Why is American rapper Flavor Flav at the Paris Olympics and spending time with the USA Water Polo team? Let us explain.

When it comes to things that make you go “whaa?”, the Olympics are a harvest season of true abundance, a point that’s even more driven home by this year’s featuring stuff that’s extremely, what’s the word, French. From headless Marie Antoinette metal performances to Stranger Things-meets-Phantom of the Opera opening ceremonies, there’s no shortage of curios so far at this year’s Paris Olympiad. 

Flavor Flav is at the Paris Olympics

However, if you’ve been watching any of the water polo events so far, you may have noticed a recognizable figure who seems lost and, knowing him, very well might have been. 

Yes, rap legend Flavor Flav has been ever-present at the US polo events. You’ve undoubtedly caught a glimpse during the broadcast so far and thought, “wait, shouldn’t he be wearing comically large clock necklaces somewhere?”

However, Flav’s presence is of a more official manner than you might imagine. And it’s fantastic. 

How Flavor Flav got involved with Olympic Water Polo

On May 4th, water polo Olympian Maggie Steffens posted on Instagram that revealed how many Olympic athletes hold second and third jobs to help achieve their medal dreams. 

Below that post was a comment by Flav, who wrote, “AYYY YOOO,,, as a girl dad and supporter of all women’s sports—imma personally sponsor you my girl,,, whatever you need.” 

“And imma sponsor the whole team,” he added. “My manager is in touch with your agent and imma use all my relationships and resources to help all y’all even more. That’s a FLAVOR FLAV promise.”

How good is a Flavor Flav promise, you ask? As good as its weight in gold clock necklaces, because on July 1st, Flavor Flav officially signed a five-year sponsorship deal with USA Water Polo to cover the men’s and women’s water polo teams.

Flav spoke to NBC Olympics in May to explain more of his reasoning behind the support. “For me doing this, I ain’t gonna lie, to me this is one of the biggest things that I feel that I could have ever done in life, outside of the other accomplishments that I’ve made to music,” he said. “By sponsoring a water polo team and helping these girls out, this is bigger than me winning a Grammy.”

It’s all pretty awesome and Flav looks like he’s having the time of his damn life cheering on the team, encouraging other celebrities to do the same, and even hanging out with First Lady Jill Biden.

Flav’s also not content to just cheer from the sidelines. The man wants in on the action too: 

@usawomenswaterpoloteam

We got Flavor Flav in the pool y’all 👏🏼

♬ original sound - USA Women’s Water Polo

Social media weighs in

Either way, Flav has garnered a whole lot of goodwill from the gesture. Including online: 

Honestly, they should probably just let him compete. Just for one competition that they don’t really care about. Come on, the guy’s earned it! 

Of course, Flav isn’t the only old-school rap icon to be having a blast at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Snoop Dogg’s there too folks, providing interviews and commentary as only he can. 

Your move, Vanilla Ice.

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The 2024 Paris Olympics are almost here! The best way of getting all the inside scoop? Following the biggest athletes at the game on social media, of course! Many of the younger Olympians are getting big into TikTok, picking up from a trend that started at the postponed 2020 games (held in 2021).

At the time, Olympians were navigating some really strict socialization guidelines. While thankfully, we're all in a better place this time around, the TikTok engagement is simply too good to pass up!

From doing viral challenges to offering those behind-the-scenes looks at what it takes to get to the big games and what it's like when you're there, we're getting premium content from some of the world's best athletes.

Here are some Olympians you should start following ahead of the opening ceremony on July 26.

1. Ilona Maher, US Rugby Star

@ilonamaher Here to cause a ruckus @paris2024 @Team USA @SKIMS @Love Island USA @Love Island ♬ original sound - Ilona Maher

They don't call Ilona Maher, US rugby star, the "TikTok Queen" for nothing! Ilona was one of the first Olympic athletes who really went out of the way to share her 2020 experience with fans online. Here we are in 2024 and already, she's crushing the game before the games even begin.

Not only does Ilona share TikTok challenges and behind-the-scenes look at her Olympic preparation, but she's also become a true beacon of body positivity. Her candid discussions of what it means to be a woman with a strong and dominant body type have been truly inspiring and show she has so much more to offer than what she brings to the field—which is pretty damn impressive in and of itself.

