Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.

The Kendrick-Drake battle has metastasized into the greatest battle in hip-hop history. Why do I say that it’s the greatest ever? I have at least seven reasons. (Which is one more than the 6!) 

1.  This battle gave us what is probably the greatest weekend in hip-hop history. From Friday morning to Sunday night, five new diss records entered the culture. Friday morning was Kendrick’s “6:16 in LA.” Friday night was Drake’s “Family Matters” (along with a video) and then, just minutes later, Kendrick’s “Meet the Grahams.” And then on Saturday night, there was another from Kendrick, “Not Like Us.” On Sunday, Drake returned with “The Heart Part 6.” It was an exhilarating, exhausting and, frankly, frightening couple of days. (Frightening because this beef got really, really dark.)  

I’ll never forget the screaming texts I got. On Friday morning, there was a wave of texts, like 15 people at once, all saying: KENDRICK DROPPED!!! That night just as I was about to start watching “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show,” another wave of texts washed in: DRAKE RESPONDED! Moments later: NEW NEW KENDRICK! I was flooded. It was so much to absorb. But I also felt so connected to my community — everyone was talking, and this was the only thing they were talking about. And every song came with Easter eggs. Kendrick’s in particular required a special decoder ring and some literary deconstruction to fully understand what he was saying. So each song meant required reading that would help you unpack the songs, and scrolling and texting and Googling and pontificating. I spent two whole days furiously texting and DMing and talking to my most thoughtful hip-hop friends to learn what they saw in these records. It was an extraordinary weekend in hip-hop.

2. This battle has seen Kendrick give us the greatest performance over multiple battle songs ever. You can argue that Ice Cube’s “No Vaseline” or Tupac’s “Hit Em Up” was the best battle song ever, fine. But no one has ever made four diss records as good as the four Kendrick dropped in this battle. Drake is putting out some solid music — “Family Matters” was actually good, which is painful for me to admit, but it’s not nearly enough to keep up with K’s monster output. It’s like Drake’s on the court putting together a respectable 20-point game while Kendrick is manically running around and dropping 81 points.

3.  This battle is genuinely mean. Both men are sitting there trying to think of the cruelest, most hurtful things that they can say to each other. They’re talking about pedophilia and domestic violence. They’re both attempting a complete character assassination. They really hate each other. Like if they’re ever both in the same city at the same time, someone will have to leave. That’s what you want in a battle: genuine animosity. The meanness in this one runs so deep that this battle has devolved into the gutter. It went from who’s the best MC to “You’re a terrible father,” and “You beat your wife,” and “I’m telling your parents that you’re a horrible person and your next show in Oakland might be your last.” It’s mean-spirited even by the wild standards of a hip-hop battle, and I’m here for it.

4.  Kendrick has unlocked a new level in this battle. His brilliance has been on full display. He’s diabolical. He’s an evil genius. I have heard people jokingly say Kendrick has inspired them to be better haters, but seriously, Kendrick has inspired me to try to be a better writer. The complexity of his writing is something to aspire to. Kendrick has had a historic performance in this battle that has elevated his legacy. For the past few years, I‘ve thought that Kendrick should be in the all-time top  5 conversation, but I’ve found that most hip-hop lovers find that idea controversial. It’s not controversial anymore. It was already clear that he is the greatest MC of his generation, but now it’s reasonable to argue that he’s the third- or fourth- or fifth-best MC of all-time behind only the likes of Jay-Z, Nas, and Andre 3000.  

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5. This battle has a critical secretive secondary character like it’s a spy novel or a “Mission Impossible” sequel. Kendrick said on “Euphoria” that there’s a leak in Drake’s camp. He said someone in OVO was secretly working for him. He appeared to prove that by releasing a photo that sure seems like it came from inside Drake’s world. Does Kendrick have a mole in Drake’s operation feeding him information? Well, on “The Heart Part 6” Drake said no — someone in his camp fed Kendrick fake information. But many people are doubting this because if Drake was setting him up why doesn’t he have proof of that? When they make a movie about all this, there will have to be a character on Drake’s team who’s a double agent appearing to betray Drake but is actually tricking Kendrick. Or is he?

