Latest news with #Syracuse
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who is Brendan Paul? Sean ‘Diddy' Combs' alleged ‘drug mule' testifies under immunity
As Sean 'Diddy' Combs' high-profile federal trial nears a turning point, former Syracuse basketball player Brendan Paul, described as the rapper's alleged 'drug mule,' took the stand Friday under an immunity agreement. He offered crucial testimony for the prosecution, according to a Fox News report. Paul, who was previously charged with felony cocaine possession (later dropped), was named in a 2024 civil suit by music producer Rodney 'Lil Rod' Jones. Jones had accused Diddy of running a network involving sex trafficking, drugs, and weapons. Paul was alleged to have procured and distributed drugs and firearms on behalf of the rapper. In court, Paul's testimony was expected to help prosecutors establish the predicate felonies required for racketeering charges under RICO laws. The Fox News report quoted criminal Nicole Blank Backer saying Paul is a witness to tie together the drugs allegedly used at Diddy's parties to control and coerce women. Combs has been charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. As per the report, prosecutors alleged that Diddy ran an exploitative 'enterprise' where drugs and escorts were used to manipulate and abuse women during so-called 'freak off' parties. One of the most harrowing testimonies came from the musician's ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who detailed regular use of ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine, mushrooms, and GHB (the 'date rape' drug) during the 'freak-off' sessions. Cassie testified that these substances helped her disassociate from the traumatic sexual experiences she endured. Another ex, identified only as 'Jane', said she was coerced into having sex with male escorts while Diddy watched. She claimed she felt trapped by financial dependence, as he paid her rent through what she dubbed as a 'love contract'. As per Fox News, Jane described physical violence, including being kicked, punched, and put in a chokehold. She also testified about being forced to take drugs before sex. Also read: Diddy's ex-girlfriend breaks down in court, calls him 'a blessing in my life' A Fox News report stated that Diddy's lawyer, Teny Geragos, tried to discredit the witnesses by pointing out their ongoing financial ties to the rapper. However, prosecutors claimed that each testimony showed a bigger picture of a system of abuse. The report added that Paul is the fifth witness given immunity, and his testimony came as prosecutors got ready to end their case by the end of the week. Diddy's legal team has changed its approach and now plans to present its defense in two to five days, a significant cut from the previously expected two weeks, the report stated. Legal experts told the publication that while each account might not seem damaging on its own, the combined effect could back up the government's RICO charges. Becker, reportedly, said that each witness added a layer to the case, as together they form a web beneath Diddy which shapes the image of an organized criminal enterprise. Brendan Paul is a former Syracuse basketball player who allegedly procured drugs for Diddy. He is testifying under immunity in the federal case. Diddy is charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution under a federal indictment unsealed in September 2024. Prosecutors believe Paul's insider knowledge can help prove predicate felonies, such as drug distribution, required to sustain the RICO charges. The prosecution is expected to rest its case soon. Diddy's defense team plans to present its case within the next five days.
USA Today
3 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Nebraska football target cancels ACC visit
Nebraska football target cancels ACC visit Class of 2026 Nebraska football recruit Kamron Wilson has canceled his visit to Florida State. He is going to return to Syracuse this weekend, according to a report from 247Sports' Mike McAllister. Wilson has been on the Huskers' recruiting board for the past couple of months. Most recently, he visited Lincoln on June 6. That was an official visit. He took a visit to Syracuse on March 29 and committed the following day. Wilson is the No. 45 overall edge defender in the 2026 class, and the No. 62 overall player in his class from the state of Florida per the On3 Industry Rankings. The edge defender recorded 117 tackles and 17 sacks last season for Miami Southridge, according to statistics from This could be an interesting development for Nebraska as Syracuse tries to strengthen their commitment with Wilson. It appears that the Huskers will have to make a harder push. Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.
