newyorkpost--2020-09-30--Should Mets keep Van Wagenen? Examining his hits, misses and one ‘ridiculous’ move

Pete Alonso or Dominic Smith .
Who you got ?
The Mets ...

The Mets have missed the playoffs in each of the two seasons since general manager Brodie Van Wagenen’s arrival, finishing a combined 112-110 over that stretch.
From the “Come get us” dare that preceded his first season — after trading the organization’s top prospect in a deal for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz — to this year’s underachieving short sprint, the charismatic 46-year-old agent-turned-GM has been a polarizing personality among fans desperate for a winner.
Now, with an ownership change looming, Van Wagenen’s job status ranks among the significant questions facing the organization as the offseason commences. Steve Cohen will need 23 votes from MLB owners for his takeover of the franchise from the Wilpon and Katz families to become official. Cohen, a hedge fund billionaire, has already announced that should he gain the approval to become the club’s new owner, former Mets general manager Sandy Alderson would return as the team’s new president.
The scope of Alderson’s duties has yet to be defined, but Van Wagenen is clearly in limbo. Whether he stays or returns, at least to start the first season of a Cohen regime, may hinge largely on how actively involved the 72-year-old Alderson wants to become in baseball operations. If Alderson is resolved to become the point man and have the final word on baseball matters, Van Wagenen is unlikely to return. His best chance at survival would be if Alderson were content advising baseball operations, with a broader focus on the organization.
Does Van Wagenen deserve another shot? Let’s examine his hits and misses.
Hits
As his former agent, Van Wagenen wasn’t supposed to be directly involved in Jacob deGrom’s contract negotiations, but the Mets ace signed a five-year extension worth $137.5 million on Van Wagenen’s watch, so maybe the GM gets half-credit.
A rival baseball executive pointed to the trades Van Wagenen didn’t make, retaining in-house talent (even if it was at the proverbial 11th hour in one case).
“What I would hang my hat on if I was Brodie is that I didn’t trade [Jeff] McNeil and Dominic Smith,” the executive said. “Sometimes the best trade is the one you don’t make.”
McNeil was a close call, as Van Wagenen nearly included him in the deal for Cano and Diaz before the 2019 season that sent top-prospect Jarred Kelenic to the Mariners. The versatile McNeil has emerged as a key everyday player for the Mets.
Smith was a potential trade chip last offseason as a young, high-upside player without a position, but Van Wagenen kept him. Smith helped carry the lineup in 2020 and has emerged as part of the Mets’ nucleus.
Among acquisitions, J.D. Davis’ arrival from the Astros for three lower-level prospects might be Van Wagenen’s biggest hit. Though Davis regressed this season after a breakout 2019, he figures into the team’s future.
On the free-agent front, Van Wagenen got his money’s worth on the two-year deal for $10 million he gave reliever Justin Wilson, a solid bullpen piece.
Misses
Cano and Diaz rebounded this year after underwhelming first seasons with the Mets, but the cost remains steep in Kelenic, and the $20 million a year in payroll commitment the team assumed for Cano, who is signed through 2023.
“If you look at this year with Diaz and Cano, they actually performed, and Kelenic hasn’t done anything yet, so you can’t kill [Van Wagenen] on that,” the rival executive said. “And it takes three to five years to evaluate a trade properly, just like a draft class. You can’t look at it the first year. But I think that’s a bad move from an economic standpoint because in retrospect even though those guys performed pretty well, the payroll and flexibility of the team were affected.”
Van Wagenen’s track record in free agency has also been subpar, with Jed Lowrie, Jeurys Familia, Wilson Ramos, Dellin Betances, Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha all falling into the “miss” category.
Lowrie signed a two-year contract worth $20 million, for which the Mets received all of eight plate appearances from the injured infielder.
“I hate to kill someone when there’s an injury because that’s sort of unfair,” the rival executive said. “But I never saw [Lowrie] as that type of player anyway to be a third baseman or anything like that.”
Voices within the organization warned Van Wagenen not to bring back Familia, but the right-hander returned on a three-year contract worth $30 million. Familia was better this season after a disastrous 2019, but likely won’t come close to fulfilling the expectations of his contract.
Ramos, who received a two-year deal worth $19 million with a club option for 2021, was the Mets’ third choice at catcher behind J.T. Realmuto and Yasmani Grandal. He disappointed defensively, and those deficiencies were more pronounced with his lack of offense this season.
The veteran reliever Betances, who received a $5.3 million signing bonus as part of his deal, tried to pitch through lat discomfort and was ineffective for most of the season before hitting the injured list.
Porcello and Wacha were free-agent rotation adds last winter that underperformed after Van Wagenen had added Marcus Stroman at the trade deadline in July in anticipation of Zack Wheeler leaving through free agency. Stroman opted out from this season after pitching respectably for the Mets over the final months in 2019. Wheeler signed with the Phillies after the season for five years and $118 million.
“The thing was basically Stroman for Wheeler and I think that’s ridiculous,” the rival executive said. “I think they overrated Stroman a little bit.
“[Van Wagenen] should have tried to re-sign Wheeler, because if you had Wheeler, you’re in the playoffs this year. That was the one thing maybe he didn’t realize.”


newyorkpost--2020-09-30--Cuomo, Gillibrand, James, de Blasio: A sad pack of ‘leaders’ New York is stuck with

Now that The New York Times has finally noticed that ...

Gotham has hit the skids, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and he says he knows why: “I’ve seen the city go up, and I’ve seen the city go down. It’s a question of leadership.”
Hey, when the man’s right, he’s right. Of course, he might consider supplying some — leadership, that is, as opposed to bullying Mayor Bill de Blasio. And if that were to happen, it could be like April showers on a parched mountain meadow: Flowers might bloom.
It would take a whole lot of rain, though. Cuomo was speaking of the five boroughs, but the Empire State’s leadership drought is close to universal. It descends from the top of the state’s congressional delegation, through the state capital itself, and, most especially, it includes all of New York’s big-city mayors. For example:
New York’s ludicrous junior US senator — remember Kirsten Gillibrand? — emerged from her hyper-extended post-presidential-run sabbatical over the weekend to announce that, as far as she’s concerned, New York is on its own when it comes to Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Supreme Court replacement.
“I will not meet with Judge Amy Coney Barrett,” Gillibrand said Sunday. “This nomination process is illegitimate.”
Well, it may be impolitic, but it’s not illegitimate; Gillibrand can check the Constitution. In any event, these things are supposed to be considered in what was once known unironically as the world’s greatest deliberative body. So while taking a pass is the senator’s privilege, she gets no points for leadership.
Meanwhile, New York’s top elected law-enforcement officer, Attorney General Letitia James, has just embraced the notion that the best way to reduce tension between police and the public is to, believe it or not, stop enforcing the law.
James has taken a little-steps-for-little-feet approach: Cops should back off traffic offenses and warrant enforcement. It’s by no means an original concept; reducing contact between cops and put-upon criminals is what the defund-the-police movement is all about.
New York’s big-city mayors have largely signed on, too, and when they stood down their cops, municipal rioting more or less died down, too. But crime is rising sharply, shootings remain endemic and innocent victims abound. (A Queens woman was killed Wednesday morning by a stray bullet that drilled through her bedroom window, the day’s most egregious murder.)
So James’ solution is no solution at all; she also gets an F for leadership.
And then there is New York City, whose public-school principals are urging Albany to usurp control of the Department of Education; whose schools and restaurants are reopening chaotically, though for how long, no one knows; whose streets are increasingly dirty and dangerous; and whose elections commissioners seem hellbent on delivering catastrophe come Nov. 3.
Take a bow, Bill de Blasio. You can lead the way to the Park Slope Y, yes, but to where else?
All of this, and more, falls heavily on Cuomo’s shoulders, and it’s easy to feel some sympathy for him. Or it would be, if he weren’t so overbearing and inconsistent.
Right now, he is threatening to send the National Guard to polling places on Election Day, an option that was off the table when looters were rummaging through Macy’s Herald Square in June, but which may be necessary now, because, well, Cuomo can’t really say.
He certainly has the authority to big-foot localities. Federal republics vest extraordinary power in state governors, and New York’s own Constitution doubles down on that: Cuomo effectively controls state budgeting, aid to localities and other carrots for bringing mayors around.
Using the power effectively requires subtlety, patience and imagination — skills brought to an art form when Gov. Nelson Rockefeller rescued the city from Mayor John Lindsay’s excesses in the 1960s, and when Gov. Hugh Carey did the same at the end of Mayor Abe Beame’s single term in the mid-’70s.
Right now a fiscal avalanche is bearing down on New York, along with related social disruptions. Cuomo’s usual tools — bluster and a blizzard of executive orders — won’t likely get the job done.
The municipal unions have him outgunned; the Democratic Party’s hard left has him hemmed in; New York’s business community, squeezed by lockdowns and out of patience after months of arbitrary governance, is looking elsewhere — and Albany’s legislative talent pool is about six inches deep.
This adds up to a challenge, but perhaps also an opportunity? “It’s a question of leadership,” said Andrew Cuomo Tuesday. Quite so.
Twitter: @RLMac2


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Sacha Baron Cohen was never ‘made’ during Trump stunt at CPAC

Sacha Baron Cohen has found a new spin for his infamous mankini .
The comic is doing his part to persuade people to wear COVID masks by sporting one covering his genitals in a poster for his “ Borat ” sequel .
The outrageous outfit is a spin on the infamous neon green number that Cohen wore as his Kazakh journalist character while he was in France to promote the first film at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival .
The sequel , “ Borat Subsequent Moviefilm : Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime on Oct. 23 .
The trailer , released Thursday , reveals that Cohen pranked Vice President Mike Pence at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February .
Reports at the time said a man impersonating Donald Trump was yelling and removed from the event during a speech by Pence , but was not charged .
A source told us , “ Security hauled him away , but they never found out who he was .
People never found out that was Sacha.
” Page Six exclusively reported in July that Rudy Giuliani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ruses during a supposed interview and called the cops .
Cohen also teased the film before the Trump-Biden debate this week with a mock endorsement of Trump from a Twitter account purporting to be the Republic of Kazakhstan .

