It wouldn’t be the end of the year without a host of lists to celebrate the year that was. We’re bringing you the most talked about sports moments of 2016. Chatting to your NYE date has never been easier.
Break out the bubbly,
The Last Night’s Game
The five most talked about sports moments of 2016
- Cubs win! The Chicago Cubs (MLB - Major League Baseball) ended their 108-year championship losing streak by coming from behind in the World Series to defeat the Cleveland Indians. Chicago went wild with an estimated five million fans attending the victory parade.
- Summer Olympics in Brazil. The Zika scare. Ryan Lotche’s late night antics (and maybe his hideous blue hair?) landed him in hot water. Michael Phelps retired with 28 career Olympic medals, 23 of them gold. Swimmer Katie Ledecky became the most decorated female of the Rio Olympics. The U.S.A. women’s gymnastics team, The Final Five led by Simone Biles, dominated the competition.
- Championship Cavs. The Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA (National Basketball Association) championship, ending the City of Cleveland’s 52-year professional championship drought. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and their Cavs were down three games to one but managed to take home the title over the Golden State Warriors.
- Take a knee. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (NFL - National Football League) started taking a knee during the national anthem to demonstrate police brutality and racial oppression. No matter how you feel, the protest propelled the conversation and motivated action around the nation.
- Legends retire. Everyone’s favorite quarterback and five-time MVP Peyton Manning called it quits after winning the Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos (his second Super Bowl victory). Although post retirement he's still starring in primetime, but in advertisements.
Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers were terrible in his final season of basketball but the 18-time all-star still went out on top with five NBA Championships. He and his wife welcomed their third baby girl during his retirement. Better than 73-year-old Mick Jagger who’s still working and having babies.
- Honorable mention. Jimmie Johnson won his seventh career NASCAR championship, tying the record set by driving legends Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Richard Petty.
Overtime
- Northwestern University will wear stickers on their helmets to honor Craig Sager, an alum of the school. Sager, who lost his battle with cancer on Dec. 15th, was one of the most respected sideline reporters in sports and was known for his colorful outfits.
Sideline stat
- In 2000 the Fertitta brothers purchased UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) for $2 million. In 2016, they sold it $4 billion, the most expensive transaction for an organization in sports history. Glad we don’t have to pay those taxes.
Coaches’ corner
- The sports world lost so many sports icons this year including "The Greatest" boxer Muhammed Ali (74), sports reporter Craig Sager (65), women's basketball coach Pat Summitt (64), Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez (24) and the storied golfer and namesake of your favorite refreshment Arnold Palmer (87).
