Last Week in Las Vegas Sports (Aug 1 - 7)
From Kyle Busch's scary moment to interesting comments by the Las Vegas Raiders head coach, here's everything that happened last week in Las Vegas sports (Aug 1 - 7).
[caption id="attachment_18065" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube.[/caption]
Las Vegas native Kyle Busch and his family are safe after a gunman opened fire inside the Mall of America in Michigan on August 4. Kyle and Brexton Busch were in line to ride a roller coaster but fled when they heard the shots. Samantha Busch and their newborn daughter Lenix also got away safely.
The news comes during a turbulent time for Busch, who is in a contract year with Joe Gibbs Racing. Despite being a two-time Cup Series champion, he's still without a sponsor for 2023. The near-death experience didn't seem to shake him; he sounds more focused on his future in the Cup Series.
"This is a performance-based business," said Busch, who started third in the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday. "So it is a life-or-death fear if you've either got a job and you're working and making a living, or you're at home figuring out your next steps."
[caption id="attachment_17942" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube.[/caption]
Derek Carr and lack of respect have been a common theme since the Raiders moved to Las Vegas, but it seems like things are changing. The recognition came from a list of the top deep passers in the NFL, where Carr ranked third. The list was developed by ESPN analyst Warren Sharp and is probably Carr's best ranking so far.
According to the poll, only New York Giants Quarterback Daniel Jones and Los Angeles Ram Quarterback Matthew Stafford rank higher. Carr does outrank several Super Bowl QBs in the poll, including Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers. Hopefully, this is the start of better things for the franchise quarterback.
[caption id="attachment_18066" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]
The Las Vegas Golden Knights traded Max Pacioretty to the Carolina Hurricanes for future considerations in a blockbuster deal. The action is allegedly due to the Las Vegas Golden Knights' desire to clear up cap space, but many believe it's a massive loss for Vegas.
Pacioretty has his own opinions. During an interview on the Raw Knuckles Podcast with Tim Stapleton, he ripped the team for lack of accountability.
"When I first got to Vegas, it was weird that there was no accountability. And I'm not talking about the team; I'm talking like ever. You couldn't feel pressure coming off anyone else, from the coach to the management," said Pacioretty. "It was a relief when I got there. But then I found myself being like, 'I've got to reel this in and hold myself to a higher standard which I had always done.' But maybe I got away from it when I had everyone else holding me accountable (in Montreal)."
#3 Ongoing concussion issues sideline Kurt Busch at Michigan
Source. Facebook
Las Vegas native Kurt Busch is still suffering from concussion-like symptoms after his scary-looking crash at Pocono Raceway and missed his third straight race on Sunday. The former Cup Series Champion has been sidelined for three now and is in danger of losing his spot in the playoffs. He's contracted to stay with 23XI Racing until 2023 but might have to retire early if things don't improve.
Xfinity Series driver Ty Gibbs filled in for Busch again at Michigan, marking his third career Cup Series start. This milestone comes amid rumors that Gibbs will be moved up to NASCAR's premiere series in 2023. As for Busch, he posted a statement and is hoping to return next week at Richmond International Raceway.
"I am continuing to make improvements every day," Busch wrote in a tweet Wednesday. "I know Ty will continue to do a great job representing 23XI and the No. 45 Monster Energy team this weekend in Michigan... Thanks to everyone for the continued support, and I look forward to being back on track soon."
[caption id="attachment_18068" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]
Britney Griner is capturing the world's attention after being detained in Russia for bringing vape cartridges to Russia. The Phoenix Mercury player was questioned and later detained by Russian officials only 12 days before the conflict between Ukraine and Russia began. She has remained in captivity since February 12, and there seem to be no signs of her coming home soon.
Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison last week in a massive blow to those who wanted to see her come home. The WNBA community remains firmly behind her, however, including Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon, who spoke out about her detainment during an interview.
"It's something that hits super close to home for me, so I just ask the Russian government to do the right thing," Hammon said. "It's never too late to do the right thing. We're asking for leniency. We're asking for grace. And we're asking to bring home BG."
[caption id="attachment_18069" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube.[/caption]
Everyone knows the preseason doesn't mean much, but it is a great place to prove yourself. That's what Joshua Jacobs did during the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and his numbers were impressive. They might even be enough to justify a new contract later in the season.
Jacobs racked up five carries for 30 yards and an average of six yards a carry during his limited playing time. He later left the game in the second quarter, and coach Josh McDaniels explained why the young running back got so much playing time.
"I always think it's good for backs to carry the ball in the preseason," McDaniels stated after Thursday's game. "There's a lot of things that happen when you're getting tackled and hit that you can't simulate in practice.."
