The Sports Hangover: July Current Events & Rumblings in the NBA
Welcome back to The Sports Hangover! I'm your host, Michael Benatar, here with my co-host, J Dawg. In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the current events of July in the sports world, while also keeping an eye on our personal adventures—like my upcoming bachelor party in Miami! So buckle in as we hit the latest headlines!
A Bachelor Party Adventure Awaits
Two days till I jet off to Miami for my buddy Rich's bachelor party. Now, we’re not exactly sure about our accommodations, dinner plans, or even the itinerary, but we're ready for adventure. Unlike the last bachelor party I attended in Laughlin, Nevada, which felt more like a rundown Vegas vacation spot, Miami promises a vibrant nightlife and maybe a few surprise moments.
Los Angeles: A Traffic-free Wonder?
In other news, it seems this July has brought an unusually calm traffic scenario in Los Angeles. While folks generally escape the city during the holiday, some haven't and their loud fireworks have proven challenging, especially with a one-year-old and a nervous dog in the house! So what’s causing the lack of traffic? Just another weird summer trend in this bustling city.
NBA Rumblings: Has Kevin Durant Left Our Radars?
Now onto the NBA. Kevin Durant's recent move to the Houston Rockets via a historic seven-team trade has all eyes raising eyebrows. Honestly, at this point, it's hard to care when stars shift franchises so often. Although he was once on track to be the GOAT, Durant’s constant relocation has soured my excitement for his career developments. Is anyone else with me on this?
On a different note, Shea Gildge’s Alexander just signed an epic four-year, $285 million contract. While it’s impressive, I can’t help but think about how an athlete in Oklahoma City can log such a hefty paycheck yet go relatively unrecognized walking down the street. NBA fanfare might not be all it’s hyped up to be outside major markets.
The Dolphins and the NFL’s Surprising Trades
Switching gears, Miami Dolphins fans have faced some recent trade rumors. The Dolphins traded Minka Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey. To be completely honest, this feels like moving deck chairs on the Titanic. Are the Dolphins stuck in a cycle of mediocrity? The mixed messages about management must be frustrating for both fans and players alike. Yes, mediocrity seems to be a consistent theme around here.
The NFL Underworld: Owner Collusion?
Did you hear about the league’s recent allegations? Apparently, NFL owners have been colluding about player contracts to keep them low. Text messages revealed in a lawsuit show owners discussing how to suppress quarterback salaries. This is a significant scandal that deserves more attention than it’s getting.
Gambling: The Double-Edged Sword
This week has also seen stories emerge regarding gambling. An MLB pitcher has already been suspended for betting on games while another NBA player is under investigation for “throwing" points in seemingly unimportant games. It raises the question: how transparent is the betting system? And perhaps more critically, can players be trusted with such huge liabilities at stake?
WNBA Drama: Caitlin Clark’s Rankings Spark Controversy
Last but certainly not least, we have WNBA drama involving Caitlin Clark. Voted the ninth best guard by her peers, many fans feel she deserves far higher recognition for what she’s done for the league—bringing in sold-out crowds and increased TV ratings. It raises an interesting debate about how talent is valued within each sport and how jealousy can shape opinions.
As we wrap up this edition of The Sports Hangover, remember to subscribe to us on YouTube, check out our clips, and track our latest content on Substack. Stay tuned for more insights, commentary, and behind-the-scenes antics from my adventures!
Thanks for listening, and catch you next episode!
