Monday Minute: Jokic And The Minions, Another Olympic Doping Scandal + OJ’s Bronco Is For Sale
The only way to start your Monday
From historic victories to record-breaking moments, here's your quick rundown to prepare you for the week ahead.
LSU Secures First-Ever National Championship in Gymnastics
In a monumental achievement, LSU clinched its inaugural national championship in gymnastics, marking a significant milestone for the program.LSU gymnast Olivia Dunn, a prominent figure in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape, is just starting what will be a big few weeks as she is set to grace the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition pages next month.
PWHL Shatters Attendance Records
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) continues to make waves, with PWHL Montreal drawing an astounding crowd of over 21,000 fans at the Bell Center. This record-breaking attendance underscores women's hockey's growing popularity and support, showcasing a bright future.
Iconic White Ford Bronco from OJ Simpson Chase Up for Sale
In a piece of sports memorabilia history, the white Ford Bronco famously driven by OJ Simpson during his 1994 police chase is up for sale. Simpson’s former agent and two friends of the infamous driver, Al Cowlings, hope this iconic vehicle carries a unique enough story to capture a $1.5M sale.
Jim Harbaugh's ChamHarbaugh'sattoo
Michigan's formMichigan'sach turned Los Angeles Chargers head coach (NFL - National Football League), Jim Harbaugh, fulfilled a promise to his players by getting a championship tattoo on his upper arm. The tattoo comes just days ahead of the NFL Draft.
Olympic Swimming Faces Doping Controversy
Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Olympic swimming is embroiled in a doping scandal involving 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance in 2021, but yet it was never revealed. Despite the revelations, the World Anti-Doping Agency's siding with China’s anti-doping body has sparked controversy.
NBA Playoffs Heat Up - Minion Style
In the NBA (National Basketball Association) playoffs, Nikola Jokic showcased his talent with a stellar performance (following his debut in a “Despicable Me ” commercial), “leading the defending champions to victory over the Lakers in game one.
NFL Draft Anticipation
With the NFL Draft just around the corner, anticipation builds as teams prepare to make their selections. This week, tune in to the Wednesday Wisdom podcast for insights into the draft process, including discussions on "Mr. Irrelevant,” draft economics, and the unique intricacies of NFL draft day.
As we dive into another exciting sports week, stay tuned to lastnightsgame.com for all the latest updates and insights. Here's to a week of unforgettable moments and thrilling victories.
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What’s Cookin’?
Have you tried our Tailgate Treats? They’re fan favorite meals served best with friends (or you can keep them to yourself). READ
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GAME CHANGER
Athletes rituals to bring into your 2024 - the good, the bad and the awkward. BRING IT ON
Weekend Preview: Why WNBA Salaries Are What They Are, Curry-less NBA Playoffs + Livvy Dunne In The Gymnastics Championship
Pairs well with “Tortured Poets Department”
Good morning, sports fans! It's Friday, April 19th, and we have a packed post covering everything from the latest controversies in WNBA salaries to the thrilling gymnastics national championships and the kickoff of the NBA and NHL playoffs. So grab your coffee, and let's dive in!
WNBA Salary Controversy
President Joe Biden, to your Instagram feed, everyone's buzzing about Caitlin Clark's WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) rookie salary of $76,535, a fraction of her collegiate NIL valuation of $3.4M. However, reports say that Clark is close to finalizing an endorsement deal with Nike for a signature shoe and an eight-figure contract.
How’d they get to Clark’s salary number? WNBA players can receive 50% of league revenue, roughly the same as what NBA players receive. But (and this is a big but) it’s 50% of incremental revenue. That means that revenue must exceed targets that grow by 20% annually. Player salaries accounted for just 9.3% of league revenue in 2022 as they failed to hit their targets. But there is hope. The players’ union is expected to opt out of the current CBA after the 2025 season, also when the league will negotiate new broadcast contracts.
NCAA Gymnastics Championships
Heading into the finals, defending champions Oklahoma fall short, opening the door for California, Utah, Florida and LSU to claim the NCAA Gymnastics National Championship title. Keep an eye on Livvy Dunne, the face of women’s gymnastics with 5M followers and a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition feature. However, amidst the triumph, we must acknowledge the US Justice Department’s $100M settlement for victims of Larry Nassar's abuse.
