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FSM Picks the Greatest Christmas Day NBA Game

Sports on Christmas Day have become a beloved tradition, featuring marquee games across various leagues such as the NFL, NHL, and NBA. Christmas Day games provide a communal and festive experience, often drawing multi-generational viewership. Professional athletes often embrace holiday-themed celebrations during these games, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the most notable sports league with a Christmas Day tradition. The league schedules matchups featuring its biggest stars and teams. These games often draw massive TV audiences as fans gather live and in front of their televisions during the holiday to watch some hoops. Christmas Day matchups highlight iconic rivalries like the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics amongst others.

The best NBA Christmas game is often a matter of personal preference, but FreeSportsMagazine.com considers one in particular the greatest of all time…

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers 2004

The key storyline for this game adds to its legendary status. This matchup marked Shaquille O’Neal’s first return to Los Angeles as a member of the Miami Heat after his dramatic split from Kobe Bryant and the Lakers earlier that year. In other words, it was the first time Shaq and Kobe would be opponents.

Star Power abounded in this game with Miami being led by Shaq and a young Dwyane Wade and the Lakers anchored by Kobe Bryant in his prime. A thrilling overtime battle saw the Heat narrowly defeat the Lakers, 104–102. Both Shaq and Kobe had standout performances, highlighting their individual greatness and fueling the narrative of their rivalry.

This game was watched by millions, with intense media coverage leading up to and after the game. It perfectly encapsulates the drama, competitiveness, and star power that make NBA Christmas games special.

Like Pro Wrestling? There’s a Cruise for That

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The Chris Jericho Cruise, officially known as “Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea”, is a unique event blending professional wrestling, rock music, comedy, and pop culture into a cruise vacation experience. It was conceived by professional wrestler and musician Chris Jericho, and the event has gained a cult following due to its novelty and crossover appeal.

Jericho, a multi-talented entertainer known for his wrestling career in WWE, WCW, AEW, and his band Fozzy, had long been a fan of cruises and wanted to create an event that combined his passions for wrestling, music, and entertainment. The idea was to offer fans a one-of-a-kind experience with live wrestling matches, concerts, meet-and-greets with wrestlers and musicians, podcasts, and comedy shows, all while cruising on the open sea.

The first Chris Jericho Cruise set sail in October 2018 and was a major success, leading to it becoming an annual event. Each cruise typically features a themed name, such as “Part Deux: Second Wave” (2019) and “Triple Whammy” (2021). The event has helped bring wrestling fans and rock enthusiasts together, creating a loyal following. The intimate setting on the cruise ship allows fans to experience their favorite wrestlers and performers in a much more personal and relaxed atmosphere than traditional live shows.

Jericho’s involvement in AEW helped elevate the cruise’s profile even more. AEW has held Dynamite episodes on the cruise, bringing televised matches to the event. This connection has made the Chris Jericho Cruise a significant event for both wrestling and entertainment fans, adding an even greater level of excitement and exposure.

People attending the cruise can look forward to 4 key things that have remained consistent throughout the years and that undoubtedly contribute to the event’s success:

Professional Wrestling Shows: The cruise features live wrestling matches on an outdoor ring set up on the ship’s deck. AEW (All Elite Wrestling) has played a key role in these matches, especially after Jericho joined AEW. Wrestling promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH) and independent promotions also participate. Fans get the chance to witness these matches in a very intimate and unique setting, something they wouldn’t experience in a regular arena.
Music Performances: Jericho’s band Fozzy typically headlines the musical performances. Other bands from the rock and metal scene, as well as guest musicians, perform during the cruise. It’s a big draw for fans of both wrestling and hard rock.
Celebrity Guests and Entertainment: Aside from wrestlers and musicians, the cruise features a variety of other entertainment forms. Guests include comedians, podcasters, and TV personalities, with live shows and panels catering to pop culture fans. Jericho’s own podcast, Talk Is Jericho, often has live episodes recorded on the ship with special guests.
Fan Interaction: One of the highlights of the cruise is the fan interaction. Passengers have opportunities to meet and hang out with wrestlers, musicians, and celebrities. There are autograph signings, meet-and-greets, Q&A panels, and even themed costume nights.

Overall, the Chris Jericho Cruise is a reflection of Jericho’s eclectic career, combining his love for wrestling, music, and entertainment into a unique, highly successful, and fan-centric experience. Find out more at www.chrisjerichocruise.com.