6.  This battle has led to big ideas being discussed in the culture. For example, it’s inspired a lot of talk about the meaning of Blackness. Kendrick has repeatedly brought up Drake’s Blackness. Some initially thought Kendrick’s critique of Drake was based on him being mixed. It’s not about that. Drake is Black, but he’s not African-American. Black and African-American are not synonymous. Drake grew up in Canada in a Jewish neighborhood and school, disconnected from the African-American experience. Some people feel like his lack of connection to African-American culture during his formative years explains why he now seems to be more, sort of acting like a Black person instead of authentically embodying a relationship to African-Americanness. Does that mean he’s not Black? No. Does it explain why Kendrick says the way you say the n-word just doesn’t sound right? Maybe. It’s like a college-level course on Black identity is being played out in the comment sections of Instagram.

7.  This battle has led to a deep and angry condemnation of and demonization of deadbeat fathers. I don’t know for certain if the term deadbeat dad actually fits Drake, and for this argument, it doesn’t matter. We have Kendrick, a massively respected MC, on the mic screaming that one of the worst things in the world is to be a deadbeat dad. Normalize shaming deadbeat dads.

This battle has been a wild circus, and I love it. But maybe it could end soon because it’s very stressful having so much vitriol in my ears.

Touré is a host and Creative Director at theGrio. He is the host of Masters of the Game on theGrioTV. He is also the host and creator of the docuseries podcast “Being Black: The ’80s” and the animated show “Star Stories with Toure” which you can find at TheGrio.com/starstories. He is also the host of the podcast “Toure Show” and the podcast docuseries “Who Was Prince?” He is the author of eight books including the Prince biography Nothing Compares 2 U and the ebook The Ivy League Counterfeiter.

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In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Purdue University and did an interview with Mozen Mertami the 2023-2024 school’s National Society of Black Engineers president.

The position of SGA president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Mertami, who is majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Organizational Leadership, is from Indianapolis and originally from Sudan. She is a proud Spring 2022 initiate of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

We interviewed Mozen Mertami, and talked to her about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2023-2024.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as a NSBE president so far?

The National Society of Black Engineers is an organization dedicated to increasing the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community; that was founded in 1975 at Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana. In my journey as the president of Purdue’s NSBE chapter, the profound lessons I’ve learned extend far beyond the realm of professional development. They resonate deep within me, invoking a sense of passion and purpose that goes beyond the surface level of responsibilities.

One significant lesson I’ve gained is the transformative power of networking through meaningful conversations. These connections have been instrumental in securing vital opportunities, such as increased funding, expanded exposure for our initiatives, and fostering individual growth within my community. Simultaneously, these conversations have heightened our visibility, leading to collaborative ventures and recognition within the broader engineering network. On a personal level, engaging with diverse individuals has not only honed my communication skills but has also provided a continuous source of inspiration for my own growth as NSBE president.

Additionally, I’ve come to understand the significance of community and having a robust support system. Leading NSBE involves not only steering the organization towards its goals but also fostering a sense of belonging and support among its members. Building a strong community allows for collaboration, shared experiences, and a collective commitment to the organization’s mission. It has taught me that the strength of any organization lies in the unity and support of its members.

In summary, my tenure as the president of Purdue’s NSBE chapter has provided valuable insights into the power of networking and the significance of community and support systems. These lessons have not only shaped my leadership skills but have also contributed to the overall success and growth of our NSBE chapter.

How has Purdue University molded you into the person you are today?

During my transformative journey at Purdue, the university has played an integral role in shaping the person I am today. Beyond academics, Purdue has offered me a professional family within the NSBE, our Minority Engineering Program, and with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. These tight-knit communities have been an unwavering source of support, providing me not only with a platform to impact and pour into others but also offering invaluable opportunities for professional and personal growth. Through these organizations, I’ve cultivated meaningful connections with mentors who have become role models, such as Virginia Booth Womack (MEP director) and Dr. Anne Edwards (Director of the Black Cultural Center). These individuals have not only inspired me but have become pillars of guidance, enriching my academic and personal journey.

