1. Let me start by pulling back the curtain.
Those of us in the content business love unheard of stories. The more unheard of, the better. The outside player of the Reds, Tommy Fam, who slapped Giants Jock Pederson during hitting training due to a fantastic football match, is unheard of as much as he can.
There were only two problems: 1) We do not approve of violence and 2) That story happened at the beginning of a long weekend and we could not use the maximum traffic. Despite these two problems, this will continue to be one of the most impressive sports stories of 2022.
In case you missed that, Fam faced - and then slapped - Pederson in the car before Friday’s game in Cincinnati.
Since the internet never disappoints, we also have a version of the video called Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.
At first, no one knew what caused Fam Smith’s famous moment.
Then the news broke out: Pham was angry about something about fantasy football.
That information took the story to another level. Pederson, however, is the one who made this story one of the most legendary sports stories lately by giving two extraordinary interviews.
The precision and detail provided by Pederson was impressive. He kept you locked up for every word of every funny story. Players don’t give you that much information after winning the 7th game of the World Series.
First, Pederson explained that Pham thought Pederson was “cheating” by manipulating the renunciation wire.
Then, in another interview, Pederson explained that Fama was upset about Pederson’s GIF that was sent to the league’s group chat. He even took out his phone to show reporters to say GIF.
Let’s call it now: “It’s true, I sent a GIF mocking Padre, and if I hurt someone’s feelings, I apologize for that”, is one of the great sports quotes of all time.
Pham tried to tell us his side of the story, which made no sense.
We also learned that Pham eventually left that league just a few weeks after the NFL season, which is a HUGE no-no in the world of fantasy sports.
Of course, Twitter and others had a field day with this story. Some of the most important events:
The Mets jumped into the fight mocking Fama and Pedereson at their scoreboard during Saturday’s game:
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The Phillies broadcaster also got involved in the action after Pederson hit the field during Saturday’s game:
I’ve never seen this Pham video before, and it’s just amazing:
A few more good tweets from the Pederson-Pham saga:
I stopped playing fantasy football five or six years ago and it was one of the best decisions I made in my life, but I will be honest: the events of this weekend gave me a small case of FOMO.
2. ESPN’s Richard Jefferson could be the best contributor in the world,
3. Nick Castellanos did it again this weekend. The Phillies shooter has the most bizarre skill of any athlete today: interrupting gloomy / important moments with a home run.
This was the first time the Reds broadcaster had apologized for using an anti-gay insult during a game.
Castellanos paid tribute to Remembrance Day on Monday.
4. Brian Danielson from AEV (aka Daniel Bryan) has a good taste in karaoke music.
5. Derek Jeter joined Twitter this morning, which is great for people in the game with content. However, as a stubborn Jeter fan, I am saddened to have undergone that septic tank. Apparently, he joined for business reasons, but I wish he hadn’t shied away.
6. This week Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Train, features an interview with Joe Davis of Fox Sports.
Davis is talking about taking over this season for Joe Buck as Fock’s leading voice in the Major League Baseball at just 34 years old. Davis is also talking about becoming the main Dodgers player after Vin Scully retired and how that will help him replace Buck. This versatile broadcaster also says that he is in the mix for Fox’s second NFL job, and Kevin Burkhardt is moving to No. 1.
Davis also explains the differences in naming baseball and football, why it is important for the stand to have fun and how important it is for him to convene the World Series.
The interview ends with a conversation about Davis’ love of barbecue.
You can listen to the podcast below or download it on Apple, Spotify and Google.
7. RANDOM VIDEO DAYS: I watched the interview in the first minute and 10 seconds of this video of comedian Bo Burnham this weekend and I can’t stop thinking about it.
Be sure to to make up for past editions of the Train of Thought and check Sports Illustrated Media Podcast whose host is Jimmy Train on Apple, Spotify or Google. You can also follow Jimmy further Twitter, instagram i TikTok.