It's a playoff/championship feel as the latest edition has arrived with plenty of pro and college football, sprinkled in with other sports to whet your appetite. On deck:
(2:58) There was a quite a bit of activity in the NFL over the past few days. For starters, I'll get into the progress of the health regarding Bills safety, Damar Hamlin, as things continue to look brighter as the days pass on. I'll discuss the league's plan of this postseason (i.e. not resuming the Bills-Bengals regular season game, an AFC Championship Game potentially being at a neutral site, not forgoing the bye week between the Conference Title Games and the Super Bowl, Media Day at the Super Bowl, the regular season being too long) as I get on my soapbox sharing my deepest thoughts on the above. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED! Of course, I'll cap off Week 18 with my winners (i.e. Jacksonville & Miami) and losers (i.e. Las Vegas & Green Bay) and some of the other matchups that had playoff implications (including my beloved Steelers who fell short). Plus, a couple of storylines of what to look forward to on Wild Card Weekend.
(41:21) A National Champion will be crowned in college football tonight as TCU tries to pull off another upset as they face the defending champs in Georgia. Do they have a shot? Are they able to compete straight up without getting the breaks they did in the previous game against Michigan? Will Georgia's close call vs. Ohio State be the catalyst for playing a lot crisper this time around? I'll predict what may take place as the college football season comes to a close.
(49:01) The Nets are holding their collective breaths as Kevin Durant went down with a knee injury that needs an MRI. How long will he be out? The Clippers and Suns have been skidding out West mired in big losing streaks as they're hovering around the play in bracket as far as seeding is concerned.
(52:55) The Capitals get back a couple of reinforcements from within as Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson are back in the lineup for the first time all year. Jack Eichel makes a return to the Golden Knights after missing some time with a lower body injury. The Hurricanes have been relegated to a slight breeze as they've now lost three in a row after an eleven game winning streak. And the Bruins remain on fire as they're on a historic pace of wins and points this season.
(55:54) As for the MLB, Trevor Bauer has been released by the Dodgers last week. Where does he end up? Will a GM take a flyer on the former Cy Young Award winner?
(59:08) The first Grand Slam of the tennis season begins next week at the Australian Open, but it'll be without one of its biggest players as Carlos Alcaraz has to withdraw with a leg injury. Also, not in your scorecard will be Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep and Venus Williams. As for Alcaraz, are his injuries something will have to keep an eye on as he becomes the next great champion in the sport?
(1:01:37) UFC president, Dana White, recently admitted and apologized for an incident in a Mexico club with his wife as they engaged in a physical altercation. He was contrite, exhibited ownership and accountability for his actions, which were indefensible. Is there a possible punishment for his in the near future?
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Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.