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    Rap superstar Drake has bet more than $1BILLION on sport in the last year, including losing $1m on football match

    RAP superstar Drake enjoys the thrill of high stake bets on sports events and casinos, and has risked nearly £1BILLION in the last year.Drake joined crypto casino, Stake, under the name DeepPockets6 in December 2021.
    Drake has risked close to £1BILLION on sports and casino betsCredit: Getty
    Drake’s latest high stakes bet is on Jake Paul to knock out rival Tommy Fury on SundayCredit: Skill Challenge Entertainment
    And the 36-year-old isn’t shy about posting his gambling activity to his social media sites.
    The figures often send heads spinning.
    In fact, Casino.org say Drake wagered cryptocurrency worth over £800million in just two months after joining Stake on various sports and casino bets.
    Jake Paul is next on Drake’s tip list, with the artist slapping down over £300,000 on the American to KNOCK OUT rival Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
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    If the bet comes in, Drake is set to take home an incredible £1.2m.
    Drake’s sports bets range from combat sports, to Formula One, to football and even American football.
    And unfortunately, he is not often lucky with the notorious ‘Drake curse’ becoming legendary folklore online.
    SunSport takes a look at some of Drake’s BIGGEST sports bets.
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    Drake’s UFC bets
    In March 2022, Drake slapped £230,000 on Jorge Masvidal to defeat UFC rival Colby Covington.
    A win would’ve seen Drake pocket over £862,000.
    However, Masvidal lost via decision.
    Two months later, Drake lost £357,000 after tipping Justin Gaethje to beat Charles Oliveira.
    The payout would’ve been north of £800,000 again.
    July, however, was a better month for Drake.
    Drake bet £113,000 on fellow Stake ambassador, Israel Adesanya, to beat Jared Cannonier.
    Adesanya won via decision and Drake saw a return of £750,000.
    And just ten days later, Drake bet on Liverpudlians Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann.
    Drake wagered £1.84m on McCann to see off Hannah Goldy and Pimblett to beat Jordan Leavitt.
    The bet came in and Drake saw a return of over £3m.
    As a thank you, Drake sent both McCann and Pimblett a Rolex.
    However, the next month it was back to losing on UFC.
    In August, Drake lost tow consecutive bets totalling £359,000 on Kamaru Usman and Jose Aldo.
    And in November, £1.67m was put on the line for Adesanya to beat Alex Pereira in a UFC 281 title fight.
    But in what could’ve been a £2.42m payout resulted in a £1.7m loss.
    Drake lost £1.7m on Israel Adesanya to beat Alex PereiraCredit: Reuters
    Drake’s dabbling in football
    Drake keeps a watchful eye on football and hasn’t been scared to bet big bux.
    In October last year, £502,000 was bet on both Arsenal and Barcelona to win their respective matches.
    Arsenal came through on their part of the bet, winning 1-0 away at Leeds.
    Barca, however, lost 3-1 to rivals Real Madrid.
    To rub salt into the wounds, Barca’s kit featured the OVO owl ogo in a sponsorship courtesy of Spotify.
    Drake was honoured after becoming the first artist to hit 50bn Spotify streams.
    He also joined billions from around the world in watching last November-December’s World Cup.
    Drake bet £837,000 on Argentina to win the World Cup in the final against France – but lost on a technicality.
    The global sensation would’ve seen a return north of £2.26m had Argentina beaten France in regular time.
    Kylian Mbappe’s late equaliser forced the game into extra-time.
    Argentina went on to win the 3-3 final on penalties, despite Mbappe scoring a hat-trick.
    Drake lost money on Barca, who were donning his OVO logo against Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Better luck with US sports
    In February 2022, Drake took home over £449,000 on the LA Rams to win the Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals and Odell Beckham Jr to score an anytime touchdown.
    Though he lost a separate prop bet on ODJ worth £328,000.
    He did manage to recover £196,000 on his Californian namesake, Drake London, to be the 1st drafted Wide Receiver.
    Drake’s good fortunes with NFL bets continued into the recent season.
    Despite losing £174,000 on the Miami Dolphins in September last year, Drake cashed out a whopping £1.67m on a £240,000 bet in November.
    He tipped the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs to be victorious in their Week Four matchups.
    For the Super Bowl earlier this month, Drake won BIG.
    The Certified Lover Boy won over £1.25m after the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Arizona.
    Drake has seen good returns in basketball, baseball and hockey.
    In April, Drake took home a combined total of £610,000 on NBA bets thanks to the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks.
    In baseball the same month, Drake won over £96,000 thanks to the Toronto Blue Jays beating the Boston Red Sox.
    Drake’s baseball luck continued in May in a Game 7 parlay.
    The Dallas Mavericks, Calgary Flames and the New York Rangers saw Drake turn his £258,000 stake with 8.64 total odds into an impressive £1.97m.
    In June, Drake lost £376,000 after predicting the New York Rangers to win the NHL Eastern Conference Finals, as well as the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Championship series.
    Unfortunately, the slip was ruined before it got started and Drake missed out on a cool £1.33m.
    Drake won big after the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win this monthCredit: Rex
    Drake’s need for speed
    Drake is also an F1 fan.
    He tipped Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to win the 2022 Spain Grand Prix with the Monegasques starting the race on pole position.
    Drake placed £251,000 on Leclerc to win – but the Ferrari ace retired on lap 27 with a turbo and MGH-U failure.
    Read More on The Sun
    Max Verstappen, who went on to win the world title in 2022 defending his 2021 crown, went on to win the race and captured the lead in the driver standings.
    Drake missed out on £627,000.
    Drake bet on Charles Leclerc to win the 2022 Spain Grand Prix only for the Ferrari driver to retire on lap 27 despite starting on poleCredit: Getty More

