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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce enjoying 'vacation mode' away from spotlight
TheStewartOfNY - GC Images © Getty Images

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have been "in vacation mode" out of the spotlight.

The 'Anti-Hero' hitmaker has struck up a friendship with WNBA star Caitlin Clark, 23, after they watched Travis, 35, from a private suit in January during a playoff game for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Asked if they'll be supporting her this season, she told USA Today: "Oh gosh, I don’t know. I mean, I hope so.

“I feel like they’re also living — they’re in a nice, in vacation mode right now. So I hope they enjoy a nice little break out of the spotlight.

"But I’m sure they’ll be cheering for the [Indiana] Fever either way.”

Taylor, 35, has been dating Travis for almost two year, and recently met his brother Jason Kelce's new baby.

Jason - who is married to Kylie Kelce and has Wyatt, five, Elliotte, four, Bennett, two, and six-week-old Finn with her - admitted that it was tricky to find the time but confirmed that Taylor has met the most recent arrival.

He told 'Entertainment Tonight': "She's met her. We were fortunate to have them all in. It doesn’t happen often—everyone’s really busy—but it was really special."

Jason and his family have been catapulted into the global spotlight since his brother Travis Kelce - who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs - struck up a relationship with Taylor .

His mother Donna Kelce, has also become famous in her own right, and has made multiple media appearances over the last two years but worked as a banker for most of her life before retirement.

When Jason was asked about what he would like his kids to learn, he admitted that it would be the "work ethic" that his mother has displayed throughout her life.

He said: "The thing that I would love to instill in my kids is my mom's work ethic and her dedication and sacrifice.

"I think when you're younger, you don't realize a lot of that, but as you get older, Mom was working full-time jobs.

"She was cleaning a lot of the house. She was making a lot of the meals. I think at the time, it's just your mom is being mom and you don't realize everything that she's doing so that you have opportunities and things to achieve your dreams.

"So I think that for me, I would love my girls to really see that hard work and that sacrifice and things that have made her life amazingly successful and enjoyable!"

This article first appeared on BANG Showbiz and was syndicated with permission.

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Entertainment

The Damned cancel North American tour dates due to band member's 'catastrophic event' at home

The Damned have cancelled their scheduled performances in Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver this weekend, citing a "catastrophic event" at a band member’s home. The Punk legends - comprising Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Paul Gray, Monty Oxymoron, and Rat Scabies - were due to play Seattle on July 26 and Vancouver on July 28, as well as perform at Portland’s Project Pabst festival on July 27. However, the "unexpected" event, which they didn't go into detail about, has left them forced to pull the plug. In a statement shared with fans, the band wrote on Instagram: "We are very sorry to have to cancel our Seattle, Portland and Vancouver shows this weekend, due to an unexpected and catastrophic event at a member of The Damned's home. "We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding." Refunds for the group’s headline shows will be available at point of purchase. As of yet, it's unclear if The Damned plan to reschedule the concerts. The "catastrophic event" comes four months after the group's guitarist and founder, Brian James, died aged 70. The musician, who performed alongside artists including Iggy Pop during his decades-long career, passed away on March 5. He was widely recognised for his influence on the punk genre and as the writer of the first UK punk single, New Rose. A statement posted on his Facebook account read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of one of the true pioneers of music, guitarist, songwriter, and true gentleman, Brian James." Born in Hammersmith, London, in 1955, Brian was instrumental in shaping the early punk movement. The statement about his passing added: “Incessantly creative and a musical tour de force, over a career which spanned more than six decades, with his music also gracing film and television soundtracks, in addition to The Damned and The Lords of the New Church, Brian worked with a plethora of punk and rock ‘n’ roll’s finest, from Iggy Pop to Wayne Kramer, Stewart Copeland to Cheetah Chrome.” Brian reunited with the original members of The Damned in 2022 for a series of UK shows, marking more than four decades since the release of New Rose.

