'And Just Like That' Star Cynthia Nixon on Why Miranda's New Love Interest Is 'Wonderful in a Different Way Than Steve'New Foto - 'And Just Like That' Star Cynthia Nixon on Why Miranda's New Love Interest Is 'Wonderful in a Different Way Than Steve'

SPOILER ALERT:This story contains spoilers for "Apples to Apples," Season 3, Episode 4 of "And Just Like That," now streaming on Max. Miranda Hobbes is in a place we've never seen her before — living as a single queer woman dating in New York. More from Variety Sarah Jessica Parker: Male Characters 'Can Be Murderers and People Love Them,' but a Woman 'Behaves Poorly' and She's Condemned by Viewers Sarita Choudhury on Seema's 'And Just Like That' Journey and Leaning Into Chaos Michael Patrick King on Aidan's 'And Just Like That' Reunion With Carrie: 'How Do We Make This Surprising?' As played by Cynthia Nixon, Miranda began the "Sex and the City" reboot series "And Just Like That" with her sexual awakening, diving into a relationship with nonbinary comedian Che Díaz (Sara Ramírez). Their Season 2 breakup forced Miranda into the dating pool (with which she was somewhat familiar) among fellow queer women (with which she was not). In the new season's fourth episode, Miranda tapes an appearance on the BBC that goes catastrophically wrong — at least as far as the perfectionist Miranda is concerned — when she slips and uses a crass anatomical term when trying to say the word "country." BBC producer Joy (Dolly Wells) sees the humor in the moment, and draws closer to Miranda as she cheers her up. The dynamic isn't unlike the one Miranda shared with ex-husband Steve (David Eigenberg), except Miranda, now, is fully herself. Nixon spoke toVarietyabout Miranda's dating journey and her journey so far in the series — including why the lighter plotline Miranda's living out this season feels like "a breather." It's a wonderful throwback — but dating a different gender of person. When Miranda was dating back in the day, it often didn't go well, but at least she was not out of practice. Now, she's super out of practice. She's dating an entirely different kind of person. And it's a brave new world of sexual politics; on dating apps, everything is different. So it felt really fun. Miranda is so focused on her competence, so it's always fun to plop her into a situation in which she is fairly incompetent. Dolly is so delightful. It's so fun to be acting with someone who is not just an actor but a writer and a director, and an inherently accomplished and serious person who also just has an overlay of cheekiness and funness and irreverence. She's such a good match for Miranda, and her jolly, snarky British humor to Miranda's… well, you know, Miranda's kind of didactic. It's so great, right? She de-catastrophizes where Miranda catastrophizes. It's not like Joy is the Buddha. She is a person with her own foibles and insecurities, and we get to see that she's not a perfect person by any stretch of the imagination. But she is wonderful in a very different way than Steve. Steve was a wonderful antidote to Miranda, and Joy is a wonderful antidote in a very different way. You're including Carrie as a single woman? No… I don't know! Yes and no. What's wonderful is — when Miranda tries to date the guacamole girl [a Mexican restaurant server in this season's second episode], and she just totally turns out to be straight. I suppose a straight person could try to date an opposite-gender person and find out they're gay, but that happens less. So I guess if I had to pick one, I would just say, it's just more disastrous dating stories. The writers may choose to add elements of all of our experiences. Michael Patrick King obviously knows us very well, as do the other writers, particularly Elisa Zuritsky and Julie Rottenberg, who were there on the original show. She really did — it was a lot of intensity. So it was fun to take a breather. Our show, whether it's the old show or the current show, is most quintessentially itself when people are having terrible dating experiences. This interview has been edited and condensed. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byLiam Oneel
in
June 20, 2025

‘And Just Like That’ Star Cynthia Nixon on Why Miranda’s New Love Interest Is ‘Wonderful in a Different Way Than Steve’

'And Just Like That' Star Cynthia Nixon on Why Miranda's New Love Interest Is 'Wonderful in a Different Way Than Steve' ...
Read More
Anna Camp's Candid Thoughts on Rebel Wilson Reunion in 'Bride Hard'New Foto - Anna Camp's Candid Thoughts on Rebel Wilson Reunion in 'Bride Hard'

