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Box office battle Heat vs. White House Down
Two movies are in theaters this weekend starring pairs of extremely likable actors Roland Emmerich's action flick White House Down with Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx and Paul Feig's female buddy cop comedy The Heat with Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock.
There's enough time in the stretch between Friday and Monday to fit them both in but only one can be crowned as the box office winner come Sunday night.
So far White House Down has pulled ahead of The Heat bringing in $1.35 million at the box office on Thursday night. The Heat was right behind with $1 million in late night and midnight showings. Entertainment Weekly predicts that The Heat will soon carry the lead bringing in around $44 million for its opening weekend while White House Down is looking at an open of around $36 million.
Critical reaction has been equally divided with neither movie emerging as the clearly better choice.
White House Down is another Roland Emmerich blow it all up special with Tatum portraying a police officer and wanna be Secret Service agent who winds up protecting the POTUS (Jamie Foxx) when mercenaries attack the White House.
Emmerich s vision of civilization s collapse is so loony the scale of the damage he imagines so vast that his best movies (that is to say his worst) achieve a strange tone of devil may care merriment Slate said in its review. Even as the story accrues preposterousness the action moves along crisply and Tatum and Foxx hit a nice buddy movie vibe ... In this season of solemnly manly blockbusters I appreciated the boyish energy of 'White House Down' ...
Of all the dumb megabudget 'Die Hard' like action pictures of the last few years ... this is both the most entertaining and the most inviting of viewers' input New York magazine said.
But Rolling Stones' Peter Travers wasn't as willing to accept the ludicrous offering saying in his review that there's dumb and then there's idiotic. ... 'White House Down ' rated PG 13 but as crass and cynical as a Michael Bay movie is a depressing experience.
As for The Heat it holds true to the standard outline of a buddy cop film from combustible conflict through mutual respect and on to eventual friendship said NPR. Only it tops pretty much every beat in that familiar plot outline with memorably ludicrous gags.
Variety agrees that 'The Heat' has been engineered to deliver the laughs ... despite coming alarmingly near to botching the procedural elements along the way.
But for the Washington Post The Heat itself is just lukewarm especially in comparison to the chemistry between its two leading ladies.
Like Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx in 'White House Down ' Bullock and McCarthy and the chemistry they generate are far more compelling than the movie they re in the review said. Too often the sketches go on too long and the coarse abrasive tone quickly begins to feel repetitive and off putting.
In the end Box Office Mojo predicts that neither White House Down nor The Heat is going to be the box office winner this weekend deferring to the animated and better reviewed recent release Monster's University.
Alec Baldwin Why the star is barely scarred by his repeat bad behavior
Stop us if you ve heard this one before Alec Baldwin lost his temper this week went on a profane tirade threatened violence then shut down his Twitter account.
Alec Baldwin in Washington last year. (Paul J. Richards / Getty Images)
We ve been watching variations on this routine for a while now. The time the star lashed out at a flight attendant who told him to turn off his phone. The times he allegedly shoved a photographer and hurled epithets at another hit one reporter with his bike and told another he wanted to choke her. The leaked voice messages in which he called his young daughter a thoughtless little pig.
It s the kind of thing that could ruin a different celebrity. But while Baldwin s latest tantrum Thursday night raised more eyebrows than usual for aiming homophobic slurs ( toxic little queen ) at a tabloid reporter who erroneously claimed the actor s wife tweeted during James Gandolfini s funeral he probably won t lose any job offers or A list invitations.
He never does. Why is that
We asked Hilary Rosen the Washington media strategist who has been friends with Baldwin since college. What he said was disgusting she told us. But I think he has a deeper reservoir of good will among folks because he s been a progressive ally and fighter for progressive causes for years and that s the genuine side of him.
Of course some allege a double standard that Baldwin is given a pass because of his liberal politics for the same kind of jerk behavior that nearly ruined conservative star Mel Gibson. Rosen sees it more as Baldwin s underlying big heart a man who s given millions to charity over the years.
But it s also not like the Emmy winner s outbursts shock anyone these days. The stars who suffer the worst backlash are those whose bad behavior clashes with a Mr. Nice Guy/America s Sweetheart facade and that s not Baldwin. Being a hothead and sometimes a verbal bully is sometimes part of his persona Rosen said. He s passionate about everything he s aggressive about everything. His outbursts are as authentic as everything else.
It could be too that Team Baldwin (helmed by NYC publicist Matthew Hiltzik) is well practiced by now at mitigating fallout. By close of business Friday Baldwin been granted forgiveness by GLAAD after he sent the gay rights group an apology for his choice of words he also gave an emotional interview to New York s Gothamist explaining his knee jerk impulse to defend his wife and pledging to stay off Twitter this time for good I just don t wanna deal with it anymore.
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Anna Nicole Reviews How Was Lifetimes Anna Nicole Smith Movie
Tweet Lifetime was at it again on June 29 premiering their latest based on real life movie with the tragic story of the troubled star Anna Nicole Smith. The source material was high drama to begin with so did the TV flick live up to the real story
Say what you want about Lifetime but they found their groove and they re sticking to it. Anna Nicole which premiered on June 29 is just the most recent installment of the camp y overly dramatic made for TV movies that Lifetime does so well. We at HollywoodLife.com called Lifetime s story of Anna Nicole Smith crazy wild fun and a roller coaster ride of drugs alcohol and tragedy but did the rest of the critics like it as much as we did
Anna Nicole ReviewsVariety
Anna Nicole isn t really about anything in the conventional sense but still manages to be as hard to turn away from and vaguely sleazy as its namesake which should suit Lifetime s purposes just fine. If nothing else the movie appears destined to win some kind of award for most convincing prosthetic cleavage allowing Agnes Bruckner to play the Playboy and Guess jeans model in her pre and build on breast stages flanked by a perfectly cast Martin Landau and Adam Goldberg as the unlikely men in her life. As guilty pleasures go this one certainly doesn t lack for moments at which to hoot.
New York Post
On Saturday night Lifetime blows out the doors with Anna Nicole a true life movie so good so well written and yet sleazy enough to satisfy even the cheesiest viewers among us.
The Hollywood Reporter
It was in 2007 that Anna Nicole Smith aka Vickie Lynn Hogan the small town Texas girl who grew up to embody one of the most spectacularly unfortunate public meltdowns of modern Hollywood died from a cocktail of prescription drugs at the age of 39. That rags to riches story is an old Hollywood fable continuously reflected in a constant rotation of bright young things. But Anna Nicole manages to breathe new life into the tale of yet another young woman with a misplaced Marilyn Monroe obsession that turns into a curse.
Boston Globe
The movie which premieres on Saturday at 8 has nothing to offer. It s storytelling at its most shallow and unsatisfying. Written by John Rice and Joe Batteer and directed by Mary Harron Anna Nicole barely conveys the basic facts of Smith s life never mind any bigger ideas about her private terrors and our cultural demons. Bruckner is fine as Smith and her prosthetic breastplate is quite impressive but the script gives her nothing of substance or with resonance.
So besides one scathing review everyone seems to be on board with us We hope you set your DVRs to record Anna Nicole or that you can catch a rerun because it s definitely worth a viewing.
HollywoodLifers did you see Anna Nicole What did you think Let us know
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More Movie Reviews Monsters University Reviews Does The Prequel Live Up To The Original The Purge Movie Reviews More Than A Home Invasion Film Man Of Steel Reviews Critics Call Latest Superman Movie Spectacular Take Our PollCharley Walters Eric Musselman high on Timberwolves Shabazz Muhammad
Eric Musselman has been head coach of the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings. As the top assistant for Arizona State last season he faced UCLA's Shabazz Muhammad three times.
He was the best cherry pick leak out player in college basketball Musselman said after the Wolves drafted Muhammad last week. That means when he's on defense and the shot goes up he leaks out and cherry picks faster than anybody in college basketball to play offense and score.
Is that good or bad
Some people would say cherry pick and leak out is bad but he's good Musselman said. He changes from defense to offense faster than anybody in college basketball. And he's a really good offensive rebounder and he can post up.
He was a very difficult guy to prepare for. It wouldn't surprise me if he's (NBA) first team all rookie.
Despite some knocks on Muhammad's perceived me first attitude Musselman said Arizona State's new director of basketball operations Jason Ludwig who held the same position at UCLA said Muhammad is a good kid.
Musselman said Ludwig had nothing but positive things to say about Shabazz.
The Wolves wouldn't say it before or after Thursday's draft but a main reason they traded down to take Muhammad was they anticipated that Andrei Kirilenko would opt out of his $10.2 million guaranteed contract to seek a three year deal.
Kirilenko 32 won't get such an offer from the Wolves especially considering his
injuries last season and they expect him to sign elsewhere.One scouting report on Muhammad is that defenses can cheat on him because he's so left hand dominant. Don't worry about that he said.
People don't know it but I'm actually ambidextrous Muhammad said. I do a lot of stuff with my right hand too. I write with my right hand swing a golf club and a baseball bat right handed. One thing (for basketball) I've really been working on is my right hand and it's coming along really well.
Muhammad is represented by former Gophers guard (1977 79) Bill Duffy as is unrestricted Wolves free agent Chase Budinger. Duffy said Budinger prefers to remain in Minnesota the Wolves have said they want to re sign the 6 foot 7 small forward who got off to a nice start last season but missed much of the year because of knee surgery.
Duffy said had Muhammad been given a choice he would prefer to play with Ricky Rubio of the Wolves or Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics.
