Zion Tech Group

Tag: Receives

  • Novak Djokovic receives apology from broadcaster after Australian Open controversy


    Novak Djokovic has received an apology from Australian broadcaster Tony Jones after he made comments the Serb didn’t like at the Australian Open.

    The Channel 9 presenter acknowledged his remarks, made during a broadcast on Friday night, had caused offence after Djokovic declined to participate in customary on-court interviews following his fourth-round victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday.

    The incident occurred when Jones mocked a group of Djokovic supporters gathered outside the broadcast booth at Melbourne Park.

    Jones was filmed singing: “Novak is overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out”.

    Novak Djokovic Australian Open

    Novak Djokovic has received an apology from Australian broadcaster Tony Jones after he made comments the Serb didn’t like at the Australian Open

    REUTERS

    The broadcaster later claimed he thought the comments had been “banter” and said he had made an immediate private apology to the “Djokovic camp” once he realised they had not been taken as humour.

    Djokovic took to social media to explain his decision to decline interviews with Channel 9, citing the broadcaster’s failure to issue a public apology.

    “A couple of days ago the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” Djokovic stated.

    JUST IN: Shaun Murphy banks record-breaking prize money after Masters victory over Kyren Wilson

    Tony Jones Australian Open

    Novak Djokovic was left furious following comments made by Tony Jones at the Australian Open

    Channel9

    The tennis star emphasised he had “nothing against Jim Courier or neither the Australian public” but felt the situation was “very awkward”.

    In his televised apology on Monday, Jones expressed particular regret over the “kick him out” comment, acknowledging it could be interpreted as a reference to Djokovic’s 2022 deportation over Covid vaccination status.

    “I should also say the disrespect was extended, in many ways, to the Serbian fans,” Jones said.

    READ MORE: Phil Taylor, 64, lands new job after darts legend turned down Sky Sports

    The presenter expressed remorse over damaging relations with Serbian supporters, stating: “We have built up a nice rapport with the Serbian fans… I feel as though I’ve let down the Serbian fans.”

    Former Wimbledon finalist Pat Rafter suggested the controversy could actually benefit Djokovic’s performance on the court.

    “I think Novak’s in a pretty good head space, he’s nice and angry. He plays his best tennis when he’s angry,” Rafter said.

    LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

    Djokovic is bidding to win an 11th Australian Open title this winter.

    Should he manage to go all the way, he’ll move one Grand Slam clear of Margaret Court with 25 majors to his name.

    Novak Djokovic Australian Open

    Novak Djokovic is currently preparing to face Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open

    REUTERS

    Djokovic is poised to lock horns with Carlos Alcaraz in a mouthwatering quarter-final showdown on Wednesday.

    He lost to the Spaniard in the final of Wimbledon last summer but bounced back by beating his rival to secure gold at the Paris Olympics.



    Novak Djokovic, the world-renowned tennis player, has received an apology from a broadcaster following a controversial incident during the Australian Open.

    During a broadcast of Djokovic’s match, the broadcaster made disparaging remarks about the player, questioning his integrity and sportsmanship. The comments sparked outrage among fans and fellow players, with many calling for an apology.

    In response to the backlash, the broadcaster issued a public apology to Djokovic, acknowledging that their comments were inappropriate and disrespectful. They expressed regret for any harm caused and praised Djokovic for his achievements and contributions to the sport.

    Djokovic graciously accepted the apology, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and sportsmanship in tennis. He thanked the broadcaster for taking responsibility and hoped that the incident would serve as a learning opportunity for everyone involved.

    The controversy has since been resolved, and Djokovic is now focused on his upcoming matches at the Australian Open. Fans are eagerly anticipating his performance on the court, and the incident has only served to strengthen their support for the talented player.

    Tags:

    Novak Djokovic, Australian Open controversy, apology, broadcaster, tennis news, sports controversy, Djokovic news, Australian Open drama, sports apology

    #Novak #Djokovic #receives #apology #broadcaster #Australian #Open #controversy

  • Wyoming senior safety Wyett Ekeler receives the Never Flinch Award


    Via University of Wyoming Athletics,

    LARAMIE – Wyoming fans already knew Wyett Ekeler was unflinchingly Cowboy Tough. After breaking both of his thumbs against BYU, the senior safety returned to the lineup with casts on both hands and came up with an improbable interception against San Jose State. During the first half of the Border War basketball game between UW and Colorado State, Ekeler was recognized at half court as the 2024 Never Flinch Award winner. The award is given annually in honor of former UW linebacker Weston Johnson who lost a valiant battle with cancer on January 17, 2014, in his hometown of Wray,…

    Follow your favorite teams Follow your favorite teams

    Read more at University of Wyoming Athletics





    Wyoming senior safety Wyett Ekeler receives the Never Flinch Award

    Wyoming senior safety Wyett Ekeler has been recognized for his unwavering dedication and fearless attitude on the field by receiving the prestigious Never Flinch Award. This award is given to a player who demonstrates exceptional composure and resilience in the face of adversity, always staying focused and determined to succeed.

