Sun Goes Down
The Calm app is putting their money where their (tennis) Zen is, Lakers are out of the playoffs and a Floyd Mayweather-Logan Paul fight preview.
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
The 5 Things You Need To Know About The Women's World Cup
Starting Friday it's the U.S. vs. the World.
Proud to "play like a girl."
Earned it,
The Last Night’s Game Team
1. Starting on Friday, June 7, 24 teams representing their countries will take the field in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Team U.S.A is the defending champion and they’re the favorite this year as well. Watch out for Germany which is also a strong contender. Games will be played in nine picturesque host cities - Grenoble, Le Havre, Lyon, Montpellier, Nice, Paris, Reims, Rennes and Valenciennes. WINE, CHEESE AND SOCCER
2. Jamaica is the first Caribbean team to qualify for the Women’s World Cup. The team, known as the “Reggae Girlz,” was all but dismantled three years ago. With the help of Bob Marley’s daughter and the Bob Marley Foundation, the team will play in their first World Cup. Keep an eye on their star player Bunny Shaw. REDEMPTION SONG
3. Equal pay has been a huge point of contention in women’s soccer. Luna Bar has stepped in to pay the difference between the U.S. Men's and Women's World Cup bonuses ($31,250) and Adidas announced that their sponsored female athletes will receive the same bonuses as their male counterparts.
This year’s winning team will return home $4 million richer, with over $30 million in prize money being handed out. For comparison, the prize money for the 2018 Men's World Cup was $400 million, with winners France taking home $38 million. (Note - the U.S. Men’s team did not qualify for the 2018 World Cup). NOT QUITE THERE YET
4. And because passion is so important, a chicken with "a passion for life and football (i.e. soccer)" named Ettie is the World Cup’s mascot. In case you thought they looked alike, yes Ettie is the daughter of the 1998 Men’s World Cup mascot. WHO YOU CALLING CHICKEN?
5. Instant gratification is coming to the World Cup. For the first time ever, the referees will have access to instant replay. (It was first used in the men’s tournament last year). YOU’RE ON CANDID CAMERA
Wednesday Wisdom
Here’s what the world is buzzing about today including a name Nikki Sixx would be proud of, why Jeopardy! is more popular than basketball and how would you spend your life savings? READ
Hello, Monday.
It’s a new week. Let’s embrace it.
It’s a new week. Let’s embrace it.
Arms wide open,
The Last Night’s Game Team
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Don’t doubt the underdog. Three top college teams unexpectedly lost to their underdog opponents over the weekend. Arkansas, Northwestern and Wisconsin all paid their under qualified opponents at least $1 million to show up for the home game and an “easy” win— only to walk away with a big, fat loss. TALK ABOUT AN EXPENSIVE MISTAKE.
OVERTIME
After a big win against the Philadelphia Eagles (the defending Super Bowl champs), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL- National Football League) quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick celebrated in style. He must have lost a bet because he showed up to the postgame press conference donning aviators, big gold chains and a substantial amount of chest hair. IF YOU’VE GOT IT, FLAUNT IT?
SIDELINE STAT
Someone had to raise the bar and set a new record. Buffalo Bills (NFL) Vontae Davis could be the first player ever to retire in the middle of the game. He played until halftime and then said "I shouldn't be out there anymore" and called it a career. On the flip side, Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge broke the world record for a marathon, finishing in two hours, one minute and 39 seconds. DANG, THAT’S FAST.
COACHES’ CORNER
Think back to what were you doing 18 years ago. That's when professional golfer Angela Stanford started her career. After 18 years, she finally won her first major tournament this weekend. Stanford says her win was inspired by her mother, who is battling a second round of breast cancer. PLEASE PASS THE TISSUES.