PASS IT ALONG!
Tell your friends ... There are some fascinating stories in today's newsletter... and some educational stuff too. If you have a friend who needs to catch up on things, why not send them this newsletter? You can do so right here.
HOW DOES SHE DO IT?
Bend (physics) like Biles ... If you told us Simone Biles could fly, we wouldn't believe you, because humans cannot fly. But we wouldn't IMMEDIATELY dismiss it, you know? That's the kind of awe Biles inspires in everyone who has watched her launch her 4-foot-8 frame practically into orbit. As she approaches the record for world medals won by a gymnast, we look at the science behind Biles' incredible routines. Read More
THINGS TO CARE ABOUT
'You ready, old man?' Adam Vinatieri might be the greatest kicker in NFL history. The man with the golden right foot holds the records for points and made field goals and is the third-oldest player of all time. He couldn't do it all alone, however -- someone had to hold for all those record-breaking field goals, after all. We caught up with some of Vinatieri's holders to get some of their best stories about an NFL legend. Read More
The best shots in soccer ... The numbers say Lionel Messi is the best overall finisher in soccer, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Is he the best from set pieces? From headers? There are a million ways to score a goal in soccer, and we went to the most advanced statistics to figure out which players are the best in the world at the most important shots. Read More
Florida Man 2.0 ... The surface-level appeal of Gardner Minshew is undeniable -- who wouldn't want to root for a jorts-wearing dude with a sweet mustache? For Jaguars fans, however, there's more to Minshew than meets the eye. Just ask anyone around him: Minshew has "genius tendencies" when he's behind center. Maybe "Minshew Mania" is deeper than we might have imagined. Read More
De-Kobe-ing Jayson ... You'd think training with Kobe Bryant in the offseason would be a good thing for a young player like Jayson Tatum, but as anyone who watched the Celtics last season could tell you, Tatum did not look like his normal explosive self. Whether it was a bad fit for Tatum's skill set or a sign of how things have changed in the NBA, it was clear Tatum would have to make a change. Here's how he's gone about unlearning his Mamba tendencies. Read More
THINGS TO WATCH
Kobe in "Detail" on Courtney Williams ... Sun guard Courtney Williams will be a key player to watch in the deciding game of the WNBA Finals. Kobe Bryant broke down her Game 3 performance to see what she needs to focus on in Game 5. Watch
OVERHEARD
"Even back then I knew, I am made for American TV."
-- Tyson Fury, currently making a foray into WWE, on his childhood wrestling fandom Read more
REMEMBER WHEN?
On this date in 2017, the USMNT was officially eliminated from 2018 World Cup contention in a 2-1 loss to Trinidad & Tobago. Bad news for fans of Team USA, but good news for people who like rants, as Taylor Twellman unleashed one for the ages. Watch
WHAT'S ON TONIGHT?
Rays at Astros (7:07 p.m. ET, FS1): The Astros might have been heavy World Series favorites, but don't tell that to the Rays, who've matched them game for game in the ALDS. Tyler Glasnow will face off against Gerrit Cole in this winner-take-all Game 5.
Sun at Mystics (8 p.m. ET, ESPN2): This one's for all the marbles. Game 5 of the WNBA Finals comes at the end of a close series that has seen the Sun and Mystics trading blow for blow. In the end, there can really be only two winners: whoever's ahead when the final buzzer sounds, and whoever watches it all happen.
Syracuse vs. NC State (8 p.m. ET, ESPN): The Orange bring a high-flying offense to North Carolina on Thursday night, which will be met by ... another high-flying offense. Neither Syracuse nor North Carolina has an ACC win yet, so this is a good chance for both of them to dig out of that particular hole.
Giants at Patriots (8:20 p.m. ET, Fox/NFL): Bad news for Patriots fans: There is at least one example of the Giants ruining a perfect season for your team. Good news: Eli Manning was the guy who did that to you, and he's not starting. Bad news: Daniel Jones is looking pretty good as his replacement. Good news: ThePatriots are going to make the playoffs regardless of the outcome of this game.
2019 PFL Playoff Preview Show (11 p.m. ET, ESPNEWS): Need a refresher on the season to date for the Professional Fighters League? Check out our preview show before the postseason begins in earnest on Friday.