Sacha Baron Cohen has found a new spin for his infamous mankini.
The comic is doing his part to persuade people to wear COVID masks by sporting one covering his genitals in a poster for his “Borat” sequel. The outrageous outfit is a spin on the infamous neon green number that Cohen wore as his Kazakh journalist character while he was in France to promote the first film at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.
The sequel, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan,” debuts on Amazon Prime on Oct. 23. The trailer, released Thursday, reveals that Cohen pranked Vice President Mike Pence at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February.
Reports at the time said a man impersonating Donald Trump was yelling and removed from the event during a speech by Pence, but was not charged. A source told us, “Security hauled him away, but they never found out who he was. People never found out that was Sacha.”
Page Six exclusively reported in July that Rudy Giuliani got wise to one of Cohen’s ruses during a supposed interview and called the cops. Cohen also teased the film before the Trump-Biden debate this week with a mock endorsement of Trump from a Twitter account purporting to be the Republic of Kazakhstan.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Connecticut sports anchor fired after calling Sen. Tim Scott an ‘Uncle Tom’

An Emmy-nominated Connecticut sports anchor was fired this week after calling South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott an “ Uncle Tom ” in a since-deleted tweet .
News 12 Connecticut said in a statement on Wednesday that it had canned Fred Gerteiny “ as a result of a racially insensitive comment , ” referring to a tweet from the reporter earlier that day responding to a story from The Hill .
The website had tweeted a link to a story about Scott , the GOP ’ s only black senator , saying that President Trump “ misspoke ” when he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremist group , to “ stand back and stand by ” during Tuesday night ’ s debate .
“ Thanks Uncle Tom , ” the reporter commented , using the derogatory epithet for a person who betrays their own culture .
In announcing Gerteiny ’ s removal , the TV-channel said it “ has a zero tolerance policy for racism or improper conduct based on race , and prides itself on being an objective and unbiased multi-platform news company.
” Gerteiny , who has since deleted his Twitter account , issued an apology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , I tweeted a racially insensitive comment , when I referred to @ SenatorTimScott as an ‘ Uncle Tom , ' ” Gerteiny tweeted .
“ I apologize to the Senator , my colleagues @ News12CT , and anyone else I may have offended with this deeply offensive tweet .
”

An Emmy-nominated Connecticut sports anchor was fired this week after calling South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott an “Uncle Tom” in a since-deleted tweet.
News 12 Connecticut said in a statement on Wednesday that it had canned Fred Gerteiny “as a result of a racially insensitive comment,” referring to a tweet from the reporter earlier that day responding to a story from The Hill.
The website had tweeted a link to a story about Scott, the GOP’s only black senator, saying that President Trump “misspoke” when he appeared to tell the Proud Boys, a violent right-wing extremist group, to “stand back and stand by” during Tuesday night’s debate.
“Thanks Uncle Tom,” the reporter commented, using the derogatory epithet for a person who betrays their own culture.
In announcing Gerteiny’s removal, the TV channel said it “has a zero tolerance policy for racism or improper conduct based on race, and prides itself on being an objective and unbiased multi-platform news company.”
Gerteiny, who has since deleted his Twitter account, issued an apology on the platform Wednesday.
“Earlier today, I tweeted a racially insensitive comment, when I referred to @SenatorTimScott as an ‘Uncle Tom,'” Gerteiny tweeted. “I apologize to the Senator, my colleagues @News12CT, and anyone else I may have offended with this deeply offensive tweet.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Golden Tate-Jalen Ramsey family feud could turn showdown nasty

Turn on the fan ( the oscillating kind , not the long-suffering ...

This bad blood includes shared DNA.
The stage is set Sunday for potentially the most combustible matchup of the NFL season, when Giants showboating receiver Golden Tate faces infamous trash-talking Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey for the first time since a family feud boiled over into public space.
Ramsey is the father of two of Tate’s young nieces, but he reportedly ended a long-term relationship with Tate’s sister during her pregnancy last summer to date a Las Vegas dancer. Breanna Tate — a former track-and-field standout at the University of Mississippi — gave birth in September 2019, shortly before Ramsey was traded from the Jaguars to the Rams.
Ramsey’s social media photo with his new girlfriend in October 2019 brought the spat to social media. A fan replied, suggesting the Giants star should “have words” with Ramsey and Tate said, “He know he gonna have to see me.”
Tate later told The Post, “I’m not happy at all with the disrespect that he’s shown towards my sister, and the things he’s done in the past, but I don’t really want to go too much into it.”
The last word at the time went to Ramsey, who Tweeted, “We live in a society where ignorant people feel that they are owed an explanation of what goes on in our day-to-day lives … and why we make the decisions we make … we don’t have to answer to anyone but the man above. S—t is beyond overrated.”
Well, the wait is over and the hot mics in a crowd-less SoFi Stadium might want to listen in. Neither Tate nor Ramsey was available Thursday upon request to their teams, but there won’t be any avoiding each other if chatter gets personal.
Giants fans surely recall how cornerback Josh Norman caused Odell Beckham Jr. to lose his cool in a couple of Panthers-Giants matchups and the ripple effect that had on the games.
Ramsey is regarded as one of the premier trash-talkers in the NFL and has a history of getting inside the mind of opponents. Normally mild-mannered Bengals star A.J. Green reacted to what he felt were cheap shots by putting Ramsey in a chokehold and throwing several punches during a 2017 melee. He also feuded with Chiefs star Tyreek Hill.
Giants coach Joe Judge doesn’t tolerate self-inflicted mistakes that could draw a penalty and certainly would not want Tate or others to take Ramsey’s bait.
“We’re looking to go ahead and focus on the next play and move play to play,” Judge said. “You have to be alert for this guy because he’s coming after the ball every play. You can say he’s talking trash, but this guy definitely backs it up on the field. He’s a special player.”
Ramsey trashed a handful of NFL quarterbacks, including Giants great Eli Manning, during a GQ magazine interview before the 2018 season. Manning quipped “Who?” in his response to the All-Pro cornerback, but successor Daniel Jones was in college then and avoided the barbs directed at the likes of the Bills’ Josh Allen.
Allen threw a touchdown pass on Ramsey last week as the Bills beat the Rams.
“There are certainly a lot of players in the NFL that talk trash,” Jones said, “so that’s something you have to be ready for. We won’t let it affect our mindset in the game.”
Because Ramsey and Tate both are versatile enough to play on the perimeter or in the slot, there is no telling how frequently they will line up across from each other. Their teams last shared the field during Ramsey’s rookie 2016 season.
When he is right, Tate is known for turning small gains into big plays after the catch — and pushing the limit of taunting defenses, with somersaulting, high-stepping and back-pedaling into the end zone. It’s all in good fun, he likes to say.
Tate’s yards-per-catch average last season (13.8) was his highest since 2014 but he is off to a slow start — as is the entire low-scoring Giants offense — this season. He has 10 catches for 83 yards in two games since returning from a preseason hamstring injury.
“You have to win one-on-ones in this league,” offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said.
This one-on-one battle is worth watching.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Halle Berry credits kids (and potential grandkids) for fitness inspiration

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens @ @ @ @ @ to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Halle Berry has motherhood to @ @ @ @ @ youthful physique at 54 , she says .
“ I ’ m feeling and looking @ @ @ @ @ because I ’ m putting in the work because I want to be there for @ @ @ @ @ told Brown Girl Jane founder Tai Beauchamp at the CBD brand ’ s first Black @ @ @ @ @ The actress went on , “ I want to be around for my grandchildren , @ @ @ @ @ them born … I want to see them grow.
” Berry is mom to 12-year-old @ @ @ @ @ Gabriel Aubry and 6-year-old son Maceo with her ex-husband Olivier Martinez .

