Athletes Who Are The Definition Of Dad Goals
#raddads
Photo: Instagram/dwyanewade
(Podcast length 4:56 mins)
Just because these dads have careers that put them in the limelight doesn’t mean they don't know which job is most important.
Transcript
1. Retired NBA (National Basketball Association) player Dwyane Wade grew up in a challenging environment which taught him to "lead with love" as he raises sons Zaire, 20, and Xavier, 8, and daughters Zaya, 15, and Kaavia, 3, and his nephew Dahveon Morris, 20. He and his wife actress, Gabrielle Union, rallied around Zaya, who came out as transgender in 2020. He refers to Zaya as the "bravest" person he knows for sharing her story, "knowing there's other kids that are going through similar things, and knowing that they do not get the love and attention and the respect from their parents." The couple is also very open about their journey with surrogacy with Kaavia after struggling to conceive. FAMILY IS EVERYTHING
2. Denver Broncos (NFL – National Football League) quarterback Russell Wilson never had a chance to celebrate his illustrious career with his dad. His dad passed away shortly after he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies (MLB – Major League Baseball), and he never had a chance to see him play in the NFL. Wilson, married to singer Ciara, is dad to 1-year-old son Win Harrison, daughter Sienna Princess, 5, and son Future Zahir, 8, whom Ciara shares with ex Future. Wilson and Ciara not only invest in their own family but in children in their community through their Why Not You Foundation, which fights poverty through education and empowering youth to lead with a "why not you" attitude. ROLE MODEL
3. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best soccer players of our generation, but the title that makes him most proud is "dad." Losing his father at a young age at 20 years old is a topic that brings him to tears. Ronaldo is the father to Cristiano Jr., 11, whose mother has not been revealed, five-year-old twins Evan and Mateo, born via surrogate, and Alana, 4, and one-month-old Bella with longtime girlfriend, Georgina Rodríguez. Ronaldo and Rodríguez lost Bella's infant's twin brother during childbirth. While he's used to being the rock, after the death of his son, soccer fans stepped up to support him, signing the song "You'll Never Walk Alone" during Ronaldo's first game back. RAISE 'EM UP
4. Most dads would do anything to help their kids achieve their dreams. Enter Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB). The beginning of last season wasn't going so well for Freeman. His son Charlie said, "Daddy, I'm gonna need you to start playing better so I can go to the All-Star Game and meet Fernando (Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres)." Freddie said, 'That's the only reason you want me to play better?" Charlie said yes, and the rest is history. Charlie had a chance to make his dreams come true by meeting Tatis and his other heroes at the 2021 MLB All-Star Game. Freddie then made his own dreams come true by winning the World Series with the Atlanta Braves. DREAM BIG
5. While you might disagree with his antics, LaVar Ball has taken a page from Kris Kardashian's book regarding his sons' successes. His undying belief in his offspring's abilities is second to none. Lonzo Ball was the second pick in the NBA Draft in 2017, Lamelo was the No. 3 pick in 2020 and LiAngelo is in the G League (the NBA's development league). Nobody markets like LaVar, but he's also not perfect, so we won't judge him on his Big Baller athletic apparel company and its' $800 shoes. ULTIMATE CHEERLEADER
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 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.
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5 Pride Month Sports Stories That We Love
Celebrating the world's LGBTQ communities.
Photo: Giphy
(Podcast length 5:38 mins)
Pride month honors the world's LGBTQ communities by coming together and celebrating the freedom to be themselves. To mark the occasion, here are five stories we love.
Transcript
1. Out athletes like Billie Jean King (tennis), Megan Rapinoe (soccer) and NBA (National Basketball Association) player Jason Collins are passionate advocates of the LGBTQ community. Collins was the first active male player in any of the four major men's pro sports leagues to come out as gay publicly. During his playing days, he wore the number 98 to protest the anti-gay hate murder crime in 1998. During his recent address to the graduates of Middlebury College, Collins expressed his appreciation for Billie Jean King and her advocacy that gave him courage. He also shared the life lessons he learned from team sports (including a quote from Ted Lasso) that made him "the big, beautiful, fabulous Black man" he is. WISE WORDS
2. Professional sports teams across the country will celebrate Pride Month with Pride Nights. Major League Baseball (MLB) is getting on board with teams wearing LGBTQ pride logos to celebrate Pride Night at the ballpark. The Los Angeles Dodgers saw record-breaking ticket sales during their Pride Night vs. the New York Mets. The Dodgers will then make history on June 11 when they join the San Francisco Giants to become the first two teams to wear Pride caps in the same game. While the Dodgers and Giants may be on board, some players, like those on the Tampa Bay Rays, opted out of wearing the Pride logos due to religious reasons. STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE
3. As evident with the record-breaking numbers of ticket sales for the Dodgers Pride Night, fans show their support with their wallets. For example, look no further than when Las Vegas Raiders player Carl Nassib came out in 2021, and his jersey instantly became the highest-selling jersey. But teams are also showing their financial support. Austin FC (MLS – Major League Soccer) will auction off their game-worn jerseys from their Pride Night (June 27). In addition, 20 percent of proceeds from the club's pride patch sales will be donated to the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce's Education Fund. BETTER TOGETHER
4. The Summer Olympics in Tokyo set a record with at least 186 LGBTQ athletes competing, which is more LGBTQ athletes than all the previous Summer Olympics combined. That group includes WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner who has been detained in Russia since February. Sharing the horrendous conditions he lived in, Trevor Reed, an American veteran who spent nearly three years detained in Russia before being released in April, joined athletes and advocates worldwide this month to call upon legislators and the White House to work faster to free Griner. Just last weekend, the Boston Celtics used their platform to support Griner by wearing "We Are BG" shirts during their warmups during the NBA Finals. FREEDOM
5. In early June Amazon released the trailer for their new show "A League Of Their Own," an adaptation of the 1992 favorite movie starring Madonna, Tom Hanks and Geena Davis. The show's creators highlighted the importance of bringing stories of queer joy and perseverance in a time when that really wasn't acceptable in society to the small screen. Racism will also be a central storyline of the show. The show premieres on Prime Video on August 12. MARK YOUR CALENDARS
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 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.
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Cute Kids, Soaring Ratings And Louis Vuitton Luggage - What You Need To Know About The NBA Finals
Where passion, grit and talent unite to make some darn good TV.
Photo: Markus Spiske on Unsplash
(Podcast length 4:23 mins)
The NBA Finals – where passion, grit and talent unite to make some darn good TV. If you haven't had a chance to watch a game this season, now's your chance.
