Just like someone who doesn’t live on the East Coast and consequently doesn’t have to wade through all this f****** snow, it’s great to be here this week. In case you missed them, here are the stories that have been making headlines during the past seven days in the world of professional sports.
NBA
This past weekend saw the festivities associated with the NBA All-Star Game take place in New York. It was the only time this year that basketball fans went to Madison Square Garden and witnessed something other than a Knicks loss.
The West beat the East 163-158 for the conference’s fourth win in the last five years. Despite this, no one wanted to leave the arena after the game was over – that’s what happens when the temperature in the Big Apple drops below -20.
Minnesota rookie Zach LaVine won this year’s Slam Dunk Contest. I was amazed by this guy’s leaping ability – I mean, the only professional athlete I’ve seen get higher than that is Josh Gordon.
For me, the star who shone the brightest during All-Star Weekend was definitely Walt Frazier but only because of the outfits he was wearing. I mean, you know your wardrobe is a little too flashy when Barry Manilow tells you your style might be a bit dated.
In a recent TV interview, Kobe Bryant said he doesn’t have any “real friends”. Things got awkward though when Kobe added, “Even when I was in high school, I wasn’t the type of guy to invite some buddies over to play a pick-up game; I preferred to just stay at home and play with myself”.
NFL
Nineteen US states are considering expanding the capacity of their state penitentiaries. Or, as the headline was worded on SportsCenter, “NFL Off-season In Full Swing”.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was ostracized on Twitter after he called 50 Shades of Grey a “great movie”. Even Pete Carroll voiced his concern, telling reporters “If it was me, I definitely would’ve passed on that one”.
Texans defensive end J.J. Watt will be making a cameo appearance on an episode of New Girl that will air in March. Word is that Watt really impressed while on set – not with his acting ability, but rather with his ability to bench-press several members of the cast at once.
NHL
Members of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” US Men’s Olympic hockey team will reunite in Lake Placid this coming weekend to celebrate the 35th anniversary of that historic win. Back then, Russia was considered an “evil empire”, diplomatic relations between the US and several Middle Eastern countries were fractious to say the least, and Al Michaels was buying expensive hairpieces for his TV appearances – in other words, nothing has changed.
MLB
Infielder Alex Rodriguez published a hand-written (yes, that’s not a misprint) letter apologizing for his recent actions. Sources say he refused to use a computer to write the letter because he didn’t want fans to think the keyboard was artificially enhancing his performance.
Pablo Sandoval showed up to a Red Sox workout in what I’ll say is probably not the best shape he’s ever been in. Say what you will about him as a player, but I think this photo proves one thing: when you give a guy nicknamed “Kung-Fu Panda” a $95 million contract, he’s going to eat more than just bamboo and leaves.
This coming August, the Washington Nationals will be giving away Jayson Werth Chia Pets with growing beards. As a result, thousands of fans will go home with a souvenir that looks like a Duck Dynasty-themed voodoo doll.
Golf
NFL kicker Josh Scobee has challenged Tiger Woods to a strokes match worth $100,000. When asking around for tips, Elin Nordegren told Scobee “You only need a 9-iron to really beat that guy”.
European tour player Peter Lawrie says that his world ranking dropped from the top 200 to 725 because of a soda addiction. Even Dustin Johnson was like, “Geez – that dude has a massive Coke problem.”
NCAAB
Legendary commentator Dick Vitale was not part of ESPN’s broadcast of the yearly UNC-Duke game for the first time in 35 years. I’m really peeved about this – all that money I spent on noise-canceling earplugs was for nothing.
AND FINALLY …
His Airness, Michael Jordan turned 52 earlier this week. Experts say he’ll go down in history as the greatest basketball player of all time, as well as the most photographed strikeout victim who ever played in the Chicago White Sox farm system.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @afishcalledmatt. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
Main Photo:
