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San Antonio Spurs’ Star Delivers Verdict on 2025 NBA Draft

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The 2025 NBA Draft was anticipated to produce one of the best classes in recent memory, and so far, it has lived up to the hype. In a recent matchup, first overall pick Cooper Flagg and second pick Dylan Harper went head-to-head as the San Antonio Spurs decisively defeated the Dallas Mavericks.

Flagg recorded a double-double with ten points and ten rebounds but was largely seen as disappointing due to his offensive inefficiency. On the other hand, Harper had a solid performance, posting 15 points and quickly finding his rhythm in the second half of his debut.

### Standout Performances Across the League

Elsewhere in the league, VJ Edgecombe dominated his game, while Jeremiah Fears and Tre Johnson also delivered solid outings. Meanwhile, Stephon Castle, Harper’s teammate and the reigning Rookie of the Year, shared his thoughts on both Flagg and Harper, expressing confidence in their potential for long NBA careers.

### San Antonio Spurs’ Star Delivers Rookie Verdict

Commenting on Flagg’s performance, Castle noted, “He didn’t shoot the ball well, but he seemed a lot more poised than I thought he would be. I mean, my first game, I was out there nervous, so I can’t really speak on it. He made some good reads, he didn’t seem too rattled. So, I think he’ll have a good year.”

Castle was naturally more complimentary about his teammate Harper. “Dylan, he’s been hooping all summer, all training camp. I knew once he got settled in, he’d be fine. He started off the game kind of shaky, but picked it up quickly and helped us a lot.”

Currently, Harper remains behind Castle on the Spurs’ depth chart and is expected to slot in as a backup to De’Aaron Fox once Fox returns to the floor. Flagg, conversely, has been tasked with playing point guard—a position he is not familiar with—which partly explains his rougher offensive showing.

### Harper Expected to Take More Time Than Flagg

Despite Harper’s more effective debut, he is considered a much more raw prospect compared to Flagg. It’s important to note that Flagg was playing point guard in his very first NBA game, a challenging role for a rookie.

Harper projects to be a pass-first guard, drawing comparisons to a younger James Harden. Alongside Victor Wembanyama, Harper forms an ideal running mate for the Spurs to rely on in the coming years.

### Spurs Look Ahead

Castle also had an impressive outing, scoring 22 points while contributing six assists and seven rebounds. Although De’Aaron Fox remains the best guard on the Spurs roster, his position could soon be challenged, especially if he spends more time on the bench than anticipated.

The 2025 season looks poised for exciting developments as these young talents continue to grow and make their mark in the NBA.
https://heavy.com/sports/nba/san-antonio-spurs/stephon-castle-2025-nba-draft/

Sushi without the catch: Plant-based Japanese dishes shine at Gokoku in North Hollywood

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**Cozy Up to Delicious Plant-Based Eats at Gokoku in North Hollywood**

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — If you’re craving big bowls of ramen, stacks of sushi rolls, teriyaki chicken, and more, look no further than Gokoku, a vegetarian hotspot nestled in Los Angeles’s North Hollywood community.

Owner Shan Shan Estacio, who grew up in China surrounded by family and food, shares a heartfelt perspective on her cuisine. “Everything is really amazing,” Estacio says. “In our culture, the food is love.” This sentiment is evident throughout Gokoku, a restaurant that, much like the city of Los Angeles itself, serves as a melting pot. Japanese cartoons line the walls while the menu features dishes inspired by various countries.

“A lot of people drive one hour, two hours, just to come and eat that vegan teriyaki chicken,” Estacio reveals. At Gokoku, everything is 100% plant-based — from steamed dumplings to Beyond Meat ramen and sushi creations. Estacio’s love for animals inspired her to embrace a plant-based lifestyle. Here, the “chicken” is crafted from soybeans and the “salmon” is made from rice, delivering authentic flavors without animal products.

Reflecting on her journey, Estacio says she is living the American dream, thanks to the support of the North Hollywood community and beyond. “I came here 11 years ago, started with zero,” she shares. “I’m really very thankful for their support. All the love from them, I am truly grateful.”

Gokoku also gives back to the community. During recent wildfires, the restaurant collaborated with local groups to provide free meals to victims. Additionally, Estacio and her team engage in numerous charity efforts focused on animal welfare.

