Athletes And Their COVID Acts Of Kindness
Who’s up for some good news?
Instagram: Shaun White
(Podcast length 4:41 - summary is below)
In times of crisis, so many people have stepped up to do what they can to help. Even the smallest acts of kindness have a lasting impact.
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.
Transcript
1. Fanatics founder and Philadelphia 76ers (NBA -National Basketball Association) minority owner Michael Rubin started the All-In Challenge to provide food to those in need – kids, elderly and frontline heroes. So far they have raised over $51 million for COVID relief efforts. Rubin tapped into his famous friends like author and speaker Gary Vaynerchuk and actor Kevin Hart who then challenged their famous friends by donating once in a lifetime raffle and auction items. Some examples include a double date with Ciara and Seattle Seahawks (NFL – National Football league) Russell Wilson, which went for $240,000, New England Patriots (NFL) owner Robert Kraft’s Super Bowl ring (sold for $1.025M) or you could be eaten by a dinosaur in the next Jurassic Park movie (sold for $250k). The list is long and includes something for everyone. SHOPPING FOR GOOD
2. Teams like the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) joined together to provide meals to first responders and help local small businesses at the same time. Players took turns purchasing meals from local restaurants to feed first responders in hospitals, clinics and on the road like paramedics. Mavs owner Mark Cuban took it a step further, reimbursing Mavs staff who purchased meals from local establishments as well as reimbursing the Mavs’ nonprofit partners who fed their volunteers and staff when they chose local. HELPING WHERE IT HURTS
3. Olympic snowboarder and skateboarder Shaun White drove by some kids who were out in their yard skateboarding. The kids had made him a sign asking if he would skateboard with them. Donning a mask, he hopped out and did a little safe distance skateboarding with the neighborhood crew. MAKING MEMORIES
4. With the Summer Olympics postponed, Team USA no longer had to feed its athletes but what to do with the 18,000 pounds of food they already had? They donated the pallets of food to the food bank in Colorado Springs, CO which is home of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITIES
5. Many of us don’t think about the challenges of online schooling as we have access to a computer or a tablet. For so many students, this was one of the big hurdles to overcome when it came to successful home schooling. Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets (NBA) donated laptops to Houston area students for online classes. He also delivered meals to nurses in a Los Angeles hospital and provided masks and PPE to hospital workers in hard hit communities. MAKING AN IMPACT
Honorable mentions for athletes like Lionel Messi (soccer), Novak Djokovic (tennis) and Drew Brees (NFL) who along with their colleagues and their leagues, teams and team owners donated millions of dollars to relief efforts. WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER
5 Reasons Everyone Will Be Watching "The Match: Champions For Charity" This Weekend
The best lineup we’ve seen since Beyoncé performed at Coachella.
(Podcast length 3:40 - summary is below)
Pants not required. No, seriously.
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.
1. Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning will team up against Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in “The Match: Champions for Charity” on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET. The goal is of course to raise money for COVID relief efforts and the players have contributed $10 million total to four charities - DirectRelief.org, the American Red Cross, Save Small Business and the All-In Challenge. There will also be on-course challenges for the players to raise additional charitable funds. A HELPING HAND
2. Things are going to be getting a little wild at the Medalist Golf Club, Tiger Woods’ home course, as the players are allowed to wear shorts (a big no-no in the PGA – Professional Golfers Association). You might remember Phil Mickelson’s calves nearly broke the internet in a previous tournament. Speaking of chatter, the players will be mic’d up so you’ll have a front row seat to the trash talking, which has already started. BARING IT ALL
3. As if shorts weren’t spicy enough, NBA (National Basketball Association) Hall of Famer Charles Barkley and one of the top golfers in the world, Justin Thomas, will be providing commentary for the match. Barkley is known for his terrible golf swing, so his critique of the match should be top notch. BRINGING IN THE BIG GUNS
4. If this setup looks familiar, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson played each other back in 2018 with Mickelson taking home the $9 million prize. Not to be outdone, Manning and Brady have hit the links together and Manning said, “The last time we played, we got beat by an 84-year-old and a 77-year old." WELL THIS COULD BE ENTERTAINING
5. Due to social distancing, players will have to carry their own clubs and the teammates will act as each other’s caddy, talking through each shot on the course. In case you’re wondering, Manning has a better handicap (6.4 handicap) than Brady (8.1 handicap). Brady joked since Manning is retired he should have a better handicap. TOUCHÉ
(For the record, the lower the handicap the better the golfer. To have a single digit handicap means you’re darn good. To get technical on you, a handicap is a way to level the playing field. It’s an average of golf scores to determine how many shots players are over par. For more golf lingo and further explanation, click here).
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The 5 Things You Need To Know About The NFL Draft
When the NFL Draft looks similar to your Saturday night Zoom happy hour.
(Podcast length 4:41- summary is below)
Just because it’s one of the few events not cancelled doesn’t mean it’s going to be “normal” and that’s why it’s something you’ll want to watch.
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.
