This article was originally published on August 22nd, 2019.
Here is this week's dose of “5-Point Friday”. A weekly round-up of the sports news and stories that I find most interesting and enjoyable.
E-Sports news I have been following -
Riot Games announced that it will cut Echo Fox from its League of Legends Championship Series after an incident of racism by a member of its ownership group went unaddressed. As part of an agreement between Riot and Echo Fox, LCS will sell the vacant slot and "provide the bulk of the proceeds from the sale to Echo Fox."
What I have been watching -
Basketball or Nothing a Netflix documentary series, produced by pro golfer Rickie Fowler (@RickieFowler). The series follows the Chinle High Wildcats, a high school basketball team in the Navajo Nation reservation, who are looking to win their first state championship.
Soccer news that I am excited about -
MLS awarded St. Louis its newest expansion franchise this week, with what will be the first female majority-owned team. The new team will begin play is set to enter the league in 2022.
“It is with great pride that we welcome St. Louis to Major League Soccer,” Commissioner Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) said in a ceremony that included members of the new ownership group. “St. Louis is a city with a rich soccer tradition, and it is a market we have considered since the league’s inception.”
Athletics news that I am interested in -
Nike announced that it is making further changes to its maternity policy for sponsored athletes after its previous rules sparked a backlash from high-profile stars. The policy adjustment ensures that female athletes won't be "adversely impacted financially for pregnancy" for 18 months, which is six months more than under the previous policy.
Event I attended -
The USA confirmed as U-19 Women’s Softball World Champions with a dramatic 4-3 come-from-behind win against Japan in the final. The game got the extra-innings on a 0-0 tie. With Japan leading 3-0 after the top of the frame, pinch hitter Francesca Hammoude tied it on a monster home run. Charla Echols followed with a two-out stand up triple and scored the World Championship run on a slow roller by Jasmine Freed.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Jonathan