Mets Showed Soto The $$$

Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

By Matthew Kennedy 

For almost a century the New York Yankees stood alone at the summit of North American sports. Not only was their financial backing unmatched, but they had a certain aura around them that convinced both players and fans of each new generation to bet on them. They signed the biggest names, made the boldest moves, and time and time again proved that in baseball, cash is king. Not only did the Bombers draft and sign elite prospects like Mickey Mantle, Thurman Munson, and Derek Jeter, they also consistently singled out the right star players for trades and in free agency that almost always paid off in championship rings. From Reggie Jackson to Paul O’Neill to Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees ability to play their cards right and go “all in” on the right piece has been crucial to their unparalleled success. 

But the landscape in New York has shifted. The Yankees’ perennial shadow, the New York Mets, now stand poised to challenge the status quo. Under the ownership of Steve Cohen, the Mets refuse to settle for mediocrity in a city that demands greatness. Their most audacious move yet? Luring Juan Soto—one of the game’s brightest stars—away from their crosstown rivals with a record-shattering $765 million, 15-year contract. At just 26, Soto is already a World Series champion and a lock for the Hall of Fame. Though his lone season in the Bronx helped the Yankees reach their first World Series in 15 years, it is the Mets who have secured his talents for the rest of his career. In many ways, this signing feels like the Mets taking a page from the Yankees’ playbook, going “all in” to rewrite their legacy.

For the Mets, Steve Cohen’s era has brought unprecedented ambition and a willingness to spend big, matched by a newfound confidence to win over a loyal fan base. Despite a decade of free-agent misfires, fate seemed to smile on the Mets last season, rewarding their boldness with an unexpected trip to the NLCS. Ironically, that playoff run was driven less by high-priced stars and more by under-the-radar contributors (aside from Francisco Lindor) and a core of affordable yet clutch performers.

The decision to invest so heavily in Soto is undoubtedly a gamble, but it’s a move Yankees fans know all too well. For decades, the Bronx Bombers thrived on similar risks, while the Mets languished as spectators to their success. Even in the 2000 Subway Series, the Mets were never truly seen as a threat, further encapsulating the Yankees refusal to take them seriously. Now, however, Mets fans see this moment as karmic justice—a long-overdue shift in the power dynamic between the two franchises. For a team that spent generations as New York’s punchline, stealing the Yankees’ thunder feels like poetic retribution. 

But it all doesn’t matter unless the Mets win a title, and that’s something they haven’t done since 1986. Big bucks or not, World Series are won mostly by grit, determination, and a certain gene that can’t quite be put into words – and certainly cannot be bought. We will see if the Mets have it this year. One thing is for sure though: Juan Soto has gone from perhaps the most beloved player in the Bronx to public enemy #1. His betrayal can never – and will never – be forgiven.

On a quiet day in South Dakota, Travis Duffy found himself at the center of a baffling police confrontation. The YouTuber, known for his barbecue channel “Last Call Heroes BBQ,” was waiting for his chicken meal at a gas station when he snapped a few Snapchat messages to friends. Unbeknownst to him, one of the images may have inadvertently included a fellow customer. Hours later, Duffy’s evening took an unexpected turn as Brandon police officers appeared at his front door, questioning his intentions.

The officers, responding to a woman’s complaint that she had been photographed in public, admitted Duffy had broken no laws. However, they insisted on inspecting his phone, raising questions about whether the interaction crossed a line. While visibly uneasy, Duffy complied, handing over his phone—despite having no legal obligation to do so. Critics argue that the encounter highlights a troubling trend of law enforcement misinterpreting the rights of citizens.

For former police officer-turned-activist Abiyah Israel, the situation was a glaring example of overreach. Through his YouTube channel, “We the People University,” Israel educates viewers on their rights in such encounters. “He didn’t have to open the door, let alone show them his phone,” Israel remarked in a critique of the Brandon Police Department’s actions. “This was not illegal. The officers should have dismissed the call entirely. Their job is to enforce the law, not intervene in lawful activities like taking pictures in public.”