The Story of Mr. November (Apologies to Mr. October)

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Reggie Jackson earned the “Mr. October” nickname during the 1977 World Series when he played for the New York Yankees. In Game 6 of that series, on October 18, 1977, Jackson had one of the most remarkable single-game performances in baseball history. He hit three home runs on three consecutive pitches from three different pitchers (Burt Hooton, Elias Sosa, and Charlie Hough) of the Los Angeles Dodgers. His incredible power display led the Yankees to an 8-4 victory, clinching the World Series title.

After his performance in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series, Jackson was given the nickname “Mr. October” by the media for his ability to come through when it mattered most—in the high-stakes, high-pressure postseason. The name has stuck with him ever since, symbolizing his clutch hitting during baseball’s most important month

Baseball historians also note Reggie Jackson is an ego-maniac so we offer our apologies to him – this story is about “Mr. November”.

The 2001 MLB season was disrupted by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, which led to the postponement of games for about a week. As a result, the playoffs and World Series were pushed back, extending the postseason into November for the first time in Major League Baseball history.

In Game 4 of the 2001 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks, the game went into extra innings. It was late on October 31, 2001, and the clock struck midnight, officially turning the calendar to November 1.

In the bottom of the 10th inning, with the score tied 3-3, Derek Jeter came to the plate. He hit a walk-off home run off Arizona’s Byung-Hyun Kim, giving the Yankees a dramatic 4-3 victory. Since it was the first time any game in MLB history had been played in November, and Jeter’s home run won the game, the crowd and media began to call him “Mr. November,” a play on the nickname “Mr. October,” which had been famously given to Reggie Jackson for his own postseason heroics previously discussed.

Although the Yankees eventually lost the 2001 World Series to the Diamondbacks in seven games, the moment cemented Jeter’s status as a clutch performer and earned him one of the most iconic nicknames in baseball history. The name “Mr. November” symbolizes his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments on the biggest stage.

“Major League” and the Power of the Underdog

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At the beginning of 1989’s Major League, the audience is shown a montage of newspaper headlines of the Cleveland Indians baseball team on a losing streak. The montage sets a pretty somber tone at first of a city in a rough spot. But more importantly it establishes the Cleveland Indians as a classic case of a rag-tag team of misfits that people, even some of their own teammates, don’t take seriously. David S. Ward said he wrote Major League because it was “the only way I would see the Indians win a World Series” and it definitely feels like a celebration of an underdog team. It transcends the traditional sports movie by, intentionally or not, becoming a story of the value of diversity in America, and while some elements haven’t aged particularly well, it’s still an interesting statement disguised as a goofy sports comedy.

The film begins with the wife of a recently deceased former owner inheriting the Cleveland Indians. She hatches a plan to move the team to Las Vegas by gathering up some of the worst players in the league. Naturally, this new move worries the actual players. The players they bring in include a convicted felon (Charlie Sheen), a voodoo priest (Dennis Haysbert), and some guy who showed up uninvited but ends up as one of the best runners in the league (Westley Snipes). It fits right in with Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad, among other movies that are about a rag tag team of misfits working together; and despite some of the more problematic and stereotypical elements, the film still works because it depicts these people as some of the more likable players on the team. These personalities clash and create conflict that doesn’t feel unlike the types of arguments between different backgrounds of people in the United States. The main plot of a rag-tag team of misfits is as old as the country itself. One particular subplot involves the voodoo priest being harassed by another player on the team who doesn’t know how to accept other people’s religion. Despite the voodoo priest character being a stereotype, the audience is 100% on his side.

However, some of the film’s more satirical elements, specifically the character of the new owner of the team, could’ve used a couple more rewrites to make them less cartoonish. The character of Rachel Phelps, the team’s new owner, feels like a two dimensional corporate stooge, especially after a TV show like Ted Lasso retooled a similar character and made her into someone who feels like a complex but still very flawed person. She feels like she exists inside of a bubble and only interacts with members of the team for a climactic argument towards the end of the film, making her more of a plot device than a character. This is made worse by a scene involving a cardboard cutout of this character being sexually objectified.