Halle Berry has motherhood to thank for her strong and youthful physique at 54, she says.
“I’m feeling and looking younger than I ever have because I’m putting in the work because I want to be there for my kids,” she told Brown Girl Jane founder Tai Beauchamp at the CBD brand’s first Black Beauty and Wellness Summit.
The actress went on, “I want to be around for my grandchildren, and not just to see them born … I want to see them grow.”
Berry is mom to 12-year-old daughter Nahla with model ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry and 6-year-old son Maceo with her ex-husband Olivier Martinez.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--New doc tells WWII story of Post writer and Allied spy Virginia Hall

Sometimes , New York Post columnists go on to change the world .
Virginia Hall wrote for this paper during WWII , while she was also a heroic spy who worked in France for the British and US governments — recruiting resistance fighters , helping downed Allied pilots and organizing jailbreaks .
She even blew up a few bridges , could speak five languages , slash an enemy in the throat with a knife and was responsible for killing 170 Germans and capturing 800 more .
She was branded “ the most dangerous of all Allied spies , ” but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lady ” on account of her wooden leg , which Baltimore-born Hall named Cuthbert .
Now she is the subject of a new IFC Film “ A Call To Spy , ” which tells the story of her and other women who were recruited by Winston Churchill and trained as spies , ultimately helping to topple the Nazis .
In one of our favorite scenes , Hall is questioned at a checkpoint by a police officer and proudly claims that she writes for The Post , securing her freedom .
In 1941 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paris had surrendered , she sent a cable to a friend who worked at The Post offering to send dispatches , and she was hired .
Her role as a reporter in France for The Post was a perfect cover for her work as a spy .
A VIP online screening of the film , out now on demand , arranged by the Cinema Society ’ s Andrew Saffir drew VIPs including Lupita Nyong ’ o , David Oyelowo , Steve McQueen , Brooke Shields , Joy Behar , Calvin Klein and Christie @ @

Sometimes, New York Post columnists go on to change the world.
Virginia Hall wrote for this paper during WWII, while she was also a heroic spy who worked in France for the British and US governments — recruiting resistance fighters, helping downed Allied pilots and organizing jailbreaks. She even blew up a few bridges, could speak five languages, slash an enemy in the throat with a knife and was responsible for killing 170 Germans and capturing 800 more.
She was branded “the most dangerous of all Allied spies,” but the Gestapo nicknamed her the “limping lady” on account of her wooden leg, which Baltimore-born Hall named Cuthbert.
Now she is the subject of a new IFC Film “A Call To Spy,” which tells the story of her and other women who were recruited by Winston Churchill and trained as spies, ultimately helping to topple the Nazis.
In one of our favorite scenes, Hall is questioned at a checkpoint by a police officer and proudly claims that she writes for The Post, securing her freedom. In 1941, then 35 and living in London after Paris had surrendered, she sent a cable to a friend who worked at The Post offering to send dispatches, and she was hired. Her role as a reporter in France for The Post was a perfect cover for her work as a spy.
A VIP online screening of the film, out now on demand, arranged by the Cinema Society’s Andrew Saffir drew VIPs including Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, Steve McQueen, Brooke Shields, Joy Behar, Calvin Klein and Christie Brinkley.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Dodgers don’t want their players mic’d-up for games after ESPN request

Mic ’ d up during the A ’ s winner-take-all Game 3 against the ...

The Dodgers are pushing back against ESPN’s requests for players to be mic’d up during playoff games.
Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts told reporters Thursday, before Game 2 of his team’s National League Wild Card series against the Brewers at Dodgers Stadium, that his players will no longer wear microphones in the field.
Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner had a microphone on him during the Dodgers’ Game 1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday and was shown on camera getting set to play his position while trying to have a conversation with the ESPN broadcast crew. Roberts said the Dodgers “got wind” of what ESPN had planned with Turner an hour before game time and were not happy about it.
“Baseball is kind of evolving, but, yeah, I don’t know,” Roberts said. “That’s a decision Justin made. I don’t see that happening with our guys going forward.”
The in-game interviews are an attempt by MLB to help grow and game and humanize its players, who have the right to refuse the interviews. Despite Roberts’ decree, players could make the choice to defy it. — thought that seems unlikely.
The decision comes after Oakland A’s outfielder Ramon Laureano was heard his on live mic dropping an F-bomb during this club’s Game 2 win over the White Sox on Thursday. He said, “Damn, he can f—king run!’ in reference to Chicago’s Eloy Jimenez’ speed after a double in the gap.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Chrissy Teigen’s mom posts tribute to grandson after daughter’s pregnancy loss

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Chrissy Teigen ’ s mother Vilailuck Teigen has posted a series of pictures from the hospital following Chrissy Teigen ’ s pregnancy loss Wednesday .
“ My heart aches , ” Vilailuck wrote in the caption of the video , which was posted alongside pictures of her holding the child .
“ Love you so much baby Jack.
” Teigen , 34 , announced overnight Wednesday that she suffered a pregnancy loss after being hospitalized in Los Angeles over the weekend .
The mother of two had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Legend , 41 , had named Jack .
Teigen received blood transfusions after experiencing bleeding during the past month of her pregnancy , but , as she explained on Instagram , “ We were never able to stop the bleeding and give our baby the fluids he needed , despite bags and bags of blood transfusions .
It just wasn ’ t enough.
” “ We are shocked and in the kind of deep pain you only hear about , the kind of pain we ’ ve never felt before , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – I ’ m so sorry that the first few moments of your life were met with so many complications , that we couldn ’ t give you the home you needed to survive .
We will always love you.
” Celebrities , including Kim Kardashian , Channing Tatum and Paris Hilton sent Teigen and John messages of support Thursday as the news spread .

Chrissy Teigen’s mother, Vilailuck Teigen, has posted a series of pictures from the hospital following Chrissy’s pregnancy loss Wednesday.
“My heart aches,” Vilailuck wrote in the caption of the video, which was posted alongside pictures of her holding the child. “Love you so much baby Jack.”
Chrissy, 34, announced overnight Wednesday that she suffered a pregnancy loss after being hospitalized in Los Angeles over the weekend. The mother of two had been expecting a boy, whom she and husband John Legend, 41, had named Jack.
Teigen received blood transfusions after experiencing bleeding during the past month of her pregnancy, but, as she explained on Instagram, “We were never able to stop the bleeding and give our baby the fluids he needed, despite bags and bags of blood transfusions. It just wasn’t enough.”
“We are shocked and in the kind of deep pain you only hear about, the kind of pain we’ve never felt before,” Teigen wrote. “To our Jack – I’m so sorry that the first few moments of your life were met with so many complications, that we couldn’t give you the home you needed to survive. We will always love you.”
Celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, Channing Tatum and Paris Hilton, sent Teigen and Legend messages of support Thursday as the news spread.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Jets’ Sam Darnold avoids right shoulder injury scare after brief exit

The Jets season seemed to go from bad to worse Thursday night when starting quarterback Sam Darnold exited the game @ @ @ @ @ first quarter favoring his right shoulder .
But after a brief stint in the locker @ @ @ @ @ the game .
The injury occurred after Darnold was sacked by Broncos linebacker Alexander Johnson @ @ @ @ @ the turf and the third-year quarterback immediately reached for the shoulder .
He stayed in @ @ @ @ @ a run , before leaving the game .
He was replaced by Joe Flacco .
@ @ @ @ @ he suspected it was a broken collarbone .
Darnold had run for a 46-yard touchdown @ @ @ @ @ Jets their first lead of the season .

The Jets season seemed to go from bad to worse Thursday night when starting quarterback Sam Darnold exited the game near the end of the first quarter favoring his right shoulder. But after a brief stint in the locker room, Darnold returned to the game.
The injury occurred after Darnold was sacked by Broncos linebacker Alexander Johnson. Johnson slammed Darnold to the turf and the third-year quarterback immediately reached for the shoulder. He stayed in for one more play, a run, before leaving the game. He was replaced by Joe Flacco.
FOX announcer Troy Aikman said he suspected it was a broken collarbone.
Darnold had run for a 46-yard touchdown minutes earlier to give the Jets their first lead of the season.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Louisiana mom arrested after 2-year-old son dies inside hot car

A Louisiana mother was reportedly arrested after her 2-year-old son who last left inside a car died of heatstroke on @ @ @ @ @ 27 , is facing a negligent homicide charge in connection to the death of her @ @ @ @ @ authorities told KLFY .
The tot was found inside the car about 1:50 p.m. in @ @ @ @ @ said .
The Lafayette Parish Coroner ’ s Office ruled the boy died of heatstroke @ @ @ @ @ bond at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center after her Monday arrest .

A Louisiana mother was reportedly arrested after her 2-year-old son who last left inside a car died of heatstroke on Sunday.
Natalie Broussard, 27, is facing a negligent homicide charge in connection to the death of her baby, Ryatt Hensley, authorities told KLFY.
The tot was found inside the car about 1:50 p.m. in Lafayette Parish, the report said.
The Lafayette Parish Coroner’s Office ruled the boy died of heatstroke.
Broussard was held without bond at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center after her Monday arrest.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Trial underway for man accused of gruesome killing, dismemberment of parents

KNOXVILLE , Tenn. — A Louisiana man has been indicted on ...

A Tennessee jury this week began hearing the gruesome and graphic details in the trial of a man who allegedly butchered his parents — then left his mom’s head boiling on the stove and his dad’s severed hands on their bedroom floor.
Joel Guy, Jr., 32, sat through the third day of his trial Wednesday after allegedly murdering his 61-year-old father, Joel Michael Guy Sr., and 55-year-old Lisa Guy, in their West Knox County home during Thanksgiving weekend in 2016.
Guy Jr. allegedly stabbed and dismembered his parents, scattering their remains in an acid-based solution in several rooms of the home that prosecutors have referred to as a “diabolical stew of human remains.”
“There were multiple rooms in the home that seemed to be involved as part of the crime scene,” testified Dr. Amy Hawes, the local medical examiner, according to WATE. “There were many chemicals scattered in areas throughout the home. There were blood spots in different areas throughout the home. There were also various body parts throughout the home.”
Jurors on Wednesday heard testimony from Hawes, local law officials who arrived at the scene, family and friends. They were shown photos of the meat grinder Guy Jr. planned to use to aid his gruesome murder and dismemberment of his parents over life insurance money.
State prosecutors argued that Guy Jr. planned the killings for weeks, driven by the motive of obtaining $500,000 in life insurance money. In an image of detailed notes he allegedly penned to plan the murders, he wrote phrases including, “her assets, her life insurance 500K possibly more,” and “Money all mine. I get the whole thing.”
The notes also appeared to refer to the photographed food grinder when Guy Jr. allegedly wrote, “Bring blender and food grinder — grind meat,” WFTV reported.
Guy Jr.’s sister and half-sister testified that they knew the parents were planning to cut him off financially and were planning to tell him over the Christmas holiday that year.
One of Guy Jr.’s closest friends, Michael McCracken, described the suspect as socially awkward and on poor terms with his family. He said Guy Jr. spent “days at a time” alone on the computer.
Prosecutors played audio from a taped phone called the two shared in December 2016 that Guy Jr, had placed from jail.
At one point during the call McCracken said he was not “totally surprised” by the news of his alleged role in the killings.
“I mean I’m not totally surprised, uhm, I don’t know. I don’t know what to say,” McCracken said during the call. “I’m all of that inside I am angry and lost and confused and disappointed and upset and mourning you like you’re dead even though I’m talking to you on the phone and I don’t– it’s taking everything I have to process and maintain my sanity.”
Guy Jr. despondently replied, “I think about you all the time. You were the only good thing in my life.”
He faces life in prison on charges of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of abuse of a corpse and three counts of felony murder.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Trump aide Hope Hicks tests positive for COVID-19 after traveling with president