2. Daniella Ramirez, US Artistic Swimmer

@annadramirez guys idk if i have it in me to take this out today. #olympics #artisticswimming #teamusa #gel #gelatin #gelatina #KNOX #synchronizedswimming #knoxwithme #daniellaramirez #knoxremoval ♬ original sound - Daniella Ramirez

Daniella Ramirez has TikTokers seated with her epic hair gelatin peel videos. The unusual beauty process that's a must for artistic swimmers in particular has mesmerized viewers, from its application to its removal.

In addition to the knoxing videos, Daniella also shares videos about some of her adventures as she prepares for the Paris games.

3. Nikki Hiltz, US Distance Runner

@nikki_hiltz

if you know you know 😭

♬ original sound - Marco Borghi

Nikki Hiltz is sharing their Olympic experience as a transgender, non-binary athlete. What can you expect on Nikki's TikTok? Jokes about being an LGBTQIA+ athlete on this journey that entertain and behind-the-scenes look at what goes into training for their sport.

They are not afraid of leaning into TikTok trends, which means they'll be sure to supply lots of laughs throughout the games.

4. Suni Lee, US Gymnastics

@sunisalee_

🇫🇷🥖

♬ Thank you for using my sound - BLAIR

Suni Lee has become such a beloved figure in US gymnastics, so it would make sense that she's an Olympian to follow ahead of the Paris games.

From GRWM to sweet moments with the other ladies on the team, Suni is delivering fun and wholesome content while being part of a monumental team of competitors.

5. Simone Biles, US Gymnastics

@simonebilesowens can’t believe this will be my 3rd time going to the olympic games 🥹 grateful & blessed. 2016 rio-> 2020 tokyo -> 2024 PARIS #olympictrials #gymnastics #usa ♬ Dreams Come True - Paper Lovee

Simone Biles is an American treasure. She's got the most contagious, positive attitude, and yet, you know, she's playing no games—except the ones she came to win. Her TikTok updates throughout the 2020 games were amazing and this time around, it seems she'll keep to those standards.

@simonebilesowens attitude checkkkk💁🏾‍♀️ #usagymnastics #olympics #paris ♬ original sound - Princeton Cheer

Simone has gotten the team USA girls together. Already, they're proving they are all about having fun and getting the work done in Paris this summer.

6. Erik Shoji, US Volleyball Player 

@thelibero Everything in my bag for practice! #volleyball #practice #packing ♬ original sound - Erik Shoji

Erik Shoji is another veteran among Olympians to follow on TikTok. He gave us the inside scoop, from food to fun and trends in between, at the 2020 games. He's already warming up the 2024 volleyball squad to join him both on TikTok and on the court.

7. Noah Lyles, US Sprinter

@nojo18 TGIM!!!! 🔥🔥@Junelle Bromfield #olympics #fypage #fypシ゚viral #trackandfield #relationships #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fun #rap #music ♬ original sound - Noah Lyles

Noah Lyles has won the hearts of many with his unabashed nerdiness. Coming through with Yu-Gi-Oh! cards to mark some of his biggest career moments have earned the respect of millennials and Gen Z alike.

Noah got his start on TikTok with more personal-style videos, and while he's pivoted to more manicured videos recently, many believe he'll get back to his roots amid his rising star and special opportunity at the Summer Olympics.

8. Tyler Downs, US Diver 

@tylerdownss You have to wait for the end😭 #teamusa #olympics @Team USA @NBC Olympics & Paralympics @Andrew Capobianco @Sarah Bacon @Kassidy Cook @Delaney Schnell @Carsonltyler ♬ original sound - tylerdowns

The 20-year-old diver is an absolute natural when it comes to TikTok! In a recent interview, he even said that his six siblings come to him for social media advice. His page is full of genuine excitement about this one-of-a-kind experience, the other athletes he might meet, and the chance he has to achieve. It's very sweet and will have you rooting for him among the many Olympians on TikTok.

9 & 10. Laviai and Lina Nielsen, British Track and Field

@laviainielsen it’s starting to feel real now 🥹 follow for more behind the scenes Olympic content #paris2024 #teamGB #olympics ♬ original sound - Laviai 🏃🏽‍♀️

The 28-year-old twins are returning to the Olympics for the second time and they're ready to enjoy every moment. The two share a fun side of Olympic competition while also showing gratitude and reverence for the spots they've worked hard to earn.

