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“Almost Got It Done”: When Shaquille O’Neal Revealed How a Freak Injury Prevented Him from Possibly Winning 2005 Title
When Shaquille O’Neal left for Miami in 2004, he was at the peak of his career. Coming straight out of a three-peat with the Lakers, Shaq joined forces with Dwyane Wade in South Beach and the two got to work immediately. They lost in the Conference Finals to the Pistons in the 2005 playoffs, but Shaq believes that it was nothing but his “freak injury” that kept his team from winning the title.

In an old interview, which was done six months before his fourth title in 2006, Shaq talked about getting so close to the dream in 2005.

The big man claimed that he is usually very cautious on the brink of the playoffs. However, in 2005, he wasn’t cautious at all and ended up getting injured. The “freak injury” that Shaq was referring to was a deep thigh bruise caused by an impact from Jermaine O’Neal, which made it difficult for him to move, let alone do what he wanted to on the floor.

Shaq said that during the playoffs, when the stakes are high, he always raises his game to another level. But he couldn’t do that in 2005 due to his injury.

But he took pride in the fact that he managed to get Miami so close despite his handicap. Shaq said, “I think it [the injury] hindered me in the playoffs. Everyone knows that the playoffs is the time where I like to raise my game, wasn’t able to raise my game and still we almost got it done.”

The Heat took the Conference Finals against the Pistons to Game 7 and lost. Shaq said that if he wasn’t injured, he had no doubts about winning his fourth title that year.

Although Detroit got the best of him in 2005, the following season was the season of redemption for Shaq and the Heat.

Shaquille O’Neal won his fourth NBA Championship in 2006

In 2006, the Heat were on a dominant run. Their stellar regular season run converted well into the playoffs. In the first round, they faced the Chicago Bulls and closed the series in six games. They had to go through the Brooklyn Nets in the Conference Semifinals next.

Despite facing a strong team, it was their easiest challenge on the way to the championship. The Heat closed that series in five games and met the Pistons again for the Conference Finals. This time, with no “freak injury” to deal with, Shaq’s Heat defeated the Pistons in six games.

It took them another six games to defeat the Dallas Mavericks. The Miami Heat won its first title, being led by Dwyane Wade and Shaq. And the big fella was able to step out of the shadow of the Lakers and win his fourth Championship.

In a recent interview, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal opened up about a pivotal moment in his career that could have changed the course of history. O’Neal revealed that during the 2005 NBA Finals, he suffered a freak injury that ultimately prevented him from potentially winning the championship.

With the Miami Heat facing off against the Dallas Mavericks in a highly anticipated series, O’Neal was determined to lead his team to victory. However, during a crucial game, O’Neal landed awkwardly on his ankle, causing him to miss several key plays.

Despite his best efforts to play through the pain, O’Neal’s injury ultimately proved too much to overcome. The Miami Heat went on to lose the series, and O’Neal was left wondering what could have been.

Reflecting on that fateful moment, O’Neal admitted that it was a tough pill to swallow. He knew that his injury had cost his team the championship, and he couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

However, O’Neal also acknowledged that injuries are simply a part of the game. While he may have missed out on a potential title in 2005, he is grateful for the many successes he has achieved throughout his career.

As fans look back on O’Neal’s illustrious career, they can’t help but wonder what could have been if not for that one unfortunate injury. Despite the disappointment, O’Neal remains a true legend in the world of basketball, and his impact on the game will never be forgotten.

Tags:
1. Shaquille O’Neal
2. 2005 NBA Finals
3. Freak injury
4. Almost won
5. Championship game
6. Los Angeles Lakers
7. Miami Heat
8. NBA history
9. Shaq injury
10. Missed opportunity
#Shaquille #ONeal #Revealed #Freak #Injury #Prevented #Possibly #Winning #Title
February 2, 2025
Double standards? Media did Biden’s bidding. Now they freak out over Trump.

The weekend before President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, “Saturday Night Live’s” cold open featured a fictional panel of progressive MSNBC journalists. At numerous intervals, their commentary was interrupted by breaking news alerts over any minute thing Trump had said or put on social media.

