The Tri-State Defender - January 9, 2025

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Week of: January 9, 2025

FEAGINS’ RESPONSE TO BOARD: ‘I WILL NOT RESIGN’

Superintendent, school board dig in ahead of Jan. 14 showdown to decide Feagins’ fate. — Page 4

SPORTS

TRIO OF OLYMPIANS TO BE HONORED AT GRIZZLIES MLK CELEBRATION

This year’s honorees — Tommie Smith, Cheryl Miller, and Amar’e Stoudemire — all have Olympic medals. — Page 10

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■■ NEWS Deadline looms for ACA open enrollment

TSD Newsroom

With just days left until the January 15 deadline, millions of Americans are urged to act quickly to secure health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. Those who enroll by midnight local time on January 15 will have coverage that begins on February 1, 2025.

So far, a record 23.6 million people have selected 2025 plans through the Marketplaces, including 3.2 million new enrollees, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This represents an increase of 11.6 million enrollees compared to the 2021 Open Enrollment Period, signaling continued momentum in reducing the nation’s uninsured rate, which remains at an all-time low.

“Nearly 24 million people, a record number, have signed up for Marketplace coverage — and the Open Enrollment Period is not over yet,” said

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Every American should have access to quality, affordable health care — and thanks to the ACA, they do.”

The ACA’s affordability has been boosted by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which extended expanded tax credits that allow four out of five HealthCare.gov consumers to find plans costing $10 or less per month. These enhanced tax credits will remain available through 2025, ensuring coverage is more accessible than ever.

CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure emphasized the importance of enrolling before the deadline. “To the millions more who may still need coverage: Don’t delay. Help is still available, including tax credits that have made coverage more accessible by reducing the barrier posed by high costs.”

Consumers seeking coverage can ex-

plore a wide range of plans and financial assistance options on HealthCare. gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov. Assistance is also available through the “Find Local Help” feature on HealthCare.gov, which connects individuals to Navigators, Certified Application Counselors, and agents or brokers who can guide them through the enrollment process.

For those who have lost Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, the Marketplace offers a safety net with affordable, quality plans. State-based Marketplaces have varying deadlines, so individuals should check the State-based Marketplace Open Enrollment Fact Sheet for more details.

To enroll or re-enroll in a 2025 health plan, visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596. Don’t wait — the opportunity to secure coverage that starts on February 1 ends at midnight on January 15.

President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith

Feagins’ defiant response:

‘I will not resign’

Superintendent, school board dig in ahead of Jan. 14 showdown to decide Feagins’ fate

TSD Newsroom

Embattled Memphis Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins is standing her ground.

In a written response to the Memphis-Shelby County School Board released Monday night, Feagins emphatically declared, “I will not resign,” as she pushed back against allegations of financial mismanagement, unapproved transactions, and fostering a toxic work environment.

The email, addressed to Board

Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman and dated January 6, 2025, comes weeks after the board narrowly voted to refer the matter to committee. Feagins, who faces a potential termination hearing later this month, called the accusations “meritless” and “politically motivated.”

During the December 17 meeting, tensions ran high as board members debated Feagins’ future amid vocal support from community members who credited her with bringing bold, much-needed leadership to the district. However, critics, including several

board members, pointed to claims of mismanagement and detrimental workplace culture.

Winter break for students didn’t slow the controversy down as Shelby County Commissioner Amber Mills indicated she would call for a vote of “no confidence” in the School Board, and hinted at pulling funding for a new school in Frayser.

A final vote on Feagins’ future is set for Jan. 14.

In her letter, Feagins accused certain board members of engaging in “un-

warranted attacks on my integrity” and failing to provide specific evidence to support the claims. “I have not, under any circumstances, misled the Board or mismanaged district funds,” she wrote. “The two transactions at issue adhered to all applicable laws and policies.”

Feagins also took aim at what she described as a “national embarrassment” caused by the public airing of unsubstantiated allegations. Nevertheless, she maintained her focus on her mission.

“I remain committed to finishing the job I was hired to do,” Feagins wrote.

