Category Archives: FSM Editorials

The Greatest Christmas Day Game in Sports History

The assertion that the Miami Dolphins versus Kansas City Chiefs game in the NFL Divisional Playoff on December 25, 1971, stands as the greatest professional sports contest ever played on Christmas Day is compelling because of its historic significance, extraordinary drama, and enduring legacy. More than just a football game, the “Christmas Day Classic” has become a symbol of athletic endurance and competitive will, setting a standard that few holiday matchups in any sport have rivaled.

First, the game’s historical context elevates its importance. It was the first NFL playoff game ever played on Christmas Day, marking a bold step for the league into holiday sports broadcasting. At a time when Christmas was traditionally reserved for family gatherings rather than professional football, this matchup captured national attention and demonstrated that the NFL could command the spotlight even on America’s most cherished holiday. The stakes were immense: a trip to the AFC Championship Game. That combination of novelty and consequence ensured the contest would be remembered long after the decorations came down.

Second, the game’s sheer drama and endurance make it legendary. The Dolphins and Chiefs battled for 82 minutes and 40 seconds of game time, making it the longest game in NFL history at the time, stretching into double overtime. Neither team could pull away, and every possession felt decisive. Fans watched as players pushed through exhaustion, injuries, and the emotional weight of a holiday playoff. When Garo Yepremian finally kicked the winning field goal to give Miami a 27–24 victory, it felt less like the end of a game and more like the conclusion of an epic test of will.

Third, the level of talent on the field underscores why this contest transcends ordinary holiday games. The matchup featured future Hall of Famers and iconic figures such as Dolphins coach Don Shula and Chiefs coach Hank Stram, along with standout players who defined an era of football. The strategic battle between two great coaches and the execution by elite athletes added layers of quality to the spectacle. This was not simply a novelty game played on Christmas; it was top-tier professional football at its highest level.

Moreover, the legacy of the 1971 Dolphins–Chiefs game continues to shape how fans and media view Christmas Day sports. While the NBA has since made Christmas a marquee date filled with high-profile matchups, and the NFL has returned to scheduling games on the holiday, none have quite matched the mythic status of this playoff duel. The phrase “longest game ever” still evokes images of that frigid Kansas City night, when families delayed Christmas dinners and gathered around televisions, united by the drama unfolding on the field.

When considering everything mentioned above, the Miami Dolphins versus Kansas City Chiefs game on December 25, 1971, earns its place as the greatest Christmas Day game in professional sports because it combined historical firsts, unforgettable drama, elite competition, and a lasting cultural impact. It was not merely a contest played on a holiday; it became part of the holiday’s sporting identity. Decades later, it remains the benchmark against which all Christmas Day games are measured, a testament to the power of sport to create timeless moments—even on Christmas.

Hakuna Matata: The True Crime Story of Bison Dele in Four Short Chapters

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The story of Bison Dele’s death reads like the final chapter of a noir thriller—sun-soaked paradise masking dark secrets, a charismatic ex-athlete yearning for peace, and someone whose jealousy would turn deadly. It’s a story of fame, escape, and the ultimate betrayal, set not in the cold alleys of a city but on the endless blue of the South Pacific.

Chapter 1: The Disappearing Star

Bison Dele wasn’t just another basketball player. Born Brian Carson Williams in 1969, he was a gifted, soulful giant who seemed both drawn to and haunted by fame. After stints with the Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Chicago Bulls—where he won an NBA championship in 1997—Dele walked away at just 30 years old. He turned down millions, choosing freedom over fortune. He traveled the world, learned to play saxophone, and sailed from port to port, often unreachable, as if trying to erase the celebrity that had once defined him.

By 2002, Dele had settled into a quiet life aboard his beloved catamaran, the Hakuna Matata, named for the Swahili phrase meaning “no worries.” He sailed with his girlfriend, Serena Karlan, and occasionally with his older brother, Miles Dabord. Where Bison was introspective and gentle, his brother Miles could be restless, jealous, and increasingly unstable at times.

Chapter 2: Setting Sail

In early July 2002, Dele, Karlan, and Miles departed from Tahiti with their captain, Bertrand Saldo. It was supposed to be a short voyage—just a few days of island hopping. But when the Hakuna Matata failed to return, family and friends began to worry. No distress signals were sent. No sightings were reported. The ocean had seemingly swallowed four people whole.