Duffy, who described the incident as humiliating, later expressed his frustration online. In a video shared with his audience, he recounted how he was publicly accused of inappropriate behavior in front of his neighbors. “I was bullied in my own front yard,” he said, adding that his surveillance cameras captured the entire exchange. The footage, which he posted on YouTube, has since sparked widespread discussion about privacy and the boundaries of police authority.

The Brandon Police Department defended their actions, claiming they acted appropriately. But critics, including Israel, argue that the officers’ suggestion for Duffy to “refrain from taking pictures of other people in public places” was an unlawful order. “Knowing your rights is essential,” Israel emphasized. “Never waive them. Always record these encounters and stand firm on your rights.” The case has ignited conversations about the balance between public freedom and law enforcement discretion, illustrating the delicate line between vigilance and overreach.

Sorry Times For Big Blue Fans

Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

By Samori Benjamin

The Giants fell to the New Orleans Saints Sunday afternoon 14-11 at the Meadowlands. The Giants have not won a home game this season and at 0-7 they are the only team in the NFL yet to win a home game. Drew Lock made the start for the Giants for the second straight week. He completed just 21 of 49 passes for no touchdowns and one interception. The Giants only touchdown of the game came on a one-yard touchdown run by Tyrone Tracy which brought them to within three points with 4:14 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Giants would get the ball back two other times with the first drive ending with an interception and the final drive ending with New Orleans blocking a 35-yard field goal attempt by Giants Kicker Graham Gano in the final seconds. “Disappointing game, it came down there to the end with a blocked field,” said Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll after the game. “It’s a disappointing outcome to the game.” The Giants record now stands at 2-11. They play Lamar Jackson, Derick Henry, and the high-powered Baltimore Ravens this Sunday at home with three games remaining after that.

A night of music turned into a scene of chaos at the Ideal Sports Bar in southeast Atlanta, where a confrontation between a performing band and patrons spiraled into a violent melee. The incident, which left multiple people injured, was reportedly triggered by racially and politically charged remarks during the performance, igniting tensions that escalated beyond control.

Witnesses recounted the moments leading up to the brawl, which began with heckling from patrons following comments made by band members. The atmosphere grew increasingly hostile when a patron reportedly used a racial slur directed at the band’s Black members. Security footage later showed one of the musicians, a young Black guitarist, provoking an older white patron near a pool table, further stoking the confrontation.

The altercation quickly descended into physical violence, with punches thrown and pool cues wielded as weapons. Amid the chaos, furniture was overturned, and one woman, associated with the band, was pinned against a pool table and struck repeatedly. Video captured the frenzied scene, which included bloodstains on the floor and patrons scrambling to avoid the brawl.

The bar’s owners addressed the incident in a social media statement, condemning the violence and announcing a ban on all individuals involved in instigating the fight. They acknowledged the role both parties played in escalating the conflict and emphasized plans to implement stricter screening of bands to avoid future incidents. “There is no room for hate at the Ideal Sports Bar,” the statement read, underscoring their commitment to cooperation with law enforcement.

The incident has sparked broader discussions about tensions in public spaces and the responsibility of venues to maintain safety. As investigations continue, the local community and the bar are left grappling with the fallout from the violent evening, which exposed deep-seated issues that extend far beyond a single night’s events.

Kat and Knicks Playing for the Cup

Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

By Andrew Rosario

Another Triple Double For Hart

Photo: Specia to the NY Beacon

The New York Knicks are on a roll. When they hosted the Orlando Magic (15-7) Wednesday night they came into the game having won 6 of their last 8 games. After the Knicks easily handled Orlando 121-106, they upped their record to 13-8 (7-2) at home winning 7 of their last 9 games.

