What's good, sports fanatics? I'm Michael, and you're tuned into the spiciest sports tea on the airwaves—it's your daily Sports Hangover update for December 31, 2024.
College Football Playoff Quarterfinals:
Boise State and Arizona State are embracing their underdog status as they prepare to face Penn State and Texas, respectively. Despite being top-four seeds, both teams are facing significant point spreads against higher-ranked opponents. Boise State's quarterback, Maddux Madsen, is defending their No. 3 seed status, while Arizona State's Cam Skattebo will be a critical player in their matchup.
NBA Christmas Day Viewership:
The NBA's Christmas Day games attracted an average of 5.335 million viewers, marking the most-watched Christmas slate since 2019. The Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors game was the most-watched, with 7.9 million viewers, a 511% increase from last year. Overall, NBA viewership on ESPN's platforms is up 5% compared to the same point last season.
AP Top 25 Men's College Basketball Poll:
Tennessee holds the No. 1 spot for the fourth consecutive week, receiving 41 first-place votes. Auburn is closing in, receiving 20 first-place votes. UCLA made a significant jump to No. 15 after defeating Gonzaga, which fell to No. 19. The SEC leads with 10 ranked teams, followed by the Big Ten and Big 12 with five each.
Gonzaga Men's Basketball Team's Near Miss:
A private jet carrying the Gonzaga men's basketball team was ordered to stop just short of crossing a runway at LAX to avoid a collision with a Delta aircraft taking off. The FAA is investigating, but no injuries were reported. The team was unaware of the incident at the time and continued their games, beating Pepperdine in a subsequent match.
Florida State Basketball NIL Lawsuit:
Six former Florida State basketball players are suing Coach Leonard Hamilton for failing to fulfill his promise of $250,000 each in name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation. The lawsuit claims Hamilton guaranteed NIL payments from his "business partners," which were never fulfilled. Florida State University is investigating the allegations.
FBI Warning to Professional Athletes:
The FBI has issued a warning to professional sports leagues about organized crime groups targeting athletes' homes for burglaries. Athletes are advised to enhance security, be cautious on social media, and report any suspicious activities. Notable victims include Luka Doncic, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow.
Sports Hangover Rumors:
Rumor has it that the New York Jets are eyeing former coaches Rex Ryan and Ron Rivera for their head coaching position. Both are expected to interview for the job, signaling the Jets' desire to bring in experienced leadership.
That’s all the juice I’ve got for today’s Sports Hangover. This is Michael, telling you to stay thirsty for more sports drama. Peace out!