1. Months after the most invasive job interview in sports (the NFL Combine) comes the draft. As anyone who has been on a zoom call knows, anything can happen on a live stream, so let’s see what happens when a bunch of “old football guys” use modern day technology. Keep an eye out for last season’s Heisman Trophy winner, quarterback Joe Burrows from LSU to be the No. 1 pick. The worst team in the league last season gets the first pick (unless they’ve negotiated otherwise). All signs point that he’ll go to the Cincinnati Bengals at the No. 1 spot. TIGER KING
2. Up until a few years ago, the draft had always been in New York. Since then the draft has moved to a different city each year. This year the draft was poised to take place in the newest home to an NFL team, Las Vegas. The city had pulled out all of the stops for the week, including a red carpet event on the famed Bellagio fountains. The glitz and glamour of Vegas won’t hold a candle to the dark and dingy basements people will now be conducting the draft from. VIVA LAS BASEMENT
3. It’s tradition for the fans at the draft to boo NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell every time he walks out on the stage to announce a first round draft pick’s name. Since he’s doing the picks from his basement perhaps his family will jump on board the bandwagon? WHEN IN ROME
4. Since live streams are tough to control, the NFL has released guidelines on what the players can wear and what can be in view of the camera. Players are not expected to wear suits like they would if it was live but there’s certainly no room for any alcohol, nutrition or gambling references. Also a big no? Clothing with derogatory language toward the NFL (why would you bite the hand that feeds you?), references to movies that “contain or promote objectionable material or subject matter” or any logos outside of the NFL’s Official Licensed Partners; Nike, Adidas, UnderArmour, and New Era. BUT YOU CAN STILL WEAR YOGA PANTS
5. The NFL is doing everything it can to make sure there are no technology failures. Ideally teams will submit their picks via Microsoft Teams, the preferred method. As a backup, teams will also have access to a leaguewide conference call to submit their picks. As a backup to the backup plan, each team will have three individuals from each team that can submit picks. The NFL has learned its lesson when running the draft live – teams have missed their picks. Yes, it may be their team’s future on the line, but sometimes you have to pee. YOU HAVE ONE JOB
Bonus - The NFL sent 32 different team’s hats to the top 58 prospects because you never know which team is going to select them. Along with the hats, they sent out camera kits since everyone is in charge of their home TV studio. The kits include lighting along with two iPhones, one for an interview camera and one for the wide shot of their family. They’ve even labeled all of the cords to set them up for video success.
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5 Sports Teams That Are Saving The Planet
Doing their part for future generations.
Transcript is below.
Superheroes aren’t the only ones to save the world. Here are five teams who are doing their part to save Mother Earth through innovation and one is even adopting a vegan diet.
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.
Transcript
1. The Cleveland Indians (MLB – Major League Baseball) were the first MLB team to install a wind turbine to power their stadium. Their stadium is now 100 percent powered by renewable energy from wind power. BLOWN AWAY
2. The Forest Green Rovers, a soccer team from Western England, are leading the charge to go green. They claim the title as the only vegan football (i.e. soccer) club in the world. Since 2015, there have been no animal products for sale in the stadium. Some of the players eat non-vegan outside of the stadium (and there are paparazzi photos to prove it), but some have adopted the vegan lifestyle. The team is also the world’s first U.N. certified carbon-neutral sports club. NO MEAT PIES FOR YOU
3. Pocono Motor Speedway’s (NASCAR - National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) green efforts not only benefit the earth but you. The raceway runs completely on solar power and has sheep for lawn mowers but has an industry specific problem – what to do with as many as 600 used tires after a race? Answer – recycle. The recycled residue from old tires is used in everyday items such as portable speed bumps, the anti-fatigue mat in your kitchen or playgrounds. WHERE THE RUBBER HITS THE ROAD
4. The Boston Red Sox (MLB) home field advantage is an urban farm. The rooftop farm generates 5,900 pounds of produce annually to be used in the stadium. BATTING FOR BROCCOLI
5. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL – National Football League) and Atlanta United (MLS – Major League Soccer), boasts 4,000 solar panels and features a 680,000 gallon cistern that collects rainwater to irrigate vegetation and helps prevent flooding. GREEN WITH ENVY
Athletes And The Stupid Crimes They've Committed
Seriously, we can’t make this stuff up.
(Podcast length 4:53 - transcript is below)
Common sense isn’t so common in this week’s episode.
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.
[Transcript]
1. Picture this. You’re out with your friends enjoying a night at the club when a gun goes off. Then you realize it was your gun and you’ve accidentally shot yourself in the leg. That’s exactly what happened to Plaxico Burress (NFL – National Football League). We forgot to mention that the club was in New York City, known for tough gun laws. Oh, and the gun wasn’t registered. Yep, that landed Burress in the slammer. NOT SHOOTING BLANKS
2. It’s definitely against the rules for a player to bet on the professional sport they play in. Enter Pete Rose. He’s MLB’s (Major League Baseball) all-time leader in hits and is banned for life from baseball (and from the hall of fame) for doing just that. Rose bet on Cincinnati Reds games while playing for and managing the team. While betting isn’t illegal in the eyes of the law, tax evasion is. Rose served five months in a minimum-security prison for federal income-tax evasion. You can find Rose most weekends signing autographs for a fee in a Las Vegas casino. A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME…WOULD STILL BET ON BASEBALL
3. Dallas Cowboys (NFL) player Nate Newton was arrested for being in possession of 213 pounds of marijuana. While he was out on bond, he was caught with another 175 pounds of marijuana. Newton served 2.5 years where he hopefully gained a little common sense. CAN’T MAKE THIS UP
4. Lenny Dykstra went from the top of the world as World Series winner with the New York Mets (MLB) in 1986 to prison. Long story short, post-baseball he claimed to have a 100% hit rate at picking winning stocks and convinced people to jump on board his bandwagon, including the money man himself - Jim Cramer. Then he failed at starting a magazine, meanwhile pissing a lot of people off. Eventually he filed for bankruptcy, owing an obscene amount of money to creditors. Life finally caught up with him when he was arrested and served time in prison for bankruptcy fraud. He hid a bunch of assets during his bankruptcy filing and decided to sell them afterward for cash. Shocking, he got caught. THEY KNOW EVERYTHING
5. We saved the best for last. You’ve probably seen the movie and know the story of Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan. When Kerrigan stood in her way of her Olympic dreams, Harding and her ex-husband orchestrated an attack on Kerrigan at 1994 Olympic Trials. A hit to the knee by a hitman with a collapsible baton might have taken Kerrigan out, but she still went on to win a silver medal at the Winter Olympics. Harding was eventually banned from skating but ultimately avoided jail time by pleading guilty to hindering the investigation of the attack. THE ORIGINAL DESPERATE HOUSEWIFE
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Five Of The Most Memorable Athlete Movie Cameos
Some you might expect but some will probably surprise you.