Longtime fans of the sisters are also hoping to maybe see some updates to their Instagram food blog while they're abroad. Stay tuned!

@linaruns I wanted to be dauntless so bad #trackandfield #running #hurdles ♬ original sound - Lionsgate

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Baseball is the great American pastime and nothing is more “baseball” than home runs.

Ergo, the yearly Home Run Derby is the most American thing to ever America. Surely, it’s worthy of a stirring rendition of our national anthem paying tribute to our great country and its pastime of hitting balls and watching balls getting hit.

Who is Ingrid Andress?

Country music star and 4-time Grammy nominee Ingrid Andress was selected to deliver the anthem at last night’s derby.

You may remember Andress from her hit tune, “Wishful Drinking.” If not, this is what she sounds like under “normal” circumstances: 

Got it? Great.

National anthem gone wrong

Okay, now take a listen to Andress’ rendition of our national anthem. (Crypt Keeper voice) If you dare! 

Okay, a lot going on here.

Things start off a little shaky, but nothing truly reaches trainwreck levels. “And the rocket’s red glare…” section is where things really take a turn and you can feel the nation’s remaining pride dwindle.

“...That our flag was still there…” comes in and all remaining patriotism is lost. By the time Andress gets to “o’er the land of the freeeeeeee” you’re looking at condos in Vancouver. 

Social media reacts to the Ingrid Andress national anthem

Ah well, we all have a bad night here and there. I’m sure the internet was forgivi – whaaaaaaaaa?

It even seems the broadcast stopped cutting to close-ups of players after Phillies outfielder Alec Bohm could barely keep it together. 

There’s no telling if our nation—specifically the Ingrid Andress part of it—will ever recover from this moment. 

UPDATE: Ingrid Andress says she was "drunk last night" and "checking into rehab" amid backlash:

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Ilona Maher has proven to be an it-girl, both on the rugby scene and on TikTok. In 2020, the Olympian proved that she's as savvy online as she is on the rugby field, endearing herself to countless fans who are excited to see her back at the Olympics this summer.

The basics about rugby star Ilona Maher

Ilona Maher is a talented rugby player, but rugby is not the sport she started in. A natural athlete, Ilona played a variety of sports growing up. In high school, she played rugby, as well as field hockey, basketball, and soccer.

She set her sights on rugby, specifically, when she attended Quinnipiac University and began competing internationally after graduating with her degree in nursing.

In 2020, the center earned a spot on the Olympic team and competed in rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

How did Ilona Maher become the TikTok Queen among Olympic athletes?

During her time in Tokyo in 2020, Ilona Maher began documenting her experiences. (Remember, the Olympic games were postponed for a year due to the pandemic and actually took place in 2021.) Even once they were back on, there were many restrictions for participating athletes to ensure everyone's safety and well-being.

@ilonamaher My screen time is nothing to be proud of #tokyo2020 #beastbeautybrains #olympics #usarugby #tokyoolympics #olympictiktok #teamusa ♬ I'm A Survivor - Reba McEntire

Making the most of her time there while abiding by all restrictions, Ilona took to TikTok to share what it was like in the Olympic Village. She discussed the food, meeting other athletes, learning about Japanese culture, and more.

@ilonamaher Replying to @arielbaer406 How I became an Olympian #beastbeautybrains #rugby #olympian #usarugby #tokyoolympics #rugger #athletechallenge #athlete #greenscreen ♬ original sound - Ilona Maher

Her genuine curiosity and gratitude for her first time at the Olympics, plus her fun and approachable demeanor had viewers hooked.

@ilonamaher Sad girl vibes #beastbeautybrains #tokyoolympics #rugby #olympictiktok #usarugby #tokyo2020 ♬ Kiss Me More (feat. SZA) - Doja Cat

Ilona's content also focused on body positivity, celebrating strong female bodies. Although it wasn't the rugby team's year to shine, she continued to provide valuable and entertaining content to her growing followership.

@ilonamaher Took a page out of @codymelphy playbook #beastbeautybrains #tokyoolympics #rugby #olympictiktok #usarugby #tokyo2020 #ilonamaher #olympicvillage ♬ original sound - Ilona Maher

"I consider social media my second job," Ilona told Seven Days VT. "I'm a rugby player first, but the social aspect is such a big part of me."

