Last Week in Las Vegas Sports (Nov 13 - 19)

We have results from the Formula One Grand Prix, a very strange destination for Jimmy Garoppolo, and Logan Thompson told not to wear a cancer sticker on his helmet. Let's talk about last week in Las Vegas sports (Nov 13 - 19).

#7 Athletics heading to Las Vegas after unanimous vote 


[caption id="attachment_41228" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Las Vegas, Source. Facebook[/caption]

The Athletics are Las Vegas bound following a unanimous vote by the 30 MLB owners last week. They still face a few obstacles, including a challenge by a Nevada Teachers union regarding the price tag. There are also questions about how to pay for the $1.5 billion stadium.

“Today marks a significant moment for our franchise, and it’s met with mixed emotions; sadness for this change and excitement for our future. I know this is a hard day for our fans in Oakland,” A’s managing partner and owner, John Fisher, said in a statement regarding the controversial move.

Where to play until the new stadium is built in 2028 is also an issue. According to Commissioner  Rob Manfred, leasing the stadium in Oakland is an option but requires a few concessions. The city wants to keep the Athletics name and be moved to the front of the line for an expansion team. 

#6 NHL accused of  banning Logan Thompson from wearing a cancer ribbon


[caption id="attachment_41229" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Las Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas, Source. YouTube[/caption]

Logan Thompson wanted to wear a pink cancer ribbon on his helmet last week, but the league denied him. The backup goalie wanted to wear the ribbon during a recent San Jose Sharks game, and it’s still not really known why the NHL decided against the request. 

Several other players, including Service Bobrovsky and Philip Grubeaur, are wearing cancer-themed helmets. Both players are wearing purple masks for their games.

It's worth noting that the NHL also had a no-pride flag policy, which is now rescinded after some backlash.

#5 Kyle Busch gets candid about his 2023 season with Richard Childress Racing


[caption id="attachment_41233" align="alignnone" width="819"]Kyle Busch, Las Vegas, Source. Facebook[/caption]

Kyle Busch put together a pretty impressive first season at RCR in 2023. He finished with three wins, ten top-fives, and 17 top-tens on his way to an eighth-place finish points finish. During a recent interview, Busch spoke about his first year at RCR and got very candid about his expectations.

“I mean, I would say it’s OK,” Busch said of the No. 8 team’s year ahead of the Phoenix finale. “Did we meet expectations? Yes. I would say there were a lot of doubters that I wasn’t going to win at RCR and all that stuff. So for us to go out and win, I feel like that was really good... I’d like to think next year will be even better.”

#4 Davantae Adams possibly getting traded during the offseason


[caption id="attachment_41232" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas, Source. YouTube[/caption]

Davante Adams is still a Las Vegas Raider despite months of trade rumors. Unfortunately, he is now described as the “ultimate offseason trade piece." The argument is that Adams only has a few years left in the NFL and might want to play for a championship-caliber team.

And the Raiders are not that team right now. They are steadily improving under Antonio Pierce, but they're not Super Bowl-ready. The defense is still struggling to hold opponents under 20 points, and the offense is in transition with Aidan O’Connell.

"Soon approaching his age-31 season, Adams might not be a fan of toiling in mediocrity in his late-prime years,” writes David Kenyon of B/R in an article discussing Adams's future. “Perhaps a second trade request is coming. Similar to (Bills WR Stefon) Diggs, Adams’ contract is easier to move after June 1.”

#3 Jimmy Garoppolo may be heading to the Cleveland Browns


[caption id="attachment_40647" align="alignnone" width="686"]Las Vegas Raiders Source. YouTube.[/caption]

Jimmy Garoppolo is on the bench, creating rumors about his future. In fact, some claim that Las Vegas should cut Garoppolo so the Browns can sign him. The Raiders would take a lesser cap hit in this scenario, but it would include helping another team.

According to an article by Mike Florio of NBC Sports: “For now, the Browns seem to be intent on proceeding with the guys they have. And that’s their prerogative. But if they want to explore getting Tannehill or Garoppolo, there’s a way to make it worth either team’s while to shed the lingering financial obligations.”

Next: Where to experience Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

#2 Formula Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place on the Las Vegas strip


[caption id="attachment_41231" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Las Vegas Grand Prix, Source. Facebook[/caption]

The Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix took place on the Strip on Saturday to rave results. There was some drama with the qualifying race after a loose manhole cover wreaked havoc, and fans were sent home, but the actual race was spellbinding.

Max Verstappen overcame an early penalty and ran away from the field for the victory, but there was some chase. Fans also saw a last-lap battle between Charles Leclerc and Serio Perez that culminated in a last-second overtake by Leclerc.

#1 Las Vegas Raiders lose 20-13 to the Dolphins


[caption id="attachment_41230" align="alignnone" width="819"]Las Vegas Raiders Source. Facebook[/caption]

The Las Vegas Raiders are now 5-6 after a 20-13 loss to the Dolphins. The biggest cultrip here is Aidan O’Connell, who completed 24 of 41 for 271 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. One of these was during the game's last play, where O’Connell accidentally lobbed it up to Jalen Ramsey.

 The Raiders' defense did a great job keeping the team in this game on Sunday. In fact, Sin City only allowed six points in the second half, which is one of their best showings on that side of the ball. The offense just had too much trouble with turnovers. 

Joshua Jacobs did little to help with 14 carries for 39 yards. Davantae Adams pulled in the lone touchdown of the game and finished with seven catches for 82 yards. Jakobi Myers also brought in 4 catches against the Dolphins for 48 yards.

Las Vegas really gave a mixed-bag performance, and it starts on offense. O’Connell can’t afford to keep turning the ball over like this if he wants to keep the starting job. Another problem is Jacobs, who did nothing to help the young rookie move the ball. The Raiders now move on to face the Chiefs next Sunday.

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