It’s On
How a joint helped Tyson make it through his fight, why this weekend was huge for women in football and why the 49ers are suddenly homeless?
Is it just us or did the first half of 2020 go by at a snail’s pace? Now here we are a few weeks away from the end of the year.
Finish strong,
The Last Night’s Team
Boxing
Arguably the biggest sporting event of the weekend, Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. brought the star power and the entertainment value. But the boxing…maybe not so much. The 16-minute fight between the two 50+-year-olds was dominated by Tyson but the judges ruled it a draw at the end. Tyson was very chill in the post-fight interview and later we found out why. Tyson admitted he smoked weed before the fight. IN THE AIR TONIGHT
Overtime
Women everywhere rejoiced when Sarah Fuller stepped foot on the football field for Vanderbilt on Saturday. Fuller became the first woman to play in a Power Five college football game. (The Power Five conferences are the biggest, highest-powered conferences in college football). Praises from legends Billie Jean King and Sue Bird were just a few of the messages of support and excitement that flooded social media. IN IT TO WIN IT
In other progressive news, Callie Brownson, the chief of staff for the Cleveland Browns (NFL - National Football League), stepped into an interim role and into the history books yesterday. She became the first woman to coach an NFL position group during a regular-season game. She filled the role as the tight end coach because TEs coach Drew Petzing did not travel with the team for Sunday's game due to the birth of his first child Saturday morning. CONGRATS ALL AROUND
Sideline stat
The San Francisco 49ers (NFL) are homeless after a new COVID ban by Santa Clara County (the county the stadium is located in) that bans all contact sports for three weeks – including professional football. The team found out about the ban the same way the rest of us did – via a news conference. Luckily, they were on their way to play in Los Angeles but the ban doesn’t bode well for the team who will need to find another location – tentatively Arizona – to practice and play. A HEADS UP WOULD’VE BEEN NICE
Coaches’ corner
The scariest moment of the weekend was a crash in the F1 (Formula One) race in Bahrain. Driver Roman Grosjean somehow walked away from a crash that split his car in two. Like something out of an action movie, Grosjean jumped out of his fireball of a car while being sprayed by a crew armed with fire extinguishers. TOO HOT TO HANDLE
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours
Because there are so many great things to talk about besides COVID like why Beyonce has one UFC fighter reeling, MNF history and uplifting news for once.
Today’s email is the first step of Thanksgiving success. Whether your holiday is in person or virtual, we have plenty to talk about so you can avoid the awkward conversation.
The secret sauce,
The Last Night’s Game Team
NFL (National Football League)
Yesterday’s games brought us a still undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers team, winless New York Jets and a big injury for the future of the NFL – rookie quarterback Joe Burrow. While Burrow is facing a big setback, the league itself is moving forward. Tonight’s game will feature the first-ever all Black officiating crew on Monday Night Football. The seven-person crew will officiate the game between the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. MAKE IT HAPPEN
Overtime
The walkout song – the song played as a fighter makes their journey into the ring – is key to hyping up for a fight. In this weekend’s UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fight, somehow Mike Perry’s walkout music was changed to “Halo” by Beyoncé. While it’s a great song some are saying that error caused him to lose. GET INTO THE GROOVE
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The NBA (National Basketball Association) has been a leader on social justice issues and now they're taking their efforts global. Members of the NBA and the Players Association are reportedly meeting with Pope Francis today to discuss their efforts which included clear messaging on the court and apparel during the season, a strike after the aftermath of the Jacob Blake shooting and ongoing work. HOLY SEE YOUR EFFORTS
Coaches’ corner
Just in time for the holidays, the Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry (NBA) brings us a new show that was inspired by how people picked him up and helped him during his career. His new show “Gift of Joy” highlights the acts of kindness from volunteers during the pandemic. The four-part show will air on Curry’s YouTube channel. Curry, along with other athletes, recognizes the volunteers and their efforts by lending the volunteers a hand to help with what they’re struggling with at home like rent payments. UPLIFTING
What to watch
There are some huge sporting events this weekend besides football and college basketball. Tune into Friday’s Weekend Preview for more on:
The Match 3 - the charity golf tournament between Peyton Manning, Charles Barkley, Phil Mickelson and Steph Curry. (11/27)
The long-awaited return to the ring for legendary boxers Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, Jr. who will face off in an exhibition fight. (11/28)
The Countdown Is On
Baseball shatters the glass ceiling, history was made at the Masters and why an NFL game caused Blake Shelton to call a doctor.
It is the last week before we dive headfirst into the holiday season. There’s no time like the present to brush up on drama-free conversation starters that are (mostly) family-friendly.
Cheers to that,
The Last Night’s Game Team
MLB (Major League Baseball)
November has been a historic month for women breaking the glass ceiling. On Friday Kim Ng became the newest general manager of the Miami Marlins and the first female and first Asian-American to ever serve in that role in the history of the big four of American sports (MLB, NHL, NFL and NBA). She has served as an assistant GM with both the Yankees and the Dodgers as well as in the executive suite with the White Sox. Hall of Famer and Miami Marlins CEO/owner Derek Jeter led the breakthrough hire. WATCH OUT WORLD
Overtime
Dustin Johnson went from being quarantined with COVID in a hotel room for 11 days earlier this month to the most dominant performance ever at The Masters. Johnson shot 20 under par to land his first green jacket yesterday. Par is the expected number of strokes per hole for a golfer, or “average.” So, Johnson beat that average by 20 strokes, which is the lowest score in tournament history. There to celebrate with Johnson was his fiancé Paulina Gretzky, who is the daughter of hockey great Wayne Gretzky. CHAMPIONS RUN IN THE FAMILY
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Formula One (F1) driver Lewis Hamilton continues to make 2020 his year. Yesterday he won his seventh world championship, tying the record set by racing legend Michael Schumacher. As expected, Hamilton’s vegan pup Roscoe was there to celebrate with him. PARTY ON!
Coaches’ corner
And just like that we’re heading into the semifinals of “Dancing with the Stars” and long gone are the days of Carol Baskin and her tiger themed performances. Usually, athletes fare well in this competition but this year Olympic Figure Skater Johnny Weir is the only one remaining. The semifinalists include rapper Nelly and former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe. (FOX) TROT TO VICTORY
What to watch
Last night’s game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Buffalo Bills (NFL – National Football League) had us all at the edge of our seats including singer Blake Shelton, who shared his angst in a hilarious post on Twitter. CAN YOU ACTUALLY TWEET THAT?