@ilonamaher I am available #beastbeautybrains #olympics #tokyoolympics #tokyo2021 #japan #olympicvillage #athlete #olympictiktok #teamusa ♬ original sound

The star's rugby and social media talents are both strong going into the 2024 Olympics

Ilona will once again represent Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. While she's sure to share her experience on TikTok once again, Ilona has said being present is important to her too.

@ilonamaher @paris2024 @Team USA @USA Rugby ♬ GENTLEMEN START YOUR ENGINESSS - fierydeltav_

"My main thing first is just to enjoy all those moments before Paris, because as I learned from the last one, you're in, you're out. Boom. You're done. Next four years, maybe, maybe go to the next Olympics. And I'm like, wait, that's it?" she told Olympics.com.

"I trained my whole life, four years for this one moment and it's over. It's really been important for me to enjoy these moments with my teammates and the laughs in the locker room. The car rides. Because it is so fleeting and nothing is guaranteed, especially in sport, and especially the sport I play."

Good luck this year, Ilona, and please keep the TikToks coming!

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If you lurk around the Internet long enough, you'll come across all kinds of quirky niche interests. One that's made its way in and out of the online discourse is hobby horsing, a quaint but legitimate sport where participants use sticks with horse heads to simulate equestrian riding and showcase dressage routines.

At a cursory glance, hobby horsing can seem a bit strange. But once you move past the oddness of it all, the world of hobby horsing is actually fascinating. 

Where does hobby horsing come from?

Hobby horsing started in Finland, where it's a growing sport embraced by young girls and women. Participants often DIY the horses themselves, assigning their steeds names and breeds. The sport blends together imagination and gymnastic prowess — you emulate a rider in the upper part of your body and move like a horse with your legs.

There are many specific ways to move your legs, from piaffes to canter pirouettes. And if you've seen the best of the best on TikTok, there are also lots of impressive high jumps involved. Here's an example of a routine:

https://www.tiktok.com/@kht_mansika/video/7368075536301591841?q=hobbyhorse&t=1718148114981

An etymological fun fact: In the 1400s, the word "hobby" actually referred to a small or medium-sized horse. "Hobbyhorse" came to mean a horse costume worn to an English Morris folk dance and, later on, a toy horse head mounted to a stick for children to play with. The meaning morphed once again, this time to reference any pastime activity, and the word "hobbyhorse" was later shortened to just "hobby."

When the modern Finnish subculture officially began is a bit of an enigma, although it did pick up traction in online forums some time in the 21st century. Today, hobby horsing is popular enough to the point where there are entire camps and competitions dedicated to it.

There's even a whole documentary about it — check out Oscar nominee Selma Vilhunen's Hobbyhorse Revolution.

How have people reacted to hobby horsing?

In the past, hobby horsing enthusiasts have shied away from sharing their passion, but times have changed. Today, many hobby horse connoisseurs are loud and proud about their love for the sport and the camaraderie that it offers.

TikTok user Anna (@kht_duck), for example, posted a video defending hobby horsing's legitimacy as a sport. In the now-viral clip, we see her sprawled on the ground and dry heaving after an intense hobby horsing routine. The text on the video reads, “'Hobby horsing is not a sport, it’s easy and everyone can do that..' Oh yeah? This is me after my dressage routine…I was passing out, couldn’t breathe, almost throwing up, dizzy, shaking, whole body burning in pain...” 

https://www.tiktok.com/@kht_duck/video/7374020042855337249

The video actually took place at the 2024 Slovakia Hobbyhorse Championship, where Anna competed with other pros. Through the 16-year-old's popular TikTok video, many are now discovering the world of hobby horsing.

And when the Internet discovers anything, online derision, of course, can run wild. You don't need to stray far from the comment section of literally any hobby horsing video to see online contrarians sharing their two cents. You can even just check the comments under the previous video.

"Hobby horsing is NOT easy," said TikTok user Kev.did.stuf (burn glazer🔥🔥). "It takes years of dedication to believe it is a real sport."

Another commenter added, "Hobby horsing? When I was a kid we called it playing."

