8 Of The Most Bizarre Sports Occurrences That Happened This Week
All eyes are on the NCAA basketball and the Final Four, understandably. So, you may have missed some truly bizarre sports moments that happened this week in various other areas. Some of these are comical, while others are completely coincidental.
Before we dive in, let’s take a look at the entire playing field. It’s a very exciting time in American professional sports.
We have the regular season races winding down before playoffs begin in the NBA and NHL. The NFL draft is around the corner. MLB is finally underway. With the men’s Final Four, we have a UConn team that is dominating everyone.
The women’s Final Four deserves its own topic. With starts like Caitlin Clark (Iowa) and Paige Bueckers (UConn) going toe-to-toe, this is one of the most riveting women’s tournaments of all time. It’s just beyond exciting, and awesome.
Now, let’s take a look at the other things that transpired.
Bizarre Sports Occurrences That Happened This Week
In Major League Baseball, the Houston Astros opened the season by getting swept at home vs. the New York Yankees in a four game series. Then in the next game they turned things around in a big way: Ronel Blanco pitched a no-hitter. He had 10 strikeouts, and oh, his daughter was born within the same week.
In the National League, the New York Mets went The Mets have been no hit for the last 13 innings by Tigers pitching pic.twitter.com/MV8w0HMyAu
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) April 4, 2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">13 innings without a single hit. That’s impressive. Impressively bad, but impressive!
In the NFL, two rugby players got signed to pro teams. Prospective running back/wide receiver, Louis Rees-Zammit was signed by the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Then, the Philadelphia Eagles signed former rugby star Jordan Mailata to an astounding three-year $66 million deal.
Staying in the NFC East, Commanders’ Marcus Mariota announced this week that he will be wearing #0 next season in Washington. He will be the first quarterback in NFL history to be #0.
Just when we think NFL free agency has calmed town, players found their new homes. Stefon Diggs, out of nowhere, got traded from the Buffalo Bills to the Houston Texans.
Ironically, there was some overlap between the NFL and the men’s NCAA tournament. NC State star DJ Burns Jr, who has become a beloved player, was rumored to be getting interest from the NFL. Burns dismissed the idea.
In the NBA, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic started the week by hitting a scoop shot at about the three-point line vs. the Houston Rockets. What? How is that even possible?
Exhale. Now. we brace ourselves for what will be a thrilling four days of Final Four hoops. Oh by the way, I almost forgot, Wrestlemania 40 is this weekend, April 6 and 7. It’s now a two-day event. It features the return of this guy named The Rock.
5 Earth-Shaking Predictions for the 2024 NFL Draft
We’re coming up on the 2024 NFL Draft, and those who are going through football withdrawals, like me, are so ready for it. The next best thing to watching the games is taking in all the draft action, so it can’t come soon enough. The NFL Draft, after all, is really the main event of the offseason. Also, now that we know which new players teams have picked up in free agency, we have a few more clues about which players teams might swoop up during the draft.
2024 NFL Draft Details
Detroit will host the 2024 NFL Draft. The event, presented by Bud Light, will take place from April 25 through 27, and it’s free to attend. Attendees may register for free entry by downloading the NFL OnePass app or via the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess. Also, all adults are required to register to attend and may also register up to five kids to get into the event. Fans must download the NFL OnePass app or register via the website to enter the 2024 NFL Draft Experience, presented by Rocket Mortgage. In doing so, they’ll also receive digital content and enter for a chance to win exclusive prizes, according to the official NFL website. For fans who don’t have a smartphone, registration is also available on the NFL’s website via their Fan Services.
In addition to the main attraction, the 2024 NFL Draft Experience, presented by Rocket Mortgage, will happen throughout the entire event. The free event will offer “immersive exhibits and sponsor activations,” including the chance to “take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy; enjoy the youth-focused Play 60 Zone; shop exclusive merchandise at the NFL Shop presented by Visa; and score autographs from current NFL players and Legends at the Autograph Stage,” according to the NFL’s website.
5 Earth-Shaking Predictions for the 2024 NFL Draft
So, 257 players are slated to be part of the draft, and they’ll be called over seven rounds. Of course, quarterbacks usually get a lot of play, and this year, 11 quarterbacks will be anxiously anticipating their new homes. I’ve put together five wild predictions for the NFL Draft this year, plus some under-the-radar predictions. These players could really change the strength and chemistry of the teams to which they’re assigned. So, even if these aren’t totally shocking picks, I think what they’ll bring to their teams will be earth-shaking. Football season can’t come soon enough.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
