Oh Hello Monday
The NFL did the one thing you thought they’d never do, NASCAR takes a stand and one for the history books.
Monday = a fresh start. Here goes nothing.
Now if we only knew how to dress for work without wearing yoga pants,
The Last Night’s Game Team
NFL (National Football League)
On Friday afternoon, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell did something that shocked everyone. He apologized. The day before, a video was released of the NFL’s biggest stars standing up to racism titled “I am George Floyd.” The video, which was the work of players and a rogue NFL employee, forced the league into the spotlight. Goodell then responded with an apology saying "We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all players to speak out and peacefully protest.” They also pledged an additional $20 million to programs and initiatives to address systemic racism. SPEAK OUT, SPEAK UP
Overtime
NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) may not be your favorite sport but they made a major statement on Sunday. In an effort to address the racism and inequality happening in our country, the NASCAR president addressed the teams, drivers and the fans asking them “to listen, to understand and to stand against racism and racial injustice” and that “we must do better as a sport.” The statement was followed up by a powerful video from the sport’s top drivers furthering the same message. This is a step in the right direction for a sport whose fans have been known to bring confederate flags to races. This stand against racism started earlier in the year when driver Kyle Larson was fired for using a racial slur during a live virtual iRacing event. BE AN AGENT OF CHANGE
Sideline stat
Amanda Nunes made UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) history on Saturday night, defending her belt in a second weight class. (Weight class is the category in which fighters fight in. Instead of age or height, etc. they use weight, just like boxing). Nunes then announced that she’s taking a break as she’s expecting a baby with wife and fellow UFC fighter Nina Ansaroff. Another fighter who had a big announcement was Conor McGregor, who announced his retirement for the third time in four years. THIRD TIME’S A CHARM?
Coaches’ corner
Iowa Hawkeyes strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle has been placed on administrative leave after a handful of former players spoke out about how they were treated at Iowa and specifically by Doyle. Doyle is the highest paid strength and conditioning coach in college football with an $800,000 salary. Head coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement that this was a "defining moment for the Iowa program." A new advisory committee, chaired by a former player, will be put together to exam the culture of the program and set a new path forward. DON’T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU
Stepping Up To The Plate
Michael Jordan speaks out, the NFL QB turned rocket scientist and the rally cry for one driver that’ll make you smile.
When watching the news this morning it may seem that the world has been upended, but we’ll help you make the tough topics conversational and hopefully make you laugh this Monday morning.
We’re in this together,
The Last Night’s Game Team
NFL (National Football League)
Millions watched two astronauts make history on Saturday hurling into space on the first public-private rocket to ever send Americans into space. This momentous occasion was extra special for Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Josh Dobbs, who worked at NASA during the off-season. Dobbs, an aerospace engineer, shared in an Instagram post about how launching a rocket isn’t dissimilar to leading a team or what our country is going through right now. They both require a lot of respect, appreciating differences and while it may seem impossible, it can be accomplished together. WELL SAID
Overtime
In the wake of the death of George Floyd, so many athletes have used their platforms to speak out to incite change. We very rarely hear from Michael Jordan, so when he does speak, people listen. His statement talked about he is “pained and plain angry - we have had enough.” But he encouraged compassion and working together with a unified voice. “Every one of us needs to be part of the solution, and we must work together to ensure justice for all." CHANGE STARTS HERE
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Here’s the levity you need to start your Monday. NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) driver Brad Keselowski revealed the motivation behind his big win yesterday morning – his young daughter’s stirring rendition of a song from Frozen 2. It was a wild finish where three other drivers, not Keselowski, lead the last 11 laps but alas he prevailed. INTO THE UNKNOWN
Coaches’ corner
If you thought trash can punch was only something you drank in college, this one’s for you. By now you‘ve probably heard about the Houston Astros (MLB – Major League Baseball) sign-stealing scandal where teammates in the dugout would bang on trashcans to signal their teammates what pitch the opposing pitcher was throwing next. A brewery took aim at the Astros, releasing “Trash Banger Beer” complete with a can design that pays homage to the Astros uniforms. BUT IS IT BETTER THAN TRASH CAN PUNCH?
We're Torn
Brady’s awkward wardrobe malfunction, just when you thought SNL couldn't get any better and there's a new queen topping the list.
We hope your Memorial Day fares better than Tom Brady’s pants on the golf course yesterday.
Splitting the difference,
The Last Night’s Game Team
PS - We’d be remiss if we didn’t pause to honor to all of those members of the armed forces who have lost their lives defending our country and their families that they left behind. We are here today because of you. Thank you.
The Match: Champions for Charity
Yesterday’s “The Match: Champions for Charity” gave the world exactly what they were missing - competition, charity (raising $20M for COVID relief efforts), trash tweeting, dad jokes and the answer to the question of whether or not Tom Brady goes commando. (Spoiler: he doesn’t). The torrential downpours couldn’t stop Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning as they held off Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady to claim the title of champions. To add insult to injury, Brady ripped his pants when he bent over to pick up his golf ball on the first half of the course. WARDROBE MALFUNCTION
Overtime
Tonight starts a week long marathon of athlete-hosted episodes of "Saturday Night Live." Be prepared to laugh at the who’s who in sports including Michael Jordan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Derek Jeter and our favorite skit with Peyton Manning. LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE
Sideline stat
The drivers at the Coca-Cola 600 (NASCAR - National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) had stiff competition in yesterday's race - their umbrellas. Like something out of a comedy, the drivers battled their umbrellas during a rainy pre-race ceremony honoring fallen members of the armed forces and their families. In the end, Brad Keselowski won in the longest race in NASCAR history. The next race is this Wednesday. COMING IN HOT
Coaches’ corner
There’s a changing of the guard on the Forbes list of top earning female athletes. Ousting Serena Williams is Naomi Osaka, the young tennis star, who earned $37.4M over the past 12 months from endorsements and prize money. Osaka set a new record for earnings for a female athlete in a year. You might remember Osaka jumped into the spotlight after defeating Serena Williams as Williams went for her record-tying Grand Slam win at the U.S. Open Finals in 2018. KICKING BUTT AND TAKING NAMES