There are also plenty of videos spoofing hobby horsing, too.

https://www.tiktok.com/@danaehays/video/7366050089632025899?_t=8n6GLfhZq2g&_r=1

https://www.tiktok.com/@aliclaytoncomedy/video/7265137507136736554

https://www.tiktok.com/@fit_2_serve/video/7376033879066545451

There are definitely hobby horse sympathizers, though, like TikTok account Opossum (@_princess_opossum).

https://www.tiktok.com/@_princess_opossum/video/7375385374299868459?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7356330702382745130

"I'm gonna be controversial and brave, and I'm just gonna say that I'm a hobby horse sympathizer. It's just hurdles with a stick between your knees. It's just track and field for weird kids," the user noted.

Hobby horsing examples

Given its rising popularity, hobby horsing has been in and out of the online discourse over the last few years. While it's an easy target for Internet ridicule, it can be refreshing to watch participants document their joyous routines.

Like TikTok user Anna (@kht_duck) hurdling over a bisexual pride flag.

https://www.tiktok.com/@kht_duck/video/7377793270547483937

Or these hobby horse champs pulling off bonkers high jumps.

https://www.tiktok.com/@_kht_semi/video/7360933067168419104?q=hobbyhorse&t=1718148114981

https://www.tiktok.com/@hymyilevahevonen/video/7108065190054333702

https://www.tiktok.com/@kht_duck/video/7364832343355313440

When you dive deep enough into the universe of hobby horsing, you'll find that participants truly care about their craft and find a strong sense of community in the sport.

Perhaps it's time for the haters to get off their figurative high horse...and join in on the fun with a stick one.

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Great things happen when the worlds of sports and fashion intersect. Nothing proves that more than the amazing, high-fashion looks coming out of this WNBA season. Fans are already declaring the 2024-2025 season as having some of the best WNBA outfits of all time.

Vogue itself declared, "The WNBA tunnel is officially a fashion destination," and the ladies are treating it as such. From partnerships with high-fashion brands to elevating personal style, these women are showing up and showing out and the internet is here for it.

The WNBA girls let us know that their style would be strong this season from the jump. Nika Muhl, A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Skylar Diggins-Smith were among the ladies who sported head-turning looks to kick off the 2024-2025 season.

@justwomenssports WNBA players showed out on opening night 👀 (🎥 @seattlestorm, @Las Vegas Aces, @WNBA, @Phoenix Mercury) #wnba #style #fashion #outfit #fits ♬ MILLION DOLLAR BABY (VHS) - Tommy Richman

All eyes were also on Caitlin Clark, who set the tone for her tunnel style with a black strapless top and dark denim pants, accented with a bright blue "Return to Tiffany's" purse, paired with a pair of Tiffany & Co. x Nike Air Force 1s.

And since then, the train has kept rolling with these pros. Here are some of the best WNBA fits of this season so far.

Cameron Brink

Cameron Brink's outfits have been the talk of TikTok. She's partnering with brands and stepping out in looks that are both versatile and trendy.

@espn #CameronBrink got inspiration from #CocoGauff for her pregame outfit on Tuesday 🙌 #tennis #wnba @espnW 🎥 @WNBA ♬ original sound - ESPN

Her Coco Gauff-inspired look brought the current tennis-inspired style trend to a whole different arena and rocked it effortlessly. The look even got the attention of the tennis star, who praised the outfit and said she's a longtime fan of the new WNBA star.

Kamilla Cardoso

Kamilla Cardoso has been killing the fashion game with looks that incorporate elements of her Southern background with today's biggest trends.

@wnbatunnel Player: @Kamilla Cardoso Team: @Connecticut Sun #wnba #wnbatunnel #tunnelfits #fypage #womensbasketball ♬ I'M THAT BITCH - bia

The best WNBA outfits are the ones that feel effortless and Cardoso's style fits the bill. She always seems at ease as she shows off the different sides of her personality in pretty and playful looks.

Dijonai Carrington

Dijonai Carrington is a stunner who brings elevated street style to the WNBA.

@dijonaicarrington 😘🩶 #fyp #wnba #gameday ♬ original sound - Prettyutterfly

She's never afraid to rock a cropped top but also experiments with ways to dress a look up and down that change the game.

Nika Mühl

Nika Mühl may be frustrated about the amount of time she's been offered on the court. She's justified, but in the meantime, she's earning fans off the court with some of the best WNBA fits so far.