Additionally, because this is a fantasy, this results in the film occasionally being a little too cheery for its own good despite some of the more satirical elements. The protagonist, Jake (Tom Berenger)’s ex-wife, a former athlete named Lynn (Renee Russo) is engaged to a pompous rich oaf who has no respect for her, and now that Jake has also re-entered her life, she has to contend with him being incredibly annoying in trying to win her back. His main goal in the film is to get back together with her by becoming a high ranking baseball player. It’s clear that this is a fantasy, but he doesn’t learn anything by the end of it. His wife calls off the engagement, but she should have walked away from both of these guys and gone on to become a great athlete on her own. Instead, she smiles at Jake from the crowded baseball stands, indicating the two of them are going to get back together. This subplot could have said something far deeper about the cost of ambition by providing a dark counterpoint to a goofy comedy, but it goes in a feel-good romance direction that ends up clashing against the more satirical elements. It doesn’t feel like the movie wants to fully commit to some of the ideas that could’ve made it an all time classic satire, rather than just a pretty enjoyable piece of late 80’s comedy

Overall, despite some hiccups, Major League is a more clever movie than the viewer might assume for a mainstream comedy from that time. It arguably avoids the pitfalls of 80’s comedy stereotyping in some areas by making said characters incredibly competent at the sport. And while some elements haven’t aged particularly well, it more than laid the groundwork for successful sports comedies after it.

Author: Dylan James

Manon Rhéaume Broke Barriers as NHL’s First Female Player

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Manon Rhéaume is a trailblazing figure in ice hockey, best known for being the first woman to play in a major North American men’s professional sports league. Born on February 24, 1972, in Beauport, Quebec, Rhéaume made history in 1992 when she played as a goaltender for the Tampa Bay Lightning in an NHL preseason game. This marked the first and only time a woman competed in an NHL game, breaking barriers in a sport dominated by men.

Rhéaume had a successful career as a goaltender in women’s ice hockey as well. She represented Canada in international competition, winning silver medals at the Women’s World Championships and earning a silver medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, the first-time women’s ice hockey was included in the Olympics.

Her achievements have made her a symbol of progress in sports, inspiring many female athletes to pursue their goals regardless of traditional gender norms in competitive fields.

Manon Rhéaume’s groundbreaking appearance in an NHL game was the result of a combination of her exceptional talent and a strategic move by the Tampa Bay Lightning to generate publicity for their newly formed franchise. Here’s how it came to pass…

Rhéaume had already made a name for herself as a highly skilled goaltender. In 1991, she became the first woman to play in a men’s major junior hockey game, suiting up for the Trois-Rivières Draveurs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Her performance in men’s leagues drew attention and proved her ability to compete at a high level. She had also excelled in women’s hockey, leading the Canadian national team to world championships and establishing herself as one of the top female goaltenders in the world.

In 1992, the Tampa Bay Lightning were preparing for their inaugural season in the NHL. Team general manager Phil Esposito, a Hall of Fame player, saw an opportunity to make a splash and attract attention to the new team so he invited Rhéaume to the Lightning’s training camp. While the decision was seen by some as a publicity stunt, Rhéaume’s skills and accomplishments justified the invitation. Esposito later insisted that the move was not just a gimmick; Rhéaume had shown she was good enough to play at a high level, and she had earned the chance.

So that’s how it came to be that, on September 23, 1992, Rhéaume made history when she played in a preseason game for the Lightning against the St. Louis Blues. She played one period, stopping seven of nine shots in a solid performance.

Although Rhéaume didn’t continue with the Lightning in the regular season, her participation in the game was a major milestone. She was later signed by minor league teams and continued her career in professional and international women’s hockey through the 1990s and early 2000s. She represented Canada in international competition, including winning a silver medal at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, the first-time women’s ice hockey was included in the Games. She officially retired from professional hockey in 2009. However, her competitive playing career had already slowed down before that point.

After retiring as a player, Rhéaume has remained active in the world of hockey, working in various coaching and mentoring roles. Her legacy continues to inspire many, especially young female players. As of recent years, Rhéaume has been particularly involved in developing youth hockey programs, with a focus on growing opportunities for girls in the sport. She has worked as a coach and mentor for young players, inspiring the next generation of female athletes. She has worked with organizations like the Detroit Red Wings to promote hockey through outreach and youth programs and has served as an ambassador for women’s hockey, frequently appearing at events to support the sport’s growth.