Fox News
8 hours ago
- Fox News
Diddy's alleged 'drug mule' takes the stand with immunity deal; trial reveals dark secrets
Jurors in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial will hear from a close ally of the rapper when former Syracuse basketball player Brendan Paul takes the stand Friday. Paul became embroiled in Diddy's legal drama in April 2024, after he was named in a lawsuit filed by Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones against the disgraced mogul. The music producer claimed Paul worked as a "mule" for Combs, procuring and distributing "drugs and guns." The former college basketball star was then charged with felony cocaine possession, which was later dropped. Paul was given immunity in exchange for his testimony in Diddy's federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. Nicole Blank Becker explained that Paul may be a crucial witness to the government as it attempts to tie up loose ends and wrap its case against Diddy. "In this particular case, why [Brendan Paul] may be important is because he is allegedly one of the individuals who supplied the drugs," Becker told Fox News Digital. "The distribution of drugs, giving other people drugs to make them intoxicated and possibly do more than they would do had they not been intoxicated – that's a predicate felony. "In other words, in order to prove this particular charge of racketeering, there's got to be a number of other felonies that they can connect," the attorney said. "Whether it's the coercion of women and/or they indicated about how ... [Diddy] brought [escorts] in. That's one way to prove a predicate. You have to prove two of them. So, another way to prove a predicate felony is bring in the guy who supposedly is the one who was supplying P. Diddy and or his people with what [the government is] gonna say, the drugs that he used [on others.]" Combs was charged with racketeering conspiracy (RICO); sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution in a federal indictment unsealed Sept. 17. Throughout two weeks of testimony, jurors heard allegations of "freak off" parties involving male escorts and Diddy's ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The "Me & U" singer testified that drugs, including ecstasy, ketamine and cocaine, were in regular circulation during the "freak offs" for her to disassociate during the sessions. Cassie admitted ecstasy made her feel euphoric and aroused, while ketamine would make her dissociative. She said cocaine made her heart race, mushrooms made her see things and GHB, also known as the date rape drug, made her feel drunk. Another ex, who testified under the pseudonym "Jane," told prosecutors there were times she felt coerced into hotel nights with Diddy and that the Bad Boy Records founder still pays for both her legal fees and rent. Jane recalled alleged instances of abuse while dating Diddy on and off for three years and up until the week before he was arrested in New York City on federal charges. Jane told the court Diddy asked her about coercion after he allegedly forced her to take drugs before having sex with a male escort. She testified about Diddy's alleged violent behavior and said he once put her in a chokehold after kicking and punching her. Diddy's criminal defense lawyer, Teny Geragos, questioned Jane about her relationship with the rapper and her participation in the allegedly forced "hotel nights." Diddy paid Jane's rent through their "love contract," according to her testimony. The ex-girlfriend told the prosecution she felt obligated to perform at "hotel nights" for the rapper because he had threatened to stop paying for her home. For "hotel nights," Jane claimed she was expected to dress in lingerie and have sex with other men in front of the rapper. Audio released in Diddy's sex trafficking and racketeering trial featured the rapper calling Jane a "crack pipe." Jane claimed she was forced to continue having sex with multiple male escorts after becoming sick. Becker, who works as R. Kelly's defense attorney, explained why the government might offer immunity to witnesses the government wants to testify. In Diddy's sex trafficking case, Paul was the fifth witness granted immunity. "It is very common, especially in federal cases, that immunity is given to witnesses if they have the information or the insight that they need for their case," Becker said. "Oftentimes, those individuals who are given immunity, although they may have crimes that they are either facing or faced, they're usually a lot less in the hierarchy of crimes. "They're usually lower crimes in which the government says, 'You know what, this information that this particular person has is so important that we are willing to forego whatever you've got going on in the criminal section or division now here so that we can have you testify in this bigger case.' WATCH: SEAN 'DIDDY' COMBS ASSAULTS CASSIE VENTURA IN 2016 HOTEL INCIDENT "Their goal, i.e. the government, is to get in as much possible information from anybody who knows anything." Nearly six weeks after the trial began, prosecutors indicated they'd rest their case by Friday. The rapper's legal team recently told Judge Arun Subramanian it will need between two and five days to present its case, a stark contrast to its initial request of up to two weeks with witnesses on the stand. Becker noted there were a lot of questions whether the government was "actually proving anything specific" to the charges Diddy faced. WATCH: LEGAL EXPERT DISCUSSES DIFFICULTIES WITH DIDDY TRIAL "Yes, there was domestic violence. Yes, there was some … relationships and physical violence happening, but does that rise to the level of what he's actually charged with in the federal court?" Becker said. "I think at the beginning there were question marks everywhere. However, I think as time goes on, what does the government do? "They just throw up witness after witness. Although those individual witnesses have their own story, together they form what they are trying to form, which is this step beneath P. Diddy, who's up here. And these individuals, each individual person has a role in what they're calling the enterprise." Becker said this was the connection the government was attempting to prove to the 12 jurors. "In a vacuum, if we just had the first witness or we just had Jane, who just testified, people, I think, would be a little confused, like, 'Wait a minute.' Maybe call him a bad boyfriend, a bad person, a bad husband for sure, based on what we see, for example, in the video," Becker said. "But does that rise to the level that the government needs to get to in order for an ultimate verdict of guilty? "I think, like I said, at the beginning, it was a little shaky. However, as time goes on, they are able to put in their different witnesses and really shape what they're trying to shape, which is to basically, you know, this charge of RICO in the United States. This has not, it was not initially made for purposes of the way it's being used now."
