Oh, It’s On
Be 4th of July ready. Barstool Sports takes NIL to a new level, the 2nd highest-paid athlete in the world needs a job and 75 hot dogs in 10 mins - GO!
This Friday, we’re bringing you everything you need to be set up for small talk success poolside or at your Fourth Of July barbeque.
Going all out,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
After no fans last year (and an awkwardly quiet competition), the crowd might be just what the competitors need to defeat the 13-time hot dog eating champion, Joey Chestnut. Although, a Chestnut defeat is unlikely as he’s the obvious favorite after beating his own record last year by eating 75 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes The women’s champion Miki Sudo won’t be there to defend her championship as she’s pregnant with her first child, so the door is wide open for a new winner. We talk more about a “Roman Incident” and other hot dog eating traditions that would make our founding fathers so proud in this week’s podcast. DON’T SIT IN THE SPLASH ZONE
Overtime
You haven’t been able to turn on the news over the past few days without hearing about NIL (name, image and likeness) for college athletes. The NCAA announced that as of yesterday, July 1, college athletes could profit from their NIL.
A few athletes took advantage of this change from the word go. Twin women’s basketball players from Fresno State, Haley and Hanna Cavinder, who have over three million followers on TikTok already signed a deal with Boost Mobile. Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler said that he’d use this opportunity to donate a portion of what he makes to charity. One athlete, Addie Halverson, a volleyball player from Jacksonville State, reached out to Barstool Sports to see what it would take to be a "Barstool Athlete," and they've now set up a whole program to support these athletes. MONEY IN THE BANK
Sideline stat
Chris Paul has played in the NBA (National Basketball Association) for 16 years and never made it to the NBA finals until now. He and his Phoenix Suns punched their ticket to the finals Wednesday night. In his postgame interview, he talked about how he writes the words “can’t give up now” on his shoes every game. The inspiration came from a Mary Mary song. Paul, who you’ll recognize from his State Farm commercials, took a risk with the Suns - a team that hasn’t made it to the finals since 1993. AT LAST
Coaches’ corner
Though COVID restrictions are still tight in Canada, the Quebec government is allowing 3,500 fans to attend tonight’s game as the Montreal Canadiens take on the sending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in the quest for their first Stanley Cup since 1993. In case you're wondering, the Lightning are up 2-0 in the series. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE
The Proof Is In The Pudding
Why one football player is running with the bulls, this is it for Wimbledon and the NBA has the experts all confused.
No question, it’s Friday. Take your weekend to the next level with today’s wisdom.
Knowledge is power,
The Last Night’s Game Team
NBA (National Basketball Association)
In another blockbuster trade, the Oklahoma City Thunder traded away their star player, Russell Westbrook, to the Houston Rockets. Why is this a big deal? The tides keep shifting for next season with big moves from the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers (to name a few) and now the Rockets. There’s no telling what could happen next season. THE EXPERTS ALL AGREE…THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT’S GOING ON
Overtime
The off-season workout routine for Josh Norman of the Washington Redskins (NFL – National Football League) is a little more ballsy than most. Not sure how this doesn’t violate the “things you shouldn’t do so you don’t hurt yourself too badly” clause in his contract, but watch Norman run with (and hurdle) the bulls in Pamplona, Spain this week. AT LEAST THE PILATES MAT WON’T GORE YOU
Sideline Stat
Rufus the Hawk is going to be very busy protecting the skies over Wimbledon this weekend. First the “Big 3” - Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are playing in the semifinals today. Serena Williams will play Simona Halep in the women’s singles finals on Saturday. If Williams wins, she will tie the all-time record for the most Grand Slam titles at 24. (There are four major tournaments that qualify as “Grand Slams” in tennis. Wimbledon is one of them). WILL THERE BE ANOTHER ROYALS SIGHTING?
PS – Don’t know why Rufus the Hawk is such a big deal? Check out Five Things You Need To Know About Wimbledon.
Coaches’ Corner
Because why not? Robot umpires debuted at the Minor League Baseball All-Star Game this week. The robotic system is thought to speed up the game because there will be a consistent strike zone so players won’t waste time arguing balls and strikes. Imagine all of the carefully choreographed heckling that is now going to fall on deaf (or no) ears. WHAT’S NEXT? A ROBOT BEER VENDOR ROAMING THE STANDS?
The Rundown: Wheels Up
Today is no ordinary Friday. It's the gateway to a four-day weekend.
Celebrate good times,
The Last Night’s Game Team
MLB (Major League Baseball)
- A hero in workout gear. An umpire was out for a run in Pittsburgh when he came across a woman trying to jump off a bridge. He talked her off the ledge, quite literally. At times, he was hanging onto her and both of her feet were dangling in the air. After she was safe, he headed into work just like any other day.
NBA (National Basketball Association)
- Good news, bad news. The big news of the week is the trade of superstar Chris Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets are looking to build a dynasty to compete at the highest level. The nice part for Paul? Texas has no state income tax, so that’ll help pad his wallet a bit.
- What like it’s hard? Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry is now a two-sport athlete. The PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) announced that he will play in a tournament on the Web.com tour, which is a minor league tour for the PGA. The tour made a sponsors exception to allow a non-pro to play and not everyone in the golf world is thrilled.
- Hold on to your hats. Free agency starts tonight at midnight. Be ready for a frenzy of action with potential big names on the move. Follow all the action here and if you’re wondering what free agency means, check out this handy-dandy video.
Overtime
- Nude athletes and their strategically placed sports equipment are gracing the pages of ESPN Magazine’s annual body issue (on newsstands July 7). You can catch the likes of Dallas Cowboys (football) Ezekiel Elliot and tennis star Caroline Wozniacki in the issue. Little known fact? All the photos were shot on an iPhone. Check them out.
Sideline stat
- Break out your bike helmet and spandex because the Tour de France begins tomorrow. The defending champion, England’s Chris Froome, is looking to win his fourth title in five years. Stay tuned for Wednesday's Five Things To Know for more on this grueling race with really pretty scenery. FYI - the race runs through July 23rd so you’ll have plenty of time to watch.
Coaches’ corner
- The NFL (National Football League) announced a new addition to their roster, Terri Valenti. When the season starts, Valenti will become the first ever female replay official. The replay officials are the ones who watch the video playback of the game for tough calls on the field and make the ultimate decision. There is already one female referee in the sport.
