Friday Nightcaps: Sports and Culture Highlights from OutKick

‘Nightcaps’ is a daily column from OutKick.com that catches readers up on major sports, news, and culture stories that they might miss while at work. The column runs Monday to Friday, offering updates on various events and topics.

Welcome to Friday Nightcaps

This marks the final Friday of August. The recent return of football brought 22 FCS games last night, some of which were notably thrilling. Bill Belichick is heading to Dublin tomorrow, and NASCAR will be in Daytona. Additionally, the Sox-Yanks series continues in the Bronx this weekend. Tonight, the Indiana Fever play, which means coverage is obligatory. After tonight, full attention shifts to football.

NASCAR and Jordyn Mallory

This Friday Nightcaps features NASCAR WAG Jordyn Mallory taking a test ride in preparation for the Daytona race. She and Ross Chastain attended the NASCAR Cup Series DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix, displaying their support ahead of the race.

“This race should be in July, but Daytona in August still hits the spot,” the columnist remarked.

In past years, one notable story was Anheuser-Busch’s change from “Domestic” to “American” beer following Trump’s re-election. The columnist recalls covering the Daytona races for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, recounting experiences since 2016.

Al Michaels and Football Insights

Al Michaels’ commentary draws attention for his remarks on Trump’s purchase of Lake Erie, sparking mixed reactions online. Michaels’ history of donating to the GOP aligns with the undertones of his commentary during the Cleveland game with Kirk Herbstreit, where they commented on preseason football.

Memorable FCS Start and Herbstreit’s Dog

The first night of FCS games was remarkable, kicking off the season in style. At the same time, the continuous presence of Herbstreit’s dog Peter in various settings has worn thin, with calls for reducing its appearances.

On another note, OutKick’s column questioned the purpose of ESPNU, given the lack of coverage for the 22 FCS games last night. The columnist expresses surprise at the absence of broadcasts on the sports channel.

The week wraps up with umpire Laz Diaz inadvertently provoking a large crowd in Atlanta, adding to the diverse happenings covered in the column.

Zach Dean’s email, [email protected], is available for readers to share thoughts or questions about the coverage.