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Suni Lee has been a frequent supporter of the New York Knicks, but is setting the record straight on whether it’s love for the game or a player.

As Lee was supporting the Knicks during their playoff run, — their first since 2000 — eagle-eyed fans noticed that the six-time Olympic gold medalist was chatting with OG Anunoby on the sidelines. The interaction had fans interested in whether their relationship was purely platonic or romantic.

“Honestly, it just started off as a joke, and I feel like social media kind of just, like, took it further than that,” Lee told Mirror U.S. Sports. “But yeah, we’re just friends, and I’m really good friends with a bunch of the guys on the Knicks team, like [Karl-Anthony Towns], and then also I’m really close to [Towns’ partner Jordyn Woods] as well, so it’s cool to see them doing their thing. Honestly, I just enjoy watching basketball, which is why I went to most of the games.”

Lee clarified the nature of her and Anunoby’s relationship again: “There’s nothing there. We’re just friends. I fully support all of them, and I support the Knicks.”

The Minnesota native shared how she met influencer Jordyn Woods and Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns. The NBA star and Woods have been dating for five years.

“I met Jordyn and KAT when I was in Minnesota, and when they were in Minnesota as well,” Lee said. “And then when I moved to New York, he got traded, so it was really nice to see some familiar faces in New York and just keep that friendship.”

Sunisa Lee 

Anunoby is not the only NBA star Lee has been linked to despite having no confirmation. Last year, rumors have spread that she was in a relationship with Houston Rockets’ Kevin Durant, which were never confirmed. Last year, when Lee was competing in the Olympics, a rumor spread that she and Devin Booker were in a relationship when a photo went viral of her and the Phoenix Suns star.

Durant is seemingly single and Booker started romance rumors with Molly Murphy after the two were spotted at Stagecoach back in April. They have not confirmed their romance.

As for Lee, she is dating Jaylin Smith, a University of Southern California cornerback. The couple went Instagram official in 2021 but have kept their relationship private since then.

Olympic gymnast Suni Lee took to the 2025 ESPY Awards red carpet with a gold sequin dress and an unexpected date.

The gymnastics star invited her physician, Dr. Marcia Faustin, to accompany her at the event on Wednesday, July 16. Faustin has been treating Lee’s incurable kidney condition, according to People.

Speaking to ESPN’s SportsCenter co-hosts, Lee, 22, said, “I’m so excited, it’s her first time on a red carpet. So it’s really fun for the both of us. But she was the one person who actually believed in me whenever I was going through everything.”

Lee would go on to win the award for Best Comeback Athlete that same night. During her acceptance speech, she made sure to acknowledge Faustin.

“To Dr. Marcia Faustin, she’s actually here in the crowd with me today,” Lee said, prompting cheers from the audience. “Thank you for guiding me through the toughest moments, reading every scan and report by my side.”

Faustin is a specialist in family and sports medicine and teaches as an assistant clinical professor at UC Davis. She also holds roles as co-head team physician for both UC Davis Division I athletics and the USA Gymnastics women’s national team.

Lee was forced to end her career as a college gymnast at Auburn University when she received her kidney disease diagnosis in 2023. She made a return to the sports world at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she added three more medals to her name despite her health challenges.

The award-winning athlete recently spoke to Sephora in an interview, unsure if her career would take her to the Olympic Games in 2028.

“I already did two, I feel like I don’t need to do another one…but I do feel like I have more to prove to myself,” she said.

The U.S. Classic returns to Hoffman Estates, Illinois, on July 18–19, but for the first time since 2022, the winner is guaranteed to be an athlete other than Simone Biles.

Biles won the title in 2024, followed by five-time World medalist Shilese Jones and eventual two-time Olympic teammate Jordan Chiles in third. Biles has won the crown seven times in her storied career.

In fact, not one of 2024’s podium finishers will compete this weekend.

1. Simone Biles

Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has not yet indicated intent to return to gymnastics. Instead, the sport’s most decorated athlete just returned home from a victorious ESPY Awards, where she won the awards for Best Female Athlete and Best Championship Performance. “I’m really enjoying my time off before I decide (on competing),” Biles told Olympics.com in April.

2. Shilese Jones

Shilese Jones was almost guaranteed a bid for the 2024 Olympic team but ultimately lost her spot due to an untimely injury at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Instead, the former World all-around silver and bronze medalist will appear at this weekend’s event as a coach, helping guide younger athletes at the Hopes Championships.

