Doink the Clown passes away at 55

Wow, this will be a tremendous loss to the wrestling world. If you grew up on wrestling during the 90s as I did, you know Doink the Clown. Well, he is no longer with us. NBC 5 reports:

Plano police are investigating the death of one of the most memorable figures in pro wrestling history.

Officers said 55-year-old Matt Osborne died at a local hospital on Friday. He was transported there after his girlfriend found him unresponsive inside their Plano apartment.

Investigators said his death appears to be accidental.

Osborne was better known as "Doink The Clown."

He wrestled for the WCW, WWF and several other organizations. Several people posted condolences on the Matt Borne (Doink The Clown) Facebook Fan Page.

On it's website, the WWE posted the following statement:

WWE is saddened by the news that Matt Osborne, aka the original Doink the Clown, has passed away. A rugged brawler in promotions like Mid-South Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling, Osborne made a major impact in WWE under the greasepaint of a prankster named Doink — one of the most enduring personas of the early ’90s.

Our deepest condolences go out to Osborne’s family, friends and fans.

Voting Rights Act 'gutted' and Texas moving toward new redistricting map

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court made decisions to lifted some regulations of the Voting Rights Act and Texas immediately start moving on new laws that discriminate against minority voters. Thinkprogress.org reports:

Just two hours after the Supreme Court reasoned that discrimination is not rampant enough in Southern states to warrant restrictions under the Voting Rights Act, Texas is already advancing a voter ID law and a redistricting map blocked last year for discriminating against black and Latino residents. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued a statement declaring that both measures may go into effect immediately, now that there is no law stopping them from discriminating against minorities.

In 2012, the Justice Department blocked these measures under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Federal courts agreed that both the strict voter ID law and the redistricting map would disproportionately target the state’s fast-growing minority communities. Still, Texas filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court over the Voting Rights Act case complaining that the DOJ had used “abusive and heavy-handed tactics” to thwart the state’s attempts at voter suppression.

In the case of the new electoral map, a panel of federal judges found that “substantial surgery” was done to predominantly black districts, cutting off representatives’ offices from their strongest fundraising bases. Meanwhile, white Congress members’ districts were either preserved or “redrawn to include particular country clubs and, in one case, the school belonging to the incumbent’s grandchildren.” The new map was also drawn in secret by white Republican representatives, without notifying their black and Latino peers. After the court blocked the map, the legislature approved small changes to appease Democratic lawmakers last week. Now that they are free to use the old maps, however, Gov. Rick Perry (R) could simply veto the new plan and use the more discriminatory maps.

The strict photo ID requirement blocked by the DOJ and a federal court would require Texans to show one of a very narrow list of acceptable photo IDs. Expired gun licenses from other states are considered valid, but Social Security cards and student IDs are not. If voters do not have an ID — as many minorities, seniors, and poor people do not — they must travel at their own expense, produce their birth certificate, and in many cases pay a fee to get an ID.

Thanks to the Supreme Court, the DOJ no longer has any power to block these laws, even with the backing of federal judges who found blatant discrimination. Under the remaining sections of the Voting Rights Act, individuals may sue to kill these measures, but only after they have gone into effect and disenfranchised countless Texans of color.

According to the 2010 Census, non-Hispanic whites have become a minority in Texas, down from 52.4 percent to 45.3 percent of the population. Latinos have accounted for 65 percent of the state’s population growth over the past decade. Projections show that the eligible voter pool will shift to roughly 44 percent white voters and 37 percent Hispanic voters by 2025. Faced with this demographic reality, conservatives have alternated between changing their messaging to appeal to Latino voters, who overwhelmingly supported Democrats in 2012, and making it harder for them to vote.

It is only a matter of time before other states with voter ID laws and other election law changes blocked by the DOJ last year follow Texas’ example. Besides Texas, the attorney generals of Alabama, Arizona, South Dakota, and South Carolina argued that the Voting Rights Act was getting in the way of their ability to enact discriminatory laws.

Gilbert Arenas arrested in Los Angeles

In another story about another professional athlete getting arrested this week, Gilbert Arenas has been arrested out in California. Hip Hop Wired reports:

Last night, Agent Zero was arrested after being busted with a truckload illegal fireworks. Seriously. 

TMZ reports: 

Law enforcement sources tell us Arenas was pulled over by Califorrnia Highway Patrol around 2:30 AM in Los Angeles for speeding in a Ford pickup -- but officers immediately saw that the truck was filled with fireworks ... sitting in plain sight in the bed and cab of the truck. 

We're told Arenas was arrested and will be booked for possession of illegal fireworks, and cited for speeding -- he was allegedly doing 80 mph -- and driving without a license. 

It's unclear exactly how much fireworks were in the truck, but it was enough that LAPD bomb squad was called to handle the illegal booty. 