    Ekeler’s leadership and tenacity have been instrumental in the Cowboys’ success this season, as he has consistently made game-changing plays and inspired his teammates with his relentless work ethic. His ability to stay calm under pressure and never back down from a challenge has made him a standout player on the field.

    As he prepares to graduate and move on to the next chapter of his life, Ekeler’s legacy as a Wyoming Cowboy will be remembered for years to come. Congratulations to Wyett Ekeler on receiving the Never Flinch Award – a well-deserved honor for a truly exceptional player.

    Tags:

    Wyoming senior safety, Wyett Ekeler, Never Flinch Award, college football, Wyoming Cowboys, senior athlete, sportsmanship award

    #Wyoming #senior #safety #Wyett #Ekeler #receives #Flinch #Award

  • Wyoming safety Ekeler receives Never Flinch Award


    LARAMIE, Wyo. — Wyoming fans already knew Wyett Ekeler was unflinchingly Cowboy Tough.

    After breaking both of his thumbs against BYU, the senior safety returned to the lineup with casts on both hands and came up with an improbable interception against San Jose State.

    During the first half of the Border War football game between UW and Colorado State, Ekeler was recognized at half-court as the 2024 Never Flinch Award winner.

    The award is given annually in honor of former UW linebacker Weston Johnson, who lost a valiant battle with cancer on Jan. 17, 2014, in his hometown of Wray, Colorado, at the age of 27.

    “This means a lot to me,” said Ekeler, who will graduate from UW in the spring with a degree in American Studies. “This is a great honor.”

    Ekeler, who is from Windsor, Colorado, finished his career with 197 tackles, three forced fumbles and four interceptions, including a spectacular pick-six against Nevada in 2023.

    The Pokes played well defensively over the final 10 quarters of the season with a healthier Ekeler leading the unit.

    “You can sum up the locker room a little bit with Wyett Ekeler,” head coach Jay Sawvel said as UW nearly upset College Football Playoff–bound Boise State and stunned Washington State at the end of a tough season. “He goes out and plays with two broken thumbs. There’s a lot of guys at a lot of places at that point in the year with the record we were at that would say, ‘No, I’m good, I’ll start training for whatever’s next.’”

    Ekeler braved bad roads to come back to Laramie to receive his award alongside Johnson’s parents, Blane and Jill Johnson, and UW defensive ends coach Brian Hendricks, who played with Weston Johnson.

    “I know Wyett very well and that’s just his M.O.,” Walsh said regarding seeing many of his teammates battle back from injuries to get back on the field this season despite the disappointing record. “Their character is what makes them do whatever it takes to play football again. We didn’t come here just to go through summer training, spring ball, winter training. We came here to play actual football. When it comes to injuries, they’re going to do whatever it takes to get back.”

    Ekeler’s older brother, Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler, was set to play in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs at No. 1 seed Detroit later Saturday. Ekeler will participate in UW’s annual Pro Day in the spring, hoping to join his brother at the next level.



    Wyoming safety Ekeler receives Never Flinch Award

    Wyoming safety Alex Ekeler has been awarded the prestigious Never Flinch Award for his outstanding performance on and off the field. The award, which is given to players who exemplify courage, determination, and resilience, is well-deserved by Ekeler.

    Throughout the season, Ekeler has consistently shown his unwavering commitment to his team and his relentless work ethic. He has been a key player in Wyoming’s defense, making crucial tackles and interceptions that have helped lead the team to victory.

    Off the field, Ekeler has also been a leader in the community, volunteering his time to help those in need and serving as a role model for his teammates. His dedication to both his team and his community truly embody the spirit of the Never Flinch Award.

    Congratulations to Alex Ekeler on this well-deserved honor! Wyoming fans can look forward to seeing more great things from him in the seasons to come. #WyomingFootball #NeverFlinchAward #AlexEkeler

    Tags:

    Wyoming safety, Ekeler, Never Flinch Award, college football, safety award, player recognition, Wyoming Cowboys, sports news, athlete achievements

    #Wyoming #safety #Ekeler #receives #Flinch #Award

  • Could Rams Make Shocking DC Hire if Chris Shula Receives HC Job


    One of the best defensive minds in all of football, Todd Bowles has won three Super Bowls in his life — capturing football’s ultimate prize from three different perspectives.