@puppy.love845 SHE ATE THAT UPP #nikamuhl #gameday #seattlestorm #washingtonmystics #basketball #fit #trending #foryoupage ♬ fantasy - audios💌

Her iconic visa-approved game-day shirt showed that she's not afraid of centering herself in the conversation. She's also showing a powerful sense of self-expression in each trip through the tunnel.

Kelsey Plum

Kelsey Plum has proved that she has a penchant for daring fashion choices. She's unapologetically herself and proving as much with fashion choices that not everyone can pull off.

@bleacherreport KP too relatable 😂 (via @WNBA) #wnba #basketball #kelseyplum #lasvegasaces ♬ original sound - bleacherreport

Even when she misses the mark, her great attitude makes you root for her. She's ushering in a new era after a difficult off-season and looking fierce while she does it.

Angel Reese

Angel Reese got the chance to attend the Met Gala, so she came into this season on a fashion it-girl high that she's continuing to ride. Her statement-making outfits solidify her as a boss.

@scoopcentral_ WNBA pregame outfit - Angel Reese styles a one piece mini skirt with long sleeve hoodie as the Chicago Sky face the Indiana Fever #ChicagoSky #IndianaFever ♬ original sound - Scoop Central

The self-branded "high-fashion girlie" isn't afraid to take risks with her looks, and so far, they've been a slam dunk every time. Her Barbie persona has shined, resulting in some of the best WNBA outfits.

Skylar Diggins-Smith

Skylar Diggins-Smith has mastered the art of bringing outfits to new levels with accessories, and it's brought a lot of attention to her style this season.

@backyardjulz Four Fits, Four Different Styles. All TOUGH! #fashion #style #wnba #skylardigginssmith #wnbastyle #backyardjulz ♬ Jazz Bossa Nova - TOKYO Lonesome Blue

She's centered authenticity in every outfit she's picked so far, and it's paid out. She looks comfortable and joyful and committed to truly serving a look.

A'ja Wilson

A'ja Wilson has never been afraid to make a fashion statement. Wilson's iconic looks aren't just based in fashion either. The center also incorporates her hair to bring her looks to life, which makes her stand out from the crowd.

@basketballdrip1 A’ja Wilson 🔥🔥 #wnba #basketball #ajawilson #outfit #fyp ♬ Cinderella - LAFlame

She's also known for her shoe game, and honestly, one of her most iconic looks of the season confirmed her deal for her own shoe with Nike.

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This weekend, Major League Baseball umpire Angel Hernandez announced his retirement after three decades. To mark (celebrate?) the occasion, we’ve decided to explore a meme built around the man’s vast body of work. 

Folks, we present the Angel Hernandez Missed Calls Meme. 

What is the Angel Hernandez Missed Calls meme?

There are many things that bond every single Major League Baseball fan. No matter the rivalries, be they Red Sox/Yankees, Dodgers/Giants, or White Sox/Themselves, every lover of America’s pastime can agree that Angel Hernandez is…let’s say, ungood at umpiring. 

Witness a sampling of his finest work:  

I mean, the body of evidence is staggering. STAGGERING!

Missed strikes, missed balls, there’s nothing Angel won’t miss. And he misses hard and fast, with his entire being. Hernandez will get a call blatantly wrong and double down on it forevermore.

Also, because umpires are the Supreme Court justices of baseball, there are never any consequences! Oh yeah! America, baby! You almost have to admire it. Fail with your full voice, kids! 

@umpireauditor ** NEW UMPIRE AUDITOR RECORD ** (4/12/24) Umpire Angel Hernandez rang up Wyatt Langford on three pitches out of the zone. The strikeout pitch missed outside by 6.78 inches. This was the largest miss on a called strikeout in Umpire Auditor history. #mlb #baseball #astros #rangers #umpire ♬ original sound - Umpire Auditor

Appropriately, his tribute meme is a phone screencap doctored to feature several “missed calls” from Angel himself. 

@thegmaniac69 This is absolutely SPOT ON! #angelhernandez #mlb #umpire #phone #iphone ♬ Ho no no no 1 - la roca

Obviously, those familiar with the man’s work get an instant chuckle over this thing. 

