Welcome to Starting5, your daily rundown of five ATL news items that should be on your radar or in your group chat. Our morning primer covering culture, politics, sports, and more, is your cheat sheet on what’s buzzing in the A.
Quarterback Sneak: Georgia Football Fan Sues NFL Over Shedeur Sanders Snub
Shedeur Sanders was believed by many to be one of the most talented collegiate footballers available in last month’s NFL Draft. So when 143 players were selected before the star quarterback from the University of Colorado, conspiracy theories swirled. Players chosen early in the draft typically sign more lucrative contracts, so Sanders falling to the fifth round before being taken by the Cleveland Browns costs Deion’s son serious cash. One Georgian is taking his own claims to court in pursuit of $100 million in damages, according to USA Today. The plaintiff — referred to as John Doe — alleged a “coordinated and racially motivated smear campaign” against Sanders by the NFL and its teams. After suing earlier this month, John Doe filed an emergency motion Monday requesting various records, from relevant internal communications to recordings of team meetings that involved Sanders to an extensive report that found evidence of collusion against Black QBs. The NFL has not publicly addressed the lawsuit.
Diddy Trial Update: Drugs, Guns, and Baby Oil Allegations
A federal agent testified Wednesday in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial, speaking on the March 2024 raid of the music mogul’s Miami properties that reportedly yielded guns, drugs, and sex paraphernalia. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Gerard Gannon said authorities found 31 bottles of Astroglide lubricant and 25 bottles of baby oil on the property, according to NBC News. They also reportedly seized a handgun, a bag that contained white residue that tested positive for cocaine and ketamine, and pills that tested positive for MDMA and the main ingredient of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Combs’ team downplayed the gun evidence, insisting that the weapon was wrapped in tape and unloaded, making it inoperable. Combs’ assistant, George Kaplan, testified against his former boss after being granted immunity by the prosecution. He spoke of being tasked to regularly clean Diddy’s hotel rooms of baby oil and empty liquor bottles — but the court adjourned before his testimony wrapped. He will resume Thursday. But all eyes will be on Kid Cudi, who is also expected to take the stand to speak on his brief romantic relationship with Combs’ ex, Cassie Ventura.
Like a Boss: Rick Ross’ Car Returns, but Is the City Ready?
The biggest vehicle showcase Fayetteville has seen is scheduled to return next month for a fourth consecutive year. Rick Ross’ car and bike show is pulling up on June 7, and police and local officials reportedly say they are prepared for the influx of visitors that have previously created traffic, litter, and noise nuisances in the Atlanta suburb. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that South Fulton officers plan to clock extra shifts on the day of the show, posting up at key intersections, working with local business owners to prevent guests from trashing their parking lots, and coordinating with Ross’ team. General admission to mingle with other car lovers at the showcase will run you $250.
Black Voter Apathy: Keisha Lance Bottoms on Getting Black Men to the Polls
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says she has a simple solution for engaging Black male voters: Hear them out. “I’m going to talk directly to Black men … about why they have been discouraged [and] what maybe made them say, ‘I don’t know that anybody is listening to me,’” Bottoms told Capital B Atlanta on Tuesday after officially launching her Georgia gubernatorial campaign. Black men in the Peach State became a focus in last year’s general election and are believed by many to be a key voting bloc. In a wide-ranging interview with Capital B Atlanta, Bottoms shared her thoughts on reproductive rights; “Cop City”; diversity, equity, and inclusion; immigration; and galvanizing voters. “It’s about all of us,” she said. “We can’t take anybody for granted.”
HIV Impact: Board of Health Cuts Jobs, Potentially Impacting Services
The Fulton County Board of Health reportedly cut 17 jobs on Monday without the approval of Georgia’s Department of Health. One laid-off employee said the move will have “major implications for the community’s health going forward.” Healthbeat Atlanta reports that Fulton’s health department, which is instrumental in delivering sexual health and HIV services, has put two executive leaders of the county agency on leave. Fulton is among the 15 counties nationwide with the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in 2022, according to data from AidsVu. A spokesperson for the public health department said the cuts will not affect delivery of services.