Embattled MSCS Superintendent Marie Feagins awaits a vote to decide her fate at a special meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)

VIA E-MAIL

■■ COMMUNITY

DR. FEAGINS’ RESPONSE, AS SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

January 6, 2025

Memphis Shelby County Schools

Re: Response to Your Email Dated – December 23, 2024

Dear Chair Coleman:

I am responding to your email dated December 23, 2024, requesting my statement be submitted on January 3, 2025. During the Board’s special called meeting on December 17, 2024, the Board voted that I would present my response to the Board as a “Committee of the Whole” on January 14, 2025, with the full Board addressing the Resolution during its regularly scheduled business meeting on January 21, 2025. Your directive to submit a response 11 days sooner does not uphold the Board’s official vote on December 17, 2024, or align with Board Policy 0001, which states, in relevant part:

All powers of the Board of Education lie in its action as a group. Individual Board members exercise their authority over school affairs only as they vote to take action at a meeting of the Board. In other instances, an individual Board member, including the Chair, shall have power only when the Board, by vote, has delegated authority to him or her.

Given the magnitude of this situation, I appreciate the opportunity to submit a written response. However, I reserve my right to supplement this statement up to and including during the meeting on January 14, 2025, and throughout the duration of my continued service as Superintendent of this District.

The commitment of five board members to prematurely end my contract without substantiated cause is extremely disappointing. While the Board holds the authority to terminate me: I will not resign. I am deeply disturbed by certain Board Members’ unwarranted attacks on my integrity, the egregious disregard for my invaluable professional training, licensures, education, and certifications, and the insulting indifference toward my extensive experience as an award-winning teacher, professional school counselor, assistant principal, principal, head coach, and central office administrator.

Despite the falsehoods and defamatory public remarks intended to damage my character and diminish public trust in me, I have upheld the highest standards of professionalism. This includes navigating attempts by current and former Board members to remove me and create an intimidating work environment—actions of which you have been aware for months—while also tactfully addressing this resulting national embarrassment brought on our city and district. Since that disheartening December day, I have set aside my disappointment and remained enthusi-

astically focused on the mission: accelerating the progress of our District for the benefit of our children.

To directly speak to the meritless claims, I have never, under any circumstances, intentionally or unintentionally misled a Board member or the Board as a whole. Furthermore, I have not mismanaged District funds. The two transactions at issue adhered to the Tennessee Comptroller

Internal Control and Compliance Manual, District Policy, Federal Law, and Tennessee State Law as written. Most importantly, as a solutions-oriented leader, I have prioritized enhancing internal grant management processes and fortifying internal controls to prevent similar issues in the future, while ensuring the Board remains fully informed through transparent and consistent reporting. My efforts include, but are not limited to, requesting earlier issuance of solicitations (RFP) and timely notifications, stricter deadline monitoring, and enhanced staff training on policy, grant guidelines, and reporting.

To heighten my understanding of the alleged “conduct detrimental to the District and the families it serves,” my lawyer formally asked your attorney for specific policies or procedures allegedly breached, any statements claimed to be misleading or untruthful, and facts supporting a material breach of my contract. To date – without a vote of the Board – you declined to provide this information. In the absence of such specificity, I stand by my public statements during the December 17, 2024, meeting and look forward to providing greater detail on January 14, 2025.

In your email, you admonished me stating, “any attempts to intimidate any employee of Memphis-Shelby County Schools will not be tolerated. I strongly advise against any behavior that could be perceived as retaliatory.” Although it is contradictory that I am the subject of a potential termination due to the mistakes and decisions made by staff members, the implication that I would engage in such behavior is unfounded and contrary to my professional record. I have not intimidated or retaliated against any employee of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, or any person for that matter, nor will I tolerate retaliation or be intimidated.

I am proud and privileged to serve the Memphis-Shelby County Schools community. I urge reconsideration of this personally driven grievance and politically motivated action, as it does not serve the best interests of our District, children, or the broader community. I remain committed to finishing the job I was hired to do a few months ago on a collaborative mission to position the District as a national model for bold education transformation.

