LeBron James is wealthiest athlete on Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — Lebron James has been identified as the highest earning NBA player through Instagram, a recent report said.

With his 54.7 million followers, the Los Angeles Lakers forward, now on his 16th year in the league, reportedly earns $300,850 per sponsored post, a study by Online Gambling Canada revealed.

Following him for the second spot is Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, who has some 28.2 million followers and earns $155,100 with each post.

The two are trailed in the rankings by Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving, who rake in $83,000, $79,750 and $74,800 per post, respectively.

"Whether it’s shooting hoops or enjoying their multi-million dollar homes, it’s safe to say the players know how to entertain their audiences, on and off the court. However, the entertaining doesn’t come at a cheap price," Online Gambling said.

Of the study's methodology, the website said, "Using Instagram we were able to compile a list of the highest followed NBA players, sports athletes & celebrities.  We used the Hopper HQ Instagram Rich List combined with Later to establish how much all of individuals earned per sponsored Insta post."

"From this we were able to compare earnings across the different verticals, which allowed our client to form their piece," they added.

Despite the eye-popping numbers, the NBA superstars' Instagram earnings are still no match for their celebrity counterparts.

For instance, Kylie Jenner tops the list of celebrity Instagram earnings with a whopping $1,266,000 earned with every Instagram post.

Professional footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, too, rakes in $975,000 every time he posts on the social media platform.

New uniforms do away with home and away designations

Nike has unveiled new NBA uniforms for the 2017-2018 season that dispense with traditional ‘home’ and ‘away’ team designations.

The home team will instead pick from four primary uniforms to be worn at all home games and visiting teams will choose a contrasting uniform within their own assortment.

White ‘Association’ uniforms will replace the typical home jersey, while the ‘Icon’ version uses the team’s primary color and replaces the road uniforms.

Nike, which has replaced Adidas as the NBA’s uniform supplier, will reveal the two remaining uniforms in the coming months.

The world’s No. 1 footwear maker said on Tuesday that it employed 3D-body maps of players, including heat and sweat maps, to design cooler, lighter uniforms for players to wear during the NBA’s grueling 82-game season.

NBA players tested early versions of the uniforms and provided feedback that prompted Nike to evolve the designs in ways that included moving the armhole, neck and side seams to eliminate distractions for athletes, the company said.

“The mental advantage of a quality uniform is priceless,” Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving said in a press release.

“The fact that Nike listened to all of our feedback while developing the new NBA uniforms speaks volumes. I’m excited for the new fit and feel,” he said.

The most significant change comes to the back shoulder of the uniform where Nike designers altered the construction for an improved fit, the company said.

The uniform is comprised of a combination of Alpha Yarns and recycled polyester, with each athlete uniform representing approximately 20 recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles.

“Not only does this yarn blend match Nike’s broad commitment to sustainability, it also removes moisture more quickly than previous NBA uniforms, wicking sweat 30-percent faster than current NBA uniforms,” Nike said in a release.

Nike will also unveil new tights and socks to complement the uniforms and provide a seamless look for the athletes, it said.

source: interaksyon.com

Lacuna second to fall in Rio; places 46th in 400m freestyle

MANILA, Philippines – Jessie Lacuna is the second Filipino athlete to fall in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after finishing 6th in heat 2 and 46th overall in the 400m freestyle competition, Sunday morning.

Lacuna, one of the 50 swimmers to dispute the eight slots for the next phase, clocked 4:01:70, the second worst in heat 2. His finished 46th overall.

The 23-year-old swimmer from Ateneo de Manila University raced in a heat of seven swimmers.

His personal best in the 400m freestyle  is 3:59.75.

Venezuelan Cristian Quintero registered the quickest time in the same heat, but he wound up finishing 33rd in the final ranking.

American Dwyer Conor logged the best time of 3:43.42.

Lacuna, who currently holds the record 2015 SEA Games record of 2:00.9 in the 200m butterfly, is the second casualty the Philippine contingent suffered in the Games.

The Bulacan native also competed in the 2012 Olympics in London, where he ranked 36th in heat 2. He was the youngest athlete in that year's Philippine contingent.