The 22-year-old has appeared at a pair of U.S. National Team camps this year, but has not shown full routines or outlined a return.

3. Jordan Chiles

Jordan Chiles wrapped a spectacular season with the UCLA Bruins in April. The then-junior led the team to a Big Ten Championship and National Runner-Up title, picking up an individual win on the uneven bars. Though Chiles has shown impressive training footage, the 24-year-old has not yet expressed her intent to return to the elite ranks and remains focused on her incoming senior year with the Bruins.

4. Suni Lee

Two-time Olympic Champions Suni Lee and Jade Carey also remain undecided on their returns to the competitive stage. Lee claimed hardware alongside Biles at last week’s ESPYS, winning the award for Best Comeback Athlete. The Minnesota native has made numerous promotional appearances at sporting events nationwide.

5. Jade Carey

Jade Carey wrapped a near-perfect career with the Oregon State Beavers in April and appears to be still training. However, like Chiles, the Olympic and World Champion has not shown full routines or expressed a clear intent to return.

6. Skye Blakely

Though she fell short of the Olympic team due to another untimely Achilles tear, two-time World team champion Skye Blakely is set to make her elite return at August’s U.S. Championships in New Orleans. Tiana Sumanasekera, one of the 2024 Olympic alternates, will also return to the stage in August, opting to skip the U.S. Classic to nurse a nagging ankle injury.

Who’s Competing In Chicago

As a result, the only member of the gold medal-winning team to compete this weekend is the youngest athlete from the 2024 U.S. Olympic delegation, 17-year-old Hezly Rivera. Rivera headlines a young and relatively inexperienced competitive field that will star 2024 Olympic alternates Leanne Wong and Joscelyn Roberson.

Wong, a World all-around silver medalist, won the title in 2022 and is expected to contend for her second win this weekend.

As one of the few premier meets of the U.S. elite gymnastics season, the U.S. Classic has long been a key meet for athletes to test their readiness and build experience heading into August’s Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships. The ‘Classic’ also serves as the final qualifier for athletes seeking berths to the championships.

Olympian Simone Biles isn’t backing down from critics after proudly embracing a new title.

Dubbed the “most decorated gymnast of all time” due to her unparalleled achievements in sports, the Ohio native has earned the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). This recognition has sparked admiration from fans and inspired calls for further celebration of her impact.

As she continues to break barriers, Biles recently received a new title, further cementing her mark in the world of sports.

On Monday, the 28-year-old received an honorary degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Wearing a green doctoral robe, she delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech after being awarded the title of Doctor of Humane Letters.

The 11-time Olympic medalist also took to social media to highlight her recent achievement and encourage her followers.

“Call me Dr. Biles from now on,” she captioned the TikTok post.

Amid the wave of fans congratulating the gymnast on her new title, others reacted negatively, questioning whether the honor was truly deserved.

“Sorry, I’m not calling you doctor,” one wrote.

“Respectfully, you’re kind of making the rest of us look bad, Dr. Congratulations!” a follower added.

A fan expressed a strong opinion on the title and commented, “Can we stop with the honorary degrees already? They’re disrespectful to those who actually earned their doctorates.”

“This is a slap in the face to those who actually work hard to receive the degree,” a TikTok user chimed in.

“’Dr. Biles’ yeah, that’s funny. Save the Dr. title for the real ones out here please. They earned it just like you earned your medal!” another added.

Simone Biles

The recognition continues to draw mixed reactions, with some fans arguing that it was overly self-promotional.

“Meanwhile, we actually stressing and paying hella to get the real degrees,” a commenter wrote.

The same goes for another user who said, “And you’re not a doctor lol. Like you have no knowledge to teach anyone. Maybe if it’s a PhD in gymnastics, then you got it, but if not, you don’t deserve it, idc who you are, I work hard for my degrees.”

On the other hand, while critics questioned her use of the “Dr.” title, the gymnast wasted no time in setting the record straight.

Biles clarified that an honorary doctorate recognizes individuals who have made meaningful contributions to a specific field or to society, even if they haven’t followed the conventional path of earning a doctoral degree.

