Buckle up: This will be a week in sports unlike any other, from Stanley Cup to MLB's playoff push
It's mid-September, so you know what that means: the Stanley Cup Finals, baseball's regular season coming to a close, the NBA Finals are rapidly approaching, and the SEC is kicking off! Of course, that's unique to this very, very unique year, but it bears mentioning that we are entering a season of sport not seen before.
And it's only getting better.
The Big Ten is back and their regular-season reboot will reintroduce some of the best teams in the Bowl Subdivision and dramatically alter the state of the College Football Playoff.
- The Big Ten's decision to play football signals the darkest day in the conference's sports history, Christine Brennan writes.
- Winners and losers from the Big Ten decision to start its football season this fall on Oct. 24.
- Dan Wolken: The Big Ten got played by President Trump, and the White House is eager to celebrate.
Wedding bells
Maya Moore walked away from the WNBA to focus on helping Jonathan Irons get released from prison. It was a noble pursuit, of course, but there has been a bit of a twist: After earning his release, Irons asked Moore to marry him. She said yes.
The couple announced on 'Good Morning America' that they were wed a few months back.
The best from the week
- It’s game on for college basketball. The NCAA announced parameters for the 2020-21 season, including a Nov. 25 start date and practices beginning Oct. 14.
- An Iowa high school is looking to leave its conference after a player was the subject of racist jeers during a road game.
- Patrick Mahomes turned 25 this week! We compiled a list of 25 25-and-under phenomenal sports stars.
- Darius Leonard made a bit of an oopsie when giving his gloves to a young fan.
- A high school athlete earns herself national attention after starting in a varsity football game.
Photo Break
- NFL's best big-play celebrations in 2020 season
- NFL fans attending games during 2020 season
- Who's the best golfer inside the NBA bubble? It's probably not a player.
- A show of great sportsmanship in high school football, as a senior goes 80 yards for a score in a special moment.
- How Texans safety Michael Thomas spread 'End Racism' shirts throughout NFL in Week 1.
- Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo won NBA MVP for a second straight season.
- Getting Black communities to vote is personal for LeBron James, other NBA stars: 'We've seen our voices muted our whole lives'.
- Speaking of voting, re you registered to vote? Check your status or register online now.
- Bryson DeChambeau wins 120th U.S. Open at Winged Foot as the lone player under par. And his journey is one that not every golfer takes.
Best buys from Reviewed.com
- Working out with a mask? This Under Armour Sportsmask keeps you safe while at the gym.
- Eight essentials for your (properly distanced) Monday Night Football watch party.
- Need help designing your home gym?
- Looking for workout headphones? Here's a set that can get the job done.
- Everything you need to know before buying an exercise bike.
Your inbox would approve!
Want more content like this in your inbox? Sign up for Paste BN Sports' daily sports newsletter, where you'll get the biggest news and trending topics delivered each morning. And we also have an exclusive NFL newsletter (4th & Monday) to satisfy your inbox's appetite.
See you on social
And for more great sports stories from across the Paste BN Network, check out sports.usatoday.com daily. And don't forget to follow Paste BN Sports on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.