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    ‘I have not done the right thing’ – Tchouameni issues grovelling apology to Real Madrid after missing game to watch NBA

    REAL MADRID midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has issued a grovelling apology after missing Thursday’s Copa del Rey win over Villarreal to watch an NBA game in Paris.The 22-year-old was seen at the Accor Arena in Paris, which was hosting an NBA clash between the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons.
    Tchouameni attended an NBA game held in ParisCredit: Getty
    The Real midfielder angered fans for missing the Copa del Rey clash with Villarreal despite being injuredCredit: Getty
    Tchouameni’s presence at the game angered Real fans online as their team scraped by Villarreal with a 3-2 win.
    Real had to come from two goals behind to book their place in the next round of the Cup.
    Tchouameni was not going to feature for Real as he picked up an injury in a league fixture against Villarreal 12 days ago.
    The France international is not set to return to action for another two weeks.
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    Nonetheless, Tchouameni has apologised to Real, its fans, his team-mates and coaches.
    He tweeted: “I apologise to my club, the coaching staff, my team-mates and the Madrid fans for my presence at an event at a time when we were at stake in the Cup.
    “I have been attentive at all times to what was happening in Villarreal, but I have not done the right thing. Very sorry.”
    Real fans’ agitation may come from their domestic league woes.
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    The Spanish champions are trailing rivals Barcelona in LaLiga.
    After 16 games played, Barca top the table on 41 points, three above Real.
    Real were also humiliated by Barca in the Spanish Super Cup final, held in the Middle East.
    Xavi’s men ran out 3-1 winners in a dominating display. More

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    Shakira’s ex Gerard Pique looks miserable at NBA game after strawberry jam ‘cheating’ bombshell