Rhéaume also started the Manon Rhéaume Foundation, which provides scholarships and financial aid to young girls who want to play hockey but face financial barriers. The foundation’s mission aligns with her lifelong dedication to empowering women and girls in sports.

And if all that wasn’t enough, Rhéaume is also active as a motivational speaker, where she shares her story of breaking barriers in the NHL and encourages young people, especially girls, to pursue their dreams, regardless of traditional gender expectations and she occasionally appears in media to discuss her career and to comment on the state of women’s hockey. Manon Rhéaume’s NHL appearance was significant not only for its historical value but also because it opened doors and brought visibility to women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated sports. She will forever remain a significant figure in the NHL, even though she only played in one game.

Was the 1988 Death of Bruiser Brody Murder or Self-Defense?

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Bruiser Brody, whose real name was Frank Goodish, was a legendary professional wrestler known for his brawling style and wild persona. He was one of the most influential figures in the wrestling industry, especially in Japan and the United States. However, his life was tragically cut short under mysterious and controversial circumstances, leaving pro wrestling fans outraged up to this day.

On July 16, 1988, Bruiser Brody was scheduled to wrestle in a show for the World Wrestling Council (WWC) in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Before the show, a confrontation occurred between Brody and fellow wrestler José González, who wrestled masked under the name Invader I, in the locker room shower. The details of what transpired during this confrontation are still disputed by all parties, but what is not in dispute is that it ended with González stabbing Brody in the stomach with a knife. Brody was severely injured and was taken to a local hospital, but due to the severity of his injuries and the delay in getting him medical attention, he died in the early hours of July 17, 1988. He was 42 years old.

According to various accounts from witnesses present in the locker room, González asked Brody to come into the shower area to discuss something privately. Shortly afterward, wrestlers heard screams, and when they rushed to the area, they found Brody clutching his stomach, having been stabbed. González was holding the knife, and Brody was in critical condition.

The content of the conversation between Brody and González, and what led González to stab Brody, remains a matter of speculation, as no clear or consistent explanation has ever been provided.

The exact reasons behind why José González, also known as Invader I, killed Bruiser Brody (Frank Goodish) also remain unclear, as the true motivations have never been definitively established. However, there are several theories and pieces of speculation within the wrestling community that attempt to explain the incident.

Some believe that the stabbing was premeditated, while others think it may have been a spur-of-the-moment act driven by anger or fear. The trial and acquittal of González only added to the controversy, as many within the wrestling community felt that justice was not served, partly due to key witnesses not being called to testify.

In the years since the incident, various wrestlers and insiders have given their perspectives, but the true reasons behind why González killed Bruiser Brody remain a mystery, shrouded in the complex and often murky world of professional wrestling politics.

González claimed that he acted in self-defense, and during the trial, he was acquitted of the charges. The trial was seen by many as flawed, with key witnesses, including wrestlers Tony Atlas and Dutch Mantel, who were present during the incident, not being called to testify. Over the years, many possible motives have emerged and continue to be discussed by the wrestling community. The main ones are presented below:

Personal Grudges and Tensions: There were longstanding rumors of personal animosity between Brody and González. Some accounts suggest that Brody and González had a strained relationship due to past professional disagreements or personal issues when Gonzalez tried out for the WWF. In the wrestling business, it’s not uncommon for tensions to arise due to conflicts over booking decisions, pay, or the way matches were conducted.

Brody’s Reputation: Bruiser Brody was known for being a difficult personality in the wrestling business. He was fiercely independent and protective of his character and brand, often clashing with promoters and other wrestlers over how he was booked or how matches were conducted. It’s possible that González, who was also involved in booking for the World Wrestling Council (WWC), felt threatened or disrespected by Brody’s behavior.

Money and Business Disputes: Some have speculated that financial disagreements might have played a role. Brody was a top draw in the territories where he worked, and there could have been disputes over pay or the distribution of earnings, leading to heightened tensions. Some rumors even have him owing up to 5% of the Puerto Rican wrestling promotion.

Fear and Self-Defense: During the trial, González claimed that he acted in self-defense, stating that Brody had become aggressive and that he feared for his life. Given Brody’s size and reputation as a tough and intimidating figure, González’s defense was that he felt physically threatened. That still does not explain why he brought the knife into the shower (wrapped in a towel) before asking Brody to enter the shower and chat.