Transcript
1. If it seems like the Golden State Warriors are always in the finals, well, they are. This is their sixth appearance in eight years, and they're seeking their fourth title. They're taking on the Boston Celtics, who you may have seen in "Winning Time" on HBO as one of the league's most storied franchises. The Celtics have 17 championships, securing their last title in the 2007-2008 season. ALL IN DUE TIME
2. Despite blowout games and a lack of fan-favorite names like LeBron James, the ratings for the playoffs have been high with recognizable franchises like the Warriors and Celtics. The playoffs saw a 23% boost in viewers from last year when Milwaukee Bucks beat the Phoenix Suns. The ratings are up 102% over the 2020 delayed postseason. MUST-SEE TV
3. The coaches are in a league of their own. First, the outspoken head coach of the Warriors, Steve Kerr. An NBA veteran player with eight championships (five as a player and three as a coach), Kerr most recently made headlines for his passionate press conference after the Uvalde school shooting. Kerr's father was shot in killed in Beirut in the 80s and has been a longtime advocate for gun control. Celtics head coach Ime Udoka patiently waited to get his first NBA coaching job, and his team is in the finals. You might recognize his partner, actress Nia Long in the stands. The two share a 10-year-old son. BOSS MEN
4. Speaking of kids, in 2015, Riley Curry stole the spotlight from her dad Steph Curry when she crashed a Western Conference Finals press conference. Now that Riley is nine, look for Deuce Tatum, the four-year-old son of Celtics star Jayson Tatum to carry the torch. Deuce is a fixture on the sidelines and in the postgame locker room. THEY GROW UP SO FAST
5. The league has had a longtime partnership with Tiffany & Co., the makers of the Larry O'Brien trophy, named after the league's third commissioner. This year's trophy received a bit of a facelift that includes the net and ball shifted forward, which is a direct reference to the NBA's focus on the future. The trophy comes with its own Louis Vuitton travel case. WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY
Bonus: Besides Steph Curry and Jayson Tatum, a few players to look out for include the Celtics Al Horford, 36, who has played in more playoff games than anyone in history without making the finals. That is until this year. Marcus Smart from the Celtics is the defensive player of the year, so maybe he'll help slow down Curry.
Two of Curry's teammates on the Warriors to watch for are the outspoken Draymond Green, who predicted these two teams would meet in the finals. Then there's Klay Thompson, who missed the last two seasons with an injury. Coincidentally, those are the seasons the Warriors didn't win it all.
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 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.
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Snake Pits, Chugging Milk And EDM Concerts - Why The Indy 500 Is Worth Watching
Drive full-speed into Memorial Day weekend’s long-standing tradition.
Photo: Instagram/indianapolismotorspeedway
(Podcast length 4:50 mins)
Start your summer by cruising with the windows down, the wind blowing through your hair and a smile on your face. That’s how Indy fans prefer their Memorial Day weekend too.
Transcript
1. Move over Gatorade; milk is the drink of the winners at the Indianapolis 500. The tradition that involves the winner swigging milk began in 1936 with Louis Meyer, whose go-to drink after a win was a refreshing glass of milk. An overjoyed milk executive spotted the act, and the rest is history. Each driver picks their milk choice in advance should they win. The options include whole, two percent or fat-free milk. MILK…IT QUENCHES YOUR THIRST, SAID NO ONE EVER
2. Leading the pack in this year's race is veteran IndyCar driver and team owner Sarah Fisher who will drive the official pace car. Fisher raced in nine Indy 500s, the most of any female driver, and set the record of 229.439 mph, making her the fastest woman in Indy 500 history. Other notable figures at this year's race include the man who will start it all by waving the green flag, actor Miles Teller. He plays Rooster in the new "Top Gun: Maverick." Broadway actor and musician Jordan Fisher will sing the national anthem. THE NEED FOR SPEED
3. Something you never thought you'd want to know, yet here we are. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the world's largest spectator facilities, with more than 250,000 permanent seats and average attendance at the Indy 500 of 300,000. The infield is 253 acres and has its own golf course. During the race, the infield is home to the Snake Pit, an EDM concert series. The music lineup for this year's Snake Pit includes Martin Garrix, deadmau5 and Steve Aoki. Did you know that Churchill Downs, Yankee Stadium, Rose Bowl Stadium, Vatican City, the Taj Mahal, the White House, Liberty Island and the Roman Colosseum could simultaneously fit inside the Speedway? THE BIG HOUSE
4. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is also known as the Brickyard. It's called the Brickyard because the track was made of bricks, which are still exposed under the asphalt at the start-finish line. It's a tradition for the drivers to kiss these bricks before the race. We cannot confirm or deny if that's where monkeypox comes from. YOUR KISS IS ON MY LIPS
5. The tradition of retired IndyCar and NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) driver Danica Patrick joining Mike Tirico in the broadcast booth will continue this year. One tradition that you won't see this year is the release of thousands of balloons during pre-race festivities. Organizers say it's an environmental decision, but other sports teams plan to discontinue similar traditions, blaming the helium shortage. The Indy 500 balloon release has been part of the race day tradition since 1947. UP IN THE AIR
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 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.
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Pitbull + $19 Beer + Tiger = The PGA Championship. What You Need To Know.
Your all-inclusive guide - your hole-in-one, if you will, to dive into golf chatter.
Photo: Instagram/pgachampionship
(Podcast length 4:21 mins)
Golfers have caddies to up their game and you have us. Let's dive into the PGA Championship.
Transcript
1. Yes, it's a little odd that the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) Championship is the only "championship" in sports in the middle of the season. It wasn't always that way. Citing weather and the inability to compete with the NFL season's allure, the tournament moved from the season's final Major to the spring. Technically speaking, it's not a championship but simply a tournament name. The Championship isn't just any 'ol tournament; players have to qualify by meeting criteria that includes, but are not limited to, winners of the last five U.S. Opens, Masters and Players Championships and the top 70 leaders in official money standings on the PGA Tour. MAKE IT HAPPEN
2. Initially slated for Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey, this year's Championship will be hosted at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, OK. Southern Hills was slated for the 2030 Championship, but the PGA moved the tournament to Tulsa after the capital insurrection on January 6, 2021. This will be the fifth Championship hosted by Southern Hills, the first golf course to host five PGA Championships. It is estimated that the Championship will have an approximate $120 million impact on the combined Tulsa and Oklahoma economies. FIFTH TIME’S A CHARM
3. One person happy about playing at Southern Hills is tournament favorite and Masters winner Scottie Scheffler, who says the course is his favorite. Scheffler will be competing in a field of 156 golfers, which includes Tiger Woods. Woods won the 2007 PGA Championship at Southern Hills. Not in the field of 156 is Phil Mickelson. Mickelson was slated to play but dropped out this week. Rumors suggest he dropped out to prep for playing in the new Saudi-backed league that he previously criticized. Mickelson has lost over $40 million in gambling over the past four years, so maybe he's upping his game to a league with higher earnings? ALL THE DRAMA
4. The biggest tournament in golf, The Masters, is known for its cheap concessions. We're talking $5 beer and $1.50 sandwiches. Well, the Championship is not The Masters, with fans taking to social media to complain about the $18 beers and $6 water. Fans can bring in one sealed bottle of water per person. (Also, the $18 beer is a 25 oz. beer, so there's that). GOOD TO THE LAST DROP
5. The cherry on top of an already exciting week of golf has a charitable element. Two of music's biggest names, Eric Church and Pitbull, will be headlining two separate private concerts to benefit local and PGA-related charities, including First Tee Tulsa, Tulsa Day Center, Tulsa Dream Center and PGA Reach. TIME OF OUR LIVES
BONUS: Let's get a bit technical. If you've ever watched golf, the broadcasters have talked about making "the cut." The cut means that not everyone makes it to the weekend. In the Championship, of the 156 players that start, only the lowest 70 scores will make it to play on Saturday and Sunday for a chance at the win.