It looked like it would be a dog fight for New York as Orlando came out on fire hitting their first 3-point attempts taking an early lead 9-2 lead. The Knicks would close the gap to 9-6 after two Jalen Brunson free throws. The Magic extended their lead to 14-6 when New York decided to start playing defense. The Knicks closed out the Magic on a 30-13 run to finish the quarter 36-27. They never looked back.

4 of the Knicks 5 starters scored in double figures in the second half with Myles (Deuce) Mc Bride adding 10 points off the bench as he connected on 3 of 4, 3-pointers from downtown. The result was a 20-point (71-51) halftime lead. The onslaught continued in the third quarter as Orlando allowed 35 more points with New York taking a 106-75 lead going into the final quarter the fourth quarter was merely a formality and garbage time with the Magic winning their only quarter of the night 31-15 in the 121-106 loss. ln the end, Karl Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 23 points, Brunson finished with 21and Mc Bride 18 as he drained 5 of 7, 3-pointers. Not lost was Josh Hart adding another triple-double with 13 rebounds.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau was thrilled at how the team shared the ball. “l love how unselfish we were,” he began. “l thought we made great reads. When we got kin to the paint, just making the extra pass, creating the right space and then cutting which got us going downhill.”

The win catapulted the Knicks into the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup tournament Wednesday, December 11^th when they host the Atlanta Hawks. Before that, New York will host the Hornets Thursday night, Detroit Saturday night before going on the road to face the Raptors Monday night.

It may only be a mid-season tournament but it is something the team has its eyes on. Said Towns, “NBA Cup bringing out the best of all of us.”

Kat and Knicks Playing for the Cup

Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

By Andrew Rosario

Another Triple Double For Hart

Photo: Specia to the NY Beacon

The New York Knicks are on a roll. When they hosted the Orlando Magic (15-7) Wednesday night they came into the game having won 6 of their last 8 games. After the Knicks easily handled Orlando 121-106, they upped their record to 13-8 (7-2) at home winning 7 of their last 9 games.

It looked like it would be a dog fight for New York as Orlando came out on fire hitting their first 3-point attempts taking an early lead 9-2 lead. The Knicks would close the gap to 9-6 after two Jalen Brunson free throws. The Magic extended their lead to 14-6 when New York decided to start playing defense. The Knicks closed out the Magic on a 30-13 run to finish the quarter 36-27. They never looked back.

4 of the Knicks 5 starters scored in double figures in the second half with Myles (Deuce) Mc Bride adding 10 points off the bench as he connected on 3 of 4, 3-pointers from downtown. The result was a 20-point (71-51) halftime lead. The onslaught continued in the third quarter as Orlando allowed 35 more points with New York taking a 106-75 lead going into the final quarter the fourth quarter was merely a formality and garbage time with the Magic winning their only quarter of the night 31-15 in the 121-106 loss. ln the end, Karl Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 23 points, Brunson finished with 21and Mc Bride 18 as he drained 5 of 7, 3-pointers. Not lost was Josh Hart adding another triple-double with 13 rebounds.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau was thrilled at how the team shared the ball. “l love how unselfish we were,” he began. “l thought we made great reads. When we got kin to the paint, just making the extra pass, creating the right space and then cutting which got us going downhill.”

The win catapulted the Knicks into the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup tournament Wednesday, December 11^th when they host the Atlanta Hawks. Before that, New York will host the Hornets Thursday night, Detroit Saturday night before going on the road to face the Raptors Monday night.

It may only be a mid-season tournament but it is something the team has its eyes on. Said Towns, “NBA Cup bringing out the best of all of us.”

The expansion of the program has also led to the formation of new partnerships, most notably with Pharrell Williams’ nonprofit organization, Black Ambition. This collaboration significantly enhances the support network available to participants, offering them a tailored curriculum that includes mentorship opportunities and workshops specifically designed to refine their business acumen and increase their chances of success in a competitive market.