@idiotgoons

♬ Tiptoe Through the Tulips by Tiny Tim - Ghost Experiences

Angel Hernandez Missed Calls meme origin 

While it’s a bit unclear who originated the Angel Hernandez Missed Calls meme, its next instance of wide public spread appears to be through a Facebook post by Baseballer on October 10, 2018: 

It popped up again a few years later in an Instagram post by @KFCBarstool on April 25, 2022: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kevin Clancy (@kfcbarstool)

Over the ensuing two years, the meme was shared typically whenever Angel would have one of his “incidents.” However, in honor of Angel’s retirement, some users are suggesting this meme can now retire as well: 

Other Angel Hernandez memes

As you might imagine for a figure who inspires such passion, Angel has inspired a wide variety of memes from baseball fans who have no other outlet for their complaints.

@ithinkyoushouldba You sure about that? #mlb #baseball #ithinkyoushouldleave #meme ♬ original sound - Ithinkyoushouldbaseball

@flippinbatspod Baseball fans, if you know, you know…❌😅 #umpire #theoffice #meme #capcut #angelhernandez #mlb #funny #michaelscott #bad #Meme #MemeCut ♬ original sound - Flippin Bats Podcast

@mattrenojr Death, taxes, and Angel Hernandez missing calls.  #AngelHernandez #baseball #sports #sandrabullock #MLB #memecut ♬ Blinding Lights - Country Version - Tebey

Good stuff, all around. Enjoy your retirement, Angel. I suspect baseball fans will!

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This is TikTok superstar Joe Lepinski, or “Jersey Joe” as he’s known on your For You page. 

@jerseyyjoe DO THE CHA CHA 😂🔥🔥 ( DC: ME )  #jerseyyjoe #jersey #trend #viral #fyp ♬ Cha Cha - ZEDDY WILL

Lepinski’s collected over 3 million followers and 200 million likes over the years. And it's no wonder. Joe dances, Joe does Jersey stuff, and as we’ve just learned…Joe mascots (yes, it's a verb)! 

Yes, on May 11th, Jersey Joe revealed himself to be Montclair State University's eagle mascot, Rocky. 

@jerseyyjoe Time to the let the secret out 😂🦅🔥 #jerseyclub #jerseyyjoe #jersey #trend #viral #fyp ( @Rocky ♬ original sound - SPAZN

“Time to let the secret out” he posted. Once the eagle was out of the bag, Joe has since begun incorporating the character into more of his videos. 

@jerseyyjoe Taught Rocky everything he needs to know 😂🦅🔥 #jerseyclub #jerseyyjoe #jersey #trend #viral #fyp ( @Rocky ♬ TWICE - Chaebaeo

@jerseyyjoe Mascot Reveal from Jerseyy 😂🔥‼️ Thank you for everything Montclair 🙏🤞 #jerseyyjoe #jersey #trend #viral #fyp ( @Rocky ; IB: @U. of South Carolina ; 🎥: @aylin ♬ Keep it up - Good Neighbours

Needless to say, the reveal has the internet pulling a Sally Field in “Mrs. Doubtfire.” This is some true Bruce Wayne/Batman stuff right here: 

Most impressive is how Lepinski, who just graduated from Montclair, managed to keep his secret identity, well, secret. No easy task for someone so massively TikTok famous. 

@homefieldapparel @jerseyyjoe @vanessa congrats on graduating and keeping the secret for so long!! (I follow yall on my main i promise) #montclairstateuniversity #jerseyyjoe #mascotreveal #greenscreen #greenscreenvideo ♬ original sound - Homefield

We can only hope this reveal leads to other TikTok superstars revealing that they’re also Ronald McDonald or something. 

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A Major League Baseball fan went viral on TikTok after showcasing the “outrageous” prices for various snacks and meals sold at the Rogers Centre. It's sparked a conversation on just how difficult it can be to take a family out for a traditional day at the ballpark.

Jesse Pollock (@jessepollock42) recently went to a Toronto Blue Jays game where he said the food was exorbitantly priced. While he noted that this is not a new phenomenon, he was nevertheless in shock at how expensive some commonly purchased meals went for. As of Monday, his clip had amassed over 1.2 million views. 

“The cost of food at Blue Jays games is OUTRAGEOUS,” Pollock wrote in the text overlay. “Look at these prices.”

Pollock then panned his camera over the various menu items and highlighted each combo’s price point. A handful of chicken tenders, fries, and a soft drink cost nearly $30. A similar footlong hot dog meal cost the same amount. 

“That’s outrageous,” Pollock said. 

