Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Football, Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham
Luke Davies
A$AP Rocky’s supposed links with a Tranmere takeover could be in jeopardy after a judge issued a new ruling.
The American rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, had been linked with a potential takeover of the Merseyside-based side who are currently struggling as they sit 22nd in League Two.
In October, the Mirror reported that the rapper, who is in a relationship with Rihanna, was “keen” to buy Rovers as he “looks to emulate the success of Wrexham”.
Of course, since Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds purchased the Welsh side in 2021, they have secured back-to-back promotions from the National League to League Two in 2022/23, before securing yet another promotion from League Two to League One in 2023/24. Phil Parkinson's side are also pushing for a third consecutive promotion this term, they currently sit third in the league.
The pair’s success has led to further interest in purchasing Football League clubs, with former NFL star Tom Brady also investing in Birmingham City in 2023.
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However, any potential takeover of Tranmere may have been put on hold as Mayers, 36, could face a sizeable prison sentence after he turned down a second plea deal.
He pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday, 21 January.
The incident took place in November 2021, before the 36-year-old was arrested in April 2022 following being accused of assaulting former associate A$AP Relli – real name Terell Ephron.
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Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec informed Judge Mark S. Arnold that his office had offered a plea deal to the musician if the 36-year-old admitted to the first count of assault.
If he is found guilty, the rapper could be handed a hefty prison sentence of anywhere between ten to 24 years.
A report from Rolling Stones, documented what was said between Mayers and Judge Arnold.
“Yeah, they spoke to me about it [in] detail, Your Honour,” he said. “Respectfully decline, thank you.”
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“You’re not going to get any special treatment,” replied the judge. “Your status as an entertainer, your status as the significant other of Rihanna, that’s not going to inure to your benefit, and it’s not going to inure to your harm.”
“You are aware that if convicted, you will go into custody and it’s very likely you will get a significant prison sentence?” he added.
“Yes, Your Honour, I’m well aware,” replied the rapper.