Yeah boyyyyyyyyyy!
Rapper Flavor Flav, real name William Jonathan Drayton Jr., has had a long and storied career as a musician, hip-hop pioneer, and reality TV star. Now, the 65-year-old has a new title: Olympic sponsor. Flavor Flav is currently at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and he isn’t just there as a fan. A tweet from Maggie Steffens caught the attention of Flav, who decided that he would sponsor the U.S. women’s water polo team, USA Today reports.
“Many of my teammates aren’t just champions, but also teachers, business owners, coaches, physicians, assistants, and more. Some may not know this, but most Olympians need a 2nd (or 3rd) job to support chasing the dream (myself included!) and most teams rely on sponsors for travel, accommodations, nutritional support, rent/lodging, and simply affording to live in this day and age,” Steffens wrote on social media.
Flav was moved to action, connecting personally with the team to sponsor their trip to the Olympics. Unfortunately, tragedy struck Steffens before the games started. Her sister-in-law, Lulu Connor, tragically passed away from a medical emergency after arriving in Paris to cheer her on. When Flav arrived, Steffens’ family gifted him with a custom U.S.A. water polo clock necklace that Connor had made for him before her passing, a nod to the signature clock Flav is known for.
Now Flav is at it again, cheering from the sidelines while also continuing his good deeds for other Olympians. Recently, Olympic discus thrower Veronica Fraley posted about her inability to pay her rent despite preparing to compete at the games. Flav was the first to respond, promising to cover her rent and root for her the following day. Tech founder Alexis Ohanian, husband of Serena Williams, also followed suit, sending Fraley money for rent as well.
“Man of my word!!! This is what I been saying and promoting with water polo…I can’t fix everything on my own…but right now I am,” wrote Flav.
Fraley profusely thanked Flav and Ohanian, clarifying that her issue was with NIL restrictions and the favoritism shown to some players based on their sport. She also posted an update, saying her rent had indeed been paid. A GoFundMe previously organized by Fraley at the request of her followers has already raised more than $15,000.
“This makes every difference in the WORLD & I hope to represent Team USA well this week,” wrote Fraley.
Cover photo: Flavor Flav Steps Up to Pay Rent of Olympic Track & Field Athlete/Photo Credit: USA Today