Full Out
Kobe & Gigi’s memorial is today, a Zamboni driver to the rescue and game changing Girl Scout cookies.
If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Your amazing sports knowledge that is…
No need to apologize for greatness,
The Last Night’s Game Team
NBA (National Basketball Association)
The celebration of life for Kobe and Gigi Bryant will be held this morning at the Staples Center, which is widely known as the “house that Kobe built.” Over 20,000 fans are expected to show up and pay their respects. Vanessa Bryant mentioned that the date 2.24.20 has special meaning – No.2 for Gigi’s basketball jersey number, 24 for Kobe’s jersey number and 20 – the number of years Vanessa and Kobe were together and the number of years he was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. You can watch the memorial on a multitude of platforms. REST IN PEACE
Overtime
Major League Baseball (MLB) players’ contracts have strict rules about extracurricular activities that they should avoid (think skydiving, skateboarding, anything that might cause them to injure/kill themselves). If you’re Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitcher Madison Bumgarner, you solve that problem by adopting an alias so you can compete in rodeos. Bumgarner was, of course, outed on social media. (Side note - Bumgarner missed three months of the 2017 season after an injury from a dirt bike accident). YEEHAW
Wonder what other oddities might be included when athletes sign the bottom line? Here are the five most unusual provisions included in an athlete's contract. DON’T SHOW THIS TO THE HR DEPT.
Sideline stat
Sabrina Ionescu of Oregon could be the best college basketball player we’ve ever seen. She’s only nine rebounds away from becoming the first player, man or woman, to finish their collegiate career with 2,000-plus points, 1,000-plus assists and 1,000-plus rebounds. If that’s not impressive enough, she is rumored to be a speaker at Kobe and Gigi Bryant’s memorial this morning and then head to Palo Alto where she and her team will play Stanford tonight. Kobe was a mentor to Ionescu and the duo were big fans of the Oregon Duck. STRENGTH
Coaches’ corner
The NHL (National Hockey League) has a quirky rule around the emergency goalie. If both of either teams’ goalies go out of the game, there’s a designated person in the arena who can step into the role of goalie (i.e. – someone who is not on the team). Cue the Carolina Hurricanes game this weekend where both goalies exited the game and who comes to save the day and win the game? A 42-year-old Zamboni driver. David Ayres is a former hockey player and kidney transplant recipient. The t-shirts of his jersey are selling like hotcakes with the proceeds benefitting a local kidney foundation. STILL GOT IT
What to watch
This Girl Scout knows the way to her favorite football player’s heart. During the St Louis Battlehawks (XFL) game, she exchanged a box of Thin Mints for a game ball. SOLID TRADE
Monday Motivation
It’s Monday but don’t pull the covers back over your head. Go out and getcha some.
It’s Monday but don’t pull the covers back over your head. Go out and getcha some.
Making it happen,
The Last Night’s Game Team
NFL (National Football League)
When making snow angels sounds more fun than working. The Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills played in white out conditions yesterday. In the snowiest game in recent history, the Buffalo fans stuck it out to watch their team take home an overtime win. Now that’s commitment and maybe a slight bit of insanity considering it was snowing so hard you could barely see the field.
Tennis
To your friend who’s back to work after maternity leave, Serena Williams understands. She announced that she will play in the Australian Open next month, the same tournament she won last year while pregnant. She took off most of last season from competing and daughter Alexa was born in September to Williams and her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
Overtime
A heartbreaking video of a student, Keaton Jones, talking about being bullied has struck a nerve with so many. Celebs and athletes alike are using social media for good by bringing the issue of bullying to light and offering their support to Keaton. Tennessee Titans’ (NFL) Delanie Walker offered to fly Keaton to a game and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) President Dana White invited him to their Las Vegas headquarters so they can hang out.
Sideline stat
Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield was named the top college football player this season, winning the Heisman Trophy. He is the first walk-on player to ever win the coveted award. The grateful player gave a heartfelt speech thanking the coaches who took a chance on him. (Wondering what a walk-on is? Here’s your answer).
Coaches’ corner
Desperate times call for desperate measures. The St. Louis Blues (NHL - National Hockey League) called on a vending machine worker who is also a season ticket holder to play as their emergency goalie in a game. The elated fan played until the replacement player brought up from the minor leagues could make it to the game.
The NHL has a rule that requires each team to have a list of emergency goalies for themselves and for visiting teams. If only that rule was around for Happy Gilmore.
College football bowl season is upon us! Join us for our bowl game pool and pick the winners. It's easy (ESPN even has auto pick) and it's a great way to learn a little more about college football without having to work too hard for it. Oh and there are prizes involved too.
SIGN ME UP (password: sportscurious)
Fire Away
Have no fear, Friday’s weekend preview is here.
Have no fear, Friday’s weekend preview is here.
Go forth and conquer the conversation,
The Last Night's Game Team
PS - Today's Tailgate Treat is a traditional one with a healthier twist.
NFL (National Football League)
- Not looking good. Week two is pivotal in the NFL because teams that lose their first two games are unlikely to make the playoffs. (Only 12% of the teams with that losing record actually make it to the playoffs). So, you’re saying there’s a chance?
Here's the NFL and college football schedule for the weekend.
F1 Racing (Formula One Racing)
- Break free. The F1 circuit is stopping in Singapore for the only full night race of the season. The stars come out for the race and the after party. While Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton hopes to take home the checkered flag, the post-race fun will feature Calvin Harris, Ariana Grande and The Chainsmokers.
Boxing
- Here we go again. Friends, we have another boxing match for you. This fight doesn’t have the same level of pomp and circumstance as Mayweather – McGregor but it’s one of the best boxing match ups in years. Canelo Alvarez will take on Gennady “GGG” Golovkin on Saturday night in Las Vegas, NV. Alvarez has only lost once in his career and GGG has never lost. Here’s how the experts think it’ll turn out.
Overtime
- Who wants to be a NHL (National Hockey League) goalie? The role with the Los Angeles Kings could be yours. The NHL requires each home team to have an emergency goalie in the stands for every game and the team thought it would be fun to ask the citizens of L.A. to apply. Apply now.
Sideline stat
- The Cleveland Indians just keep winning. They won their 22nd consecutive game last night, claiming the modern era record for games won in a row. (The 1916 New York Giants hold the overall record at 26). Check out fellow Ohio sportsman LeBron James’ congratulatory message.
Coaches’ corner
- Did you know that Los Angeles was originally competing with Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics? For being a good sport and taking 2028 instead, L.A. saved "tens of millions of dollars" in International Olympic Committee fees and will receive a $180 million advance. Cha-ching!
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