Among the promising new participants is Samad Hinton from Houston, who leads BLK Beetles, a venture dedicated to promoting wellness and community engagement through events that foster connection and health. His innovative approach not only addresses the physical well-being of individuals but also emphasizes the importance of community ties, making a positive impact in his local area. Another notable participant is Andrea Brown, a communications consultant specializing in assisting athletes as they navigate the complexities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements. Her expertise is crucial in helping athletes understand and leverage their personal brands in a rapidly evolving sports landscape, ensuring they can maximize their opportunities while maintaining authenticity.

As the Community LAB program continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs in the sports industry. By investing in diverse talent and fostering an inclusive environment, the program not only addresses systemic inequities but also enriches the sports sector with fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a broader range of perspectives. 

The sports industry is undergoing a significant transformation as an increasing number of Black and Latino entrepreneurs emerge as influential figures, largely due to their involvement in the Community LAB program. This groundbreaking initiative, sponsored by adidas, functions as a social accelerator aimed at empowering underrepresented business owners over an intensive eight-month period. Each participant is awarded a generous grant of $75,000, coupled with access to a comprehensive suite of resources designed to enhance their entrepreneurial journeys. The primary objective of the program is to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment within the sports sector, addressing long-standing disparities and creating opportunities for diverse voices to be heard and valued.

In an exciting development for the upcoming 2024-2025 cohort, the Community LAB program is set to expand its geographical footprint by introducing new locations, including Toronto and Houston, alongside its established hubs in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York. This strategic diversification not only amplifies the program’s impact but also highlights its commitment to nurturing vibrant communities across various regions. By championing diversity and equity, the program seeks to reshape the sports landscape, allowing the unique perspectives and experiences of its participants to shine through their respective businesses, ultimately enriching the industry as a whole.

The expansion of the program has also led to the formation of new partnerships, most notably with Pharrell Williams’ nonprofit organization, Black Ambition. This collaboration significantly enhances the support network available to participants, offering them a tailored curriculum that includes mentorship opportunities and workshops specifically designed to refine their business acumen and increase their chances of success in a competitive market.

Among the promising new participants is Samad Hinton from Houston, who leads BLK Beetles, a venture dedicated to promoting wellness and community engagement through events that foster connection and health. His innovative approach not only addresses the physical well-being of individuals but also emphasizes the importance of community ties, making a positive impact in his local area. Another notable participant is Andrea Brown, a communications consultant specializing in assisting athletes as they navigate the complexities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements. Her expertise is crucial in helping athletes understand and leverage their personal brands in a rapidly evolving sports landscape, ensuring they can maximize their opportunities while maintaining authenticity.

As the Community LAB program continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs in the sports industry. By investing in diverse talent and fostering an inclusive environment, the program not only addresses systemic inequities but also enriches the sports sector with fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a broader range of perspectives. 

The atmosphere in New York City has shifted dramatically, as the shocking news of Brian Thompson’s tragic death reverberates through the streets and beyond. Thompson, the esteemed CEO of United Healthcare’s Insurance division, was shot and killed in a brazen act of violence on Wednesday morning, right outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The NYPD has swiftly classified the incident as a “targeted attack,” raising questions about the motives behind such a heinous crime. The daylight shooting has left many in the community in disbelief, particularly given that Thompson was only 50 years old and in town for a conference aimed at discussing advancements in healthcare. The juxtaposition of a professional gathering with such a violent act has created a palpable tension in the air, as people grapple with the reality of living in a world where such tragedies can occur in plain sight.

Eyewitnesses have recounted harrowing details of the incident, describing a masked assailant who approached Thompson with chilling precision. As Thompson arrived early for the event, the shooter unleashed a barrage of gunfire using what witnesses have described as a “silent gun,” suggesting the use of a suppressor that muffled the sound of the shots. The attack unfolded at approximately 6:46 a.m. along the bustling Sixth Avenue, a location typically filled with the morning rush of commuters and tourists. Witnesses reported seeing the assailant fire multiple shots before making a hasty escape on a bicycle, weaving through the morning traffic. First responders arrived on the scene within moments, performing CPR in a desperate attempt to save Thompson’s life. Tragically, despite their valiant efforts, he was pronounced dead later at Mt. Sinai Hospital, leaving a void in the lives of those who knew him and the industry he served.