Concussion Testing
Exciting developments in concussion testing pave the way for safer sports,
NBA Playoffs
Injuries cast shadows over the NBA (National Basketball Association) play-in tournament, which wraps tonight. The Miami Heat will play the Chicago Bulls, and the New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Sacramento Kings for the final spots in the playoffs. Due to injuries, key players Jimmy Butler and Zion Williamson won’t take the court.
The playoffs start Saturday with a quadruple-header, starting at 1 pm ET.
NHL Playoffs
The NHL (National Hockey League) playoffs also start on Saturday, but the conversation seems to be focused on the Arizona Coyotes' relocation to Salt Lake City, Utah. The NHL Board of Governors approved the sale of the franchise's hockey assets to Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of the NBA's Utah Jazz and MLS’s (Major League Soccer) Real Salt Lake.
As we wrap up, remember to enjoy Taylor Swift's latest album and engage in conversations sparked by sports. From salary debates to championship triumphs, there's never a dull moment. I wish you a fantastic weekend.
Photo: Unsplash
What’s Cookin’?
Have you tried our Tailgate Treats? They’re fan favorite meals served best with friends (or you can keep them to yourself). READ
Photo: Instagram/kingjames
GAME CHANGER
Athletes rituals to bring into your 2024 - the good, the bad and the awkward. BRING IT ON
Monday Minute: It’s Caitlin Clark’s Night, Masters Masterpiece + Why 42 Is Today’s Lucky Number
Tax day talk.
Here’s a little tax day fodder to connect with someone other than your accountant.
WNBA Draft Excitement
The anticipation is palpable as basketball fans eagerly await the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) Draft, where Caitlin Clark is poised to be the No. 1 pick for the Indiana Fever. Fresh off her memorable SNL appearance, where she humorously took on Weekend Update anchor Michael Che, Clark's star continues to rise. The draft, set to take place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, saw tickets sell out within 15 minutes of becoming available, underscoring the immense interest in this year's event.
Masters Magic
The Masters tournament delivered its trademark thrills and surprises, with Scottie Scheffler clinching his second career Masters victory and proudly donning the coveted Green Jacket again. Despite the nail-biting tension over the potential birth of his first child, he took home the victory. Scheffler took home the $3.6M purse, which brings his 2024 earnings total to $15,093,235, but he’s still likely to drive the 2012 GMC Yukon his dad gave him in college.
Marathon Milestones and Memories
As Patriots' Day unfolds, communities come together to commemorate this historic occasion, marked by poignant tributes and spirited events such as the Boston Marathon. Among the cherished traditions is the unveiling of a statue honoring Spencer, the beloved Boston Marathon dog renowned for his unwavering support of runners along the marathon route. Though Spencer has crossed the rainbow bridge, his legacy lives on, immortalized in the hearts of all who encountered his boundless enthusiasm.
Before We Bid You Adieu...
The regular season draws to a close in the NBA (National Basketball Association), with the Oklahoma City Thunder defying expectations to secure the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Over in MLB (Major League Baseball), today is Jackie Robinson Day, which serves as a poignant reminder of the trailblazing athlete's enduring legacy, with players donning his iconic No. 42 jersey to honor his groundbreaking achievements during all games today.
UFC 300 (Ulitmate Fighting Championship) brought impressive victories from Alex Pereira and Max Halloway, who won the BMF belt. But the announcement from Dana White after the event has fans on the edge of their seats. The fighter-turned-entrepreneur and actor Conor McGregor will return to the Octagon, where he last fought in June 2021.
As the weekend's sporting saga unfolds, each twist and turn offers a glimpse into the enduring magic of athletic competition, uniting fans in shared moments of triumph, resilience, and nostalgia. Stay tuned for more exhilarating updates and unforgettable memories from the world of sports!
Photo: Unsplash
What’s Cookin’?
Have you tried our Tailgate Treats? They’re fan favorite meals served best with friends (or you can keep them to yourself). READ
Photo: Instagram/kingjames
GAME CHANGER
Athletes rituals to bring into your 2024 - the good, the bad and the awkward. BRING IT ON