“It’s literally just an honor, kind of like an award,” she responded in one of the comments, adding, “It isn’t the same as an actual degree and we recognize that! God forbid I speak at the graduation.”

Olympic champion Simone Biles made a grand entrance at the 2025 ESPY Awards in a glittering navy gown—but it wasn’t just fans or photographers who were impressed. Her younger sister, Adria Biles, had one of the most passionate reactions to Simone’s eye-catching look.

On her Instagram Story, Adria shared a photo of Simone from the red carpet.

“Stunning gorgeous beautiful I wanna kill yewwwww cutie bootyyyy sister girl,” she wrote.

The Olympian’s gown, custom-designed by Zac Posen in collaboration with activewear brand Athleta, shimmered from every angle as she arrived at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens.

The unique dress was crafted from Athleta’s Transcend Open Back Tee—one of Simone’s personal favorites and was reimagined as a floor-length, open-back gown with sequin embellishments.

This year marked the gymnast’s first ESPY appearance since 2017. She was nominated for two top honors: Best Athlete in Women’s Sports and Best Championship Performance for her gold medal in the 2024 Olympics Women’s All-Around event.

Meanwhile, Owens turned heads on the red carpet too, not only for his sleek style but for how attentively he cared for his wife. As cameras snapped away, he was spotted fixing the train of her gown and gently fixing her hair.

The sisters’ close bond has long been public. Though two years apart, they are often mistaken for twins due to their striking resemblance. Adria, a former elite gymnast, trained alongside Simone until 2016.

Despite Simone’s fame, the two sisters maintain a normal sibling relationship. According to USA Today, they’ve shared stories about stealing each other’s clothes and playfully arguing, but they always show up for one another, as seen once again during this standout moment at the ESPYs.

2024 U.S. junior champion claimed the all-around Saturday (19 July) as the seven-time Olympic champion watched from the stands.

Saturday evening (19 July), seven-time Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles watched competition at the 2025 U.S. Classic from a corner of the arena.

The two-time Olympic all-around winner avoided the spotlight at one of the first major U.S. gymnastics competitions since the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which saw reigning U.S. junior champion Claire Pease grab the title with a 54.600 ahead of Simone Rose (54.200) and Joscelyn Roberson (53.250).

For Biles, there was no formal recognition, no ceremony, no media obligations as she stood on the floor near the balance beam to watch former training-mates Roberson and Dulcy Caylor compete.

“My lil babiessss,” Biles said in an Instagram story post of the duo.

Her presence touched Roberson, who called her “the busiest human ever”.

“[Biles] called me, and she was like, ‘Okay, I have this, this and this, but if you really want me there, I’ll be there,’” Roberson told media after competition. “And I was like, ‘I kind of really want you there’. And she’s like, ‘Okay, so it’s done.’”

After the first rotation, Biles found a seat in a lower-level suite where she quickly caught the attention – and cheers – of the crowd.

Her long-time coach Cecile Landi, now the University of Georgia co-head coach, joined her there. The two chatted casually throughout the competition.

It was a fitting image as the 28-year-old contemplates what’s next for her in both life and the sport. Biles would be 31 when the Games head to Los Angeles in 2028. She hasn’t ruled out a fourth appearance at the global event but hasn’t committed to it either.

With Biles on the sideline – literally – a new generation of gymnasts, led by Pease, stepped up.

Pease soared to the top of the all-around standings, powered by top-three finishes on all four events.

“[I feel] really good,” she said. “I’m really happy to be here.”

It was a bit of a comeback victory for Pease, as Rose, 17, went into the final rotation with a three-and-a-half tenth lead, having started her night with a bang, sticking her one-and-a-half twisting Yurchenko for a 13.800. She added a 13.950 on the uneven bars before putting up a 13.150 on the balance beam.

But Pease, just 16, passed her in the final rotation as she boomed a clean Yurchenko double full for a 14.050 score. Rose’s clean but lower-difficulty floor exercise earned a 13.300, putting her second overall.

In her first elite competition since last summer’s Olympic Trials, Roberson, who finished her freshman season at the University of Arkansas in April, was powerful and solid all night. Her highlight came in the form of a nearly wobble-free routine on the balance beam and a dynamic floor exercise performance that had the backing of the crowd.