Then, days later, the Hakuna Matata reappeared—mysteriously docked in Tahiti, piloted by a single man. He called himself “Arlando”—but fingerprints told a darker truth. It was Miles Dabord, alone.

Chapter 3: The Impostor

Dabord told conflicting stories to anyone who would listen. He said the others were “in Tahiti,” and that there had been an “accident.” But his behavior told another story. He forged his brother’s signature to withdraw money from Dele’s accounts. He bought gold. He changed his identity. And when investigators pressed him, his tangled web began to unravel.

Authorities pieced together a chilling narrative: somewhere in the remote waters between Tahiti and Honolulu, Miles had snapped. An argument escalated—possibly over money or control of the boat. In a fit of rage, he struck Serena. When the captain intervened, he was killed too. Finally, Bison—who had always tried to protect those around him—was murdered as well.

Miles, left alone with the aftermath, allegedly weighted their bodies and cast them into the sea, letting the Pacific become their grave.

Chapter 4: The Final Act

By September 2002, the truth was closing in. U.S. authorities tracked Dabord to a hotel in Tijuana, Mexico. He was found unconscious after an apparent insulin overdose—an act of apparent suicide. He never regained consciousness. When he died, so too did any chance of recovering the full truth.

The bodies of Bison Dele, Serena Karlan, and Bertrand Saldo were never found.

Epilogue: The Dream That Sank

In life, Bison Dele sought peace—a life far from the noise of arenas and headlines. He chased freedom across continents, only to be betrayed by a person he trusted to share the journey.

His death remains one of sport’s most haunting mysteries—a story of blood and brotherhood on the high seas, where jealousy drowned love, and paradise turned to nightmare.

The Pacific still rolls on, indifferent and endless. Somewhere beneath it, the echoes of Bison Dele’s final voyage drift with the tides—a reminder that even in paradise, darkness can find its way aboard.

Baby Ruth Bar Not Named After Babe Ruth (but really it is)

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If you’ve ever unwrapped a Baby Ruth candy bar, you might have wondered: Who on earth is Baby Ruth? Was it Babe Ruth, the home run king? Was it some long-lost child celebrity? Or was it just a clever way to sell chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and nougat without admitting it? As it turns out, the true origin of the Baby Ruth bar is a story filled with sugar, baseball bats, and a little bit of corporate trickery.

The Baby Ruth bar was introduced in 1921 by the Curtiss Candy Company. At that time, Babe Ruth was smashing baseballs into orbit and basically becoming America’s first real sports superstar. So naturally, people thought, “Oh, this candy must be named after Babe Ruth.” Logical, right? Wrong—or at least, that’s what the candy company claimed. Instead, Curtiss Candy swore on a stack of nougat that the candy was actually named after President Grover Cleveland’s daughter, Ruth. This would’ve been a fine explanation, except for one small detail: poor Ruth Cleveland had been dead for 17 years by the time the candy bar came out. It’s hard to believe America was clamoring for a caramel-and-peanut tribute to a child they hadn’t thought about since the 1890s.

So why the cover-up? Well, Babe Ruth wasn’t exactly thrilled about having his name slapped on a candy bar without his permission. Rumor has it he asked for royalties, and the candy company responded with a very polite version of “Nice try, slugger.” By insisting the bar was about Ruth Cleveland instead of Babe Ruth, they dodged paying the Sultan of Swat a single peanut. A crafty move, considering candy companies are very protective of their nougat margins.

The irony of the whole situation is that Babe Ruth himself actually tried to launch his own candy bar in the 1920s, called the Ruth’s Home Run Bar. Unfortunately, it struck out almost immediately because Baby Ruth was already dominating the shelves. Imagine trying to sell a soda called “Coca-Kola” after Coke already existed—it just wasn’t going to work. So while Babe Ruth may have been the king of baseball, he was benched in the candy aisle.

Today, the Baby Ruth remains a staple in the world of candy, even though most people still assume it was named after Babe Ruth. In a way, it’s the greatest inside joke in American snack history: a candy bar that everyone thinks honors a baseball legend but officially commemorates a president’s long-deceased daughter. If anything, that’s proof that nougat mixed with caramel and peanuts can cover up a lot—including a suspicious backstory.