    His first came as a player with Washington in 1988, his second came as an executive with Green Bay in 1997 and his third came as Buccaneers defensive coordinator, shutting down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021.

    Despite his extended success and his three NFC South titles in three years as Tampa Bay’s head coach, many fans have called for his firing, feeling that Bowles does not have the ability to take the Buccaneers back to the Super Bowl after their home playoff loss to Washington.

    After another excellent year for Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers OC Liam Coen has established himself as a top name in the NFL as the young coordinator put his tough 2022 season with the Rams behind him, developing an offensive attack that saw Mike Evans once again achieve a 1,000 yard season while rookie Bucky Irving rushed for over 1,100 yards. Many Buccaneers fans want Coen to be their head coach and fear he may leave for another job.

    There are confirmed reports supporting those fears as Coen is a key figure in the Jaguars’ search for a new head coach. How big of a priority will be determined, especially since this would be the Jaguars’ third head coaching hire under GM Trent Baalke and Baalke’s sixth overall so how much of a role owner Shad Khan will play, and how will that influence the Jaguars’ decision remains to be seen.

    Those fears are intensified when you remember that the Buccaneers division rival Carolina Panthers hired former Tampa Bay OC Dave Canales last offseason and in one year, he has turned around the worst franchise in football and has given new life to Bryce Young’s career.

    One man who could also be getting a head coaching job is Chris Shula. Shula’s defense showed up and showed out on Monday night, strengthening his candidacy claims. An NFL executive told Sports Illustrated last week that Shula is a rising star and “it’s not a matter of if he gets a head coaching job, it’s simply a question of when.”

    If Shula moves on and Tampa fires Bowles for Coen, the Rams could sweep in and acquire his services as defensive coordinator. Both men are connected through Coen as he served as offensive coordinator on McVay’s and Bowles’ staff and both men are on the NFL’s competition committee.

    If Bowles wants another head coaching shot, McVay is his best chance as he already helped Raheem Morris secure his second head coaching gig after three years as Rams defensive coordinator and for McVay, Bowles is an established coordinator who often gets the most out of his players compared to his coaching counterparts.

    In a league that always changing, it is never a bad idea to have replacements lined up, especially for priority positions.

    Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @RamsInsideronSI and @MNSToday and never miss another breaking news story again.

    Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE



    With the Los Angeles Rams currently in search of a new defensive coordinator after Brandon Staley left to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, speculation is swirling about who could potentially fill the role.

    One name that has emerged as a potential candidate is Chris Shula, the Rams’ current linebackers coach. Shula has been with the team since 2018 and has received praise for his work with the linebacking corps, particularly in developing young players like Micah Kiser and Kenny Young.

    However, if Shula were to receive a head coaching job elsewhere, could the Rams make a shocking hire for their defensive coordinator position?

    One name that has been floated around is former NFL head coach and defensive guru Wade Phillips. Phillips has a long history of success as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, most recently with the Rams in 2018 when they boasted one of the top defenses in the league.

    While Phillips is currently without a job, it would certainly be a surprising move for the Rams to bring him back into the fold. However, his experience and track record of success could make him an intriguing option for the team.

    Ultimately, only time will tell who the Rams will choose as their next defensive coordinator. But if Chris Shula does indeed receive a head coaching job, don’t be surprised if the team makes a shocking hire to fill the position.

    Tags:

    1. Rams coaching staff
    2. NFL head coach search
    3. Chris Shula
    4. Defensive coordinator hire
    5. Los Angeles Rams
    6. Coaching rumors
    7. NFL coaching changes
    8. Potential Rams hires
    9. Chris Shula news
    10. DC job opening

    #Rams #Shocking #Hire #Chris #Shula #Receives #Job

  • Christopher Walken Receives ‘Severance’ DVDs


    Christopher Walken probably won’t be streaming Severance any time soon.

    While promoting season two of the Apple TV+ series, Walken and his castmates appeared on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live. Cohen asked Walken: “Chris, after you appeared in the show, did you watch all the episodes?”

    And the actor, who plays optics and design head Burt Goodman, had a surprising response. “Not all of them,” he said before admitting, “I can’t. I don’t have the equipment.”

    He continued: “So, they’re good enough to send me DVDs.”

    Walken’s response prompted Cohen to dig deeper and ask him if he was subscribed to Severance‘s Apple TV+ streaming platform. Walken said: “I don’t have anything.”