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 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.
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The Best Commencement Speeches By Athletes
Time to be inspired by greatness.
(Podcast length 5:20 mins)
It’s that time of year – time to be inspired by greatness. Here are snippets of some of our favorite commencement speeches by outstanding athletes.
Transcript
Megan Rapinoe
World Cup winner and Olympic Gold medalist in soccer, Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020.
“We’re separated in ways we’ve never experienced and facing a world that will never be the same. So, I’m not going to ask you to come together. I’m going to ask you to demand better together. For many of you this year will be the first time you’ve cast a ballot…I know first-hand the power of a movement led by and for the next generation. You are that next generation. Take the torch and leave your mark. Put your stake in the ground and build the future that you want and you believe in and fight like hell to do it.” DO BETTER, BE BETTER
Magic Johnson
Hall of Fame NBA (National Basketball Association) Player, Commencement address at Michigan State University, 2010
“You can’t control if your boss will like you or not, but you can control if your boss respects you or not. And how can you do that? By being the first one to work and the last one to leave.” SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL
Billie Jean King
Hall of Fame tennis player, Commencement address at the University of Massachusetts, 2000
“Every ball that comes to me is a decision. Do I slice it, do I hit cross-court, do I hit topspin, do I hit sidespin, do I lob? What do I do? But I have to accept responsibility for that. And that’s where sports teaches us to put it on the line, so to speak, and live it. And here remember one thing. It’s everyone’s responsibility to lead, to honor, and to fight, for everyone’s basic rights, for equality.” STAND FOR OTHERS
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Hall of Fame NBA player, Commencement address at Washington University in St. Louis, 2021
“The other important lesson you should have learned by now is that in life you never stop graduating. Life is an endless series of graduations, during which you feel the same anxious uncertainty, that roiling feeling in your stomach that you experience as the roller coaster goes up, up, up, anticipating curling over the top and the sudden, face-yanking plummet...But they all have similar characteristics in common: they will challenge what you think you know about the world and about yourself. Each time you open that new door, you’re a different person from the last time. You’re graduating but you’re also evolving.” NEW DAY, NEW YOU
Sabrina Ionescu
No. 1 draft pick and WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) player, Commencement address at the University of Oregon, 2020
“Kobe taught me that dedication sees dreams come true. Give it everything you’ve got. This time is teaching us that we are not always in control. Don’t forget to live in the moment, but try to be the best you can. It is so important to control what you can, and just do your best. The rest will take care of itself…Kobe taught me that the most important thing is to inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do. Use your platform, big or small, we all have voices.” BETTER TOGETHER
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 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.
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Why The Kentucky Derby Is Our Favorite Event Of The Year
Always a sure bet for a good time. If not, there are mint juleps.
(Podcast length 5 mins)
Giddy up! Everyone's favorite excuse to wear big hats, eat and bet on horses takes place this Saturday, May 7, and here's why it's one of our favorite events.
Transcript
BLINK, AND YOU'LL MISS IT
The Derby is the "most exciting two minutes in sports" because that's how long it takes for the horses to run the 1¼ mile track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. It's the first race of the famed Triple Crown. It's followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. This year will be the first time since 2019 that there are no attendance restrictions at the Derby. SHORT AND SWEET
One person you won't see there in his signature blue-tinted glasses is six-time Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission stripped Baffert's horse in last year's Derby, Medina Spirit, of his Derby title in the wake of the horse testing positive for the banned race-day substance. Medina Spirit died unexpectedly last year.
THE NAMES OF THE HORSES
Try naming a horse – it's not as easy as it seems. There are so many rules set forth by the Jockey Club to abide by when naming a horse. Of course, nothing racy is approved, but names like Sexy Pork Chop, Hoochiecoochiemama, Bodacious Tatas and Hardawn (say it aloud) have slipped past the reviewers. WE'D PAY TO HEAR ANNOUNCERS READ THOSE NAMES ON TV
THE OUTFITS
The long-standing tradition of Derby hats started with the goal of having high-class spectators attend the race. The Derby hat as we know it didn't come around until the 1960s when fashion norms loosened up and big, bright and festive colors were socially acceptable. THE BEST CELEBRITY DERBY HATS
PS - If you're attending a Derby party and need something to wear, check our friend Amy Ann over at Straight A Style for some Derby dress ideas.
PLACE YOUR BETS
The horses in the Derby are all three-year-old males. You'll never see a horse win the Derby twice because they're only allowed to race when they're three, and that's it. Keep an eye on the favorite in the Derby, Zandon. Then there's Crown Pride hoping to achieve the title of Japan's first winner of a Triple Crown race. Then there’s the horse Cyberknife, whose name comes from a cancer treatment that helped his owner beat prostate cancer. WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Win, place, show? Betting on the Derby can be confusing, so here's our betting on horses 101.
LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS (HORSES)
Ever wonder how these high-priced horses get from one race to another? Air Horse One. No, really. They fly on a Boeing 727 cargo plane nicknamed "Air Horse One." It's equipped with stalls built around the horse and even inflight snacks. Tex Sutton Equine Air transports about 2,500 horses per year. AND YOU THOUGHT BUSINESS CLASS WAS EXPENSIVE.
COCKTAILS GALORE
The mint julep has been the official cocktail of the Derby since 1938. The drink is made with Woodford Reserve bourbon (the official sponsor of this year's event). Over 120,000 juleps are sold every year at the Derby on a typical year. This year, Woodford Reserve is selling special mint julep cups. Of the 148 cups, 18 are gold and retail for $2,500, and 130 are silver and retail for $1,000, with sales benefitting a non-profit for retired thoroughbred horses. BOTTOMS UP
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 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.
