Be Like Mike

The Play by Play

“Jonesing” for a New Commissioner

Best friends no more. The near decade long relationship between Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has come crashing down. And it all started back in August when Goodell suspended Cowboys’ running back Ezekiel Elliott. In response to losing his star player and really any shot of a 2018 championship ring, Jones took direct aim at, and fully blamed, the commissioner, whose contract is currently up for negotiation. In recent weeks the Cowboys’ owner started making all kinds of threats (such as suing the league) if the owners chose to extend Goodell’s contract. Lucky for the commissioner, Jones was not one of the owners appointed to his contract negotiations, and the six owners who were sure aren’t pleased with Jerry’s behavior. In a letter, NFL owners accused Jones of “conduct detrimental to the NFL” and rumors abound as to what additional consequences may be levied if Jerry continues his antics.

The Curry Curriculum

Remember back in 1991 when we all wanted to “Be Like Mike” (watch the Gatorade commercial if you’ve forgotten)? Well, Steph Curry might actually make that dream a  reality. Through the MasterClass platform, Curry will teach online basketball classes, breaking down video and sharing insights he has learned during his years playing.  For just $90, you can access more than fifteen lessons aimed at improving your shooting and ball handling. And if that just isn’t enough, or you’d still rather be like Mike than Steph, never fear. Michael Jordan and Gatorade are releasing a “Be Like Mike” NBA collection. You can spruce up your wardrobe by purchasing one (or more) of the four different sneakers available. While this return to a 90s campaign is far more about being your best self than being like Mike himself, it’s still probably as close as any of us will ever get. Between the clothes and the classes, Mike and Steph, take  your pick. Now you can be like either!

The Faces and Facts

Featured Female – Pam Oliver (Football and Basketball): A sideline reporter for over two decades, often considered one of the best. Replaced by Erin Andrews as the number one Fox Sports reporter back in 2014, Oliver took on the reporting responsibilities with the #2 broadcasting team, where she continues to work today.

Martellus Bennett (Football): Patriots, Packers, Patriots. It’s hard to keep up with Martellus Bennett, who has played for five teams over the course of his career. After starting 2017 with the Green Bay Packers, Bennett opted to end his season early for surgery. Yet within a week, Bennett was back and playing for his former team, the New England Patriots. The rumor mill started churning almost immediately: had he really been hurt? Was Bennett just shopping around for a championship caliber team, which the Pack certainly were not after losing Aaron Rodgers? In the end, it doesn’t really matter. No rules were broken so Martellus is free to go under the knife or postpone it in the quest for a ring. One thing’s for certain, it’s no sweat off the Packers’ back.

Karl-Anthony Towns (Basketball): The first round draft pick for the Minnesota Timberwolves back in 2015, whose skill has not disappointed. Along with Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins, Towns has led the Wolves to a 9-5 record and reignited a hope that the team might make the playoffs for the first time in thirteen years. However, it isn’t just his play that grabs headlines. Earlier this week, Towns vocalized his belief that the NBA should remove marijuana from it’s banned substance list. With a mom in the medical field and a girlfriend who has an autistic son, Towns has seen first hand the medicinal benefits of the drug. As more states legalize it, we’ll see what happens within the NBA.  

Jaylen Brown (Basketball): The Boston Celtics have won 14 in a row, sneaking past the Golden State Warriors 92-88, in a matchup we may see again in the NBA finals. The team-high 22 points scored by Jaylen Brown certainly helped propel his team to victory. But what makes his performance even more amazing is that it was achieved just a day after Brown lost his best friend Trevon Steede. Unsure whether or not he’d play in Thursday’s game, in the end, Jaylen wanted to be there for his team. And when it was over, the Celtics walking away victorious, Kyrie Irving presented Brown with the game ball.

The UpComing

Los Angeles Rams v. Minnesota Vikings (Football): Considered to be a possible playoff preview. The two quarterbacks, Jared Goff (Rams) and Case Keenum (Vikings) were actually Rams teammates last year and known for having the worst offense in the league. Now they are leading two teams at 7-2.  Talk about a turnaround. While both individuals are having great seasons, it will likely come down to the Minnesota defense against the Rams offense. Tune in at 1pm on Sunday to see who comes out on top.

Dallas Cowboys v. Philadelphia Eagles (Football): In their second game without Elliott, whose suspension was once again upheld (and no longer contested), Dallas will have its hands full. Last week, Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ QB, was sacked eight times, which never bodes well. And bad news for Dak, the Eagles defense is even better.  Yet Philadelphia struggles to defend the pass, and with a wide receiver like Dez Bryant, the Cowboys will certainly try to take full advantage. Should make for an interesting Sunday night game. Kickoff at 8:30.  

The Weekend Social Hour

Hopefully you found a few hours to dive into some of the hockey and basketball movies recommended last week. But if not, no worries. There’s still plenty of winter left and two more sports to cover. I have to admit, while I haven’t seen all of the movies mentioned in the previous post, I have watched and love all the football and baseball movies below:

NFL:

• The Blind Side and Remember the Titans: Both based on true stories and bound to bring on some tears. Whether overcoming socioeconomic or racial differences, these two films show the power of football and of humanity.
• Rudy: Probably, and unarguably, the best football movie of all time. The truest of true underdog stories, following Rudy and his dream to play for Notre Dame.

MLB:

• Field of Dreams: A man in Iowa feels compelled to turn his corn field into a baseball diamond. The source of the often quoted “If you build it, they will come.”
• Major League: In order for an owner to move her team from Cleveland to Miami, ticket sales have to drop. So she hires players she believes to be washed up and incompetent. But the season takes a surprising turn of events.
• Pride of the Yankees: Follows the life of Lou Gehrig, from his time playing baseball with the Yankees to his ALS diagnosis (often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Just in case movies aren’t your jam, there’s also a new reality show in town, starring NBA player Iman Shumpert and his wife. You can find it on VH1 starting Monday, February 19th.

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