Furthermore, my involvement in Delta Sigma Theta has been a transformative element in my Purdue story. As a member of the Zealous Zeta Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, I’ve been given a platform to give back to my community and to develop into a better, more empowered woman. The shared values, sisterhood, and commitment to service within my chapter have been instrumental in instilling a sense of purpose and civic responsibility, influencing both my personal and academic endeavors.

In essence, Purdue University has been more than an academic institution; it has been a nurturing ground for personal, academic, and professional development. The intersection of academic excellence, supportive communities, role models, and the ethos of service has molded me into a well-rounded individual, ready to make a positive impact on the world.

What specific initiatives have you headed up this year (or are planning) and how do you think they will improve the school and surrounding community?

This academic year, under the directives of “Your Future is B.R.I.G.H.T,” I have spearheaded transformative initiatives as the president of our Purdue NSBE chapter. A core focus of mine has been on building a familial environment, as we are not just an organization. This approach has played a pivotal role in achieving a remarkable 32% increase in overall participation and fostering increased engagement in our membership this year.

In terms of financial stewardship, I have successfully overseen a budget exceeding six figures, showcasing effective resource allocation and ensuring the financial health of our chapter. This has allowed us to implement out-of-the-box programming, host creative professional development events, and foster a safe space within our organization.

Taking a broader approach, I initiated statewide bonding initiatives such as an annual snowboarding trip that initially started as a chapter membership bonding experience. As president, I expanded this initiative to include all Indiana chapters, fostering a stronger sense of community and collaboration among Black engineers in the region.

One of the standout accomplishments is the Scholarship Dispersal plan, where we strategically distributed over 10k in accumulated scholarships to students, directly benefiting our members. That not only support academic pursuits but also contributes to the overall growth of our members.

My commitment to service and education is exemplified through my organization of a Charity Gala, raising almost 7k for medical and educational resources in Sudan. This reflects NSBE’s overarching vision of empowering people globally and showcases our dedication to making a positive impact beyond the confines of our campus.

Additionally, through effective communication with department heads, the Engineering dean, and the Office of DEI, I successfully raised over 50k in funding for the NSBE50 Conference. This achievement not only demonstrates my leadership skills but also highlights the support and recognition garnered from key figures within the university.

Lastly, my involvement in leading over 10 student organizations in a week-long celebration titled “Black Connection Week” during Black History Month showcased the diversity and richness of the Black experience. From Afrolympics to Black hair celebration, Black Table Talk discussions, and a Charity Gala supporting Sudan, these events fostered a sense of unity and pride within the Black student community at Purdue.

As a senior studying biomedical engineering and president of the NSBE chapter, my impact is palpable on campus. Black students recognize the positive changes, increased engagement, and the inspiring atmosphere cultivated under my leadership. Multiple testimonies attest to the transformative effect of my leadership, making me a recognized and respected figure among my peers. My commitment to diversity, excellence, and community service has left an indelible mark on our campus, inspiring the next generation of Black students to strive for a better tomorrow.

How is your NSBE administration currently working on attending to the mental health of students?

Ensuring the mental health and well-being of students is a top priority for both our NSBE chapter and Purdue University. Within our NSBE chapter, we’ve initiated several destress membership events to support the mental health of our members. This includes organizing fun social and bonding events to allow students a space to relax and disconnect from school. Additionally, our mentorship program provides avenues for members to seek guidance and support from older students, fostering a sense of community and support. Overall being a big support system for one another, where we can all lean on each other. By actively promoting mental health awareness, providing access to resources, and fostering a supportive community, our NSBE chapter is dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of all students.

Additionally, our NSBE chapter participates in mental health awareness initiatives, such as Mental Health Awareness Week held in late February. During this week, we engage in discussions and activities focused on promoting mental health awareness, particularly tailored to the unique experiences of STEM students. We provide strategies for self-care, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing activities outside of academics, seeking support from friends, family, and mentors, and practicing kindness towards others.

At the university level, Purdue offers a range of resources through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). These resources include confidential counseling and therapy sessions, crisis intervention, and group therapy options. Purdue also integrates mental health awareness into orientation programs like Boiler Gold Rush, ensuring that students are aware of available resources from the start of their college journey.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership, to me, encompasses not only guiding and inspiring others but also championing the success and empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly within STEM fields. As the NSBE president at Purdue, I see leadership as a platform to uplift and amplify the voices of Black STEM students, fostering an environment where they can thrive and excel. By actively listening to the needs and concerns of our members, I ensure that their voices are heard and catered towards.

Leading also encompasses inspiring and empowering others to reach their full potential while serving as a catalyst for positive change. A leader guides and supports their members to achieve collective goals while also nurturing individual growth. Effective leadership requires strong communication skills, active listening, and collaboration with diverse perspectives. It involves demonstrating integrity, accountability, and leading by example. A leader must be adaptable, open to feedback, and constantly seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Ultimately, leadership is about making a difference. It’s about using my platform to create positive change, to inspire others to believe in themselves, and to advocate for a more equitable and inclusive future. I am committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our chapter and the broader engineering community at Purdue. I work to create opportunities for underrepresented students to thrive and succeed in STEM fields, advocating for resources and support. By championing Black excellence and success in STEM, I aim to not only empower individuals but also to transform our community for a better tomorrow.

Overall, as NSBE president at Purdue, I lead with integrity, empathy, and a dedication to serving the needs of our members. I strive to inspire and empower others to reach their full potential, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and positive impact within our chapter and beyond.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2023/2024?

Active participation on social media platforms is essential for schools to connect with students, parents, and the community. Regularly sharing engaging content, including announcements, success stories, and upcoming events, helps create a versatile online presence.

Implementing effective communication channels is also critical. Schools should utilize email newsletters, messaging apps, and virtual meetings to keep students, parents, and staff informed about important updates, events, and accomplishments. Additionally, schools should leverage emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to provide immersive experiences. Virtual campus tours, interactive maps, and AR-enhanced learning materials can create a more engaging and personalized digital representation.

By adopting these strategies, schools can ensure a compelling and authentic online presence that resonates with their diverse audience in the ever-evolving digital landscape of this time.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?

Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture because it serves as a dynamic online platform that celebrates, uplifts, and amplifies the achievements, contributions, and experiences of Black students within the collegiate environment. Through its engaging content, Watch the Yard highlights the positive aspects of Black Greek life, academics, leadership, and cultural initiatives, fostering a sense of pride and unity among Black college students across the world. It but also serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for young individuals navigating their academic journeys. By providing a space for sharing success stories, cultural traditions, and influential achievements, Watch The Yard contributes to a more inclusive representation of Black excellence, ultimately shaping a positive narrative that reflects the richness and vibrancy of Black student life on college campuses.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

Post-graduation, I’m committed to using my engineering skills to create a positive impact. With a background in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Organizational Leadership, I possess a diverse skill set. My vision involves tackling real-world challenges in healthcare and community development. Whether through innovative medical solutions or community initiatives, I aim to drive positive change and leave a lasting impact.

After graduating in December 2024, I plan to join a rotational program with a healthcare-focused company to kickstart my career. This opportunity will not only allow me to jumpstart my career but also provide invaluable experience and insights into the intersection of engineering and healthcare.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Mozen Mertami for her work as the NSBE president of Purdue University.

Share this on Facebook and help us highlight Mozen Mertami and Purdue University.

Auntie Mo is at it again. In a new clip from her comedy set, as the opening act on Katt Williams’ comedy tour, Mo’Nique told the audience that Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry are “coon motherf****rs.”