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How the NFL Draft Became A Pop Culture Phenomenon
There’s something for everyone, even the non-sports fan.
Photo: Instagram/nfldraft
(Podcast length 4:40 mins)
From features on the “Today Show” to concerts and red carpets, the NFL Draft has come a long way since first being televised in 1980. Here's what you need to know.
Transcript
1. Until a few years ago, the draft had always been in New York. This year is the first time Las Vegas has hosted the draft (they were supposed to host it in 2020), and they're blowing out all the stops for the expected 600,000 fans. As part of the opening festivities on day one of the draft, prospects will walk a floating red carpet in the Bellagio fountains. Weezer, Ice Cube and Marshmello will all take to the stage separately for the 2022 NFL Draft Concert Series. ONLY IN VEGAS
2. Typically quarterbacks dominate the first pick but not this year. The worst team in the league last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars, have the No. 1 pick for the second year in a row. Projections have a defensive player as the first draft pick, an honor that seems to go to a quarterback more often than not. PICK ME
3. A few notable players to watch for include Colorado State star Trey McBride, who is poised to become the first NFL player with same-sex parents. Then there's Malik Willis, quarterback from Liberty, who made headlines for donating gear right out of his suitcase to a homeless woman when he was in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine. (Combine is the 'tryout' for draft prospects). Willis didn't know, but a fan recognized him and caught his act of kindness on video. He could be the first quarterback selected in the draft. RAISED 'EM RIGHT
4. 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 first-round draft picks' names. In an attempt to quiet the boos for Goodell, the league introduced notable guest pickers. They include kids from Make-A-Wish and fans from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the National Gay Flag Football League and more. The first special guest at the podium is Sam Prince, who is fulfilling his Make-A-Wish request when he announces pick No. 5 on behalf of the New York Giants. THE MORE THE MERRIER
5. The Jags may have the first selection, but it's all about the last pick, at least to some. Mr. Irrelevant is the title given to pick No. 262, the last person drafted. Why irrelevant? Because of the multitude of players chosen before them, they are not likely to make the team roster. Making a negative into a positive, one Mr. Irrelevant established Irrelevant Week, celebrating that last player. The week, which has turned into a big event with a charitable element, preaches that it's not a negative to be picked last in the NFL Draft; instead, it's an honor to be drafted at all. FINDING THE SILVER LINING
The NFL Draft begins on Thursday in Las Vegas, and it runs through Saturday.
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 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.
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The Sports World Is Upping Its Game When It Comes To Mother Earth
The sports world is doing more than ditching the hot dogs for kale to save the planet.
(Podcast length 4:49 mins)
Kermit the Frog said, "it isn’t easy being green," but in the world of sports, lofty goals come true, and rivals unite all in the name of Mother Earth. And not just on Earth Day.
Transcript
1. The Forest Green Rovers, a soccer team from Western England, is the “greenest football club” (or soccer to Americans) in the world. They claim the title of the world's only vegan football club. Since 2015, there have been no animal products for sale in the stadium. Some players eat non-vegan outside of the stadium (and there are paparazzi photos to prove it), but some have adopted the vegan lifestyle. Other ways they're helping to save the planet include a field free of chemical fertilizers, using reusable energy and a "mow-bot," a GPS-directed solar-powered lawnmower. NO MEAT PIES FOR YOU
2. The name says it all - Climate Pledge Arena. The home to the Seattle Kraken (NHL – National Hockey League) and the Seattle Storm (WNBA – Women's National Basketball Association) uses no fossil fuel consumption for daily use. It also has a "rain to rink" system utilizing rainwater to resurface the ice along with waterless urinals and ultra-efficient showers. By 2024, they plan to have no single-use plastics in the arena. The price of being named the first International Living Future Institute certified zero carbon arena in the world? $1.5 billion, all from private funding. MAMA EARTH IS SO PROUD
3. There's a new league in town – the National Recycling League. Anheuser-Busch is pulling together its sports team partners in the NFL (National Football League) and MLB (Major League Baseball) to combat the lack of recycling, including the estimated 51 million plastic cups used every year at sporting events. Recycling Hawkers, or volunteers from Keep America Beautiful, will be deployed in stadiums to collect cups, cans and bottles to ensure they're recycled properly. Ten MLB teams have already signed on to be inaugural members of the "league." WHEN IN ROME
4. Pocono Motor Speedway's (NASCAR - National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) green efforts benefit the earth and you. The raceway runs entirely 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 and the anti-fatigue mat in your kitchen or playgrounds. WHERE THE RUBBER HITS THE ROAD
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 networking event switches to sports.
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Batter Up! The 5 Things You Need To Know About The MLB Season
Is there anything better than ballpark food and a cold beer? You’re about to find out.
(Podcast length 4:45 mins)
Take me out to the ballgame! Some might say that baseball is a slow, drawn-out game. That’s only true if you don’t know what to watch for. Here’s how to talk shop and of course, the best ballpark foods to eat along the way.
Transcript
1. The Atlanta Braves are the defending World Series Champions, and they have a new $151 burger to commemorate it. (No, that's not a typo). The World Champions Burger is a half-pound Waygu beef burger on a toasted, Irish-buttered brioche bun. The burger is topped with cage-free pan-fried eggs, gold-leaf-wrapped Hudson Valley foie gras, grilled cold water lobster tail, heirloom tomato, garden-fresh Bibb lettuce, Tillamook cheddar cheese and truffle aioli. DON’T TALK WITH YOUR MOUTH FULL
In a big move, we should also note that one of the Braves critical players in their World Series win, Freddie Freeman, left the Braves to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, which boasts four former MVPs.
2. Some might say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but after 50 years, there will be a designated hitter (DH) in both leagues. It used only to be an American League thing, and now both leagues will have a player who hits for the pitcher and does not play a defensive position. BATTER UP
3. Since food is our love language, let's talk more about what you can expect at the concession stands this season around the country, like Cracker Jill. Cracker Jack has unveiled baseball's favorite snack with female representation, Cracker Jill. The Texas Rangers are serving up an alligator corn dog but maybe the most unique item on any menu is the Kansas City Royals' BBQ Reese's Sandwich. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
4. While the TV broadcasts have spiced things up by doing in-game interviews with players while they're on the field, some new competition has arrived to give them a run for their money. AppleTV will stream Friday Night Baseball, Peacock will host Sunday morning games, and Amazon Prime is taking over. The New York Yankees, which notably have their own TV network, will play 21 games on Amazon Prime. MONEY TALKS
5. If you're watching a game, you might see a small device used by the catchers – PitchCom. The device is meant to stop pitch stealing. It is an electronic device that allows catchers to press buttons to signal the pitch to a pitcher and select defenders through a headset (typically shortstop/centerfield). This device also speeds up the game as you don't have to wait for pitches to be called. FULL SPEED AHEAD
Note: Even though the season starts a week later than planned due to labor negotiations, teams will still play an entire 162-game season. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred tried to extend an olive branch to the players after a 99-day bitter labor dispute by giving players Bose headphones and a note of appreciation. WORTH A SHOT
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 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.