Hope Hicks , a close aide to President Trump , has tested positive for the coronavirus after traveling on Air Force One to the president ’ s debate Tuesday and Minnesota rally on Wednesday , Bloomberg first reported .
Her infection comes after she was seen maskless in close contact with White House and Trump campaign staff Tuesday , including White House senior adviser Stephen Miller and campaign adviser Jason Miller , the outlet reported .
She was photographed deplaning from Air Force 1 Tuesday without a mask , in close proximity to others .
Sources who confirmed her illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the disease .
There were no signs Trump has contracted the virus , the sources told the outlet .
Hicks is just the latest White House staffer to have become infected .
Several close to President Trump have caught the deadly virus while the commander in chief has remained uninfected .
In May , a personal valet to Trump and White House coronavirus task force spokeswoman Katie Miller both tested positive .
“ The President takes the health and safety of himself and everyone who works in support of him and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement to The Hill , without mentioning Hicks .
“ White House Operations collaborates with the Physician to the President and the White House Military Office to ensure all plans and procedures incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting COVID-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible both on complex and when the President is traveling , ” he went on .

Hope Hicks, a close aide to President Trump, has tested positive for the coronavirus after traveling on Air Force One to the president’s debate Tuesday and Minnesota rally on Wednesday, Bloomberg first reported.
Her infection comes after she was seen maskless in close contact with White House and Trump campaign staff Tuesday, including White House senior adviser Stephen Miller and campaign adviser Jason Miller, the outlet reported.
She was photographed deplaning from Air Force One Tuesday without a mask, in close proximity to others.
Sources who confirmed her illness to Bloomberg said she is experiencing symptoms of the disease. There were no signs Trump has contracted the virus, the sources told the outlet.
Hicks is just the latest White House staffer to become infected. Several close to Trump have caught the deadly virus while the commander-in-chief has remained uninfected. In May, a personal valet to Trump and White House coronavirus task force spokeswoman Katie Miller both tested positive.
“The President takes the health and safety of himself and everyone who works in support of him and the American people very seriously,” deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement to The Hill, without mentioning Hicks.
“White House Operations collaborates with the Physician to the President and the White House Military Office to ensure all plans and procedures incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting COVID-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible both on complex and when the President is traveling,” he went on.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Adorable kid happily crashes grandfather’s live MSNBC interview

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic .
An MSNBC interview got derailed Thursday when a young guest crashed an expert ’ s serious commentary on the coronavirus pandemic and the recent spike in cases in New York City .
Dr. Irwin Redlener was interrupted on “ Deadline : White House ” by his toddler grandson , who suddenly popped his head into the video feed and grinned .
“ This is what remote learning looks like , ” joked anchor Nicolle Wallace , as she , Redlener and another guest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on track — but kept breaking into chuckles as his grandson stood on the edge of the screen hopping and babbling .
“ Oh boy , ” Redlener said , as he gently tried to push the little boy away .
“ The issue is that we ’ re gon na see big upticks all over the place , in the US and elsewhere in the world , ” said the doc , speaking over his grandson ’ s charming chanting .
“ We ’ re not gon na be free of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of years and we need to get used to that fact … , ” he went on .
“ So I ’ m not the least bit surprised about what we ’ re seeing in New York.
” Redlener continued : “ We have to gear up and be adults about this and do what needs to get done to protect ourselves … ” As Redlener added that he was “ very worried ” about another point , the tot climbed up behind him on his chair and stuck out his tongue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve seen , ” Wallace laughed , as someone came to grab the rambunctious little boy .
The adorable bit of comic relief recalled the viral 2017 moment when a professor ’ s two children crashed his on-air BBC interview about South Korea .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
An MSNBC interview got derailed Thursday when a young guest crashed an expert’s serious commentary on the coronavirus pandemic and the recent spike in cases in New York City.
Dr. Irwin Redlener was interrupted on “Deadline: White House” by his toddler grandson, who suddenly popped his head into the video feed and grinned.
“This is what remote learning looks like,” joked anchor Nicolle Wallace, as she, Redlener and another guest laughed.
The pediatrician tried to get back on track — but kept breaking into chuckles as his grandson stood on the edge of the screen hopping and babbling.
“Oh boy,” Redlener said, as he gently tried to push the little boy away.
“The issue is that we’re gonna see big upticks all over the place, in the US and elsewhere in the world,” said the doc, speaking over his grandson’s charming chanting.
“We’re not gonna be free of the COVID-19 pandemic for the next couple of years and we need to get used to that fact …,” he went on. “So I’m not the least bit surprised about what we’re seeing in New York.”
Redlener continued: “We have to gear up and be adults about this and do what needs to get done to protect ourselves …”
As Redlener added that he was “very worried” about another point, the tot climbed up behind him on his chair and stuck out his tongue.
“This is the best thing that I’ve seen,” Wallace laughed, as someone came to grab the rambunctious little boy.
The adorable bit of comic relief recalled the viral 2017 moment when a professor’s two children crashed his on-air BBC interview about South Korea.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--‘Dateline’s’ Andrea Canning also writes Lifetime and Hallmark movies

Andrea Canning ’ s true-crime narratives have riveted “ Dateline ” viewers for eight years .
But in the “ Who Knew ?
” department , Canning doubles as a writer of TV flicks , including “ Homekilling Queen , ” “ Killer Prom ” and “ Til Ex Do Us Part ” ( on Lifetime ) and “ Ruby Herring Mysteries ” and the upcoming “ Christmas She Wrote ” ( starring Danica McKellar ) on Hallmark .
“ I ’ ve been a huge fan of Lifetime and Hallmark for such a long time , ” Canning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would watch their movies and think , ‘ Why can ’ t I do this ?
’ Especially the mystery movies , since I was working at ‘ Dateline ’ and have a wealth of information swirling around in my head .
“ I contacted one of the [ Lifetime ] producers whose name I kept seeing over and over in the credits , ” she says .
“ He said , ‘ Send me some ideas and a sample script .
Your dialogue is good and you seem to know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a mentor to me and guided me through the process and we ended up making a movie together [ ‘ A Daughter ’ s Revenge ’ ] .
” Four years and more than 10 movies later , Canning is still cranking them out amidst a busy home life — she and husband Tony Bancroft have five daughters and a son — and her work on “ Dateline ” ( airing Friday at 10 p.m. for the first time in Season 29 ) .
“ Normally , when I ’ m traveling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my ‘ spare time , ’ ” she says .
“ When I ’ m on a plane and have already done my research for a ‘ Dateline ’ story , or at night in a hotel , then I ’ ll move on to the movies .
That ’ s when I usually write them .
“ The Lifetime movies are thrillers , definitely ‘ women in jeopardy ’ who have to save themselves , ” she says .
“ I have a [ movie ] series on Hallmark called ‘ Ruby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a comedy/drama .
She ’ s a crime reporter and pairs up with a detective — they kind of bump heads and end up falling in love with each other.
” ( Well , it is Hallmark Channel , after all . )
Canning ’ s real-life backstory rivals any of her fictional TV movies .
She spent several years babysitting for “ Baywatch ” star David Hasselhoff and his wife — and was roommates with Ryan Seacrest before he shot to fame on “ American Idol.
” The Canadian-born Canning first met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryerson University in Toronto , she talked her way into a summer internship at “ Baywatch ” in LA , working , for the most part , at Hasselhoff ’ s office on the studio lot .
“ They did some [ ‘ Baywatch ’ ] apartment scenes and had the [ water ] tank there where they did all the underwater scenes , ” she says .
“ Everything else was done on the beach .
I was mostly in the production office and would go out to the set and do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to school , she once again crossed paths with Hasselhoff .
“ David was making a movie-of-the week in Toronto and my cousin said , ‘ I think David Hasselhoff is in the subway down the street shooting something ’ , ” she says .
“ I hadn ’ t talked to David and his wife because I ’ d left LA .
So I found them on the set and she said , ‘ Would you come back with us ?
’ So that ’ s how that happened.
” Returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Extra , ” first on the assignment desk and then on-camera — which led to her meeting Seacrest , then a well-known radio personality on Star 98.7 FM .
“ I ’ d moved out of the Hasselhoffs ’ place — I would still babysit for them part-time , but I wasn ’ t living there anymore , ” she says .
“ A friend drove me to a party , which Ryan was hosting with another gentleman and another girl .
It was a four-room townhouse .
Their roommate had moved out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up that I was looking for a place to live and [ Seacrest ’ s roommate , Mark ] said to me , literally on the spot , ‘ Do you want to move in here ?
’ ” She then spoke to Seacrest .
“ I was like , ‘ Sure , ’ so I moved in the next day.
” October marks Canning ’ s eighth year on “ Dateline ” ; she ’ s logged 100 hours of first-run shows and says there ’ s one story , in particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It was about a cheerleader who was being stalked by her boyfriend — he shot through her house and killed her , ” she says .
“ It ’ s a story that haunts parents and … and it just broke my heart .
They ’ re all hard [ to report ] and some of them just really get you — they grab you and break your heart .
“ It ’ s really crushing when someone is taken away from you for the worst reasons .
”

