It may be summertime but today’s chatter is hot enough to ignite a fire.
Still less flammable than talking about politics,
The Last Night’s Game team
MLB (Major League Baseball)
A “hot mic” slip of a homophobic slur during a game broadcast likely to cost Cincinnati Reds’ broadcaster Thom Brennaman his career. He issued an awkward apology later in the game but that didn’t stop his team, its players or the network from speaking out about his abhorrent language and stepping up for the LGBTQ+ community that he offended. Brennaman has been pulled from the Reds’ broadcast as well as the NFL (National Football League) games he was slated to cover this season. His broadcasting colleague and former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson remarked “…you’re ashamed because you got caught.” NOT OKAY
Overtime
Stands at NFL games won’t be full and neither will the sidelines. The league has banned cheerleaders and mascots from the game. One more step to keeping the players, coaches and few fans in attendance safe. SOCIALLY DISTANCED SIDELINES
Sideline stat
One of the most exciting races of the year is this Sunday – the Indy 500 (IndyCar Racing). And even more exciting than the fast cars and brick kissing traditions is the fact that the winner celebrates with a pint of milk. Each driver submits their choice of milk to celebrate with should they win. Only one driver selected fat-free milk, 10 selected two percent and the other 28 said screw the fat content and went straight for the whole milk. (Chocolate milk is not an option). SOMETHING TO PONDER OVER YOUR CEREAL
Want more on the epic traditions and surprises expected at this year’s race, check out this week’s podcast. LISTEN UP
Coaches’ corner
The Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) aren’t submitting to pressure to change their team name but they are banning headdresses and face paint "that is styled in a way that references or appropriates American Indian cultures and traditions” from games. These changes stemmed from “years of conversation with the American Indian Community Working Group.” These decisions come not long after the Washington Redskins changed their name to the Washington Football Team (a temporary name for this season) after an outcry from sponsors and fans. FOOTBALL FOR EVERYONE
