LAST NIGHT'S GAME 7/12/24 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 7/12/24

Weekend Preview: ESPYs, Olympic Sparkles + Wimbledon

Serving up small talk success

Get your weekend conversation starters ready with all the latest updates in the world of sports.

Serena Shines at the ESPYs

Good morning! It is Friday, July 12th, and welcome to the Sports Curious Podcast. We're gearing up for the weekend with all the conversation starters you'll need to dazzle everyone with your sports knowledge. Let’s kick things off with a recap of last night’s ESPYs.

The ESPYs, ESPN's celebration of the best in sports, was an emotional rollercoaster. Special award recipients included Prince Harry for his work with the Invictus Games and Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina women's basketball team, recognized for her fight against cancer. Hosted by the fabulous Serena Williams, who wowed in 16 stunning outfits, the night was a blend of fashion and sports excellence.

LOts of Sparkles for Team USA Gymnastics

Switching gears to the Olympics, let’s talk about the sparkle. Team USA’s gymnastics uniforms have been revealed, and they are bedazzled with 47,000 Swarovski crystals across eight styles. One standout is the Luminous Legacy uniform, adorned with over 10,000 crystals. If more bling means more medals, we’re in for a treat.

American Century Championship: Celebs on the Green

This weekend, athletes and celebrities converge at Lake Tahoe for the American Century Championship. Although defending champion Steph Curry will be busy with the U.S. Olympic basketball team, the lineup still includes stars like Charles Barkley, Travis Kelce, Aaron Rodgers, and first-timers like Jason Kelce and Alex Rodriguez. The winner takes home $150,000, but we’re here for the star-studded fun.

Wimbledon: A Battle on Grass

Wimbledon reaches its climax this weekend. Today’s men's semifinals feature Lorenzo Musetti versus Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz versus Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic, recovering from a knee injury, is chasing his 25th major title. On the women's side, Saturday’s finals will see Jasmine Paolini and Barbora Krejcikova vying for their first Wimbledon title.

Football Frenzy: Euro Cup and Copa America Finals

This Sunday, football fans (read: soccer fans) are in for a treat with two major finals. The Euro Cup final pits England against Spain. England’s men’s team hasn’t won the Euros, their last major victory dating back to the 1966 World Cup. Spain, however, are three-time European champions.

Later, the Copa America final sees Colombia facing defending champions Argentina in Miami. It’s a home game for Lionel Messi, who plays for David Beckham’s Miami FC. Colombia is on a 28-game unbeaten streak, but Argentina was the last team to defeat them in an Olympic qualifying match.

Drama Off the Field: Cam Newton’s Wedding Woes

Lastly, some off-field drama. Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton publicly expressed his disappointment at not being invited to his former teammate Christian McCaffrey’s wedding to model Olivia Culpo. McCaffrey clapped back on Instagram, revealing that Newton hasn’t responded to him in four years, and his texts now go green.

We hope you have a fantastic weekend. For more updates, visit lastnightsgame.com and stay tuned to our podcast for deep dives into all things Olympics and more.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 7/11/24 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 7/11/24

'Receiver' Debuts On Netflix

Passing you the playbook on what you need to know.

Netflix's documentary on football receivers promises to be a captivating exploration of the individuals who have redefined the game with skill and passion. Whether you are a football fanatic or simply someone who appreciates a compelling narrative, this documentary delivers inspiring journeys through the world of NFL (National Football League) receivers.

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Production and the NFL partner on “Receiver” premiering on Netflix, marking a significant event for all football fans. The documentary follows the 2023 season of NFL receivers Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders), Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings), George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers), Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detriot Lions). Before watching, here’s a little insight about the players.

Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders has had a challenging season, characterized by the mid-season dismissal of an unpopular coach and the transition to Antonio Pierce, a player’s coach.

Justin Jefferson’s season with the Minnesota Vikings was marked by adversity, including a seven-game absence due to injury and quarterback Kirk Cousins tearing his Achilles tendon; however, he recently secured a substantial four-year, $140M contract extension, featuring $110M in guaranteed money.

George Kittle, the tight end (which means he protects the quarterback during plays) for the San Francisco 49ers, joins Deebo Samuel and their teammates on a journey to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Known for his formidable skills and larger-than-life personality, Kittle brings a professional wrestler’s flair to the game.

Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions played a part in the revival of football in Detroit as Dan Campbell’s Lions defied the odds.

The documentary gives a glimpse into their personal lives, challenges, and behind-the-scenes access to training sessions and candid moments on and off the field.

LAST NIGHT'S GAME 7/10/24 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 7/10/24

Spotlight On Excellence The ESPY Awards

The most incredible night in sports.

By: Bri Talmadge

The ESPY (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards) is where sports and entertainment converge, a platform that truly encapsulates the spirit of achievement. Launched by ESPN in 1993, the ESPYs have blossomed into an annual extravaganza that pays tribute to the finest athletes, moments and narratives from the realm of sports. Join us as we embark on a journey through the most memorable moments of the ESPY Awards, a celebration that brings us closer to the world of sports.

Never give up - Jimmy V

Jimmy Valvano’s speech in 1999 was not just a moment in the ceremony’s history but a beacon of hope that inspired millions worldwide and continues to do so. As a former college basketball coach and ESPN commentator battling terminal cancer, Valvano's words on the importance of laughter, love and perseverance and his famous “Don’t Give Up” message resonate with us all. His announcement of The V Foundation for Cancer Research, dedicated to funding cancer research and finding a cure, has since allocated over $310M in cancer research grants nationwide. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of his speech.

Destiny’s Child + Allyson Felix + Serena Williams

The infamous music group Destiny’s Child, best known for their chart-topping hits and captivating performances, brought energy to the ceremony with their dazzling presence in 2005. They performed their hit song “Lose My Breath,” and their performance served the appeal of music and its ability to amplify emotions and experiences shared in sports. The most iconic thing about this performance was tennis star Serena Williams (who is hosting the award show this year) and track star Allyson Felix joining the stage, blending music and athleticism. It became more than just a performance; it celebrated unity and limitless possibilities when talent from different fields joined.

Pat Summit’s overwhelming gratitude

Pat Summit, a legendary women’s college basketball figure, coached the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers for 38 years. Summit’s journey took a turn when she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2011. However, she continued to coach, becoming a beacon of courage and resilience. In 2012, she was bestowed The Arthur Ashe Courage Award, recognizing her contributions to the basketball world. Her former players, colleagues and friends paid tribute to her, highlighting how she had touched their lives and shaped the landscape of women’s sports. In her speech, Summit expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she received and emphasized the importance of overcoming adversity. While Summit passed away in 2016, her legacy continues to endure and inspire.

Over the years, the ESPY Awards have showcased unforgettable moments celebrating sports excellence. This year's ESPY Awards promise an exciting lineup of unforgettable moments and well-deserved accolades celebrating the pinnacle of sports excellence.