In the wake of this shocking event, social media has erupted with a flurry of reactions, as users express their outrage and concern. Many have taken the opportunity to criticize United Healthcare’s practices, particularly their controversial history of denying coverage to clients, which has led to significant public backlash in the past. Some users have speculated that the shooter may have been someone who had previously encountered difficulties with the company, suggesting a possible motive rooted in personal grievances. NYC Mayor Eric Adams has publicly addressed the situation, confirming that the evidence points to a targeted murder rather than a random act of violence. He reassured the public that law enforcement is actively pursuing leads to apprehend the suspect, announcing a $10,000 reward for any information that could assist in the investigation.

The little girl in the pink dress was throwing quite the tantrum, acting like a classic spoiled child. Her small frame was tense with frustration as she hurled groceries from the shopping cart, sending apples and cereal boxes tumbling to the floor. With each stomp of her tiny feet, the sound echoed through the aisles, a rhythmic protest that drew the eyes of many shoppers around her. The adults nearby, their faces a mix of concern and annoyance, attempted to intervene, their voices rising above the chaos in soothing tones, but the girl remained impervious to their efforts. She was lost in her own world of distress, her cries piercing through the ambient noise of the supermarket, creating a scene that was both alarming and captivating for onlookers.

Amber Gregory was right there, capturing the chaos on video, her phone held aloft as she recorded the unfolding drama. She found herself in the middle of it all, a reluctant witness to the spectacle, yet also a defender of the girl against those who were quick to judge. Some people, their brows furrowed in disapproval, assumed she was the girl’s mother, while others openly criticized her for not stepping in more forcefully to control the situation. “Why doesn’t she just take the child out of the store?” one woman muttered, her voice dripping with disdain. However, Gregory had a deeper understanding of what was really happening, a perspective shaped by her own experiences as a parent.

According to Gregory, the girl was actually a nonverbal, neurodivergent child who was overwhelmed and scared in the store, a place filled with bright lights, loud noises, and an array of unfamiliar faces. She explained that the girl couldn’t express her feelings or ask for help, which is why she was acting out in such a dramatic fashion. Instead of offering assistance or trying to understand the situation, most bystanders chose to film the incident, their phones capturing the moment for social media rather than stepping in to help. Gregory, who is a parent of a neurodivergent child herself, felt a wave of frustration wash over her at the lack of empathy shown by those around them. She wished they could see beyond the surface, to recognize the fear and confusion that lay beneath the girl’s outburst, and to respond with compassion rather than judgment. In that moment, she felt a deep sense of solidarity with the little girl, knowing all too well the challenges faced by those who navigate the world differently.

A recent event at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta involving Delta Airlines has gained significant attention, highlighting a contentious interaction between a passenger and an airport staff member. This incident, which took place on Monday, drew the focus of bystanders and has ignited discussions surrounding customer service and the behavior of travelers.

Footage of the incident, obtained by TMZ, reveals a heated confrontation that occurred on the jet bridge after a Delta flight arrived from Albany, New York. The video depicts a visibly agitated passenger, who was using crutches and had a foot in a cast, engaged in a loud dispute with a wheelchair service employee. Witnesses indicated that the individual had been waiting for an extended period for wheelchair assistance and expressed his dissatisfaction in an aggressive manner.

As the situation escalated, the passenger directed a series of profanities towards the employee, including derogatory remarks. Despite the employee’s attempts to de-escalate the situation, the tension necessitated intervention from airport personnel, who separated the two parties. Although law enforcement was summoned, they ultimately chose not to arrest the passenger. In response to the incident, Delta Airlines emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior, reaffirming their dedication to maintaining a respectful atmosphere for both staff and travelers. This incident has reignited discussions about the treatment of airline employees and the expectations placed on passengers during challenging travel experiences.