IT’S been a very mixed week in the world of sports.
There have been winners, losers, rumours of mega fights between two legends from different codes, Mother’s Day and the tragic deaths of two soccer players
Here is the entire week, as told by the Twitter-verse: in 140 characters or less.
10. Mark Schwarzer goes back-to-back
Mark Schwarzer – first man to win back to back EPL titles with two different clubs. Well played! pic.twitter.com/ib26ZuZW6H
— OddsChecker Canada (@OddsCheckerCAN) May 3, 2016
Former Australian goal keeper, Mark Schwarzer, became the first player in EPL history to win back-to-back titles with different teams.
The Leicester City Foxes shocked the world this week when they were officially declared EPL Champions. Only a handful of punters dared to put big coin on the Foxes to become champions because they were considered cellar dwellers and some even expected them to be in the contest for relegation this year.
This has turned into one of the modern day Cinderella stories.
9. Parramatta Eels’ penalised
https://twitter.com/WillHillAus/status/727312668504129536
After months of speculation, the NRL confirmed that the Eels are the world’s worst cheats.
By handing down their preliminary findings and punishment of $1 million fine, 12 competition points and the sacking of four board members, the NRL set the record straight.
Despite rorting the salary cap for five of past six years, the Eels were still able to come dead last in the competition twice.
What’s the point in cheating if you can’t even win? Should they even be penalised when their cheating didn’t really benefit them or short change any other team?
At one point WilliamHill.com.au had the Eels’ at almost $150 in the futures market when their penalties were first announced. Since then the Eels have improved to $34.
8. Notorious/Money uber match on the way?
Floyd Mayweather, Conor McGregor reportedly negotiating deal for boxing match in Vegashttps://t.co/zFCY9WepAp pic.twitter.com/p76Kq86spE
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 6, 2016
There is a rumour gaining momentum that MMA/UFC superstar Conor McGregor and retired boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jnr are in talks to orchestrate one of the biggest boxing matches the world has ever seen.
The rumour is getting louder and louder when you understand the turbulent nature of McGregor’s relationship with the UFC and that Mayweather is getting a little restless in retirement. Mayweather has even gone so far as to admit that the mega-fight is possible.
Now before all the ne’er sayers start poo-pooing this possibility, keep in mind that McGregor started out as a boxer and loves boxing, which can be seen in his bouts: striking is one of his strengths.
Stay tuned to see if this mega-fight actually comes to fruition.
7. An unexpected Nick Kyrgios story
UNREAL! @NickKyrgios take a bow. Pure magic. Hotdog-lob-winner over the helpless #Nishikori. Shot of the season? https://t.co/6ZWnSG0sdy
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 6, 2016
Usually when we talk about tennis’ bad boy, Nick Kyrgios, it’s to tell the tale of his latest hissy fit at the umpires or his new horrific reverse mohawk hair cut or what obscene taunt he is using to mock his opposition or how little white he wore at Wimbledon.
Amidst all his general madness, it’s easy to forget that Nick Kyrgios is actually a pretty good tennis player. In fact, he put his mind blowing skills on exhibition at the Mutua Madrid Open against Kei Nishikori this week when he delivered a lob to win a game in his loss to Nishikori.
Hopefully Kyrgios can shock us all one day soon by winning a major tournament or something, otherwise he’ll have to stick to the childish abuse and weird haircuts.
6. Fremantle Dockers suck
The @freodockers slumped to 0-7 after a wasteful performance in front of goals. #AFLFreoGiants https://t.co/GGrLEmlCsb
— AFL (@AFL) May 7, 2016
After being minor Premiers at the end of the regular 2015 season it’s hard to imagine how the Dockers could fall so spectacularly to lose their first seven games straight in the 2016 season.
The way the Dockers are playing they couldn’t catch a cold or win an argument, much less a game of footy. They have managed to lose to the two newest expansion clubs: the GWS Giants and the Gold Coast Suns, which is the ultimate insult for a high-flying club.
There are whispers that some in the west are calling for the scalp of coach Ross Lyon. Time will tell if his job is safe. In the mean time, let’s all continue to watch in disgusted fascination, the Dockers spectacular fall from the penthouse to the outhouse.