(Podcast length 3:07 - transcript is below)
While you’re immersed in Netflix, here are a few athletes to keep an eye out for.
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.
[Transcript]
1. Lance Armstrong. You might have seen him in his hilarious role in Tour de Pharma but Lance Armstrong’s most notable role was in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story. You might remember the cyclist gave a game changing motivational speech to Vince Vaughn’s character after quitting the team. Armstrong’s speech in the movie now seems a bit awkward after the doping scandal, “Well, I guess if a person never quit when the going got tough, they wouldn't have anything to regret for the rest of their life.” We can think of a few other things he might regret. DODGE, DUCK, DIP, DIVE, DODGE
2. Brett Favre. There was Something About Mary that hall of fame quarterback Brett Favre (NFL – National Football League) managed to figure out. Favre was actually the third choice for the role in the movie behind former quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe and Steve Young. BUT HE STILL DIDN’T GET THE GIRL
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Not many on this list played such a pivotal role on the big screen as NBA (National Basketball Association) legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1980 classic comedy, Airplane. As co-captain Murdock, he spent the movie denying he was actually a basketball player. And don’t call me Shirley. JUST AN AVERAGE JOE
4. Tom Brady. Tom Brady (NFL) might be one of the best to ever play the game but his side hustle is on the big screen. You’ve seen him in Ted 2, Entourage and Stuck on You. TAKE THAT GISELE
5. Cam Neely. While you may not know the NHL (National Hockey League) hall of famer by name, you’d most certainly remember him as his character Sea Bass in Dumb and Dumber. Between spitting into Jeff Daniels’ burger in the diner (“kick his - expletive - Sea Bass”) to the awkward gas station bathroom encounter, Neely’s character was certainly memorable. A LONELY TRUCKER
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5 Times Global Sports Have Come To A Halt
Coronavirus isn’t the first culprit to put a kibosh on athletic competition.
(Podcast length 4:08 - transcript is below)
The coronavirus is nothing like we’ve ever seen before but it’s not the first-time sporting events have been cancelled on a global scale. Regardless, there have not been many times in history where we’ve hit the brakes on sports.
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.
[Transcript]
1. While we’ve never seen cancellations like this from a virus, we’ve seen plenty of examples of entire seasons cancelled due to contract negations between the players and the owners. In 2011, the NBA (National Basketball Association) shorted their season (which the players probably preferred) because they couldn’t come to terms and MLB (Major League Baseball) has missed out on the second half of a season and a World Series in 1994. The NHL (National Hockey League) has done it too in 2004. Keep an eye on the NFL as the hotly contested deal from 2011 expires in 2021. At this point, all signs say we could have another lock out next year. SAY IT ISN’T SO
2. The Olympics have made it through some rough patches in history but World War I led to a cancellation of the 1916 Summer Games in host country Germany. Germany was awarded the game over bids by Alexandria, Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest and Cleveland. The country ended up hosting the 1936 Summer Olympics while it was under the rule of Adolf Hitler. ON A GLOBAL SCALE
3. The tragic events of 9/11 disrupted the world, including the sports world. The NFL and college football cancelled games. MLB took a week off in the last month of their season, leading to the first ever World Series to be played in November. Many will remember the first game back of the MLB postseason and the iconic moment when President Bush threw out the first pitch or the goosebump evoking home run by New York Mets’ Mike Piazza. A SENSE OF NORMALCY
4. Japan was on board to host the 1940 Summer Olympics but two years before the contest, they excused themselves from their host duties to put all resources toward their military during conflict. The games were then awarded to Finland but the start of World War II in 1939 led to cancellation of the Olympics all together. The 1944 London Summer Olympics were also cancelled because of WWII. Those two Olympics are referred to by historians as the “Lost Olympics.” A PIECE OF HISTORY
5. As of today’s post, we know that March Madness will proceed next week but without fans. The NBA has suspended its season after a player tested positive for the virus. All other major professional sports leagues that are playing right now have closed their locker rooms to media and non-essential personnel. All Italian sporting events are closed to fans, many Olympic qualifying events have been cancelled and the big tennis tournament in Indian Wells is cancelled, leaving $400 million in tourism dollars on the table. BIG DECISIONS ON THE LINE
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The Most Invasive Job Interview In Sports
They call it the “Underwear Olympics” for a reason.
Ever had a dream where you end up in public nearly naked, feeling oh so exposed? Welcome to the NFL Combine (National Football League) where that is real life. They call it the Underwear Olympics for a reason.
*Note the transcript has been updated with 2023 draft information.
Transcript
1. The NFL Combine (pronounced kɒmbaɪn– like a harvesting tractor) is known as the “Underwear Olympics” because prospects compete in different challenges in small, tight-fitting workout gear, all while being scrutinized. It wasn’t long ago that prospects stripped down to their underwear for the “eyeball test,” where coaches would make notes about their stature, muscle build, etc. The combine is March 2-5, 2023. IT’S LIKE PRIZED CATTLE GOING TO MARKET
2. Unlike in the last presidential election, hand size matters in the combine. Quarterbacks are especially scrutinized for their grip, which is judged by the distance from the thumb to their pinkie. The chatter around likely No. 1 draft pick Bryce Young from Alabama is about his small stature. Young weighs in at 195 pounds and is 5-foot-10 1/2, which is not ideal to be slammed to the ground by a 315-pound defensive end. Other events include intense interviews and the 40-yard dash. OUCH
3. As if being in your undies isn’t bad enough, teams are known for asking really weird and intrusive questions. Over 300 players who have been invited to the tryout will be asked interrogation-style questions in an attempt to evoke the player’s vices (drinking, drugs), ethics, failures, sexual orientation (even though technically this is illegal) or anything to get a rise out of the player. WHERE’S THE HR DEPARTMENT?