It’s funny because it’s true. It also highlights a troubling double standard within the legacy news media.

Two recent revelations offer examples of just how disparately the media approached covering former President Joe Biden – and how it once again covers Trump.

President Donald Trump, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, speaks to reporters on Air Force One on Jan. 27, 2025.

When it came to Biden, too many journalists tossed their curiosity out the window, accepting whatever came out of the White House as truth.

Even worse, some publications actively sought to curry favor with the Biden administration, and in doing so helped hide information from the public that the president didn’t want to get out − whether that related to the origins of COVID-19, his son Hunter’s laptop or to his declining mental and physical health.

That’s the opposite of what the media should be doing.

Can you imagine the outrage that would follow if journalists sought to do the same with Trump? The same standard should apply, regardless of who is president.

Opinion: Liberals want to erase women. Trump is standing up for our most basic rights.

News outlet decided to ignore Hunter Biden laptop story

The latest revelations aren’t “news” per se, and I’ve written frequently about the mainstream news media’s lackluster coverage of the Biden administration. But they provide additional contrast to how the press is now covering Trump.

A recent podcast interview involving two former Politico reporters sheds light on how decisions were made by editors to either quash negative stories about the Biden family or to slow-roll their publication.

President Joe Biden greets son Hunter Biden at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024.

The worst example came from Marc Caputo (now with Axios). In the weeks leading up to the 2020 election, the New York Post broke the story about Hunter Biden’s laptop, which contained evidence of his shady business dealings and influence peddling.

While Politico was happy to run an article calling the news “disinformation,” just as Biden himself described the matter, it was not interested in pursuing the matter any further.

Opinion: Trump’s executive orders really aren’t ‘shock and awe’ after Biden’s overreach

“I was covering Biden at the time, and I remember coming to my editor and saying, ‘Hey, we need to write about the Hunter Biden laptop,’” Caputo recalled. “And I was told this came from on high at Politico: Don’t write about the laptop, don’t talk about the laptop, don’t tweet about the laptop. And the only thing Politico wound up writing was that piece that called it disinformation, which charitably could be called misinformation, at the least.”

Politico, of course, was far from alone in not giving the Hunter laptop story any credence. Pretty much all major news outlets refused to acknowledge its veracity until Biden was safely in the White House and Trump defeated.

Trump administration releases report on COVID-19 origins. Biden hid it.

The media also worked in lockstep to tamp down the possibility that COVID-19 could have originated in a lab. That’s because it was Trump and other Republicans who expressed their concern about a lab leak.

So, they were painted as kooky conspiracy theorists by the media.

It turns out Trump and Co. were probably right. An increasing number of experts now say a lab leak is the more likely origin of the global pandemic.

President Donald Trump acknowledges the crowd before addressing a Republican congressional conference on Jan. 27, 2025, in Doral, Fla.

Just days into the new Trump administration, for example, CIA Director John Ratcliffe released an assessment that a lab leak is the more likely cause of the pandemic. The FBI came to the same conclusion several years ago.

The CIA’s “low confidence” assessment had taken place under the Biden administration, but Biden officials didn’t bother letting the public know.

A more skeptical media would have tried harder to get to the truth.

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We’re less than two weeks into the Trump administration, but the difference in media treatment could not be more night and day. While the media’s instinct under Biden was to take him at his word, the opposite is true with Trump.

The fact-checkers are back in force and journalists are playing hardball. Watch Vice President JD Vance’s weekend interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” and try to picture host Margaret Brennan asking pointed questions like that of Joe Biden or former Vice President Kamala Harris.

To Trump’s credit, he does not shy away from the press – unlike his predecessor, who essentially hid from the media for years.

Journalists should be tough yet fair with the new president. When there is such a clear double standard in coverage, though, it’s hard to take them seriously.

Ingrid Jacques is a columnist at USA TODAY. Contact her at ijacques@usatoday.com or on X, formerly Twitter: @Ingrid_Jacques

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Media go hard after Trump but soft-pedaled Biden news | Opinion

The media’s double standards when it comes to covering President Biden and former President Trump have never been more evident. Throughout Biden’s campaign and presidency, the media has largely done his bidding, providing favorable coverage and downplaying any missteps or controversies.