The comedian even got the audience involved leading the crowd in a chant saying, “F**k you, Oprah Winfrey. F**k you, Tyler Perry.”

The one-sided feud goes back years from when the comedian actor accused the billionaire media moguls and film producers of blacklisting her and intentionally stalling her career, after she refused to do press for the movie “Precious” for free.

In a nearly three-hour interview on “Club Shay-Shay,” Mo’Nique again claimed to have audio of Perry admitting to blackballing her by spreading rumors about her being difficult to work with. In the recording, he allegedly admits that it was the wrong thing to do.

“I believe you are brilliantly talented and you should have a lot more happening since you won that award,” Perry said, presumably referencing Mo’Nique’s 2010 Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in “Precious.”

He added, “I thought for sure if you had campaigned…and played by their rules, I believe that in the next deal, you would’ve gotten more money, millions of dollars, and your career in the field would’ve been much different. I believe that much in your talent.”

It would seem that the comedian has room to sue Perry, but why won’t she? And why won’t he just settle with her and make her go away for good. As they say, “There are questions that need answers.”

During her performance, Mo’Nique asked an audience member if he was a fan of Winfrey, the man replied affirmatively, and Mo replied, “OK, well I’m not apologizing for a motherf–king thing I say.”

She even doubled down and alleged that Winfrey and her lifelong best friend Gayle King have a more than platonic relationship, according to a transcript published by Page Six. “Every time you see f–king Oprah, you see f–king Gayle,” she said. “Best friends is what they say. I’ve never seen best friends like that … Who is loving Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King? Each other.”

Although Mo may have been able to get some audience members to join her in her rant, the consensus on social media is that the 56-year-old comedian needs to move on.

“I wish Monique the best. You could not pay me to spend my $ currently to go see her bitch about Tyler and Monique. Precious came out in 2009. Somebody please tell her to get back to the jokes. She said it all in the Shannon interview.”

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins agreed to sign wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract was not finalized.

NFL Network first reported the agreement, which is expected to be worth up to $8.25 million, the network reported.

Beckham, 31, will join his fifth team after previously playing for the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore, Cleveland, and the New York Giants, who drafted him 12th overall in 2014. He won a Super Bowl with the Rams during the 2021-22 season.

Beckham is joining a Dolphins group with last year’s receiving yards leader Tyreek Hill and his speedy counterpart Jaylen Waddle. Hill and Waddle combined for more yards (2,813) than any other wide receiver duo in the NFL in 2023, but Miami had depth concerns at wide receiver beyond those two.

Beckham, who had 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns with Baltimore last season, was cut by the Ravens in March. He visited the Dolphins earlier in the offseason and was made an offer, but the two sides hadn’t yet come to an agreement.

“Things went great with him,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said in March. “We did make him an offer and business takes time, especially with players like Odell, who’s had a phenomenal career and still has really good football in front of him and has options. I’m definitely ready to coach him if we can come to an agreement, and I think both sides are trying to work towards that. We’ll see what happens.”

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Beckham established himself as one of the league’s most talented receivers in his first three seasons with the Giants. He had three straight 1,300-plus yard seasons after New York selected him out of LSU and caught one of the most memorable touchdowns in NFL history when he extended his body, leaping backward and reaching as far as he could with one hand to haul in a 43-yard pass from Eli Manning his rookie season.

Beckham was traded to the Browns in 2019 and spent two seasons there before joining the Rams, where he caught a touchdown pass in Super Bowl LVI before going down with an ACL injury that sidelined him the entire 2022 season.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations food agency warned Sudan’s warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don’t allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.

Leni Kinzli, the World Food Program’s regional spokesperson, said at least 1.7 million people in Darfur were experiencing emergency levels of hunger in December, and the number “is expected to be much higher today.”

“Our calls for humanitarian access to conflict hotspots in Sudan have never been more critical,” she told a virtual U.N. press conference from Nairobi.