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Why Everyone Loves The Masters (And You Should Too)
How ‘bout them azaleas?
(Podcast length 4:40 mins)
While golf seems so unapproachable with uptight rules and golf claps, the Masters has some fun quirks. Here’s what to say, what not to do and why a green blazer is a coveted fashion statement.
Transcript
1. The Masters is the only one of the four Major tournaments in the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) that doesn't change locations - it's always at Augusta National Golf Course. Becoming a member of this iconic course is somewhat of a mystery. There are no criteria listed for membership, and the list of members is not public. Ron Townsend was named the first Black member in 1990, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice became the first woman member in 2012. (There are now only six women members). TEEING OFF
2. A longtime broadcast partner of the tournament, CBS, admitted they edit in melodic bird sounds during the telecast to enhance the programming and make it feel more like a "natural paradise," even though spectators have noted the lack of birds on the course. This year's tournament coverage is split between CBS and ESPN, so tune in to see if the networks are consistent with their nature sounds. TWEET TWEET
3. The famed Champions Dinner happens on Tuesday evening before the tournament. It's tradition for the previous winner to select the menu for the celebrated feast between all the former Masters winners. The menu selected by last year's winner and the first Japanese player to ever win The Masters, Hideki Matsuyama, will make you hungry. The menu included sushi, miso glazed black cod, Miyazaki Wagyu and a Japanese strawberry shortcake. Still, it has nothing on the Masters' cheap concessions of $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches and a $5 beer. Sadly for everyone at Augusta, supply chain shortages mean no famed Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwiches will be available this year. GREAT FOOD, GREAT COMPANY
4. The biggest story to watch on the course is who's there and who's not. After suffering devastating injuries from a car crash, Tiger Woods is back, shocking everyone. Woods said he’s ready to play for his sixth green jacket and no, he will not be using a golf cart. Three-time champion Phil Mickelson will miss The Masters for the first time since 1994 due to his controversial comments about Saudi Arabia and the Saudi-based golf league. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
5. The famed green jacket became a tradition in 1949. Members of the club decided on the color green so fans in attendance at the tournament could spot them if they had questions. The Masters winner also receives a green jacket. The winner is allowed to have the green jacket for one calendar year. After that year, they're only permitted to wear it when they're on the grounds of Augusta. NO TAKE-BACKS
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 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.
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Why The Final Four Is Worth Watching
From colorful characters to colorful hair, on-court performance aside, here’s why the Final Four is worth watching.
(Podcast length 5 mins)
From colorful characters to colorful hair, on-court performance aside, here’s why the Final Four is worth watching.
Transcript
1. The NCAA may have undervalued Women’s March Madness in the past, but sponsors did not. Companies like Adidas, Apple and Target have bought up airtime during this year’s women’s tourney, selling out ad inventory. This is the first year that the NCAA has guaranteed that the women’s teams will get the same perks as the men. Such extras include tournament gifts and access to a family lounge at their hotels to have a private place to visit with their families and not in the hotel lobby. RAISE THE BAR
2. The men’s tournament has a massive eight-year TV deal with CBS and Turner, worth $8.8 billion. The Kaplan report found that the women’s tournament would likely fetch annual rights payments between $81 million- $112 million. With sold-out commercial time and increased viewer numbers, you’d think this would be a no-brainer, but they’ve never had a chance to try. Why? Women’s March Madness is part of a package with 28 other college championships like wrestling and gymnastics. (ESPN currently pays $34 million a year for that championship package, which runs until 2024). ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE
3. UConn’s Paige Bueckers, probably the most recognized player in either of the tournaments, is coming home to her home state of Minnesota as Minneapolis is hosting the women’s Final Four and championship game. Also in Minneapolis are defending champions Stanford (No. 1), Louisville (No. 1) and South Carolina (No. 1). UConn (No. 2) is the lowest-seeded team to play in the Final Four, the school’s 14th straight appearance. There is so much talent on the floor, but one who stands out, thanks to her always colorful hair, is South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston. Boston has colored her hair every color of the rainbow, including rainbow. She couldn’t decide, so she had her hairstylist pick out her recent two colors. HOW IT’S DONE
4. The men’s Final Four in New Orleans comes down to four blue-blooded teams. (Remember when we told you to pick teams with the color blue as their primary uniform color)? Dominating the talk around the Men’s Final Four is Coach K – Mike Krzyzewski - Duke’s 75-year-old head coach who is coaching in his last March Madness. If you like cheering for an underdog, Villanova (No. 2) and Kansas (No. 1) “only” have three national championship titles each. In contrast, Duke (No. 2) has five under its belt, and North Carolina (No. 8) has six championships. Last year’s champion, Baylor, lost earlier in the tournament to North Carolina. UP YOUR GAME
5. Making it to this level of the tournament is a big deal for the teams, but in the case of South Carolina’s women’s head coach Dawn Staley, there was a $200,000 bonus on the line for making it to the Final Four. Salaries for women’s head coaches have been on the uptick in college, with Staley earning $900,000 more a year than the former player and first-year head coach of the North Carolina men’s team Hubert Davis. GAME ON
PS: If you need more about March Madness, check out our Guide to March Madness for the background on the tournament and more of what you need to know.
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 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.
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And The Oscar Goes To...
The most celebrated sports movies that you know and love.
Photo: Instagram/theacademy
(Podcast length 4 mins)
King Richard will represent the sports world when the Oscars air on Sunday night. If it wins, the movie, nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture and a Best Actor nomination for Will Smith, is in good company with these Oscar-award-winning sports movies.