Biles’ Olympic teammate in Paris, Hezly Rivera, struggled in her opening two rotations, coming up short on her uneven bars dismount and falling off during her acrobatic series on the beam. The errors cost her, as she finished in a tie for 12th place.

The event was the final qualifier for next month’s U.S. Championships, set for New Orleans from 7–10 August. Senior women’s athletes scoring a 52.000 or better in the all-around earned automatic qualification to the event.

The superstar gymnast’s gold medals could soon earn her a golden statuette, with her Netflix documentary, ‘Simone Biles Rising’, earning a nomination for a Primetime Emmy this week. The series has already won several prizes, including the Annual Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Sports Documentary.

It follows the seven-time Olympic champion on her remarkable journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, giving viewers an insight into her comeback from her withdrawal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and her advocacy for athlete mental health and wellbeing. The documentary was also used as evidence in Jordan Chiles’ appeal with the Swiss Federal Tribunal, after she was stripped of the bronze medal in the controversial women’s floor final.

The docuseries had audiences engaged, with its endearing, intimate approach, and critics have reacted positively, with Variety calling it “a beautiful reflection of a champion who defied all odds.” Could she defy the odds again and beat popular shows ‘Chef’s Table’, ‘100 Foot Wave’, ‘SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night and Social Studies’?

“Simone Biles Rising is a powerful reminder that true strength lies not only in medals, but also in courage, honesty and the willingness to be vulnerable. This Emmy nomination is a great honour — and a testament to Simone’s impact and the values that lie at the heart of the Olympic Movement. We’re proud to have helped bring her story to the world,” said Olympic Channel Executive Director Yiannis Exarchos in an Olympics.com press release.

The OCS and the International Olympic Committee had a hand in producing the series, and the nomination “marks another milestone for the IOC’s original productions, which continue to bring the inspiring stories of athletes to audiences worldwide,” said Jérôme Parmentier, vice-president of Media Rights and Content Partnerships at the IOC.

Biles was in disbelief at the news, and shared the nomination on her social media, writing “STOP IT,” accompanied by screaming emojis. Just a day later, she’d be overcome by surprise again, winning Best Championship Performance at The ESPYS for her efforts at the Paris Games.

“That was very unexpected, especially in a category of all men,” Biles said, according to ESPN.

The highly anticipated Emmys will be held on 14 September at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, where Simone Biles Rising could soon join the ranks of Games documentaries recognised by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, such as ‘Netflix’s Rising Phoenix’, the documentary about the Paralympic Games, which won two Sports Emmys in 2021.

Simone Biles and her husband Jonathan Owens steal the spotlight with major PDA on the red carpet

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens made it clear at the ESPYS: their relationship isn’t up for debate. The Olympic champion and her NFL husband stepped onto the red carpet and instantly took over the night-not with over-the-top theatrics, but with natural chemistry and quiet confidence. Simone stunned in a sleek blue gown, while Jonathan stayed close, visibly proud and completely dialed in to his wife. The couple didn’t just pose for cameras-they made a statement without needing to say a word.

Blocking the noise with presence, not posts

That statement meant, they’re good, better than good. While the internet may love to speculate, Simone and Jonathan handled it the way most wish they could: by living their lives and letting actions speak for themselves. In a social media era where everything gets dissected, the couple keeps things simple-stay close and keep moving.

Since their relationship went public, online critics have found ways to question everything from their intentions to their body language. But every appearance shows something consistent: they’re not interested in playing into the noise. If anything, the outside scrutiny seems to bring them closer.

At this year’s ESPYS, Jonathan wasn’t just there as Simone’s date-he showed up as her partner, in every sense. From adjusting her dress to sharing casual, light moments between camera flashes, he came off as someone who’s not just present but genuinely invested. Simone has spoken out before in defense of their relationship, but the truth is, nights like this one say far more than a statement ever could.

Not just fashion-connection on display

A lot of people brought big outfits to the ESPYS carpet, but Simone and Jonathan brought something else: ease. The way they interacted felt natural-laughing, sharing quick moments, checking in on each other. They didn’t overdo it or force anything, and maybe that’s what made it so noticeable.

There’s often pressure on high-profile couples to “perform” affection in public, but this didn’t feel like that. It felt like two people who are still figuring out life in the spotlight together-and doing it on their own terms.

The speculation will keep coming, but their approach stays the same-show up, support each other, and move forward.