Anna Camp's Candid Thoughts on Rebel Wilson Reunion in 'Bride Hard'originally appeared onParade. From a cappella bootcamp to full-blown action flicks, Anna Camp and Rebel Wilson's on-screen chemistry hasn't missed a beat. The longtime friends — who first met on the set ofPitch Perfectin 2012 — are back together in the new action-comedyBride Hard, and Camp is opening up about what it was really like working together again. Wedding disaster? We'll do you one better. (P.S. we got the shot 😉) See#BrideHardonly in theaters June 20.pic.twitter.com/PpdtyZ9G0G — Bride Hard (@bridehardmovie)May 22, 2025 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 "Rebel is always very collaborative; that's why I love working with her," the 42-year-oldTrue Bloodalum toldPeoplein an interview published Wednesday, June 18. "She's super funny, super talented, but also just very inclusive." Wilson, 45, had nothing but love in return. "Anna's like the funnest person, on set as well as off set," the Australian actress told the outlet. "She's always up for having a fun time." InBride Hard, Wilson plays Sam, a secret agent who has to go undercover as a maid of honor at her best friend's wedding. Things take a wild turn when mercenaries crash the party, forcing Sam into a full-blown rescue mission. Camp plays the bride-to-be at the center of the chaos. We hear the wedding Bell(as) 🔔🎶#BrideHard, starring Rebel Wilson and Anna Camp, is only in theaters June 20.pic.twitter.com/H1DV5Jidmx — Bride Hard (@bridehardmovie)June 3, 2025 That kind of ride-or-die energy isn't new for the pair. Their friendship goes all the way back to a steakhouse dinner in Baton Rouge, before filming even started onPitch Perfect. "We obviously clicked," Wilson recalled, laughing about how she ordered mac and cheese for dinner. "Wasn't the healthiest choice, but then again, I was playing Fat Amy." DespitePitch Perfect 3wrapping the trilogy back in 2017, the duo never lost touch. "I just feel super lucky getting to know somebody for 14 years," Camp said of theHustlestar. "You get to see them grow and change and become who they've always wanted to be." That includes watching Wilson build a family of her own. The comedian is now married to Ramona Agruma — whom she married in September 2024 — and shares a 2-year-old daughter, Royce. "You just get to experience all sides of a person," Camp added. "It's just been great." rebel wilson has officially married ramona agrumapic.twitter.com/blTT2p5Ho0 — sapphics like: (@sapphicslike)October 1, 2024 🐾SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends along with expert advice from veterinarians and pet trainers🐾 Meanwhile, Camp recently made things red carpet official with girlfriend Jade Whipkey. The two stepped out together at theBride Hardpremiere earlier this week, with Camp calling Whipkey, 24, her "date" and crediting her for "making me glow" in a sweetInstagramcaption. The couple first sparked dating rumors in May after sharing cozy posts on social media, including a poem Whipkey wrote about Camp's smile, laugh, and eyes. While they haven't said exactly when the romance began, theYouactress confirmed in aFebruary TikTokthat she's happily dating women. Anna Camp's Candid Thoughts on Rebel Wilson Reunion in 'Bride Hard'first appeared on Parade on Jun 19, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.

byLiam Oneel
in
June 20, 2025

Anna Camp's Candid Thoughts on Rebel Wilson Reunion in 'Bride Hard'

Anna Camp's Candid Thoughts on Rebel Wilson Reunion in 'Bride Hard' Anna Camp's Candid Thoughts on Rebel Wilson Reunion in ...
Read More
Red Sox visit Rafael Devers, Giants after stunning tradeNew Foto - Red Sox visit Rafael Devers, Giants after stunning trade

Rafael Devers will get a visit from his former team less than a week after he was traded when the Boston Red Sox venture into San Francisco to take on the Giants in the opener of a three-game series Friday night. Right-handers Hunter Dobbins (4-1, 3.74 ERA) of the Red Sox and Hayden Birdsong (3-1, 2.79) of the Giants, neither of whom has pitched against the opposition, are the scheduled starters in a game matching teams whose only communication previously this year was on the phone. After arm-wrestling with Red Sox management over his desire to play third base rather than serve as a designated hitter or play first base, Devers was dealt to the Giants on Sunday in a deal that shocked the baseball world. Pitchers Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks were among the four players acquired by Boston. Accepting a role as DH for his new team, Devers had three hits over three games against the Cleveland Guardians in his first series for the Giants, but didn't homer and had just one RBI. Giants manager Bob Melvin noted after San Francisco's 2-1 win over the Guardians on Thursday, when former DH Wilmer Flores was the hero with a two-run, pinch-hit double, that his club has been prepping Devers to play first base. It might even happen in the series against the team for which he balked at the idea. "We're going to try to get them both in (the lineup)," Melvin announced after using Devers at DH in all three games against the Guardians. Flores came off the bench twice, sandwiching one start at first base. "Once we get Raffy to play first base, then we get Flo back in the DH spot," Melvin continued. "Until we get Raffy up to speed, we get (Flores) to come off the bench in those types of situations (like Thursday's), which is really valuable." Flores was called upon with two on and the Giants trailing 1-0 in the seventh inning of the series finale vs. Cleveland. His two-run double down the left field line accounted for all of San Francisco's scoring. While the Giants and Devers were losing two of three to the Guardians, the Red Sox flew across the country without their leader in home runs and RBIs and took two of three from the Seattle Mariners to open the week. The series win came on the heels of a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees, but shortstop Trevor Story insisted there was something extra special about the success in Seattle. "It's big," said Story, whose 10th homer of the season was the difference-maker in the series-clinching 3-1 win on Wednesday. "(This is) kind of a pivotal point in our season. It could go one way or the other, and still a lot of baseball to be played. We felt like we responded well after something so big and kind of shocking." Red Sox youngsters Roman Anthony -- the game's No. 1 prospect according to MLB.com -- and Marcelo Mayer also homered in the series. They have never played in San Francisco's Oracle Park. The task of ruining Devers' first reunion falls to Dobbins, who has won his past two starts, beating the Yankees both times while allowing three runs and six hits over 11 innings. He received 15 runs of support in those games, including a home run from Devers in an 11-7 win at Yankee Stadium on June 8. Birdsong, who takes on a greater role in the Giants' rotation with Harrison gone, hasn't allowed more than three runs in any of his five starts since joining the starting staff on May 20. --Field Level Media

