Illustration by Justine Guzman.
From the top highlights to culture and politics, “Out of Bounds” covers all the highs and lows from the past two weeks, plus a look at what’s ahead, to make sure you’re all caught up on news from the sports world.
Hockey
The Chicago Blackhawks will begin reading a “land acknowledgement” to recognize their relationship with Indigenous Peoples ahead of the puck drop at home games and other team events in the upcoming season.
The Hockey Hall of Fame has postponed the induction of the 2020 class to 2021, which coincides with their decision to forgo a class of 2021.
Shoutout to the Seattle Kraken, the newest NHL expansion team. The organization hasn’t even announced a roster (the expansion draft has yet to take place) but the team has pledged to “get uncomfortable” with the Black Girls Hockey Club’s campaign to make hockey a more welcoming space for BIPOC communities, fans, and athletes.
The Arizona Coyotes have released a statement regarding prospect Mitchell Miller. Following recent information regarding past actions, that Miller has aggressively bullied a former classmate of his, the Coyotes have (rightfully) released Miller from their organization.
Colin Wilson of the Colorado Avalanche has written a touching, heartfelt, and powerful letter, “The Things You Can’t See,” in the Players Tribune about his struggles with mental illness and addiction, recovery, and his ongoing battle with OCD. It’s a must-read for anyone. His message from the Players Tribune to those struggling with their mental health: “The human experience includes an incredible amount of suffering, even if you’re living your dream. There are lots of people battling OCD right now. I know how brave they are, how strong they are for fighting it. I know it’s probably taken over their lives, and they feel like there’s nowhere to turn to, or nobody to help them … to understand them. But I want them to know that there is someone. And I hope that they know I’m here to help … Be kind to yourself, to your mind. Have patience with your soul, your body. And know that you don’t have to do it alone.”
The Edmonton Oilers and the whole of the hockey world had to say goodbye to an incredible member of the hockey community. Joey Moss has passed away at the age of 57; His light and presence will surely be missed.
Trevor Daley, thank you for your service! After a storied and successful 16-year NHL career, Daley will retire and join the Pittsburgh Penguins organization as a Hockey Operations Advisor.
Baseball
Your 2020 MLB World Series Champions are the Los Angeles Dodgers!
… But what is MLB without a scandal? Dodgers player Justin Turner was pulled mid-game for a positive Covid test. Later, he was on the field with his team celebrating their series title (and he wasn’t wearing a mask for some of the celebrating). MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has announced that Turner will not be held accountable for his actions, but some of us are shaking our heads.
Basketball
The Toronto Raptors have announced that the team will fully cooperate and support the NBA in their investigation of Raptors player Terence Davis. Terence Davis has been charged in New York on charges including assault. A Raptors statement has said that “Incidents of this kind are addressed and managed by the league through the joint NBA-NBPA policy on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.”
Is this soccer news? Basketball news? The best news you’ll hear all week? USWNT superstar Megan Rapinoe and WNBA G.O.A.T. Sue Bird are ENGAGED! Talk about a fairytale wedding!
Calling all sports video game fans! NBA2K21 will have WNBA features for the Next-Gen application. There will be franchise mode, MyPlayer mode, and a 3V3 mode. BRB, please take my money now.
Soccer
Thorns FC fans, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news. After more than a decade as a pro, Katherine Reynolds has retired. Congratulations to Reynolds on an incredibly successful career!
The Chicago Red Stars and Rory Dames have secured full immunity in the upcoming NWSL expansion draft. As a Red Stars fan, I can’t say I’m upset about it.
Continuing on with NWSL expansion draft news, the teams have released their protected/unprotected lists of players. Go take a look — you might be in for some surprises.
MMA
After Khabib Nurmagomedov’s win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, the martial artist announced that he would be retiring, saying “there’s no way I’m going to be back without my father.” Nurmagomedov, unfortunately, lost his father ahead of the fight.
NFL
Russell Wilson has filed a trademark for his phrase “Let Russ Cook.” But don’t worry — all proceeds from the trademark will go directly to Wilson’s Why Not You Foundation.
Raiders fans — your team sucks at following Covid protocols. Following violations regarding Trent Brown’s positive test, the NFL has fined the Las Vegas Raiders $500,000 and the coach, Jon Gruden, $150,000, along with taking away the team’s 6th round draft pick.
OT
The Women’s Sports Foundation has created a video honoring LGBT+ inclusion in sports and the LGBT+ athletes who inspire us as part of their Annual Salute to Women in Sports. You can check out the full video via the link in their Instagram bio.
Jessica Platt, a PWHPA pro hockey player and transgender athlete is featured in “Everyday Hockey Heroes, Vol II” which will have been released by Nov. 10. Here’s an excerpt from Platt: “I was able to create a new life for myself, one where I was happy and had hockey, where I fulfilled an old dream I thought I had to give up. It took me going through hell and back to realize that, to know who I was and what I stand for. No one should have to do that.”