Gokoku is located at 4147 Lankershim Blvd., Studio City.

*Thank you to Lauren Bendik for the submission.*
https://abc7.com/post/sushi-catch-plant-based-japanese-dishes-shine-gokoku-north-hollywood-abc7-community-eats/18066767/

North Carolina football’s Mike Lombardi lied about Super Bowl resume, according to Pablo Torre

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The North Carolina football season isn’t going well, to say the least, but it remains interesting. Amid a disappointing 2-4 record—one that could very well end with just two wins—several off-field issues have caught the spotlight. Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick has reportedly considered stepping away, an assistant coach was suspended, and the team’s general manager has come under recent scrutiny.

Mike Lombardi, a longtime ally of Belichick, followed the eight-time Super Bowl champion to Chapel Hill, taking on the role of North Carolina football general manager. Although both spoke ambitiously about overhauling the Heels’ roster and transforming UNC into the “33rd NFL franchise,” North Carolina has yet to secure a victory against a power-conference team. In fact, the Tar Heels have been outscored 141-51 in those four losses.

Unfortunately, the on-field struggles are only part of the negative headlines surrounding Lombardi. Last week, journalist Pablo Torre reported that Lombardi left the team shortly before the season began to engage in fundraising activities in Saudi Arabia. This move reignited discussions about the regime’s human rights record and its attempts at “sportswashing.”

The latest revelations from Torre’s reporting, however, are less serious but notably strange. According to sources, Lombardi has repeatedly lied about how many Super Bowl rings he has earned. “Mike Lombardi was not issued an official Super Bowl 51 ring as a Patriots employee during the 2016-17 season, as much as he enjoys referring to all of the bling he’s won as a three-time Super Bowl champion,” Torre said on his podcast, *Pablo Torre Finds Out*.

Torre reported that Belichick gave Lombardi a “friends and family” ring instead, which is not an official Super Bowl ring. Adding more doubt, Chris Walsh—the son of three-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Walsh—stated that Lombardi, despite his claims, “doesn’t have a ring whatsoever” from the San Francisco 49ers’ Super Bowl XIX victory in 1985. Walsh said Lombardi “was just there in a very, very limited role” at the time and described him as a possible “gopher chauffeur.”

Lombardi, 66, first began working with Belichick when Belichick became head coach of the Cleveland Browns in 1991. Lombardi started his career as a scout with Cleveland in 1987 and was promoted to pro personnel director in 1989. He held that position until 1993, when he became the director of player personnel under Belichick. The two reunited in 2014, when Lombardi was hired by Belichick as an assistant on the coaching staff.

As the North Carolina football program navigates these turbulent times, both on and off the field, fans and analysts alike continue to watch closely to see how the situation develops moving forward.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/north-carolina-football-news-mike-lombardi-lied-super-bowl-resume-pablo-torre

Seahawks Receive Major Defensive News, Insider Says

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The Seattle Seahawks are getting healthy in a hurry—and just in time for the second half of the season. According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, the Seahawks will have several key defensive players returning from injury following their bye week, including safety Julian Love, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and safety Nick Emmanwori.

“The Seahawks will get Julian Love (four missed games) and Devon Witherspoon (five) back post-bye. Nick Emmanwori (three and most of a fourth) also missed time,” Henderson reported.

Love has missed four games with a hamstring injury, while Witherspoon has been sidelined for five with a shoulder issue. Emmanwori, the team’s promising rookie safety, missed three games and most of a fourth after suffering an early-season knee injury.

### Defense Holds Strong Despite Absences

Despite the absences of these key players, Seattle’s defense has quietly been one of the league’s best. The Seahawks are allowing just 19.4 points per game—the sixth-fewest in the NFL—and maintaining a slightly better defensive record than division-leading San Francisco. This performance is especially impressive considering they’ve played most of the last month without three starters in the secondary.

### Depth Players Step Up

Seattle’s defensive backfield has been held together by unsung contributors. Ty Okada, a third-year defensive back who made the 53-man roster as a special-teams standout, has drawn praise from coaches for his versatility and tackling in space. Defensive backs Josh Jobe and Coby Bryant have filled in admirably; both recorded five solo tackles against the Texans, with Jobe also knocking down a pair of passes.