byLiam Oneel
in
June 20, 2025

Red Sox visit Rafael Devers, Giants after stunning trade

Red Sox visit Rafael Devers, Giants after stunning trade Rafael Devers will get a visit from his former team less than a week after he was t...
Read More
Lionel Messi: The player who's bigger than the club… and the FIFA Club World Cup tournament?New Foto - Lionel Messi: The player who's bigger than the club… and the FIFA Club World Cup tournament?

There's a well-worn cliché insoccer: No player is bigger than the club. At the newly expandedFIFA Club World Cupon Thursday in Atlanta, with the event still in its infancy, that old saying was tossed to the side and replaced by a question on the lips of the 31,783 in attendance – can a player be bigger than the tournament? The soccer star in question, of course, was a certain Lionel Andrés Messi, for whom the masses had made their pilgrimage to worship, as his Inter Miami took on Portuguese giant FC Porto in the second matchday of Group A. But until a magical Messi moment in the 54th minute, the match was in danger of becoming a mere sideshow to supporters expressing their admiration – actually, more like unbridled passion – for the 37-year-old who has long cemented his status as one of the greats of the sport. And let's face it: winning nearly everything of note for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain – as well as his country of Argentina, who is the reigning World Cup champion – doesn't exactly hurt his case. Ahead of kickoff outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it was evident how the pull of Messi knows no limits – or rather miles. While there were supporters from Atlanta in attendance,CNN Sportsspoke with families from Louisiana, Alabama, Charleston, Washington DC, and Buffalo, as well as Puerto Rico and Dublin, Ireland. They had made the journey for one reason, despite one fan doing his best to convince all in earshot, including himself, that "we are here for the football!" Inside, when Messi was introduced 30 minutes ahead of kickoff, the roar from thefairly sparse crowdresembled an environment more in keeping with a sold out stadium. It went up a couple of notches when he walked out again to a fuller house, as the players made their individual entrances to the field, seemingly a nod towards the Americanization of the sport – as FIFA President Gianni Infantinotold CNN Sports' Coy Wire recently, this tournament will deliver "63 Super Bowls in one month." Upon kickoff, with seemingly every touch of the ball from the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, the sounds from the stands ranged from "ooh's" to whistles, with the "Me-ssi!" chant the most popular. It was bordering on surprising that the crowd didn't serenade the Argentine with a chorus of "Happy Birthday" given the Barça legend turns 38 on Tuesday. The match was a slow-burner, but exploded into life in the second half. Inter Miami found itself a goal down at the break, courtesy of an early penalty from Porto's Samu Aghehowa. After the spot kick was converted, Messi's reaction from near the center circle was to keep his hand firmly on his hip and not move a muscle for a good 10 seconds in a manner which suggested: "This wasn't the plan." Perhaps, then, it was Porto which didn't plan on Inter Miami's rapid response. Just two minutes into the second half, Telasco Segovia's smart finish flew past goalkeeper Cláudio Ramos to level the score, and seven minutes later, Messi stepped up. In every way. A free kick on the edge of the box, which the Argentine star won, brought the crowd to the edge of their seats. A sense of inevitability hung in the air as the maestro marked his territory and figured out the exact angle to place a whipped shot into the corner of the net. You almost had to feel for Ramos, who couldn't lay a glove on either strike. The goal was a thing of beauty, as we have been treated to so frequently over the years, with Portuguese defender José Fonte lauding Messi on the DAZN broadcast: "Touched by God, isn't he? Incredible. What a player." The stunner ended up not just being the match winner but resulted in the first time a team from the CONCACAF region has defeated a European side in a competitive fixture. It was Messi's 50th goal for the team as well. Not too shabby for a Thursday afternoon in the middle of June. A point in the final group game against Brazilian outfit Palmeiras next Monday will guarantee Inter Miami's place in the knockout phase. Cutting through the noise and one wonders what the powers at be in FIFA make of it all. The sport's governing body essentially fast-tracked Inter Miami into the 32-team tournament, not by virtue of winning the MLS Cup, but rather the regular seasonSupporters' Shield, which may have come with a trophy, but is ultimately a pathway into the postseason. Messi and Miami were shockingly bounced last year in a best-of-three playoff series by the team which can normally be found playing at this stunning 70,000-capacity stadium, Atlanta United, with the MLS Cup eventually hoisted aloft by LA Galaxy. But the Seattle Sounders and LAFC completed the contingent of the three MLS sides in the Club World Cup, leaving the Galaxy on the outside looking in, gazing enviously at the brightest star of them all. And with the Club World Cup finally finding its feet, thanks to Messi's left foot resulting in one of the tournament's first signature moments, the reality remains that he is what has drawn the crowds here on Thursday, and last Saturday to boot, with the opening game of the tournament attracting over 60,000 fans to Hard Rock Stadium in Messi's American base of Miami. Inter Miami is a relatively new MLS franchise, with co-owner David Beckham – who may have felt a modicum of sympathy for his former club, the LA Galaxy, not getting an invite to FIFA's party – the original reason for this franchise gaining relevance in 2018. Whether the Club World Cup – which is set to take place every four years, the same cycle as theslightlymore established FIFA World Cup, which will be 96 years old next summer – can grow in stature remains to be seen. In the here and now, Messi and Messi alone is on the mind of everyone fortunate enough to witness him in action. And that extends to the players as well. When CNN Sports speaks with Messi's teammate Fafà Picault after the match, the three words the winger associates with the soccer superstar are "leader, winner, and winner again," before noting, "Sometimes, it's not always said with words but just with signals and body actions, so we try to read off of that. Obviously, we have conversations behind doors, but there's a lot more than just talking that can show signs of leadership." And on Thursday, Lionel Messi's actions spoke far louder than words. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byLiam Oneel
in
June 20, 2025