    Cohen replied: “I love you for that!”

    The first episode of Severance season two dropped on Friday, close to three years after the first season finale, which ended on a cliffhanger. However, the show’s creator, Dan Erickson, told The Hollywood Reporter that he began working on its second season “before [season one] came out.”

    Erickson also spoke about whether some of fans’ burning questions will get answered this time: “To me, it’s always about stacking the mysteries on top of each other. Think of a pyramid where with each season, you’re answering some things but that opens the door to a larger mystery that was underneath. I’m very conscious of not wanting to string people along or make them feel like there are no answers to be had, because that’s not fun. But at the same time, you can over-explain something and take the wonder out of it. I think that the key to that is that every answer opens a new door, and there are new wonders to explore.”

    New episodes of Severance will be released weekly on Apple TV+.



    Legendary actor Christopher Walken was recently spotted receiving a special package of ‘Severance’ DVDs. The critically acclaimed series, which follows a group of coworkers at a mysterious company, has garnered rave reviews for its gripping storyline and stellar performances.

    Walken, known for his iconic roles in films such as “Pulp Fiction” and “The Deer Hunter,” is rumored to be a fan of the show and was thrilled to receive a copy of the complete series. Fans are now speculating whether Walken will make a cameo in the upcoming season or if he simply enjoys watching the show in his free time.

    Regardless, it’s always exciting to see a Hollywood legend like Christopher Walken show his support for a new and innovative series like ‘Severance.’ Who knows, maybe we’ll see him in the office next season!

    Tags:

    1. Christopher Walken
    2. Severance DVDs
    3. Christopher Walken movies
    4. Severance film
    5. Christopher Walken new release
    6. Severance DVD collection
    7. Christopher Walken actor
    8. Severance movie review
    9. Christopher Walken latest project
    10. Severance DVD set

    #Christopher #Walken #Receives #Severance #DVDs

  • Gamecocks’ Dawn Staley receives contract bump | USC Gamecocks Sports


    COLUMBIA — Dawn Staley is running out of tags to attach to her storied tenure at South Carolina, but the latest one is certainly welcomed.

    “Highest-paid” does have a nice ring to it — or in Staley’s case, three rings.

    USC on Friday made Staley the top earner in the history of women’s college basketball, elevating her current salary (which was $3.2 million this year) to $4 million and extending her contract through the 2029-30 season. Staley is now also believed to be the highest-paid female coach in the world in any sport.

    Her old contract, presented after the 2021-22 season when she won her second national championship, maxed out at $3.5 million in the 2027-28 season. But Staley led the Gamecocks to a 38-0 season in 2023-24 with her third national championship, which deserved another raise.

    The new deal maxes out at $5.25 million in 2029-30. Staley also received a one-time bonus of $500,000 for signing the contract.

    She is now the second-highest paid coach on campus, trailing football coach Shane Beamer. Beamer is set to make $6.625 million next season.

    LSU’s Kim Mulkey, who is making $3.25 million this year on her way to a max-out of $3.65 million in 2028-29, once had the highest women’s basketball salary. She was surpassed in June 2024 when Connecticut’s Geno Auriemma moved ahead on the strength of an extension that is paying him $3.34 million this season.

    Staley has surpassed each with her new deal, just like she has on the court. The Gamecocks have beaten UConn in five of their last six meetings, including in the 2022 national championship game, while Staley has yet to lose to Mulkey in four tries since the coach took over at LSU before the 2021-22 season, including last season’s SEC Tournament championship game.

    The No. 5 Tigers visit Colonial Life Arena to play the Gamecocks on Jan. 23. The No. 6 Huskies arrive on Feb. 16.

    Staley’s buyout terms also changed. Under her old deal, USC would have owed Staley $1.5 million if they were to terminate the deal after this season, with decreasing sums for each successive year. Staley would have owed USC $3.5 million if she terminated the deal after this season, with the sum decreasing to $2 million in the final year of the deal.

    The new terms are that USC would owe Staley the full amount of the remaining contract if she were to be terminated, which could be lessened should Staley get another college job. If Staley wants to terminate the deal herself, she would owe USC the full amount of the remaining contract, with one exception.

    If Staley were to take an assistant or head coach job in the NBA or WNBA, she would owe USC nothing. Staley has been contacted by multiple NBA teams over the past few years to talk about their head-coaching positions.

    Her incentives remained the same. Staley hit every one last year and earned an extra $680,000.