However, now that Trump is back in the spotlight and potentially eyeing a 2024 presidential run, the media is once again in a frenzy, obsessively covering his every move and statement with a critical eye. The same outlets that were content to act as stenographers for Biden are now quick to pounce on any perceived misstep or controversial statement from Trump.

The blatant double standards are clear for all to see. It’s time for the media to hold all politicians to the same standard, regardless of their party affiliation. The American people deserve fair and unbiased coverage, not partisan pandering. It’s time for the media to do better.

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seo friendly tags:
– Double standards
– Media bias
– Biden administration
– Trump presidency
– Political hypocrisy
– Mainstream media
– Media coverage
– Presidential politics
– News media outrage
– Media manipulation

#Double #standards #Media #Bidens #bidding #freak #Trump

January 30, 2025
Witness searches for answers after freak Colorado Springs track accident kills spectator
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – One person is dead after a freak accident at a high school track meet in Colorado Springs.

According to UCCS officials, it happened at the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse Sunday morning when a hammer from one of the athletes, “cleared certified barriers,” and hit a spectator who died at the scene.

“We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved,” UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said.

One person at the meet, who wished to remain anonymous, told 11 News she thought more could have been done to protect attendees.

“If it was certified, I would believe it would be higher up and there wouldn’t be seating there and they would have already tested it to see if there was any possible incident, anything that could be possibly happening before you had two hundred people there,” she said.

She said she wasn’t the only one at the meet with safety concerns.

“This lady sat next to us and she commented about how the bleachers that were next to the hammer throw or the cage and she was like, ‘That’s terrifying, why is it next to that?“’

Another parent at the meet sent 11 News this picture of the set up:

A picture taken by a parent at Sunday’s track meet shows the throwing set up at Mountain Lion Fieldhouse.(KKTV)

The meet was not organized by the university or CHSSA, but the Colorado United Track Club. The club released the following statement to parents after the incident that reads in part:

“Track family,

It is with a heavy heart that I share some sad news with you all.

At the UCCS track meet this morning, a spectator was hit in the head by a stray throwing weight. The man who was hit by this weight died on scene. He was the father of one of our CO United team members who attends Vista Ridge HS. The remainder of the meet was cancelled and all athletes were asked to go home.

Our Administration, Assistant Superintendent, and D12 Social Workers have been working to determine who to best support both CMHS students as well as the athletes and families of CO United who are affected. Kris Roberts, our D12 Athletic Director, is contacting the D49 Athletic Director to offer support and assistance as well.”

The club said they will have resources and support for the affected athletes and their families.

11 News has reached out to the club about what happened. We have not yet heard back. We have also reached out to UCCS about safety measures around the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse throwing area.

Copyright 2025 KKTV. All rights reserved.

On Saturday, tragedy struck at the Colorado Springs track when a spectator was killed in a freak accident during a race. As a witness to the horrific incident, I am left searching for answers and grappling with the horror of what I saw.

The race had been going smoothly until suddenly, a car lost control and veered off the track, crashing into the stands where the spectator was standing. The impact was devastating, and despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the victim did not survive.

In the aftermath of the accident, I am haunted by the questions racing through my mind. How could this happen? Was it a mechanical failure, human error, or some other unforeseen circumstance? Could more have been done to prevent this tragedy?

As I try to come to terms with what I witnessed, I can’t help but feel a sense of helplessness and sadness. My thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones, who are now left to grieve the loss of their loved one in such a sudden and senseless manner.

I hope that a thorough investigation will provide answers and insight into how such a tragic event could occur. In the meantime, I will continue to hold onto the memories of that day and honor the memory of the victim by seeking justice and understanding in the wake of this heartbreaking accident.