Point guards who share and pass the ball he said. He's never been in that situation.
Look for Muhammad to agree soon to a two year guaranteed contract for nearly $4 million.
It was Wolves president of basketball operations Flip Saunders who hosted Duffy during his Gophers recruiting visit.
Duffy also represents Golden State's Klay Thompson son of former Gophers star Mychal Thompson and former Gophers center Joel Przybilla who is expected to return to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Justin Morneau who is in his 15th year with the Twins organization and can become a free agent after the season would prefer to continue his career in Minnesota.
I enjoy my time here and I'm lucky to have played for this organization as long as I have said Morneau 32. Ask anybody who has left Torii (Hunter) Johan (Santana) Cuddy (Michael Cuddyer) they miss the guys here.
This is where my family is where my home is where my children have been born. It's been a great place to me. I'd like that to continue.
Baseball's nonwaiver trade deadline is July 31. Morneau in the last season of an $80 million six year contract expects to be a Twin on Aug. 1.
But we'll see he said. Sometimes it's within your control sometimes it's out of your control. If (a trade) happens we'll deal with it. If not I'll be happy to be here.
Gophers basketball players 6 7 Charles Buggs has added 12 pounds of muscle this summer 6 10 Mo Walker has lost 48 pounds of flab.
Look for undrafted ex Gopher Rodney Williams to play for the Philadelphia 76ers in their summer league.
One NBA center said the other day that the Wolves' 6 11 291 pound Nikola Pekovic is the strongest player he plays against all season.
Baseball's minor league on road per day meal money this season is $25 for all levels. It's $93 a day in the major leagues.
Former Gophers outfielder Ryan Lefebrve 42 is in town in his 15th season as radio TV voice of the Kansas City Royals.
Ex Gophers golfer Tom Lehman playing in the Senior Players Championship in Pittsburgh has gone to a cross handed putting style.
Former Twins pitching coach Dick Such is pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox's Gulf Coast League club. Ex Twins pitcher Paul Abbott is pitching coach for the Greenville Drive ex Twins pitcher Bob Kipper is pitching coach for the Portland Sea Dogs.
Former Twins Mike Cubbage is scouting for Tampa Bay Rick Dempsey is a broadcaster for the Baltimore Orioles and Butch Wynegar is manager for the Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders.
Gary Ward is hitting coach for the Birmingham Barons Scott Erickson is pitching coach for the Arizona League Indians Paul Sorrento is roving hitting instructor for the Los Angeles Angels Denny Hocking manages the Arizona League Angels and Johnny Moses is hitting coach for the Lynchburg Hillcats.
Frank Viola is pitching coach for the Savannah Sand Gnats Les Straker is pitching coach of the Venezuelan Summer League Phillies and Matthew LeCroy manages the Harrisburg Senators. Brian Harper is hitting coach for the Iowa Cubs for whom Mike Mason is pitching coach. Jacques Jones is hitting coach for the San Antonio Missions and Gary Gaetti manages the Sugarland Skeeters.
Ex Twin Jim Kaat will team with Bob Costas to broadcast the July 19 Yankees Red Sox game at Fenway Park for MLB Network.
Gophers athletics director Norwood Teague has joined Windsong Farm Golf Club in Independence.
Former Anoka and Gophers shortstop star Bob Fenwick 66 who went on to play for the Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals is manager of Superior National golf course at Lutsen which is undergoing an expansion.
Besides qualifying for the PGA Cup to represent the United States in matches in England in September Minneapolis Columbia teaching professional Jeff Sorenson received a check for $34 000 by qualifying last week in Oregon for the PGA Championship in August.
Not bad for a guy from Brooklyn Park Sorenson said.
Sorenson has unsuccessfully tried PGA Tour qualifying school seven times and will try again in Dallas or Houston in November through golf's new web.com qualifying. His play last week advanced him to second stage qualifying.
I feel I'm making a little turn as far as my experience on the big stage he said. It basically boils down to trusting your game and yourself in the heat of the moment and for the most part I feel I'm getting pretty good at that. My good rounds are PGA Tour quality.
Sorenson recently bought a house near Orlando Fla. He resides in Blaine in the summer.
A tip for the average golfer
Club face awareness knowing where the club face is throughout the whole swing he said. You have to open the club face on the backswing and rotate through.
Three time NASCAR sprint champion Tony Stewart races Sunday evening at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond Wis. driving his own car in a World of Outlaw Sprint race.
Congratulations on a terrific career to Kevin Pates who on Monday retires as a sportswriter after 35 years at the Duluth News Tribune. Plans include moving to suburban Phoenix.
DON'T PRINT THAT
Look for the Timberwolves when NBA free agency opens Monday to pursue shooting guards Kevin Martin of Oklahoma City J.J. Reddick of Milwaukee and O.J. Mayo of Dallas. That was the Wolves' plan when they couldn't get shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell Pope in the draft.
It's expected to cost the Wolves at least $48 million over four years to re sign restricted free agent center Nikola Pekovic 27 who last season was paid $4.64 million.
Before the draft the Wolves offered Malcolm Lee to the Brooklyn Nets for MarShon Brooks but were rebuked.
The Timberwolves' drafting of Shabazz Muhammad and Gorgui Dieng plus getting cash was a great start to the new Flip Saunders era according to CBSSports.com.
The Wolves will receive more than $1 million in the deal.
The Gophers men's hockey team is expected to have several incoming freshmen chosen in Sunday's NHL draft including Tom Vannelli of Minnetonka former Apple Valley High standout Hudson Fasching and Taylor Cammarata of Plymouth.
Already drafted by the New York Islanders is incoming Gophers freshman Jake Bischoff of Grand Rapids.
The Gophers who lost six players after last season have eight incoming freshmen and all are in summer school at Minnesota.
Also expected to be drafted Sunday is Omaha bound Jake Guentzel son of Gophers associate head coach Mike Guentzel.
Infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka who batted .215 with no home runs during 71 games in two seasons for the Twins is hitting .280 in 64 games for the Hanshin Tigers in Japan.
It will be announced that the Timberwolves have agreed to a new contract with Fox Sports North.
Former North Star Tommy Younghans will become coach of the Northern Lights Tier 3 junior hockey team based in Bloomington Ice Arena.
Ex Mounds View High captain Brian Kaufman 29 will be head coach of the U.S. Hockey League's Omaha Lancers.
OVERHEARD
Timberwolves draft pick Shabazz Muhammad on his first name My parents just named me a unique name. I think it's kind of catchy. People call me 'Bazz' for short. It's easier.
Charley Walters can be reached at cwalters pioneerpress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/Charley_Walters.
Tour de France 2013 stage two live
Stage two Bastia to Ajaccio (156km)
The second stage of the Tour de France is a 156km trip in Corsica from Bastia to Ajaccio And feel free to email lawrence.ostlere gmail.com
Thibodeau gets his wish Addition of shooters
The morning after the Heat eliminated the Bulls from the playoffs a bleary eyed Tom Thibodeau squinted into the sun outside the Berto Center and made his desires known.
We need shooting the Bulls coach said.
Anyone who watched the Heat Spurs NBA Finals would agree. From Danny Green's record setting 3 point performance for the Spurs to Ray Allen's clutch 3 pointer and Shane Battier's Game 7 heroics beyond the arc for the Heat shooting is needed for every team particularly one that employs Derrick Rose.
Related Photos 2013 NBA first round draft picks VOTE Like the Bulls draft pick of Snell Bulls draft picks NM's Snell Florida's Murphy Aldridge an improbable fit for Bulls Nets to reportedly acquire Garnett Pierce See more stories Maps United Center 1901 West Madison Street Chicago IL 60612 USATony Snell and Erik Murphy welcome to Chicago.
The Bulls used the 20th pick in Thursday's NBA draft on Snell the New Mexico wing who connected on 38 percent of his 434 3 point attempts in three seasons for Steve Alford's Lobos.
In the second round with the 49th pick overall they added Murphy a 6 foot 10 stretch 4 from Florida who led the SEC in 3 point shooting last season at 45.3 percent.
In today's NBA you can never have enough shooting Thibodeau said. We addressed a need. Both guys shoot extremely well.
Snell who possesses a wingspan near 7 feet a 9 inch hand length and very low 4.9 percent body fat has the tools and athleticism to become a strong perimeter defender able to guard multiple positions.
But make no mistake His role particularly with the expected free agent departures of Marco Belinelli and Nate Robinson will be to score from range.
I can see myself be a good catch and shoot (player) or come off curls and shoot Snell said. I can shoot really well.
Snell averaged 9.2 points while missing just one of 105 games in three seasons at New Mexico. So he's durable. He's also long though not considered a strong rebounder. There also are questions about his aggressiveness.
We think he has a chance to contribute this year general manager Gar Forman said. Long term there's great upside because of his makeup his tools and his ability to shoot.
Last season was Snell's most productive as he averaged 12.5 points and shot 39 percent from 3 point range. If he can adapt quickly Snell will be called on to back up both Jimmy Butler and Luol Deng on the wings.
It's crazy knowing I'm going to the Bulls Snell said. I watched (Michael) Jordan play my whole life. I watched Derrick Rose and he's a really great player. I can't wait to play with him.
Snell's first team workout after the NBA predraft camp in Chicago was with the Bulls. The Riverside Calif. native at 6 7 and 198 pounds said he hopes to get stronger. He has an organization that will demand that and a solid role model to follow He teamed with Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard in high school. Leonard had his own coming out party in this season's finals.
