Welcome to the first pop culture roundup here at Sports Are From Venus!
Sports are an undeniable thread in the tapestry that is pop culture, and we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the stuff that goes on behind the scenes from time to time. In this column, we’ll be running through a few of the biggest stories of the past week taking place off the court/ice/field.
Let’s do it.
Ryan Donato Isn’t Too Cool For School
On Tuesday, former Olympic darling and newly signed Bruins phenom Ryan Donato stayed back in Boston while the rest of the team traveled to St. Louis, where they’ll face off against the Blues on Wednesday night. With the rash of injuries Boston’s been dealing with lately, fans were understandably panicked until the Bruins released the following statement:
Per Bruce Cassidy, Ryan Donato had a class commitment earlier today. He will join the team tonight in St. Louis. #NHLBruins
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 20, 2018
Donato is still a sociology major at a little school called Harvard University (maybe you’ve heard of it?) and plans to see out the rest of the semester while stepping into a B’s playoff run.
Kevin Love Slithers Into Twitter’s Heart
Cavs big man Kevin Love made his much-anticipated return to Quicken Loans Arena after being sidelined by a broken hand since Jan. 30.
Fans got a glimpse of just how happy Love was to be back on the court in the third quarter, and Twitter took notice.
Kevin, WYD? 😂 pic.twitter.com/SoB28foyjZ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 20, 2018
“I don’t know what the hell that was,” Love said after the game. “I was just having fun.”
Deion Sanders: Open Mouth, Enter Foot
On Wednesday, Hall of Fame defensive back and current NFL analyst Deion Sanders proclaimed Tyrann Mathieu to be the best safety in football. Understandably, All-Pro Titans safety Kevin Byard took exception to the statement:
How do you make this statement and not include the two first team AP All Pro safeties?? 🤔 @DeionSanders #INeedAnswers https://t.co/HzRaV3h85g
— Kevin Byard (@KB31_Era) March 20, 2018
Sanders, clearly not having any idea who Byard was, clapped back assuming he was responding to a fan, and not one of the top safeties in the NFL:
You’re looking at who writers tell u who’s the best I know who players and former players feel is the best. I rest my case. You continue to be a fan and i will continue being the man. #Truth https://t.co/gnpwJHjxEK
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) March 20, 2018
Twitter was quick to point out the mistake. Not a great look for Deion, who makes his living as an NFL expert.
Come back next Wednesday for another pop culture roundup. May your weekend be long and your brackets less busted than last week.
Image credit: Matt West, Boston Herald