New York Yankees’ retires Derek Jeter’s No. 2 in style, James Harden and the Houston Rockets exit the NBA Playoffs, Jeremy racism experiences in basketball

NBA Playoffs Update

What happened to James Harden?

We are into the Conference Finals round of the NBA Playoffs, and before we talk about where we are right now, let's step back a minute and ask what happened to Houston Rockets guard James Harden. The MVP candidate gave an atrocious effort in Game 6 and an elimination game against the Spurs. Are we being too hard on Harden or is all of the criticism warranted?

NBA Playoffs Final Four

The NBA playoffs are now down to four teams. What can we expect in the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Finals?

Big Ballin’

The three shoe giants, Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour, did not offer a shoe deal to NBA prospect Lonzo Ball. Ball's father, LaVar Ball, vowed to have a Lonzo Ball sneaker made. He succeeded and the ZO2 Primer hit the open market to the tune of $495. While some balked at the price, LaVar tweeted “If you can’t afford the ZO2s, you’re NOT a BIG BALLER!”

Will the shoe be a flop? Will people be on the LaVar train if his son Lonzo Ball turns out to be a “Bog Baller” in the NBA?

Rapper Future’s Fans Start a Mother’s Day Squabble

This past week was Mother’s Day and Seattle Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson, posted a sweet Mother’s Day note on Instagram to his wife, Ciara, and rapper Future’s fans came for Wilson’s head and fans of Wilson and Ciara clapped back. Here’s what the note said:

“Nothing better than spending time with you. You are an amazing mom & I'm so grateful I get to spend the rest of my life with you & raising our kids. I love you! #HappyMothersDay Weekend my love. @Ciara

People objected to Wilson saying “our kids.” Should Wilson have not said, “our”? Are those who objected to Wilson stating “our kids” out of line?

Volkswagen at the New York International Auto Show

Nikolai Jackson from our social media team delivered another new car video from the New York International Auto Show and this time it’s from Volkswagen.

New York Sports Report

New York Yankees

The Yankees retired future Baseball Hall of Famer shortstop Derek Jeter’s No. 2.

New York Mets

The Matt Harvey apology tour was in full effect this past week.

As if things couldn't get any worse for the NY Mets' pitching staff, the club announced that closer Jeurys Familia would be out of the lineup due to an anterior blood clot in his right shoulder.

Doctors say that Familia should be able to throw again in six weeks with a return to competition in about 3-4 months.

Brooklyn Nets' Jeremy Lin on Racism in Basketball

Jeremy Lin, the Nets guard, made some headlines recently when he mentioned that the racial slurs he heard in college were much worse than what he has had to deal with while playing in the NBA.

On The Bench

In view of the Brooklyn Nets guard, Jeremy Lin’s, story about the racism that he encountered in college, I am putting the NCAA and the NCAA's referees on the bench for allowing known racism to persist on the court and within the association.

When referees and coaches know that someone is being racially profiled, they have a responsibility to quash the activity.

VIDEO: Volvo Provides Luxury for Families, Executives, and the Weekend Warriors

At the New York International Auto Show, Volvo executives were really excited about the new features of the upcoming 2018 Volvo S90, XC90, and V90 vehicles.

Volvo, still a luxury brand, now has cars for young families, downsizing families, executives, and for the real weekend warriors.

VIDEO:  Volkswagen Creates an SUV for the American Market

There are always surprises at the New York International Auto Show, and this year, automakers did not disappoint. Enter, Volkswagen. Who would have thought that Volkswagen would introduce a made-in-America SUV? Volkswagen, whose trademark is the "Volkswagen Beetle," has been changing over the years with the Jetta, Passat, Golf, Touareg, and Tiguan, but now with a full-fledged SUV, Volkswagen is entering a new era.

Ladies and gentleman, look out for the Volkswagen Atlas!

And, it's made in America!

VIDEO: Don't get it twisted the Chevrolet Volt and Bolt EV will appeal to your environmental sensibilities

In this interview at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, Fred Ligouri, Chevrolet, Electric Car Communications, explains the differences between the Chevrolet's electric vehicles, the Volt, and Bolt EV.

The similar sounding names of the Volt and the Bolt can be a little confusing, but know that with both vehicles you can go over 50 miles on a single charge.

Driving around Brooklyn, I wouldn’t need a charge for about six weeks. Sounds good to me, where do I sign up.

Reliability, Design, Fuel Efficiency, and Overall Attractiveness Propelled Kia to JD Power Award Winner Status

During media day at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, James Bell, Director of Corporate Communications, Kia Motors USA, kicked off What's The 411TV's conversations with automakers. Bell discussed with What's The 411Sports' Nikolai Jackson, the factors that have led to Kia's accomplishments.

In general, there were four factors that helped Kia gain consumer acceptance and ultimately success for Kia. First, Kia was a leader in providing a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty to put the consumers' mind at ease. Next, Kia manufactured its vehicles with great fuel efficiency. Gas prices might be low now, but over time, saving money is saving money. Also, it's good for the environment and a responsible use of fuel. Kia Soul and Optima have appealed to consumers because of their great design quality. They look like they should cost much more and they stand out in a crowded field of cars in their categories.

Lastly, it has been Kia’s overall quality that enabled Kia Motors USA to win a JD Power IQS Award beating out Porsche, Lexus, and Mercedes. In summary, Kia's reliability, design, fuel efficiency, and overall attractiveness are keys to its achievements.