Make a connection on a long summer night with a little sports chatter that can easily be turned into a conversation about travel (hello French Open), tech (thanks Calm app) or YouTube videos (gracias Logan Paul).
Did someone say travel?
The Last Night’s Game Team
Tennis
The Calm app is putting their money where their Zen is. After the uproar about Naomi Osaka missing press conferences and then subsequently dropping out of the tournament to take care of her mental health, the Calm app is stepping in. They announced that they would pay the fines for players who decide to skip their press conferences at the French Open. (Osaka’s fines were $15,000). Keep an eye on Serena Williams (No. 7) as she plays in the third round this morning against a fellow American in an unranked Danielle Rose Collins. SMOOTH MOVE
Overtime
You know you were curious how much it would cost you to see YouTube star Logan Paul go head to head in the ring with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. For the price of $49.99, you can watch one of the best in boxing (likely) knockout his opponent in Miami. As you might recall, these two have been drumming up the buzz around the fight with Paul and his brother hiring round-the-clock security to protect them from Mayweather’s entourage. The fight is non-sanctioned, aka an exhibition fight, so there won’t be judges, but knockouts will be allowed. THE PRICE IS RIGHT TO GET PUNCHED IN THE FACE
Sideline stat
For the first time in his career, LeBron James is out of the playoffs in the first round. The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers were knocked out of the playoffs last night by the Phoenix Suns (NBA - National Basketball Association). Even after dropping 46 points on them, James still met up with Devin Booker, Kendall Jenner's boyfriend, postgame to give him his signed jersey. (Jersey exchanges are tradition). ONWARD AND UPWARD
Coaches’ corner
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) starts its season today. They are currently the only outdoor professional lacrosse league in the country after buying their competitor, the 20-year-old Major League Lacrosse. The PLL has disrupted the traditional sports business model with a tour-based league (i.e., no home cities) and no team owners (more money to pay players). They’re also providing a vesting schedule to give players equity in the league. (Want to know more about lacrosse? Check out our lacrosse 101). NEW(ISH) KID ON CAMPUS
What to watch…
...Michelle Wie West as she makes her comeback after being absent from competitive golf for two years. In those two years, she’s added wife (married to the NBA’s Jerry West’s son) and mom to her list of accomplishments, all while overcoming major injuries. Wie West will be joining her fellow LPGA (Ladies Professional Golfers Association) players in the U.S. Open this weekend. WELCOME BACK
