“The worst owner in sports” is on his way out
From The Gist Team |
Happy Friday!
It’s Coachella weekend, but you don’t have to travel to the desert for great entertainment — there’s a star-studded lineup of sports action on deck, plus the downfall of an abhorrent NFL owner to discuss. Swipe on some glitter, don your best Y2K look, and let’s get this party started.
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Quote of the Day |
The stance that we took at the time was appropriate…But 16 months into this, we’re convinced that our requests will not be met…We obviously had some players who were not supportive of a return [to China] but the majority said it’s time to go back. |
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— WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon, attempting to justify the association's decision to resume operations in China after they launched a boycott in 2021 following the disappearance of former player Peng Shuai. Yet another example of money over morals. |
The Latest |
🏈 But it’s over now
Content warning: This section contains mention of sexual misconduct.
The GIST: At long last, the Dan Snyder era has (nearly) come to an end. The embattled Washington Commanders owner reportedly agreed yesterday to finally sell the keys to his dysfunctional kingdom for a record-setting $6.05B. We’ve been waiting for this one…turn it up!
The no-background: From defending the team’s former racist name to instructing the team’s video department to film cheerleaders while they changed to paying out a $1.6M settlement to a former employee who accused him of sexual misconduct, there’s no shortage of reasons Snyder was considered by many to be “the worst owner in sports.”
- What’s more, he was also accused of years of financial impropriety and overseeing a toxic workplace culture, among other problems during his tumultuous tenure. No wonder folks are rejoicing.
The sale: The incoming ownership group is led by billionaire Josh Harris, who co-owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils, and also includes former NBA star Magic Johnson.
- But they haven't inked it just yet — while it’s expected to go through, the deal still needs to be approved by the rest of the league owners, likely at a meeting in May. Don’t play with us, please.
What’s next: His reign of terror might soon be over, but the investigations into his misdealings are still underway. Snyder’s facing an NFL investigation into the aforementioned alleged workplace misconduct as well as a federal investigation regarding his financial misdeeds. Here’s to change and accountability.
🏀 Not talking about practice anymore
The GIST: Tonight marks the finale of the thrilling NBA play-in tournament, with two do-or-die showdowns on deck. But the hoopin’ is just getting started — the playoffs begin in earnest tomorrow as the first round series tip off. So much ball, so little time.
Tonight’s play-in games: Both the Eastern Conference (EC) No. 10 Chicago Bulls and Western Conference (WC) No. 10 Oklahoma City Thunder channeled their inner Drake, eliminating the No. 9 Toronto Raptors and No. 9 New Orleans Pelicans, respectively, to earn their spot in tonight’s must-win matchups.
- First up is the EC, where Jimmy Butler and the No. 7 Miami Heat will be hell-bent on revenge when they host the defensive powerhouse Bulls at 7 p.m. ET.
- Then out West, the No. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves, joined by the newly reinstated Rudy Gobert, take on All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder at 9:30 p.m. ET. Play nice, boys.
Weekend playoff preview: Whether this is your first season of The Real Housewives of the NBA Playoffs or your 50th, here’s a quick refresher on the playoff format: From here on out, each round consists of a seven-game series. In the first round, the No. 1 seed in each conference plays the No. 8 seed (which will be grabbed tonight), No. 2 faces No. 7, and so on.
- Two must-watch series? In the WC, it’s the No. 3 Sacramento Kings, who’ll make their first playoff appearance in 17 years when they host the defending champ No. 6 Golden State Warriors tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. ET.
- Then on Sunday, superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo (pronounced ah-det-oh-KOON-boh) and his EC No. 1 Milwaukee Bucks take on the winner of tonight’s Heat/Bulls game. No rest for the weary.
Odds & Ends |
⚾ With yesterday’s 9–3 win over the Boston Red Sox, the 13-0 Tampa Bay Rays tied the MLB record for best start to a regular season. Unreal.
⚽ The NWSL’s Challenge Cup prize money reached $1M for the first time in league history thanks to partner UKG.
🎓🏀 UConn basketball star Paige Bueckers opened a free pop-up grocery store to address food insecurity in her home state of Minnesota. The kids are quite alright.
🎓⚾ Florida Gulf Coast outfielder Brian Ellis broke an unofficial NCAA record yesterday by safely reaching base in 102 (!!!) consecutive games. Talk about a consistent king.
Weekend Watching |
⛳ LPGA: Lotte Championship — Today and tomorrow — The Golf Channel
- After two days of play, Yu Jin Sung is leading the way in the hunt for the lucrative $2M purse. All about that green.
🏒 IIHF Women’s Worlds semifinals: Team USA vs. the Czech Republic — Tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET — NHL Network
- Coming off yesterday’s convincing 3–0 quarter-final win over Team Germany, the Americans are ready for their next challenge en route to golden redemption.
🎓🤸 NCAA gymnastics: Championship Final — Tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET — ABC/ESPN+
- After yesterday’s semifinals, defending champs No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 2 Utah, No. 3 Florida, and No. 6 LSU flipped their way to a chance at the natty title. It all comes down to this.
⚽ NWSL: OL Reign vs. San Diego Wave — Tomorrow at 10 p.m. ET — Paramount+
- The up-for-sale Reign will be aiming to impress in their home opener against the undefeated Wave. Cowabunga.
In honor of this weekend's The Uninvited Invitational — the ultimate women’s snowboard competition — we’re hosting our own gnarly contest, with a new snowboard and bindings on the line. Drop on in.
The GIST's Picks |
These recs will have you feeling good, like you should, heading into the weekend.
✍️ How to reflect
With The Five Minute Journal. It’s a quick and effective way to practice gratitude and make a lasting impact on your mental health.
🧼 How to cleanse
By using Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant, a gentle yet effective exfoliating powder that will leave your skin bright and smooth.
🧘♂️ How to be mindful
By taking CorePower yoga classes. With a welcoming community, expert instructors, and a variety of class styles and levels, it's a great way to improve your strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.
📧 What to subscribe to
theSkimm, for quick, unbiased explanations of the day’s top news stories. Yes, please.
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