Professional wrestling fans were deeply affected by Brody’s death. Many wrestlers expressed their belief that justice was not served, and the incident cast a long shadow over the wrestling industry, particularly in Puerto Rico. Brody’s death is still a topic of discussion and debate among wrestling fans and professionals.

Despite the tragic end to his life, Bruiser Brody’s legacy in professional wrestling remains strong. He is remembered as one of the toughest and most influential wrestlers of his era, with a style that has inspired many wrestlers who came after him. His death also served as a reminder of the darker side of the wrestling business and the need for greater protection and rights for wrestlers.

Brody was posthumously inducted into several wrestling halls of fame, including the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019. His influence is still felt in the wrestling world, and his story continues to be told as a cautionary tale of the dangers that can lurk behind the scenes in professional wrestling.

The Olympic Games Paris 2024 Draw to A Close

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Paris 2024 – After two weeks of exceptional competitions and intense emotions, the Olympic Games Paris 2024 came to an end on Sunday 11 August 2024. In the midst of darkness, the new show entitled “Records”, created by Thomas Jolly for the Closing Ceremony, highlighted the importance of the Olympic Games for the whole world. The athletes, the true heroes of the competitions, gathered at the Stade de France to be celebrated by the public one last time. At the end of the night, the Olympic Flame of Paris 2024 was extinguished, closing this unprecedented chapter in Olympic history, before it shines again in 2028, in Los Angeles.

After lighting up the city, the Flame comes to the Olympic Stadium

Lit at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games, for a fortnight the Paris 2024 Cauldron illuminated the Jardins des Tuileries by day and the Paris skies by night. Above all, it was an unexpectedly popular success: 200,000 people booked tickets to see it up close, and hundreds of thousands more gathered on the quays, bridges and balconies to watch it take to the skies at sunset.

At the heart of the Louvre estate, around the Grand Bassin Rond [water basin] in the Jardin des Tuileries, the Cauldron welcomed new guests. Echoing Hymne à l’amour sung by Céline Dion from the Eiffel Tower during the Opening Ceremony, French artist Zaho de Sagazan and the Haendel-Hendrix Academy Choir performed another iconic Edith Piaf song: Sous le ciel de Paris.

As the Flying Cauldron was extinguished, XX, the four-time Olympic champion, appeared at the Louvre Palace. The most decorated athlete of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 carried the lantern containing the Olympic Flame towards the Stade de France, reversing the route taken two weeks ago.

The Stade de France as the setting for the Closing Ceremony

A major feature of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the capital’s monuments were the perfect backdrop for the athletes’ performances. The Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, the Place de la Concorde, the Invalides, the Château de Versailles, etc.

To close this unprecedented chapter in Olympic history, the public was invited to the temple of performance and athletes to celebrate them one last time: the Stade de France. A unique theatre, it gave Thomas Jolly the opportunity to use all the components of live performance: lighting, decor, costumes, machinery, set design, etc. to offer a final celebration of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

The triumphal entrance of the flag-bearers and athletes from all the delegations together

As the Flame made its way towards the Stade de France, the flag-bearers of the 205 delegations chosen for this Ceremony were greeted by a standing ovation before parading on a stage in the shape of a planisphere.

In a final celebration of the heroes of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, they were joined by all the athletes entering the stadium together, united and mingling without distinction of nationality, as tradition dictates. Their arrival was set to a medley of songs by the group Justice arranged by Victor Le Masne, followed by the hits that have accompanied the exploits of the French team throughout the Games, including notably ‘Que je t’aime,’ the Johnny Halliday anthem.

Honouring the Women’s Marathon, its medallists and the Mass Event Running

As with every edition, the Marathon winners’ ceremony took place during the Closing Ceremony. For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, the women’s event concluded the athletics competitions and the women’s medallists were honoured, the final symbol of an edition that Paris 2024 wanted to be more equal between male and female athletes.

A few hours before the women’s Marathon, Paris 2024 once again offered “Games Wide Open” with the first mass participation event in the history of the Games: the ‘Marathon pour tous.’ Nearly 35,000 people took up the challenge of the 42.195km and 10km courses and shared some unforgettable moments on the night of Saturday 10 August. In the Stade de France, striking images of this unprecedented event flashed across the screens.