Lionel Messi: The player who’s bigger than the club… and the FIFA Club World Cup tournament?

Lionel Messi: The player who's bigger than the club… and the FIFA Club World Cup tournament? There's a well-worn cliché insoccer: No...
Read More
How to watch 'The Waterfront,' new series from 'Dawson's Creek' creatorNew Foto - How to watch 'The Waterfront,' new series from 'Dawson's Creek' creator

USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Move over, "Outer Banks": a new North Carolina-based drama series just hit Netflix. "The Waterfront"follows a prominent fishing family in coastal North Carolina whose legacy is at risk, according to the show's description. According toNetflix, the show's first season, which premiered on June 19, is "as much about family dynamics as they are about the lengths people will go to when their legacy is on the line." Kevin Williamson, the creator of hit shows like "Dawson's Creek" and "The Vampire Diaries," is the writer and executive producer of the show. It alsofeaturesa star-studded cast, including Holt McCallany, who is known for "Mindhunter," and Melissa Benoist, the former star of "Supergirl." Here's what to know about "The Waterfront" Season 1. Theshowfollows the Buckley family of Havenport, North Carolina. They have long dominated the town's fishing industry and restaurant scene, but the family's empire has started to crumble after patriarch Harlan Buckley suffered from two heart attacks, Netflix says. His wife, Belle, and son, Cane, are working to keep the family businesses afloat while daughter Bree faces her own struggles in addiction recovery, per Netflix. Williamson told Netflix's Tudumthe series is about trying to find the "lesser evil" in a difficult situation. "It's just about a bunch of people who make mistakes. They do some bad things and then they get in deeper and deeper and deeper," he said. "Sometimes they keep making worse mistakes and sometimes they find their way out and do the good thing." "The Waterfront" Season 1 released on June 19 at 3 a.m. ET. All eight episodes of the show hit Netflix at that time. Only Netflix subscribers will have access to watch "The Waterfront." The service has several monthlyplansavailable, which start at $7.99 per month. The platform doesn't offer free trials. The show's entire first season will be available to stream on the platform starting on June 19 at 3 a.m. ET. TV fans may see some familiar faces on "The Waterfront." Here's who's on the cast: Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley Maria Bello as Belle Buckley Jake Weary as Cane Buckley Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley Rafael L. Silva as Shawn West Humberly González as Jenna Tate Danielle Campbell as Peyton Buckley Brady Hepner as Diller Hopkins Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached atmelina.khan@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:What is Netflix's 'The Waterfront' about? Trailer, cast, how to watch

byLiam Oneel
in
June 20, 2025

How to watch 'The Waterfront,' new series from 'Dawson's Creek' creator

How to watch 'The Waterfront,' new series from 'Dawson's Creek' creator USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from lin...
Read More
What to know about BTS as the K-pop group returns from military serviceNew Foto - What to know about BTS as the K-pop group returns from military service

