Athletes on social media

A Nike advert starring Colin Kaepernick has won the award for outstanding commercial at the Creative Arts Emmys. Nike released the advert, titled Dream Crazy, in September last year. It featured the former NFL quarterback and the slogan: “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything. Just do it.” In 2016, Kaepernick started to kneel for the pre-game national anthem in protest at racial injustice in the United States. He has been out of the NFL since leaving the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, and he later settled a case with the league in which he alleged he had been blackballed by team owners for his protests. Donald Trump was among those who attacked the advert at the time of its release. “I think it’s a terrible message that [Nike] are sending and the purpose of them doing it, maybe there’s a reason for them doing it,” the President told the Daily Caller in September last year. “But I think as far as sending a message, I think … [Read more...] about Nike’s ‘Dream Crazy’ advert starring Colin Kaepernick wins Emmy

SOCCER Aid was back with a bang last night - and the star-packed charity clash didn't disappoint. Robbie Williams once again enlisted the help of some serious A-listers to play for the match at Old Trafford. Who won Soccer Aid 2018? After a thrilling 3-3 draw at the end of 90 minutes, England finally beat the World XI team on penalties. The home side raced to a 2-0 lead with goals from former Spurs striker Darren Bent and F2 Freestyler Jeremy Lynch. Robbie Keane pulled one back for Bolt's side before Juan Sebastian Veron ensured it was 2-2 at the interval. In the second half, Clarence Seedorf played a one-two with former Holland teammate Patrick Kluivert before slotting into the net.Michael Owen then fired home to take the exciting encounter to penalties. Both sides scored their first two before Kevin Pietersen was denied by England's celebrity keeper David Harewood. He then saved from Westlife singer Nicky Byrne to leave England one kick away from victory. They failed to take … [Read more...] about Who won Soccer Aid 2018, what was the score and who was in line-up? Usain Bolt and Robbie Williams feature

Mothers Holly and Sophie can no longer even push a trolley up and down the aisles of Sainsbury's without being recognised by fans. If their surnames Gee and Taylor aren't yet on the tip of your tongue, you might recognise their children — Holly has cherubic Delilah, two, and Sophie has Zack, also two. In a case of remarkable synchronicity, both women are three months pregnant with their second children.  If that still doesn't ring any bells — and their brand name Life Of Mummies isn't familiar — the chances are you've had a YouTube clip of theirs forwarded to you by an amused friend, or been regaled with tales of their nappy mishaps or bedtime woes by a daughter or granddaughter with children. For these women are two of the most influential mothers in Britain today. Holly Gee (left) and Sophie Taylor (right) created the Life Of Mummies blog two years ago and now have 17,000 Instagram followers They're members of a growing band of online role models who have … [Read more...] about The most influential mothers in Britain – but can you guess what they do? Meet the women who share every warts-and-all detail of their lives and can sell out a product in just a few minutes

Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who sparked controversy by kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, will be the face of a Nike advertising campaign for the 30th anniversary of its “Just Do It” motto. Kaepernick was a quarterback in the NFL for six years. He stirred national debate by taking a knee while the anthem was played before games during the 2016 season, to draw attention to police killings of African Americans and other issues. Kaepernick tweeted a black-and-white photo of himself on Monday featuring the Nike logo and “just do it” slogan as well as a quote: “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” Nike has endorsed Kaepernick since 2011 but has not featured him in campaigns since his departure from the NFL. “We believe Colin is one of the most inspirational athletes of this generation, who has leveraged the power of sport to help move the world forward,” … [Read more...] about Colin Kaepernick becomes the face of Nike’s Just Do It campaign

Rugby Australia (RA) says it "did not back down" by reaching a financial settlement with player Israel Folau after he was sacked for making homophobic comments. The ex-Wallabies star sued RA for A$14m (£7.4m; $9.5m) after his contract was terminated in May.Folau, a Christian, argued he was a victim of religious discrimination. He was sacked for saying "hell awaits" gay people, after previously being warned over his social media posts.The parties settled for an undisclosed amount, according to a joint statement on Wednesday."We had to make a decision that was right for rugby in this country," RA chief Raelene Castle said at a news conference in Sydney."We stick to our values that inclusiveness is absolutely core to rugby." What is Folau's legal dispute with Rugby Australia? Folau's 'appallingly insensitive' bushfire comments Ex-Wallaby recoups donations in sacking row She said taking the matter to court was not in the interests of the game and the eventual decision was "more … [Read more...] about Israel Folau: Rugby Australia denies ‘backing down’ with settlement