    GERARD Pique was pictured looking glum at an NBA game in Paris as he wallows in the bitterness of his split from Shakira. The sportsman sported a sullen pout as he pondered while watching the action-packed game on Thursday.
    The footie ace looked miserable and distracted from the NBA game on ThursdayCredit: Reuters
    Pique appeared tense as he chatted with a pal at the star-studded gameCredit: Getty
    His pop star ex reportedly rumbled his affair thanks to a jar of strawberry jamCredit: AFP
    Pique appeared to be preoccupied with his thoughts as he joined a string of celebs to see the Detroit Pistons take on the Chicago Bulls.
    The former Barcelona defender tried to blend in with the star-studded crowd by donning a beige Nike hoodie.
    He was pictured looking withdrawn despite the electric atmosphere as the NBA returned to Europe for the first time in three years.
    Pique appeared to frown while chatting to a male pal in the stands.
    READ MORE ON GERARD PIQUE
    The 35-year-old gazed into the distance instead of being engrossed by the drama on the court.
    He was joined by A-listers such as Pharrell Williams, Lakers legend Magic Johnson and supermodel Naomi Campbell.
    French Formula 1 drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon also had front-row seats for the pivotal game.
    But the famous faces didn’t distract Pique from his vitriolic breakup with Colombian pop star Shakira.
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    The pair would regularly take their two sons, Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7, to basketball games before their dramatic split.
    Pique had also been spotted looking miserable as he lit up a cigar to puff his cares away in a Paris cafe on Tuesday.
    The couple split last summer as the Spain World Cup winner ditched her for Clara Chia Marti, 23.
    The footie star has come under fire after it was reported she rumbled his alleged affair thanks to a jar of strawberry jam.
    Rumours have swirled that Shakira first smelt a rat after taking a look in her fridge at their five-storey mansion.
    The songstress is said to have returned home from a period of travelling to find a jar of her strawberry jam had been eaten.
    It’s been claimed that Pique follows a strict diet and would not have tucked into the jam – and neither would her children.
    The She Wolf singer is then said to have come to the conclusion that someone else – more specifically another woman – had been in her home, and her fridge.
    She reportedly recruited a private investigator to snoop on Pique in a bid to confirm her suspicions.
    The detective is said to have spotted the Spaniard frequenting the nightclub where his now girlfriend Clara worked.
    According to Spanish TV show El Gordo y la Flaca, the detectives even obtained photos of the pair getting cosy.
    But Shakira was forced to pay an agency to keep the damning photos private after the PI firm flogged them to paparazzi.
    She also reportedly noticed Clara lurking behind Pique during a Zoom interview at their family home in August 2021.
    OUT OF YOUR LEAGUE
    It was ten months before the pair announced their separation after their 12-year romance.
    The breakup provided the inspiration for Shakira’s explosive new track, which slammed Pique with a string of brutal barbs.
    She channeled her emotions into her music and released a new song titled Out of Your League, brimming with thinly veiled references to her ex.
    The 45-year-old pulled no punches and brazenly took aim at the loved-up pair, comparing the relationship to swapping “a Ferrari for a [Renault] Twingo”. 
    Pique seemed to laugh off the reference – by turning up to work in the budget motor with an amused look on his face.
    It was even claimed that he was taunting the mother of his two children with the reg plate – 2511 MDJ.
    Reports suggest the numbers are in fact the specific date, November 25, that he left the family home in Barcelona.
    The pair have become embroiled in a public spat following speculation that he was unfaithful to the singer.
    In another twist Shakira put a terrifying life-size witch doll on her balcony, facing her mother-in-law’s house in the same street.
    Neighbours reported she also blasted out the new song on repeat so Gerard’s mum, Montserrat Bernabéu, could hear.
    The singer is now reportedly building a wall between the two properties to try and distance herself from her in-laws.
    She is said to have been furious to discover Pique’s parents actively supported his new romance with Clara.
    Read More on The Sun
    The explosive split comes over a decade after they met on the set of the video for Shakira’s 2010 World Cup anthem, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).
    Shakira and Gerard Pique have been engaged in a bitter spat since their splitCredit: AFP
    Pique looked unimpressed despite being surrounded by stars at the eventCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The former Barcelona defender donned a beige hoodie to blend in with the crowdCredit: Getty More

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    Mike Tyson was desperate to fight Michael Jordan at dinner party, revealed boxing star’s former manager

    MIKE TYSON once threatened to beat up Michael Jordan over their romantic history with the same woman, the boxer’s former manager has claimed.The former Baddest Man on the Planet, 56,  made his boxing comeback against Roy Jones Jr in 2020.
    Mike Tyson (right) was arguably at his peak when sidling up to Michael Jordan (left)
    But before that comeback, Rory Holloway has revealed what happened when Tyson and he attended a birthday dinner for Chicago Bears star Richard Dent in 1988.
    Plenty of famous faces were at the December bash, including Jordan, boxing promoter Don King and Bears coach Mike Ditka.
    Tyson was in his pomp with an undefeated record and unified title to his name –  it was a point in his life when he was also known for decadent and lavish partying.
    But it was Jordan’s history with Robin Givens, Tyson’s ex-wife who the NBA legend had previously dated, that brought about the tension.
    Holloway wrote in his book chronicling the boxer’s career, via BoxingScene: “Mike Tyson’s sitting there with his drink of choice, a Long Island Tea, and when he drinks his real feelings come out.
    “I’m telling the server to water his drinks down because I see where this is going.
    Jordan, it’s obvious he just wants to get up and run. He wants no part of this.
    “Mike stares across the table at Michael Jordan. He says, ‘Hey man, you think I’m stupid? I know you f***** with my b****’.
    “Jordan looks like he just seen a ghost. ‘I know you messed with her,’ Mike says, ‘You can tell me’.
    “Jordan, it’s obvious he just wants to get up and run. He wants no part of this. Mike turns to Ditka. ‘Man, you think somebody scared of you, all that racist s*** you been talking?’.
    “He says to Dent, ‘Y’all scared of this damn white man, Richard? He ain’t nobody. You gonna let him talk that way?’.
    MOST READ IN BOXING