Both of us are hard working Snell said. I know how hard he works and what it takes to be a great player.
As the 20th pick Snell is scheduled to make roughly $1.4 million on his rookie scale contract. Murphy's father Jay played with the Bullets and Clippers from 1984 88.
Alford moved on from New Mexico to UCLA after the Lobos' first round NCAA tournament loss to Harvard but Snell credited his former coach with improving his game.
I learned a lot from Coach Alford Snell said. When I first got in my footwork was terrible. I kept chopping my steps. He really helped me with my footwork and emphasized the defensive side. He taught me how to be mentally tougher.
That's a trait the Bulls and Thibodeau also demand. In fact Snell revealed plenty shortly after the Bulls drafted him. Forman and Thibodeau called Snell to congratulate him on realizing a lifelong dream.
Then they said be ready for the workouts Snell said.
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Lakers GM to Dwight Howard We care about you
Dwight Howard may not put on a Lakers jersey again as he enters free agency.(Photo Jayne Kamin Oncea USA TODAY Sports)
EL SEGUNDO Calif. (AP) In words and deeds the Los Angeles Lakers are making it clear how they feel about Dwight Howard.
The Lakers took the unusual step earlier this week of putting up billboards around the L.A. area with a large photo of the center and the word Stay. General manager Mitch Kupchak also addressed his feelings late Thursday night after the NBA draft.
The message is simple We care about you and we want you to stay Kupchak said.
DRAFT GRADES Western Conference teams
FREE AGENCY The top 20 available players
Howard's impending free agency has been prominent in the Lakers' minds since their season ended in a first round playoff sweep.
Howard a seven time All Star has vowed to make his decision in his own best interests giving no indication he favored the Lakers over any other team. The free agency period begins at 9 01 p.m. PDT Sunday.
Kupchak used the word optimistic to describe his feelings about what Howard might do. The Lakers can offer a maximum of $118 million over five seasons and other teams can offer $88 million over four years.
SEE THE SIGN STAY is written in big letters
LAKERS' PICK Meet player known as R. Kelly
Kupchak thinks that's one reason for Howard to re sign in Los Angeles.
I don't think anything dramatic is going to happen on June 30th at 9 01 regarding Dwight Kupchak said. My understanding is there are several other teams that have great interest and he's going to have a process that I understand to be pretty deliberate that he's going to go through. We'll be involved in that process and we'll see how it plays out.
Kupchak said any talk of Howard's dissatisfaction with coach Mike D'Antoni or his offensive game plan was simply a byproduct of a season that ended with a first round playoff exit at the hands of the eventual Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs.
At the end of a losing season nobody's happy Kupchak said. It's as simple as that.
PHOTOS Everything that went wrong for the 2012 13 Lakers
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Jared Leto Dresses In Drag For New Magazine Cover
Tweet Is that Katy Perry or Jared Leto in drag The 30 Seconds To Mars frontman dons a pink wig fake eyelashes and red lipstick for Candy magazine s cover shoot.
Dallas Buyers Club star Jared Leto sports a complete style transformation on the cover of the July issue of Candy magazine which was photographed by famed celebrity photographer Terry Richardson. On the cover Jared flaunts big blue eyes and mile long lashes.
Jared Leto Dresses In Drag Actor Covers Candy Magazine In Pink Wig MakeupThe 30 Seconds to Mars frontman 41 plays a transexual woman in the AIDS centric movie alongside Matthew McConaughey. For his role in The Dallas Buyers Club Jared sported a different drag look and lost an alarming amount of weight just like Matthew famously did.
Jared Leto s Dramatic Weight Loss For Movie RoleYour body goes through weird stages Jared admitted to Vulture in November 2012. Sometimes it s hard to hold on to water. But for me it s not about the most weight I can lose it s more to represent the character. I m focused on what it means to be a transsexual woman.
Along with dropping weight Jared also transformed his body by waxing his legs and plucking his eyebrows which he hopes will actually bring him closer to a meditative state.
Previous cover models for Candy include Chloe Sevigny James Franco and Tilda Swinton.
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More Celebrities Dressed In Drag Steven Tyler Auditions For American Idol In Drag Watch Sahara Davenport Family RuPaul Speak On Drag Race Star s Death Kristen Stewart Dresses in Drag Take Our PollSenate Immigration Reform Bill Passes With Strong Majority
WASHINGTON The Senate passed a politically fraught immigration reform bill on Thursday that would give a path to citizenship to some of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. bringing them out of the shadows and preventing continued record deportations that have separated hundreds of thousands of families.
The bill passed 68 to 32 picking up all Democrats and 14 Republicans.
Undocumented immigrants and advocates in the crowd many of them young so called Dreamers broke out into applause and chants of yes we can after Vice President Joe Biden who came to the Senate to preside over the proceedings read the results. Senators in the bipartisan gang of eight that drafted the bill Sens. John McCain (R Ariz.) Marco Rubio (R Fla.) Lindsey Graham (R S.C.) Jeff Flake (R Ariz.) Chuck Schumer (D N.Y.) Dick Durbin (D Ill.) Bob Menendez (D N.J.) and Michael Bennet (D Colo.) patted each other on the back.
Just before the vote Thursday Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D Nev.) dedicated the decision in part to the late Sen. Ted Kennedy (D Mass.) who worked for reform but never saw it signed into law.
Senator Kennedy knew the day would come when a group of senators divided by party but united by love of country would see this fight to the finish Reid said. So the day is today. And while I am sad that Senator Kennedy isn t here to see history made I know he is looking at us proudly and loudly.
Although sponsors didn't get to the 70 votes they hoped for the full support from Democrats and addition of Republican votes was significant. McCain Rubio Flake and Graham were joined in voting yes by Republican Sens. Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) Kelly Ayotte (N.H.) Jeff Chiesa (N.J.) Susan Collins (Maine) Bob Corker (Tenn.) Orrin Hatch (Utah) Dean Heller (Nev.) John Hoeven (N.D.) Mark Kirk (Ill.) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska).
The bill doesn't please everyone but its passage is a victory for those who have been working on the issue for years and watched immigration reform fail six years ago. It addresses undocumented immigrants legal immigration border security employer hiring and an entry exit system so the government knows if foreign nationals leave the country when their visa expires. The path to citizenship is long likely 13 years or more and arduous but advocates are thrilled that it would exist at all given opposition from many Republicans and the failure of bills to carve out such a path in the past. Dreamers young undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children would be able to earn green cards in five years as would some agricultural workers.
The bill adds huge increases in border security bolstered by an amendment from Corker and Hoeven that helped bring on board unsure Democrats and Republicans. The amendment would prevent green card status for undocumented immigrants until the government deploys 20 000 additional border agents mandates E Verify to prevent businesses from hiring unauthorized workers completes a 700 mile border fence and adds to entry exit systems to track whether foreign nationals overstay their visas.
Although those border security measures and other pieces of the bill come at a cost the Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the legislation would shrink the deficit by nearly than $900 billion minus expenses from the Corker Hoeven amendment.
The bill has vehement opponents in Sens. Jeff Sessions (R Ala.) Chuck Grassley (R Iowa) John Cornyn (R Texas) Mike Lee (R Utah) and Ted Cruz (R Texas) along with 27 others who voted in opposition to the bill. They argue that the bill is amnesty because undocumented immigrants would receive provisional legal status to stay in the U.S. before border and enforcement measures are met. They also allege that the bill won't ensure those measures will actually be met.
Grassley and Cornyn blocked two efforts to vote on additional amendments on Wednesday and Thursday taking a measure from Sen. Rob Portman (R Ohio) off the table which led to him voting in opposition.
If they come up short since they bragged so much about getting 70 votes it's going to be a strategic defeat for them Grassley told reporters shortly before the vote began.
Graham said it wasn't a problem.
This is overwhelming support for the bill he told reporters after the vote. Why did I want 70 I'm just greedy. ... This is incredibly pleasing.
The opponents have expressed hope that the bill will die in the House which is a possibility given Republican opposition there. Lee said earlier Thursday on the Senate floor that the legislation is doomed to fail anyway resigned that it would pass in the upper chamber.
If this bill passes today it will be all but relegated to the ash heap of history as the House appears willing to tackle immigration reform the right way Lee said ahead of the vote. The sponsors of this bill had the best of intentions but in my opinion intentions aren t enough.
Although a bipartisan House group is working on a comprehensive immigration bill its members hit a roadblock earlier this month when Rep. Raul Labrador (R Idaho) dropped out. The House is more likely to pursue a piecemeal approach led by Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R Va.) and Immigration Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R S.C.). Some measures including one to make it a crime to be in the country without status have already passed the Judiciary Committee.
Goodlatte issued a statement after the vote Thursday saying he congratulated the Senate but has many concerns about its bill giving no indication his committee would consider the gang of eight plan.
While the Senate has every right to pass solutions it deems appropriate the House does as well he said. That s the American legislative process.
Speaker John Boehner (R Ohio) reiterated on Thursday that he intends for the House to pursue its own immigration reform approach rather than taking up the Senate bill.
The House is not going to take up and vote on whatever the Senate passes Boehner told reporters at a press conference. For any legislation including a conference report to pass the House it's going to have to be a bill that has the support of a majority of our members he added later referring to Republicans.
House Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam (R Ill.) told reporters at a National Review event earlier in the day that it is a pipe dream to think that bill is going to the floor and is going to be voted on.
