I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, what’s harder to do? Workout after practice or before?? I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice. Mo like, “coming in before practice is probably harder”…since then, it’s been my routine….a lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud, nah to me, he was quiet and methodical. He lead by example and once the lights were bright, he let everything out and experienced pure freedom. It was inspiring as his teammate and everywhere I went, I seen it inspire people from all walks of life, crazy thing is, he didn’t say much, he just showed up. For 18 years. This basketball life is sacred to us as professionals, what we put into that court means everything. Some of us wish we could go back and do things with a little more intent and some can just wipe their hands and be satisfied with the time spent. Who u gonna be? We know what zero was on…keep inspiring in the next phase of life champ. I don’t care what happens, can’t erase what it was…The first YNs, finals run in our early 20s, all star games, seeing each other get injured and bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!! …to the whole Westbrook family, Nina, the kids, mama Westbrook, big Russ, Ray, Donnell, everybody from luezinger high and ucla and many more that I’m forgettin, much love and Congratulations on a iconic career.
🗣️Marc Cucurella: I’m still shocked by what happened between me and Leo Messi during the World Cup final.
I explained to Messi that Cubarsí had injured his mouth, but instead, he told the referee that I was covering my mouth to direct a racist insult at him and pushed for me to be sent off with a red card.
That moment completely changed the way I saw him. It showed me that even the King of Football can make decisions that many people would see as unfair. For me, that incident lacked the sportsmanship and class expected from a player of his stature, and I simply cannot respect that.
It made me question the fairness of everything that happened that day. Winning is important, but honesty and integrity should always come first. When someone misrepresents your words to gain an advantage, it’s hard to look at them the same way again.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been my idol since I was a child, and nothing has changed that. I admire his discipline, mentality, and relentless work ethic. In my eyes, he built his legacy through dedication, perseverance, and merit alone, that is why Cristiano Ronaldo will always be my greatest football inspiration.