What would you do if someone told you you weren’t good enough? Ballerina Misty Copeland shows us how to work hard to accomplish our dreams in this inspiring new ad. Oh, and ballet is definitely a sport. Wow!

 

QUIPS FOR THIS WEEK

Basketball

Paul George of the Indiana Pacers broke his lower right leg on a play by the baseline during one of Team USA‘s scrimmages on Friday night in Las Vegas. The freak injury was gruesome to watch and will likely keep George out for the entire next NBA season. Like Kevin Ware, George suffered an open fracture and will need significant time to recover. It’s always difficult to see an athlete get hurt and any injury to a franchise-level player brings up the debate about the risks of playing in off-season tournaments. The counter to that point is that any professional athlete will be practicing their craft in the off-season no matter the setting. The good news here is that George is expected to make a full recovery and is resting comfortably.

Outside of Team USA, the Kevin Love trade rumors still continue. Over the weekend, Minnesota Timberwolves’ owner Glen Taylor spoke with local Minneapolis Press about the likelihood of a trade by mid-to-late August. The odds that this trade involves the Cleveland Cavaliers is also likely, as is the probability that Andrew Wiggins, the overall top pick in this year’s draft, is included in the deal. Wiggins — for what it’s worth — stated that “I just want to play for a team that wants me. So whichever team wants me I’ll play for.” Time will tell which team that is going to be.

In other NBA news, Tony Parker signed a 3-year extension with the San Antonio Spurs for roughly $43.3 million dollars. Parker, who has said he “wants to be a Spur for life” might just get his wish, as the deal is likely to keep the 32 year old point guard in San Antonio for the rest of his career. Talk about another off-season win for Parker, who also married his long-time fiance this weekend in Texas.

Football

The NFL celebrated its Hall of Fame weekend on Saturday night in Canton, Ohio.  2014’s class included: defensive end Michael Strahan, offensive tackle Walter Jones, linebacker Derrick Brooks, defensive back Aeneas Williams, defensive end Claude Humphrey, wide receiver Andre Reed and punter Ray Guy. There were many important things throughout the ceremony including a special moment between Andre Reed and Jim Kelly, who is battling cancer.

Marshawn Lynch has ended his hold-out with the Seattle Seahawks. Well sort of. The star running back returned to the field but sat out after spending time trying to negotiate a new deal. The contract that he ended up taking is similar to one he was offered in May and gives him an additional $1.5 million.

The first pre-season game of the season kicked off with the New York Giants beating the Buffalo Bills 17-3 on Sunday night. Next week continues with more games as the season gets closer to it’s official start.

Other

College football is right around the corner, and it’s time to talk rankings. Okay, pre-season rankings. Defending national champions Florida State will start the season ranked #1. They are followed by Alabama, Oklahoma, Oregon and Auburn respectively. But, like we said, these are pre-season rankings, and the real rankings will be determined on the field.

Tiger Woods is hurt yet again. Over the weekend at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, Tiger withdrew from the competition after a back injury flared up while he was on the course at the 9th hole. Expect the golfer to try to get some rest before the PGA Championship starts later this week.

Congratulations to Rory McIlroy, who came up from behind to win the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. He has now regained the number one world ranking.

Don’t call it a comeback or anything but Dale Earnhardt Jr. is continuing to dominate this season. In the latest of great successes, Jr. won another race at the Pocono Speedway to sweep the season on that track. Needless to say, NASCAR fans are enjoying seeing him back in the winner’s circle.

 

JUST FOR FUN

HELL, YEA!
Do you jump around when you get excited? Check out these guys’ celebratory moves

STORIES FOR INSIGHTS, COOL FACTOR + DEBATE

Basketball belongs to the cities
But, what has happened to NYC’s prowess?
The best of the best in the NBA used to come from the streets of Manhattan… but now, the city’s star power is declining. Why?

Meya Bizer
What do you know about the Women’s Rugby World Cup?
Did you know there was a Women’s Rugby World Cup? Or that USA has a team? Well, we do — and they’re awesome (especially Meya)

Icing on the Cake
Celebrating Michael Strahan’s induction into the Hall of Fame
From the football field to the television screen, we’ve fallen in love with this star

@NBA
Twitter is making its mark on the game ball
Starting this October, the NBA will have its Twitter handle printed on game balls

Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eater
New Zealand is looking to make fixing in sports a criminal offense
Cheaters ruin the game for everyone, but should they be sent to prison for up to 7 years?