It’s Monday, and while you’re back in the office, we’re here to provide conversation starters that don’t involve discussing your New Year’s resolutions with your co-workers.
It’s Black Monday
Black Monday has arrived in the NFL (National Football League), and it's not just because everyone is recovering from the holiday hangover. It’s the day after the regular season ends, and with it comes a flurry of coach firings across the league.
This year, the NFL has delayed in-person interviews until after the divisional round of playoffs, but that hasn’t stopped speculation. Mike Vrabel, former head coach of the Tennessee Titans, is among the hottest names in the coaching market, with the New England Patriots and the New York Jets vying for his services.
Playoff Spots And Big Bonuses On The Line
Off the field, the NFL regular season ended with excitement, big bonuses and a bit of drama. Cooper Rush, the Cowboys quarterback, missed out on a $500,000 bonus after being benched for Trey Lance in the final game. Meanwhile, Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched a $3 million bonus by hitting the 1,000-yard receiving mark, tying Jerry Rice for the most consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards.
Lionel Messi’s Presidential Medal Of Freedom
In other sports news, Lionel Messi (MLS - Major League Soccer) missed his Presidential Medal of Freedom presentation due to a scheduling conflict, despite attending a ceremony at the White House earlier this weekend.
Djokovic’s Shocking Loss
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic suffered a rare loss to an American, Riley Opelka, in the quarterfinals of a tournament ahead of the Australian Open. It’s just his 11th loss against an American opponent; it's so rare you have to look back to 2016 when an American defeated him.
Heating Up In Miami
In the NBA (National Basketball Association), the Miami Heat face internal drama. Jimmy Butler has been suspended for seven games after multiple conduct violations, costing him a hefty $2.35 million.
We have an action-packed week of sports, starting with the college football semi-finals on Thursday, featuring Penn State vs Notre Dame and Ohio State vs Texas. The NFL playoffs also kick off this weekend, promising intense competition as teams battle on the road to the Super Bowl.
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Athletes rituals to bring into your 2024 - the good, the bad and the awkward. BRING IT ON
