Nightcaps: Wrapping Up July’s Sports, News, and Culture Tidbits

2 days ago 0

‘Nightcaps’ is a daily column summing up the biggest sports, news, and culture stories you may have missed while at your desk. It runs from Monday to Friday on OutKick.com.

As July concludes, many seem to feel this month has stretched long. Two months in particular tend to feel this way: January and July. While the rest of the year zooms by, these months drag. Summer is honored until Labor Day, making July’s slow pace acceptable, unlike the grind that is January.

Today brings no issues as we edge into August – a calm before the storm.

Paulina Gretzky celebrates a rumored LIV Golf deal on a yacht wearing a watermelon dress.

April 5, 2023: Paulina Gretzky, wife of Dustin Johnson of the U.S., during the par 3 tournament (REUTERS/Mike Segar)

Elsewhere, Tony Romo’s leave from his role raises questions about his return. Monica McNutt persists despite criticism, while Karl Ravech returns to a job after being laid off.

Monica McNutt smiles during the 2026 WNBA draft on April 13 at The Shed in New York.

Monica McNutt continues her stint at ESPN, enduring despite being disliked by many. ESPN’s layoffs didn’t affect her, allowing her to continue delivering takes on racial issues. Her presence on an unused version of SportsCenter from a nail salon was puzzling.

Her opinions on Caitlin Clark have brought scrutiny. Ryan Clark faced backlash, attributing racism to his firing, whereas Monica remains employed.

Monica McNutt attends the 2026 ESPYS at the David H. Koch Theater in New York.

The drama in WNBA continues as Sophie Cunningham plays in Portland tonight.

Moving to another ESPN staffer: Karl Ravech, recently laid off, surprises many by appearing on the Nats-Braves game call, seeming to act as if nothing happened.

Sources indicate Ravech will fulfill certain assignments, including another MLB game and his usual Little League World Series work. His decision contrasts Ryan Clark’s public response to firing.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

July ends with potential new investment interest for LIV Golf, celebrated by Paulina Gretzky. Her husband, Dustin Johnson, who’s been less prominent recently, skipped his last qualifier and has been on holiday early.

Paulina Gretzky returns to the Masters Par 3 Contest caddying for Dustin Johnson.

Tony Romo’s leave after an OWI arrest remains without clear duration.

His potential return aligns with the NFL season kick-off, possibly coinciding with the Packers-Vikings game.

As the week and month close, a look ahead to more frequent updates. Paige Spiranac promotes new golf material leading into August.