Weekend brunch and interesting conversation go together like champagne and orange juice. (But light on the O.J. of course)…
Bottomless conversation,
The Last Night’s Game Team
MLB (Major League Baseball)
The boys of summer are back with spring training games starting today and MLB is certainly feeling the heat. ICYMI – The Houston Astros stole signs using technology during the season they won the World Series. The leagued fined them $5M (a drop in the bucket considering they pay pitcher Justin Verlander $25M/yr) but said they won’t go after the players involved. The team fired the head coach, general manager and then gave an uninspired apology. A handful of baseball players and now basketball’s LeBron James are using their platforms to share their outrage at MLB commissioner Rob Manfred over the light sentencing. TAKE ME OUT OF THE BALLGAME
FYI - All of the teams call Arizona (Cactus League) or Florida (Grapefruit League) home during spring training. SCHEDULE A LITTLE VITAMIN D
Overtime
Tennis trailblazer Billie Jean King is receiving an honor not bestowed to many, their own Barbie doll. King’s doll is part of their Barbie’s Inspiring Women Series, which honors “modern and historical women role models.” Other women who are recognized in this collection include Sally Ride, Rosa Parks and Ella Fitzgerald. PAVING THE WAY
Sideline stat
In preparation for his big matchup against Deontay Wilder on Saturday night in Las Vegas, boxer Tyson Fury revealed that he spent the past 10 weeks depriving himself of everything he loves, including seeing his family and Diet Coke. One may not equate Diet Coke to the love of their children but he was drinking 20-30 a day. All his pent-up frustrations came out at this week’s press conference where the two fighters got into it. GET THIS GUY ON THE PHONE WITH COCA-COLA STAT
Coaches’ corner
It’s a big weekend for Dwyane Wade. The NBA (National Basketball Association) player retired from the game last season but his former team, the Miami Heat will spend the weekend celebrating his accomplishments from his 15-year career with the team. The culmination of the weekend’s excitement will be when they retire his jersey number (No. 3). Wade has been in the spotlight lately discussing his family life with his wife, actress Gabrielle Union and supporting his daughter Zaya who came out as transgender. HIS MOST IMPORTANT JOB
When a player’s jersey is retired, no one else can ever wear that jersey number for the team. In an unusual and puzzling move, the Heat retired Michael Jordan’s number (No. 23) even though he never played for the franchise.