    “It was a circus, for real, that night. Don King trying to change the subject. Me and John trying to hold Mike down.
    “Mike telling everyone he’s going to bust Jordan’s ass. Jordan’s dressed sharp as always and he can’t get out of there fast enough.”
    Differing reports of the night have been bandied around over the years and Jordan, recently subject to the hit ESPN series focusing on his departure from Chicago, is said to have declined to ever comment on his run-in with the boxing champ.
    Footage recently emerged of Iron Mike let his temper boil over after coming face to face with his former promoter Don King.
    Tyson accused the promoter of stealing millions of dollars he had earned from boxing and decided to sue him for $100million.
    The case was settled for $14m but there was no love lost between the two.
    ESPN’s documentary ‘The Last Dance’ charts the untold story of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls More

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    How many kids does Tristan Thompson have?

    TRISTAN Thompson’s successful pro-basketball career has not stopped him from starting his own team of kids.Due to the NBA star’s co-parenting relationships with Khloe Kardashian and Maralee Nichols, people are curious to know about Tristan’s total number of kids.
    Tristan Thompson’s romances and children make him the subject of many headlinesCredit: Refer to Caption
    How many children does Tristan Thompson have?
    Prince
    From 2014 to 2016, Tristan Thompson was in a relationship with Jordan Craig.
    On December 12, 2016, Jordan and Tristan welcomed their first child together, a son named Prince.
    Months before Prince Thompson’s birth, the Cleveland Cavaliers player and Khloe Kardashian confirmed that they began dating in October of that year.
    True
    On December 20, 2017, Khloe revealed she was expecting her first child with Tristan.
    Read More on Tristan Thompson
    That Wednesday, the reality star shared on Instagram: “My greatest dream realized! We are having a baby!
    “I had been waiting and wondering but God had a plan all along. He knew what He was doing. I simply had to trust in Him and be patient.”
    On April 12, 2018, the then-couple’s daughter True Thompson was born.
    While True is Khloe’s first child, she is the basketball star’s second.
    most read on tristan thompson
    Theo
    On December 1, 2021, Maralee Nichols gave birth to Tristan’s third child, a son named Theo Thompson.
    Through court documents, the two shared that they had a fling at some point around Tristan’s birthday in March of that year.
    On January 3, 2022, the Boston Celtics player told his Instagram followers: “Today, paternity test results reveal that I fathered a child with Maralee Nichols.
    “I take full responsibility for my actions. Now that paternity has been established I look forward to amicably raising our son.
    Tristan has three sons and one daughter, he shares two kids with KhloeCredit: Instagram
    “I sincerely apologize to everyone I’ve hurt or disappointed throughout this ordeal both publicly and privately.”
    Regarding Theo’s birth and the coinciding timeline of his on-and-off relationship with Khloe, the athlete added: “Khloe, you don’t deserve this. You don’t deserve the heartache and humiliation I have caused you.
    “You don’t deserve the way I have done you over the years. My actions certainly have not lined up with the way I view you.
    “I have the utmost respect and love for you. Regardless of what you may think. Again, I am so incredibly sorry.”
    Khloe’s first son
    On July 13, 2022, it was announced that Tristan and Khloe are expecting their second child together.
    The pair conceived the child in November 2021, a month before the revelation of his fling with Maralee that resulted in Theo’s birth in December.
    The co-parents disclosed to their fans on Twitter: “We can confirm True will have a sibling who was conceived in November.
    “Khloe is incredibly grateful to the extraordinary surrogate for such a beautiful blessing.
    “We’d like to ask for your kindness and privacy so that Khloe can focus on her family.”
    On Friday, August 5, Tristan and Khloe welcomed their first son together.
    Although Khloe’s son is her second child overall, the occasion officially made Tristan a four-time father. More