    Staley finished her 16th season at USC in April with her third title and just the 10th perfect season in women’s college basketball history. She did it despite replacing every starter from a 2022-23 team that went 36-1 and advanced to the Final Four.

    She is 269-31 since 2016-17, the year of her first title, and 121-12 in the SEC. The Gamecocks have won eight SEC regular-season championships, eight SEC Tournaments and advanced to six Final Fours under Staley’s leadership, and since the new decade began, USC has been the best program in the country.

    Since 2019-20, the season with no NCAA Tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gamecocks are a glittering 184-10 and have lost just three SEC regular-season games. They were 32-1 that season and certainly seemed destined for the Final Four but settled for making it in every season since.

    USC is 126-4 over the past 3½ seasons and has won 91 of its past 93 games, an SEC-record 52 straight regular-season league games and two national championships. The Gamecocks were ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 for 61 of 63 weeks coming into this season before being knocked out by UCLA, but USC hasn’t lost since and is currently ranked No. 2.





    The University of South Carolina women’s basketball head coach, Dawn Staley, has received a contract bump after leading the Gamecocks to multiple successful seasons.

    Staley’s contract extension includes a raise in salary and additional incentives for her continued success with the team. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have consistently been a top contender in the SEC and nationally, making multiple NCAA tournament appearances and earning a national championship in 2017.

    Staley’s dedication to the program and her ability to recruit top talent has been instrumental in the team’s success. Fans are excited to see what the future holds for the Gamecocks under her continued leadership.

    Congratulations to Coach Staley on her well-deserved contract bump, and here’s to many more successful seasons ahead for the USC Gamecocks women’s basketball team.

    Tags:

    1. Gamecocks basketball
    2. Dawn Staley contract
    3. USC Gamecocks sports news
    4. South Carolina Gamecocks
    5. Dawn Staley salary increase
    6. NCAA women’s basketball
    7. University of South Carolina athletics
    8. Gamecocks coach contract update
    9. Dawn Staley extension
    10. Gamecocks basketball coach.

    #Gamecocks #Dawn #Staley #receives #contract #bump #USC #Gamecocks #Sports

  • Angel Reese receives heartfelt admiration from $422,685 rival for rebounding dominance despite lack of appreciation


    Chicago Sky star forward Angel Reese received appreciation and love from fellow All-Star Skylar Diggins-Smith of the Seattle Storm for the eventful WNBA rookie she had, where she established herself as workmanlike off the boards.

    Diggins-Smith, who signed a two-year, $422,685 contract with the Storm last year, guested on the Unapologetically Angel podcast and shared her thoughts on what Reese was able to accomplish in her first year in the pros. The 10-year veteran guard highlighted that despite not given the recognition she deserved by many, the Sky rookie did well, especially as a rebounding force.

    She said:

    “You can do too much passing, too much shooting, too much dribbling… ain’t no coach gonna tell you, you did too much rebounding… you have a knack for the ball, and you always have.”

    Selected seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft out of LSU, Angel Reese had instant impact in Chicago, becoming a true double-double force. She finished her rookie campaign with averages of 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. She was named an All-Star in her first year while finishing second in the rookie of the year voting.

    Along the way she had her share of doubters, particularly with her ability to score, but she did not pay too much attention to them and instead vowed to work on her offensive game in the offseason.

    Angel Reese, Skylar Diggins-Smith featured in newly formed league Unrivaled

    Angel Reese and Skylar Diggins-Smith are among the WNBA stars featured in the newly formed 3-on-3 Unrivaled Basketball League, which tips off its inaugural season on Friday in Miami, Florida.

    Founded by Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty) and Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), Unrivaled is designed to provide a viable alternative for women professional players to showcase their talent while earning good money during the WNBA offseason.

    Thirty-six WNBA players, spread across six teams, are participating in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, which will run from Jan. 17 to March 17, including the playoffs.

    Angel Reese will play for Rose Basketball Club, along with Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury), Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces), Lexie Hull (Indiana Fever), Azura Stevens (LA Sparks) and Brittney Sykes (Washinton Mystics). She is coming off a solid WNBA rookie season where she was a rebounding demon, something she looks to continue doing in Unrivaled.

    Diggins-Smith, meanwhile, is playing for Lunar Owls Basketball Club, joining league co-founder Collier, Shakira Austin (Mystics), Cameron Brink (Sparks), Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream) and Courtney Williams (Lynx). Last WNBA campaign, the veteran guard had averages of 15.1 points and career-high 5.5 assists and 1.7 steals.

    Unrivaled games will be aired over Warner Bros Discovery’s TNT Sports.