Some House Republicans have said they don't want the lower chamber to take up immigration reform at all even piecemeal and threatened a revolt if Boehner holds a vote on the Senate bill. Rep. Mo Brooks (R Ala.) said on the Laura Ingraham Show on Thursday that he is in the minority for not wanting to pass any immigration legislation that would allow for a conference committee to combine the House and Senate bills in nefarious ways.
I'm one of those who believes that this is fraught with peril Brooks said. If we were to pass a bill that's a good bill on immigration on enforcing and securing our borders on whatever topic related to immigration we may want to pass a bill on it can become a vehicle.
The bill's supporters in the Senate said they hope the House passes legislation that can be combined with the bill and perhaps adds things they weren't able to include.
This isn't the end of the process we're kind of at halftime Hoeven said after the vote. So the next thing is to figure out how we get the House to engage.
Flake who served in the House before joining the Senate this year predicted his former colleagues would feel pressure to act. He said he'd urge them particularly those from Arizona to consider the border security elements in the bill. When people read that title they'll be surprised at what's in it he told reporters.
Having served over there whenever a good substantive bill comes with a significant vote it's tough to ignore he said. Particularly this one there's going to be a lot of pressure to bring something up.
President Barack Obama promised to continue to press the House to move on immigration reform and asked others to join in.
Today the Senate did its job he said in a statement. It's now up to the House to do the same. As this process moves forward I urge everyone who cares about this issue to keep a watchful eye. Now is the time when opponents will try their hardest to pull this bipartisan effort apart so they can stop commonsense reform from becoming a reality. We cannot let that happen.
Regardless of the bill's political future its passage was a significant moment for the immigrant activists that crowded into the gallery to watch the vote. Biden asked those in attendance to keep silent part of the Senate's rules of decorum but many of them began to chant anyway.
I've been waiting for this moment all my life said Lissette Moreno an undocumented 29 year old Texan who has lived in the United States since she was 5 and has earned two college degrees. All my life I've lived in fear. I'm very happy for myself my family and my community.
This is a developing piece and has been updated.
Danielle Schlanger Michael McAuliff and Sabrina Siddiqui contributed reporting.
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Loading Slideshow Reform Would Help Curb The DeficitImmigration reform would a href http //articles.washingtonpost.com/2013 04 08/business/38371503_1_previous immigration bills immigration reform immigration laws target _blank reduce the federal deficit by $2.5 trillion/a over the next 10 years according to an April analysis by the American Action Forum a conservative think tank.
Expelling Immigrants Is ExpensiveExpelling the approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants currently in the United States would cost $2.6 trillion over the next 10 years a href http //www.cnbc.com/id/100449802 target _blank according to CNBC/a. That's because it costs the government more than $8 000 to deport each person.
Reform Would Help Fix The Social Security ProblemImmigration reform would help bolster Social Security because more legal workers would mean more people contributing payroll taxes to its trust fund a href http //www.huffingtonpost.com/huff wires/20130508/us immigration/ utm_hp_ref artsir arts target _blank according to an analysis from the Social Security administration/a. Undocumented workers a href http //www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/18/immigration reform social security_n_3103500.html target _blank already contribute $15 billion per year/a to Social Security.
Immigrants Start Successful BusinessesMore than a href http //www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/01/31/worried about the economy then pass immigration reform/ target _blank a quarter of technology and engineering firms/a started between 1995 and 2005 had a foreign born owner according to the Washington Post. One a href http //www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/22/american companies founded by immigrants_n_3116172.html slide 2357880 target _blank of the founders of Yahoo /a Jerry Yang is an immigrant from Taiwan.
Reform Would Save $410 Billion Over The Next 10 YearsThe immigration reform bill proposed by the gang of eight senators would save a href http //www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/15/immigration reform save billions_n_3280145.html utm_hp_ref business target _blank $410 billion over the next decade/a according to an analysis from Gordon Gray the director of fiscal policy at the American Action Forum a conservative think tank. The savings would come largely from a boost in GDP resulting from undocumented immigrants gaining citizenship and in turn likely making more money.
High Tech Companies Say Reform Would Boost Their Bottom LineCompanies like Microsoft and Google have said that immigration reform would help them by a href http //www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2013/01/29/facebook microsoft back senate.html target _blank allowing for more H1B visas/a a special kind of visa geared toward highly skilled immigrants. The tech giants say they can't find enough qualified people in the U.S. to fill their staffing needs.
Reform Would Boost The Wages Of Native Born WorkersU.S. born workers see between a 0.1 and 0.6 percent boost in wages on average with an increase in immigration a href http //www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/30/immigration reform workers_n_2583576.html target _blank according to a January report from the Hamilton Project/a an economic policy initiative of the nonpartisan Brookings Institution. That's because immigrant workers bring skills with them that complement those of native born workers leading to new jobs.
Immigrants Are EntrepreneurialImmigrants are a href http //www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/03/13/economic case commonsense immigration reform target _blank more than twice as likely/a than native born Americans to start new businesses according to a White House report on immigration reform.
Reform Would Boost GDP By More Than $1 Trillion Over 10 YearsImmigration reform a href http //www.cnbc.com/id/100449802 target _blank would boost GDP by $1.5 trillion/a or about 1 percent over 10 years according to an estimate from UCLA professor Raul Hinojosa Ojeda cited by CNBC.
Immigrants Create JobsBusinesses owned by immigrants a href http //www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/03/13/economic case commonsense immigration reform target _blank created 4.7 million jobs/a in the U.S. in 2007 according to a White House report on immigration reform.
Reform Would Bring In More Money Than It Costs In BenefitsThough many critics of immigration reform argue against the cost of providing increased public benefits analysts say higher spending is not a likely consequence. A Congressional Budget Analysis of George W. Bush's 2007 immigration reform proposal found that it would cost the government $23 billion in more public services but bring in $48 billion in revenue a href http //www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/01/31/worried about the economy then pass immigration reform/ target _blank according to the Washington Post/a.
Trey Burke After Party Watch How an NBA Lottery Pick Celebrates on Draft Night
The 2013 NBA draft was filled with nothing but surprises. It all started with the Cleveland Cavs shockingly taking Anthony Bennett over projected No. 1 pick Nerlens Noel. After that pick the draft turned into a frenzy.
One of the biggest names entering this year's draft Trey Burke was also a part of the madness. Drafted ninth by Minnesota Timberwolves he was quickly traded to the Utah Jazz a team in dire need of his services.
His night may have started with confusion but once he was officially with Utah the young guard was ready to celebrate with his closest family members and friends.
Watch now to view highlights from Trey's after party and hear Trey and his family talk about the next chapter in his life.
How will Trey perform with the Jazz Will he have a successful career in the NBA
Let us know in the comments below
Fewer Waves at Wimbledon as Talk Turns to Return of Serve and Volley
But there was nothing no plaque being hammered onto a green wall to commemorate a wild Wednesday no upset shocked victims receiving treatment no orange soled shoes visible inside what the British call a dustbin.
Instead order had been restored at Wimbledon even if Roger Federer Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Victoria Azarenka were no longer around to appreciate the amenities and even if Maria Sharapova was hanging around only to watch her boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov dig deep into a fifth set before rain ended the suspense for the night.
Thud Thursday still featured a few more slips on the slick grass as well as two more retirements from the veteran Frenchmen Michael Llodra and Paul Henri Mathieu that brought the tournament total to 12 after two rounds.
But there was no sign of Wednesday s electricity the sense of possibility that made stars feel vulnerable and outsiders feel as if this day simply had to be the day they could crash the party.
By early afternoon Thursday it became apparent that for all the upsets and the superlatives the 81 year old coach Nick Bollettieri called Wednesday easily the craziest day of tennis I have ever seen Wimbledon had not been kicked that far off the rails after all.
Although Rafael Nadal and the defending champion Federer are out after two rounds the No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic and No. 2 Andy Murray have yet to lose a set. Djokovic advanced on Thursday with a 7 6 (2) 6 3 6 1 victory over Bobby Reynolds a 30 year old American qualifier whose departure left the United States with no men in the third round in singles for the first time since 1912 (when no American men played at all).
As for the women s draw Serena Williams the overwhelming favorite and defending champion remains hale and hearty. She underscored the pecking order with a 6 3 6 2 victory over Caroline Garcia 19 of France who confessed that Wednesday had given her however briefly a little more zip in her step.
It does give you ideas she said.
But Williams had other ones and she said she followed the tumult closely.
The first thing I do is I m like O.K. Serena stay focused she said. This happened before. I don t know when. I want to say it was the U.S. Open though. A lot of players were losing. I thought definitely want to stay focused and stay serious. So that s what I did again yesterday.
Garcia lifts her eyes to the sky well before she tosses up the ball to serve and it ultimately seemed like a fine idea to seek help from above in light of Williams s current form. Williams rolled to her 33rd straight victory and has also won 28 straight sets which meant that after all the drama tinged news conferences and pretournament public apologies she could settle into a much more lighthearted vein on Thursday.
It included a debate about a would be battle of the sexes with Murray.
Opening question Andy Murray has challenged you to a showdown in Las Vegas. What is your answer
Williams He s challenged me
That led to discussion of Williams s long ago match (and defeat) against the cigarette smoking German journeyman Karsten Braasch in Australia in 1998.
I was really young I m a lot more experienced now Williams said before considering Murray.