Fox Sports
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Mets scrambling for answers as rotation woes are the common thread in 6-game losing streak
Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — Following a 7-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night that left New York with a six-game losing streak, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza pointed to starting pitching as the common problem that has cost his team sole possession of the NL East lead. The Mets looked for answers with roster moves before the game and now must make more to bolster a depleted rotation. Blade Tidwell will be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to make his second major league start Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at rival Philadelphia. Right-hander Justin Hagenman, recalled Thursday from Syracuse, was expected to start Friday or serve as a bulk reliever behind an opener, but he was needed in relief against Atlanta. Frankie Montas is expected to come off the injured list soon to make his Mets debut. But in the meantime the team will turn again to the 24-year-old Tidwell, tagged for six runs and nine hits over 3 2/3 innings of a 6-5 loss at St. Louis in his big league debut May 4. The Mets also recalled right-handed reliever Dedniel Nunez from Syracuse on Thursday and optioned right-hander Ty Adcock to Triple-A. Right-hander Max Kranick was placed on the 15-day injured list with an elbow strain. Hagenman pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings as the Mets' second reliever against the Braves. The encouraging effort came after starter Clay Holmes set a career high with six walks in 4 2/3 innings and Huascar Brazoban walked three as the two combined to give up seven runs. 'You walk that many, it's tough to avoid a big inning,' Holmes said. The Mets' plan to save Hagenman for Friday night was dashed when Holmes and Brazobán combined to log only 5 1/3 innings. Philadelphia's 2-1 win over Miami and New York's latest loss left the Mets and Phillies tied for first place heading into their upcoming weekend series. The Mets led by 5 1/2 games on June 12, following a six-game winning streak. 'Pretty much every team has gone through the stretch we're going through now,' left fielder Brandon Nimmo said. 'It doesn't make it easier.' Holmes said the pitching woes and longest losing streak of the season are 'definitely not ideal' but added he still sees 'effort and preparation' as constants. 'Keep that and eventually we'll come out of it,' Holmes said. Asked if there was a common thread to the losing streak, Mendoza said: 'The starting pitching.' Right-hander Tylor Megill was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a right elbow sprain and will miss at least a month. Last week, ace right-hander Kodai Senga went on the 15-day injured list with a right hamstring strain. 'You lose a couple of guys who were consistently throwing the ball well,' Mendoza said. 'You know, we're going through a rough stretch right now with the six games, obviously. But it starts right there on the mound.' Mendoza said Montas, who was placed on the IL with a strained right lat on March 24, also might be ready to join the rotation despite allowing eight homers and posting a 12.05 ERA in six minor league rehab outings. Montas gave up 30 hits over 18 2/3 innings in the minors. 'I mean, I'm not going to lie — he got hit,' Mendoza said. 'He got hit around, you know? But look, we've seen it before where guys in spring training struggle and they get hit around. And once you put him in a big league game under the lights and you game plan and you make adjustments, and they flip the switch. He's had success before at this level.' Montas, 32, signed a $34 million, two-year contract with the Mets in December. He missed most of the 2023 season because of shoulder surgery. He was 3-3 with a 4.53 ERA in 11 starts for Milwaukee in 2024. Mendoza said Kranick, who had a 3.65 ERA, returned to New York on Thursday for an MRI after having continued discomfort in his elbow on Wednesday when he played catch and then tried to throw from the mound. Kranick, 27, was recalled from Syracuse on June 13. Mendoza said he was encouraged by the progress of third baseman Brett Baty, who missed the first two games of the series with a groin injury. ___ AP MLB: recommended
New York Post
12 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Max Kranick hits injured list with elbow strain in latest Mets pitching blow
Access the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Try it free ATLANTA — Max Kranick is the latest member of the Mets' pitching staff with right-elbow concern. The reliever was placed on the injured list Thursday with a strain in the elbow and returned to New York for an MRI exam. Advertisement Earlier this week, Tylor Megill was placed on the IL with inflammation in his elbow. Kranick appeared in two games last weekend following his recall from Triple-A Syracuse. The right-hander has pitched to a 3.65 ERA in 24 appearances for the club. Max Kranick throws a pitch during a May 25 game for the Mets. Jason Szenes for the NY Post Advertisement Dedniel Núñez and Justin Hagenman were recalled from Triple-A Syracuse. Ty Adcock was optioned to create the second roster spot. Kranick had soreness, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, following his Sunday appearance, but the team gave him extra time to see if he would recover. Advertisement He still had discomfort after receiving treatment, playing catch and throwing from a mound Wednesday. 'It's very similar to what Megill experienced on the secondary pitches,' Mendoza said before the Mets' 7-1 loss to the Braves. Núñez had five appearances in his first stint with the Mets this season and pitched to a 7.36 ERA. Advertisement The right-hander was a key piece of the Mets' bullpen in the second half last season. Mendoza said Núñez had shown recent improvement with his control. 'Especially the strike-throwing ability, attacking hitters and that is what he is,' Mendoza said. 'He's a guy that when he gets ahead and he's able to use that slider and the secondary pitches, we felt like the last couple of outings he did that so he's getting another chance. We all know how important how important he was for our bullpen last year and we're hoping we can unlock some of that at this level.' Max Kranick reacts after getting out of an inning during his April 23 appearance. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post Hagenman was needed in relief on this night and pitched 2 ²/₃ innings of scoreless relief to help preserve the bullpen. But his usage removed him from Friday's mix: He was likely to pitch behind an opener in Philadelphia. The Mets will instead recall Blade Tidwell from Triple-A Syracuse for the start. Advertisement Tidwell, 23, made his major league debut last month in a spot start against the Cardinals. He allowed six earned runs over 3 ²/₃ innings. Advertisement Brett Baty was progressing after two straight days of unavailability, according to Mendoza, as he remained absent from the starting lineup. Baty left Sunday's game with right groin discomfort.
