Last Week in Las Vegas Sports (Sept 25 - Oct 1)

Between the Raiders releasing a key player and the Aces advancing to the WNBA Finals, there's a lot to break down! Let's talk last week in Las Vegas sports (Sept 25 - Oct 01).

#5 Las Vegas Raiders release Chandler Jones after recent arrest


[caption id="attachment_39159" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Las Vegas Raiders, Source. YouTube[/caption]

The Las Vegas Raiders are parting ways with Chandler Jones after he was arrested for violating a domestic violence protection order. His departure comes after weeks of problematic behavior, including releasing private messages claiming that there is an ulterior motive behind his benching.

Jones later posted on social media that the fire department came and hospitalized him for his protection. The former Raider was eventually taken to a behavioral health center for further evaluation. The Raiders organization is respecting the privacy of the Jones family at this time and released this statement on the subject.

"The Raiders are hopeful that Chandler Jones receives the care that he needs," The team posted on social media after the defensive end's release. "He, his family, and all those involved are in our thoughts as this is now a legal matter. We will not be providing further comment.”

#4 Las Vegas Aces sweep Dallas Wings to advance to WNBA Finals


[caption id="attachment_39160" align="alignnone" width="819"]Las Vegas Aces, Source.Facebook[/caption]

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Dallas Stars 64-61 to sweep the team and advance to the Finals for a second straight year. The effort was led by Chelsea Grey, with 15 points, four assists, and six rebounds. A’ja Wilson contributed 13 points, two assists, and 13 rebounds for a double-double.

In fact, Wilson’s dominance at getting those crucial boards is probably what tipped things in their favor. Jackie Young is another key figure in this victory, racking up 11 points and seven rebounds of her own. The victory keeps the Aces undefeated in the playoffs.

"This was a real gut-check type of win," Coach Hammon said after the sweep. "Kudos to our defense for holding it down and giving us a chance to crawl back into that game. Not the prettiest of games. We're happy to be walking out of here with a win.

#3 Kyle Busch is now in a must-win situation at the Charlotte Roval


[caption id="attachment_39161" align="alignnone" width="819"]Las Vegas, Source. Facebook[/caption]

Kyle Busch is now in danger of being eliminated from the NASCAR playoffs after suffering a 26th-place finish at Talladega Super Speedway on Sunday. Despite the Las Vegas native holding two victories at the 2.5-mile track, he struggled throughout last week's race. So much so that he looks like a shell of his former self.

Busch already entered Sunday’s race dead last in the points thanks to an unfortunate incident at the Texas Motor Speedway the week before. He needed a good finish to make the round of eight on points but couldn’t even rack up any stage points. His hopes of a third championship now hinge on whatever happens at the Charlotte Roval.

Related: Predicting the future of Las Vegas sports

#2 Majority of Las Vegas Raiders fans want Aidan O’Connell to start 


[caption id="attachment_38895" align="alignnone" width="819"]Las Vegas Raiders, Source. Facebook[/caption]

The Las Vegas Raiders are having a difficult time, and much of the blame is on Jimmy Garoppolo. Not only is that evident by his disastrous touchdown touchdown-to-interception ratio, but also his 1-2 record this season. It already seems like Garoppolo is not the answer they are looking for.

A recent SB Nation Reacts poll has revealed that 94% of  Raiders fans want Aidan O’Connell as the permanent starter. That’s a pretty swift decision after only three games under Garoppolo, but his performance leaves much to be desired.

We can decipher a few things from this poll if we take a closer look. The first is that Garoppolo is not the answer. He is a gap player and not someone who can lead the Raiders long-term. It also proves that the Raiders fans might be willing to be patient with Aidan O’Connell if his upside is as promising as experts claim.

#1 Las Vegas Raiders lose crucial divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers


[caption id="attachment_39162" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Las Vegas, Las Vegas Raiders, Source. Facebook[/caption]

The Las Vegas Raiders are now 1-3 after falling to the Chargers 24-17 on Sunday. Jimmy Garoppolo was forced out of action due to concussion protocol, putting Aidan O’Connell as the starter. O’Connell made the most of the opportunity, going  22 of 33 for zero touchdowns and zero interceptions.

O’Connell proved his meddle with a one-a-yard rushing touchdown to mount a comeback. Unfortunately, the Chargers just kept forcing the Raiders off the field at every opportunity. The Raiders even had a chance to tie things up late in the fourth quarter, but missed their shot.

Joshua Jacobs also contributed with a late touchdown to try to keep the game close. He finished with 17 carries for 58 yards and his first touchdown of the season. However, this wasn’t enough to stop the Chargers, and the Raiders are now in free-fall mode this season. They move on to face the Packers on Monday Night Football next week.

Next: 5 best Kyle Busch playoff moments that you have to see!