Our camera guy counted around 20 boxes being unloaded ... very carefully. 

Arenas -- whose last NBA team was the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2011-12 season -- was infamously busted for gun possession when he brandished a loaded pistol in his Washington Wizards locker room back in 2010. 

Dude has trouble with things that go boom. Arenas played pro ball in China this past season and most recently has been seen hooping in the Drew League in Los Angeles. 

That epic July 4 celebration he may, or may not, have been planning is now clearly a no go.

Cleveland Brown player charged with attempted murder for punching someone

Apparently it's not a good week to be a professional athlete. Cleveland Brown rookie, Ausar Walcott, found out the hard way. Hip Hop Wired reports:

NFL players are losing it during the off-season. Former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez was charged with murder today, and he's not the only professional player in trouble over allegedly trying to take someone's life. 

Ausar Walcott, rookie for the Cleveland Browns turned himself in for attempted murder Tuesday (June 26), for punching a man in the head. The linebacker attacked the victim outside of the Palace Gentleman's Club in Passaic, N.J. Sunday (June 21). 

Walcott struck 24-year-old Derrick Jones, critically injuring him. Jones, of New York, was taken to Manhattan's Harlem Hospital Center. Authorities were still investigating the incident and "continuing to canvas the area for witnesses." 

One day after releasing a statement saying they were "aware" of the situation, the Browns released 23-year-old Walcott, a native of Hackensack, N.J. He is being charged with first degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree endangering a victim. 

The former University of Virginia player is being held on $500,000 bond.

Nelson Mandela on life support but condition improves overnight

Things are looking a little bleak for Nelson Mandela. He is currently suffering from kidney failure and is on life support. Hip Hop Wired reports:

Nelson Mandela's condition is quickly deteriorating. Earlier in the week, Mandela was listed in critical condition over a recurring lung infection, and has reportedly been placed on life support. 

Five "highly-placed " sources "close to the family" told The Citizen newspaper of the anti-Apartheid leader's status, which has yet to be updated publicly. "He is on a ventilation life support and his kidney function is very low. He is critical, but has a entire team of doctors, from a cardiac specialist, pulmonary specialist, kidney specialist and a main consultant looking after him," a source said. 

Two of the five people claimed to have visited the 94-year-old in the Pretoria hospital where's he's been admitted. In addition to the previous ailments, Mandela is said to be suffering from kidney failure and undergoing renal dialysis for three hours at a time, every other day. Family members remain at Mandela's bedside and have allegdly been given the option to remove him from life support. 

Zindzi Mandela, the former Souther African president's daughter, said her father "opened his eyes," and "gave a smile," upon hearing the President Obama would be visiting the country. The commander in chief and First Lady Michelle Obama are en route to the continent for an eight-day trip costing taxpayers as much as $100 million

***UPDATE from 2 News***

Nelson Mandela's health improved overnight and although his condition remains critical it is now stable, the South African government said Thursday. One of the former president's daughters said he was still opening his eyes and reacting to the touch of his family even though his situation was precarious.

The report that the health of the 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader had taken a turn for the better came amid a growing sense in South Africa that Mandela was approaching the end of his life. Well-wishers have delivered flowers and messages of support to the Pretoria hospital where he is being treated, and prayer sessions were held around the country on Thursday. 

President Jacob Zuma's office said in a statement that he received the encouraging update from the medical team that is treating Mandela. Zuma had canceled an international trip on Thursday, instead visiting Mandela for the second time in two days.

"I canceled my visit to Mozambique today so that I can see him and confer with the doctors," Zuma said in the statement. "He is much better today than he was when I saw him last night."

In April, Zuma gave an overly upbeat assessment about Mandela's condition. At that time, state television broadcast footage of a visit by Zuma and other political leaders to Mandela's home. Zuma said at the time that Mandela was in good shape, but the footage showed him silent and unresponsive, even when Zuma tried to hold his hand.

Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years during white racist rule and became president in all-race elections in 1994, was taken to a hospital on June 8 for what the government said was a recurring lung infection.

Zuma urged people to pray for Mandela, and continue with their work and daily activities even while he is hospitalized.

For more updates please visit: http://www.ktvn.com/story/22704122/south-africa-nelson-mandela-improved-overnight

Aaron Hernandez legal troubles

Aaron Hernandez has come up on a few legal stumbling blocks as of late. Hip Hop Wired reports:

Aaron Hernandez has been charged with murder. The now former New England Patriots tight end was arrested this morning in North Attleborough, Mass. 

The New York Times reports that Hernandez was charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd, the 27-year-old semipro football player who was found shot dead in an industrial park near the NFL player's home. 

Hernandez plead not guilty to the murder charge as well as five over gun-related charges that were leveled against him. 

Shortly after his arrest, the New England Patriots cut ties with Hernandez, releasing him from the squad. "A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss," read the Patriots organization's press statement. "Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation. We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do." 

