4 Sports Happenings on the 4th of July
As America joined together as one to celebrate its 237th birthday, the sports world celebrated our Independence Day by providing us with ample entertainment. Although Homer Bailey’s no-hitter didn’t happen today, today’s sports happenings were more than enough to follow up that phenomenal performance. From Hot Dogs to Free-agency, this has certainly been an action packed day. Here are some of the major stories from today.
NEW YORK KNICKS RE-SIGN J.R. SMITH
After rumors were floating around that the Sixth Man of the Year was leaving the Knicks, it is a huge load off the shoulders of the Knicks management to know that they will keep J.R. on
May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith (8) reacts to losing to the Indiana Pacers in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats New York 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
the team. For a team that believes they are on the cusp of a championship, surrounding Carmelo Anthony with weapons is extremely important. Signing the New Jersey native to a four year, 24.7 million dollar deal has to be a huge accomplishment, and the Knicks hope that he can maintain or possibly improve on his 18.1 points per game. Although Smith has been criticized for his inconsistency and an absolute debacle in the postseason, the Knicks believe that Smith can turn his game around and is obviously worth the investment.
METS FALL TO ARIZONA IN 15 INNINGS
In a season where victories have been a little difficult to come by, the Mets were anticipating a win at home before heading out for a series in Milwaukee. It seemed that the Mets were meant to win after extra innings home runs by Anthony Recker and Kirk Nieuwenhuis, although they fell just short, unable to answer the Diamondbacks for a third time in a row and losing 5-4. However, if relief pitcher David Aardsma could have pitched any better than what he did, the Mets may have walked away with a victory. Aardsma came in to pitch in the 13th inning with high expectations, although his performance did not depict his hopes. After throwing 14 pitches, Aardsma managed to throw just 3 strikes (2 of which resulted in hits) and ended up walking in a run. Although Anthony Recker homered in the bottom of the inning to prolongue the game, the Mets failed to outlast the D-Backs (perhaps John Buck’s 12th inning ejection for arguing balls and strikes had something to do with that).
TYREKE EVANS TRADED TO PELICANS
One of the highly sought out restricted free agents will no longer be questioning where he will play next year. Sources who have insight on the trade have reported that the Kings will ship off Evans as a part of a three team trade with the Pelicans and Trail Blazers. Here is what each team will be getting as a result of the trade, which cannot become official until July 10th.
PELICANS
- PG Tyreke Evans
- C Jeff Withey
KINGS
- PG Greivis Vasquez
- 2 second-round draft picks
TRAIL BLAZERS
- C Robin Lopez
- SG Terrel Harris
JOEY CHESTNUT DOWNS 69 HOT DOGS IN 10 MINUTES
In possibly the greatest 10 minutes of every year, Joey Chestnut looked to defend his Mustard Belt as he attempted to yet again win Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest. The #1 ranked eater in the world had a field of competitors to go up against today, including fan favorite “Eater X” Tim Janus and Matt “Megatoad” Stonie, a rising star in Major League Eating (MLE).However, after George Shea’s traditional introductions, which included Joey Chestnut being carried in on a chariot, the reigning champion got right to business. After just 5 minutes since the commencement of the contest, Joey Chestnut had already consumed 41 hot dogs and buns (HDB) Chestnut went on to eat 18 more HDB, and finished with a world record 69 HDB, defeating his old record of 68. However, the “Houdini of Cuisine” doesn’t plan to stop just yet. His career goal is to eat 70 hot dogs in 10 minutes, a feat that has yet to occur in the history of MLE. Chestnut will have to wait until next year to pursue that goal, although he did make history today in another way. Only 3 minutes into the contest, Chestnut became the first eater ever to eclipse 400 career HDB eaten at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition. Could the now 7-time reigning champion be seeking his 500th career HDB next year? He’s just 58 away…