Dr. Marie

Enc: Emails Dated December 23, 2024

■■ COMMUNITY

Marchers retrace Tyre Nichols’ final steps on two-year anniversary of death

Bone-chilling temperatures and even colder wind chills did not keep dozens of Memphians from participating in a march commemorating the two year anniversary of the murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five rogue former Memphis police officers.

Leading the march, not surprisingly, was Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells and her husband Rodney. They were flanked by community and religious leaders, including nationally known attorney Ben Crump, who stood with Nichols’ family two years ago in the aftermath. Also present: the parents of Sonya Massey, a victim of police violence in Springfield, Ill. in 2024.

“Say his name! TYRE NICHOLS!” were among the chants as marchers retraced the final steps of Nichols’ life: Starting at the intersection of Raines and Ross Roads — where police stopped Nichols for questioning — and concluding at Castlegate Lane, where police finally caught him and beat him mercilessly. Nichols later died from his injuries at Regional One Medical Center.

The officers were immediately fired, and federal and state charges were filed shortly thereafter against Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith. The officers were convicted in federal court last year on charges of deprivation of rights under color of law, excessive force, and obstruction of justice.

Each received lengthy prison sentences, but their state trials for second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and official misconduct are still pending, with hearings expected to begin later this year. The Nichols family has also filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police

Department, alleging gross negligence in hiring, training, and supervising the officers involved.

Last year’s federal trial turned out to be a double-edged sword for Nichols’ family — yes, the officers were convicted of their crimes, but not before they had to relive the night in intimate detail during the court proceedings.

“ Two years ago, my brother lost his life right here on this corner,” said Nichols’ older sister Kiana Dixon. “Two years ago, I was on the phone with my mother wondering what was taking him so long because she made his favorite meal.

“My family had to not only sit through federal court for a month, we had to walk within feet of the murderers who killed my brother,” Dixon said, holding back emotion. “We had to sit and listen to medical examiners name 50-plus abrasions, bruises and scars to my brother’s body. We had to sit and listen to officer testimony that said my brother was never a threat and that (the officer) had a ‘bad day.’ We had to sit and listen to my brother’s screams and cries.

“But tonight, we stand, we stand, we stand together for accountability and justice for my little brother,” she

concluded. “Thank y’all for standing with us.”

Rowvaughn Wells admitted that she thought that the first year of mourning her son was awful — until the trial started.

“The second year was the worst,” she said. “This year has been unbearable. I had to listen to a cop tell people that they stopped my son for nothing, that he was not a threat,” she said. “We had to hear all this.

“But what made it difficult is that it finally set in that I would never see my son again,” she said.

Rodney Wells gave an even more

Famed Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump returned to Memphis to join Tyre Nichols parents, RowVaughn Wells (2nd from left) and Rodney Wells (far right) for a march on the second anniversary of Nichols’ death. Rev. Walter Womack, president of the Memphis chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, is at far left. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)

■■ COMMUNITY

In an incredible show of solidarity, grieving father James Wilburn traveled from Pine Bluff, Ark. to join RowVaughn Wells in the march for Tyre Nichols. Wilburn’s daughter, Sonya Massey, was killed in her home on July 6, 2024 by a police officer in Springfield, Ill.. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender) sobering commentary.

“You know what’s the sad part about it?” Rodney Wells said. “If our son did not get killed, he would be in jail for something he didn’t do.”

In the wake of Nichols’ death, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a sweeping investigation into the Memphis Police Department (MPD). Those findings, released last month, revealed patterns and practices of excessive force, discriminatory policing, and constitutional violations, DOJ said.

According to federal officials, the investigation was triggered not just by Nichols’ killing but also by broader concerns about systemic misconduct within MPD, including the lack of accountability and transparency in addressing officer wrongdoing.

Community leaders have called for the DOJ’s findings to lead to federal oversight of the department and significant reforms, including changes in use-of-force policies, improved officer training, and greater public accountability.

“What happened to Ty, it can happen to anybody,” RowVaughn Wells said. “Ty, they say was damn near squeaky clean. But look what happened to him.”

