NEW YORK, NY – Before I get to the boring sports stuff, I’d like to wish a very Happy Birthday to my friend, occasional MTM contributor, and always-visionary leader of the Church of Yim, JG Clancy. I sincerely hopes this finds him enjoying a nice meal somewhere. Yes, he’s another year older but he’s not so darn old that he still can’t put away his body weight in tacos and/or steak fries. Speaking of darn old….
Vikings Don’t Tag Sam Darnold.
So, it looks like last year’s Cinderella QB Story, Sam Darnold, is a free agent again. My Vikes apparently weren’t able to orchestrate some sort of “tag and trade” deal. Oh well. I don’t think this guarantees Darnold will be playing elsewhere in 2025, but both the player and the team signing him need know what they’re getting themselves into. For Darnold, staying in Minnesota may still be the best option. Or maybe he goes back to the Niners, who still haven’t signed Brock Purdy to a lucrative extension. But, wherever he ends up, he’ll need a VERY capable offensive line and a coach who can figure out a way to get him to make faster decisions with the ball. He’s going to get paid handsomely either way, but will he pay off?
RIP, Dallas Mavericks.
Yesterday we got word that Kyrie Irving is out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. And so, with that, the Mavericks 2024-2025 season makes the slow journey to B-Ball Boot Hill. As a quick refresher, this was a team that played in the NBA Finals last year. Now, it’s an absolute shambles. I won’t shed a tear, though I always did find the Mavs to be the least-objectionable team in the Lone Star State. Vaya con dios.
Ilona Maher.
And, with those two words, my MTM Dimaggioesque rugby-less streak comes to an end. Ilona Maher is an American Olympic rugby medalist, among many, many other things. She was a runner-up on Dancing with the Stars, appeared in Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit shoot, and just got back from playing Premiership Woman’s Rugby in England with the Bristol Bears. She’s an absolute all-star promoting herself, women, and the sport she loves. As for the latter, I think it’s safe to say that she’s the most recognizable rugby player in the world right now, and I’m not talking about the world of rugby. Her social media game is even stronger than her game on the pitch. Take notice (*cough*), those of you looking to make a living doing something (or things) you love. On a related topic, how come Rugby Wrap Up has a tab on the Meet The Matts website, but not vice versa?
Giants Spurned by Matt Stafford, Jets Cut Davante Adams, Eagles Extend Saquon Barkley.
Which of these teams is not like the others? It’s funny how neither the Giants (as was discussed yesterday) or Jets have any definitive plan for what to do at that somewhat important position of quarterback. Kevin McCallister was less lost in New York.
Okay, that’s it for me this week. Come back tomorrow for Buddy Diaz, who can smell baseball season on the horizon and has sky-high hopes for his Yankees.