Earlier, Ian Lariba bowed out of contention in the hands of naturalized Congo paddler and frequent training mate, Han Xing in the women's table tennis singles.

The Philippine crew is now down to 11 athletes.

Charly Suarez is next to see action. He will take on Great Britain's Joe Cordina in the men's lightweight boxing which begins Sunday, 5 a.m.

source: philstar.com

Kobe and Andre: Rookies of the year

MANILA, Philippines - Both smart, good looking, and star athletes, one would think it would be the perfect recipe for silent competition. But the Paras brothers give off no such vibe or tension as they joke and laugh all over each other on set. These are boys who genuinely look out for each other, even as the limelight starts to seep in.

At a time when it’s hard to come by the total package, Andre and Kobe Paras prove that athleticism, intelligence, and pleasant features still do fall into one, or two, people. Already towering at 6’3 at only 17 and 15 respectively, the brothers undoubtedly get their build and court talent from their dad Benjie Paras. Their features, on the other hand, are to be credited to their estranged mom (although considering current issues, we’re not so sure they appreciate this being pointed out).

It’s been said many times that Andre and Kobe are following in their dad’s footsteps. On top of playing for their respective basketball teams in school — Andre for the UP Fighting Maroons, and Kobe for La Salle Greenhills — and recently dunking for none other than Lebron James, they have also signed with Viva, to be co-managed by Benjie himself.  And as formidable as it is to have the genes and the lineage going for them, we at Supreme believe the boys have it in them to surpass even that. In this interview, we tap into Andre and Kobe as individuals, the kind of men they see themselves growing into, and how they intend to make their own mark.


Andre Paras, 17

Is there any rivalry between the two of you? No rivalry because we play different positions. I play center while Kobe plays guard.

Everyone knows your dad’s a PBA star, but what drew you to basketball, personally? I play simply because it’s fun. Dad didn’t tell me to get into the sport, but when I started playing with my friends (street basketball), I realized that I enjoy it and that I am skilled in basketball. Being tall is of course an advantage, too.

What’s your take in joining showbiz? For me, showbiz is just a means to make money and save up at this early age, while I am still in school. I am able to buy the things I like (with this income) because it was never my habit to ask my parents for money. I also like making people happy whenever I do TV guestings, but I definitely won’t join the business just to become famous.

You won’t mind being publicly subjected to intriga? Especially since you’ve been getting a good taste of it even before jumping in. Intrigues are unavoidable when you’re in the limelight. But I really prefer to not be talked about. Since I can’t avoid it, I just answer the questions as honestly as I could and hope that whoever wants to know will be satisfied with my truthful response.

Showbiz writers keep saying that you’re following in the footsteps of your dad, but how do you plan to do things differently and make your own mark? I did not intend to follow in his footsteps, it just happened. I will probably be different in the sense that our playing styles are not the same and I am more focused on becoming a filmmaker or director than just being in front of the camera.

People like to make a lot of jokes about the UP Fighting Maroons, of which you are a member. If you were to come up with a comeback, what would you say? Antay lang kayo. But to the UP fans, to the alumni, your undying support has been overwhelming. Salamat dahil manalo, matalo, nandyan pa rin kayo.

You’re currently taking up film. Interesting choice. Why’d you pick it? Just to clarify, I entered UP via the varsity program and when I got in, there were no more freshmen slots for film so I am currently housed in the College of Human Kinetics instead of the College of Mass Communications. I plan to shift to film, given the chance. That is the goal. I chose that course because I realized that I have a talent for these things. As early as my grade school years, my parents already saw that the home videos I made with my brother were creative and quite good so I decided, why not pursue making movies as a profession?

In a recent interview, you said you don’t pay attention to aggressive girls ’cause you don’t have the time. Are you aware that this is exactly the kind of attitude that lures them in? Really? I am not exactly aware of that because I am always just in UP and, thankfully, no girl has behaved that way around me in my campus.

If ever you join showbiz, what kind of roles/image would you like to project? Parang medyo bagay sa ’yo ang mga edgy, medyo bad boy types of roles.

Oh I like that — edgy, medyo bad boy. That is so different from my real-life character so that will probably be fun to portray. I want to do in front of the camera things that I don’t normally do in my everyday life. Haha.