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    World’s best-paid young athletes revealed with Kylian Mbappe just fourth and Jake Paul breaking into top seven

    BEING a young sports star can be a lucrative business in 2022. Across a range of different sports, athletes are making extraordinary amounts of money even though they are still at a fairly early stage of their career.
    Kylian Mbappe signed a big money deal with PSG earlier this yearCredit: Reuters
    Whether they are at the top of their field in tennis, basketball or motorsports, athletes 26 years old and under are raking in the cash from a young age.
    Here are the best paid stars between May 2021 and May 2022 of sports stars aged 26 or under, according to Forbes.
    1. Josh Allen
    Allen signed a huge six year contract last year with the Buffalo BillsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The NFL ace Josh Allen might not be the most-well known name to those who don’t follow American sports.
    But the Buffalo Bills quarterback, who signed a six-year contract extension last year, was the highest-paid young athlete in the world in the past year.
    Allen makes $63million – or £55m – in on-field earnings after putting pen to paper on his new deal.
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    His breakout season came in 2020 when he led the Bills to their first division title and playoff victory since 1995, and he hasn’t looked back since.
    Off-field earnings for the 26-year-old amount to around £3.5m thanks to his sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike and Pepsi.
    2. Naomi Osaka
    Naomi Osaka has found particular success in Australia and the US OpenCredit: Getty
    Naomi Osaka continues to be one of the major names in women’s tennis and her value is reflected on paper too.
    The 24-year-old rakes in close to £52m in total earnings after years of battling at the top of the sport.
    Unlike Allen however, the vast majority of the Japanese star’s earnings come from her off-the-field endorsements.
    The tennis ace has more than 20 corporate partners, including Nike, Mastercard and Louis Vuitton which helps her to bring in £50.7m. In contrast, the actual tennis only brings in a little over £1m.
    Osaka came to prominence in 2018 when she beat Serena Williams in the US Open Final before winning the Australian Open twice and securing another victory at Flushing Meadows.
    3. Max Verstappen
    Max Verstappen has dominated the field in this season’s Formula 1 ChampionshipCredit: Getty
    Responsible for the most dramatic moment in Formula 1 history when he won the title last year, Max Verstappen has gone from strength to strength.
    The Dutchman looks set to win another F1 title this year – and that can only help his bank account.
    A mix of stars from different sports make up the list of the highest-paid athletes 26 or under
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    The 24-year-old makes £40m from his sport and another £1.7m in endorsements.
    The Red Bull driver was the youngest driver in the sport’s history when he made he debut at 17, before winning his first race at 18.
    4. Kylian Mbappe
    Few sports stars around are making more money than Kylian Mbappe, PSG’s jewel in the crownCredit: AFP
    It’s a good time to be a young football player called Kylian Mbappe.
    The PSG star stunned the footballing world earlier this year when he snubbed Real Madrid and instead signed an eye-watering deal to keep him in France.
    The 23-year-old now makes around £24.5m in on-field earnings and around £13m in endorsement deals, with agreements with EA Sports and Nike keeping Mbappe’s accountants busy.
    The Frenchman is hoping to lead his country to another World Cup in Qatar later this year, before landing PSG their first ever Champions League next year.
    5. Marshon Lattimore
    Marshon Lattimore signed a huge contract extension in 2021 as New Orleans Saints looked to cling on to one of their biggest assetsCredit: AP
    New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore arrived on the scene in 2017 and has found his wallet has continued to grow and grow.
    The NFL star’s growing importance to his team saw him land a huge 2021 contract extension worth around £85.5m.
    Last year he landed his fourth Pro Bowl selection in five NFL seasons, underlining his huge reputation.
    The overwhelming majority of his £36m earnings come from his efforts on the field of play.
    6. Devin Booker
    Pictured with Kendall Jenner earlier this month, Booker is continuing to carve a name for himself in the NBACredit: Getty
    The sole NBA player on this list is Devin Booker who is making some decent cash while at the Phoenix Suns.
    The 25-year-old was part of the team who helped the Suns reach their first NBA Finals since 1993 after they also won the Western Conference division.
    The shooting guard makes around £28m from basketball and takes home £7m from brand deals with the likes of Nike and Corona Beer.
    7. Jake Paul
    Like him or loathe him, Paul’s boxing career is largely thriving so farCredit: Getty
    The famous Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has just made this list as his well-known antics have helped the 25-year-old pull in the cash.
    The Problem Child has a bout against UFC star Anderson Silva next month as he continues to make his name as a serious boxer.
    His turn to sport has seen him bring in £26.2m from his fighting alone while he still made around £7m in cash out of the ring. More