CrownBet.com.au has the Dockers as gross outsiders against Hawthorn this weekend. Fremantle are $7.50 against the Hawks $1.09.
5. Pearce to dog the Blues?
.@sydneyroosters’ Mitchell Pearce will reportedly ask NSW coach Laurie Daley to be overlooked for #Origin
— FOX SPORTS News (@FOXSportsNews) May 5, 2016
Since returning from his eight round ban for alcohol and puppy fiddling-related issues arising from a lewd Australia Day video, it has been reported that Mitchell Pearce is considering ruling himself out of next month’s State of Origin opener to concentrate on resurrecting the Roosters’ season.
The Roosters are currently sitting second last on the NRL Premiership ladder, so Pearce would have a massive job ahead of him if he decides to solely focus on being the saviour.
This news comes as a massive relief for some NSW Blues fans though, because Pearce’ Origin career isn’t exactly punctuated with success. The theory goes that Pearce simply buckles under the pressure of Origin.
SportsBet.com.au has the NSW Blues as favorites for the Origin opener on 1/6/16. The Blues are $1.80 over the Maroons $2.
4. A sad week for soccer
The thoughts & prayers of everyone at @NewcastleJetsFC are with Bernardo Ribeiro's family & friends. Rest In Peace. https://t.co/4h10Ca0CG5
— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) May 8, 2016
"@footballacca: RIP Patrick Ekeng who died after collapsing in a Romanian league match last night. No de-fib ?https://t.co/gNfvXHiTpa"
— John Callaghan (@Johncally444) May 8, 2016
It was a tragic week for soccer, with two international players collapsing mid-game and sadly passing away. Cameroon defensive midfielder Patrick Ekeng passed away during a game against Viitorul Constanta in Romania. A couple of days later Bernardo Ribiro suffered a suspected heart attack during a friendly against Friburguense in Brazil.
Our thoughts are with their families.
3. Mickey Arthur names as Pakistan cricket coach
The CV of Pakistan's new head coach Mickey Arthur https://t.co/WabkTs0LDu pic.twitter.com/UgOtrhZqJ0
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 6, 2016
Former Australia test coach Mickey Arthur has been appointed as coach of the Pakistan test side.
Arthur’s time in charge of Australia was punctuated with failures and a bizarre homework controversy. Lets hope the Pakistani players have their pencils sharpened and rubbers at the ready, because Mickey will be primed with homework ready to go, brandishing a red marker pen.
This may prove to be a hillarious move for Pakistan cricket.
2. Tomic perpetuates his bad rep
Bernard Tomic retires eight minutes into first round match in Rome. Well done! Six minutes longer than he usually lasts.
— adam rozenbachs (@arozenbachs) May 9, 2016
Bernard Tomic has a pretty bad reputation around tennis circuits as a lilly-livered sook. He pulls out of matches more often than I change my underwear.
Tomic only bolstered this unsavory reputation at the ATP Rome International when he pulled out of his first round match against Benot Paire after just eight minutes.
Eight minutes….
Australians have a reputation around the world of being as tough as a coffin nail, able to stand tall against all odds and still keep their classic sense of humour. But Bernard Tomic? He folds like a cheap suit and has the demeanor of a toddler with a scraped knee.
Bet365.com.au has Novak Djokovic as $1.90 favourite to take out the tournament now that Tomic has retired. Not that he was ever in contention anyway.
1. Happy Mother’s Day from Steph Curry
Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful wife @ayeshacurry. I marvel every day at how much you do for our family … pic.twitter.com/x8MLmO2bRj
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) May 8, 2016
Mother’s Day isn’t usually recognised by the sporting world, but NBA superstar took time out from his rehab, recovering from his sprained MCL, to thank his wife and mother to his daughters on Mum’s one special day.
Besides that it now looks Curry may be in doubt for the Warriors game 4 match against the Portland Trailblazers, to ensure his fitness for the rest of the Warriors’ finals campaign.
Despite Curry’s injury and time out, the Golden State Warriors are favourites to take out their second straight NBA Championship with odds of $1.91.