4. If you think any dumb jock can make it to the NFL, then you’ve never taken the Wonderlic Test. This challenge tests (that has been discontinued in 2023) players’ problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Only one player has ever had a perfect score. Think you can beat it? HARDER THAN IT LOOKS
5. The “sexiest” event in the combine is the 40-yard dash. In the past, the fastest runner has won prizes such as a private island or $1 million. Tom Brady was remarkably slow, but he turned out alright. SLOW AND STEADY
The NFL Draft is April 27–29, 2023, in Kansas City.
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The XFL - The Sports League You Never Knew You Needed
The only five things you need to know about the newest kid on the block and their rebel ways to make the game more entertaining.
What if we told you there’s a new league out that make games faster, more fun and give you, the fan, a behind the scenes look? Well that’s exactly what the XFL is doing for football.
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.
[Transcript]
1. You’re thinking “haven’t I seen this before?” and the answer is yes. Vince McMahon (WWE – World Wrestling Entertainment) founded the XFL in 2001 and the league only played one season. The focus wasn’t football but entertainment, violence and cheerleaders. McMahon is fronting the cash for the league himself and he’s expecting to lose $375 million over the first three seasons to get the league back off the ground. (In case you're wondering, according to Forbes he is worth $2.1 billion). WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
FYI - The ‘X’ in XFL doesn’t actually stand for anything.
2. Now the league, which features former NFL (National Football League) and college football players, is back and the focus is on giving fans unprecedented access to the game during the broadcast. You'll see on the field interviews with players during the game (who are usually out of breath and known to drop f-bombs). On the broadcast you can listen in to the plays being called down to the players on the field. You can also spy on the referees and their communication with their replay team on questioned calls which is interesting and sometimes hilarious. INVESTING FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
3. They’ve embraced their ability to think outside the box on the field, but also to the benefit of their sponsors. The players celebrate their wins by chugging Bud Light Seltzer. GATORADE SHOWERS ARE FOR BABIES
4. Did you know in the NFL (National Football League) the only offensive player with communication in their helmet is the quarterback? (One defensive player also receives coach communication). In an effort to speed up the game, the majority of the players on the field in the XFL can hear the plays being relayed from their coaches. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
5. And if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. That’s what the XFL says about betting on their games. Even though they’ve benefitted from fantasy sports, other professional sports leagues have fought the expansion of betting. The XFL is encouraging it, even asking their broadcasters to bring it up during the game. They consulted bookmakers on the new rules and are “leaning in” to sports betting to give the fans what they want. (For our sports betting 101, click here). GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT
Note - We’re two weeks into the season and all the signs say the league will be around for a while, unlike the AAF (Alliance of American Football) that folded mid-season. You can see the eight XFL teams battle it out every weekend for the next eight weeks, with two weeks of playoffs after that.
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The Top 5 Sports Power Couples
While most normal people meet online, they meet at the Olympics.
Here’s to five stellar athletic duos who share the same craft and we don’t mean beer.
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.
[Transcript]
1. Aaron Rodgers and Danica Patrick became friends first when they met at the 2012 ESPYs but then became a hot item in 2018. They may be one of the best-looking couples around but they don’t take themselves too seriously. Like when a Green Bay Packers (NFL - National Football League) fan posted a video of her professing her love for Rodgers while under anesthesia for tonsil surgery. The couple sent her 400 popsicles to heal her ailment and clearly her broken heart since he’s already taken. CONSOLATION PRIZE
2. Tennis greats Steffi Graff and Andre Agassi started dating after the French Open in 1999 but their story goes back years before that. In 1992 both Graff and Agassi (who tried to pick up Graff the year before at the French Open) were winners at Wimbledon. It used to be tradition for the two winners of Wimbledon to dance with each other at the Wimbledon Champions’ Ball. But as luck would have it, that was the year they decided to cancel the dance due to “lukewarm receptions from modern players.” It all worked out in the end as the two married in 2001 and are still together. TIMING IS EVERYTHING
3. We’re all for bad pickup lines and they’re even better when they work. After a very public relationship with golfer Tiger Woods, skier Lindsey Vonn was introduced to NHL (National Hockey League) player P.K. Subban at the ESPYs. It was at that event that he told a reporter "It's hotter outside than Lindsey Vonn looks today, which is pretty hot." Well, the line worked. The two, who started dating in 2018, were engaged in the summer of 2019. The couple’s passion for each other and their charitable efforts are something to admire. HEART EMOJI
4. Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are the unofficial first couple of women’s sports. The two have been dating since 2016 and are a fixture in the Seattle sports scene. They’ve been featured on the cover of InStyle Magazine and were the first same-sex couple to grace the cover of ESPN’s Body Issue. The outspoken and seriously fashionable duo seem to have it all including a plethora of championships and safety deposit boxes for all their gold medals. They also have each other’s backs. During the Women’s World Cup, Bird, who plays in the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association), came to Rapinoe’s defense in her battle with President Trump, penning an essay titled “So the President F—ing Hates My Girlfriend.” ROM-COM WRITTEN ALL OVER IT
5. Together Julie and Zach Ertz have a Super Bowl championship, two World Cup victories and what do they have to prove it? A Visa commercial. The Philadelphia Eagles tight end (NFL) and the soccer star met at a Stanford baseball game in 2012 when he offered her sunflower seeds. They had their first date was at Chipotle and the rest is history. Married since 2017, together they too have bared it all for ESPN’s Body Issue. With both of them being at the pinnacles of their careers, they live the saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” They say they’re lucky to have three months a year in the same city. WHEN FACETIME IS YOUR FRIEND
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Super Bowl 54 - The Only 5 Things You Need To Know
From J-Lo to teams in red making history to betting on MC Hammer, we’re serving it up Miami-style.