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — It's official. All seven members of the massively popular K-pop group BTS have completed South Korea's mandatory military service. Rapper Suga was the last of the bandmates to bereleased Wednesdayfrom his duties asa social service agent, an alternative to serving in the military that he reportedly chose due to a shoulder injury. This marks the official return of all seven members from their enlistment duties. The six others,RM,V, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin and j-hope, served in the army. Earlier this month, four members of BTS — RM,V,Jimin andJung Kook— were discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service. Jin, the eldest BTS member, was dischargedin June 2024as was j-hopein October. BTS is expected to reunite later this year. Ahead of that highly anticipated homecoming, here's what you need to know about the group. The rise of BTS BTS — short for Bangtan Sonyeondan, or "Bulletproof Boy Scouts" in Korean — debuted in June 2013 under the company Big Hit Entertainment,now known as HYBE.The seven-member group consists of RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook. The group launched in 2013 with the hip-hop heavy single album "2 Cool 4 Skool," releasing three full-length projects before really gaining momentum with their 2016 album "Wings." Their global breakthrough came in 2017 when "DNA" entered the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first Korean boy band to achieve such a feat. The song's success was followed by a performance at the American Music Awards, further fueling their international fan base. The band is largely credited with bringing K-pop to the international stage, and with good reason. Across their discography, BTS broke boundaries and records: In 2020, they released the five-time platinum "Dynamite," their first all-English single, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — a first for an all-South Korean musical act. At the height of their popularity, BTS was not only the biggest K-pop group on the planet, but the biggest boy band overall. Global appeal In fact, they've been certified platinum many times over, according to The Recording Industry Association of America. Their platinum successes include: — 2018's "Mic Drop;" — 2020's "Map of the Soul: 7," "Love Yourself: Answer," and "Idol;" — 2021's "Be," and song of the summer "Butter;" — and high-profile collaborations "My Universe"with Coldplayand "Boy With Luv" featuring Halsey. BTS has also been nominated for five Grammy Awards.Their first,for "Dynamite" in the best pop duo/group performance category, marked thefirst time a K-pop actreceived a Grammy nod. As their global popularity grew, the septet also became international advocates for social justice. Their 2018 address to the United Nations General Assemblylaunched the "Love Myself" campaignin partnership with UNICEF to combat violence, abuse and bullying while promoting self-esteem among young people. The group's commitment to human rights activism continued in 2020 when theydonated $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement, denouncing racial discrimination and violence. Their fan base, known the world over as ARMY, responded by matching the donation within 24 hours. Their dual impact on music and social causes culminated in 2022 when they were invited to the White House todiscuss anti-Asian hate crimeswith President Joe Biden. BTS' mandatory military service stirs debate In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to perform 18-21 months of military service under a conscription system meant to deter aggression from rival North Korea. The law gives special exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige. K-pop stars and other entertainers aren't subject to such privileges. However, in 2020, BTS postponed their service until age 30 after South Korea's National Assembly revised its Military Service Act, allowing K-pop stars to delay their enlistment until age 30. There was heated public debate in 2022 over whether to offer special exemptions of mandatory military service for BTS members, until the group's management agencyannounced in October 2022that all seven members would fulfill their duties. Break allows time for solo projects BTS tiered their enlistments, giving ample time for its members to focus on solo projects while the group was on a break. Jin released two EPs, "Happy" in 2024 and "Echo" in May of this year. Suga dropped his debut solo album, "D-Day," in 2023 under his moniker Agust D. Also in 2024, RM released his second solo album, the elastic, experimental"Right Place, Wrong Person", and j-hope released an EP, "Hope on the Street Vol. 1." Earlier this year, j-hope embarkedon his first solo tour. Jimin released two projects, 2023's "Face" and 2024's "Muse." V's debut album,the smooth alt-R&B "Layover,"arrived in 2023, as did Jung Kook'sretro-pop debut, "Golden." ___ AP Music Writer Maria Sherman reported from New York.

byLiam Oneel
in
June 20, 2025

What to know about BTS as the K-pop group returns from military service

What to know about BTS as the K-pop group returns from military service SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — It's official. All seven members of th...
Read More
A rising star coach. Will the NFL let him shine?New Foto - A rising star coach. Will the NFL let him shine?

Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports calledProject: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps. ATLANTA — On paper, Jerrod Johnson certainly fits the profile of a coach that could be on the brink of getting the keys to drive an NFL offense. The youngHouston Texansquarterbacks coach, with his fourth NFL team, has steadily built his resume. His fingerprints are all over the development ofC.J. Stroud,one of the NFL's emerging stars. And shoot, after previously working on Kevin O'Connell's staff with theMinnesota Vikings, Johnson has two degrees of separation from Sean McVay. In a meeting room, Johnson's charismatic presence comes to life. That's not on paper. I saw it for myself this week at the latest iteration of the Quarterback Coaching Summit. Johnson, 36, demonstrated an impressive command of the room as he spoke for nearly an hour in a session titled "Coaching & Development of the Starting and Backup QB." The engaging delivery was only part of the pop. Johnson scored points as he broke down evaluation metrics, approaches for training the mind, feet and trigger, as he put it, and then some. A former quarterback, he even explained why it is critical to conduct one-on-one tutoring each Tuesday morning during the season with the practice squad quarterback. Maybe Johnson is indeed a rising star in the NFL coaching universe. Yet I wonder about his prospects as a Black man when transposed against the sorry trend over the past two hiring cycles for promoting Black candidates to offensive coordinator, the role that is the most prominent steppingstone to head coaching jobs.The past two cycles, NFL teams were 29-for-29 in hiring white men as offensive coordinators. For the second year in a row, the NFL won't have a single Black offensive coordinator in the league. Before this drought, you'd have to go back 30 years for that distinction. "It's very disheartening," retired NFL coach Jimmy Raye told USA TODAY Sports. "As you've witnessed since you've been here, there are guys with impressive knowledge, deserving of an opportunity." Raye, one of the organizers of the NFL-supported event that is hosted by the Black College Football Hall of Fame and held in conjunction with the Ozzie Newsome GM Forum, became the NFL's first Black offensive coordinator in 1983 with the Los Angeles Rams. He served in that capacity with several teams over 13 seasons. He hardly imagined when he broke a barrier in 1983 that the league would be back in this spot when considering Black OCs. "I would have thought it would be like the quarterback position, something that you don't even think about because it was something that was done," Raye said. "They don't talk about the Black quarterback anymore because half the league has Black quarterbacks. "I would think offensive coordinators would be the same, that it would have evolved the same way, with the technology, the ability to gain information, internships and the Bill Walsh Fellowships, all the things that have been put in place for diversity, but it just hasn't happened." Jerome Bettis is a Hall of Famer. His son is following in Papa Bus' footsteps Johnson, who interviewed for OC jobs with the Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders this year and in 2024 with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, did not point to his race as an impediment in his career journey. And he is obviously just one example as part of a larger picture. Yet he acknowledges the pattern of recent hiring cycles for hiring minority candidates as coordinators. "I'm a man of faith," Johnson told USA TODAY Sports. "I think God has a plan. At some point, ideally, things will line up and I'll be in the right situation, and I'll get an opportunity. The past couple of years, it hasn't really been the fit for me. I think we've just got to keep plugging away, just being as good as we can in becoming better coaches, putting our best foot forward. At the end of the day, all we can control is getting better in our current situations and whatever happens, happens." For the coordinator jobs this year that Johnson interviewed for, the Raiders hired long-established Chip Kelly to join Pete Carroll's staff, while the Texans brought in Nick Caley, who spent the past three years on McVay's staff with the Los Angeles Rams, including last season as passing game coordinator, to run their offense. Yet other hires for coordinator jobs that Johnson wasn't in the mix for fueled questions. The Jacksonville Jaguars hired Grant Udinski to coordinate the offense under first-year coach Liam Coen. Udinski has never been a position coach in the NFL, having served as assistant quarterbacks coach and assistant coordinator on O'Connell's staff. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, meanwhile, replaced Coen with first-time coordinator Josh Grizzard, promoted after one year as passing game coordinator. Who gets such opportunities and at what stages of their careers is what raises suspicions, especially with some of the so-called "OG's," such as Doug Williams, another of the organizers of the events held this week, which included more than a dozen presentations by minority coaches and front office personnel. The pipeline, Williams stressed, is not the problem. "There's no doubt in my mind that you have people that can do the job – in personnel, as head coaches, offensive coordinators, quarterback coaches," Williams, a personnel executive with the Washington Commanders, told USA TODAY Sports. "It's about giving them the opportunity." Exclusive: Aaron Glenn followed legend's advice, is ready to be Jets coach One presentation that really moved me: Jackie Davidson's session on the ABC's of the NFL salary cap. Davidson, vice president of football research for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is a rising front office star who might be on the short list of candidates to become the first female GM in the NFL in decades. Williams agrees. "Jackie blew 'em away. That's what people don't know,"said Williams, whose footprint on history was cast in 1988 when he became the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl."When you sit there and hear her, it's like, 'Damn…give her an opportunity.' This is a perfect platform to realize that." Williams and James "Shack" Harris, former Grambling quarterbacks who founded the Black College Football Hall of Fame, have conducted the coaching/GM symposiums for eight years. The first one was a roundtable at Morehouse College attended by a handful of coaches. Maybe the next one will include an expanded list of attendees that goes beyond the few dozen coaches and front office types from the pro and college ranks that were on hand. "This is where the NFL owners should be," Williams said. The NFLpaused its accelerator programthis year, which brought together coaching and front office personnel to engage with team owners while participating in sessions designed to promote upward mobility. "They meet guys at the accelerator program and an hour later they don't remember who they met," Williams maintained. "They don't get to see people make presentations. Here, you can listen to a guy and say, 'You know what? That guy is really sharp.'" You'd get no argument from Johnson. After all, more exposure surely won't hurt someone positioned for career advancement. "That being said, I'm in a great situation in Houston," Johnson said. "I've learned so much from DeMeco (Ryans), and we have a great staff. At the end of the day, I have aspirations, but I've got to wake up every day and be the best quarterback coach I can be." Which just might open the door for more. Follow Jarrett Bell on social media: @JarrettBell This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:QB coach Jerrod Johnson is opening eyes, but what does the NFL see?

byLiam Oneel
in
June 20, 2025

A rising star coach. Will the NFL let him shine?

