Charles Curtis walks you through the upcoming season and key dates to know.
The NBA is almost back! We’ve got scrimmages and games starting back up this week, and then a mad dash to the playoffs, all taking place inside the NBA bubble in Orlando.
In the above video, Charles Curtis will walk you through the key dates to know for the NBA’s return to action, from scrimmages, to games, to round-by-round dates for the playoffs, and then the quick turnaround to the NBA Draft.
Basketball is almost here, and it’s coming fast and furious. Let’s get ready to enjoy all of the action.
Howard was called out for violating the mask protocol, and doubled down on his stance in a video.
The Lakers’ Dwight Howard was apparently reported for not wearing a mask inside the NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida, and was talked to by the league, according to Howard.
Now instead of doing some light soul-searching and working to understand not only how coronavirus is spread, but also basic levels of human empathy, Howard instead posted a video to his Instagram where he reiterated that he wouldn’t be wearing a mask. He also argued that vaccines are bad, a lovely double-whammy of dangerous, ill-informed conspiracy thinking.
(If you think Howard is right, you can just duck out of this article right now because nothing I type here is going to change your mind. And please don’t tweet at me.)
The video is excruciatingly long and mundane, but if you want to sit through all 15 minutes of it yourself, it’s here:
Part of Howard’s logic for not wearing a mask was that he “didn’t know that the coronavirus be flying through the air looking for people,” apparently believing that some people think COVID-19 is an airborne viral hunter who stalks prey, or something.
Howard did bring up that he felt safe in the NBA bubble, and it’s probably more safe than anywhere else right now, which might be true. (The league didn’t have any positive tests in the most recent round of testing.)
But to thumb his nose at the seriousness of this virus is ignorant and also insulting. As SB Nation’s James Dator points out, fellow NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns lost his mother to COVID-19 just a few months ago, and now Howard is essentially arguing he doesn’t need to do anything to help spread the disease. It’s a slap in the face to Towns and other people in and around the league, as well as just plain normal people, who have had loved ones who have been affected by the disease, or affected themselves.
As for the vaccine stuff, I’m not even going to get into it. Someone on the Lakers talk to Dwight. If people can get him to see the light about it not being smart to eat 24 candy bars a day, maybe they can talk some sense into him on this.
We’ll get a shortened MLB season this year due to concerns regarding coronavirus, with just 60 games to decide … everything
We are living in strange times here, certainly, and that extends to this Major League Baseball season. We’ll get a shortened season this year due to concerns regarding coronavirus, with just 60 games to decide … everything.
So I pulled out my crystal ball to try and make sense of a season that will be utterly unique and undoubtedly strange. Will a smaller amount of games let some teams get off to a hot start and ride things out? Will some players be benefited by having the shorter season?
See highlights from the Usman vs. Masvidal match at UFC 251 at Fight Island.
UFC 251 went down at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi last night (yep, Dana White made Fight Island a reality) with a bit of an interesting main event — the fight was originally slated to take place between champ Kumaru Usman and Gilbert Burns.
Then Burns, as well as his coach, tested positive for coronavirus. So, with six days’ notice, Jorge Masvidal got a Covid-19 test, got cleared, then stepped into the main event.
Masvidal is a talented striker with some of our favorite knockouts of the past few years, but with only a week to prepare, he couldn’t take out the gifted Usman, who outlasted him for a decision win.
NASCAR needs to — and should want to — take a stronger stance in favor of one of its drivers.
President Donald Trump tweeted Monday morning asking if Bubba Wallace has apologized after a noose was found in June in the Talladega Superspeedway garage stall belonging to him and the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports team.
Wallace doesn’t owe anyone an apology, and he and the No. 43 team had nothing to do with the incident — another detail the FBI and NASCAR noted.
After Trump tweeted about Wallace, the only Black driver in the Cup Series, a handful of people in the NASCAR world publicly expressed their support for him, including seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and rookie Tyler Reddick in a now-deleted tweet.
Richard Petty Motorsports co-owner Andrew Murstein called the president’s tweet “a late, misinformed, and factually incorrect statement.” And the team’s Twitter account shared an image of the No. 43 logo with the now-popular hashtag #IStandWithBubba (the same one Johnson tweeted).
NASCAR also put out a statement on Monday, but it left a lot to be desired.
In response to For The Win’s request for a comment on Trump’s tweet about Wallace, NASCAR said via email:
“We are proud to have Bubba Wallace in the NASCAR family and we commend his courage and leadership. NASCAR continues to stand tall with Bubba, our competitors and everyone who makes our sport welcoming and inclusive for all racing fans.”
That’s it.