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    ‘Become legendary’ – Lewis Hamilton hangs out with NBA icon LeBron James after demanding Monaco GP talks with FIA

    LEWIS HAMILTON put his latest Formula One misery aside by hanging out with basketball icon LeBron James.The Mercedes driver, 37, was left fuming after the Monaco Grand Prix and demanded talks with the FIA to clear up the shambles at the start of Sunday’s race.
    Lebron James and Lewis Hamilton caught up on Monday following the Monaco GPCredit: Instagram / @kingjames
    The pair both took to Instagram with similar snaps overlooking the MedCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
    But his mood improved on Monday as he caught up with Los Angeles Lakers legend James, one of the world’s top-paid athletes.
    It appeared Hamilton stuck around in Monte Carlo following the weekend action, with LeBron over from the States to watch the Champions League final in Paris on Saturday.
    They both posted pictures together on Instagram on Monday evening with the pair standing side by side and James’ arm around his pal’s shoulder.
    The fashionista Brit rocked a black-and-white floral pattern outfit while the NBA star opted for a black jumper with red stripes and black trousers in the Principality.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}LEWIS LIVID .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Hamilton demands talks with FIA over delayed Monaco GP as rain causes chaos
    Hamilton referenced LeBron’s nickname and wrote: “King of kings, great seeing you brother.”
    Four-time NBA champ and MVP James, also 37, added: “BECOME LEGENDARY!! Good seeing you brother!!”
    Their posts have already been liked by a combined 2.5million fans.
    Although some joked that Hamilton must have been standing on a box considering the lack of height difference between the 5ft 8ins seven-time F1 champ and the 6ft 9ins James in the pics.
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    Despite the clouds over the Mediterranean, it appeared a bright and warm day in Monaco on Monday – a stark contrast from 24 hours earlier.
    The race directors sent the drivers out for a delayed formation lap in the rain before red flagging the start and ordering the cars back to the paddock as the weather worsened.
    And proceedings finally got underway an hour late – despite the rain virtually stopping way before that.
    Seven-time world champion Hamilton – and other drivers – could not understand why they were forced to wait so long and wants answers from the bungling Formula One organisers at the next drivers’ briefing.
    SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
    The Brit, who finished eighth, said: “You think they didn’t do a good job? I was not saying it was a mistake.
    “I don’t know the reason for them not sending us out at the get-go — but we are Formula 1 drivers so (the weather) is not a good enough reason.
    “That is what I was saying. I was like ‘let’s go’ when it was just drizzling a little bit at the beginning.
    “We will talk about it in the drivers’ briefing but we should have started the race.”
    Hamilton finished eighth in the wet of Monte Carlo and was unhappy with FIA race directorsCredit: Splash More

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    Top ten highest-paid athletes of 2022 released by Forbes with Lionel Messi still top despite struggles at PSG

    LIONEL MESSI is the highest-paid sports star in the world for 2022 – and now earns as much as Cristiano Ronaldo off the pitch.The legendary Argentine has endured a tough first season at Paris Saint-Germain following his shock Barcelona exit.
    Neymar and Lionel Messi both feature in the top four for highest-paid athletes in 2022Credit: AFP

