A new NFL playoff format, the Brendan Leipsic controversy, NBA re-opening facilities, the MLB draft, and more.
NFL:
The Draft:
The NFL Draft took place from April 23rd through April 25th. It was all held virtually. The top sixty prospects had cameras on them, capturing their emotions just after they were drafted. In addition on camera were about ten analysts, and the NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell. It was the most watched NFL draft in history.
A few articles to read are our First Round Draft Grades, and our New England Patriots Draft Grades.
New Playoff Format:
The NFL changed their playoff format for the first time since 2002 just recently. The new system adds one team to the playoffs in each conference. It also has just one team receiving a bye in the first round in each conference.
You can read My thoughts on the New NFL Playoff Format to learn a bit more about the new change's pros and cons.
NBA:
Teams starting to re-open practice facilities:
It has been almost two months since the NBA suspended its season, and a few teams have started the process to re-open. A few guidelines include:
No more than four players would be permitted at a facility at any one time.
No head or assistant coaches could participate.
Group activity remains prohibited, including practices or scrimmages.
Players remain prohibited from using non-team facilities such as public health clubs, fitness centers or gyms.
'The Last Dance' breaking ESPN viewer records:
This isn't really news, but the documentary about Michael Jordan's Bulls has done extremely well. One of the things that makes it so unique is that they shot a lot of behind the scenes footage of those Bulls teams. They have been saving it all these years, and with new interviews, it makes up a great series. To be frank, it is really good. It is most definitely one of the best sports documentary series that I have seen.
★★★★★
NHL:
Brendan Leipsic makes misogynistic comments — is released by Capitals:
In a private group group chat, Leipsic made comments with his brother and Florida Panthers minor leaguer Jack Rodewald about the physical appearances of Tanner Pearson's wife, and Connor McDavid's girlfriend. He also called his former linemates Garnet Hathaway and Nick Dowd "losers". The comments were screenshot-ed, and then released on social media.
Leipsic has had a six year NHL career with five different teams, but has never scored more than five goals in a season. The decision by the Capitals to cut ties with him was not a very difficult for them.
MLB:
MLB Draft reduced from forty rounds to five for 2020
In an effort to save money, the MLB has cut their draft down to just five rounds. Teams will still be able to sign an unlimited amount of undrafted players though. This move could have huge implications on amateur and professional baseball, as so many less players will have teams. If you look into it a little more as well, you'll find that they aren't saving nearly enough money to make a big difference.
On this day a year ago: May 10th
Game 6 - Western Conference Finals
Golden State Warriors: 118
Houston Rockets: 113
Steph Curry scores 33 points (all of which come in the second half), as the Kevin Durant-less Warriors knock out the Rockets in game six in Houston. James Harden leads the Rockets with 35 points, but it is not enough, and once again Houston falls to Golden State in the playoffs.