Not only did it take the governing body more than seven hours to release a statement defending Wallace, but it also didn’t mention Trump, Twitter or the baseless hoax accusation, which lends credibility to related conspiracy theories. The president of the United States targeted one of NASCAR’s drivers and impugned his character, and NASCAR responded with a mediocre statement at best.
NASCAR needs to — and should want to — take a stronger stance in favor of one of its drivers. And the same goes for Wallace’s fellow competitors.
They’ve supported him over the last month, stood by his side, and made anti-racism commitments. But most have remained silent regarding Trump’s disparaging tweet, and everyone needs to do better and speak up.
The RBC Heritage produces the first positive COVID-19 test and Tiger Woods is out next week. Here are the week’s top stories.
Someone tests positive for COVID-19 at the RBC Heritage, Tiger Woods is out for the Travelers Championship and one Tour player works with his local golf club to help those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Take a look at the week’s top stories on the latest episode of Golfweek Rewind featured below.
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Simpson wins at Harbour Town
It was a Happy Father’s Day for father-of-five Webb Simpson who shot an RBC Heritage record 22-under 262 to win Sunday at Harbour Town Golf Links. After a nearly three-hour weather delay, Simpson made five birdies in six holes on the back nine to finally break out of a bottleneck for first and claim the sole lead with a birdie on 16. He rattled off one final birdie on 17 to earn his seventh Tour title with a bogey-free 7-under 64.
COVID-19 on Tour
Nick Watney withdrew from the RBC Heritage Friday prior to the second round after testing positive for COVID-19. Wantey, who tested negative earlier in the week along with all other players, caddies and essential personnel, and will self isolate for at least 10 days following his positive test result. He is the first PGA Tour player to test positive for the coronavirus after the season resumed.
No Tiger at Travelers
Steve DiMeglio reports Tiger Woods will not play at the Travelers Championship. Woods last competed during The Match: Champions for Charity but hasn’t competed in a Tour event since The Genesis Invitational in mid-February.
For more on when the LPGA will resume, USGA exemption categories for the U.S. Amateur and Women’s Amateur and why Ernie Els is our Hero of the Week, watch the latest edition of Golfweek Rewind featured above.
Golfweek’s Steve DiMeglio is live at the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links to discuss the Tour’s first positive COVID-19 test.
The PGA Tour’s bubble has been burst.
The Tour’s first positive COVID-19 test after its season restart shifted the mood at Harbour Town Golf Links.
Now what?
Golfweek senior writer Steve DiMeglio joined JuliaKate E. Culpepper live from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, during Saturday’s third round to discuss Nick Watney testing positive Friday and if the PGA Tour should make any changes to its health and safety protocol.
Watney tested negative Monday with all other players, caddies and Tour personnel, but felt symptoms Friday and was tested again. The Friday test yielded a positive result, forcing Watney to self-isolate and 11 others who had been in close proximity to be tested. All 11 have since tested negative with rapid tests.
DiMeglio said the PGA Tour is also awaiting secondary tests for those 11 close to Watney and for all players and caddies who anticipate taking the Tour chartered flight to Hartford, Connecticut, for next week’s Travelers Championship.
DiMeglio was asked if he foresees any changes to the PGA Tour’s safety plan as the revised Tour season continues.
“It’s like the Constitution of the United States. The great thing about the Constitution of the United States is that it can be changed. It can be amended. (The Tour) can always amend their health plan, their safety and health plan which was 39 pages long to begin with,” DiMeglio said. “I think they’re going to look into whether or not we should allow a player who has experienced symptoms who’s waiting his test results to go onto the golf course.”
Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka were two of the players to see Watney from a distance before Watney withdrew on Friday. Si Woo Kim told DiMeglio he saw Watney at the driving range Friday morning.
For more on the Tour’s first positive COVID-19 test, why DiMeglio thinks so many players are shooting low scores at Harbour Town Golf Links and what to expect in Sunday’s final round, watch our Instagram Live, featured below.
Today is what would’ve been legendary hip hop artist Tupac Shakur’s 49th birthday.
Shakur only had a five-year career in music and film before he was shot and killed in September 1996, but it feels like it was so much longer because of the lasting impact that he’s had.
He’s still considered one of the greatest rappers of all-time today after creating classic classic albums in his early 20’s. And his roles as Bishop in the movie Juice and Lucky in Poetic Justice are still so memorable.
Celebrate his birthday today with these 10 songs that perfectly embody who Pac was as a rapper and a person.
WARNING: There is some NSFW language in these tracks.
Keep Ya Head Up
One of the most memorable things about Tupac’s career was how frequently he touched on the subject of Black womanhood and the struggles that come with it. In this classic joint, Pac does the work of showing his appreciation to women everywhere while calling out men for their mistreatment of the women we should be appreciating. Sadly, it still holds up today.