Andrea Canning’s true-crime narratives have riveted “Dateline” viewers for eight years.
But in the “Who Knew?” department, Canning doubles as a writer of TV flicks, including “Homekilling Queen,” “Killer Prom” and “Til Ex Do Us Part” (on Lifetime) and, on Hallmark, “Ruby Herring Mysteries,” “Christmas She Wrote” (starring Danica McKellar) and the upcoming “USS Christmas,” a military movie inspired by her husband (Lt. Col. Tony Bancroft).
“I’ve been a huge fan of Lifetime and Hallmark for such a long time,” Canning, 47, tells The Post. “I would watch their movies and think, ‘Why can’t I do this?’ Especially the mystery movies, since I was working at ‘Dateline’ and have a wealth of information swirling around in my head.
“I contacted one of the [Lifetime] producers whose name I kept seeing over and over in the credits,” she says. “He said, ‘Send me some ideas and a sample script. Your dialogue is good and you seem to know what you’re doing’ … he was a mentor to me and guided me through the process and we ended up making a movie together [‘A Daughter’s Revenge’].”
Four years and more than 10 movies later, Canning is still cranking them out amidst a busy home life — she and Bancroft have five daughters and a son — and her work on “Dateline” (airing Friday at 10 p.m. for the first time in Season 29).
“Normally, when I’m traveling for ‘Dateline’ that’s my ‘spare time,’ ” she says. “When I’m on a plane and have already done my research for a ‘Dateline’ story, or at night in a hotel, then I’ll move on to the movies. That’s when I usually write them.
“The Lifetime movies are thrillers, definitely ‘women in jeopardy’ who have to save themselves,” she says. “I have a [movie] series on Hallmark called ‘Ruby Herring Mysteries’ which is kind of a comedy/drama. She’s a crime reporter and pairs up with a detective — they kind of bump heads and end up falling in love with each other.” (Well, it is Hallmark Channel, after all.)
Canning’s real-life backstory rivals any of her fictional TV movies. She spent several years babysitting for “Baywatch” star David Hasselhoff and his wife — and was roommates with Ryan Seacrest before he shot to fame on “American Idol.”
The Canadian-born Canning first met Hasselhoff when, still a student at Ryerson University in Toronto, she talked her way into a summer internship at “Baywatch” in LA, working, for the most part, at Hasselhoff’s office on the studio lot. “They did some [‘Baywatch’] apartment scenes and had the [water] tank there where they did all the underwater scenes,” she says. “Everything else was done on the beach. I was mostly in the production office and would go out to the set and do what was needed.”
After Canning returned to school, she once again crossed paths with Hasselhoff. “David was making a movie-of-the week in Toronto and my cousin said, ‘I think David Hasselhoff is in the subway down the street shooting something’,” she says. “I hadn’t talked to David and his wife because I’d left LA. So I found them on the set and she said, ‘Would you come back with us?’ So that’s how that happened.”
Returning to LA, Canning eventually landed at “Extra” on the assignment desk — which led to her meeting Seacrest, then a well-known radio personality on Star 98.7 FM.
“I’d moved out of the Hasselhoffs’ place — I would still babysit for them part-time, but I wasn’t living there anymore,” she says. “A friend drove me to a party, which Ryan was hosting with another gentleman and another girl. It was a four-room townhouse. Their roommate had moved out the day before and somehow it came up that I was looking for a place to live and [Seacrest’s roommate, Mark] said to me, literally on the spot, ‘Do you want to move in here?’ ” She then spoke to Seacrest. “I was like, ‘Sure,’ so I moved in the next day.”
October marks Canning’s eighth year on “Dateline”; she’s logged 100 hours of first-run shows and says there’s one story, in particular, that continues to resonate for her.
“It was about a cheerleader who was being stalked by her boyfriend — he shot through her house and killed her,” she says. “It’s a story that haunts parents and … and it just broke my heart. They’re all hard [to report] and some of them just really get you — they grab you and break your heart.
“It’s really crushing when someone is taken away from you for the worst reasons.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Celtics’ Kemba Walker wasn’t ‘himself’ in bubble: Danny Ainge

Marcus Smart says the Boston Celtics ’ blowup in the locker ...

Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said that standout guard Kemba Walker was “definitely hot himself” during the restarted season in the NBA bubble near Orlando.
The Celtics reached the Eastern Conference finals before losing to the Miami Heat in six games and Ainge indicated Walker’s health was an issue the entire time.
The 30-year-old’s three-time surgically repaired left knee was hampering him throughout the 2 1/2 months the team spent at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
“I could see, even when he was (in Boston) before the bubble started, which is why he was shut down a little bit and doing strength training and trying to prepare himself for the playoff run and the intensity of the playoff run, but he was definitely not himself,” Ainge said during a season wrap-up conference call on Thursday.
“In fairness to Kemba, he doesn’t want to say that. He doesn’t say that to our coaches. He doesn’t say that to you, the media. He doesn’t say that to me. I haven’t heard one excuse from him. But watching the games, even the games we won, even the games where he played well, I could tell he wasn’t the same physically as he was in October, November, December. So we’re going to try to get that Kemba back.”
Walker averaged 20.4 points in his first season with Boston after spending eight seasons with the Charlotte Hornets.
He was an All-Star for the fourth time and also averaged 4.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 38.1 percent from 3-point range. Walker knocked down 180 3-pointers in 56 games, and would have topped 200 for the fourth straight season if not for the coronavirus pandemic interrupting the season.
But in the postseason, Walker shot just 31 percent from long range in 17 outings while averaging 19.6 points.
“Even not at his best, he still averaged 19 or 20 points per game in the playoffs,” Ainge said. “He still is a really good player, but he’s not what he was. There’s nothing more frustrating for an athlete to be on the biggest stage in the world in your sport and not be able to be yourself. I’ve been there before as a player. It’s not fun. It’s stressful.”
The Celtics are built around young stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as they search for their first title since 2008.
Brown was signed to a reported four-year, $115 million extension prior to the 2019-20 season while Tatum is currently scheduled to make $9.9 million next season as part of his four-year, $30 million rookie pact.
Ainge sounds confident that Tatum’s salary should be taking a big leap soon.
“Jayson knows how much we like him,” Ainge said. “We have a good relationship. Jayson likes it here, so I’m confident that we’ll be able to work something out this summer — this offseason, I should say.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Porn director files $10M defamation suit against starlet accusing him of assault

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) A porn director , Craven Moorehead , has filed a $ 10 million defamation suit against an adult film star , Aria Lee , who accused him of sexual assault .
In June , up-and-coming porn performer Lee alleged in a video posted to Twitter — and subsequently in an interview with porn trade Adult Video News — that she was sexually assaulted by Moorehead twice last year .
Lee claimed that the first alleged incident occurred on the set of an X-rated film the duo worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taboo ” series at a private residence in LA , in October of 2019 .
Lee told AVN that the second assault occurred months later , in December of last year , in Moorehead ’ s car — when he was driving her to the set of a mainstream horror film in which he ’ d helped her get cast as an extra .
But Moorehead ’ s suit , filed in LA Superior Court this month , calls Lee ’ s allegations , “ false , malicious , defamatory and hurtful.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes that every claim of sexual assault should be taken seriously , ” he “ vehemently denies ” Lee ’ s version of events as “ outlandish , outright fabrications.
” The court documents also allege that Lee ’ s Twitter post and subsequent interview with AVN was “ full of contradictions inconsistencies and outright lies.
” According to the complaint , Gamma Films said in a statement in June that it had previously conducted an independent investigation of the alleged incident on its set that had determined , “ it has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations in question.
” Vice subsequently reported — in a piece called , “ A New Wave of Reckoning Is Sweeping the Porn Industry , ” about women reporting assaults on porn shoots — that Gamma later moved to “ sever ties ” with Moorehead and his company , Black Wings Media .
But Moorehead claims in his suit that he was only fired because of the public backlash and negative publicity after Lee ’ s allegations .
Lee told AVN in June that , “ I want Craven to never work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire porn industry to know what he did to me .
I am completely messed up in the head because of him .
I don ’ t have money to see a therapist , but I ’ m constantly seeing the therapist because I ’ m not OK. ” She added , “ I just really want other girls to come forward , too , I want to know if this has happened to anybody else .
I want us to protect our industry.
” She also told AVN that she got in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged assault because , “ when I first started working for Craven , when I first joined porn in 2018 , I thought that we were friends , ” and , “ I ’ m only 19… I made a bad decision.
” Moorehead claims in his defamation suit that , “ Lee ’ s false and malicious defamatory allegations severely damaged [ his ] reputation , caused him to be terminated from his job as a director… and exposed him to public contempt , ridicule , disgrace , shame , and humiliation.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Gamma , are not named as defendants in the suit , which was filed against Lee .
Moorehead was inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame in 2015 , and Lee was an AVN Best New Starlet nominee this year .
Moorehead is being repped in the case by New York power attorney Robert Hantman and Sergio Castaneda in LA .
Reps for Lee at management company OC Modeling didn ’ t return requests for comment .