Tags:
1. Colorado Springs track accident
2. Spectator killed at track event
3. Colorado Springs tragedy
4. Witness seeks answers
5. Freak accident investigation
6. Track event fatality
7. Colorado Springs news
8. Spectator death at race
9. Colorado Springs track incident
10. Witness account of fatal accident
#Witness #searches #answers #freak #Colorado #Springs #track #accident #kills #spectator
January 27, 2025
Taylor Swift Sparks ‘Freak Out’ During Chiefs Playoff Suite Encounter
Taylor Swift has become a familiar face at Kansas City Chiefs games, often seen passionately supporting her partner, Travis Kelce.

While fans get glimpses of her cheering from the stands, a rare insight into what Taylor Swift is like during the game was recently shared by former WWE superstar Baron Corbin, known off-stage as Thomas Pestick.

Ex-WWE Star Shares Taylor Swift Interaction At Chiefs Playoff Game

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Corbin, a longtime Chiefs fan and a friend of Kelce, was invited to watch a game from the tight end’s private suite, where Swift also happened to be. Speaking on the “Insight With Chris Van Vliet” podcast, Corbin shared the memorable experience of sharing a suite with the pop icon.

“So, we went [and] they took us up to the suite, and then my uncle or my brother, one of the two, was like, ‘I wonder if Taylor’s going to be here,’” Corbin recalled. “And as they say it, she walks into the room. My brother’s freaking a little bit, and she walks right up to everybody, gives them a hug, gave us a hug—it was like you were instantly family.”

Swift’s down-to-earth demeanor clearly left a lasting impression, making everyone in the suite feel welcome and comfortable, Corbin noted.

How Taylor Swift Is Redefining the WAG Lifestyle

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Taylor Swift’s relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce is making waves beyond the football field. According to Sharelle Rosado, star of the hit show “W.A.G.s to Riches” and the ex-fiancée of former NFL star Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Swift is helping to redefine the perception of WAGs (wives and girlfriends of athletes), shining a spotlight on their strength, unity, and individuality.

“I love giving Taylor Swift as an example,” Rosado told Page Six. “Ever since her and Kelce started dating, it changed the outlook of what a WAG is, and it just has been becoming better and better.”

Swift, celebrated for her trailblazing career as a singer-songwriter, has brought attention to the vital role WAGs play in supporting their partners while building their own identities. Rosado highlighted how Swift’s influence has fostered camaraderie among WAGs, stating, “You’re now starting to see more of the wives and girlfriends doing things together more, being out there more, and showing that. It’s now showing the woman in the spotlight just as much as the husband.”

Taylor Swift Is A ‘Fun Girl’

Mike Kirschbaum/Wynn Las Vegas / MEGA

Describing Swift as a “fun girl,” Rosado expressed admiration for her energy and charisma. “I feel like she would shut sh-t down,” she said enthusiastically, even jokingly proposing, “We need to bring Kelce to the Dolphins then!”

Rosado’s comments reflect a broader cultural shift in how WAGs are perceived. Once seen as merely supporting figures to their superstar partners, they are now being recognized for their individuality, ambition, and influence. Swift’s entrance into the WAG world not only brings unmatched star power but also validates the importance of these women in their partners’ lives and careers.

Rosado’s appreciation for WAGs extends to her own career. Through her show “W.A.G.s to Riches,” she offers an inside look at the complexities of their lives, from dealing with public scrutiny to balancing high-profile relationships. The show underscores the grit behind the glitz, showing that being a WAG is far more than a glamorous title—it’s a role that demands resilience, unity, and strength.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Captivate Fans

New York Post/MEGA

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce continue to captivate fans with their undeniable chemistry, and their charming game day ritual is the latest proof that they’re the ultimate power couple. Former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Stefanie Hill recently shared some behind-the-scenes details about the duo’s sweet pre-game tradition, and fans are loving the insight.

Hill, who spent six seasons cheering for the Super Bowl-defending Kansas City Chiefs, has witnessed everything from championship wins to the blossoming romance between the pop superstar and the NFL tight end.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Melt Hearts With Adorable Game Day Tradition

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

In a TikTok video, Hill reflected on the beginning of Swift and Kelce’s love story and revealed the special way Swift shows her support for Kelce on game days. “All those pictures of her game day outfits walking down red tunnels are right next to the players’ locker rooms, which is right next door to the Chiefs cheer locker room,” she explained. “There were so many close encounters.”