Transcript
Million Dollar Baby (2004) This movie about a middle-class female boxer who forges a life-changing bond with her trainer is tied for the most celebrated film on our list. The movie took home Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actress (Hilary Swank), Best Director (Clint Eastwood) and Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman). The other flick with four wins? Chariots of Fire. GIRL ON FIRE
Rocky (1976) We all remember the iconic line of “Yo Adrian” and Sylvester Stallone’s run up the steps. Still, while the actors and their lines are what we remember, the movie took home the Best Picture, Best Director and Best Film Editing awards. A big fat TKO for Rocky and Adrian. WE’LL STILL NEVER EAT A RAW EGG FOR BREAKFAST
Jerry Maguire (1996) Tom Cruise may have yelled “show me the money” in a story about a sports agent down on his luck, but Cuba Gooding Jr. showed them how it was done as he received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. OSCAR, YOU COMPLETE ME
The Blind Side (2009) Sandra Bullock took home her first Oscar for her role as a pushy mom who takes in a homeless teen and helps to harness his talents to turn him into a football powerhouse. The film is based on the true story of Michael Oher, who became a college football sensation and an NFL (National Football League) player. DREAMS DO COME TRUE
Ford vs. Ferrari (2019) The movie about the 24 hours Le Mans race pitted Christian Bale as Ken Miles and Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby against each other. The movie was nominated for four Academy Awards that included Best Picture and took home two trophies for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Editing. Arguably one of the best racing movies ever, the movie lost to Parasite for Best Picture. No racing-themed film has ever won Best Picture. SO YOU’RE SAYING THERE’S A CHANCE?
Honorable mentions: Chariots of Fire won four Academy Awards, including one for its inspiring musical score. Kobe Bryant won for his animated short, Dear Basketball. Bryant said that his win “felt better than winning a championship.” THE TROPHY ISN’T AS COOL
PS: If you prefer to watch March Madness basketball over the Academy Awards, check out our Guide to March Madness for the background on the tournament and more of what you need to know.
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 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.
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Podcast: Your Guide To March Madness Success
Hint: you don’t have to know anything about basketball
(Podcast length 3:54 mins)
You might care less about March Madness, but it's undoubtedly going to be the hot topic of conversation of the next few weeks. Here's how you can level the playing field and join the conversation. (Hint: you don't have to know anything about basketball).
Transcript
1. This is the first time the women's tournament has been allowed to use the trademarked term "March Madness" on its marketing and branding. Keep an eye on Haley Jones of Stanford, who is having a great season. She and her team are defending national champions, where she was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player. GIRL POWER
2. The men's bracket is wide open with favorites like No. 1 ranked Gonzaga, Arizona, Kansas and Baylor, but experts disagree on who the winner could be. (Baylor won last year). Arguably the best player in the country is 7'0" Gonzaga freshman Chet Holmgren. His on-the-court skills are notable but keep an eye out for his 7-foot father in the stands. Papa Holmgren films all of his son's games on an old-school camcorder from the bleachers. TUNE IN
3. The NCAA tournament had become the second most popular sporting event amongst gamblers in the sportsbooks, office pools or online. (Super Bowl is the most popular). When choosing your bracket in this single-elimination tournament, remember that the most likely upset is a No. 12 team over a No. 5. A No. 16 team has upset a No. 1 seeded team once in the tournament's history. CHOOSE WISELY
4. Many companies have turned the tournament into a team-building opportunity with various contests. Take Warren Buffet and his $1 million a year for life promise for an employee who picks a perfect bracket in the first round. The chances of picking a completely perfect bracket? 1 in 9.2 quintillions. You're better off basing your retirement on winning the lottery. YOU CAN BET ON IT
5. Did you know that vasectomies increase during March Madness because it's doctor's orders to be a couch potato, so men might as well heal while watching basketball? Speaking of feeling blue, the color might be the ticket to winning. Since 2004, the only champions that won it all without having blue as their primary uniform color are Louisville and Baylor. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
Check out our Guide to March Madness for the background on the tournament and more of what you need to know.
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 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.
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The 5 Things To Know To Cheer On The US Winter Paralympic Team
Awe-inspiring competition
Photo: Instagram/usparaalpineski
(Podcast length 4:29 mins)
We are in the midst of the always inspiring and motivating Winter Paralympic Games. If you're wondering the story behind the name of the Games, it's derived from the Greek preposition "para" (beside or alongside). The Paralympic Games exist side-by-side with the Olympic Games as the Games take place in the exact location as the Winter Olympics). These athletes have amazing stories to share, so here's a little bit more about what you can expect.
Transcript
1. The Winter Paralympics debuted in 1976 in Sweden, 16 years after the first Summer Paralympic Games. Ten different impairments determine if an athlete is eligible to compete in the Paralympics: impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, limb deficiency, leg length difference, short stature, muscle tension, uncoordinated movement, involuntary movements, vision impairment and intellectual impairment. RESILIENCE IN MOTION
2. US Paralympic winter sports athletes will receive the same medal bonus as their Olympian counterparts for the first time. Now Paralympians earn $37,500 for a gold medal, $22,500 for silver and $15,000 for bronze, increasing their payout by as much as 400 percent. NOW WE'RE TALKING
3. Around 564 athletes from 46 nations are competing across 78 medal events. These Games are smaller than the Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, which boasted 4,400 athletes. You won't see any Russian and Belarusian athletes because the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) banned both countries for their role in the war in Ukraine. But you will see the oldest athlete in Beijing, 66-year-old Pam Wilson, make her Paralympic debut in wheelchair curling. The youngest is 15-year-old vision-impaired alpine skier Elina Stary. BETTER TOGETHER
4. Flying down the slopes are skiers like Danelle Umstead from the US, who is visually impaired and relies on her husband Rob to be her guide. You won't see that the couple uses Bluetooth to communicate on the slopes, where Rob calls out commands and describes the environment so Danelle can anticipate what's coming. SO DETERMINED
5. There are so many athletes to highlight, but one to keep an eye on is Summer and Winter Paralympic star, Oksana Masters. The Ukrainian-born American held 12 Paralympic medals heading into the Games, and she landed the first gold medal for the US in Beijing. There is a host of military athletes competing this year for Team USA, including David Williams (Army/alpine skiing), Jen Lee (Army/sled hockey), Tyler Burdick (Navy/Snowboarding) and Josh Sweeney (Marines/Nordic skiing). THANK YOU
PS: If you want to know more, the Paralympics' official Instagram account has posted some excellent educational posts alongside the coverage of the games. It's a perfect account to follow for all of the action and to learn a little bit along the way.
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 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.
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Women Who Have Changed The Sports World For The Better
Standing on the shoulders of those who came before us.
Photo: Instagram/billiejeanking
(Podcast length 5:13 mins)
These legends have made sports more accessible to the next generation.