The Seattle defensive front has shown why the Seahawks are trending in an elite direction. DeMarcus Lawrence registered two tackles for losses and a sack against the Texans, while linebackers Ernest Jones (who led the game with 11 tackles) and Uchenna Nwosu were active in many aspects of the defense.

### Why It Matters

Getting Love and Witherspoon back will change the complexion of Seattle’s defense entirely.

Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 draft, was one of the NFL’s most disruptive slot defenders in 2023. He finished with 16 pass breakups and 3 sacks and has maintained that strong production into 2024.

Love, meanwhile, led the team in interceptions and forced fumbles in 2024. He brings critical communication and leadership on the back end.

The Seahawks (5-2, 2nd in NFC West) will need both players as they prepare for a pivotal stretch that includes games against the Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, and Los Angeles Rams. Seattle will especially need its full defense for late-season matchups against the Indianapolis Colts, the Rams again, and the San Francisco 49ers to close out the season.

Having a healthy secondary also allows Seattle to be more aggressive with blitz packages and tighter man-to-man coverage.

### What’s Next

Seattle returns from its bye week to face the Commanders in Week 9—a matchup that should serve as a test run for the unit’s restored lineup, depending on whether Jayden Daniels returns from a hamstring injury.

With depth players gaining valuable experience during the injury stretch, the Seahawks could soon field one of the NFL’s deepest and most dynamic secondaries.

If the first half of the season proved Seattle could survive without its stars, the second half could show just how dominant it can be with them back.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/big-seahawks-defensive-news/

Roblox Halloween Spotlight NFL Universe Football guide

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NFL Universe Football is celebrating Halloween with an exciting Spotlight Event. As part of this event, players have the opportunity to complete two special quests.

By successfully finishing these quests, participants can earn valuable rewards, including a Rune and a Key.

Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance your gameplay and enjoy the festive spirit within NFL Universe Football!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/roblox-news/roblox-halloween-spotlight-nfl-universe-football-guide

Ben Shelton’s girlfriend Trinity Rodman opens up about relationship troubles early in their dating life and how they overcame ‘rough’ times

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Ben Shelton’s girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, recently opened up about the early challenges they faced in their relationship.

In an exclusive interview, Rodman candidly discussed the obstacles they encountered as a couple during the initial stages. Despite the difficulties, their bond has grown stronger over time.

Their story highlights the importance of communication and resilience in nurturing a healthy relationship. Fans continue to support the pair as they navigate their journey together.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-ben-shelton-s-girlfriend-trinity-rodman-opens-relationship-troubles-early-dating-life-overcame-rough-times

WWE has lost faith in top Samoan star, says ex-writer Vince Russo (Exclusive)

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According to ex-WWE writer Vince Russo, the powers that be in the sports entertainment juggernaut have lost all their faith in a top Samoan star.

This lack of confidence persists despite the wrestler still holding a prominent position within the company.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-wwe-lost-faith-top-samoan-star-says-ex-writer-vince-russo-exclusive

Roy Wood Jr. Shocks ‘The View’ With Reveal That He Went To “Pimps” For Advice: “Why Are You Crying About Getting Booed? I’ve Been Shot Three Times!”

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Roy Wood Jr. returned to *The View* this morning to talk about his new book, *The Man of Many Fathers*. The comedian opened up about the inspiration behind the book, which is a compilation of life lessons he’s learned from different people throughout his life.

While chatting with the co-hosts, Wood explained, “So many of my lessons didn’t just come from school teachers and college professors. There were dishwashers, there were pimps, there were co-workers on cocaine. There are so many people in our lives that come in and out of our lives for a day or for a week who could leave a lifetime impact.”

Wood, who lost his father when he was 16, shared that he wrote the book with the hope of passing on his life experiences to his nine-year-old son. “I want to put the story of why I am who I am so that if God forbid I pass before my son and I could have those grown-men conversations, there’ll be some degree of a blueprint,” he explained.

Co-host Ana Navarro was curious about what Wood could have learned from the pimps he mentioned. Wood replied, “Oh! You know what I learned? I learned the fact that you have to pick yourself back up.”