She added, “At the end of the game, she would always meet Travis by the locker room.”

As the Chiefs head into the AFC Championship game, Swift is expected to be in attendance, cheering on Kelce as she has done throughout the season.

Taylor Swift Sparks ‘Freak Out’ During Chiefs Playoff Suite Encounter

Pop sensation Taylor Swift caused quite a stir during a recent Kansas City Chiefs playoff game when she made a surprise appearance in one of the suites at Arrowhead Stadium. Fans couldn’t believe their eyes as the Grammy-winning singer casually strolled into the suite, sending everyone into a frenzy.

According to eyewitnesses, Swift mingled with fans, took photos, and even signed autographs for lucky attendees. The unexpected encounter left fans starstruck and overwhelmed with excitement. Social media was abuzz with photos and videos of the singer’s impromptu appearance, with many fans expressing their disbelief and gratitude for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Swift’s love for football is well-documented, and her appearance at the Chiefs game only solidified her status as a true sports fan. The singer’s unexpected visit added an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling playoff game, leaving fans with memories they will never forget.

Overall, Taylor Swift’s ‘freak out’ moment at the Chiefs playoff suite was a highlight for fans and further solidified her status as a beloved pop icon. Who knows where she’ll show up next? Stay tuned for more unexpected celebrity sightings at future sporting events.

Tags:
1. Taylor Swift Chiefs
2. Taylor Swift playoff suite
3. Taylor Swift encounter
4. Taylor Swift freak out
5. Taylor Swift news
6. Chiefs playoff game
7. Celebrity encounter
8. Taylor Swift viral moment
9. Taylor Swift fan reaction
10. Taylor Swift social media buzz
#Taylor #Swift #Sparks #Freak #Chiefs #Playoff #Suite #Encounter
January 26, 2025
UNO Nike Zoom Freak 3 Card Game Mattel Giannis

UNO Nike Zoom Freak 3 Card Game Mattel Giannis

Price : 13.99

Ends on : N/A

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The UNO Nike Zoom Freak 3 Card Game is the perfect addition to any basketball lover’s collection! This limited edition game, created in collaboration with Mattel and Giannis Antetokounmpo, features custom UNO cards inspired by the Nike Zoom Freak 3 sneakers.

The game includes 112 cards, with unique designs featuring Giannis’s iconic logo and colors. The cards are made with high-quality materials for durability and longevity, ensuring hours of fun with friends and family.

Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or simply love collecting unique card games, the UNO Nike Zoom Freak 3 Card Game is a must-have for your collection. Get your hands on this exclusive collaboration now and take your game night to the next level!
#UNO #Nike #Zoom #Freak #Card #Game #Mattel #Giannis,ages 3+

January 22, 2025
Zun’s Music Collection 8 Dr. Latency’s Freak Report Touhou Music CD

Zun’s Music Collection 8 Dr. Latency’s Freak Report Touhou Music CD

Price : 20.00

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Zun’s Music Collection 8: Dr. Latency’s Freak Report Touhou Music CD

Attention all Touhou music fans! Zun has released a new addition to his beloved music collection, and it’s none other than Dr. Latency’s Freak Report Touhou Music CD. This highly anticipated album features a diverse range of tracks that will transport you to the mesmerizing world of Gensokyo.

From catchy melodies to hauntingly beautiful compositions, this CD has something for every Touhou enthusiast. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Zun’s music or new to the magical realm of Touhou, Dr. Latency’s Freak Report is sure to captivate you with its enchanting tunes.

So don’t miss out on this must-have addition to your music collection. Order your copy of Zun’s Music Collection 8: Dr. Latency’s Freak Report Touhou Music CD today and immerse yourself in the spellbinding sounds of Gensokyo.
#Zuns #Music #Collection #Latencys #Freak #Report #Touhou #Music

December 3, 2024