Kiana Dixon, Tyre Nichols’ sister, fought through emotion as she described being in the courtroom as her brother’s killers were tried. “We had to sit and listen to officer testimony that said my brother was never a threat,” she said. “We had to sit and listen to my brother’s screams and cries.”

“SAY HIS NAME! SAY HIS NAME!” and “JUSTICE FOR TYRE!” were chanted as

Raines and Ross

to

their

marchers made
way from the intersection of
Roads
Castlegate Lane — the path that Nichols ran as he fled for his life.

During the pouring of the libation, the names of ancestors were called out at the culmination of Kwanzaa at “The Blackest Church In Memphis” — Abyssinian Baptist Church on New Years Day. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)

KWANZAA

Kwanzaa wrapped up on New Years day with a moving “Imani” ceremony at Abyssinian Baptist Church — “The Blackest Church In Memphis.” The event was a powerful culmination of the seven-day celebration, drawing attendees from across the community to reflect on faith—not only in God but in one another.

The principle of Imani emphasizes trust in the collective strength and potential of the Black community, as well as the importance of carrying the values of Kwanzaa throughout the year.

In a demonstration of deliberately passing on tradition, children and teens were called forward to carry on the principles of Kwanzaa — among them, “Ujamaa,” which is Swahili for cooperative economics. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)

Rev. Earle Fisher addresses the crowd during Kwanzaa Day 7 (Imani) festivities at Abyssinian Baptist Church. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender)
Scedella Gregory joined Yvonne and David Acy for a REALLY BIG KWANZAA Celebration at Bridges USA on Dec. 26. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
This cat is ready to ROAR during Umoja Day at Bridges USA! (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
All seven candles were ablaze as Kwanzaa came to a close. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)

NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)

Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing online until 9:30 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, as shown below:

MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION AND REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE.

SEALED BID I000910 DUE ONLINE AT 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2025

1. Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead-safe work practices and techniques; and 2. Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Jobs.

Detailed specifications for the items above may be obtained through the Neighborly Portal beginning Friday, January 3, 2025 All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 6465 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7600; TTY Number (901) 222-2301; or for information in Spanish 901-222-7601. Award recommendations will be posted at the following website https://www.develop901.com/ housing upon review of the bid opening results.

As a condition precedent to bidding, each bidder must apply and qualify for a Vendor Number and Equal Opportunity Compliance (EOC) Eligibility Number prior to submitting your response.

We have now transitioned to conducting bids online through Neighborly. If you have not already signed up, you can do so at https://portal. neighborlysoftware.com/SHELBYCOUNTYTN/ contractor. All documents submitted must be current and uploaded into your Neighborly account. Bids submitted without all required documentation will be unacceptable. Paisley Pogue (Paisley.Pogue@shelbycountytn.gov or 901-222-7611) will be assisting with any questions you may have regarding uploading the documents.

All new contractors will need to register with the Neighborly portal in order for their bids to be accepted on projects. Interested contractors not currently on the contractor list should contact the Department of Housing in order to schedule a meeting with the Housing Site Inspector.

Paper copies of bids are no longer available. The Department of Housing encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 Contractors under these rehabilitation programs.

The Shelby County Government reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities therein.

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will hold a

PUBLIC NOTICES / CLASSIFIEDS

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HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DEADLINES:

Display ads Friday 5 p.m.

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STANDARD RATES:

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Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com.

public engagement event to provide the public the opportunity to comment on the development of the Winchester Road Corridor Pilot Study.

The following event date, time, and location have been confirmed:

Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Hickory Hill Community Center 3910 Ridgeway Rd Memphis, TN, 38115

Attendees will be afforded the opportunity to comment on the information presented at the event. Any comments provided at the event should be applicable to the information presented and should be provided in a respectful manner. Please note that additional engagement opportunities may be considered. In the case of an emergency or other unforeseen circumstances, the public engagement opportunities listed above could change with limited or no notice and will be shared on the MPO’s website: memphismpo.org

It is the policy of the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) not to exclude, deny, or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, familial or marital status, disability, medical or genetic condition, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. For any and all inquiries regarding the application of this accessibility statement and related policies, please contact Nick Warren, at 901-636-7146 or Nick. Warren@memphistn.gov

If you need assistance participating in these events, please contact the MPO Office at 901636-7146 and provide at least seven (7) days notice. This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State Departments of Transportation for TN and MS.