The spectacular arrival of a Golden Voyager and the return of key characters from the Opening Ceremony

As night fell, the Stade de France was transformed into a huge theatre. In a nocturnal, deserted and mysterious atmosphere, a Golden Voyager landed in a spectacular setting. Inspired by the Golden Record, a disc launched into space in 1977 by the Voyager spacecraft containing an identity card of human civilisation, this Golden Voyager character took spectators and TV viewers on a dreamlike journey towards a fictional future in which the Olympic Games no longer existed.

Set against a chiaroscuro backdrop of light effects and enhanced by epic music by Clément Mirguet, this new character in Thomas Jolly’s artistic universe pays tribute to Pierre de Coubertin’s ambition to revive the Ancient Games. A future in which the audience rediscovered characters from a not-so-distant past: the masked Torchbearer and the horsewoman, two protagonists of the Opening Ceremony, carried the flag of Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Light shows, Olympic Rings and Hymn to Apollo

Just like the Opening Ceremony, the show created by Thomas Jolly was a true spectacle: the moment the Goddess of Victory appeared, the show spread to the stands of the Stade de France and the public became actors in the Ceremony. Wearing luminous bracelets, spectators conjured up athletes represented on pottery, then transformed into doves of peace.

After the Greek flag and National Anthem, the Golden Voyager continued their quest by revealing new vestiges of the Games: the Olympic Rings. Buried in the ground, huge rings six metres in diameter rose up, serving as acrobats’ apparatus. Gradually, the world became festive and joyful again, with a choreography featuring over a hundred performers from parkour, street show, break dance, circus and gymnasts from the Paris Fire Brigade, who delighted the audience.

During the ballet of the Rings, a levitating interlude opened up: the Hymn to Apollo was performed by Alain Roche, seated at a piano floating vertically in the air, offering a truly “suspended” moment. Thomas Jolly teamed up with the French pianist and Franco-Swiss opera singer Benjamin Bernheim for a performance that breathed new life into the oldest hymn of ancient Greece.

Under the Olympic Rings hoisted into the sky, a celebration in honour of the Games

Once the Rings were reunited in the sky over the Stade de France, the athletes took possession of the world stage to become actors in the show themselves. Like a symbol, the rediscovery of the Olympic Games in this fiction between past and future brings the world together. The highlights of the Paris 2024 edition were broadcast, bringing to life two weeks of performances, emotions and communion.

The climax of the Closing Ceremony kicked off with a theatrical appearance by the French group Phoenix. After playing a first track from their emblematic repertoire, the duo invited a number of world-class artists to join them in celebrating the Olympic Games: Kavinsky, Angèle, Air, VannDa and Ezra Koenig took their turn among the athletes and performers.

Tony Estanguet pays tribute to those who made the Paris 2024 Olympic Games possible

Taking the podium, Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, began by highlighting the emotions and moments of sharing that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have offered: ” Since Day one of the Paris 2024 journey, on 23 June 2015, we have been preparing for everything (…) But we weren’t ready for that. There is no way we could have prepared for everything we’ve just experienced together.”

He went on to thank all those who had made the Paris 2024 Olympic Games possible: the millions of spectators, whose passion had turned ” every venue into an raucous arena; every medal into a national holiday”; the Paris 2024 teams, whose “efforts have now been magnificently rewarded “; the volunteers who had ” infused a party spirit into our Games “; ” those who have kept us safe”; the French and international sports movements; and all the public authorities who had contributed to the success of these Olympic Games. Tony Estanguet then declared his pride: ” France has showed up. (…) Tonight, I have never felt so proud to be French. Together, we have shown the world the most beautiful face of France.”

He expressed his admiration and gratitude to the athletes: ” We knew you would be brilliant, but you were magic. You made us happy. You made us feel alive. The world needed these emotions so much.”

Concluding his speech, Tony Estanguet invited the public to the Paralympic Games: “All of you who love the Games in France and around the world, I invite you, on 28 August, in the stands, in the fan zones, in front of your screens, to the best return leg of your lives.

Tony Estanguet then invited Thomas Bach, President of the IOC, to the podium, with a special word for him, as this was the last Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games of his term of office: “It’s an immense honour to give the floor to Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee, who is celebrating his last Games with us, and who I want to congratulate.”

