The Sports Hangover: President’s Day Special with Michael Benatar and Jay Dog
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Sports Hangover. I'm your host, Michael Benatar, joined by my co-host, Jay Dog. Today, we’re diving into all things sports, pop culture, and some personal stories from a weekend that was anything but boring.
Holiday Vibes and Weather Woes
First off, let’s talk about the weather. For those on the East Coast, President’s Day brought a triple whammy of winter. Jay Dog, how was your weekend in Connecticut?
“It was brutal. We had snow all Saturday, rain all Sunday, and epic winds on Monday. It honestly felt like a triple option play from the weather gods,” Jay Dog responded, exasperated.
Meanwhile, I was in snowy Denver, where I took a little trip down memory lane playing pond hockey. It was a whirlwind of fun, ice, and a whole lot of layers. Fortunately, despite some hiccups with icy roads, spinning out and battling freezing hands, I managed to compete in a tournament featuring players from 18 to 50.
Pond Hockey and Cold Nights
The experience was nostalgic in the best way. There’s something special about playing outdoors—the camaraderie, the thrill of competition, and of course, some post-game beers. While I enjoyed every moment, I was definitely unprepared for the frigid temperatures. Note to self: invest in hand warmers next time.
Jay Dog brought up an interesting point about the level of athleticism showcased during these games. "You're pretty old, but witnessing you out there is impressive!" he quipped.
SNL 50: A Celebration of Comedy
From hockey to another kind of showdown—we tuned into SNL 50 this past weekend. Channeling the nostalgic vibes, I caught a few segments and was taken back by how many legends graced the stage. “The highlights were definitely Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, and Will Ferrell. If you’re talking about a Mount Rushmore of SNL, those three have to be on it,” Jay Dog stated.
But it wasn’t without criticisms either. While there were some standout moments, many sketches felt lackluster, as if they were hastily written. “It felt long at times, especially with segments like Black Jeopardy,” I mentioned.
There’s a lot of speculation about what happens next with this iconic show. Who will take Lorne Michaels’ place when he eventually retires? The dynamic tension within the current cast raises important questions about the future of SNL.
Hockey Fever: The Four Nations Showdown
Saturday night also saw the beginning of the Four Nations hockey tournament, where USA faced off against Canada. The atmosphere was electric, with fights breaking out almost immediately (talk about passion!). This kind of energy definitely contributed to the viewership spike, as fans rallied behind intense rivalries.
“Dude, it felt like hockey was back, and it was great to see everyone getting behind the USA team,” I reflected.
Jay Dog inquired about the tournament’s structure and what the stakes were. The plan was simple: compete for bragging rights and the pride of representing one’s nation. An exciting game is on the horizon, with anticipation building for the final championship match.
Fixing the NBA All-Star Game
As we transitioned away from the weekend happenings, I shared my thoughts on how to fix the NBA All-Star Game. “I was thinking about a WWE-style King of the Ring format, with one-on-one tournaments,” I proposed.
Jay Dog agreed and suggested separating players by height to make it fairer. “Can you imagine the excitement of watching those matchups?” he asked, clearly envisioning the thrill of such a tournament.
Moreover, I tossed out the idea of an USA vs. World competition. “Imagine the passion—like the Olympics, but with all the current stars. You could really build something epic there,” I explained.
The idea sparked some excitement, and we both agreed that something needs to change to bring back the thrill to All-Star weekend.
Concessions and Family Fun with the Suns
As we wrapped up our discussions, Jay Dog highlighted a remarkable initiative by the Phoenix Suns. With new family-friendly concession pricing coming into play, attending a game could be much more affordable. “$2 hot dogs and drinks? Total game-changer,” he said.
In a time when concession prices can be exorbitantly high, the Suns' move is commendable and could inspire other franchises to follow suit.
Final Thoughts
With mid-February upon us, the countdown to NBA and NHL playoffs has begun. It’s a thrilling time for sports enthusiasts, and we’re excited to see how things unfold. Looking ahead, we hope to witness new rivalries, memorable moments, and perhaps, just perhaps, the rejuvenation of the All-Star game format.
Don’t forget to check out our blog at thesportshangover.com and follow us on Substack for
