Music star Chris Brown said he was uninvited from the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and took to social media to voice his displeasure with the decision.
Brown posted a series of messages showing how he was initially invited to participate and even told what type of uniform he would wear. But he then seemingly claimed that sponsors – he specifically named the signature sponsor Ruffles – did not want him to take part. He added that the NBA invited him to sit courtside, but he vehemently declined.
Now 34 years old, Brown in 2009 pleaded guilty to felony assault of his then-girlfriend Rihanna. In 2012, he was part of an incident at a New York nightclub that included Drake and left then-San Antonio Spurs player Tony Parker needing surgery for glass in his eye.
Brown also has had a number of other legal issues, including a restraining order filed by former girlfriend Karrueche Tran. The singer released his latest album in November 2023.
The 2024 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game was held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. It pitted teams coached by Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe against each other. Lil Wayne was an assistant coach for Team Stephen A., which was to be Brown’s team.
Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons won MVP after scoring 37 points and grabbing 16 rebounds to help Team Shannon to a 100-91 victory over Team Stephen A. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua contributed 16 points to the winning cause.
Musical artists who participated included Jennifer Hudson, A.J. McLean, Walker Hayes, SiR and Adam Blackstone. Actor Quincy Isaiah, who portrayed Magic Johnson in the series “Winning Time,” also took part.
The game also included former NBA champion Metta World Peace, WNBA stars Jewell Loyd and Natasha Cloud, and Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who caught the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl, also was on hand.
State Farm All-Star Saturday Night will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, to be followed Sunday by the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, which will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home of the Indiana Pacers.