The Flame of Paris 2024 extinguished; Los Angeles 2028 launched

On Sunday 11 August 2024, Paris officially passed the baton to Los Angeles. The Olympic Anthem resounded in the Stade de France, performed by the Maîtrise de Fontainebleau and the Divertimento orchestra, while the Olympic flag was lowered by members of several corps of the French Army.

In accordance with protocol, the mayor of the host city, Anne Hidalgo, presented the Olympic flag to IOC President Thomas Bach, who in turn handed it over to the mayor of the City of Angels, Karen Bass.

Then it was the turn of Los Angeles 2028 to put on a big show, from the Stade de France to L.A., speeding through the streets of Paris with Tom Cruise and the magic of Hollywood.

Surrounded by legends from around the world, Léon Marchand extinguished the Olympic Flame for Paris 2024

Léon Marchand entered the Stade de France to a roar he had already experienced in the pools of the Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre. Carrying the Olympic Flame lantern, he met IOC President Thomas Bach, surrounded by six athletes chosen for their sporting achievements and to represent the world: Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba, bronze medallist in boxing, representing the Refugee Olympic Team; Sun Yingsha, triple Olympic gold medallist in table tennis, representing Asia; Eliud Kipchoge, double Olympic marathon champion, representing Africa; Mijain Lopez, five-time Olympic gold medallist in wrestling, representing America; Teddy Riner, also five-time Olympic champion, representing Europe; and Emma McKeon, swimmer with 6 Olympic gold medals, representing Oceania.

Accompanied by these legends, Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, blew out the Olympic Flame to close the final Olymic Games of his final mandate.

A finale with Yseult, and now it’s time for the Paralympic Games!

Before the ceremony finale and last artistic performance, one of the two flag bearers of the French delegation, Antoine Dupont, gold medallist with the Rugby Sevens team, handed over the French flag to Team France athletes who will be taking part in the Paralympic Games.

Lucas Créange, Gloria Agblemagnon, Mandy François Elie, Félicien Siapo, Sophia Pace and Vittolio Kavakava (Para athletics), Assia Maurin Espau and David Smetanine (Para swimming), Méryl Loquette (Para badminton), Marie Patouillet and Kévin Le Cunff (Para cycling), Cédric Nankin, Sébastien Verdin, Pierre Fairbank, Ryhad Sallem (Wheelchair rugby), Sophie Caverzan (Para taekwondo), Michael Jérémiasz (Chef de Mission), Estelle Marsa Galant and Jenna Abodjan Prince and Aurélie Garcia (Sitting volleyball) and Rafik Arabat (Powerlifting).

This group of athletes, representing several Para sports, was led by Michaël Jeremiasz, chef de mission of the French delegation.

This symbolic passing of the baton is a first in the history of the Olympic Games and serves as a reminder of Paris 2024’s ambition, pursued from the start of its bid, to make the Paralympic Games the second chapter of a single story.

To round off this final evening of the Olympic Games, French artist Yseult performed the song My Way. An English adaptation of Claude François’ timeless Comme d’habitude, the song serves as a link between France and the United States and highlights the reciprocal influence between the two cultures. With this poignant yet intimate version, the French singer brought to a close an emotional closing ceremony for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. See you at the Paralympic Games!

FSM Scouting Report: Lord of the Rings

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Book/Movie Title: Phil Jackson Lord of the Rings

Total Pages/Duration: 341 pages (paperback)

Author/Director: Peter Richmond

Pace of Play: This book is a page-turner in spurts. It starts a bit slow (bios generally do as you have to get past the early years) then picks up some steam before coming to a pleasant, but slower conclusion. The pace of this book can be described as moderate.

Strengths: It is clear from the onset that the reader will go on more of a historical journey than some of the other Lakers/Phil books. However, this ends up being a strength as you will likely read multiple stories that provide new info about Jackson and his rise. It was actually surprising to see all the tidbits that had never been discussed in the mainstream over the years. The stories are not salacious in nature but would have just been fun to discuss. Additionally, the author does not linger on any period of time for too long saving the reader from a long slog through history (the Pistol Pete book was brutal in this regard). The way information is presented, Phil Jackson’s early years as a coach ends up being some of the most interesting material in the entire book.