A porn director, Craven Moorehead, has filed a $10 million defamation suit against an adult film star, Aria Lee, who accused him of sexual assault.
In June, up-and-coming porn performer Lee alleged in a video posted to Twitter — and subsequently in an interview with porn trade Adult Video News — that she was sexually assaulted by Moorehead twice last year.
Lee claimed that the first alleged incident occurred on the set of an X-rated film the duo worked on for Gamma Films’ “Pure Taboo” series at a private residence in LA, in October 2019. Lee told AVN that the second assault occurred months later, last December, in Moorehead’s car — when he was driving her to the set of a mainstream horror film in which he’d helped her get cast as an extra.
But Moorehead’s suit, filed in LA County Superior Court this month, calls Lee’s allegations “false, malicious, defamatory and hurtful.” The suit claims that while Moorehead “believes that every claim of sexual assault should be taken seriously,” he “vehemently denies” Lee’s version of events as “outlandish, outright fabrications.”
The court documents also allege that Lee’s Twitter post and subsequent interview with AVN were “full of contradictions inconsistencies and outright lies.”
According to the complaint, Gamma Films said in a statement in June that it had previously conducted an independent investigation of the alleged incident on its set that had determined “it has been impossible to validate the veracity of the allegations in question.”
Vice subsequently reported — in a piece called “A New Wave of Reckoning Is Sweeping the Porn Industry,” about women reporting assaults on porn shoots — that Gamma later moved to “sever ties” with Moorehead and his company, Black Wings Media.
But Moorehead claims in his suit that he was only fired because of the public backlash and negative publicity after Lee’s allegations.
Lee told AVN in June, “I want Craven to never work in the porn industry again … I want the entire porn industry to know what he did to me. I am completely messed up in the head because of him. I don’t have money to see a therapist, but I’m constantly seeing the therapist because I’m not OK.” She added, “I just really want other girls to come forward, too, I want to know if this has happened to anybody else. I want us to protect our industry.”
She also told AVN that she got in the car with Moorehead after the first alleged assault because, “when I first started working for Craven, when I first joined porn in 2018, I thought that we were friends,” and “I’m only 19 … I made a bad decision.”
Moorehead claims in his defamation suit that “Lee’s false and malicious defamatory allegations severely damaged [his] reputation, caused him to be terminated from his job as a director … and exposed him to public contempt, ridicule, disgrace, shame, and humiliation.”
The publications that covered the allegations, and Gamma, are not named as defendants in the suit, which was filed against Lee.
Moorehead was inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame in 2015, and Lee was an AVN Best New Starlet nominee this year.
Moorehead is being repped in the case by New York power attorney Robert Hantman and Sergio Castaneda in LA.
Reps for Lee at management company OC Modeling didn’t return requests for comment.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Israeli League’s Deni Avdija may be Knicks target in 2020 NBA Draft

Tyrese Haliburton is not rated as the top point guard ...

Deni Avdija is training in Atlanta — his Maccabi Tel Aviv season ending with an Israeli League title in late July with ex-Knick Amar’e Stoudemire as a teammate.
On Nov. 18, the 6-foot-9 combo forward will become the highest-drafted Israeli in history.
In an NBA Draft Combine Zoom call this week, Avdija said he had yet to interview with any teams and admitted he hates talking about his game other than a belief he can play “1 through 4’’.
His versatility and outside shooting touch (34 percent from 3) has the 19-year-old as a top-five pick in some mock drafts. The Knicks, who select eighth and feel they need more outside shooting from the forward position, plan to interview Avdija, according to a source.
“The Knicks are an NBA organization, a good young NBA organization,’’ Avdija said. “I don’t mind joining any team. I’m super excited to take my game to the next level.’’
Stoudemire took Avdija under his wing, and the Israeli said he asked former NBA players on his team “a lot of questions.’’
Stoudemire told him about the joy of playing in Phoenix with point guard Steve Nash, now the Nets head coach.
“[Stoudemire] had a lot of patience because he wants the young players to improve and I learned from him a lot,’’ Avdija said. “I’m glad he came to Maccabi to learn from him.’’
Despite the large number of Israelis in New York, Avdija seemed more excited about the possibility of being drafted by the Warriors or Spurs. Avdija said he idolizes Gregg Popovich’s work with international players and there’s a picture on Avdija’s Instagram of the two shaking hands at a Basketball Without Borders event when he was 15.
“I’m going to bring what the team needs and wants — bring energy, be a very positive person,’’ he said. “I’m a good teammate. The major thing I bring is good chemistry to have good vibe on the team.’’
There is all the rage about Avdija partly because of the fantastic success of another European position-less play-making wing, Luka Doncic, who also comes from the EuroLeague. Maccabi Tel Aviv plays in the Israeli League and the much-tougher EuroLeague, where Avdija didn’t play as many minutes.
“What Luka he’s doing right now is great,’’ Avdija said. “We came from the same league basically so I understand why people, they see familiar things. I want to make it clear he’s a great player and has his own path and skills and I have my own path and skills. I have my own abilities — the good and bad. I just don’t want to be compared to anybody.”
If the Knicks don’t go with a point guard in the draft, they’d like a small forward and Auburn’s defensive-minded Isaac Okoro is less a project than the Israeli. But Okoro is not a good perimeter shooter and Avdija has a higher upside.
“I don’t like to talk about my game,’’ he said. “I just trying to do what’s best for team at that moment. At the end of the game, I just like to win. It’s hard for me to lose.’’
But at one point, Avdija slipped to admit he’s “a great shooter’’ but is disappointed at his 55 percent free-throw shooting.
“I can shoot above 70 — I’m going to get there,’’ he said. “If it takes me to stay till midnight to improve my free throws.”
He’s improved his defense, too, but he’s nowhere near Okoro as a stopper. He admits to being an avid game-film watcher and he’ll have plenty of NBA buzz with his unique heritage.
“It’s exciting,’’ Avdija said. “Any time you can make history or to represent the Jewish community and state of Israel, it’s an honor. I’ll do everything to make them proud.’’


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--‘Cancel rent’ is a recipe for housing disaster

Nearly 90 percent of New York City bar and restaurant ...

Professional renter-activists are at it again. They have always advocated by fear and hyperbole, but now they’re taking full advantage of a one in a hundred-year global pandemic. Their latest doomsday scenario: “Millions” of New Yorkers are at risk of homelessness because the statewide eviction moratorium will eventually expire.
It’s the usual playbook at work, ignoring the facts and rejecting balanced and sound policies that could solve real problems.
The sky hasn’t fallen. For one thing, building owners, contrary to popular belief, want to retain tenants. Plus, the federal eviction moratorium is in effect through the end of the year. And the state passed the Tenant Safe Harbor Act months ago to protect lockdown-impacted tenants from eviction — and Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week expanded it to Jan. 1, 2021.
Moreover, tenants have continued to receive Section 8 public assistance and other rent subsidies, including rent relief created by emergency legislation in Albany and the city’s own one-shot emergency rental-assistance program. Vulnerable tenants were never in danger of homelessness during the pandemic.
But the dilemma remains: How do we deal with rents that are owed to building owners? The answer: Let’s start with balance — the most practical, if sometimes messy, way to bend the arc of policy toward justice.
Lawmakers, and judges overseeing nonpayment proceedings, need to acknowledge that tens of thousands of building owners are a foundational part of the city and state economy; owners, too, are experiencing unprecedented economic struggles.
Each apartment is a small business unto itself, with its own costs, within the larger business of a building and its costs. Income lost to rent nonpayment is critical. After all, the bills for repairing and maintaining each unit and the whole building still come due.
Buildings with ground-floor commercial space have been especially impacted, because many shops, restaurants and tourism-dependent businesses have closed, eliminating income that supported the lower rents from regulated units. Most buildings rely on this month’s rent to pay next month’s bills, including the property taxes the city is so desperately dependent upon.
It’s all that precarious.
For New Yorkers who have experienced job loss or reduced work hours, there should be reasonable accommodations to help them pay outstanding back rent. Landlords are already doing this. Charles Gedinsky, a Queens building owner, is helping his tenants — in one case, he is deferring hundreds of dollars from the monthly rent of a family with three children whose breadwinner has lost his job.
There are countless more examples of landlords helping their tenants in meaningful ways, like Jan Lee, who connected with Whole Foods and assembled a group of owners who went door-to-door delivering free bags of groceries to families in Chinatown. Landlords aren’t demons.
Those in industries ravaged by the health crisis, or impacted by sickness or family deaths, deserve even greater compassionate accommodations.
But there are also those who, despite enhanced unemployment benefits or never missing a paycheck, didn’t pay their rent as a means of leveraging owner stress to settle for a lesser payment; some even have second homes outside Gotham. Tenants who can afford to pay but don’t do a tremendous disservice to tenants who haven’t paid because they truly can’t.
In the courts, nonpayment proceedings need to be gated and guided based on financial health. Consider it a temperature or symptoms check. The courts should require financial information to determine what sort of settlement should be struck. A tenant who hasn’t paid but has a second home or a robust checking account or high-paying job shouldn’t get the consideration needed by a restaurant server or retail worker who hasn’t worked since March. Financial-health statements to the court should have penalties attached to falsehoods.
Accommodations and settlements are drawn from the finite resources of building owners. This means test would weed out the pretenders and guarantee help for the neediest. At some point, there simply won’t be any money left for deals. That will bring on costly litigation that benefits only attorneys and activists. If we leave balance out of the equation, the so-called advocates will be responsible for kicking into the cold the very renters who need the most help.
Joseph Strasburg is president of the Rent Stabilization Association.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Brute hurls anti-gay slur at man, assaults him in NYC attack

A hatemonger could be seen on video hurling an anti-gay slur at a man and punching him in the face @ @ @ @ @ .
The male suspect attacked the 24-year-old outside of 85 Broad St. in the Financial @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , police said .
Surveillance video of the attack , released by police , @ @ @ @ @ punches on the man — one in the face and the other to the back @ @ @ @ @ woman tried to intervene , positioning herself in between the two men , and grabbed @ @ @ @ @ he threw his second punch , the video shows .
The victim suffered a laceration @ @ @ @ @ bloody nose , police said .
Police said the suspect is about 5-foot-9 and 200 @ @ @ @ @ large tattoo on his right leg .

