Las Vegas Raiders star who threatened to quit in 2023, Noah Gragson finds a ride, and the Aces roll into the Olympic break. All this and more last week in Las Vegas sports (July 8-14).
#5 New poll ranks Antonio Pierce as 28th best coach
Pundits constantly disrespect the Las Vegas Raiders, and that trend continued last week. This time, a CBS head coach ranking put the Raiders’ Antonio Pierce 28th out of 32 coaches. The news comes as Pierce prepares for his first full season as a head coach.
While being new is a disadvantage, the CBS poll doesn’t consider any of his accomplishments. For example, many quickly note that the Raiders were 3-5 before Pierce took over as head coach. They also pointed out the 5-4 record they finished the season.
The media doesn’t seem to understand that this man got the best out of his team during a very dark time.
#4 Las Vegas makes sports history again
Las Vegas made sports history again last week following the 2024 NHL draft at the Sphere. The draft marks the fourth major NHL event to come to the city since the Golden Knights became an expansion franchise in 2017.
According to Jason Pothier of SinBin: “After holding the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere, the Vegas Golden Knights and the City of Las Vegas have hosted every one of the NHL’s major events. It’s a rare feat as many established teams haven’t had the opportunity to complete what Vegas has in only seven full seasons.”
#3 Noah Gragson headed to Front Row Racing in 2025
After signing with Front Row Motorsports last week, Noah Gragson is no longer without a ride. The announcement keeps the Las Vegas native in the Cup Series and gives him another chance to secure a higher-profile ride in the future. He will be downgrading in equipment, however, due to FRR still finding its footing in the Cup Series.
“With (team owner Bob Jenkins’) vision of wanting to become better and better every year, it seemed like the right place,” Gragson said of the move. “He’s very financially invested in the team. There are a lot of great partners over there and they want to grow and build and his investment into a third charter, he wants to expand this thing.”
FRR stats show they only have six wins, 17 top-fives, and 69 top-tens in 573 starts. The team has taken steps to improve its restrictor plate program, though, which will help Gragson at tracks like Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta.
More: How to go all out with a 13k Las Vegas Grand Prix package
#2 Las Vegas Aces book another win
The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Mystics 89-77 on Sunday. This marks their fourth straight victory and places them first in the West. While the Aces ended the first quarter down by 11, things quickly changed as the game went on. A’ja Wilson led the charge with 28 points and 17 rebounds in the Aces’ victory. Kelsey Plum also contributed 22 points and three rebounds. Another person who went off was Tiffany Haynes, who scored 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
Las Vegas now moves to face the Chicago Sky on Tuesday before the WNBA pauses for its Olympic break. It’s worth noting that A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Grey, Jackie Young, and Kelsey Plum will all participate in the 2024 Olympic Games. The break will last until the Aces take on the Liberty on August 17.
#1 Two big names allegedly threatened to quit the Las Vegas Raiders last year
Davantae Adams is a critical part of the Las Vegas Raiders, and losing him would be a worst-case scenario. It almost happened last season, however, and it all stems from the quarterback situation at the time. Adams was reportedly adamant that Jimmy Garoppolo should be benched or he would be out.
Adams’ problem with Garoppolo was born on the field. The former quarterback kept getting Adams hit during plays, which he was not happy about. This is believed to have helped Adams finally throw his weight around and speak his mind.
“I got to get the f— out of here before I lose my f—ing life. I have never been hit this many f—ing times in my career. Every game I get f—ed up,” Adams said. “I love Jimmy. He’s a great guy, but something had to happen for us to have a chance down the stretch, and for me to remain a Raider, in all honesty,”
Max Crosby was another team member who didn’t like the direction things were going. Things got so bad for him that he also expressed interest in leaving the team.
Next: What experts are saying about the 2024 Las Vegas Raiders
