Vegas Raiders Win In “Death Star” Stadium, NFL Mask Violations, Jordan Forms NASCAR Team
FOOTBALL
The Las Vegas Raiders played their first game in their new $2 billion stadium (called the “Death Star“) and beat the New Orleans Saints. In a 34-24 win, the Raiders are now 2-0 to start the season.
The NFL is getting serious about COVID-19 restrictions and is imposing fines of $100,000 per coach and $250,000 per club for violating the League’s mask policy. Denver’s Vic Fangio, San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan, and Seattle’s Pete Carroll have already been fined. Other offenders include Patriots coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Colts coach Frank Reich, and Rams coach Sean McVay. Raiders coach Jon Gruden was shown wearing his mask like a chin strap, and Saints coach Sean Payton appeared wearing his gaitor like a turtleneck. Only the players are exempt from wearing face masks.
NASCAR
Michael Jordan formed a new NASCAR team with driver Denny Hamlin (as acting minority partner) and Bubba Wallace as their driver. Jordan released a statement saying, “Growing up in North Carolina, my parents would take my brothers, sisters and me to races, and I’ve been a NASCAR fan my whole life. The opportunity to own my own racing team in partnership with my friend, Denny Hamlin, and to have Bubba Wallace driving for us, is very exciting for me. Historically, NASCAR has struggled with diversity and there have been few Black owners. The timing seemed perfect as NASCAR is evolving and embracing social change more and more. In addition to the recent commitment and donations I have made to combat systemic racism, I see this as a chance to educate a new audience and open more opportunities for Black people in racing.”
