Olympians Have Wild Day Jobs (Dentists, Realtors + Birthday Clowns)

(Podcast length - 5:10 mins)

The ESPYs are like the Golden Globes – you get the best of both worlds. It’s the one night of the year where athletes and celebrities gather to celebrate the achievements in the world of sports while giving us the summer red carpet we’ve all been missing.

Transcript

1. Typically, the awards show takes place on a Wednesday in July after the MLB (Major League Baseball) All-Star Game, referred to as “Black Wednesday,” the one day a year where there are no live sports. This year, with leagues playing COVID adjusted schedules, there is no dark day to hold the event. So that means there will likely be no Olympians, MLB (Major League Baseball) or WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) players or members of the Phoenix Suns or Milwaukee Bucks who are playing in the NBA (National Basketball Association) Finals in attendance. There’s a chance the Stanley Cup Finals (NHL - National Hockey League) will be over by then, but it’s not a sure bet. ZOOM CALL

2. Just because there will be no Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird sighting on the red carpet, it doesn’t mean you’ll be disappointed. The fashion game will undoubtedly be impressive when Lindsey Vonn, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, Russell Wilson and Ciara and LeBron James (likely promoting Space Jam 2) step into the spotlight. BEST ESPY LOOKS

3. Unlike the Oscars, where you’ve never heard of most of the movies, the fans get a say who receives some of the awards like the best athlete in women’s sports, best game and best team. EVERY VOTE COUNTS

4. ESPN can put together a video package that’ll pull at your heartstrings while leaving you inspired, and the awards at the ESPYs are no different. Here’s a quick summary of each of the major awards:

Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete a full IRONMAN triathlon, will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
Four-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic medalist Maya Moore will receive the Arthur Ashe Award Courage Award. She is being recognized for her work to free Jonathan Irons, who she felt was wrongly convicted of a crime. She stepped away from her career to work to free him. (Ultimately, he was released).
Manchester United (European soccer) star Marcus Rashford rallied Parliament during COVID to support children who received free lunch pre-pandemic, securing a $556 million grant to provide meals into 2021. For his work that impacted 1.7 million children, he will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service.

5. Actor Anthony Mackie, known for his many movie roles but especially in the Marvel series, will add ESPY host to his lengthy resume. Mackie is expected to poke fun at some of the best athletes on the planet in his opening monologue, which could be scarier than any script he’s encountered. Unlike most red carpet events, this one will take place at The Rooftop at Pier 17 at the Seaport in New York City. GET YOUR GAME FACE ON

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Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 6/2/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 6/2/21

Why June Is This Year’s Hottest Month

Thanks to COVID rescheduling, June is going to be action-packed.

LISTEN ON Apple Podcasts

(Podcast length - 5:05 mins)

Suppose there’s a silver lining to COVID rescheduling sports events because June is shaping up to be the hottest sports month of 2021. But don’t worry, no matter the sport, or even if you’re not into sports at all, there’s something for you.

Transcript

1. Something we never thought we’d report on – boxing legend Floyd Mayweather returning to the ring to fight YouTube star Logan Paul on June 6 in Miami. It could be spicy after Logan and his brother got into it with Mayweather’s entourage at their pre-fight press conference. After that, Paul had to hire round-the-clock security. It’s bound to be a one-sided fight, but that won’t stop us from tuning in. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS

2. After being canceled in 2020, the Baseball College World Series heads back to Omaha (June 19-30). The teams are, of course, happy to be back. Still, the City of Omaha is excited to have the economic driver of a tournament back. According to a study conducted by Creighton University, the tournament had an economic impact of $88.3 million and supported 1,103 year-round jobs in 2019, up from $63.7 million and 777 jobs in 2014. HOME RUN

3. Not to be outdone, the College Softball World Series is headed back to Oklahoma City (June 3-9). Don’t be surprised if you see the G.O.A.T. Tom Brady in the stands as his niece Maya Brady plays for UCLA, and he hasn’t been shy about his loyalty to the Bruins women. Oklahoma, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Florida State, Arizona, Georgia and James Madison all join UCLA in the hunt for a national title. LADIES WHO LOVE THE LONG BALL