Tyrann Mathieu retirement highlights compelling Hall of Fame case
NFL

Tyrann Mathieu retirement highlights compelling Hall of Fame case

One question remains after New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement. How long until Canton calls? On Tuesday, the 12-year NFL veteran revealed he was retiring, effective immediately, ending the New Orleans native's legendary football career. In a statement published to social media, the three-time first-team All-Pro wrote, "As I hang up my cleats, I'm filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that's shaped me in every way. "From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing." He's a surefire first-ballot Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame honoree, breaking out while at LSU (2010-11). During his freshman and sophomore seasons, he forced 11 fumbles with eight recoveries, four interceptions and four total touchdowns while finishing fifth in Heisman voting in 2011. Mathieu was dismissed from the team in 2012 after failing multiple drug tests and then was arrested on marijuana charges, but he didn't allow that to define his career. Instead, he carved out what could be considered a Pro Football Hall of Fame resume, too. Mathieu ends his professional career with 838 tackles, 100 passes defended and 36 interceptions. In addition to being named first-team All-Pro three times, he received three Pro Bowl honors and was a member of the Hall of Fame All-2010 Team. Mathieu also won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2020. Per Mathieu's Pro Football Reference's Hall of Fame Monitor score (65.2), he has a below-average case for enshrinement, with the average Hall of Fame defensive back scoring a 96.93. But players have received a gold jacket with worse scores in the PFR metric, including John Lynch, Eric Allen and Dick LeBeau. While he might have to wait past his first ballot to make it into the Hall of Fame, it would be a shame if Mathieu didn't one day receive his flowers. It certainly helps his case that in addition to being one of the greatest safeties of his generation, Mathieu was, by all accounts, just as outstanding off the field. NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill and Arizona Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard, who covered Mathieu when he played for the Cardinals, were among the media members to share fond stories about Mathieu. "One of those guys who really respected the job we do and would take the time to explain the game," Underhill shared. "He an all-world talent and the most accessible, genuine, introspective superstar I've ever met," Odegard wrote. It could take longer than five years, but it should surprise no one if one day Mathieu receives Hall of Fame recognition. He is the Honey Badger, after all. He takes what he wants.

Ryan Reaves' Clear Opinion of Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews
NHL

Ryan Reaves' Clear Opinion of Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews

Before Ryan Reaves was traded to the San Jose Sharks earlier this summer, he had a front-row seat to Auston Matthews' first season wearing the “C” for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Matthews dealt with injury setbacks throughout the year, missing 15 games after hurting himself during training camp. He still found a way to finish the season, racking up 78 points in 67 regular-season games, adding 11 points in 13 playoff outings. Reaves appeared on the "Leafs Morning Take" podcast on Monday to discuss that and many other topics. Reaves opened up on his two seasons in Toronto. The enforcer offered insight into what made the 2024–25 campaign unique and how Matthews handled the spotlight during his first year as the team captain. “I think a lot of (Matthews') leadership is led by example,” Reaves said. “He works incredibly hard in practice. And on the ice, I think you see how hard he works in all three zones. “Obviously, grinding through some issues this year, and, you know, really trying to grind through it for the team.” Reaves said that even though Matthews was forced to miss time throughout the season, the captain maintained a presence Reaves — a 38-year-old veteran — found instructive, especially for younger players in the locker room. “To me, Auston was a guy who really led by example, really tried to drag guys into battles, practice,” Reaves said. “Never took days off, never, never coasted in practice. Always working his (expletive) off, on the ice before everybody else, off the ice last, you know. “(It’s) something that, as a vet, it was great to see. It really teaches those young guys how to, how to be, you know, the best in the world.” Reaves, however, acknowledged that Matthews wasn’t the most vocal captain he’d ever played with. That said, the veteran still respected Matthews' approach to leading the Maple Leafs. “Everybody leads differently, right?” Reaves said. “You can’t be the most vocal and the most leading by example, you can’t, you can’t do it all.”

Former GM Names Yankees Prospects Likely to Be Dealt by Deadline
MLB

Former GM Names Yankees Prospects Likely to Be Dealt by Deadline

The Yankees aren’t hiding what they need at the deadline, especially after the weekend series in Atlanta. They need pitching, and more pitching. They need a frontline starter if they can get one. A back-end arm and high-leverage reliever if they can’t. According to former MLB GM Jim Bowden of The Athletic, that help is expected to come via trade and will cost prospects. But which ones? For now, Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. look like keepers, Bowden reports. The Yankees have been careful not to dangle either in serious talks. That leaves a deep and evolving tier just beneath them of talented, but more expendable prospects in the right deal. Right-hander Chase Hampton is out this year after Tommy John surgery but still has value in the industry. Cam Schlittler or Brendan Beck could be part of a multi-arm package. Carlos Lagrange and Elmer Rodriguez Cruz offer upside in A-ball, but they’re likely a year or two away. It’s also possible the Yankees dangle recent draftee Griffin Herring, a high-floor lefty from LSU, or infielder Roc Riggio, who’s quickly becoming a fan favorite but is blocked long-term. If they’re shopping for bullpen help, a one-for-one swap involving someone like Rafael Flores, a promising catcher at Double-A, could get it done. One name to watch is Everson Pereira. Once seen as a potential long-term outfielder in the Bronx, Pereira’s injuries and inconsistent bat have pushed him to the edge of the 40-man roster. He still has tools and could be the centerpiece in a deal for a reliever or platoon bat. The Yankees have built up enough prospect depth to move from it. And with the market light on sellers, creativity and control years could matter more than pure prospect rankings. If a trade comes, it’s likely someone from this group gets the call, but not to the Bronx. it.

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