Super Bowl week is here so let the shenanigans begin. While you map out the junk food you’re going to consume and your cocktail of choice to wash it down with, we have consolidated what you need for the party small talk so you can impress everyone, even the biggest sports fan.
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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
[Transcript]
1. If you tend to pick your winning teams based on uniform colors, you’re out of luck this year. Both the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers uniforms have red as their primary color, which is a first for the Super Bowl. They’ve never had two teams with a predominantly red color scheme face off in the game. (FYI – the Chiefs will be in red jerseys and the 49ers will be in white for the game). WHO’S WHO?
2. You don’t have to know diddly squat about football to place a bet on Sunday’s game, thanks to prop bets. You can bet on anything from which song will be the first song of Jennifer Lopez’s halftime performance, will Mc Hammer say “too legit” in his Cheetos commercial or will Demi Lovato’s rendition of the anthem be under two minutes? YOU CAN BET ON IT
3. Ticket prices are at historic highs for the game but that’s not stopping both teams’ leadership from filling seats. The 49ers are bringing their entire staff, including interns, to the game. Then there’s Norma Hunt, widow of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt. She’s attended every Super Bowl and will host close to 2,000 people at this year’s big game. We bet Mrs. Hunt is wishing tickets were still $12 like the first ever Super Bowl 54 years ago. It’s a monumental occasion to be celebrated for both teams since the Chiefs haven’t won the Super Bowl in 50 years and the 49ers haven’t won in 25 years. FAMILY REUNION
4. This Super Bowl has two historic moments to celebrate on the sideline. First, 49ers offensive assistant coach, Katie Sowers, is the first woman and the first openly gay coach to coach in a Super Bowl. Secondly, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and his father Mike Shanahan are the first father-son duo in NFL history to lead teams in the Super Bowl as head coaches. (Papa Shanahan won two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos in the late 90s).
5. No doubt JLo and Shakira will make our jaws drop with their halftime performance (which will likely include some special guests. Enrique Iglesias or DJ Khaled anyone)? Also jaw dropping? What they get paid for the gig. Nothing. That’s not stopping celebrities from lining up to attend the “free” concert. Expect to see some big named stars in the stadium including Sir Paul McCartney, Cardi B and past halftime performers Lady Gaga and Beyoncé (which makes sense because her hubby Jay-Z is an advisor for the NFL). YOU DEFINITELY DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS
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5 Sporting Events You Can Only Dream About During Dry January
Don’t threaten us with a good time.
If you are the 1 in 5 Americans “celebrating” Dry January consider this your re-entry program. But if you’re not bold enough to go down that path, this one’s still for you.
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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
[Transcript]
1. You can start your entry back into the world at the Waste Management Open (formerly known as the Phoenix Open). The Open is the most attended tournament on the tour but is also known as the rowdiest/loudest/drunkest tournament on the tour. Think “Happy Gilmore” but in real life. The place to be is the 16th hole, the “Most Exciting Hole in Golf.” The par-3 hole is completely enclosed by a stadium filled with 20,000 fans who forgot their golf etiquette at home. (The Open is 1/27 – 2/2). FORE…MORE BEER
2. This one is a no brainer, Super Bowl Sunday. Not only do we consume more than 1.2 billion chicken wings in this country, we wash down our carbs and commercials overload with 325.5 million gallons of beer. (Super Bowl is February 2). IT FEELS SO GOOD WHEN IT HITS YOUR LIPS
Want to join “The Bachelor” Bracket we mentioned? Here’s how.
3. You may get banned for life for having a cell phone or thrown out for shouting any of the banned phrases (Dilly Dilly anyone?) but don’t be fooled because the Masters (golf) is business in the front and party in the back. Their concession stands are the lowest you’ll see in sports and yes, that includes the $4 beer. (The Masters is April 9-12). I’LL HAVE FORE
4. It may be the fastest two minutes in sports, but if you’ve ever been to the Kentucky Derby you know that it’s a full day of drinking leading up to that one final race. Over 150,000 fans, looking classy in their Sunday best and big hats, enjoy a plethora of mint juleps, champagne and a whole host of cocktails while betting on their favorite horse to win. (The Derby is May 2). WIN, PLACE, SHOTS
5. Maybe the party scene at Wimbledon is the real reason Meghan and Harry left? The biggest tennis tournament in the world is also home to the Pimm’s Cup and lots and lots of champagne. With over 29,000 bottles consumed over the course of the tournament, it inevitably leads to disruption on the court from flying corks. (Spectators can bring in one bottle of wine/champagne per person). (Wimbledon is June 29 - July 12). YOU COULD LOSE AN EYE
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The 5 Big Sports Moments To Look Forward To In 2020
If your resolution is to be more interesting, you’ve come to the right place.
The best year ever? One might say so.
