Here We Go
Our JLo + baseball dreams are over, family time in the NBA bubble and Tiger Woods’ payday has expired.
It's a new week and a chance to make it yours.
Take the lead,
The Last Night’s Game Team
MLB (Major League Baseball)
Our pop culture dreams of Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez owning a baseball team have come to an end. It’s unfortunate for us but luckily for the New York Mets, billionaire Steve Cohen is the frontrunner. If he lands the team, he would be the richest owner in baseball - estimated by Forbes to have a net worth of more than $14 billion. MY LOVE DON’T COST A THING
Overtime
Friday was Jackie Robinson Day (MLB) and sadly we also learned on Friday that actor Chadwick Boseman had passed away from cancer. Boseman was known for playing the iconic Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in baseball in the movie “42” and “Black Panther.” REST IN POWER
Sideline stat
After missing the final cut yesterday, Tiger Woods will not be a part of the field fighting for the $15 million FedEx Cup Championship starting this week. The FedEx Cup Championship is a culmination of three tournaments, hence why Woods missing the cut (i.e he was eliminated because he didn’t get the score needed to move on) in a previous tournament is why he’s ineligible for the big prize. PLAY LIKE YOU DON’T NEED THE MONEY?
Coaches’ corner
As we head into round two of the NBA (National Basketball Association) playoffs, players’ families will be allowed to enter the “bubble,” after quarantining of course. For more about an unprecedented basketball season, check out the five things you need to know. HOOP DREAMS
What to watch
The U.S. Open is the tennis major that is known for its party atmosphere, but with no fans it will look a bit different when it begins today. To add insult to injury, both defending champions, Rafael Nadal and Bianca Andreescu, have opted out of the tournament. THE SHOW MUST GO ON
Celebrating Kobe Bryant Day
Celebrating the girl dad whose legacy will impact generations today, 8/24, Kobe Bryant Day.
Yesterday would’ve been Kobe Bryant’s 42nd birthday and today is officially “Kobe Bryant Day.” Bryant wore the numbers 8 and 24, so it’s only logical to recognize the legend that we lost too soon today.
Be fearless,
The Last NIght’s Game Team
MLB (Major League Baseball)
Kobe Bryant was a huge Los Angeles Dodgers fan. He once announced the Dodgers' starting lineup for game four of the 2018 World Series. The team sported Bryant’s jersey yesterday before the game and both his number and his daughter Gianna’s jersey numbers were prominently featured on the pitcher’s mound. Gianna Bryant died alongside her father and seven others in a helicopter crash in January 2020. LEGENDS LOST
Overtime
He was a man who wasn’t perfect, but never claimed to be. He was one of the best in the history of the game and inspired generations of basketball players, athletes and go-getters around the world. It showed with the plethora of touching (and sometimes tear evoking) tributes from his friends and family yesterday. Nike released a Bryant tribute video yesterday, narrated by rapper Kendrick Lamar, that’ll give you goosebumps. WATCH IT HERE
Sideline stat
Nike has declared this week “Mamba Week.” (Bryant’s nickname was Black Mamba). As part of the tribute, they will donate $1 million to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, which "exists to further Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s legacy through charitable endeavors in sports," and includes introducing more girls to basketball and elevating female coaches. Nike is also releasing five pairs of the Lakers’ legend’s signature shoes. FIRST BUT NOT THE LAST
Coaches’ corner
Bryant was a man of many talents. He was raised in Italy and spoke three different languages. He would occasionally pick up another, like Slovak, to talk trash. Once, he wanted to learn how to play the piano for his wife but instead of hiring a piano teacher, which was the easy way out, he taught himself. He put on headphones and listened to Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" on repeat until he perfected it. WHAT COULDN’T HE DO?
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