Aside from basketball and acting, what other interests would you like to pursue? I hear you also rap. I am aware that I am not as good a rapper as those who are doing it professionally. It’s something that I coincidentally can do, more for entertainment, thus I was given the opportunity to do it on TV. Actually, it is really filmmaking that I am interested in doing in the long haul.

What’s next for Andre Paras? Not yet thinking about that now. I’d like to finish college first and then we’ll see from there. Hopefully, bigger doors and better opportunities will come my way in the next few years.





Kobe Paras, 15

Is there any rivalry between the two of you? No, we play different positions. We even used to play together (NCAA Juniors varsity), so it’s not like we compete for playing time

Everyone knows your dad’s a PBA star, but what drew you to basketball, personally? Dad didn’t force us to play basketball. It just happened when we started playing in the park with our friends when I was about nine years old and we discovered that both Andre and I can become good at this sport.

What’s your take in joining showbiz? It’s just a means to have an income while I’m in school. It’s also nice to see happy faces and hear positive feedback whenever I come out on TV.

You won’t mind being publicly subjected to intriga? Especially since you’ve been getting a good taste of it even before jumping in. No choice, I had to get used to it early on. But as Icona Pop says, “I don’t care....” ;-)

Showbiz writers keep saying that you’re following in the footsteps of your dad, but how do you plan to do things differently and make your own mark? Not intentional, we just happen to have the same talent, although our games are very different. Dad played center, while I play guard.

Do you mind or do you like the fact that you were named after an NBA star? Haha! Actually, it’s not like I can do anything about it because Dad chose that name for me, so I just embrace it. Nothing wrong since Kobe Bryant is a really good NBA player anyway.

How’d it feel dunking in front of Lebron James? No jelly knees, jelly fingers? Jelly everything! I couldn’t sleep the night before, nerves just at the thought of meeting him. And when I got to dunk with him in front of me, it was so surreal. I had another sleepless night that evening.

Do you see yourself eventually playing basketball professionally? Yes.

What do you do when you’re not studying or on the court? I play the guitar and I cook, too.

In showbiz, what kind of roles would you like to play? Comedy, perhaps?

College is not too far away for you. Have you thought about what you’d like to take up? I’m usually in the kitchen when I know I don’t have anything scheduled for the day, so I will probably take up Culinary Arts or HRM.

What’s next for Kobe Paras? No idea. Just living it a day at a time and leaving it up to God.

source: philstar.com

Lance Armstrong banned from Ironman over doping probe

(CNN) -- Champion cyclist Lance Armstrong won't be allowed to compete in triathlon contests while he's under investigation for doping, the World Triathlon Corporation announced Thursday.

The ruling bars him from the Ironman France competition scheduled for June 24 in Nice, the agency said.

WTC rules "dictate an athlete is ineligible to compete during an open investigation. Armstrong is therefore suspended from competing in WTC-owned and licensed races pending further review," the WTC said in a statement.

Armstrong said Wednesday the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency intends to "dredge up discredited" doping allegations against him in a bid to strip him of his seven Tour de France victories.

The champion cyclist has always insisted he never took performance-enhancing drugs.

Armstrong was accused of using such drugs by other riders, but never failed a drug test.

"Unlike many of my accusers, I have competed as an endurance athlete for 25 years with no spike in performance, passed more than 500 drug tests and never failed one," Armstrong said on his website. "That USADA ignores this fundamental distinction and charges me instead of the admitted dopers says far more about USADA, its lack of fairness and this vendetta than it does about my guilt or innocence."

The Washington Post said it received a copy of a 15-page agency letter sent Tuesday to Armstrong and several others.

Justice Department prosecutors in February said they closed a criminal investigation after reviewing allegations against Armstrong. They had called witnesses to a federal grand jury in Los Angeles, but they apparently determined they lacked evidence to bring a charge that Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs.

"These are the very same charges and the same witnesses that the Justice Department chose not to pursue after a two-year investigation," Armstrong said Wednesday.

According to the Post, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency alleged it collected blood samples from Armstrong in 2009 and 2010 that were "fully consistent with blood manipulation including EPO use and/or blood transfusions." The allegations were previously unpublicized, according to the Post.