He went on to recall a moment earlier this year when he performed a stand-up routine at The Apollo in New York City and got “booed” by the audience. “I was staying at a hotel that was run by some pimps in Jersey. Hands down one of the best pep talks of my life. I know it’s a heinous occupation, but the idea that in that lowest moment, somebody you would never expect, gave me a degree of wisdom.”

Wood added, “He was like, ‘Why are you crying about getting booed? I’ve been shot three times!’ I was like, ‘You right. If you can take a bullet, I can take a boo.’”

*The View* airs on weekdays at 11/10c on ABC.
https://decider.com/2025/10/24/roy-wood-jr-shocks-the-view-with-reveal-that-he-went-to-pimps-for-advice-why-are-you-crying-about-getting-booed-ive-been-shot-three-times/

‘I will not be deterred!’ Letitia James issues warning to Trump after leaving courthouse

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New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a firm warning on Friday, declaring that she would “not be deterred” or “distracted” after leaving a federal courtroom where she pleaded not guilty to charges of bank fraud. Critics argue that these charges are politically motivated, stemming from James’ previous legal battles with former President Donald Trump.

The allegations against James involve claims that she misrepresented her income and assets on a loan document. The Trump administration initiated its criminal probe into James back in May. This move follows James’ prior prosecution of Trump in 2022, which resulted in a $454 million judgment. That case centered on accusations that Trump and his real estate company inflated asset values to secure more favorable loan agreements.

As she exited the courtroom in New York City on Friday, James was greeted by cheers from dozens of supporters who had gathered to back her.

Addressing the crowd, an animated James criticized the Trump administration for using the Justice Department as “a vehicle of retribution.” She emphasized that the prosecution would not silence her.

“There’s no fear today, no fear! No fear!” James shouted. “No fear, because I believe that justice will rain down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream! And I’m here to say that my work, my job and all that I do, I’ve stood up for the rights of New Yorkers and Americans and I will not be deterred! I will not, will not be deterred!”

The Trump administration’s targeting of James has attracted further scrutiny after a high-ranking DOJ official posted a photo outside her New York home in August. The image was shared on social media alongside a threatening message, occurring before she was formally indicted on fraud charges.
https://www.rawstory.com/letitia-james-2674230613/

Police bust plot to sell fake artwork purportedly by Rembrandt, Picasso

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A major international plot involving the sale of suspected forged paintings by renowned artists has been uncovered, police announced on Friday. The scheme spanned three countries and involved fake works attributed to masters such as Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, and Frida Kahlo.

The main suspect, a 77-year-old German man, allegedly attempted to sell 20 counterfeit paintings. These included purported pieces by Flemish old master Peter Paul Rubens, Spanish artist Joan Miró, and Italian sculptor Amedeo Modigliani. Authorities in Bavaria revealed that he was assisted by 10 accomplices in the operation.

Investigators first grew suspicious when the suspect tried to sell two alleged original Picasso paintings on the art market. One of these artworks depicted Dora Maar, a French photographer, painter, and poet who was Picasso’s most famous muse, according to BBC News.

The police stated that the man subsequently sought to sell *De Staalmeesters*, a famous oil painting by Rembrandt, for 120 million Swiss francs (approximately $150 million). However, the original painting is permanently displayed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The copy, believed to have been made in the 20th century, was found in the possession of an 84-year-old Swiss woman who is now also under investigation.

“After examination by an art expert, it was confirmed that the painting was indeed a copy and not a lost masterpiece by Rembrandt van Rijn,” police reported, as cited by BBC.

The fake paintings were being offered at prices ranging from 400,000 euros to about 130 million euros (roughly $465,000 to $150 million), police said in a statement.

Last week, authorities conducted coordinated searches in multiple locations across southern Germany, Berlin, several areas in Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. During these raids, the main suspect and another German man, aged 74, were arrested. The second suspect is accused of preparing forged authenticity reports for the artworks. Both men have since been released on bail.

Police confirmed that all confiscated paintings will undergo detailed examination by experts and appraisers over the coming weeks to assess their authenticity.

This extensive investigation highlights the ongoing challenges art markets face with forged masterpieces, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and expert scrutiny.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/art-forgeries-plot-bust-germany-police-rembrandt-picasso-frida-kahlo/