Sudan plunged into chaos in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commanded by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, broke out into street battles in the capital, Khartoum. Fighting has spread to other parts of the country, especially urban areas and the Darfur region.

The paramilitary forces, known as the RSF, have gained control of most of Darfur and are besieging El Fasher, the only capital in Darfur they don’t hold, where some 500,000 civilians had taken refuge.

Kinzli said WFP’s partners on the ground report that the situation in El Fasher is “extremely dire” and it’s difficult for civilians wanting to flee the reported RSF bombings and shelling to leave.

She said the violence in El Fasher and surrounding North Darfur is exacerbating the critical humanitarian needs in the entire Darfur region, where crop production for staple cereals like wheat, sorghum and millet is 78% less than the five-year average.

On top of the impact of escalating violence, Kinzli said, “WFP is concerned that hunger will increase dramatically as the lean season between harvests sets in and people run out of food.” She said a farmer in El Fasher recently told her that her family had already run out of food stocks and is living day-to-day, an indication that the “lean season,” which usually starts in May, started earlier.

Kinzli said she received photos earlier Friday from colleagues on the ground of severely malnourished children in a camp for displaced people in Central Darfur, as well as older people “who have nothing left but skin and bones.”

“Recent reports from our partners indicate that 20 children have died in recent weeks of malnutrition in that IDP camp,” she said.

“People are resorting to consuming grass and peanut shells,” Kinzli said. “And if assistance doesn’t reach them soon, we risk witnessing widespread starvation and death in Darfur and across other conflict-affected areas in Sudan.”

Kinzli called for “a concerted diplomatic effort by the international community to push the warring parties to provide access and safety guarantees” for humanitarian staff and convoys.

“One year of this devastating conflict in Sudan has created an unprecedented hunger catastrophe and threatens to ignite the world’s largest hunger crisis,” she warned. “With almost 28 million people facing food insecurity across Sudan, South Sudan and Chad, the conflict is spilling over and exacerbating the challenges that we’ve already been facing over the last year.”

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In March, Sudanese authorities revoked WFP’s permission to deliver aid from neighboring Chad to West Darfur and Central Darfur from the town of Adre, saying that crossing had been used to transfer weapons to the RSF. Kinzli said restrictions from Sudanese authorities in Port Sudan are also preventing WFP from transporting aid via Adre.

Sudanese authorities approved the delivery of aid from the Chadian town of Tina to North Darfur, but Kinzli said WFP can no longer use that route for security reasons because it goes directly into besieged El Fasher.

On Thursday, gunmen in South Darfur killed two drivers for the International Committee of the Red Cross and injured three ICRC staff members. On Friday, U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffith called the killing of aid works “unconscionable.”

Kinzli said the fighting “and endless bureaucratic hurdles” have prevented WFP from delivering aid to over 700,000 people in Darfur ahead of the rainy season when many roads become impassable.

“WFP currently has 8,000 tons of food supplies ready to move in Chad, ready to transport, but is unable to do so because of these constraints,” she said.

“WFP urgently requires unrestricted access and security guarantees to deliver assistance,” she said. “And we must be able to use the Adre border crossing, and move assistance across front lines from Port Sudan in the east to Darfur so we can reach people in this desperate region.”

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a former Milwaukee police officer was properly fired for posting racist memes related to the arrest of an NBA player that triggered a public outcry.

Officer Erik Andrade was involved in the 2018 arrest of Sterling Brown, who then played for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Brown alleged that police used excessive force and targeted him because he is Black when they confronted him for parking illegally in a handicapped-accessible spot. He was talking with officers while waiting for his citation when the situation escalated. Officers took him down and used a stun gun because he didn’t immediately follow orders to remove his hands from his pockets.

Andrade was not involved with the arrest of Brown, but did transport him after his arrest.

Brown filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city, police department and several officers who were involved in his arrest, including Andrade.

In the lawsuit, Brown referenced a series of racist memes posted on Facebook by Andrade. In one post hours after the arrest, Andrade wrote: “Nice meeting Sterling Brown of the Milwaukee Bucks at work this morning! Lol#FearTheDeer.”