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens didn’t try to prove anything on that red carpet, but somehow, they still managed to silence the noise. They looked solid, unbothered, and genuinely happy to be in each other’s space. For a couple constantly under the microscope, that’s more than enough.

Jonathan Owens shares sweet reaction to Simone Biles’ radiant ESPYs appearance

When Simone Biles stepped onto the 2025 ESPYs red carpet in a shimmering blue Zac Posen gown, the cameras weren’t the only ones fixated on her. Her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, made sure every detail of her look was picture-perfect – even fixing her dress and smoothing her hair before they posed for photographers.

The moment, captured in a video by Bustle and reposted by Owens himself, quickly went viral. His caption? Just five words: “Know imma keep my baby right.” And really, it said it all.

That small gesture wasn’t just about fashion. It was about presence – the kind that says, I see you, and I’m proud of you. Later that evening, Owens made it official with a heartfelt Instagram post celebrating Biles’ two ESPY wins: Best Championship Performance and Best Athlete – Women’s Sports.

“So proud of you baby,” he wrote. “That’s 6”Owens’ enthusiasm wasn’t just adorable – it was earned.

Biles Stuns, Owens Shows Up – Again

This isn’t the first time Owens has turned a public moment into a love letter. Back in May, the couple made waves at the Met GalaBiles wore a dazzling blue beaded gown with a train; Owens wore a custom white Deji & Kola suit that looked straight off a runway. The couple shared the photos on Instagram with captions full of admiration – not just for each other, but for the moment they were sharing.

At the ESPYs, that energy carried through. While Biles stole the spotlight with her wins, Owens anchored the moment with quiet support and visible pride. The duo’s chemistry, both on and off camera, didn’t go unnoticed. People, ET Online, and USA Today were among the outlets highlighting their red carpet presence as one of the night’s most memorable.

With Biles continuing to redefine greatness in women’s sports and Owens cheering her on from every sideline – and every step of the carpet – it’s no wonder fans are rooting for this duo just as much as they root for their teams.

As NFL training camps draw near, Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens are making the most of their remaining time together before the Chicago Bears safety must leave his Olympian wife.

Owens will soon be immersed in preseason preparations, limiting the time he and Biles can spend together before the NFL regular season begins for the 29-year-old on September 8.

So, with the defensive player determined not to be caught off guard when the season begins, Owens has been seen ramping up his workouts. But even in the midst of the Bears’ preseason practice, the couple has carved out time for each other, aware time is expiring.

Biles made clear in a recent Instagram story. She shared a candid shot of Owens behind a canvas at a paint-and-sip studio, casually flashing a peace sign as they enjoyed a creative date night together.

Simone sticking close to Owens

“date night©jowens,” Simone captioned the post, featuring a relaxed setting with a graffiti mural in the background and paint plates nearby as they skipped a traditional dinner night or cinema date.

The NFL player then shared his own take of the evening, posting a photo of Biles standing, surrounded by vibrant street art and colorful booth seating as their quiet evening of painting and sipping marked a brief escape from football.

Their recent travels suggest that the time together isn’t just for relaxation – it’s about maintaining connection amid their demanding careers as they also enjoyed a trip to Belize, soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach.

Filled with unmistakable warmth and intimacy, Biles often retreats to the country during the offseason and also holds dual there through her mother, although she was raised by her grandparents.

The couple’s vacation included seaside dinners, boat rides, and even a fishing trip, where Owens jokingly earned the caption “catch of the day” from the woman he married in 2023.

Is Simone Biles using botox?

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens

Biles also drew attention online with a pair of swimsuit photos from the trip, wearing a brown monogrammed bikini and later a lime-green string suit as fans speculated about possible cosmetic enhancements.

Though Simone has previously confirmed only minor treatments such as botox, despite the noise online, the gymnast appeared unfazed, basking in both the sun and the company of her husband.

Back in the United States, questions have also surfaced about her athletic status as potential retirement beckons for the artistic gymnast, who despite only being 28, is considered ancient by her sport.

However, Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour shared a photo alongside Biles, who was dressed in competition attire and this sparked fresh speculation about whether Biles might compete in the upcoming U.S. Classic.

Though she has yet to confirm her participation, the image suggests that she remains active in the sport, possibly preparing for another Olympic run at Los Angeles in 2028.