A rising star coach. Will the NFL let him shine? Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports calledProject: June...
Read More
Thunder vs. Pacers winners and losers: NBA Finals going to Game 7New Foto - Thunder vs. Pacers winners and losers: NBA Finals going to Game 7

Two teams came to play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Just one met the moment.Indiana defeated Oklahoma City 108-91in Game 6 Thursday, June 19. And with that, theIndiana Pacersare still alive,the Thunder were denied an NBA championship, and the NBA Finals heads to a Game 7 with history on the line. The Pacers have never won an NBA championship, and the Thunder are trying to win their first since relocating to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008. This back-and-forth series is defined by turnovers, 3-point shooting, stars stepping up and a lack of momentum carrying over from one game to the next. Here are the winners and losers from Game 6 between the Thunder and Pacers. Indiana, on defense, looked almost like the Thunder. Oklahoma City posted the NBA's top-ranked defense in the regular season and built its brand on using active hands to deflect passes and force turnovers, rotating quickly and decisively to prevent open looks and staying aggressive along the perimeter. The Pacers forced the Thunder into 21 turnovers, leading to ample transition opportunities. Indiana swiped 16 steals — compared to only four by Oklahoma City. The Pacers, in fact, generated more steals than the Thunder had assists (14). Indiana actually dialed back its full-court pressure, which it had relied upon earlier in the series, instead opting to smother OKC with intent in the half court. One of the telling stats of this NBA Finals for the Pacers has been bench points. Indiana's bench has now outscored Oklahoma City's in five of the six games thus far. And Thursday night's 48-37 advantage wasn't even indicative of the entire picture, given that the Thunder pulled their starters at the start of the fourth quarter. T.J. McConnell has been exceptional, a consistent spark and source of positive plays. He's the most efficient Pacer in half-court sets and his effort is infectious. He posted 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals, marking the first time a bench player has recorded those figures in an NBA Finals game, since starters and bench player stats were first tracked in 1970-71. Forward Obi Toppin, who has developed a steady, knockdown jumper, added 20 points and six rebounds. When the Pacers bench is playing like this, they are tough to beat. The Pacers, as they have all series, have spread the ball and have been a team where the whole is greater than the parts. They had six players reach double figures in scoring. Indiana has now become the first team in NBA postseason history to have eight players with at least 200 points in a single playoffs: Pascal Siakam (456), Tyrese Haliburton (390), Myles Turner (311), Aaron Nesmith (288), Andrew Nembhard (272), Bennedict Mathurin (219), Obi Toppin (216) and T.J. McConnell (202). The Thunder had 21 turnovers, leading to 19 Pacers points. Can't happen and it happened for the second time in the series – the Thunder had 25 turnovers in their Game 1 loss. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander committed a career-high eight turnovers. He had more turnovers than made field goals (seven). "They didn't pressure full court like they have been, which led to more turnovers. I didn't expect that," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "But whatever it is, they did it right. … They were definitely lower on the pickups. I'm not sure. Some of them I think was carelessness, not being as focused, not being engaged." The Thunder's turnovers led to a discombobulated offense that never found a rhythm. Oklahoma City shot 41.9% from the field, 26.7% on 3-pointers and had just 14 assists on 31 made field goals. Ball movement wasn't there, shooting wasn't there, and it was just the second time in 22 playoff games the Thunder scored fewer than 100 points. Thunder starters were 1-for-13 on 3-pointers, Chet Holmgren scored just four points on 2-for-9 shooting and Alex Caruso didn't score. Oklahoma City's third unit of Isaiah Joe, Jaylin Williams, Ajay Mitchell, Dillon Jones and Ousmane Dieng played well in mop-up time, helping make the final score not as brutal as it could've been. However, Oklahoma City's scoring from the second unit was limited. Caruso, Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace and Kenrich Williams combined for 10 points on 3-for-12 shooting. Indiana's main reserves scored 41 points. This is a fantastic series with compelling swings from game to game. Both teams have stars, depth, play hard and are well coached. That was true at the start of the playoffs and remains true through six games of the Finals. It has all the elements of basketball that a fan should want. Including a Game 7. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NBA Finals winners, losers: How Pacers beat Thunder, forced Game 7

byLiam Oneel
in
June 20, 2025

Thunder vs. Pacers winners and losers: NBA Finals going to Game 7

Thunder vs. Pacers winners and losers: NBA Finals going to Game 7 Two teams came to play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Just one met the momen...
Read More
You'll Never Guess Which Rock Icon Was Best Man to This 'Everybody Loves Raymond' StarNew Foto - You'll Never Guess Which Rock Icon Was Best Man to This 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Star

