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
Friday Night Lights
The Rock is back, who’s taking a voyage to India and uniforms fit for a superhero.
Be the bright spot this Friday by enlightening your friends with the always exciting world of sports.
Shine bright like a diamond,
The Last Night’s Game Team
NBA (NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION)
The Sacramento Kings and the Indiana Pacers are in Mumbai, India for the first ever NBA game in that country. The teams will play two preseason games in the city as part of the league’s continued efforts to take the NBA global. The league also hosted youth clinics, including one hosted by WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) legend Ebony Hoffman for girls. Expect to see more than 3,000 children at the game as part of the Reliance Junior NBA school program. SLAM DUNK
OVERTIME
WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) makes its “SmackDown” debut on FOX tonight and they’re bringing out the big guns. Former football player and wrestler turned actor, Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson will re-enter the ring for the first time in six years. CAN YOU SMELL WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKING? A GIANT PAYDAY
SIDELINE STAT
The Tampa Bay Rays (MLB - Major League Baseball) landed a spot in the playoffs with the lowest payroll in the league. The players’ salaries slide in at $60 million in a league where the highest payroll is $200 million. The team is an underdog for so many other reasons besides payroll. They have a terrible stadium, the worst attendance in the league and yet still they thrive. They’ll play the Houston Astros in the first round of the playoffs this afternoon. THRIFTY AND THRIVING
COACHES' CORNER
A college football game to watch this weekend is Georgia Tech as they take on North Carolina. Saturday is “Cape Day” for Georgia Tech, a special day where the football team will wear uniforms that pay tribute to the brave children who battle illnesses every day at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The tradition has been around since 2014 and fans are encouraged to wear capes to celebrate the superhero patients at the hospital. IT’S A BIRD, A PLANE
What to watch
We’re in the midst of the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) finals and the series between the Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun is tied 1-1. (Series is best of five). Keep an eye on the Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas in game three on Sunday. The all-star is so dedicated to her team and determined to win the overall title that she’s playing with a torn labrum in each shoulder. DEDICATED DAME