Weaknesses: A major weakness of this book is the excessive quoting of others as the story goes on. At times, it is difficult to remember who is speaking or being quoted or why the quote was even being presented in the first place. The use of so many quotes is a bit understandable given that much of the book is just a presentation of facts and secondhand stories. Lastly, there are a large number of obscure jokes and references throughout the book. This may be good or bad depending on if you know what the heck the author is talking about. The jokes and comments do have a Family Guy feel at times.

Unique Attributes: This book will pique your interest on a few random topics we have always known were associated with Phil Jackson but that we may not necessarily have known about. These include (but are not limited to) Native American history and LSD. The author also has a special talent for throwing in intermittent zingers and one-liners that will make you literally LOL. More of the these would have been preferable to the random jokes mentioned in the previous section.

Scout’s Recommendations: This book probably would not do much for the die-hard hoops fan (Lakers and Bulls fans excluded) but it is certainly recommended for everyone else. The first third of this book in particular should appeal to fans of Phil Jackson and 1960’s and 70’s era sports. Be prepared though, the book does end on an optimistic note with Phil Jackson taking on the role of general manager of the New York Knicks.

A Legend in Pro Wrestling Also Had A Small Hollywood Career

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Terry funk was a legend in the professional ring. He truly loved the sport and wrestled well into his golden years. After his passing last month, fans have been coming together to share their favorite Terry funk stories and moments. Chainsaw Charlie has been mentioned more than a few times. Many are surprised to find out Funk had small career in Hollywood which included stunt work on Sylvester Stallone’s film Rocky III. Since there are already many stories out there dedicated to Funk’s life and career in the squared circle, FSM is ranking Terry Funk’s Top 4 Movie Roles:

4. The Ringer – In this 2005 comedy, Funk plays a debt collector who gets a little physical with the main character’s (Johnny Knoxville) uncle in order to get some cash that is owed.

3. Road House – Funk appeared in the 1989 action film Road House in the role of Morgan, a tough bouncer and one of the henchmen working for the film’s antagonist, Brad Wesley, played by Ben Gazzara. Most notably, the film also stars Patrick Swayze as a bouncer named Dalton who is hired to clean up a rowdy bar. Terry Funk’s presence in the film certainly added to the action and intensity of some of the fight scenes.

2. Over the Top – Funk’s role in the 1987 Sylvester Stallone film Over the Top was the character Ruker, a fellow arm wrestler and antagonist to Stallone’s main character, Lincoln Hawk. Over the Top is a sports drama film centered around the world of professional arm wrestling, and Terry Funk’s appearance added to the fighting atmosphere of the movie. The film has become a bit of a cult classic over the years.

1. Paradise Alley – In the film, Terry Funk’s character, Frankie the Thumper, is a professional wrestler. Frankie is one of the wrestlers in the local wrestling circuit that the Carboni brothers, played by Sylvester Stallone (Cosmo), Armand Assante (Lenny), and Lee Canalito (Victor), are involved with. Frankie the Thumper is known for his wrestling skills and is part of the wrestling world that the Carboni brothers navigate as they pursue their dreams and get involved in various wrestling matches and events throughout the film. The film portrays their interactions and challenges within the wrestling community in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen during the 1940s. Funk also served as the stunt coordinator.

Which was your favorite Terry Funk movie? Did it make our list?

FSM Exclusive: Intro to Pinnacles National Park

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For the wanderers out there considering a visit to Pinnacles National Park, Free Sports Mag takes a quick look at California’s newest park in this exclusive 30-minute video.

But first, some cool background information about Pinnacles directly from the NPS website:

Some 23 million years ago multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form what would become Pinnacles National Park. What remains is a unique landscape. Travelers journey through chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms. Hikers enter rare talus caves and emerge to towering rock spires teeming with life: prairie and peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and the inspiring California condor.

The most recent update to Pinnacles is its redesignation from National Monument to National Park when in 2013, Pinnacles became the 59th National Park. It was originally designated as a monument because of its unique geologic features such as rock spires and crags that are remnants of volcanic activity millions of years ago. However, the abundance of cultural and natural resources in the park, including its many federally protected species, made it an appropriate candidate for a National Park. The United States Senate and President Obama passed the bill that redesignated Pinnacles to a National Park which included a 3,000 acre expansion of wilderness to be named the Hain wilderness, in honor of the homesteader Schuyler Hain who worked to protect it in the early 1900s. The redesignation has also increased visitation and tourism to nearby communities.

Click here to see FSM’s quick review of the park and campsite!