So the next time you bite into a Baby Ruth, just remember: you’re not just enjoying a candy bar—you’re unwrapping a century-old argument between a candy company and a baseball legend. And if that doesn’t make it taste sweeter, at least you can laugh knowing America once pretended it was nostalgic for a president’s kid just to avoid cutting Babe Ruth a check.

Why Do So Many People Play Fantasy Football?

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Fantasy football isn’t just a side hobby anymore—it’s a huge part of how people enjoy the National Football League (NFL). Today, tens of millions of people in the U.S. and Canada play some form of fantasy sports, and football is by far the most popular. What started as a few fans keeping score with pen and paper has turned into a massive pastime that keeps growing every season. Millions of people draft teams, track player performances, and compete with friends, coworkers, or strangers in leagues that mirror the real NFL season.

According to the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA), more than 60 million people in North America play fantasy sports, with football being the most popular by a wide margin. Within this group, fantasy football alone accounts for tens of millions of participants, making it a cultural phenomenon that has transformed from a niche hobby into one of the most popular forms of sports entertainment in the United States and beyond. But why is it so popular?

One big reason for the boom is how easy it is now. Back in the day, you had to flip through the newspaper on Monday to add up stats by hand. Now, apps like ESPN, Yahoo, and Sleeper do everything for you instantly. You can draft your team in minutes, check scores on your phone, and even get alerts if one of your players is hurt. It’s simple enough that casual fans can play, but still competitive enough to keep hardcore football junkies hooked.

Another reason people love it is the social side. Fantasy football gives friends, coworkers, and even family members a reason to connect every week. Whether it’s talking trash in the group chat, holding a draft party, or sweating out a Monday Night Football game together, it turns watching football into a shared experience. For a lot of people, the league itself is as much about bonding as it is about winning.

The rise of media and social platforms has also made fantasy football bigger than ever. There are shows, podcasts, and entire websites dedicated to fantasy advice. Social media makes it easy to share hot takes, funny memes, or those heartbreaking last-second losses with your league mates. The constant coverage keeps people engaged and makes the fantasy world feel like part of the real NFL season.

Lastly, the popularity of sports betting has helped fantasy football grow, too. Daily fantasy leagues like DraftKings and FanDuel mix in a gambling element, and while season-long leagues are more about bragging rights, the competitive thrill is similar. People love the strategy, the unpredictability, and of course, the chance to win a little money (or at least avoid finishing last).

In the end, fantasy football has exploded because it’s easy, social, and fun. It turns every game into something personal, whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or just hoping your kicker doesn’t blow it. As long as football is around, fantasy football is only going to keep pulling in more players.

The Space Needle: Seattle’s Tallest Misunderstanding

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The Seattle Space Needle is the kind of building that begs to be misunderstood. Standing 605 feet tall with a flying-saucer-shaped top, it looks less like a piece of architecture and more like something that landed while the city wasn’t paying attention. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it was designed to embody a “space age” future—sleek, optimistic, and just a little bit weird. The problem? When you design a tower that resembles a UFO on stilts, people are bound to think it’s doing more than just offering panoramic views and overpriced snacks.

Part of the confusion comes from timing. The early ’60s were the golden age of space fever—satellites were circling the globe, astronauts were practicing moonwalks, and every other household appliance seemed to have “astro” in the name. Into this atmosphere arrived the Space Needle, its futuristic silhouette rising over Seattle like mission control for the Jetsons. Tourists didn’t exactly need an announcement from NASA to connect the dots.

The design itself doesn’t help the case for the truth. The saucer top? Clearly a UFO landing pad. The skinny legs? Obviously to minimize alien wind resistance. The rotating restaurant? A clever cover story for a high-tech tracking system scanning the heavens for rogue asteroids or overly curious extraterrestrials. If you squint hard enough, you can practically see a scientist in a silver jumpsuit walking across the deck, clipboard in hand, checking the day’s warp speed calibrations.

In reality, the Space Needle’s mission is far more down-to-earth—literally. It’s an observation tower, a restaurant, and a selfie magnet for tourists. Instead of scientists monitoring deep-space signals, you’ll find diners enjoying a plate of Pacific salmon while the floor slowly spins, giving them a 360-degree view of mountains, water, and, yes, the occasional rain cloud. The only thing it’s “launching” are elevator rides that reach the top in just 41 seconds.