A hatemonger could be seen on video hurling an anti-gay slur at a man and punching him in the face in Lower Manhattan last weekend.
The male suspect attacked the 24-year-old outside of 85 Broad St. in the Financial District about 11:35 p.m. on Saturday, police said.
Surveillance video of the attack, released by police, shows the brute land two punches on the man — one in the face and the other to the back of the head.
A woman tried to intervene, positioning herself in between the two men, and grabbed ahold of the suspect after he threw his second punch, the video shows.
The victim suffered a laceration to his lip and a bloody nose, police said.
Police said the suspect is about 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds. He has a large tattoo on his right leg.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--Jets optimistic Le’Veon Bell, Denzel Mims can return next week

There have been plenty of slow starts around the Jets ...

The Jets are optimistic about getting some reinforcements before next week’s game against the Cardinals.
Rookie wide receiver Denzel Mims and running back Le’Veon Bell are both eligible to come off of injured reserve if their hamstring injuries allow it. The Jets feel good about both players’ chances of returning as well as that of receiver Breshad Perriman, who injured his ankle against the 49ers in Week 2.
The Jets also could get receiver Vyncint Smith back, as well as some defensive players.
“We have quite a few guys that are going to be available to come off IR after this game,” Jets coach Adam Gase said before Thursday night’s game against the Broncos at MetLife Stadium. “So, you know, I mean we’re looking at getting three to five guys back possibly,”
Mims’ return is the most eagerly anticipated. The second-round pick from Baylor has yet to play a game after suffering injuries to both hamstrings. Gase said the Jets will have to get him up to speed.
“We got to get him out there,” Gase said, “and the good thing is he’s been really engaged in anything that has to do with game planning and things like that, so he’s trying to learn everything as much as he can with what he’s able to do and you know hopefully when we get him back we can just get him rolling and get him involved.”
The Jets made several roster moves prior to Thursday night’s game. They activated receiver Jeff Smith off IR. They signed cornerback Javelin Guidry from the practice squad. They elevated receiver Lawrence Cager and cornerback Lamar Jackson from the practice squad. And they released quarterback Mike White and cornerback Nate Hairston.
White served as Sam Darnold’s backup in the team’s first three games of the season. Now that Joe Flacco is healthy enough to be the backup, White was expendable.
Gase was taking on the team with which he had his most success an assistant coach. He was with Denver from 2009-14, serving as wide receivers coach, quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator with Peyton Manning as his quarterback.
“Well anytime you can be at a place six years in this profession, that’s a good experience in itself,” Gase said. “All three of my kids were born in Denver and that was kind of really my real first position job when I was hired there in 2009. … It was a rough start, but then we won four division titles after that and had a chance to go to a Super Bowl. So, a lot of good memories there.”
The Jets inactives were: QB James Morgan, WR Breshad Perriman, CB Quincy Wilson, S Ashtyn Davis, S Marqui Christian, LB Jordan Willis and DL Nathan Shepherd.


newyorkpost--2020-10-01--‘SNL’ gives first look of Jim Carrey as Joe Biden, Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris

`` Oh s -- t. Ruh-roh , '' Rudolph said when she learned Biden picked ...

Live from New York, it’s the Jim and Maya Show.
The official “Saturday Night Live” Twitter account shared a sneak peek at Jim Carrey as Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Maya Rudolph as running mate Kamala Harris ahead of Saturday’s premiere. The short teaser video gives a behind-the-scenes look at the makeup and wardrobe needed for 58-year-old Carrey to transform into Biden, 77.
In September, the live sketch show announced the “Ace Ventura” star would be taking on the role, which was partly his own suggestion.
“There was some interest on his part,” Lorne Michaels, who helms “SNL,” told Vulture. “And then we responded, obviously, positively. But it came down to discussions about what the take was. He and Colin Jost had a bunch of talks. He and I as well. He will give the part energy and strength . . . Hopefully it’s funny.”
When Harris was announced as Biden’s choice for VP in August, Rudolph, who has portrayed the California senator before on the show, had a very candid reaction.
“Oh s – – t. Ruh-roh,” the 48-year-old told Entertainment Weekly of Biden’s pick.
The actress later said she received a “cryptic” text from the “SNL” boss about once again portraying Harris, who has spoken highly of Rudolph’s impressions in the past.
“That girl being played by @MayaRudolph on @nbcsnl? That girl was me,” Harris, 55, wrote last September in a viral tweet.
“SNL” will be hosted by Chris Rock Saturday when the show makes its return to Studio H8 for the 46th season. He will be joined by musical guest Megan Thee Stallion and a live studio audience, who will be required to be tested for COVID-19.


newyorkpost--2020-10-02--US economy adds 661,000 jobs in September amid coronavirus pressure

The US economy added 661,000 jobs in September as the American labor market ’ s rebound from the coronavirus pandemic hit yet another snag , new data show .
Last month ’ s growth in non-farm payrolls helped push the unemployment rate down to 7.9 percent but marked a continued slowdown in hiring from August ’ s addition of about 1.5 million jobs , according to Friday ’ s Bureau of Labor Statistics report .
The last jobs report before November ’ s presidential election came amid signs that COVID-19 has sparked a new wave of job losses , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airlines and Royal Dutch Shell announcing thousands of layoffs and furloughs just this week .
“ The situation appears to be taking a turn for the worse going into the fourth quarter amid impending airline industry layoffs and continued gridlock in Washington , ” Bloomberg economists Yelena Shulyatyeva , Andrew Husby and Eliza Winger wrote in a commentary .
While the job market has partially recovered from the coronavirus lockdowns that drove unemployment to a record 14.7 percent in April , the pace of hiring has lost steam significantly since peaking in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs as states eased restrictions aimed at controlling the virus .
The slowdown in job growth has come alongside a jump in the number of people saying they have lost their jobs permanently , which stood at 3.4 million in August .
Government aid to pandemic-battered businesses and jobless workers — such as Paycheck Protection Program loans and expanded unemployment benefits — has also started to run dry in recent months , raising concerns about how far the recovery can go without another stimulus package from Washington .
News that President Trump had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the already rocky talks between the White House and Congress .
The House of Representatives passed a $ 2.2 trillion spending package Thursday , but the proposal is likely dead on arrival in the Senate .

The US economy added 661,000 jobs in September as the American labor market’s rebound from the coronavirus pandemic hit yet another snag, new data show.
Last month’s growth in non-farm payrolls helped push the unemployment rate down to 7.9 percent but marked a continued slowdown in hiring from August’s addition of about 1.5 million jobs, according to Friday’s Bureau of Labor Statistics report.
The last jobs report before November’s presidential election came amid signs that COVID-19 has sparked a new wave of job losses, with major companies such as Disney, American Airlines and Royal Dutch Shell announcing thousands of layoffs and furloughs just this week.
“The situation appears to be taking a turn for the worse going into the fourth quarter amid impending airline industry layoffs and continued gridlock in Washington,” Bloomberg economists Yelena Shulyatyeva, Andrew Husby and Eliza Winger wrote in a commentary.
While the job market has partially recovered from the coronavirus lockdowns that drove unemployment to a record 14.7 percent in April, the pace of hiring has lost steam significantly since peaking in June, when the economy added 4.8 million jobs as states eased restrictions aimed at controlling the virus.
The slowdown in job growth has come alongside a jump in the number of people saying they have lost their jobs permanently, which stood at 3.4 million in August.
Government aid to pandemic-battered businesses and jobless workers — such as Paycheck Protection Program loans and expanded unemployment benefits — has also started to run dry in recent months, raising concerns about how far the recovery can go without another stimulus package from Washington.
News that President Trump had tested positive for COVID-19 could further complicate the already rocky talks between the White House and Congress. The House of Representatives passed a $2.2 trillion spending package Thursday, but the proposal is likely dead on arrival in the Senate.


newyorkpost--2020-10-02--VP Mike Pence tests negative for COVID-19, sends ‘prayers’ to Trumps

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get updates on the 2020 presidential election and more .
Vice President @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus Friday morning , according to his spokesman — and has sent his best @ @ @ @ @ first lady Melania Trump after their diagnosis .
“ Karen and I send our love @ @ @ @ @ friends President @ realDonaldTrump and @ FLOTUS Melania Trump , ” the veep tweeted at @ @ @ @ @ We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery .
God bless @ @ @ @ @ wonderful First Lady Melania , ” Pence added .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get updates on the 2020 presidential election and more.
Vice President Mike Pence tested negative for the coronavirus Friday morning, according to his spokesman — and has sent his best wishes to President Trump and first lady Melania Trump after their diagnosis.
“Karen and I send our love and prayers to our dear friends President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS Melania Trump,” the veep tweeted at 2 a.m. Friday.
“We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery. God bless you President Trump & our wonderful First Lady Melania,” Pence added.


newyorkpost--2020-10-02--Trump’s tweet on coronavirus diagnosis is his most shared ever