You'll Never Guess Which Rock Icon Was Best Man to This 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Staroriginally appeared onParade. The classic sitcomEverybody Loves Raymonddoesn't seem like it would be connected to The Beatles, but it is — particularly for late starPeter Boyle, who his costars recently confirmed had none other thanJohn Lennonas the best man at his wedding. During a recent retrospective panel for the show with starsRay Romano,Patricia Heaton, andMaggie Wheeler, creatorPhil Rosenthalmade it a point to remember Boyle, who died at age 71 in 2006, with some fun anecdotes. "Two interesting things about Peter Boyle,"he said. "He studied to be a monk when he was younger. I asked him, 'Why'd you give it up?' And he says, 'There weren't enough girls there.' " "And the other thing is, I wonder if you know this. You know who the best man at his wedding was? John Lennon," Rosenthal confirmed. "He was cool, Peter Boyle." Now, how did these two even end up knowing one another? It's more simple than you'd think. Boyle, who played Ray's dad Frank on the long running series, was married toLoraine Alterman, aRolling Stonewriter he met on the set ofMel Brooks' filmYoung Frankenstein. Alterman was friends withYoko Onoat the time and Boyle became friends with Lennon as a result. Back in 2005, Boyle opened up about having the famous musician, who was killed in New York City at age 40 in 1980, as part of his big day. "My wife and I had a very low-key wedding," Boyle toldPhiladelphiamagazine at the time. "At the last minute, I asked John to stand in as my best man. And he said yes. The rest is history." He added that Lennon did not sing at the event. Regardless, his presence was still larger than life. "He is John Lennon," Boyle gushed to the outlet. "And everything he does is memorable." Everybody Loves Raymondaired from 1996 to 2005. You'll Never Guess Which Rock Icon Was Best Man to This 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Starfirst appeared on Parade on Jun 19, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.

byLiam Oneel
in
June 20, 2025

You'll Never Guess Which Rock Icon Was Best Man to This 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Star

You'll Never Guess Which Rock Icon Was Best Man to This 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Star You'll Never Guess Which Rock Icon Wa...
Read More
"Golden Girls" co-producer recalls Betty White and Bea Arthur's nasty feud: 'The C-word came out'

Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Bea ArthurandBetty Whitewere not friends — they just played them on TV. During a recentGolden Girlspanel discussion at the Pride Live! Hollywood festival, several key figures who worked behind the scenes on the beloved sitcom discussed their memories of the legendary comedians — and co-producer Marsha Posner Williams insisted that the actresses behind Dorothy Zbornak and Rose Nylund were not fond of one another. "When that red light was on [and the show was filming], there were no more professional people than those women," Williams said of Arthur and White,according toThe Hollywood Reporter. "But when the red light was off, those two couldn't warm up to each other if they were cremated together." Williams said that Arthur, who died in 2009, used "the C-word" on more than one occasion to refer to White, who died in 2021. "[Arthur] used to call me at home and say, 'I just ran into that [c‑‑t] at the grocery store. I'm gonna write her a letter,'" she remembered. "And I said, 'Bea, just get over it for crying out loud. Just get past it.'" Williams also claimed that when she and her husband went to Arthur's house for dinner, "within 30 seconds of walking in the door, the C-word came out." Casting director Joel Thurm, who was also on the panel, has previously recalled Arthur using the same language when discussing White. "Bea Arthur, who I cast in something else later on, just said, 'Oh, she was a f‑‑‑ ing c‑‑t,' using that word," he said in a 2022 episode of the podcastThe Originals. "She called her the C-word. I mean, I heard that with my own ears." Desiree Navarro/FilmMagic Elsewhere in the panel, Williams said that Arthur despised the way White conducted herself while taping the show. "Betty would break character in the middle of the show [and talk to the live audience]," she said. "And Bea hated that." Williams also claimed that Arthur was the sole holdout who prevented the show from continuing beyond its seven-season run, which lasted from 1985 to 1992. "The show would have continued after seven years," the co-producer said. Sign up forEntertainment Weekly'sfree daily newsletterto get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. "Their contracts were up and… the executives went to the ladies, and Estelle [Getty] said, 'Yes, let's keep going,' and Rue [McClanahan] said, 'Yes let's keep going,' and Betty said, 'Yes, let's keep going.' And Bea said, 'No f‑‑‑ing way,' and that's why that show didn't continue." Golden Girlswriter Stan Zimmerman previously wrote that Williams said Arthur "thought Betty was two-faced" when they worked together. "Bea liked real people," Zimmerman wrote in his bookThe Girls: From Golden to Gilmore. "I had the sense that Betty was more like Sue Ann Nivens, the character she played onThe Mary Tyler Moore Show, than she was like Rose. More conniving than the innocent airhead from St. Olaf." Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byLiam Oneel
in
June 20, 2025

“Golden Girls” co-producer recalls Betty White and Bea Arthur's nasty feud: 'The C-word came out'

"Golden Girls" co-producer recalls Betty White and Bea Arthur's nasty feud: 'The C-word came out' Alice S. Hall/NBCU P...
Read More

 

ONEEL MAG © 2015 | Distributed By My Blogger Themes | Designed By Templateism.com