere. 
In 2022, Justine Lindsay became the first transgender-identifying man to become an NFL cheerleader with the Carolina Panthers.
“I have had so many parents of young kids in the trans community say thank you for what I’m doing and that their son or daughter is watching me,” Lindsay said at the time, per <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/first-openly-transgender-nfl-cheerleader-justine-lindsay-a-face-of-the-possible">NFL.com</a>. “They are so pleased to see that I’m tearing down that wall.”
Lindsay will be cheering again for the Panthers for the 2025 season.

Vikings cheerleaders

Fan Backlash Against Male NFL Cheerleaders Intensifies, Vikings Issue Statement

Cheerleaders

Minnesota Vikings

Taylor Swift poked fun at her image among NFL fans in a sneak peek from her appearance on her boyfriend Travis Kelce&#8217;s podcast, set to premiere Wednesday night.
The 35-year-old pop star <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-new-heights-podcast-upset-male-sports-fans-1236042683/">made a joke</a> about being a guest on the “New Heights” sports podcast, which is hosted by Travis and his brother, Jason Kelce. Travis is currently the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, and Jason retired in 2024 after playing center for 13 years with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“You guys have a lot of male sports fans that listen to your podcast. And I think we all know that if there&#8217;s one thing that male sports fans want to see in their spaces and on their screens, it&#8217;s more of me,&#8221; Swift said with a laugh on the episode teaser ahead of the upcoming episode.
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The “Shake It Off” singer was referring to NFL fans who got annoyed by Swift constantly being shown on camera during Chiefs games last season. But some league officials insisted her attendance helped bring the sport to a new audience, boosting viewership numbers. 
The league said in a <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38568388/nfl-defends-focus-swift-kelce-pop-cultural-moment">statement</a> in October 2023 that they had “seen an incredible amount of positivity around the sport&#8221; with Swift around and said “the vast majority” of the broadcast remained “focused on the game, our players, and [a] variety of other initiatives.”
That same month, Travis agreed that the focus on Swift was overdone.
&#8220;I think it’s fun when they show who was at the game. I think it brings a little bit more to the atmosphere, brings a little bit more to what you’re watching. But at the same time I think…,” Travis <a href="https://people.com/travis-kelce-says-nfl-overdoing-it-focus-on-him-and-taylor-swift-8347224">said</a> at the time.
&#8220;They&#8217;re overdoing it,&#8221; Jason suggested, prompting Travis to agree.
&#8220;They’re overdoing it a little bit for sure, especially my situation. [But] I think they’re just trying to have fun with it,” the Chiefs player said.
Swift’s full interview with Travis and Jason premieres at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday. It’s expected to draw an above-average number of listeners after the pop star just announced her upcoming studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” on Tuesday.

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