Still, the myth lives on because it’s simply more fun than the truth. Seattleites don’t mind; a little mystery makes their skyline even more iconic. And if the Space Needle keeps a few people wondering whether the city secretly communicates with aliens, that’s fine—after all, every great city deserves a legend, and this one just happens to look like it could fly away at any moment.

Teddy Roosevelt: The First MMA President?

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Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, was a lifelong advocate of physical fitness and athleticism. Throughout his life, he engaged in a wide array of sports—from hiking, horseback riding, and rowing to tennis and jiu-jitsu. However, the sport he was arguably best at—and most passionate about—was boxing. He also had a love for wrestling and the martial arts. This begs the question, was Teddy Roosevelt the first ever MMA president?

Roosevelt began boxing as a student at Harvard University, where he competed as a lightweight. Though he never won any titles, he was known for his grit, determination, and surprising toughness in the ring. He continued boxing recreationally into adulthood, often sparring with younger, more skilled opponents during his political career—even while serving in the White House.

One famous story tells of Roosevelt engaging in a White House sparring match with a young Army artillery officer. The future president, well into his 40s at the time, took a punch so hard that it left him permanently blind in one eye. Yet, he never made a fuss and only quietly stopped boxing afterward, shifting to other sports like jiu-jitsu and hiking.

Boxing symbolized Roosevelt’s philosophy of the “strenuous life”—a belief that hard physical labor and rugged living built character and leadership. While he enjoyed many sports, none captured his spirit of tenacity, courage, and self-discipline quite like boxing.

As previously mentioned, Roosevelt eventually moved away from boxing in favor of other activities such as hiking, climbing, and wrestling. Roosevelt enjoyed jiu-jitsu in particular because much like boxing, it aligned perfectly with his philosophy centered on discipline, toughness, and constant self-improvement. He saw the martial art not only as a form of physical exercise but as a way to sharpen the mind, build character, and cultivate personal courage.

Additionally, being president during a time of increasing U.S.-Japan relations, Roosevelt’s interest in jiu-jitsu reflected his fascination with Japanese culture and martial tradition. He even brought in Japanese experts—like Yoshiaki Yamashita—to teach him and members of his inner circle at the White House.

Roosevelt was the first U.S. president known to study and participate in martial arts. His enthusiasm helped generate early American interest in jiu-jitsu and, later, judo. It’s not a stretch to say he planted the seeds for MMA’s modern day popularity and that if he were president today, he would he be sitting front row at the big UFC events.

Chestnut’s Ban Lifted, Will Return to Hot Dog Contest this Year

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The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is a uniquely American spectacle—a competitive eating event held every Fourth of July at the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. Over the decades, it has grown from a local novelty into a nationally televised cultural event. Its history is a curious blend of patriotism, marketing savvy, and extreme physical endurance.

According to Nathan’s lore, the first contest was held in 1916 when four immigrants competed to prove who was the most patriotic by eating the most hot dogs. While this origin story has since been debunked as a clever piece of marketing invented in the 1970s, it nonetheless set the tone for the contest’s mythology.

The modern era of the contest began in earnest in the early 2000s, when ESPN started broadcasting it live. The rise of competitive eating as entertainment coincided with the reign of Takeru Kobayashi, a Japanese competitor who revolutionized the sport with his technique and stamina. Kobayashi’s arrival in 2001, and his subsequent record-breaking performances, put Nathan’s on the map internationally.

The next chapter in the contest’s evolution was written by Joey Chestnut, a California native who dethroned Kobayashi in 2007 and ushered in a new era of dominance. Chestnut’s feats were nothing short of extraordinary. From 2007 to 2023, he won the contest 16 times, setting multiple world records in the process—including his astonishing 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2021.

Chestnut became synonymous with the event. His relentless training, competitive fire, and ability to perform under pressure earned him the nickname “Jaws” and made him a household name. His duels with other top eaters added drama, but Chestnut often proved untouchable. He became the face of Nathan’s contest and competitive eating itself.

In 2024, however, Joey Chestnut’s long association with the Nathan’s contest came to a sudden and unexpected end. Major League Eating (MLE), the organization that sanctions the event, announced that Chestnut would not be competing due to a sponsorship conflict. Chestnut had signed a promotional deal with Impossible Foods, a company known for its plant-based meat alternatives, including vegan hot dogs.