#6 Kyle Busch and family ok after Mall of America shooting
[caption id="attachment_18065" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube.[/caption]Las Vegas native Kyle Busch and his family are safe after a gunman opened fire inside the Mall of America in Michigan on August 4. Kyle and Brexton Busch were in line to ride a roller coaster but fled when they heard the shots. Samantha Busch and their newborn daughter Lenix also got away safely.
The news comes during a turbulent time for Busch, who is in a contract year with Joe Gibbs Racing. Despite being a two-time Cup Series champion, he's still without a sponsor for 2023. The near-death experience didn't seem to shake him; he sounds more focused on his future in the Cup Series.
"This is a performance-based business," said Busch, who started third in the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday. "So it is a life-or-death fear if you've either got a job and you're working and making a living, or you're at home figuring out your next steps."
#5 ESPN ranks Derek Carr among the top deep passers in the NFL
[caption id="attachment_17942" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube.[/caption]Derek Carr and lack of respect have been a common theme since the Raiders moved to Las Vegas, but it seems like things are changing. The recognition came from a list of the top deep passers in the NFL, where Carr ranked third. The list was developed by ESPN analyst Warren Sharp and is probably Carr's best ranking so far.
According to the poll, only New York Giants Quarterback Daniel Jones and Los Angeles Ram Quarterback Matthew Stafford rank higher. Carr does outrank several Super Bowl QBs in the poll, including Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers. Hopefully, this is the start of better things for the franchise quarterback.
#4 Max Pacioretty rips Las Vegas Golden Knights during interview
[caption id="attachment_18066" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]The Las Vegas Golden Knights traded Max Pacioretty to the Carolina Hurricanes for future considerations in a blockbuster deal. The action is allegedly due to the Las Vegas Golden Knights' desire to clear up cap space, but many believe it's a massive loss for Vegas.
Pacioretty has his own opinions. During an interview on the Raw Knuckles Podcast with Tim Stapleton, he ripped the team for lack of accountability.
"When I first got to Vegas, it was weird that there was no accountability. And I'm not talking about the team; I'm talking like ever. You couldn't feel pressure coming off anyone else, from the coach to the management," said Pacioretty. "It was a relief when I got there. But then I found myself being like, 'I've got to reel this in and hold myself to a higher standard which I had always done.' But maybe I got away from it when I had everyone else holding me accountable (in Montreal)."
#3 Ongoing concussion issues sideline Kurt Busch at Michigan 
Source. Facebook
Las Vegas native Kurt Busch is still suffering from concussion-like symptoms after his scary-looking crash at Pocono Raceway and missed his third straight race on Sunday. The former Cup Series Champion has been sidelined for three now and is in danger of losing his spot in the playoffs. He's contracted to stay with 23XI Racing until 2023 but might have to retire early if things don't improve.
Xfinity Series driver Ty Gibbs filled in for Busch again at Michigan, marking his third career Cup Series start. This milestone comes amid rumors that Gibbs will be moved up to NASCAR's premiere series in 2023. As for Busch, he posted a statement and is hoping to return next week at Richmond International Raceway.
"I am continuing to make improvements every day," Busch wrote in a tweet Wednesday. "I know Ty will continue to do a great job representing 23XI and the No. 45 Monster Energy team this weekend in Michigan... Thanks to everyone for the continued support, and I look forward to being back on track soon."
#2 Becky Hammon comments on ongoing Britney Griner detainment
[caption id="attachment_18068" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]Britney Griner is capturing the world's attention after being detained in Russia for bringing vape cartridges to Russia. The Phoenix Mercury player was questioned and later detained by Russian officials only 12 days before the conflict between Ukraine and Russia began. She has remained in captivity since February 12, and there seem to be no signs of her coming home soon.
Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison last week in a massive blow to those who wanted to see her come home. The WNBA community remains firmly behind her, however, including Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon, who spoke out about her detainment during an interview.
"It's something that hits super close to home for me, so I just ask the Russian government to do the right thing," Hammon said. "It's never too late to do the right thing. We're asking for leniency. We're asking for grace. And we're asking to bring home BG."
#1 Josh McDaniels reveals why Joshua Jacobs took snaps in the HOF game
[caption id="attachment_18069" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube.[/caption]Everyone knows the preseason doesn't mean much, but it is a great place to prove yourself. That's what Joshua Jacobs did during the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and his numbers were impressive. They might even be enough to justify a new contract later in the season.
Jacobs racked up five carries for 30 yards and an average of six yards a carry during his limited playing time. He later left the game in the second quarter, and coach Josh McDaniels explained why the young running back got so much playing time.
"I always think it's good for backs to carry the ball in the preseason," McDaniels stated after Thursday's game. "There's a lot of things that happen when you're getting tackled and hit that you can't simulate in practice.."