Choose Confidence
Why a small bladder seems to be the key to winning in the NBA Finals, rent a gold medalist's house to watch the Olympics and be prepared to Space Jam.
Dive confidently into any social situation knowing that you're armed with exactly what it takes to create a conversation.
Such a boss,
The Last Night's Game Team
NBA (National Basketball Association)
Everyone knows that two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo can handle the pressure of the NBA Finals. He has led his Bucks back from a two-game deficit to tie the series. It seems the only thing that can stop him from a championship title is his bladder. He checked out of games three and four early so that he could pee. (They won both games, so maybe that’s the secret to success)? The Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns will continue their series with game five on Saturday in Phoenix. DOING THE DANCE
Overtime
How much would you pay to watch the Summer Olympics from a gold medal winner’s house? How about $92? If you’re wondering where you sign, head over to Airbnb, where you can book a night in NBA Hall of Famer and member of the Team U.S.A. Dream Team Scottie Pippen’s house. Pippen is the only player to have won an NBA championship and gold medal at the Olympic Games in the same calendar year twice, first in 1992 and then again in 1996. But there are some rules you need to abide by - no partying, no smoking and no shooting baskets in the master bedroom—he’s the only one allowed to do those things in the house. BUT WILL HE ACHIEVE SUPERHOST STATUS?
Sideline stat
Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB – Major League Baseball) pitcher Trevor Bauer is under investigation for a domestic violence restraining order filed by a woman in L.A. County Superior Court. The league initially put him on a seven-day administrative leave while they conducted the investigation. Bauer’s leave has been extended for a third time through July 27, which means he’s making $1.5 million a week from the Dodgers not to work. THERE ARE NO WORDS
Coaches’ corner
While the sequel is rarely as good as the original, LeBron James attempts to prove that theory wrong as the star of “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” which is out in theaters and on HBO Max today. PASS THE POPCORN
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
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