Nathan’s Famous and MLE viewed this sponsorship as a direct conflict of interest. Nathan’s, which promotes its traditional all-beef hot dogs, reportedly asked Chestnut to drop the Impossible Foods partnership if he wanted to compete. Chestnut declined, stating that he should be able to work with other brands and that he was not under a formal contract that restricted such agreements. This impasse led to his exclusion from the 2024 event.

The public reaction was swift and largely supportive of Chestnut. Many fans and commentators criticized Nathan’s and MLE for what they saw as a shortsighted business decision that prioritized brand protection over honoring the contest’s most iconic figure. Some likened it to banning Michael Jordan from the NBA Finals or Tom Brady from the Super Bowl.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has always been about more than just food—it’s about American tradition, spectacle, and the quirky pursuit of glory. Joey Chestnut embodied that spirit for nearly two decades. For many, Chestnut was a part of their Fourth of July celebrations which is something MLE and Nathan’s probably came to realize when they decided to lift his ban.

In mid‑June, Chestnut confirmed on social media (X) and through various outlets like ESPN, ABC News, and CBS Sports that he will compete in the 2025 contest after missing the 2024 event due to the sponsorship dispute. Chestnut explained that he partners with a variety of companies, including some that are plant‑based, but none of them conflict with his love for hot dogs, and that Nathan’s is the only hot dog brand he’s ever endorsed.

MLE’s president voiced enthusiasm, stating they’re “extremely excited to welcome Joey back…for what will surely be the greatest Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest of all time.”

Chestnut will be pursuing a record 17th title. Fox Sports notes he is the heavy favorite to exceed 71.5 hot dogs in the 10‑minute contest, reflecting strong betting odds.

The Three Acts of George Foreman

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The Rumble in the Jungle wasn’t just a boxing match—it was the catalyst for one of the greatest transformations in sports history. Instead of breaking George Foreman, the loss ultimately made him a legend in an entirely new way while proving people can actually change. In tribute to the recently departed boxing and pop-culture icon, FreeSportsMagazine.com presents the Three Acts of George Foreman.

Act I: Mean George Foreman

On October 30, 1974, George Foreman entered the ring in Kinshasa, Zaire, as the undefeated heavyweight champion, set to defend his title against Muhammad Ali in what would become one of the most famous boxing matches in history: The Rumble in the Jungle. Foreman, known for his overwhelming power and intimidation, was a heavy favorite. However, by the end of the night, he found himself not only defeated but also on a path that would reshape his life in ways no one could have predicted.

Foreman had dominated his previous opponents, including Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, both of whom he had destroyed in less than two rounds. Many believed Ali wouldn’t last against Foreman’s brutal strength.

However, Ali executed a brilliant strategy—the rope-a-dope—leaning against the ropes, absorbing Foreman’s powerful blows, and letting the younger champion tire himself out. By the eighth round, a drained Foreman left an opening, and Ali capitalized, landing a rapid combination that sent Foreman crashing to the canvas. The world watched in shock as the referee counted Foreman out, giving Ali one of the greatest victories in boxing history.

Losing to Ali was devastating for Foreman. He had built his reputation on invincibility, and this loss shattered his confidence. Foreman later admitted he was deeply depressed following the fight. He struggled to accept the loss, making excuses about unfair conditions, including the heat and a biased referee.

Determined to reclaim his place as champion, Foreman continued fighting. He won several matches but suffered another major defeat to Jimmy Young in 1977. After the Young fight, Foreman claimed he had a near-death experience in the locker room, where he felt as if he was dying and had visions of himself in hell. This moment led him to abandon boxing and dedicate his life to religion.

Act II: Born Again George Foreman

Following his locker-room experience from the Young fight, Foreman retired from boxing at age 28 and became a born-again Christian. He spent the next decade preaching, helping troubled youth, and running a church in Houston, Texas. Many saw this as a shocking transformation for a man once feared as a brutal knockout artist. Even some family members were skeptical.

In need of funds for his youth center, Foreman made an unexpected return to boxing a decade later in 1987. Instead of the scowling destroyer of the ‘70s, he was now “Big George,” a smiling and cheerful fan-favorite known for his humor and humility. He slowly worked his way back into contention and in 1994, at age 45, he completed his redemption arc by knocking out Michael Moorer to regain the heavyweight title, becoming the oldest champion in history. His comeback story was seen as one of the greatest in sports history.