Hernandez signed a 5-year contract with the Patriots last year worth potentially up to $40 million, which is now pretty much void. He is currently being held without bail.

***UPDATE***

Aaron Hernandez, charged Wednesday for the murder of Odin Lloyd on June 17, is also being investigated in connection with a 2012 double murder in Boston, reports said.

The additional Hernandez investigation was first reported by the Fox affiliate in Boston. The Boston Globe, citing two unnamed law enforcement officials, confirmed that Hernandez is being investigated for possible involvement with the unsolved double murder. ABC confirmed that as well.

The Boston Globe said Lloyd may have had information on that double murder, which happened last July 16 when Daniel Abreu and Safiro Furtado were ambushed in their car at a stop light, shot and killed.

The Globe quoted a law official who said that the motive for killing Lloyd might have been that he had information on Hernandez's involvement in the double murder from last July.

The Globe said investigators believe a fight broke out the night of the double murder between Abreu and Furtado and a group that included Hernandez.
Abreu, Furtado and three others left the club, and were stopped at a light when a "silver or gray SUV with Rhode Island license plates" pulled alongside them, according to the Globe. Abreu and Furtado were shot and killed but the other three men survived.

Details continue to surface in the Scottie Pippen assault case

 Scottie Pippen ain't nothin' to mess with! You can't mess with those old school cats the same way you mess with the young ones. They don't play...and this man had to learn the hard way. Hip Hop Wired reports:

More details are starting to emerge about the incident involving Scottie Pippen and an alleged autograph seeker that he knocked smooth out. So severe was the beating that paramedics were called to take the man to the hospital. 

The fight went down outside of Nobu restaurant in Malibu on Sunday, June 23, but the six time NBA champion left the scene before authorities arrived. TMZ reports that the NBA great surrendered to police yesterday, but was only questioned and not arrested. The man who caught the vicious fade was apparently an autograph seeker. 

Pippen punched the guy and also kicked him multiple times while he was on the ground. The man suffered broken teeth and injuries to his neck and back. The New York Daily News reports that a witness says the the fan took pictures of Pippen and his family and became verbally abusive with racist comments. 

The fan started the tussle, spit on the ex-athlete and screamed the called him the N-word, the source said, adding that Pippen was holding his 4-year-old daughter at the time. 

“Can you imagine, you're out to dinner with your wife, your four kids and your mother-in-law, and someone calls you the N-word and starts to get physical?” the source said, calling the alleged victim's story a “crock.” 

“When Scottie left, this guy had no injuries,” said the source. “Scottie is very upset about the way this has been portrayed.” 

Several witnesses described the fan as intoxicated, sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said. 

TMZ has details and it looks like the man had been badgering Pippen all evening.

Suspect in Lil Snupe murder case turns himself in

Apparently the man accused of murdering Meek Mill's protege, Lil Snupe, has officially turned himself in. Hip Hop Wired reports:

The suspect in the murder of 18-year-old rapper Lil Snupe turned himself in. Tony D. Holden, 36, surrendered to authorities on the morning of June 25 at the Winnfield Police Department. 

Reports the Shreveport Times: 

Holden has been booked into Winnfield City Jail on one count each of first-degree murder, armed robbery and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. No bond amount has been set. And it was not immediately known whether Holden had an attorney. 

His criminal record includes previous, unrelated arrests on several drug charges, mostly involving cocaine, as well as one count each of forcible rape and second-degree kidnapping and two counts of aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon. 

Snupe, born Addarren Ross, was killed by two gunshots to the chest in the early morning of June 20 in Winnfield. Reportedly the dispute with Holden was over a video game. 

Funeral services for Lil Snupe will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29 in the auditorium at Jonesboro-Hodge High School in the late rapper's native Jonesboro, La.

Fresh Files featuring Urban Testament Clothing

 

On May 25, 2013, The Urban Advocate made a visit out to Indie in the Big D to catch up with Ernest and Markus, the creative minds behind the hottest new clothing line to hit the streets this summer, Urban Testament. Find out the inspiration behind the line and what sets this line apart from every other line in the Dallas/Ft. Worth.

Don Colman Launch Party recap

On June 1, 2013, The Urban Advocate served as one of the promotional partners with the brand new ladies line, Don Colman to present the Don Colman Launch Party. The all white affair was held on a rooftop in Downtown Dallas.Big Suave was in attendance to help introduce the public to the new fashion line for the ladies this summer.

Dallas Greek Picnic Weekend Wrap-up

On June 1, 2013, The Urban Advocate got exclusive access to the Dallas Greek Picnic; the flagship event of The Dallas Greek Picnic Weekend, which took place at William "Bill" Blair Park. Hosted by Vincent "Heartbreak" Tucker and R&B singer Keith Jacobs featuring the stroll competition from some of the fraternities and sororities in attendance. Peep this!.