Changes
Though this is one of Pac’s more upbeat, melodic songs, the message in it about police brutality and the mistreatment of Black people in America is a grim one. This is one of Shakur’s most notable songs — not only because it sounds good, but because it’s also been so relevant across generations.
Dear Mama
This song was an ode to Tupac’s mom, Afeni Shakur, who had done the work of raising him as a single mother. In the song, he lets her know he loves her, realizes her struggles and bluntly tells her “you are appreciated.”
Life Goes On
Tupac was never afraid to put some of his deepest, darkest thoughts on wax. This song might be the perfect manifestation of that. It’s Pac reflecting on his life as he lived it and decisions he’s made throughout. It gets deep.
Brenda’s Got a Baby
Tupac’s lyrics weren’t built on his ability to drop mind-boggling metaphors. Instead, what made him a truly great rapper was his ability to tell stories through music. “Brenda’s Got a Baby” is the best example of that. This tale based on a true account reflects on the struggles of teen pregnancy, sexual abuse, drug abuse and more. It’s tragic, but a great listen.
Do For Love
Like we said before about Pac, he’s never been shy about throwing his feelings on to paper and spitting them in the booth. “Do For Love” is that when it comes to relationships. It’s a song about being head over heels in love with someone despite continuing to be hurt by that person. Incredibly relatable.
California Love
There are a ton of songs out there across genres of music that show love and appreciation for California. There might not be one that gets as raw as this song does. It’s some of Dr. Dre’s best production ever and some of Pac’s hardest bars ever spit. That’s an untouchable combination.
How Do Ya Want it
This song is all about living the fast life after attaining the fame and fortune so many people look for. It’s a classic “sex, money, drugs” anthem that just lightens up the mood no matter what the situation is.
I Get Around
Pac wasn’t always so serious — there were times where he had fun with his music. One of those times was when he teamed up with the Digital Underground to make this classic party cut that serves as an exploration of promiscuity and fun. The video is classic, too.
Hail Mary
This track was dropped posthumously on Pac’s final album, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory. This track was meant to serve as a coming out party for Pac under his new stage name, Makaveli, as he moved into the next phase of his career. It’s sinister, horror-core production is what really gives it life. Pac’s chorus is what brings the whole thing home. It’s incredible.
George Floyd was honored as the PGA Tour returned with the Charles Schwab Challenge this week. Catch up on the week’s top golf stories.
The PGA Tour played its first event the age of coronavirus, the RBC Heritage boasts a stacked field despite Tiger Woods not playing, the LPGA loses a major and we recap what the Tour did to honor the memory of George Floyd during the Charles Schwab Challenge.
Take a look at the week’s top stories on the latest episode of Golfweek Rewind featured below.
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PGA Tour returns
The PGA Tour returns in dramatic fashion. Daniel Berger won the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in a playoff with Collin Morikawa. The event was the Tour’s first since the Players Championship was canceled in mid-March.
Patron precautions
The Memorial Tournament, the first event on the Tour’s revised schedule to allow fans, announced it sold out of its badge options for the July 16-19 tournament. Attendance is limited to 20 percent of its usual capacity and patrons must wear masks due to COVID-19 safety protocols. Other precautions to which patrons will be subject can be found on our website.
One less major
At least one of the LPGA’s five majors will not be played in 2020. The Evian Championship in France has been canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. The event was scheduled to be played Aug. 6-9. The LPGA plans to restart its season July 23 with the Marathon Classic in Toledo, Ohio.
For more on if Tiger Woods will play at the RBC Heritage, who won the 2020 Ben Hogan Award and how the PGA Tour honored George Floyd at the Charles Schwab Challenge, watch the latest edition of Golfweek Rewind featured above.
On Instagram Live, Tim Schmitt joined JuliaKate E. Culpepper to discuss precautions the PGA Tour is taking with its return amid COVID-19.
Celebrate the PGA Tour’s long-awaited return, but don’t forget to wash your hands frequently and stay six feet apart.
The Tour returns for the first time in nearly three months with the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, beginning Thursday.
But with the good news of live golf’s return comes a few precautions in the age of coronavirus. Golfweek managing editor Tim Schmitt is on the ground in Fort Worth for this week’s event and spoke to our JuliaKate E. Culpepper about the precautions being taken on site for the limited personnel on Golfweek’s Instagram Live.
“I’ve covered all major team sports and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this. … You show up here at Colonial Country Club today and there’s like nobody here. It’s really a bizarre vibe,” Schmitt said. “There’s a handful of folks here and around the clubhouse. I can tell you here in the media center there’s maybe 30 people total. It’s just a completely different vibe from anything like I’ve ever been to.”
For more commentary on what players said Tuesday during availability, when Tiger Woods might make his next appearance and how the weather will play a role at Colonial, watch the latest edition of Golfweek Live Q&A.
