Blinding Lights
Kentucky Derby weekend has gone to the reptiles, big names compete in the “Stay at Home Slam” and cheering on the Class of 2020.
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel for live sports, so there’s hope for the rest of us.
We’re in this together, but six feet apart,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Kentucky Derby
Instead of mourning what would’ve been Kentucky Derby this Saturday, don your Derby hat and celebrate with a new tradition, turtle racing. The turtle tradition started in 1945 because of the ban on racing during WWII. The Kentucky Turtle Race will happen at Churchill Downs and may the “fastest” reptile win. Otherwise, you can bet on the virtual Derby race between the 13 Triple Crown winners. That race will take place during the already scheduled Derby time on Saturday at 5:45 p.m. ET. The actual Derby has been rescheduled for September 5 (which is Labor Day weekend). PONY UP
FYI – A Triple Crown winner means the horse has won the Preakness, Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. There have been 13 Triple Crown winners in the history of horse racing.
Overtime
With graduations across the country cancelled due to COVID concerns, LeBron James and a whole host of celebrities are stepping up for “Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020.” Expect big names like the Jonas Brothers, Megan Rapinoe and Pharrell Williams to cheer on the class of 2020 as they embark on their next chapter in life. You can support the class of 2020 by nominating an outstanding senior or educator worthy of recognition. NOMINATE YOUR HERO HERE
Sideline stat
Tennis is bringing out the big guns for the “Stay at Home Slam,” a Mario Tennis Aces tournament this weekend. Headlining the tourney is the duo of Serena Williams and the new mom-to-be, model Gigi Hadid. Other celebrities and athletes playing include Karlie Kloss, Steve Aoki, Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams and Seal. There is $1 million in prize money on the line which will benefit the winning team’s charity of choice. ESPORTS FTW
Coaches’ corner
For some middle schoolers the highlight of the summer is not having school but for some it’s the Little League World Series. Sadly, the tournament has announced that its regional tournaments and the World Series have been canceled this year. Traditionally, teams from all over the country and the globe gather in Williamsport, PA to compete for the title of champions. AT LEAST THE KIDS CAN GO TO DISNEYLAND INSTEAD. OH WAIT…
What to watch
NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) announced its return to the track on May 17. The fast-paced sport will have a packed schedule hosting seven races in 11 days. The races will take place at two tracks, one in South Carolina and the other in North Carolina, but without fans. HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS
One Track Mind
The HGTV-worthy moments that made last night’s draft, G.O.A.T.S. on grass and a great way to fight off the Sunday scaries
The NFL Draft is on the mind of everyone in the sports world but don’t worry, we have you covered so you can talk the talk on your Zoom call today.
While in your PJs of course,
The Last NIght’s Game Team
NFL (National Football League)
Last night was a good night for the NFL. The draft started off with a chill-evoking opening video that thanked our healthcare heroes. From there, it was no surprise that Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow was the No. 1 pick. The real highlight of the draft? The home setups for the different teams’ personnel, including Kliff Kingsbury, head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, who clearly won the unofficial competition. HGTV GONE ESPN
Overtime
It’s a sports fan’s dream come true. Golfers Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods will face-off against former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady on the golf course. ”The Match” will take place sometime in May in Florida with the proceeds benefitting COVID-19 relief efforts. THE G.O.A.T.S. ON GRASS
Sideline stat
Las Vegas pulled out all the stops for this year’s draft but alas, it ended up being virtual. Well, they’ll get another chance. Last night it was announced that the 2022 NFL Draft will be in Sin City, barring a global pandemic of course. STILL BRINGING THEIR ‘A’ GAME
Overtime
Sunday may bring us the Sunday scaries but it also brings us episodes three and four of the Michael Jordan documentary. This one is bound to have more drama than an episode of “Real Housewives” since it prominently features Jordan’s relationship with teammate Dennis Rodman. WILL RODMAN BE WEARING THE WEDDING DRESS?
What to watch
Feeling strong and bathing suit ready after adopting your new quarantine workout? (Us neither). Well if you need a new fitness challenge, try jumping out of your pool like this 300+ pound lineman who was drafted by the Buccaneers last night. OMG
What's My Name Again?
Finally, the return of live sports, a virtual eating contest and Michael Jordan is concerned about what you think.
It’s Friday or as we call it these days, Tuesday.
Go forth and conquer the weekend,
The Last Night’s Game Team
PGA (Professional Golfers Association)
Finally some good news to report - the return of live sports is on the horizon. The PGA announced that golf is returning on June 11. There will be no fans in attendance for the first four tournaments after the return but it’s a step in the right direction. HAVEN’T BEEN THIS EXCITED ABOUT GOLF SINCE BOB BARKER PLAYED WITH HAPPY GILMORE
Overtime
Just in case the thought of being in quarantine for another few weeks doesn’t make you want to throw up, enter virtual competitive eating. World Champion eater Joey Chestnut is hosting a virtual eating competition today where competitors will consume:
Qualifying round: sliced bologna -- two pounds
Quarterfinals: milk and cookies -- one family pack of Oreos and a half-gallon of milk
Semifinals: baked beans -- 1.5 gallons
Finals: ramen noodles -- 10 individual ramen cups
Looks like he’s hosting a competition of eating whatever is left in the house. EW GROSS
Sideline stat
It’s the moment everyone has been waiting for. No, not the release of Joe Exotic from prison but the premiere of Michael Jordan’s documentary “Last Dance.” The 10-part documentary which follows Jordan during the Chicago Bulls’ 1997-98 NBA (National Basketball Association) championship season premieres this Sunday. Jordan, who rarely grants interviews let alone a whole documentary, is worried what you might think of him after all the behind the scenes footage is revealed. His son responded on social media by saying “Winning has a price. – Dad” LESSON LEARNED
If you’re concerned about hearing four-letter words during the “Last Dance” series, ESPN is airing the episodes with all the swear words and ESPN2 is airing the edited version. THE CHOICE IS YOURS
Coaches’ corner
The WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) Draft begins tonight and like you, everyone will be participating from the comfort of their own home. The draft will be the first virtual draft to take place with the NFL Draft taking place virtually next week. Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu is the overwhelming first pick in the draft. She could be the best college basketball player, male or female, of this generation. THE BEES KNEES