Transcript
1. Thanks to athletes like Simone Biles (gymnastics) and Naomi Osaka (tennis), mental health became a dinner table topic. Osaka withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon to focus on her well-being. But the world saw just how the pressure impacted an athlete when Simone Biles battled the "twisties" in the Summer Olympics. She put her safety and her team first, withdrawing from the Olympic women's gymnastics all-around competition. BRAINS > BRAWN
2. Billie Jean King has advocated for women's sports for more than five decades. King was a part of the Original 9, a group of trailblazing women who put their tennis careers on hold to push for equal pay among men and women. Did you know that she was the first woman in sports history to win $100,000 in a single year? King continues her advocacy work and frequently uses her social media to promote and celebrate women breaking the glass ceiling. Most recently, she conducted the coin toss ahead of the 2022 Super Bowl to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which provides equal funding for men and women at high schools, colleges and universities. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN
3. Track and field star Allyson Felix is the most decorated US track and field athlete in history, winning 11 Olympic medals, but it's what she did off the track that has shaped her legacy. The formerly Nike-sponsored athlete took on the company, saying that she would be financially penalized for having a child per her contract. (Her daughter was born via emergency c-section in 2018). She was so fed up with NIKE’s lack of support for female athletes that she left NIKE for Athleta. (Simone Biles is also an Athleta sponsored athlete). Felix isn't the only athlete worried about being dropped for having a child – it's a far too common practice. NIKE has since changed its performance-related reduction policies for its pregnant athletes. A FORCE FOR CHANGE
4. Move over Jerry Maguire; Nicole Lynn is here. Lynn, 33, became the first black woman to represent a top-five NFL (National Football League) draft pick. Before the draft, she took to the internet to figure out what other women agents have worn and found no inspiration because only two women have ever represented players in the draft previously. Lynn continues to grow her roster of clients and has even written a book to inspire women to become their most effective advocates. In addition, Lynn serves as the President of Football Operations for Klutch Sports Group, led by basketball agent Rich Paul (aka Adele's beau). TAKE YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE
5. Doris Burke has long inspired the next generation of sports broadcasters. Burke is the first woman to be awarded the Curt Gowdy Media Award by the Basketball Hall of Fame. She is also the first woman to be a full-time NBA TV analyst on ESPN and ABC and the first woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA (National Basketball Association) Finals on network television or radio broadcast. She paved the way for so many in the broadcast world, like Jessica Mendoza. Medoza was the first woman to have a full-time baseball analyst role and call a World Series game on a national broadcast. STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS
6. Our last honor goes to the loudest voices of this generation. The US Women’s National Team has four World Cup titles and six Olympic medals (four gold). In 2019, they filed a class-action lawsuit against US Soccer seeking equal pay and working conditions. In February 2022, the two finally reached a historic agreement for women's soccer and women's sports. The agreement states that US Soccer will pay the US women's and men's national teams an equal pay rate for all friendlies and tournaments, including the World Cup. US Soccer will also pay $22 million to the players included in the case as well as an "additional $2 million into an account to benefit the USWNT players in their post-career goals and charitable efforts related to women's and girls' soccer." STICK TO YOUR GUNS
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 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.
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Cringeworthy Freak Accidents That Occurred During An Athletic Competition
Ouch.
Photo: Instagram/remilindholm
(Podcast length 4:12 mins)
After so many of you sent notes were about Remi Lindholm's frozen member during the Beijing Olympics, that got us thinking what other freak accidents and injuries have happened during athletic competitions? The cringeworthy answers are below.
These aren't our typical stories that you can drop into casual conversation, so we're impressed if you can figure that out.
Transcript
1. Finnish cross country skier Remi Lindholm had a less than gold medal experience at the Beijing Olympics. His race, the men's 50km mass start cross country skiing, was reduced to 30km to accommodate the real feel temp of -26 degrees. Well, his penis froze during the race. He said it was a painful experience but note that this isn't the first time this has happened to him. DRESS IN LAYERS?
2. Paulo Diogo, a member of the Swiss football (i.e., soccer) club, Servette FC, celebrated his goal by jumping into the crowd Lambeau Leap style. On his way, he caught his wedding ring in the fence, and the force ripped off the top of Diogo's finger. To make matters worse, the referees gave him a penalty for excessive celebration. A CELEBRATION YOU'LL NEVER FORGET
3. Could rugby players be the toughest athletes in the world? Wayne Shelford's story makes a good contest for the title. At the beginning of a game, Shelford was stuck at the bottom of a ruck (essentially a pile on over the ball) where he lost four teeth and, thanks to a competitor's cleat, a large tear to his scrotum that exposed the contents. Shelford was stitched up on the sideline and continued to play until the second half. He was hit in the head and left the game with a concussion. TALK ABOUT A BAD DAY
4. During the Rio Summer Olympics, French race walker Yohann Diniz was 35km into his 50km race when he collapsed. The cause, "intestinal problems" that started midrace. As the cameras showed, Diniz was suffering from a severe case of diarrhea. He eventually got up and completed the race, finishing in eighth place. GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS
5. Slovenian biathlete Jakov Fak, who competed in five different events in Beijing, almost lost his trigger finger. During a World Cup event, Fak suffered third-degree frostbite on his trigger finger, causing it to turn black. He's lucky as fourth-degree frostbite means the finger would be amputated immediately. Thanks to daily treatments in a hyperbaric chamber, he recovered, but not before the finger lost all of its skin. *SWITCHES TO SUMMER OLYMPICS STAT
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 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.
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What Olympians Do For Their Day Jobs
Back to reality
(Podcast length 4:21 mins)
You'd think being an Olympic-caliber athlete is a full-time job, but that's not the case for most Olympians. With the Olympics wrapping up, here's what your favorite athletes will return home to do.
Transcript
Before we get started, remember US athletes do not get paid to compete in the Olympics. They receive a medal bonus, which maxes out at $37,500 for a gold medal, and can earn money through sponsorships or other benefits, but those latter avenues are not something all athletes can achieve.
1. Hilary Knight plays hockey at the Olympic level and also for her day job. Knight is one of the most accomplished women's hockey players in US history. The four-time Olympian ranks second all-time in Olympic points (26) for Team USA and plays in the PWHPA (Professional Women's Hockey Players Association) when she's not at the Olympics. The league, which has been around since 2019, consists of 125 athletes working together to build a sustainable league that will showcase their talent. SEE IT. BE IT.