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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
[Transcript]
1. The year kicks off with a Super Bowl show that will have everyone dancing. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira will give the halftime show a little Latin flare when they take the stage in Miami on February 2. (We also look forward the royal wedding of JLo and her baseball beau Alex Rodriguez in 2020. The only hint we have from ARod is that the nuptial destination is “going to be a long flight." WHENEVER, WHEREVER
2. Expect to see baby Archie in the stands for the 2020 Invictus Games in The Hauge, The Netherlands in May. Inspired after visiting the Warrior Games in the U.S., Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014. The Games are an international sporting event for injured servicemen and women. Competitors hail from allied nations and are all active duty and veteran service members who have been become ill or injured during or as a direct consequence of their service. The games became a biennial event in 2018. ROYALLY EXCITED
3. Konnichiwa friendly competition, the Summer Olympics will begin on July 24 in Tokyo, Japan. Unlike many host countries, everything seems to be on track. The stadium that will house the opening and closing ceremony, along with track and field and soccer was dedicated mid-December. Speaking of soccer, watch out for the U.S. Women’s team which looks to take home gold. Their star Alex Morgan will return to the field, just three months after giving birth to her first child. Keep an eye on gymnast Simone Biles, snowboarder possibly turned skateboarder Shaun White and baseball and softball which are on the dance card for the first time in 12 years. GAME ON
4. One of the more obscure sporting events, the World Nomad Games, will take place in Turkey in August. Founded in 2014, the games are designed to celebrate the nomadic heritage of the Central Asian nations (although it has expanded as the U.S. and several African countries have a team). The goal is to show the world "the greatness of nomadic civilization" and to promote the revival and preservation of the historical heritage of nomadic people. Don’t look for soccer and basketball medals here, but more like sports that include hunting with eagles, bone throwing and archery and wrestling on a horse. One of the most popular sports is kok-buru, where two teams of horsemen attempt to push a headless goat into a goal. Think polo with a dead goat. MEMORABLE FOR SURE
5. Professional football is headed to sin city. In the spring, while you’re placing your bets, owners of NFL teams will be doing the same when the city hosts the NFL Draft in April. Then the Las Vegas Raiders (at the end of the season they will be formerly known as the Oakland Raiders) will start the season in the fall in their new home just off the strip in Las Vegas. They will be the first NFL team to call Vegas home. (The city is home to an NHL (National Hockey League) team – the Vegas Golden Knights). ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET
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'Tis The Season - It's Time For College Football Bowl Game Season
Cereal bowl, Cheez-It Bowl, Toilet Bowl….regardless of the name, fans can’t get enough.
While you might be in the midst of holiday shopping season, others are immersed in college football bowl game season.
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
[Transcript]
1. If the Oscars have the most coveted swag bags, bowl games are a close second. Players cannot be paid to play in the games but they can take home some great loot valued up to but not exceeding $550. Gifts this year include a cowboy hat, a life-sized decal for each participant of his likeness, a GoPro and for the first time ever at the Idaho Potato Bowl, fanny packs. TOUCHDOWN IN THE GIFT DEPARTMENT
2. What’s in a name? Well for bowl games, it’s big money. The committees will do just about anything to please their title sponsors including naming the game itself something odd. The most memorable bowl game names this season roll off the tongue like the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl, Cheez-It Bowl, Taxslayer Bowl and the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. And yes, there used to be a game called the Salad Bowl. HOW LONG UNTIL WE HAVE THE SMOKE-A BOWL?
3. Unless a player is playing in the national championship game, families cannot receive any financial assistance to travel to a bowl game, per NCAA rules. This year Heisman Trophy finalist from Ohio State, Chase Young, was suspended for taking a loan from a family friend to fly his girlfriend out to the Rose Bowl game in early 2019. WANNA GET AWAY?
4. Not all teams are invited to a bowl game. A team has to have a .500-plus record to be considered bowl eligible. The TV exposure, additional revenue and chance at a title all come with a price tag – winning. NO PARTICIPATION TROPHIES HERE
5. The top four teams in the country will play each other on Saturday, January 28 in either the Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, AZ) or the Peach Bowl (Atlanta). The winner of those two games will play each other in the National Championship Game on January 13. The other bowl games are for pride and money for the program, but will not impact a team’s overall rating. BOWLED OVER
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When Money Is No Object - The 5 Best Gifts NFL Players Have Given Each Other
Some are big ticket items and some are straight from the heart, but they’re all memorable.
Flashy, thoughtful and innovative gifts - there’s something for everyone on this list.
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
[Transcript]
1. Former NFL (National Football League) quarterback Trevor Siemian is a lover of Skittles and he wanted to share that with his linemen (the big guys on the line of scrimmage that protect him from the other team). So, he bought them custom parkas that dispense Skittles. Yes, the fur-rim hooded parkas have a button on the chest that when pushed, Skittles arrive in a coat pocket. A DREAM COME TRUE
2. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (aka Mr. Ciara) gifted his linemen each $12,000 in Amazon stock when he signed his new four-year/$140 million contract. THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
3. Truly a gift from the heart. For years Peyton Manning wrote handwritten notes to athletes and sports figures who he admired. He spent his off-season writing to the people on this list, usually after they reached a milestone or retired. He would make note of the person’s respect for the game along with his notes of best wishes. AN INVALUABLE GIFT
4. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line is a giving group. They host an annual Turkey Time holiday tradition to benefit underserved families but they also put a new spin on gift giving. Instead of exchanging with each other, they pooled their money in order to give special bonuses for staff members who might get overlooked. These are the people that take care of them every day like the kitchen staff, trainers and the equipment team. THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
5. Gifts with wheels are very popular. Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott gave his linemen John Deere UTVs and Tom Brady gifted his linemen new Audi A7s. Hall of Fame running back (and Dancing with the Stars winner) Emmitt Smith left a key to a new Hummer in each of his linemen's lockers. Smith had his teammates jumping up and down like little kids. Too bad they were actually for the remote-controlled version. FINALLY SOMETHING WE CAN AFFORD
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NEED A LAUGH? 5 ABSURD REASONS ATHLETES HAVE CALLED IN SICK
Because “the dog ate my homework” isn’t going to cut it.
If you are looking for great excuses to get you out of your holiday obligations, these are so bad that they just might work.