    But he has continued to rake the cash in from his new club and his various sponsors.
    And that sees him return to the top of the Forbes rankings for 2022 after doing so in 2019.
    However, last year’s top dog, Conor McGregor, does not even make the top ten this time around – with the majority of his £148million earnings coming from selling his Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand.
    Other notable absentees this time around include F1 pair Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, Naomi Osaka, Tiger Woods, Tyson Fury and Kylian Mbappe.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BISH BASH DOSH .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Fury leading McGregor in sport rich list for 2022 with Canelo top fighter
    So who are the world’s top-earning athletes right now?
    10. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Basketball – £66m
    The ‘Greek Freak’, 27, has pretty much an even split of on-court and off-court earnings and is the youngest member of this exclusive club – in fact he is the only one still in his 20s.
    Giannis Antetokounmpo completes the top ten and is the youngest of the groupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time MVP boasts the biggest contract in NBA history and has plenty of sponsors including WhatsApp and Google as well as an NFT platform and Disney+ biopic on the way.
    9. Tom Brady – NFL – £69m
    Brady’s short-lived retirement means the iconic quarterback will be back on the pitch for Tampa Bay Buccaneers later this year.
    Tom Brady already earns big before his mega-deal with Fox Sports startsCredit: Getty
    Not that the 44-year-old needs the extra cash, with £43m of his money coming from various ventures including NFTs, production companies and a clothing label – plus he has a £307m deal as a Fox Sports commentator when he does retire.
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    8. Canelo Alvarez – Boxing – £74m
    He may have just lost his second career fight with a shock defeat to Dmitry Bivol, but one look at his bank balance will soon boost the Mexican, 31, and top-paid boxer in the world.
    Canelo Alvarez is the only combat sportsperson in the top ten and has the highest percentage of on-field earningsCredit: Reuters
    A whopping 95 per cent of his earnings came from inside the ring thanks to two PPV fights earning as least £33m each – the Bivol fight was not included in the current list – supplemented by his taco restaurant and Hennessy deal.
    7. Roger Federer – Tennis – £74m
    For a 40-year-old man who won just nine tennis matches since February 2020 – none since last summer – and is currently in rehab from another knee surgery, Federer is doing alright for himself.
    Federer has not won a tennis match since July 2021 but is the No1 for sponsorshipsCredit: Getty
    The Swiss maestro is world sport’s No1 brand ambassador with £73.5m of his £74m coming from sponsors such as Uniqlo, Rolex and Swiss shoe brand On.
    6. Kevin Durant – Basketball – £76m
    The Brooklyn Nets hero, 33, brings in the majority of his cash from commercial deals and a business empire, with £23m alone for wearing Nike trainers.
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    A whole host of business ventures help Kevin Durant earn the big bucksCredit: AP
    Other sources of incoming include Coinbase, Weepmaps, Boardroom, Thirty Five Ventures, an NFT platform and a digital fitness startup.
    5. Steph Curry – Basketball – £76m
    No NBA player earned more this season on the court than Curry – and that £38m figure is only going up after he signed a whopping new contract to see him pocket nearly £50m by 2025-26.
    As one of the most marketable NBA players, Steph Curry has huge incoming on and off the courtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Away from Golden State, the 34-year-old has an FTX endorsement which includes an equity stake and NFTs in three metaverses – although he pledged to donate the earnings – as well as a production company Unanimous Media.

    Neymar, 30, is on around £600,000 a week as his basic wage at PSG, delivering just 12 goals in all competitions this term and only a Ligue 1 winners medal to show.
    Neymar is one of the top-paid footballers in the world before considering his dealsCredit: AFP
    But Forbes have him down as earning another £500,000 per week on average from various bonuses and signing-on fees – plus £20m from endorsements such as Puma, Red Bull, Netflix and his recent launch of an electric car in Germany alongside Alica Schmidt.

    Time for the big hitters and no surprise to see Ronaldo’s name right among them with his mammoth Manchester United wages and various extra bonuses.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is forced to settle behind Lionel Messi once againCredit: Getty
    Just shy of half of the 37-year-old’s £94m came from off-field payments including mega bucks from Nike, Herbalife and Clear shampoo while the Portuguese icon rakes it in from the likes of ZujuGP as the most-followed person on Instagram.
    2. LeBron James – Basketball – £99m
    James’ basketball accolades speak for themselves with the LA Lakers great continuing to be paid huge wages in the NBA.
    LeBron James is the top-paid athlete in all of American sportsCredit: Getty
    But two-thirds of his 2022 comes from elsewhere including featuring in Space Jam, his The Shop talk show, selling his stake in a production company and various endorsements including with Crypto.com – together they made James, 37, the tenth athlete to pass the 12-month $100m landmark.
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    Top of the pile is Messi, 34, who bags an eye-watering £1.2m per WEEK simply by being a PSG player once bonus fees are added to his monster wages – although apparently that £61m is £18m less than his annual wage during his last year at Barcelona.
    The £16m deal with Socios, together with being on the payroll of adidas, Budweiser, PepsiCo and Hard Rock International means the Ballon d’Or winner made the same amount off the field (£45m) as Ronaldo for the first time since 2013.
    PSG money pagnet Messi is crowned king once again – just as he was in 2019Credit: Getty More