This article was originally published on January 18th, 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.
Basketball news that interests me -
The NBA, Turner Sports, and Twitter announced a new live-streaming initiative. Debuting at the 2019 NBA All-Star Game, on February 17, fans can go to @NBAonTNT to view the action from the vantage point of a single-player throughout the second half. The chosen player will be selected through a fans vote on social media.
Sports professional I spoke with -
I was able to catch up with James Shilkret (@james_shilkret). James is currently the Manager of Events at the Overwatch E-Sports League. We were able to discuss the intricacies that go into running the Overwatch League globally. While reviewing the challenges the league has overcome as it starts its second season, on 14 February. We were also able to the differences between traditional sports events and how the league engages with fans and the plans for fan engagement in the future.
Football story that interests me -
Sarah Thomas made history becoming the first female to officiate an NFL playoff game. Thomas served as the down judge during AFC divisional playoff game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots. This is Thomas' latest milestone, after becoming the first woman to ever officiate a college football bowl game and became the NFL's first full-time female official.
NFL news that concerns me -
As we enter day 28 of the government shutdown there have been calls to delay the Superbowl. The biggest concerns for the hosting committee in Atlanta is security and the travel conditions into the city. Hartsfield-Jackson Airport traditionally receives between 60,000 and 80,000 passengers per day, but over 100,000 people are expected to pass through the airport on February 4. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association had been forced to end planning sessions for Super Bowl weekend due to the shutdown, which could lead to a potentially ill-prepared workforce.
What I've been watching -
Invictus by Clint Eastwood. The story is based on the book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation by John Carlin. Eastwood delves into the events surrounding the 1995 Rugby World Cup, in South Africa. After the dismantling of apartheid, Nelson Mandela, played by Morgan Freeman, enlists the Springboks team led by François Pienaar, played by Matt Damon, to unite the country of South Africa by winning the Rugby World Cup.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Jonathan