Prosecutors drop Lance Armstrong doping investigation

The letter says Armstrong and five former cycling team associates engaged in a doping conspiracy from 1998 to 2011, the Post reported. Riders will testify that Armstrong used EPO, blood transfusions, testosterone and masking agents, and that he distributed and administered drugs to other cyclists from 1998 to 2005, the Post quoted the letter as saying.

In a statement obtained by CNN, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis T. Tygart said the five other people, formerly associated with the U.S. Postal Service pro cycling team, are three team doctors and two team officials. The letter included written notice of alleged anti-doping rule violations, Tygart said

"USADA only initiates matters supported by the evidence," Tygart said. "We do not choose whether or not we do our job based on outside pressures, intimidation or for any reason other than the evidence." All named individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise, he added.

His statement did not mention anything about Armstrong's status as a triathlete.

According to its website, the quasi-government agency is recognized as the official anti-doping agency for Olympic, Pan American and Paralympic events in the United States.

Armstrong lashed out at the organization, saying it has "self-written rules" and that it punishes first and adjudicates the facts later.

Armstrong has been dogged by allegations of drug abuse in recent years, with compatriot Floyd Landis -- who was found guilty of doping in the 2006 Tour de France, resulting in him being stripped of the title -- making a series of claims last year.

Armstrong came out fighting once again in May 2011 in the face of fresh allegations made on the CBS News "60 Minutes" show by another American, Tyler Hamilton.

In the CBS interview, Hamilton -- who retired in 2009 after twice testing positive himself -- says he first saw Armstrong use blood boosting substance EPO in 1999, the year of his first Tour de France victory.

"I saw it in his refrigerator," Hamilton told the American news program. "I saw him inject it more than one time like we all did, like I did many, many times."

On his Twitter page, Armstrong at the time said he never failed a drug test.

Ex-teammate: I saw Lance Armstrong inject banned substances

article source: CNN

NFL: Seau death puts spotlight on concussions and depression

The death of former San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau has again put the spotlight on the possibility of a link between concussions and depression so severe it drives professional athletes to take their lives.

Seau's death on Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time) from a gunshot wound to the chest in an apparent suicide will sound all too familiar to shaken fans of the NFL.

Last month, former Atlanta defensive back Ray Easterling, a plaintiff in concussion-related lawsuits against the NFL, died of an apparent suicide as did Chicago safety Dave Duerson, who shot himself in the chest last year and left a note asking his family to donate his brain to the NFL brain bank for study.

Even the NHL and their fans have wrestled with similar tragedies as tough guys Rick Rypien, Derek Boogaard and Wade Belak all died last offseason.

On the surface, their three deaths appear eerily similar as they all made a living on the unforgiving fringes of the sport, NHL enforcers who earned pay checks by dispensing punishment on opposing players.

The three deaths in four months brought uncomfortable questions as to whether the events were a tragic coincidence or a sign of a deadly problem.

Now the NFL, the players and their lawyers are asking the same tough questions.

Alarm bells have been ringing in the NFL for several years as battered players stepped forward with tales of dementia and memory loss they believe to be the result of repeated blows to their heads during long careers.

According to NFLConcussionLitigation.com, 61 concussion-related lawsuits have been filed against the league by dozens of players, who allege the league negligently misled them about the dangers of concussions and other head injuries.

Brain disease

A report by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as 3.8 million athletes suffer a concussion each year in the United States.

"Depression & suicide are serious matters and we as current and former NFL players should demand better treatment. Lack of info ... no more!!!," former Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith said on his Twitter account.

"And for you current players who think this issue doesn't effect u. Get your head out of your but. Where u r 2day was his [Seau's] yesterday."

Seau spent 20 seasons in the NFL terrorizing running backs and receivers but there is, so far, no proof that his death can be linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head which can only be diagnosed after death.

There is, however, mounting evidence that many professional football and hockey players suffered from CTE in their careers.

Duerson's brain, examined by Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy found "indisputable" evidence of CTE in the tissue.

"NFL players often experience post-concussion syndrome," said James Johnston Jr., M.D., assistant professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in a statement. "They have a higher rate of depression, substance abuse, and dementia compared to the general population - it's thought this is connected to head impacts." - Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com