Basketball has a favourable rating of 32% in the UK and is especially popular with people of color. This comes as no surprise as opportunities arise from initiatives taken through platforms like Reach & Teach Network. Reach & Teach Network has been teaching basketball to inner-city children. Currently, the number of trained children stands at 7,000. Basketball is one of the most exciting sports to bet on because of its quick flow and thrilling plays. Here are some interesting facts and things that happened in the basketball industry you may want to learn about.
Former NBA Players Fraud Case
Eighteen former NBA players, (16 of the 18 have been apprehended across the United States) were accused of unlawfully pocketing $2.5 million. They cheat the league's welfare and health benefits package. Included in their scheme is reporting false health and dental expenditures. According to officials, the claims are worth £2.9 million; the players received £1.8 million in payments.
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They're accused of conspiring to defraud the medical care system and wire fraud, as well as aggravated identity theft. The main player in the alleged conspiracy is suspected to be Terrence Williams.
Sebastian Telfair, Darius Miles, former Clippers forwards, Shannon Brown, former Lakers guard Ruben Patterson and Glen Davis are among the NBA players on the list.
Basketball Betting
Those that enjoy the sport, can always participate in basketball betting sites. Basketball betting is one of the fastest-growing sports gambling industries with the best real money gambling sites appearing almost on a daily basis. A global clientele paired with celebrity appeal is attracting new supporters interested in knowing how to wager.
Unvaccinated Players
The argument about whether players must be vaccinated against the coronavirus has headlined the NBA this current season. In the NBA, there are pro-vaccine voices, such as Ja Morat, who stated that he took the vaccine for him and his family. This is after seeing people he knew pass away due to the virus. They’re among the 95% of those whose gameplay won’t be affected by vaccination requirements. LeBron James has stated that he was dubious before taking the vaccine. Other NBA players have stated that they wouldn’t get vaccinated or have even declined to certify their actual vaccination status. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan, both NBA luminaries, have endorsed vaccination. Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez addressed vaccinations in the NBA in parliament during a fierce debate. Should the players in the world's best league be vaccinated before the start of the season? Sanchez cited Kyrie Irving as an example in his response. He went on to say ‘I have been a basketball fan for many years, and I follow the NBA basketball league a lot. Right now there is a problem in the NBA, there are several players who have spoken out against vaccinating. There is an NBA star who stated they don't want to be vaccinated because there is a conspiracy to vaccinate blacks and connect them with a computer that has a satanic plan. This is textual. Where do I want to go?’ With the start of the NBA season, 2021-22, the discussion has centered on Kyrie Irving. Irving is a seven-time All-Star who suited up for the Nets in 54 regular-season games last season. Due to local vaccination requirements, the Brooklyn Nets star is unable to participate or practice with the club in New York. He will be out of all home games until he’s received at least one shot. The NBA has also announced that any player who refuses to cooperate with local immunisation requirements won't be compensated for the games missed. Despite it being possible that Irving can play in away games, general manager of the Brooklyn Nets, Sean Marks has ruled that out. He stated, ‘Currently the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability.’ He continued to add ‘Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant.’ Irving is out, leaving the NBA without one of its greatest talents and an £11.5 million loss. Kyrie Irving spoke out saying ‘I am doing what's best for me,’ and went on to add that he’s not retiring as there’s more work to be done. Knowing the consequence of his decision, Irving has boldly stood by his choice. Andrew Wiggins, a Warriors player, became embroiled in the debate after he refused the vaccine due to religious reasons. ‘I will continue to fight for what I believe in. And whether it is one thing or another, vaccinated or not vaccinated, who knows?’ Wiggins will be unable to play in San Francisco with his team if he maintains his position.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo was born and raised in Athens with his siblings to Nigerian immigrants. His parents couldn't find employment since they were immigrants. Giannis and his elder brother, Thanasis, pitched in by selling jewelry, purses and eyewear on the streets. They were classified as stateless and unrecognized as Greek citizens until 2013. Antetokounmpo couldn’t leave the country for the first 18 years of his life and was practically homeless. He did possess papers from either Greece or Nigeria. Less than two months before the 2013 NBA Draft, on May 9, 2013, he was granted Greek citizenship. At the age of 18, Giannis made his NBA debut on Oct. 30, 2013. This earned him the title of the youngest player for the 2013-14 season. In 2021, Giannis signed with the NBA the most lucrative contract: a five-year deal for £170.1 million. In his debut season, Giannis became a full-time regular after appearing in just 10 of the 81 games he played in as a reserve. At around 20 years, after 1.8 blocks, 11.0 rebounds, 19.5 points and 3.3 assists, he was awarded Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the first time in his career. He was back in the NBA spotlight less than a week later during All-Star Weekend. He competed in the Rising Stars Challenge for the second time and for the first time in the Slam Dunk Contest. If this isn’t inspirational, we don’t know what is!
Conclusion
Basketball remains a favoured sport, and now that its season has begun, the hype is building quickly. There’s so much to look forward to, including a new season with great potential and great players.
