Lamar Odom & Three Other Players "Deactivated" By Big3 League

BY Erika Marie 9.3K Views
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Lamar Odom
Odom only played one game.

He wasn't even able to complete an entire season before Lamar Odom was reportedly "deactivated" from the Big3 League. The organization was founded by legendary rapper Ice Cube and features former NBA players going head-to-head in three-on-three games. It was just at the beginning of May when Cube praised Odom and said that he believed the former Los Angeles Laker could be a star in his league. However, ESPN announced that Odom, Jermaine O'Neal, Bonzi Wells, and Baron Davis were all relieved of their positions. 

According to the outlet, there aren't any scandals tied to the players' exit. ESPN states that they were all "deactivated for competitive reasons," while a source reportedly told them that Odom just didn't have the juice to compete. The league also said in a statement that they want to "maximize competition, protect the health of the players, and to raise the level of the professionalism of the Big3."

 Gregory Shamus/Big3/Getty Images

"Several league personnel changes will also be made in order to maximize communication and the smooth running of league operations," the Big3 stated. Fans were hoping that Odom's return to the court could be a sort of comeback for the sports star following his miraculous recovery from a near-death drug overdose in a Nevada brothel four years ago. Odom also has recently released his memoirDarkness to Light, where he chronicles the highs and pitfalls of his personal and professional life. 

Meanwhile Glenn "Big Baby" Davis was fined "for behavior detrimental to the league this past weekend but will be eligible for Power's Saturday game as it has been determined a suspension is not required given the level of the fine," according to a statement made by the Big3.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.