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get updates on the 2020 presidential election and more Of the more @ @ @ @ @ sent since he joined the platform in 2009 , the one in which he announced @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s coronavirus diagnoses was the most retweeted and “ liked ” ever , @ @ @ @ @ Tonight , @ FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19 .
We will begin our @ @ @ @ @ .
We will get through this TOGETHER !
” the president tweeted at 12:54 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ a.m. , the tweet had racked up more than 326,000 retweets and 403,000 quote tweets @ @ @ @ @ a comment — making it Trump ’ s most shared tweet ever .
The tweet @ @ @ @ @ million “ likes , ” also a record in that category .
Previously , Trump @ @ @ @ @ when he announced Aug. 2 , 2019 , that rapper A $ AP Rocky was @ @ @ @ @ his way back to the US from Sweden , Axios reported .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get updates on the 2020 presidential election and more
President Trump’s coronavirus tweet really went viral.
Of the more than 56,000 tweets he has sent since he joined the platform in 2009, the one in which he announced his and first lady Melania Trump’s coronavirus diagnoses was the most retweeted and “liked” ever, according to Axios.
“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!” the president tweeted at 12:54 a.m. EST.
As of 8 a.m., the tweet had racked up more than 326,000 retweets and 403,000 quote tweets — a retweet made with a comment — making it Trump’s most shared tweet ever.
The tweet has garnered more than 1.1 million “likes,” also a record in that category.
Previously, Trump’s most-liked tweet was when he announced Aug. 2, 2019, that rapper A$AP Rocky was released from prison and on his way back to the US from Sweden, Axios reported.


newyorkpost--2020-10-02--Kyle O’Reilly has ‘sacrificed’ everything for this NXT opportunity

NXT champion Adam Cole is in the midst of a ...

Kyle O’Reilly has spent the past three years as part of the Undisputed Era, the most successful faction in NXT history, winning the promotion’s tag team championship three times. The 33-year-old Canadian will finally get his shot at the NXT championship against Finn Balor at NXT TakeOver 31 on Sunday (7 p.m., WWE Network). Before the match, O’Reilly took time for some Q&A with The Post’s Joseph Staszewski.
(Edited for clarity and length)
Q: What would it mean to become NXT champion for you?
A: Fifteen years of loss, of hardship, of sacrifice, of uncertainly of moving my life around the continent for a chance for an opportunity with zero money in my bank account and then to find success, to find friendships, love and meeting my wife. My life changing drastically over these last 15 years makes everything seem worthwhile. I think of every match that I ever had in front of fricking 20 people and me going, this is biggest match of my life, means everything. At the time it did mean everything. Looking back, I know it was nothing, whatever. It’s kind of the mentality I’ve always had. Specifically going into this match, becoming NXT champion it would be pretty crazy. I don’t have any other words to describe it. It would mean a lot, not just my career but just for my life and everything I’ve believed in basically my entire adult life.
Q: You’ve talked about how Finn has kind of escaped you based on not being in the same place at the same time in your career. What are you looking forward to the most about stepping in the ring with him in a singles match?
A: I think it’s going to be a huge test for me in the sense of he’s a guy I’ve looked up to for a while and admired from afar and been a fan of. I mean, what’s not to like about Finn Balor? He’s got all the tools and he’s NXT champion for a reason because he’s freaking good. A lot of what I do in this industry and in my career, it is a personal test, it’s about personal growth. I plan on beating Finn as efficiently as possible, but I know just being able to hang with Finn is something that I’ll be able to hang my hat on and be proud of that I was able to do.
Q: If you don’t win the NXT championship, would you want to continue working singles matches or wait and see?
A: I’m going to make the most of any chance that I’m given. That said, I hope this is not a one-off. I hope I’m walking away as the NXT champion. You know things happen. That may not be the case this weekend. But yeah, I certainly hope to continue to have some more singles opportunities. There are a lot of interesting matchups in NXT I’d really like to have from a single’s standpoint.
Q: You took a few months, I think four months, away from NXT because with your Type 1 diabetes puts you at a greater risk for coronavirus. What were those months like having to take yourself out of lineup and just sit at home and watch?
A: As for everybody, it’s been a weird few months, it’s been a weird year. At first, when this whole thing broke out it was scary for the reasons like you said, health being a huge part of that. As we learned more about what going on, I became more confident. As time progressed, I started chomping at the bit to return. You could only do so many garage workouts in a day to keep the cabin fever away.
After a while, I was ready to come back. The company had my health in their best interest. They weren’t going to risk anything with me. Once the opportunity finally came around to come back, all the precautions had been taken and continue to be taken. I felt confident and yeah, it was a long few months. I was ready to come back a lot sooner, but that’s the way things work out and I’m glad to be finally back.
Q: How have you managed the daily challenges of dealing with your condition and still thriving in pro wrestling?
A: That’s the thing about Type 1 diabetes, it is a daily grind, a daily challenge. But it’s a challenge and fight I can win on a daily basis, too. I know it keeps me accountable for my own health, my own well-being. I take it into my own hands. I do what I have to do to be the best performer and the best healthy human being I can possibly be. It’s not without its challenges, but it’s something I’ve dealt with my entire career since I was 18 years old. It’s something I’ve dealt with for a long time. I’ve always had a good grasp of it. I’ve looked at it as a blessing in disguise because it does sort of keep me accountable for my own health. I have no excuse to let things slide or to get lazy with my own health.
Q: You and Adam Cole have had singles feuds together, tagged together even before WWE in Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Do you see a feud or some sort of rivalry happening between you guys in NXT? Is that something you would welcome in some form?
A: I honestly don’t think so. We’ve had our past. We fought tooth and nail and, dare I say, been enemies in the past, but that’s in the past. We’ve really grown as performers and individuals. The four of us are best buddies and brothers and I think that’s what makes the Undisputed Era different. When there is a faction in pro wrestling, everyone’s waiting for the shoe to drop. Well, OK, when’s he getting stabbed in the back?
I think that’s what’s gonna be different about the Undisputed Era is that this is for real. It’s not just four guys that were tossed together. These four dudes who are legitimately super tight and have each other’s back through thick and thin. So I don’t think … man, I don’t think that’s gonna happen here. I honestly don’t.
Q: When I spoke with Adam, he welcomed the chance to work in a babyface kind of light. You’ve kind of gotten that treatment with the video on your history. Is that something you welcome too after being part of a faction that’s really been a heel faction for the majority of its time?
A: I think so. I think the timing is good. Pretty much all of my singles success in the past has come with me being a babyface, so it’s something I’m comfortable doing. It’s something I think I can be good at. It’s different. Like you said, being a heel and a babyface is completely different sides of the coin in terms of pro wrestling. But I’ve been a heel for three years in NXT now and I love being a heel, especially as a tag team heel. It’s a new challenge playing that babyface role, but it’s something I think I can pull off and I’ll be pretty good at.
Q: Where did the idea to strum the title during your entrance come from? And is there any time where you have it predetermined what you were gonna do, or is it just feel it in the moment?
A: No, 100 percent feel it in the moment. The music hits and I just turn into some sort of psychedelic, funky priest slapping a bass guitar and I come through the curtain and I’m just feeling it. Honestly, I’ll watch the footage and I don’t even remember doing that. I almost become someone different.
It’s so weird how that developed. Obviously, I’m not the first person to strum a title like a guitar. I don’t know, you just get into it. I felt like, what’s sort of the sleaziest, douchiest kind of pantomime mannerism can I do as we’re coming out and it just kind of took on a life of its own. I can’t really do anything about it.
Q: Is it true that you tried to be a cook and played a little rugby before committing to wrestling?
A: When I first broke in I was trying to pay for my wrestling school or whatever and got a job at a kind of casual fine dining restaurant and really fell in love with the restaurant industry and learned a ton of life skills working in the kitchen, working my way up. Those are skills I maintain today. I love cooking and I love spending time in the kitchen, hanging out, throwing on a record, making a nice dinner.
I played rugby in high school and club rugby, and when I was living in St. Louis, I found a local club team as well and I played on weekends. It’s just a fun sort of camaraderie and a really cool environment and a team setting I missed because pro wrestling is such an individual sport. You are kind of on your own for a lot of it.
Q: If I’m going to order something from Kyle O’Reilly, what am I ordering?
A: I make a mean steak. I worked grill, I’m pretty good with a grill. I love barbecuing and stuff. I make some nice ribs, some nice mashed potatoes, maybe a nice spaghett’, with some mozzarell’. I do it all.
Q: One of the things you have become known for is how well you sell, with the more old-school kind of feel to selling. For me, it’s like Ric Flair and Mr. Perfect. Why has it been important for you to sell that way in a more old-school, exaggerated way?
A: A lot of the time in the ring, people are getting smashed and they’re getting hurt and they’re pretending like they’re not hurt and it obviously hurts. I just want to embrace that. To show vulnerability I think is a good thing in this because then you overcome it. That said, I think it’s fun selling in that manner, not just in a comical manner, in a serious manner as well.
Q: We’ve started to see a number of successful tag team wrestlers also get singles opportunity in WWE such as you, Big E and Jey Uso. When you are in such a successful tag team, is there always a worry it will take something for that single opportunity to happen because companies may not want to break up a tag team? Is that always a tricky dynamic?
A: I think so because sometimes there’s a lot left on the table for said tag team to accomplish. That’s kind of the beautiful thing about the Undisputed Era is that any combination of the four of us can be a successful tag team. So this is Kyle O’Reilly’s chance for a main event singles opportunity. That doesn’t mean any other member can’t step in with Bobby (Fish) and be the best tag team in the company. I think having that is a means for me to not worry about leaving anything on the table or worried about what’s going to happen to the tag division. I know it’s in good hands.