He s probably one of the top three people I definitely don t want to play she said. But yeah maybe we can have a little bit of a showdown. That would be fine. I get alleys. He gets no serves. I get alleys on my serves too. He gets no legs. Yeah.
Williams will get the chance to feel young again in her next match when she faces Kimiko Date Krumm the enduring Japanese player who at nearly 43 is the oldest woman in the Open era to advance to Wimbledon s third round in singles.
The two have never played and if anyone can throw Williams off rhythm it is Date Krumm who once almost chopped and changed tactics enough to knock the other five time Wimbledon champion in the Williams family (Venus) out of the singles.
I did see that match I think I lost four years of my life watching that match so I will definitely be talking to Venus Serena Williams said.
But even as Williams talked about the future there was still plenty of talk about the past (as in Wednesday) about Federer s increasingly evident fade and about the revival (even if ephemeral) of the serve and volley style that has most of the middle age former stars on the grounds licking their chops with something that could be called nostalgic anticipation.
We all want to see serve and volley back said Mats Wilander 48 a former world No. 1 from Sweden.
It was back in full risk taking flow on Wednesday on Centre Court as 116th ranked Sergiy Stakhovsky decided that the only way to nudge the odds in his favor was to deprive Federer of time by following his serve to net preferably after delivering a serve to his weaker backhand wing.
Such clarity can help a tennis player. If you have just one legitimate option sticking by that option is the easiest path to take. The enormous surprise was that Federer even in his diminished 2013 state could not find a way to solve the riddle and he will drop to No. 5 or worse in the rankings after the tournament.
His chances of winning an 18th Grand Slam singles title are not over but his days of doing it as the favorite certainly seem to be done. Federer a seven time Wimbledon champion still hit some brilliant shots but he also hit too many shaky ones to avoid putting an exclamation point on the long flowing Fitzgeraldian sentence that was Wednesday.
Thursday was much more suited to Hemingway even if it ended in typical English fashion under umbrellas.
Celtics trading Kevin Garnett Paul Pierce to Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have reached an agreement in principle with the Boston Celtics to acquire future Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce after Garnett agreed to waive his no trade clause league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Garnett waived his no trade clause after the Nets agreed to fully guarantee the $12 million owed him for the 2014 15 season the third year of his contract. Prior to the agreement the Nets could have bought out Garnett for $6 million.
The Nets have discussed a possible deal to land Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. (USA Today Sports)
Garnett also was swayed by the chance to join his close friend Pierce in Brooklyn where they could play for longtime rival Jason Kidd.
The trade can't be made official by the NBA until July 10.
The trade comes with a heavy cost for the Nets They face a luxury tax bill of nearly $80 million. Their payroll will be close to $100 million.
The deal centers around a package that sends Gerald Wallace Kris Joseph the expiring deal of Kris Humphries and three future first round picks (2014 '16 and '18) to the Celtics sources told Y Sports. The 2014 pick will either be Brooklyn's or Atlanta's because the Hawks have the right to swap the pick with the Nets as part of last summer's Joe Johnson trade the Celtics will get the worst of the two selections. The Celtics also will have the right to trade first round picks with the Nets in 2017 if the Nets have the higher pick.
Celtics guard Jason Terry joins Garnett and Pierce in the package going to the Nets sources said. The Nets also will send back Marshon Brooks and do a sign and trade involving Keith Bogans a source said.
The Celtics welcomed the chance to clear cap space and gain multiple future draft picks to start the franchise's rebuilding process. Earlier in the week they received a 2015 first round draft pick from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for releasing Doc Rivers from his coaching contract.
The Golden State Warriors made an inquiry with Boston on Garnett on Wednesday but there was no traction league sources told Yahoo Sports. The Celtics discussed a possible Pierce Garnett package with Dallas but it gained no momentum sources said. Very few teams if any would have the inclination to trade three draft picks for a short term run with two aging stars.
NBC video on Celtics maximizing their value
Related coverage on Yahoo Sports Gilbert Arenas arrested with truck full of illegal fireworks Slideshow NBA mock draft 4.0 Top prospects Alex Len Nerlens Noel unsure of NBA draft status Ben McLemore doesn't understand drop in draft stock Larry Bird returning to Pacers
2013 NBA draft grades Live pick by pick analysis
The 2013 NBA draft begins tonight at 7 30 ET on ESPN. USA TODAY Sports' Adi Joseph will keep you updated with pick by pick grades and analysis.
FINAL TEAM GRADES Eastern Conference
FINAL TEAM GRADES Western Conference
FIRST ROUND
1. Cleveland Cavaliers PF Anthony Bennett UNLV
The draft's first stunner came ... on the draft's first pick. No one expected Bennett to go first. But he's a great fit for the Cavaliers if he can get his weight down. Though Bennett is a power forward he should fit well next to Tristan Thompson because they're both athletic and slightly undersized. Together they will rebound well. Bennett has as much upside as anyone in this class though his weight and defense are concerns. Still if he was going to be the target the Cavaliers might have tried to trade down. Grade B
2. Orlando Magic SG Victor Oladipo Indiana
The Magic reportedly were targeting a shooting guard for most of the draft process. Oladipo isn't as skilled as Ben McLemore but he has unending energy and plays tough defense. He's the kind of player who could be an asset for a rebuilding team as long as he's not expected to be its best player on offense. This pick echoes last year's No. 2 Michael Kidd Gilchrist. With Nerlens Noel still on the board though there's definitely a sense of surprise. Noel might have been a better fit and has more upside. Grade B
3. Washington Wizards SF Otto Porter Jr. Georgetown
Everyone has been suggesting this pick of the local kid since the Wizards slid up in the draft lottery. He's the perfect fit next to John Wall and Bradley Beal but the Wizards still have big holes down low to fill. Again Noel would have been a solid choice here. But Porter may be the most put together player in this draft ready to contend for rookie of the year. This was the right pick for the Wizards to improve now and contend later. Grade A
4. Charlotte Bobcats C Cody Zeller Indiana
Zeller was the presumed top pick entering this season. Then he got picked to shreds by analysts. He's a terrific athlete with a 7 foot frame and great skill. Still Zeller will have to improve his toughness a lot if he expects to man the center position. He may be a better fit at power forward initially as a result. Zeller is the best offensive center in this draft but he doesn't have as much upside as Noel or Alex Len making this a surprise. That's not necessarily a bad thing particularly in a draft without guaranteed stars. Grade B
5. Phoenix Suns C Alex Len Maryland
The Ukrainian big man has tremendous potential because of his great touch around the basket and his defensive awareness despite not playing basketball for very long. His upside hinges on that point that as he learns the game he might become dominant. The Suns were able to take the best available player here and they graded Len above Noel. McLemore's scoring ability could have been valuable but the centers had too much potential. Did Phoenix take the wrong one Grade B
6. Philadelphia 76ers (via New Orleans Pelicans) C Nerlens Noel Kentucky
UPDATE The Philadelphia 76ers are getting Noel and a 2014 first round pick in exchange for All Star point guard Jrue Holiday and the 42nd pick USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt report. The 76ers may be overpaying for Noel but they obviously are prioritizing getting a center in place after their Andrew Bynum trade failed last season. Of course knee injuries were the problem for Bynum and Noel has the same issue lingering. Holiday was the best player on the 76ers last season and now he's a Pelican. Grade C (because of the trade)
7. Sacramento Kings SG Ben McLemore Kansas
McLemore may be the best prospect in this draft based on natural talent. He fills an often overlooked role as a shooter and his quiet personality and occasional disappearing acts led some to question his future. But McLemore's upside is way too high to pass up at this point. The Kings are a bit of a mess right now with new owners a new front office and a new coach. But McLemore is an important building block albeit one in need of more stability around him. Grade A
8. Detroit Pistons SG Kentavious Caldwell Pope Georgia
Caldwell Pope is a prototype shooting guard. He is a marksman from deep and can drive well enough to keep defenders honest. He also has the size to play the position and is really smooth with and without the ball. He's the replacement for Richard Hamilton the Pistons have needed for years. But an even bigger need was at point guard where the local kid who was the best college player in the country Michigan's Trey Burke would have been a great fit. Caldwell Pope should be a good player but he doesn't have the upside of Burke and doesn't fit the team's biggest need. Grade B
9. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves) PG Trey Burke Michigan
UPDATE The Timberwolves traded this pick to the Utah Jazz for the Nos. 14 and 21 picks USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick reports. Burke is the best playmaker in this draft but his size made teams hedge. He's a great fit for a team that desperately needed to improve at point guard and has a stable frontcourt. Is he worth two first round picks In a draft like this one he may be. Burke could have gone in the top five without any fuss. Here he'll get a lower starting salary and a chance to start. Grade A
10. Portland Trail Blazers SG C.J. McCollum Lehigh
McCollum now pairs with the player some expect him to follow Damian Lillard. Like Lillard McCollum is a high scoring guard from a very small school who missed some time because of injury in college. Unlike Lillard a point guard McCollum plays shooting guard and relies on his deep shooting and quick handles. McCollum could be an asset off the bench for the Blazers or free them up to trade Wesley Matthews. Grade B
11. Philadelphia 76ers PG Michael Carter Williams Syracuse