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
[Transcript]
1. Nolan Ryan was one of the most feared starting pitchers in the history of baseball (MLB – Major League Baseball) but apparently, he had a soft spot for small furry animals. He decided to take in two coyote pups he found while out on his ranch. One of them bit him and he had to undergo multiple tests for rabies and subsequently missed his start. DON’T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU
2. Fast food will get you one way or another and no one better to ask then Denver Broncos (NFL – National Football League) Brandon Marshall. He allegedly slipped on a misplaced McDonald’s bag and he sliced up his arm when he tried to catch himself. He had to undergo surgery to repair the fluke injuries. MCDONALDS BAG > BANANA PEEL
3. Former Baltimore Orioles (MLB) outfielder Marty Cordova missed a game due to severe burns he suffered from tanning bed exposure. BURNT TO A CRISP
4. Now retired basketball player and current TV analyst, Charles Barkley, missed a game after an incident involving lotion. He rubbed his eyes while at an Eric Clapton concert, had a bad reaction to the lotion on his hands and had to miss the Phoenix Suns (NBA – National Basketball Association) season opener. IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES UNTIL SOMEONE LOSES AN EYE
5. Football commentator and retired Detroit Lions (NFL) wide receiver Nate Burleson broke his arm in a car crash where he was trying to prevent his pizza from sliding off the front seat. THE CARRYOUT DISCOUNT WASN’T WORTH IT
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5 Turkey Day Table Topics That Will Save Your Holiday
Distract, deflect and conquer awkward holiday conversation.
Here's how sports can save your holiday. Add this to your holiday first aid kit along with a great bottle of wine.
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
[Transcript]
For any conversation involving politics.
Politicians and families can be wacky. So can sports teams’ owners. There’s the owner who plays the kazoo in a band, the one who is worth $500 million and still drives his 1997 Dodge Caravan 400 miles to get his hair cut or the one who spent $2.4M on the founding documents of Alcoholics Anonymous. Here’s more about wacky team owners including Jerry Jones whose Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving.
Your cousin keeps taking photos of their dinner and all you can think about is how full you are.
Be thankful you don’t have to pass a post-meal jiggle test. Some NFL (National Football League) team’s cheer coaches conduct “jiggle tests” to assess the firmness of the cheerleaders’ bodies during the season and if they don’t pass the test, they’re benched. They also on average make under $10/hour. With practices, appearances and games they put in 30-40 hour weeks during the season but most are required to have a full-time job elsewhere. Want more? Check out five things you never knew about NFL cheerleaders.
When Grandma asks you why you’re not married…for the 10th time…that day.
There’s something to be said about keeping your love life mysterious. Grammy nominated Lizzo is an open book but one mystery that still remains unsolved is who exactly is that Minnesota Vikings (NFL – National Football League) player she’s referring to in her song "Truth Hurts?" Well Stefon Diggs of the Vikings is determined to find out. The list could be long as the song was released in 2017 so that player may not even be on the team any longer.
Your aunt, who is obsessed with her dog, joins you for Thanksgiving lunch. And brings her dog that licks her plate at the table. Ew.
For the dog who doesn’t earn the title of best showing at the dinner table, there’s still hope to claim the title of “Best in Show.” Thanksgiving also doubles as the date of the National Dog Show. And just like your uncle who avoids anything with Cheez-Whiz, the judges have high standards too. They’re not only looking for a dog with a defined features, correct gait and fitness level but a happy dog that enjoys the competition so each dog’s expression and general demeanor receive extra scrutiny.
When being home for the holidays means you’re going to run into your old high school rival, but don’t worry, your mom has your back.
The game everyone is anticipating is this weekend between the biggest rivals in sports, the Ohio State Buckeyes – Michigan Wolverines. Why does this game matter so much? Well Ohio State is undefeated and holding the number two spot at the top of the college football rankings. No one would love to ruin their party more than Michigan. The Wolverines are led by a khaki-wearing coach Jim Harbaugh. (Seriously, he should work at Target, he loves khakis that much).
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The 5 Things You Never Knew About NFL Cheerleaders
Movin’ and shakin’ does not bring home the bacon.
Like most jobs, it’s not always what it’s cracked up to be.
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
[Transcript]
1. If you become an NFL (National Football League) cheerleader, you’re not doing it for the money. On average, they make under $10/hour and with practices, appearances and games they put in 30-40 hour weeks during the season. For the most part, they are not reimbursed for money spent maintaining their team defined appearance. (Think coloring their hair, uniforms, makeup, etc). Cheerleaders are often required to have another full-time job or be a full-time student. (Yes, being a mother does count as a full-time job in this case). There have been a multitude of lawsuits against teams over their pay and some teams have settled but in the case of the Buffalo Bills, they disbanded their cheer squad all together. SEEKING THE SILVER LINING
2. The NFL’s most famous pom-pom wielding gals, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, have a vigorous application process that includes a written test with questions like “Name a member of Trump’s cabinet? or “How many yards are assessed for a personal foul penalty?” In fact, a few years back ESPN talked 12 Cowboys players into taking the test and…they failed. BRAINS AND BEAUTY
3. The cheerleaders are required to maintain a certain look (see above) because if they don't they can be benched without pay for violating their contract. Some team’s cheer coaches conduct “jiggle tests” to assess the firmness of the cheerleader's bodies during the season and if they don’t pass the test, they’re benched. Others have a height to weight ratio requirement, with the intention of making sure the cheerleaders do not become too skinny. (NOT) BODY POSITIVE
4. While there are six NFL teams without cheerleaders - Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers – the Los Angeles Rams broke down barriers by having two male cheerleaders on their Super Bowl squad last season. SHARING THE SIDELINE
5. Hitting the film festival scene is “A Woman’s Work: The NFL’s Cheerleader Problem.” The film follows the league’s "general insensitivity toward women" and the lawsuits over low pay (crediting the NFL’s greed). It even covers some of the inner workings of the sport such as cheerleader handbooks that “patronizingly mansplain how to use cutlery and tampons.” It’s not streaming yet but can be seen on the film festival rotation. WATCH IT WITH POPCORN, IF THERE’S NO JIGGLE TEST AFTER
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Athletes Giving Back - The 5 Most Charitable Sports Stars
These athletes’ hearts are even bigger than their wallets.
