Laugh Now Cry Later
Thank the NBA for the newest COVID test, a WWE star’s attempted kidnapping and David Duchovny’s unique efforts to keep Paralympic hopes alive.
It’s Monday but don’t fret, here is what you need to know to take your seat at the table.
Like a boss,
The Last Night’s Game Team
NBA (National Basketball Association)
Here’s an interesting story for that person who thinks sports has nothing to do with their everyday life. The FDA granted emergency use authorization to the Yale developed COVID saliva test. The test was developed in part with funding from the NBA (National Basketball Association) and NBA Players Association and is a more affordable saliva test option (< $20), with a 24-hour turnaround time. Teams have been using the test while in the bubble to test their players and staff (along with the other available tests). YALE - THE NBA MVP?
Overtime
Actor David Duchovny is more than paranormal encounters. After reading a story about five-time Paralympic medalist Rudy Garcia-Tolson and his lack of training facilities during COVID, a rep for the actor reached out to the athlete via Instagram and invited him to use Duchovny’s lap pool in his home. Garcia-Tolson has trained there a handful of times as he prepares for the 2021 Paralympics. MI CASA ES TU CASA
Sideline stat
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, who is considered one of the top NFL (National Football League) prospects, started a petition on behalf of the players in the Big Ten (the college football conference Ohio State plays in) to reverse their decision to postpone the football season. The petition already has over 220,000 signatures and argues that the safety protocols are in place and players have the right to choose whether to play or not. BUT WILL IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Coaches’ corner
A man was arrested after an attempted kidnapping of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) star Sonya Deville. The man had been stalking the Total Divas star on social media for months and broke into her house via a sliding back door armed with a knife, duct tape, zip ties and mace. The open door set off the alarm and Deville, the first openly gay female WWE star, was able to get out of the house and drive off while calling 9-1-1. Police arrived while the kidnapper was still in the house. DON’T MESS WITH MAMA
What to watch
Washington Football Team (NFL) quarterback Alex Smith’s career was almost over after a gruesome leg injury in 2018. An infection almost cost him his leg and his life but after 17 surgeries, he was finally cleared to play again and his family celebrated by showering him with champagne. SWEET CELEBRATION
Luck Of The Irish
The March Madness tournament is underway and there have been heartbreaking losses but the Cinderella teams live on.
The March Madness tournament is underway and there have been heartbreaking losses but the Cinderella teams live on.
Forget the lucky glass slippers, they’re in Air Jordans,
The Last Night’s Game Team
College Basketball
When no one saw it coming. The Buffalo Bulls (No. 13) routed bracket favorite University of Arizona (No. 4) last night. It was a good old fashion beat down that even basketball fan, former President Obama didn’t predict in his bracket. That loss probably cleared some people out of your office pool. For that, this Buffalo player says "sorry, not sorry." RESULTS
If you’re “nun” the wiser. Loyola Chicago (No. 11) upset Miami (No. 6) in the first round yesterday but the biggest star of the game wasn’t anyone on the court. Loyola’s 98-year-old chaplain, Sister Jean, stole the spotlight with her excitement. She prays with the team before games and also sends them emails with positive messages, and sometimes constructive criticism, between games. Sister Jean is clearly the fan favorite.
How’s your bracket doing? Check it here.
Overtime
The saying “don’t quit your day job” is around for a reason. Actor Susan Sarandon is a longtime New York Rangers fan (NHL - National Hockey League) and because of her celebrity status she was given the rare opportunity to be a guest commentator on TV for a game. It went over like a juice bar at a tailgate party. According to Twitter, fans everywhere turned off their TVs after Sarandon called one of the players “sexy.” Maybe she needs a little Last Night’s Game in her life?
Sideline stat
Team U.S.A. continues to dominate in the Paralympics, leading the medal count. The Men's U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team beat Italy 10-1 in the semifinals and will face Canada in the gold medal game on Sunday. The U.S. Team is seeking its third-straight Paralympic gold medal.
Coaches’ corner
Butler opens their March Madness tournament today against Arkansas but a key member of their team will be missing. Their team spirit and mascot, bulldog Butler Blue III aka Trip, will not be at the game because the NCAA (the governing body for college sports) does not allow live mascots in the arena for the opening round of the tournament due to space constraints. Trip may have had some FOMO when posting on social media but he continued to spread cheer outside the arena. You can’t keep a good (bull)dog down.