Given that they just traded Holiday for Noel the 76ers needed a point guard. Now they take a young talented passer. Carter Williams is 6 5 and long and can guard shooting guards but his primary skill is passing. He has wonderful court vision but does not shoot or score very well and often forced it last season for Syracuse. That must change at the NBA level. Carter Williams and swingman Evan Turner are similar players so the Sixers may want to add a quicker guard to the mix. Still he is a good value here and fits a new need. Grade B
12. Oklahoma City Thunder C Steven Adams Pittsburgh
The New Zealander didn't do much in his one season at Pitt but he has tremendous potential because of his 7 foot frame and athleticism. He's very raw but shows tremendous enthusiasm on the court and is a charismatic person off it meaning he aced the interview process. Adams needs a few years which makes him a strange pick for a team that needs to win now (and needs help inside now). His potential is tough not to like. Grade B
13. Boston Celtics (via Dallas Mavericks) C Kelly Olynyk Gonzaga
UPDATE The Mavericks traded their pick to the Boston Celtics for the No. 16 pick and two second round picks in 2014 USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt reports. The Celtics needed a big man desperately so the move makes sense in some ways. But Olynyk might have been available later. Olynyk is the best shooting big man in the draft and has great height but lacks athleticism and toughness. Grade C
14. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz) SF Shabazz Muhammad UCLA
Muhammad is an excellent natural scorer but has a few big question marks specifically surrounding college controversies along with his upside. He is not an elite athlete and doesn't do much of anything besides score at a high level but he should be a really nice player off the bench. Being picked this low will help him as Muhammad has been faced with huge expectations for most of his life. He's one of the 10 best talents in the draft and with the right fire lit under him he could be a steal. Grade B
15. Milwaukee Bucks SF Giannis Antetokounmpo Greece
The youngest player in the draft has tremendous potential. But there's not a lot known about him. Antetokounmpo may stay in Greece as is typical for Greek players for a few years. He has a great wingspan and is a very smooth athlete. He already has shown great handles and reminds scouts of Nicolas Batum. The Bucks could use help on the wings but this pick is one for the future possibly even three or four years down the road. Grade B
16. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas Mavericks Boston Celtics) C Lucas Nogueira Brazil
UPDATE The Mavericks turned around and traded this pick to the Hawks for the No. 18 pick along with Jared Cunningham. Nogueira has a huge afro that quickly overtook any discussions of his game on draft night. That's a shame because he has a great skill set and fits the modern NBA very well. The Brazilian 7 footer is an athletic active rebounder shot blocker and scorer with decent handles for his size. He's a great fit for the Hawks who can pair him with Al Horford who will be reminded of former college teammate Joakim Noah. Grade A
17. Atlanta Hawks PG Dennis Schroeder Germany
Schroeder is a hot prospect because of his remarkable speed and athleticism. He is a well rounded point guard but doesn't have ideal size. He's a perfect fit for the Hawks though because Jeff Teague is a restricted free agent. Schroeder could be a perfect backup for Teague or replace him should Teague end up elsewhere. Grade A
18. Dallas Mavericks (via Atlanta Hawks) PG Shane Larkin Miami (Fla.)
The Mavericks slid down the draft twice to save money but Larkin should be a keeper. He's a perfect fit for this team a strong and athletic replacement or backup for point guard Darren Collison. Larkin whose father is Baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin was one of the best players in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season after being relatively unknown as a freshman. He's short at 5 11 but makes up for it with that athleticism and quickness. He and Schroeder are similar level prospects at the same position and they draw similar grades. Grade A
19. Cleveland Cavaliers SF Sergey Karasev Russia
Karasev may be the best shooter in this draft. He's a good but not great fit for the Cavaliers who probably could have used a defensive oriented wing at this spot. Karasev may not play in the NBA next season but his shot is ready for that level. Bennett and Karasev are two very offense first picks for a young team that already had one of the most dynamic young offensive players in the NBA in Kyrie Irving. Grade C
20. Chicago Bulls SG Tony Snell New Mexico
Snell fits a mold that's en vogue right now He's an excellent shooter who can defend either wing position. The Bulls already have a player like that in Jimmy Butler but Snell will give them even more depth. He should play well off Derrick Rose and may be a hidden gem in this draft. He needs to improve his efficiency but a smaller role at the NBA level will force him to do so. Grade B
21. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz) C Gorgui Dieng Louisville
Dieng is a ready to play center who also has some potential on the offensive end. He's a step down from Noel as a shot blocker but he take over on that end from time to time. Mason Plumlee was still available and is more polished but the Timberwolves don't need polish as much as they need defense. Dieng offers them that making this a solid pick. Grade B
22. Brooklyn Nets C Mason Plumlee Duke
Plumlee was the best available player at this point a great athlete and hard worker who should earn his role in the NBA. He will be a good backup for Brook Lopez because he contrasts with him all effort and intensity. He also can play power forward. There's nothing flashy but the Nets didn't need to go big. Plumlee is ready to play now. Grade B
23. Indiana Pacers SF Solomon Hill Arizona
Hill rose into the first round despite few expecting him to go so high. There were a lot of better publicized players available but the Wildcats senior is no slouch. He is tough and versatile. But his skill set would fit better at power forward and his athleticism is a step below the elite level of a similar player Jamaal Franklin. There were a lot of wing players who could have been drafted here. Hill might end up better than them but he probably would have been available 10 to 15 spots lower. Grade C
24. New York Knicks SG Tim Hardaway Jr. Michigan
The son of former All Star point guard Tim Hardaway Hardaway Jr. is nothing like his father as a player. He's a long tall and athletic swingman whose handle is nowhere near his father's legendary dribble. Hardaway needs to improve his shot selection but that often happens when a player reaches the NBA. The question here is whether he will fit for the Knicks. This draft pick may mean New York has decided against bringing back Sixth Man of the Year Award winner J.R. Smith. He's a good value here though. Grade B
25. Los Angeles Clippers SF Reggie Bullock North Carolina
Bullock wasn't a star in college but coming out of North Carolina that doesn't mean he won't be a fine NBA player. He has a very good jump shot but is mostly limited to catch and shoot offense. That would be fine if the Clippers can keep Chris Paul the NBA's best playmaker off the dribble. But Bullock doesn't have as much upside as similar players still available such as Glen Rice Jr. and Allen Crabbe. Grade C
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Golden State Warriors Minnesota Timberwolves) SF Andre Roberson Colorado
This pick was dealt through two teams before it landed in the Thunder's hands USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick reports. Roberson is a tremendous rebounder for his size but doesn't have much else in his game. His energy makes him a good defender but he is a better fit at power forward. Roberson's upside could lead him to being similar to Shawn Marion but he will need to improve tremendously on offense. Grade C
27. Utah Jazz (via Denver Nuggets) C Rudy Gobert France
UPDATE The Jazz acquired this pick for the No. 46 pick Erick Green and cash. That's a steal. The biggest player in the draft also is one of the most raw. Gobert has a record breaking 7 9 wingspan and was the only barefoot 7 footer in the draft. But he's incredibly skinny and lacks developed skills. The Jazz can afford to take a flier on a project though because they have an excellent frontcourt already. Gobert definitely could be a steal. Or he could be forgotten. At No. 27 that's a good gamble. Grade A (factoring in the trade)
28. San Antonio Spurs SF Livio Jean Charles French Guiana
It's even tougher to grade a pick like this because Jean Charles is a long term prospect. He likely won't be playing in the NBA in the next three seasons. Jean Charles has some potential but is not as touted as Antetokounmpo the Bucks' pick at No. 15. San Antonio rarely makes mistakes with these types of picks though and there's little downside. Grade B
29. Phoenix Suns (via Golden State Warriors Oklahoma City Thunder) SG Archie Goodwin Kentucky
The Warriors moved into the draft with the No. 26 pick then moved back twice USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick reports. The Suns probably didn't need to move up a spot to get Goodwin who almost assuredly was not a target of the Warriors given their team strengths. The combo guard was an underachiever in his one season at Kentucky but he was a good recruit. There were more polished players who were more ready to contribute but the Suns are eyeing the future. Grade B
30. Golden State Warriors (via Phoenix Suns) PG Nemanja Nedovic Serbia
Nedovic made his name as one of Eastern Europe's most athletic guards but that may not translate to the NBA level. Instead he'll have to rely on his developing skills. Nedovic plays both guard positions but is a better fit at point guard. At 22 Nedovic should be ready to contribute soon so he may step in if Jarrett Jack lands elsewhere in free agency. He's an OK pick but might have been available 10 picks later. Grade C
SECOND ROUND
31. Portland Trail Blazers (via Cleveland Cavaliers) SG Allen Crabbe California
UPDATE The Trail Blazers added Crabbe for two future second round picks. Crabbe might have been the best player available. He's a ready to play shooter who should come off the bench often next year though he clashes a bit with McCollum. Grade A
32. Oklahoma City Thunder SG Alex Abrines Spain
Satisfied with their two first round picks the Thunder were able to stow one away for the future. Abrines is one of the brightest prospects in Europe but he's probably three years away from reaching the NBA. He's an excellent shooter who could one day pair well with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Grade B
33. Cleveland Cavaliers SG Carrick Felix Arizona State
Felix is a fantastic defender but doesn't do much else. He's a four year college player and he can play either wing spot. But the Cavaliers now have drafted two wings and one combo forward. Felix may have the biggest impact. Grade B
34. Houston Rockets PG Isaiah Canaan Murray State
Canaan is the perfect fit for the Rockets who needed a backup for Jeremy Lin and could use another shooter. Grade A
35. Washington Wizards (via Philadelphia 76ers) SF Glen Rice Jr. NBA Development League