MSCAA Project Number 20-1440-01

DeWitt Spain Airport Apron RehabilitationConstruction

Sealed bids for DeWitt Spain Airport Apron Rehabilitation - Construction will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, 4150 Louis Carruthers Drive, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM Local Time on 1/30/2025. Bids will not be received at any other location. Within 30 minutes thereafter, the bids will be opened and publicly read via phone/video conference. The Bid Documents, including a description of the scope of work, the required response format, and additional instructions may be obtained on or after 01/07/2025 online at www.flymemphis.com

A Virtual Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. local time via phone/video conference. Instructions on Pre-Bid Meeting and Site Visit request can be found at https://www.flymemphis.com/rfps-rfqs. Attendance at the Pre-Bid Meeting is strongly recommended.

All Bidders are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. The successful Bidder must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Affirmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, and Drug-Free Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Each bid must be made by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and be accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. The successful bidder must execute

a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in the amount of 100% each of the Contract Price and meet the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal for this project, which is 17%.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Bids in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Bids; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies. This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee.

The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, disability, marital status, military service, or sexual orientation in its hiring and employment practices and in the admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities.

By order of: Terry Blue, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Bids

SPORTS

Trio of Olympians to be honored at Grizzlies MLK Celebration

TSD Newsroom

The Memphis Grizzlies will spotlight a “trio of Olympians” at their 23rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Game on Monday, January 20, 2025, at FedExForum.

This year’s honorees — Tommie Smith, Cheryl Miller, and Amar’e Stoudemire — all have Olympic medals. Smith and Miller took home Olympic gold earlier in their careers, while Stoudemire earned a bronze medal. But each would translate their athletic excellence into enduring contributions to civil rights, equity, and community service.

Presented by Ford and area MidSouth Ford Dealers, . This event honors Dr. King’s enduring legacy through a series of activities, culminating in a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 1:30 PM CST.

A highlight of the celebration is the recognition of the 2025 National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award honorees: Tommie Smith, Cheryl Miller, and Amar’e Stoudemire. In the weeks leading up to the event, the Grizzlies are releasing interview videos with each honoree every Thursday, offering fans an intimate look into their lives and contributions. The series begins with Cheryl Miller’s interview on January 2, followed by Amar’e Stoudemire on January 9, and Tommie Smith on January 16.

Honoree Profiles:

Tommie Smith: Renowned for his iconic Black Power salute during the 1968 Olympics, Smith’s gesture became a symbol of the civil rights movement.

Beyond his athletic achievements, he has dedicated his life to activism and education, promoting human rights and social change.

Cheryl Miller: A trailblazer in women’s basketball, Miller’s illustrious career includes being a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and an Olympic gold medalist. After her playing days, she transitioned into sports broadcasting and coaching, becoming a prominent commentator and mentor, significantly contributing to the growth of women’s sports.

Amar’e Stoudemire: A six-time NBA All-Star, Stoudemire’s post-bas-

ketball endeavors are noteworthy. He founded the Amar’e and Alexis Stoudemire Foundation, focusing on youth outreach to inspire and assist at-risk youth. Additionally, he has engaged in various philanthropic efforts, including partnerships to promote education and disaster relief, reflecting his commitment to community service.

The celebration also features the Earl Lloyd Sports Legacy Symposium, presented by the Hyde Family Foundation, from 12 to 1 PM on game day. This symposium offers attendees the opportunity to hear directly from the honorees as they discuss their experi-

ences and Dr. King’s impact on their lives. The event is free for game ticket holders, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Through these events, the Memphis Grizzlies continue to honor Dr. King’s legacy, fostering community engagement and highlighting the intersection of sports and social justice.

For more information and a detailed schedule of events, please visit the official Memphis Grizzlies website. To watch the interviews with the honorees, visit the Memphis Grizzlies’ official YouTube channel.

From left: Cheryl Miller, Tommie Smith and Amar’e Stoudemire

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