Going The Distance
The stellar examples of sportsmanship in Tokyo, the shady accusations from a hockey wife and why Raven Saunders is our spirit animal.
Anyone else worried about what they’re going to watch when the Olympics are over on Sunday?
Going through table tennis withdrawals,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Olympics
Being a good sport is in the DNA of the Olympics, and we have to look no further than the track and field competition. First, Isaiah Jewett (USA) and Mijel Amous (Botswana) collided during the 800-meter race, falling. The two picked each other up and finished the race together. IF YOU CAN’T BEAT ‘EM, JOIN ‘EM
In the high jump, after tying Mutaz Essa Barshim (Qatar) and Gianmarco Tamberi (Italy), were offered a chance to have a jump off to determine a gold medal winner or share the gold. The two agreed to share the gold. The exclamation mark was Tamberi leaping into Barshim’s arms to celebrate their co-victory. NICE GUYS TIE FOR GOLD
Overtime
As the saying goes, “happy wife, happy life,” but that’s clearly not the case with the wife of San Jose Shark’s (NHL – National Hockey League) player Evander Kane. His soon-to-be ex-wife took to her Instagram stories to make some serious allegations, including that her husband bet on his own hockey games - intentionally losing games and soliciting prostitution. The NHL is investigating these claims. FIGHTING WORDS
Sideline stat
The GOAT is back! The six-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles is returning to competition for one last time in Tokyo - on the beam for tomorrow's individual event. Her teammates have dominated in her absence, with Jade Carey the latest, picking up a gold medal on the individual floor event. Not going for gold? The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team suffered a shocking loss to Canada in the semifinals. This is only their fourth loss to Canada in history. The USWNT will play for the bronze medal on Thursday. GIVING IT ALL
Coaches’ corner
Raven Saunders is the spirit animal we all need, expressing her inner self through her multicolor hair and strong mask game. After the anthem was over, the silver medalist in the shot put raised her hands in an ‘X’ on the medal podium. In a post-event interview, she spoke up for those who "don't have a platform to speak up for themselves." Saunders, who is black and queer, has been very open about her battle with depression. THE VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS
Freaky Friday
It’s Friday the 13th and while you should avoid black cats and broken mirrors, knowing what’s happening this weekend in sports is bound to be good luck.
It’s Friday the 13th and while you should avoid black cats and broken mirrors, knowing what’s happening this weekend in sports is bound to be good luck.
Don’t step on a crack,
The Last Night’s Game Team
PS - Today's Tailgate Treat is said to bring good luck...cake! Take it a step further by baking a coin into it.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Look out for carnies. This weekend features one of the biggest rivalries in college football, the "Red River Rivalry.” The Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners (#12) will play on the grounds of the Texas State Fair in the famed Cotton Bowl, where bragging rights and the Golden Hat Trophy are at stake.
MLB (MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL)
Moving on. The next round of the MLB playoffs is set. In the American League, the New York Yankees will take on the Houston Astros. In the National League, it will be last season’s World Series champs, the Chicago Cubs, vs. Los Angeles Dodgers. The two winners will meet in the World Series. SCHEDULE.
NFL (NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE)
Win some, lose some. This weekend the Kansas City Chiefs look to remain the only undefeated team in the NFL. On the other hand, the New York Giants are looking for their first win of the season.
OVERTIME
With wildfires devastating Northern California, air quality has become a concern for the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders game in Oakland on Sunday. Keep an eye out as the teams could call an audible and change the game’s location.
SIDELINE STAT
The bay area’s professional sports teams have all teamed up to help. The Oakland Raiders (NFL), Oakland Athletics (MLB), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS – Major League Soccer), San Francisco Giants (MLB), Golden State Warriors (NBA – National Basketball Association) and San Jose Sharks (NHL – National Hockey League) together donated $450,000 to the victims of the North Bay wildfires.
COACHES’ CORNER
Since it’s Friday the 13th, we thought we’d leave you with one of our favorite sports superstitions. The golden thong was worn by former MLB player Jason Giambi to help him break out of hitting slumps. Rumor has it that said tiny undergarment was left in the lockers of his teammates and they all began to hit well when they wore it. For more hilarious sports superstitions, click here.
The Rundown: Weekend Preview Edition - Going Global
Congratulations! You’ve made it to Friday. Your reward? The Rundown - full of laughs and all the sports information you need to know. Go forth and conquer your weekend.
The world is your oyster,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Soccer
Global goals. Copa America Centenario begins Friday. Copa America is the battle of 16 of the best teams throughout the Americas. The tournament takes place every four years and coincides with the Olympics. The group stage of the tournament will take place from June 3-14 across 10 U.S. cities and it all starts with the U.S. vs. Columbia on Friday at Levi Stadium (Santa Clara, CA) at 9:30 pm EST. Click here for the full schedule.
NBA (National Basketball Association)
Warriors for the win. The whole Warriors team stepped up last night and brought home a win in game one of the finals against LeBron and his Cleveland Cavaliers. Game two is on Sunday at 7 pm EST on ABC.
Move over Kardashians. If you just can’t get enough of NBA MVP and Warriors’ guard Steph Curry, you can now download special emojis to use while texting about the NBA Finals. The emoji app features his show stealing little girl Riley, his wife Ayesha and even that mouthpiece he’s always chewing on. His emoji app, released on June 1st, surpassed Kim Kardashian’s similar app and sits at the top of the charts.
NHL (National Hockey League)
Stanley Cup slaying. Pittsburgh Penguins took a 2-0 series lead over the San Jose Sharks after winning game two in sudden death overtime. Will the Penguins extend their lead? Check out game three on Saturday at 8 pm EST on NBCSN to find out.
Tennis
Oui. The French Open will crown the men’s and women’s champions this weekend. The tournament hasn’t gone exactly as planned as the rain is the only one dominating the court. For the first time in 16 years, play has been stopped by the rain. Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Garbiñe Muguruza are a few notable players in the semifinals. Click here for the complete schedule.
Overtime
The NFL Pro Bowl said aloha to Orlando and goodbye to Hawaii for the upcoming season. Sine 1980 the game has been played in Hawaii for all but two years. The NFL implied, like in retirement, this move to Florida is permanent.
Sideline stat
Boston Red Sox Slugger Mookie Betts hit three home runs on Tuesday and two home runs on Thursday – five home runs in two days. So many hits that Beyoncé would be proud.
Coaches’ Corner
Three crew chiefs (basically a head coach in NASCAR) have been suspended because of rule infractions during last week’s NASCAR race.
Greg Biffle’s crew chief was suspended for two races for illegal body measurements. (Good thing match.com doesn’t penalize for that). And remember all that controversy about the lug nuts? (If not, read here). The crew chiefs for Kurt Busch and AJ Allmendinger were suspended for one race for not having the five lug nuts properly secured on the tires. This weekend’s race is on Sunday at the Pocono Motor Speedway. (1:18 pm EST on Fox Sports 1).