Grant Hill and Jason Kidd retiring

Time to tip our hat to two great NBA players as they are set to retire. Hip Hop Wired reports:

Jason Kidd and Grant Hill, the 1995 NBA Co-Rookie of the Year recipients, have hung up their jerseys after 19 years of service. 

Hill announced his retirement this past Saturday before game six of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers. "I'm glad to say I'm done," Hill said on NBA on TNT on Saturday (June 1). "I'm officially retired, moving on from playing. I had a great run. I'm announcing it now. ... I've been hinting at it the last few years. You get to a point where you just don't want to do it anymore but I've enjoyed it. I've loved it." 

Although he was injury ridden throughout his career, Hill was an accomplished player; winning back-to-back NCAA championships with Duke University and a gold medal with Team USA in 1996, earning seven All-Star game nods.

Kidd's announcement came today (June 3). "I think it is the right time," Kidd told ESPNNewYork.com. "When you think about 19 years, it has been a heckuva ride. Physically, I want to be able to participate in activities with my kids so it has taken a toll. It is time to move on and think about maybe coaching or doing some broadcasting."

Kidd retires as an NBA champion a 10 time All-Star and with two Olympic gold medals. 

Both Hill and Kidd, adored by fans and teammates alike, were more than competitors, they were ambassadors to the game of basketball and epitomized professionalism.

Porn star sentenced to 30 days behind bars

I don't know what else to tell you other than, YOU BROUGHT THIS ON YOURSELF! News One reports:

The veteran porn actor known as Mr. Marcus was sentenced Tuesday to 30 days in jail after pleading no contest to knowingly exposing his co-stars to syphilis.

The 42-year-old actor, whose real name is Jesse Spencer, was also ordered to perform 15 days of community service and serve three years on probation.

His infection was discovered in July 2012 during a routine industry screening before he was to begin making a film. He immediately received a penicillin shot, but when he was rescreened 11 days later he still showed signs of syphilis. Authorities say he altered the results of that second test and returned to work the following day.

Spencer is jailed on $200,000 bail in an unrelated drunken driving case. An e-mail was sent to his management company seeking comment.

Spencer has said previously he thought he was no longer infectious when he returned to work.

Prosecutors said he took part in two adult movie shoots within a week of failing the second test.

Two actresses who worked with him contacted police after a producer discovered the altered test result. Neither woman contracted syphilis, the city attorney’s office said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, syphilis is caused by a bacterium and is transmitted through direct contact with syphilis sores, which mainly occur on the external genitals, vagina, anus or in the rectum. A single shot of penicillin can cure a person who has had syphilis for less than a year, according to the CDC. Additional doses are necessary for people who have had the STD for a longer period.

Spencer was one of nearly a dozen porn actors who tested positive during a syphilis outbreak last summer that led industry officials to briefly call for a moratorium on filming.

In November, Los Angeles County voters approved a ballot initiative requiring porn actors use condoms for most film shoots. The industry has sued to overturn the law, arguing that its own testing guidelines for sexually transmitted diseases are sufficient.

A man attempts to off himself on live TV

A man attempted to commit suicide during a live NBC broadcast...I say attempted because he failed. Allhiphop.com reports:

According to witnesses, the man was disheveled and ranting about how the Internal Revenue Service ruined his life. After throwing a stack of IRS documents in the air, the man took out a pocket knife and screamed “I’m going to cut myself” before eventually slicing both his wrists.

The incident was not captured on live television but it did force Matt Lauer and the Today show crew to abort a planned segment outside.

The man was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital and he will survive.

Oscar Award winning Three 6 Mafia may reunite

I'm sure there's a segment of rap fans that are elated to hear about this one. Three 6 Mafia may be coming back together. Allhiphop.com reports:

The original members of the Three Six Mafia have decided to reconvene for an epic reunion that has started to buzz voraciously over the internet.

Rap mistress Gangsta Boo confirmed her involvement with the reunion with AllHipHop.com. She expressed excitement after getting a call from founding member DJ Paul and jumped at the notion.
But, there is a catch and a big one.

Juicy J, who has experienced a resurgence as a solo artist, has not jumped on board with the new project.

Juice J’s motivation for holding out may be hard, cold cash. He recently told DJ Big Bink that he would be willing to do it for the right price.

“When Columbia Records sit us down and cut that check, its going down,” Juicy said. “They cut that check, magic’s gonna happen.”

At press time, the new incarnation of the Three Six Mafia is called Da Mafia 6 and includes Gangsta Boo, Crunchy Blak, Koopsta Knicca, Lord Infamous and DJ Paul.

The album will be released through Scale-A-Ton Entertainment, which is owned by DJ Paul.
The Three Six Mafia was founded over 20 years ago and they last collaborated as a collective on 2000′s When The Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1.