The lawsuit alleges Andrade also shared a disparaging meme of NBA star Kevin Durant about three months later.

Andrade was fired in 2018 after being suspended for violating the department’s code of conduct related to his social media posts, not for his conduct during the Brown arrest.

Milwaukee’s police chief at the time, Alfonso Morales, said in Andrade’s disciplinary hearing that he was fired because the Facebook posts would be used to impeach his credibility in future criminal proceedings and that he therefore would be unable to testify.

Andrade deleted his Facebook account the day the lawsuit was filed. He sued the Milwaukee Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, which reviewed and upheld the chief’s decision to fire him. Andrade argued that his due process rights had been violated.

A Milwaukee County circuit court and a state appeals court both upheld his firing, leading to Andrade’s appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

In a 5-2 decision on Tuesday, the high court said the police chief properly explained the evidence that supported firing Andrade and gave him a chance to respond.

“We conclude the Due Process Clause does not require a more exacting and rigid pre-termination process than what Andrade received,” Justice Brian Hagedorn said, writing for the majority.

The court also determined that the police chief followed the law when he listed the policies that Andrade violated and referenced the Facebook posts that formed the basis for the violations when he submitted a complaint to the Milwaukee Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.

Hagedorn was joined in the majority by justices Ann Walsh Bradley, Rebecca Dallet, Jill Karofsky and Janet Protasiewicz. Chief Justice Annette Ziegler and Justice Rebecca Bradley dissented.

The dissenting justices said they did not condone Andrade’s behavior, but they believed his due process rights had been violated.

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Andrade’s attorney, Brendan Matthews, said he was “disappointed but not surprised” by the ruling.

“It continues a troubling erosion of Due Process, not only for police officers, but for all ‘accused’ people in Wisconsin,” he said in an email. “That is unfortunate and it will surely have dire consequences going forward.”

Brown’s attorney, Mark Thomsen, said the ruling reaffirms the police chief’s power to fire someone for violating the code of conduct.

“Andrade knew he violated Sterling Brown’s rights and he knew his social media posts were racist,” Thomsen said. “He got what was coming to him.”

Under a 2021 settlement, the city paid Brown $750,000 and apologized. The Milwaukee Police Department also said that it “recognizes that the incident escalated in an unnecessary manner and despite Mr. Brown’s calm behavior.”

Brown’s first three years in the NBA were with the Bucks, from 2017 until 2020. He also played for the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers before joining Alba Berlin of the German Basketball Bundesliga and the EuroLeague in 2023.

17

The divorce saga between rapper Jeezy and TV host Jeannie Mai has taken a bitter turn, with new documents revealing explosive allegations from both sides. According to documents obtained by TMZ, Jeezy claims that Mai is on a mission to tarnish his reputation because he refused to have another child with her.

In a recent court filing, Jeezy presented evidence to support his claims, countering Mai’s accusations of recklessness with firearms and abusive behavior. He vehemently denies all allegations brought against him by his estranged wife, questioning her motives and pointing out the inconsistency of her actions.

One of the most shocking revelations is Jeezy’s assertion that he informed Mai of his intention to file for divorce in June, prompting her to allegedly seek out IVF specialists in a bid to conceive another child, despite his objections. Jeezy contends that Mai’s actions demonstrate a clear disregard for his wishes and an attempt to manipulate the situation to her advantage.

The escalating conflict between the former couple underscores the complexities of their relationship and raises questions about the true nature of their marital discord. As the legal battle intensifies, both Jeezy and Mai are digging in their heels, unwilling to back down from their respective positions.

The public spectacle surrounding their divorce serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of high-profile relationships and the challenges of navigating personal matters in the spotlight. With emotions running high and accusations flying, the road to resolution appears fraught with obstacles for Jeezy and Mai.

For now, the public is left to speculate on the outcome of this contentious dispute as Jeezy and Mai continue to trade barbs in the courtroom.

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