2. If you thought flying down a mountain on skis wearing a helmet and some Lycra sounded hard, try making everyone's favorite food. Ryan Cochran-Siegle won a silver in Beijing, and now he'll return to his family's maple syrup farm in Vermont. But the syrup isn't the only thing that runs in the family. Ryan's mom, Barbara Ann Cochran, took home a gold medal for the women's slalom for Team USA in 1972. A SWEET SCENARIO
3. They're a force on the ice, but curling vice skips American Nina Roth and Brit Vicky Wright have spent two years battling another enemy, COVID. During the pandemic, the two served as hospital nurses while training for their dream of Olympic gold. TRUE HEROES
4. Tabitha Peterson had her priorities straight, first pharmacy school and then the Olympics. The pharmacist and curling team member graduated pharmacy school in 2015 and headed to her first Olympic Games in 2018. Peterson said she likes her career because she can work more hours in the summer and less in the winter to focus on curling. WORK TO PLAY
5. A program that serves those who represent the US in more than one way is the World Class Athlete Program. The US Army's program allows top-ranked Soldier-athletes to perform at the international level while also serving their nation in the military. They train with the Olympics and Paralympics in their sights. Look for athletes like Army Sgt. Emily Sweeney (women's luge), Specialist Jasper Good (Nordic Combined), Army Specialist Frank Del Duca (two-person bobsled) and Specialist Benjamin Loomis (Nordic Combined) are all members of the program. WE SALUTE YOU
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 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.
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The 5 Things You Need To Know About The Super Bowl
Super Bowl Sunday - arguably the best holiday of the year.
(Podcast length 5:13 mins)
Talk sports confidently leading up to the battle of the gameday buffet, commercials and the game between Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals with your all-inclusive Super Bowl Guide.
Transcript
1. Let's talk about This year's halftime show is every millennial's dream featuring five rap and R&B stars: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar. Blige is the only one of these artists who has performed at the Super Bowl before (2001). Combined, the five performers have 43 Grammys and 21 Billboard No. 1 albums. Did you know that halftime performers are not paid for their performance? The NFL pays the production costs, but there's no appearance fee.
2. The price of a Super Bowl commercial increased this year with NBC charging $6.5 million for a 30-second spot, up from the $5.5 million CBS fetched for last year's game. This year, newcomers to the Super Bowl commercials include crypto.com and wholesale chain Sam's Club, which Wal-Mart owns. Now you just have to be prepared to explain to your Aunt Laudie what cryptocurrency is.
Want a sneak peek into the 2022 Super Bowl commercials? Here you go.
3. After Thanksgiving, the Super Bowl is the second-highest calorie intake day in America. The average person will consume 11,000 calories - more than four and a half times the recommended daily calorie intake.
As a country, here's what we're eating, by the numbers:
1.3 billion chicken wings (the most popular Super Bowl food)
325 million gallons of beer (Coors Light is the most popular, followed by Miller Lite and Bud Light)
200 million pounds of avocados
88 million pounds of cheese
2 million pizzas
Here are 15 party-pleasing recipes for your Super Bowl party.
4. The Super Bowl is known for its fun prop bets, bets on individual things that will happen throughout the game. Here are some popular prop bets in Super Bowl:
The over/under of the length of country singer Mickey Guyton's national anthem
Who will win the opening coin toss?
What color is the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach?
Want to place your bets? Check out our Sports Betting 101.
5. What about the teams taking the field? Rams coach Sean McVay and Bengals coach Zac Taylor are the youngest head coaches ever to meet in the Super Bowl. It's been 33 years since the Bengals played in the Super Bowl. The Rams played in the Super Bowl in 2019 when they lost to the Patriots. Of the last 16 champions, 13 of those teams were wearing white jerseys. The Bengals elected to wear their black jerseys.
Did you see that Cincinnati Public Schools will be closed on Monday after Super Bowl so everyone can support their team? Now, if we could only get the Super Bowl moved to a Saturday, so we didn't have to get up for work the next day…
How to watch:
Location: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers
Watch: Sunday, February 13, 2022 - kickoff time for the Super Bowl is 3:30 pm PT/6:30 pm ET. You can watch on NBC, Peacock or with a live TV streaming subscription on services like Hulu and YouTube.
With the game kicking off around 6:30 pm ET, you can estimate that halftime will be around 8 pm ET.
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 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.
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What You Need To Know Ahead Of The Winter Olympics
Let the games begin.
(Podcast length 6:06 mins)
The athletes to watch for and the storylines that’ll have everyone buzzing both here at home and in Beijing.
Transcript
1. Only six months after the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympics will kick off on Friday, February 4 and run through February 20. Look for a few events to take place before the Opening Ceremony on the 4th. There will be 3,000 athletes taking over Beijing and surrounding areas to compete in 15 sports in 109 medal events. Beijing is the first city to host both the Winter and Summer Olympics. LET THE GAMES BEGIN
2. Like the Summer Olympics, you will see families of the Olympians cheering from their couches just like the rest of us. Thanks to COVID, the only fans able to attend any of the events come from the host nation. One more reason to hit the couch (or throw a party), it's the first time the Super Bowl and the Olympics have run at the same time, and NBC will air both. Ad time is "nearly sold out" for both events, of which the Super Bowl is charging $6.5 million. According to NBC Universal, some sponsors support both events, namely streaming services. THE MORE THE MERRIER
3. Athletes like snowboarders Shaun White and Chloe Kim will be returning to the Winter Games. White will be back for his fourth and final Olympics. Keep an eye on US speed skater Brittany Bowe who gave up her spot in the 500m race after her competitor, who was ranked No. 1, fell during the Olympic qualifier. Bowe will compete in the 1000m, 1500m and even the 500m after the US picked up an extra spot after some countries returned their quota spots for the event. Bowe will be one of the flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony. KARMA
For more on the Team USA athletes to follow, click here.
4. Artificial snow is a standard fixture at the Winter Olympics as host countries struggle to get enough natural snowfall to hold the event. Beijing will be the first host to rely entirely on artificial snow. For the first time in the history of the Games, they will also be using carbon dioxide in ice-making at four of their ice sports competition and training venues. By not using the traditional route of Freon, the new process will help reduce carbon emissions equal to 3,900 cars per year and cut emissions from ice-making to nearly zero. Organizers would have to plant about 1.2 million trees to achieve a similar carbon reduction. EARNING GOLD BY GOING GREEN
5. Athletes on Team USA have been encouraged to use burner phones in China due to cyber security and surveillance risks. Athletes have also been warned about speaking out about China's treatment of the Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups. These human rights violations caused the US, Japan, Britain and Australia to declare a diplomatic boycott of the games, citing "genocide and crimes against humanity" in Xinjiang. (What does a diplomatic boycott mean?) Athletes were told to stay silent and that they could speak out upon returning home to ensure their safety. CAN NEVER BE TOO SURE
FYI: Beijing is 13 hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone and 16 hours ahead of the Pacific Time Zone. An event that starts at 10:00 a.m. local time Monday will be at 9:00 p.m. EDT Sunday.
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 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.