4. Getting us excited for next month’s Summer Olympics, the U.S. Women’s National Team (soccer) will play in a Summer Series. They’ll play Portugal, Jamaica and Nigeria between June 10-16. Their matchup against Nigeria will be the first event to christen the new Austin FC stadium, of which the Minister of Culture himself, Matthew McConaughey, is an owner. BRING ‘EM OUT

5. Don’t forget the sports that are in the midst of the playoffs this month.

The NHL (National Hockey League) playoffs are in full swing, and so many teams with big-name players like Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins) are out, so it’s getting exciting. Last year's champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning, are looking to repeat when the Stanley Cup playoffs end July 15.
The NBA (National Basketball Association) playoffs are in full swing (they wrap July 23), and the rowdy and debaucherous fans have nothing on the drive on the court. So will defending champions LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers hoist the trophy again, or can the Brooklyn Nets, with their three superstars James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, win it all?

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 6/25/20 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 6/25/20

Everyday They're Hustlin'

Athletes and the unique ways they make money off the court.

LISTEN ON iTunes

(Podcast length 4:53 - transcript is below)

Athletes make millions for their time spent on the field, but it’s how they parlay that into side hustles that ensures them a comfortable retirement.

Transcript

1. Just because they wear uniforms doesn’t mean these athletes aren’t into fashion. (It just takes them less time to get dressed for work than most of us). Led by Megan Rapinoe, four members of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team launched a gender-neutral clothing line earlier this year called Re—inc. On the men’s side, Russell Westbrook is known for his sometimes over-the-top postgame press conference looks. He launched Honor The Gift, featuring athleisure-driven clothing as well as high-end athletic wear called Westbrook XO for Barneys. Other proud owners of a fashion-related business are Serena Williams (Serena), Tony Hawk (Birdhouse and Hawk Clothing), Venus Williams (EleVen) and Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7). FASHION MEETS FITNESS

2. These athletes have an appetite for a return on investment. Enter in pizza. Yes, everyone’s favorite dinner is also a hot investment for these NBA players. If you eat at Blaze Pizza (LeBron James), Pieology (Kevin Durant), 800* (Dwyane Wade) or order from Papa John’s (Shaq) you’re supporting the cause. FAST CASUAL FTW

3. If sports are your life, why not buy part of a team? Diversifying their assets into an NBA (National Basketball Association) team, L arry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals bought into the Phoenix Suns and Aaron Rodgers owns a share of the Milwaukee Bucks. It seems like everyone joined Will Ferrell in buying a stake in a soccer team. Kevin Durant, Russell Wilson and Ciara, James Harden, Oscar De La Hoya and David Beckham are all partial owners of an MLS (Major League Soccer) team. LeBron James took it to another level investing $6.5M in Premiere League team, Liverpool FC in 2011. IN IT FOR THE GATORADE

4. Even though they’re used to being in the spotlight on the court, these basketball players are behind the scenes when it comes to movies. Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Steph Curry are all involved in production and entertainment companies that have their hands in movies. You might remember Steph Curry’s most recent work as executive producer of “Jump Shot: The Movie.” (Great movie BTW). ON THE SILVER SCREEN

5. Last year, people watched 6.6 billion hours of esports videos worldwide. Jumping on that trend with their wallets in hand are celebrities from Michael Jordan to Mark Cuban to Alex Rodriguez. These esports teams are so popular that they resemble a race car driver covered in sponsor logos when they play. These players are making a ton of money, with the top three players in the world pulling in $3.16M in prize earnings last year. HOPE IT PAYS DIVIDENDS

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy to understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Like us? Share us with your friends.

LAST NIGHT'S GAME 6/17/20 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 6/17/20

Athlete Dads And Their Equally Athletic Children

Shout out to the daddy's girls who made the list.

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