Ugly Sweater Not Included
Read up so you have plenty to talk about this holiday weekend because talking sports beats discussing tax reform over the family dinner table every time.
Read up so you have plenty to talk about this holiday weekend because talking sports beats discussing tax reform over the family dinner table every time.
Bring on the eggnog,
The Last Night’s Game Team
PS - Moderation is overrated therefore today's Tailgate Treat features holiday cocktails everyone is bound to love.
NBA (National Basketball Association)
When your friend wants to drive home after too many holiday cocktails. Los Angeles Lakers’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is playing under some interesting circumstances. He is currently on work release from jail after failing to comply with the terms of his probation, stemming from a drunk driving incident. He can leave the facility for practice and games but has to wear an ankle monitor and he is not allowed to travel with the team to away games.
NFL (National Football League)
When your knight in shining armor fails. Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers made his valiant return last week hoping to lead his team to the playoffs after being out with a broken collarbone. Well...after last week's loss, the Packers have no chance of making the playoffs and Rodgers has since returned to the injured list to preserve himself for next season. Update your fantasy team accordingly.
Overtime
After facing backlash for criticizing the NFL for its handling of the anthem protests, the face of the company and Founder/CEO of Papa John’s is stepping down. John Schnatter will stay on as the chairman of the company. Papa John’s hasn’t exactly been rolling in the dough as they’ve seen a drop in sales this year (which they blamed on the anthem protests).
Sideline stat
Rumors have been swirling that WWE (Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment) founder Vince McMahon is ready to revive the previously defunct XFL (Xtreme Football League). He sold $100 million in WWE stock and has filed trademarks for the XFL as a “professional football league.” WWE and NBC founded the XFL as a joint venture in 1999 and it had one season before it failed.
Coaches’ corner
How far would you go for your career? A player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the National Rugby League opted to have his middle finger amputated rather than have the prescribed surgery and miss the beginning of the season. Up yours modern medicine.
Treat Yo Self
Like the jelly of the month club, knowing what to say in the sports conversation is the gift that keeps on giving all year long.
Like the jelly of the month club, knowing what to say in the sports conversation is the gift that keeps on giving all year long.
#winning,
The Last Night’s Game Team
PS – Looking for a way to take your tailgate beer game to a whole new level? Today’s Tailgate Treat is exactly what you’re looking for.
NFL (NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE)
America loves a great comeback story. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is headed back to the field eight weeks after breaking his collarbone. He’ll return with a few extra plates and screws in his surgically repaired collarbone to help his team, which is on the verge of the playoffs, finish out the season.
When you can't fit one more thing into your weekend. Starting this weekend the NFL will play two games to on Saturday. You can now catch an NFL game on Monday, Saturday or Sunday. If you’re playing in a fantasy football league, don’t forget to set your rosters. (FYI - Yesterday was the last Thursday Night Football game of the regular season).
MLB (MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL)
When decisions of the head and the heart collide. The St. Louis Cardinals were looking to make a trade and it seemed outfielder Stephen Piscotty was the guy. Piscotty missed some of last season to spend time with his mom who was diagnosed with ALS. Taking in account his family situation, amongst other things, Piscotty was traded to the Oakland A’s where he could be close to his mom.
OVERTIME
In the “this really happened” file, New York Jets player Jeremy Kerley (NFL) was suspended for four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substance policy. How’d that banned substance get into his system? He blamed a ghost, specifically the Ghost of Christmas Past. No really. Apparently, he not only needs to avoid any questionable supplements but he should probably lay off the Disney Christmas cartoons.
SIDELINE STAT
Florida and Nebraska will play for the Women’s Volleyball National Championship on Saturday. Florida will be playing for their first national championship. Expect a big crowd as the semifinal game drew a record 18,000+ people, serving up the biggest crowd of all time.
COACHES’ CORNER
College football bowl game season starts tomorrow with the Celebration Bowl featuring Grambling vs. North Carolina A&T. Don't take a snack break and miss halftime of this game because the Grambling band will not disappoint. They're not your average college band. BOWL GAME SCHEDULE
Want to talk college football without all the stats and jargon? Catch our Five Things To Know About College Football Bowl Games right here.
Do you like free stuff? Join our College Football Bowl Game Mania for a chance to win prizes. Better yet? You don't even have to know anything about college football.
Click the photo to play. Entries must be submitted by tomorrow morning.
Working The Room
Good looking and interesting? You’re bound to be the party favorite after reading today’s weekend preview edition.
Good looking and interesting? You’re bound to be the party favorite after reading today’s weekend preview edition.
If you’ve got it, flaunt it,
The Last Night’s Game Team
PS - Need something to bring to a holiday party? This week's Tailgate Treat won't help you fit into your clothes but we're sure it'll get everyone talking.
College football
Saturday = couch surfing all day. It’s championship weekend in college football. That means the top two teams in a conference play each other for the conference championship. These games determine the postseason of college football (i.e all of those bowl games) and the national championship contenders. SCHEDULE
Golf
He's baack. Tiger Woods is in the Bahamas, but not for vacation. He’s hitting the green to play competitively for the first time in 300 days. Woods recently underwent spinal fusion surgery but is playing well in his comeback in the Hero World Classic. If this story sounds familiar, Woods has had quite a few “comebacks” over the past few years. So feel free to get excited, just not too excited. Yet.
Overtime
Carrie Bradshaw would be so proud because it’s all about the shoes this weekend in the NFL (National Football League). The “My Cause My Cleats” initiative allows players to wear customized cleats that represent a cause meaningful to them. The shoes will then be auctioned off to benefit their individual causes. Browse the shoe rack here. #mycausemycleats
Sideline stat
As part of the NFL’s plan to combat social injustice and address the causes players are kneeling for, they announced a proposal for an $89 million, seven-year initiative. The proposal funds projects dealing with criminal justice reform, law enforcement/community relations and education. Although not all players are happy with the proposal that was negotiated by their fellow athletes, many believe this is the first step. Will less players kneel during the anthem because of this milestone agreement? We’ll find out come Sunday.
Coaches’ corner
Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB - Major League Baseball) player Andrew McCutchen took his love for his city to another level. He and his wife welcomed a new son this week and it seemed only fitting when playing in the "Steel City" that they name him Steel. Let's hope McCutchen isn't traded anytime soon.
Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for today’s big 2018 World Cup announcement.