If volunteering reduces depression and early mortality rates, these athletes are going to be the happiest centenarians around.
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
[Transcript]
1. International soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his cover model looks, supreme soccer skills and the big payday those bring in. While he’s not afraid to write a significant check, he’s also been known to roll up his sleeves, literally, as a frequent blood donor. The father of four has made a huge impact on his young fans all over the world. In one instance, he invited a Syrian orphan, who lost both his parents in the war, to a game and spent time with him. He has also paid for numerous children’s lifesaving medical treatments. His signature move is auctioning off coveted trophies he’s been awarded with the proceeds going to charity. INTERNATIONAL MAN OF GOOD
2. John Cena’s heart is bigger than his biceps. The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) wrestler’s mantra is “Never Give Up” and that’s what he’s told the countless Make-A-Wish kids he’s met with. There are so many moments to make you smile like the time he had a tea party with one Make-A-Wish visitor, while decked out in his full wrestling regalia. Because of the orchestrated nature of his sport, he’s even gone as far as to weave certain moves requested by the kids into his “performance” during a matchup. TINY UNIFORM, BIG HEART
3. Love him or hate him, LeBron James (NBA -National Basketball Association) has left the community better than he found it. His big project is the I Promise School in Akron, OH. The school serves 204 at-risk third and fourth graders and even though it’s only been open one year, they’re seeing positive results. The year-round school has seen growth among the 90% of students – who started the school year at least one year behind grade level – met or exceeded their expected growth in math and reading. CHANGING THE FUTURE
4. Newly engaged couple P.K. Subban (New Jersey Devils, NHL – National Hockey League) and Lindsey Vonn (former U.S. Olympic skier) have charity work in common. Both are a force for good on their own but together they just might change the world. She hosts an annual Strong Girls Camp, where she works to increase confidence in young girls.
Subban has left a mark for good in every community he’s touched. He gave $10 million to the Montreal Children's Hospital but his most impactful work might be his Blueline Buddies program. He provided tickets to each Nashville Predators game (his former team), one for an officer and one for a young person and their guests. He did this in hopes of creating unity between law enforcement and the community. We’ll see what he has in store for New Jersey when the season starts next month. POWER COUPLE
5. No act goes unnoticed and Virginia’s head men’s basketball coach made a selfless choice that will benefit so many others. After winning the first ever national championship for the school, coach Tony Bennett recently turned down a raise. In an unprecedented move, he asked that the money be given to his assistant coaches and the school. He also pledged $500,000 toward a career development program for current and former UVA basketball players. GOOD GUY
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The 5 Wackiest People To Own A Sports Team
Crazy rich owners.
And you thought the words eccentric and slightly crazy were only reserved for your family reunion. These guys take the cake.
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
[Transcript]
1. James Dolan is frequently referred to as the worst owner in sports. While his New York Knicks (NBA – National Basketball Association) are amongst the most valuable sports franchises, they haven’t made the playoffs in six years. Dolan is known for his hatred of the media, tossing fans and banning former players for criticizing him. He’s the head of the family business, Madison Square Garden Company, which owns, to name a few, the Knicks and New York Rangers (NHL – National Hockey League). He was recently sued by his shareholders for spending too much time out of the office with his band where he’s the lead singer, guitarist and kazoo player. JUGGLING A LOT OF BALLS
2. Mark Davis took over the Oakland Raiders (NFL - National Football League) from his controversial owner father Al Davis. The younger Davis is worth $500 million (the lowest net worth of any NFL owner), drives a 1997 Dodge Caravan, travels 400 miles to Palm Springs to get his hair cut (which resembles Jim Carrey in “Dumb and Dumber”) and eats at P.F. Chang’s every day. Luckily for him, there are plenty of Chang’s in Las Vegas where the team will be relocating in 2020. SO YOU‘RE SAYING THERE’S A CHANCE?
3. Taking over after his dad moved the Colts (NFL) from Baltimore to Indianapolis in the middle of the night, Jim Irsay has lived an unpredictable and fast life. He’s spent it partying (while picking up a few DUIs) and buying relics that some would admire (like John Lennon’s Sgt. Pepper Piano) and some unusual ones (like the founding documents for Alcoholics Anonymous at the cost of $2.4M). NOT A GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CARD
4. When researching Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), the words “he went bananas” appeared in far too many articles. The former Microsoft CEO and richest owner in the NBA's zest for life recently landed him the first meme of the NBA season during his very, very enthusiastic introduction of his team’s two new players. He’s screamed at games until he’s red in the face, danced at his courtside seats and his overall game day antics are better than watching the game itself. EXCITED IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT
5. Rounding out the list is Dallas Cowboys (NFL) owner Jerry Jones. When he bought the team 30 years ago for $140 million (now worth $5B), he promptly fired the only head coach Cowboys fans ever knew, Tom Landry. The team hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 1995 but surely that has nothing to do with the fact that he’s woven himself into personnel and on-the-field decisions, serving as the owner and the general manager. Not to be outdone, there’s his awkward take on contract negation discussions. Now he sails the seas on his new 357-foot-long, $250 Million super yacht. (The yacht is as long as a football field). SAILING TAKES ME AWAY