UPDATE The Wizards got this pick from the 76ers for the Nos. 38 and 54 picks USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt reports. Rice slipped likely because of off the court issues that led to his dismissal at Georgia Tech. But he was dominant in the D League where he led the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to the championship and he can play both wing spots. He could be the steal of the draft. Grade A
36. Sacramento Kings PG Ray McCallum Detroit Mercy
McCallum has tremendous athleticism but isn't much of a passer which the Kings desperately needed. Still he fits a positional need and should be a good backup. Grade B
37. Detroit Pistons F Tony Mitchell North Texas
Mitchell like Rice had some off the court issues specifically struggling to get eligible at Missouri before transferring to North Texas. He's a freakish athlete but doesn't have polished skills. He can play either forward spot and should be a great fit for the Pistons off the bench. Grade A
38. Philadelphia 76ers (via Washington Wizards) PG Nate Wolters South Dakota State
Wolters is a big point guard with a great shot but he will have trouble keeping up with the pace of the NBA. He may be able to play shooting guard at times too which could be good off the bench. Grade B
39. Portland Trail Blazers C Jeff Withey Kansas
Withey is a shot blocker but not much else. Still he has good defensive instincts and could play in the NBA. Grade C
40. Portland Trail Blazers PF Grant Jerrett Arizona
Jerrett has a big frame and a great jump shot but he left college after one season and will require patience. Still in five years he could be a starter if everything breaks right. Grade B
41. Memphis Grizzlies SG Jamaal Franklin San Diego State
Franklin widely was expected to be picked in the first round because of his remarkable athleticism. But he plays like a power forward with the body of a shooting guard. He'll have to improve his perimeter skills but his defense and rebounding could really help a team. Grade A
42. New Orleans Pelicans (via Philadelphia 76ers) PG Pierre Jackson Baylor
Jackson is a little ball of energy who goes for points on every possession. He's similar to Pistons guard Will Bynum because of his relentlessness and like Bynum he could be the type of player who dominates the D League before cracking an NBA roster. Grade B
43. Milwaukee Bucks SG Ricky Ledo Providence
Ledo was a big question mark because he never played at Providence thanks to eligibility issues. He may have more potential than anyone in the second round. But it's upside at the moment. Grade B
44. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas Mavericks) C Mike Muscala Bucknell
Muscala is one of the most skilled post scorers in the draft and he's an underrated athlete. Grade B
45. Portland Trail Blazers PF Marko Todorovic Montenegro
Todorovic is the type of player whom NBA teams draft with the intent of leaving in Europe for years and possibly never bringing over. Grade C
46. Denver Nuggets (via Utah Jazz) PG Erick Green Virginia Tech
Green was the ACC player of the year despite playing for the worst team in the league. He scored a lot out of necessity but may branch out if given a shot in the NBA. Grade B
47. Atlanta Hawks PG Raul Neto Brazil
Neto already plays at the top level in Spain and could be a steal when he gets to the NBA. Grade A
48. Los Angeles Lakers PF Ryan Kelly Duke
49. Chicago Bulls PF Erik Murphy Florida
Kelly and Murphy are very similar players both three point shooting power forwards who can rebound inside but prefer to hang out in the corner on offense. Murphy is more physical but Kelly is perhaps better suited for the NBA as a better athlete capable of playing small forward at times. Both were good picks. Grades B
50. Miami Heat (via Atlanta Hawks) SF James Ennis Long Beach State
Ennis has a tremendous wingspan and good athleticism and could make a team which is all you can ask. Grade B
51. Orlando Magic PF Romero Osby Oklahoma
Osby was the best player on an NCAA tournament team and has aptitude on defense. Grade B
52. Minnesota Timberwolves PG Lorenzo Brown North Carolina State
Brown has first round talent but didn't always give it his all. He's a big skilled point guard who is actually similar to No. 11 pick Michael Carter Williams. This low he's a steal. Grade A
53. Boston Celtics (via Indiana Pacers) C Colton Iverson Colorado State
Iverson is a banger who improved tremendously in his one year at Colorado State after two at Minnesota. Grade B
54. Philadelphia 76ers (via Washington Wizards) PF Arsalan Kazemi Oregon
Kazemi will struggle to fit in the NBA because his main skill is rebounding and he's 6 7. Grade C
55. Denver Nuggets (via Memphis Grizzlies) PF Joffrey Lauvergne France
UPDATE The Nuggets traded center Kosta Koufos for this pick and power forward Darrell Arthur. Lauvergne may be most notable because he broke ties with his French team midseason. He's a big but unproven post player. The trade seems strange for both teams. Grade C
56. Detroit Pistons PG Peyton Siva Louisville
Siva was the starting point guard on the national champion. That alone merits being picked. Grade B
57. Phoenix Suns C Alex Oriakhi Missouri
Oriakhi transferred from Connecticut where he won the 2011 national championship. He's big and tough and physical but not very skilled. Grade B
58. San Antonio Spurs SF Deshaun Thomas Ohio State
Thomas was the best player left on the board. He is very skilled and an elite scorer not unlike No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett but he's smaller and doesn't fit either forward spot ideally. Still he's a terrific proven value pick here. Grade A
59. Minnesota Timberwolves PF Bojan Dubljevic Montenegro
Dubljevic a skilled big man is a surprisingly good foreign prospect for a player who lasted this late in the second round. He could have gone 15 20 spots higher without much question. He may never play in the NBA but he's worth the gamble. Grade B
60. Memphis Grizzlies SF Janis Timma Latvia
There's very little chance Timma makes the NBA as he wasn't very productive in Latvia. But hey it's the last pick Goodnight Brooklyn as deputy commissioner Adam Silver said. Grade C
PHOTOS First round draft picks
Last SlideNext SlideWatch Victor Oladipos 2013 NBA draft experience through his own eyes thanks ...
In the run up to Thursday's 2013 NBA draft one of the neat little side stories that bubbled to the surface was the news that Indiana guard and likely lottery pick Victor Oladipo was wearing Google Glass a computer that you literally wear on your head and face like eyeglasses to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. There was some question as to how Oladipo acquired them because Google Glass were available only through an opaque application program that closed several months ago.
As it turns out Oladipo chosen by the Orlando Magic with the No. 2 overall pick was wearing them as part of a marketing campaign from obtained the glasses with an assist from the firm Carrot Creative. Watch the video above for more on Oladipo's experience and read Nilay Patel at The Verge for details
Victor actually wore Glass for three days after spending some time on Tuesday figuring out how to use the device. The hardest part was just getting them fitted once he could see the tiny screen he instantly understood what to do. After only about five minutes of instructions and testing he was recording himself dribbling around the lobby of the Westin and asking Glass for directions to the Barclay s Center where Thursday s draft was held.
Victor says he liked the feeling that he was hosting his own show most of the videos he took feature him narrating what he s seeing and how he s feeling as though he s trying to remember it all through the chaos. It is a fascinating and wildly intimate glimpse of what it s like to be a 21 year old superstar in the making. If you thought I was nervous yesterday imagine how I m feeling this morning he says looking out over New York from his hotel room on draft day. Come with me on the VO Show. ...
In the midst of it all Victor says Glass wasn t distracting to him although it did attract a fair share of attention from his fellow players. Alex Len was really into it he says. Michael Carter Williams Ben Mclemore all the guys. They thought it was pretty cool they tried em on got their own perspective. It was pretty fresh.
The sort of fresh that only No. 2 overall picks former Speakers of the House and 86 year old Congressmen can fully handle
If you read The Verge piece it becomes fairly obvious that Carrot Creative had Oladipo sport Google Glass to try to change the image surrounding the product. When it was first announced Glass came across as a tool of the uber nerd a sort of futuristic omni computer that would ensure people wouldn't have to go seven seconds without processing the world in an unmediated non technological way. It didn't help that Google founder Sergey Brin introduced Glass by calling his smartphone emasculating as if the ability to have a conversation without needing to peer down at a stock portfolio were a right of existence. (Never mind that such a comment alienated women and perpetuated the worst impressions of male dominated Silicon Valley culture.)
UPDATE A representative of Carrot Creative contacted me to note that there was no official promotion between the firm and Google to get Oladipo to sport Glass. The idea arose from a networking luncheon co hosted by Carrot Creative and Google. Carrot then contacted Thuzio a company geared towards connecting fans and athletes which hooked them up with Oladipo for the draft. The Verge agreed to an exclusive story of their own volition as well. Additionally The Verge had full editorial control over the piece.
However we are still left with an article and video focused on the greatness of Google Glass.
Oladipo is a charismatic athlete so the very fact that he enjoyed and used Google Glass without incident could help to alter the first impressions of many potential consumers. In the blockquote above notice how Patel emphasizes the speed at which Oladipo was able to familiarize himself with the product the power he felt in control of his own show the vaguely Strange Days ish way in which his experiences become our own. It's an attempt to present Glass as an essential part of an active lifestyle a natural extension of our world. And anyone who doesn't agree is not to be trusted
But once the league noticed his unusual eyewear it was all over. I got to wear them on the bus and in the green room and that s when they kinda shut it down he says. They just said they didn t want me to wear them. ...
It s not exactly clear why the NBA decided that Victor shouldn t wear Glass at the draft but it s disappointing only an incredibly select few know what it s like to walk up the stairs and across that stage to shake David Stern s hand as your life changes forever and Victor s first person video would have given the rest of us a glimpse of that moment. It would have been amazing. But Glass is weird and new and the NBA is not known for loving weird and new the league was the first major US sports organization to adopt a formal dress code and it has fined players for wearing unapproved sweaters. Funky glasses with a built in camera didn t really stand a chance.