Act III: Spokesman George Foreman

In the midst of this inspiring comeback, Salton, Inc. developed a sloped-surface grill designed to drain fat while cooking. Looking for a marketable celebrity, they approached Foreman, whose friendly, charismatic persona and reputation for power made him the perfect spokesman. Foreman embraced the product, lending his name and image while delivering the famous tagline: “It knocks out the fat!”

The grill became an instant hit, selling millions of units worldwide. At its peak, it was selling 6 million units per year, and in total, over 100 million grills were sold. Foreman’s endorsement deal originally earned him 40% of the profits, but in 1999, he sold his naming rights to Salton for a lump sum of $137.5 million. In total, Foreman made an estimated $200–250 million from the grill—far surpassing his boxing earnings.

Epilogue

George Foreman’s defeat to Ali was the turning point of his life. Though it was painful at the time, it set him on a path to becoming a spiritual leader, comeback hero, and successful businessman. In a heartfelt Instagram post after his passing, Foreman’s family described him as a “devout preacher,” “protector of his legacy,” and a “force for good.”

AEW Finds Success in the Land Down Under

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AEW Grand Slam: Australia, held on February 15, 2025, at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, achieved notable success both financially and in terms of viewership. The event generated a gate revenue of $1.3 million, ranking as the third-highest in All Elite Wresting’s history. Attendance figures indicate that approximately 11,000 to 12,000 tickets were distributed, nearing the venue’s capacity of 13,500.

Originally slated for the 52,000-seat Suncorp Stadium, the event was relocated to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre due to reportedly sluggish ticket sales. Despite this change, the event’s financial performance remained strong.

In terms of viewership, the broadcast drew 502,000 viewers, with one million tuning in for the match featuring Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay versus Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher. AEW’s leadership expressed satisfaction with these numbers, highlighting the positive momentum leading into the event.

However, some fans expressed dissatisfaction with the event’s promotion and venue change, feeling misled about the scale and nature of the show. Despite these concerns, the event delivered strong financial results and viewership (hitting millions of dollars and at one point millions of viewers), indicating overall success.

AEW Grand Slam: Australia featured several high-profile matches. Below are the results…

AEW Women’s World Championship: “Timeless” Toni Storm defeated Mariah May to capture her record-setting fourth AEW Women’s World Championship.

Tag Team Match: Will Ospreay and Kenny Omega overcame The Don Callis Family’s Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher.

TBS Championship: Mercedes Moné successfully defended her title against Harley Cameron.

Brisbane Brawl: Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli defeated Adam Copeland and Jay White in a hard-hitting encounter.

AEW Continental Championship: Kazuchika Okada retained his title against Buddy Matthews.

A Quick History of the First Slam Dunk Contest(s)

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Did you know there were two “first-ever” slam dunk contests in the history of professional basketball?

The first first-ever NBA Slam Dunk Contest took place during the 1976 ABA All-Star Game, not in the NBA itself. It was held in Denver, Colorado, as a way to showcase the flashier style of play that the ABA was known for before it merged with the NBA. The NBA then officially introduced their first-ever contest in 1984 during All-Star Weekend, also in the city in Denver. Both contests played a huge role in making dunking an essential part of basketball culture.

Julius “Dr. J” Erving’s free-throw line dunk in the 1976 ABA Slam Dunk Contest is one of the most iconic and influential dunks in basketball history. It was a defining moment that cemented dunking as an art form and set the stage for future high-flyers like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Zach LaVine. For that reason alone, the ABA’s first-ever dunk contest is more significant than the NBA’s first effort (even though a 34-year-old Dr. J performed the same dunk in that one as well). However, it’s unquestionable that once Michael Jordan started participating, the NBA took dunk contests to a whole other level.

Key Moments of the 1976 ABA Slam Dunk Contest:

Julius “Dr. J” Erving won the contest with his iconic free-throw line dunk, which later inspired future dunkers like Michael Jordan.
Other participants included David Thompson, Artis Gilmore, George Gervin, and Larry Kenon.
The contest was not a head-to-head elimination format, but rather a point-based system where each player attempted five dunks.
Dr. J’s free-throw line dunk was the highlight, as it was the first time a player had attempted such a dunk in a major event.

Key Moments of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest (1984)

Larry Nance won, defeating Julius Erving in the final round.
Nance introduced the two-ball dunk, where he dunked two basketballs in one leap.
The contest was structured as a head-to-head elimination tournament.

Now, go forth and conquer (slam dunk videos on YouTube.com we mean).

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