The venue, he said, also sold a meal that included an undisclosed number of tacos served with a margarita for $29.58. Of course, if patrons wanted a non-alcoholic option, the taco meal with a “souvenir fountain beverage” cost $26.58.

“$30 for tacos?” Pollock questioned. 

While there were food options available to vegetarians, the prices were just as insane, Pollock said. For instance, one item, called a “plant-based bowl,” which came with a bottled soda, sold for $25.68. It was nearly $1 cheaper if a patron opted for bottled water versus a soft drink. 

Food wasn’t the only expensive thing sold at the games, though. According to Pollock, the stadium served a “souvenir draught beer” for nearly $18. Souvenir fountain drinks were $11.

The “cheapest” bites, he said, were individually-sold slices of pizza ($7.79 or $8.29), nachos with cheese ($8.49), a Bavarian pretzel ($6.19), and assorted chips ($4.49). Still, the prices still didn’t sit well with Pollock. 

“This is not right,” he proclaimed. 

Pollock noted that the stadium sold $1 “loonie dog[s].” But he said that was the only reasonably priced menu item he could find. 

“Obviously it’s not just the Jays that have prices like this,” he said. “But it’s just a reminder than any sporting event has such expensive food.”

How expensive are snacks at MLB stadiums?

According to USA Today, food prices vary by stadium. Hot dog prices, it reported, ranged from $3 to $8 among stadiums with available price data. Among teams based in the U.S., the stadiums selling the most expensive hotdogs were those hosting the Baltimore Orioles ($8.25), the Oakland Athletics ($7.79), the St. Louis Cardinals ($7.75), the San Francisco Giants ($7.75),  and the San Diego Padres ($7.75). Statista also reported that prices for beer, soft drinks, and hot dogs have seen a “significant increase” between 2010 and 2023. 

The increase in prices had some viewers pledging to no longer attend certain live sporting events. 

@jessepollock22 The prices for food at sporting events are getting outrageous 😵‍💫💰 #sports #baseball #mlb #bluejays #toronto #canada ♬ original sound - Jesse Pollock

“Sports are no longer affordable for families,” one user wrote. 

“boycott the sports franchises for a year,” another added. 

“Organized professional sports is the biggest scam out there,” a third viewer said. 

The Daily Dot has reached out to Pollock via TikTok comment and to the Toronto Blue Jays through an online contact form.

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The post ‘This is not right’: Major League Baseball fan goes to concession stand. It’s $30 for a hot dog appeared first on The Daily Dot.

Football quarterback Caleb Williams was filmed with a pink phone case while sitting courtside at an NCAA women's basketball game on Monday night. Since then, X has become awash with homophobic tweets and memes targeting Williams. Until recently, Williams played football at the University of Southern California and is set to be drafted this year.

On March 25, the NCAA Division 1 women's basketball account shared a video of Williams watching a USC women's basketball game. In it, he waves his hands, showing that he has a pink phone case and a light pink wallet.

Williams reposted the tweet, writing, "vibes onlyyyyy supporting our girls."

Many responses to the NCAA's tweet ridicule Williams and disparage him for being gay. Williams is currently dating a woman and hasn't made any public comments on his sexuality.

"He has a pink phone case?" an X user tweeted. "Ive seen circles straighter."

"Michael Sam walked so Caleb could fly….just wait for the 'reveal,'" another person wrote. Michael Sam is an openly gay football player who was released from the Los Angeles Rams after he came out in 2014.

Other replies call Williams "Gayleb Williams," a queen, sassy, and included crude jokes about him in football locker rooms.

Memes posted on X also called Williams homophobic slurs, said he wears heels rather than football cleats, featured GIFs of effeminate men, and compared him to Dylan Mulvaney. Mulvaney is a transwoman who was vilified by the right after she partnered with Bud Light.

"Caleb Williams is a Dylan Mulvaney wannabe," an X user tweeted. "Complete with pink finger nails, lip gloss, and phone!"

An NFL 2021 ad affirmed that the LGBTQ community is welcome on its teams and in its fandoms, but many NFL players (and as is evident, fans) have made homophobic statements in the past.

Williams hasn't responded to the homophobic backlash he received writ large—though he did roast a sports reporter who made fun of his pink phone case. Separate from his football career, Williams also runs an anti-bullying and mental health awareness foundation called Caleb Cares.

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