From this perspective Google Glass was simply too hip for the NBA a stuffy league without a sense of what's cutting edge. (Apparently a commissioner encouraging his league's fans into booing him is not weird.) Of course Google is also a multi billion dollar corporation trying to advance its own agenda and they opted to use a prospective employee of that supposedly stodgy organization for some desirable image maintenance. At best this is an example of two massive companies with competing business interests not a battle for the soul of American culture between snobs and slobs.
I don't doubt that Oladipo had a very good time with his Google Glass and perhaps it's not as intrusive a product as many critics (including me) initially feared. But we should call Oladipo's test drive what it is. He was chosen to present Google Glass as part of a lifestyle and any description of his experience should be regarded as such.
NBA video from Yahoo Sports
Related coverage on Yahoo Sports Yahoo NBA draft tracker Rebuilding Celtics are big draft day winners Mo Williams demands starting spot from Jazz or he's gone Nets interested in Jason Williams
Doc Rivers gives Bill Simmons and the rest of us the real story
Doc Rivers went on The Dan Patrick Show and explained his side of the beef between the Clippers coach and ESPN analyst Bill Simmons.
On Thursday Simmons berated Rivers for his departure from the Celtics last week saying the truth keeps changing.
Simmons added When he sticks to a story I ll believe the truth.
Well Rivers gave the real story to Patrick Friday. Here is his answer
It s not that hard of a story. They wanted to unload contracts for draft picks. I happened to be one of those contracts. This is a direct quote from an owner Listen this is a win win for us. If we can get get a pick for you and you have a chance to go to a team like the Clippers and continue to coach and continue to pursue winning and we can get to rebuilding.
That s exactly what happened last night. Clearly I had a selfish motive. I had a chance to not rebuild and go to a team that is in a different phase of their franchise. So everyone benefited from it. Clearly I at least I hope I benefitted from it but this was done together. This was not me walking into the Celtics and saying I quit or anything like that.
Rivers also went on to address his relationship with Simmons directly.
Bill s a fan Rivers said. Is he qualified to do the NBA Well we can debate that all day. But Bill s a fan and I get that. He s not a friend of mine or a fan of mine and he never has been.
UPDATE Bill Simmons has responded this time to an alleged quote that Rivers gave in an interview with Boston s WEEI. First Simmons retweeted out the following
Doc on WEEI about BillSimmons He did everything he could to get me fired. Wrote letters wanted to sit down w/ owners to talk about it.
Ben Rohrbach ( brohrbach) June 28 2013
Then he tacked on this
The quote I just retweeted is an outright 100 percent lie. I d be careful Glenn. Seriously. Stop talking. You are making sh t up.
Bill Simmons ( BillSimmons) June 28 2013
Doc Rivers birth name is Glenn Rivers. Things are escalating quickly between the former Celtics coach and Simmons one of their most famous fans. Also awkward Simmons is a Clippers season ticket holder.
Doink The Clown Pro Wrestler Dies At 55 Jun 29 Click here to read more Read ...
Tweet How sad. One of the most memorable figures in pro wrestling history was found dead in his girlfriend s apartment in Texas on June 28.
Matt Osborne better known as Doink the Clown died on Friday June 28 of unknown causes. He was just 55 years old.
Matt Osborne aka Doink The Clown Passes AwayThe ex WWE star was found by his girlfriend who he had been living with in her Plano Texas apartment according to TMZ. The cause of death is still unknown and though police have reportedly launched a homicide investigation a source tells TMZ that it is merely standard procedure and that all indications are that Matt s death was accidental.
The greasepaint covered Doink the Clown gained popularity in the 90s known for playing tricks on other wrestlers and even fans. He brought joy and levity to the sport and revolutionized pro wrestling s oddball humor which still endures today.
Upon learning of Doink s death the WWE released a mournful statement
WWE is saddened by the news that Matt Osborne aka the original Doink the Clown has passed away. A rugged brawler in promotions like Mid South Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling Osborne made a major impact in WWE under the greasepaint of a prankster named Doink one of the most enduring personas of the early 90s. Our deepest condolences go out to Osborne s family friends and fans.
Matt s death is truly tragic especially considering his relatively young age. His fans and all pro wrestling fans are surely grieving today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Matt s family and friends in this difficult time.
WATCH Doink The Clown s DebutTMZ
Andrew Gruttadaro
More Tragic Deaths In Sports Reid Flair Son Of WWE s Ric Flair Dies At 25 Jane Wicker Wing Walker Dies In Tragic Fiery Air Show Crash Jason Leffler Dead NASCAR Driver Dies After Horrific Dirt Track CrashBill Simmons to Doc Rivers Id be careful Glenn
Bill Simmons is engaged in a war of words with Doc Rivers. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
The war of words between ESPN analyst Bill Simmons and former Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers has escalated following their tense exchange during the NBA draft on ESPN on Thursday night.
Rivers claimed that Simmons wrote letters and did everything he could to get him fired. Simmons fired back on Twitter by telling Rivers to be careful and that Rivers quotes are a 100 percent lie.
During the draft broadcast Thursday night ESPN s Shelley Smith interviewed Rivers now the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers and asked him about Simmons allegations that he quit on the Celtics.
I would call him an idiot but I m too classy for that Rivers said.
Simmons working as an analyst for ESPN during the draft said that Rivers keeps changing his story about his departure as the Celtics head coach and that he would believe him once he sticks to a story.
Rivers appeared on The Dan Patrick show this morning and said that the Celtics were looking to unload contracts for draft picks in an attempt to rebuild. The Celtics traded Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Nets in exchange for a package of players and three first round picks. Rivers claimed that he was one of the contracts that the Celtics were exploring to trade. He went on to dismiss Simmons assertions that he quit on the team and called the analyst a fan.
MANNIX NBA draft 2013 team grades
GOLLIVER NBA draft 2013 Winners and losers
Alec Baldwin apologizes for Twitter rant
The volatile actor is livid that his wife was accused of Tweeting during James Gandolfini's funeral
Actor Alec Baldwin arrives for actor James Gandolfini's funeral at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine on June 27 2013 in New York City. The actor is livid that his wife is accused of Tweeting during the funeral.(Photo Andrew Burton Getty Images)
Update 7 p.m. Et voila the apology via a statement to GLAAD
My ill advised attack on George Stark of the Daily Mail had absolutely nothing to do with issues of anyone's sexual orientation. My anger was directed at Mr. Stark for blatantly lying and disseminating libelous information about my wife and her conduct at our friend's funeral service. As someone who fights against homophobia I apologize.
I have worked periodically with numerous marriage equality organizations especially over the past couple of years to achieve the very rights that gay couples are earning by recent court decisions. I would not advocate violence against someone for being gay and I hope that my friends at GLAAD and the gay community understand that my attack on Mr. Stark in no way was the result of homophobia.
Many Thanks Alec Baldwin.
GLAAD's VP of communications Rich Ferraro seems satisfied
Alec Baldwin is making it clear that the intent behind his tweets does not excuse his language especially at a time when there were 11 incidents of violence against gay men in New York City just last month. As we all work to end such senseless acts of violence allies like Baldwin are right to use these moments to reinforce support for the community and LGBT equality.
Update The feverish analysis of the case of Baldwin vs. the Daily Mail continues. Apparently there's an issue of time zones. Could the reporter have been reading the Tweets incorrectly
Roger Friedman thinks so. Baldwin's wife Hilaria the subject of the media melee agrees. Some pretty bad journalism caused a lot of drama she Tweeted.
Discuss.
Earlier his wife whose account remains active Tweeted that she would like a real apology.
To recap Last night a war of words took place on Twitter thanks to Alec Baldwin's attack against the Daily Mail which ran a story alleging that Baldwin's pregnant spouse Hilaria was Tweeting during James Gandolfini's funeral Thursday.
The reporter posted the time stamps on her Tweets which were promotional and not exactly appropriate when Gandolfini's nearest and dearest were paying their respects to him.
Baldwin not known for his calm and cool demeanor or his restraint unleashed a torrent of verbal abuse against the reporter of the story whose byline was no longer on the online piece.
The least nasty one My wife and I attend a funeral to pay our respects to an old friend and some toxic Brit writes this (expletive) trash.
And then he Tweeted My wife DID NOT use her phone in any capacity at our friends funeral.
He added Good luck to all of you who know the truth.
His pregnant wife posted the following I don't know what hurts more people randomly and maliciously writing lies about you or the people who actually believe them.
Hilaria Baldwin wife of actor Alec Baldwin arrives at Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine before funeral services actor James Gandolfini Thursday June 27 2013 in New York. She is upset that a British newspaper accused her of Tweeting during the funeral.(Photo Julio Cortez AP)
Of course as we all know you can pre schedule Tweets to post automatically. So there's absolutely no proof that Mrs. Baldwin was doing anything untoward at the funeral. But hey that didn't stop a salacious story.
It was all clearly upsetting for Baldwin who also posted the following How much of this (expletive) are people supposed to take With these (expletive) blatant lies EVERY DAY.
George Stark the reporter whose byline was removed from the story hadn't replied via Twitter as of Thursday night.
And it now appears that Baldwin shut down his own Twitter account ABFalecbaldwin after announcing that he'd fired his publicist.
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