One reason to root for each team in the 2021 WNBA Playoffs
With some of the leagues best talent going head to head and some storylines to watch out for, here's one reason to root for each team in the 2021 WNBA Playoffs:
The Shift: Episode 13
In Episode 13 of The Shift, Kayla Grey talks about how Leylah Annie Fernandez and other first generation Canadians are changing the national sports stigma. Plus, she speaks with L.A. Kings forward Akil Thomas about new looks coming to his clothing line Zale, as well as Canadian writer and actor Bilal Baig on their new show 'Sort Of' debuting at TIFF.
WNBA
One reason to root for each team in the 2021 WNBA Playoffs
With some of the leagues best talent going head to head and some storylines to watch out for, here's one reason to root for each team in the 2021 WNBA Playoffs:
Connecticut Sun F Jonquel Jones, G Brionna Jones, coach Curt Miller earn AP WNBA awards
In previous years, the Connecticut Sun forward has been honored by the media that votes on the weekly AP WNBA power poll as the Sixth Woman of the Year and Most Improved Player. This year, the 6-foot-6 Jones is the unanimous choice for AP Player of the Year honors by the 14-member panel.
Nurse, Mercury meet Liberty, Sky and Wings clash in first round of WNBA playoffs
The WNBA’s race to the end of the regular season proved to be a furious fight to the finish, with the New York Liberty locking up the eighth and final playoff spot on the last day possible.
WNBA's greatest 25 players of all time - Snubs and overrated players
ESPN's ranking of the 25 greatest players in WNBA history will likely spark much debate long after the WNBA's 25th anniversary season is over.
Akil Thomas on making history last season, diversity in hockey, and new looks to his clothing line
Los Angeles Kings prospect Akil Thomas joins The Shift’s Kayla Grey to talk about his clothing brand, ‘Zale,’ as well as making history as part of the first all-Black line in pro hockey since the 1940s and the state of diversity in hockey overall.
9:07
Rapinoe, Bird among 500 women athletes urging Supreme Court to protect abortion rights
A group of prominent women athletes including soccer star Megan Rapinoe and basketball standouts Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird on Monday urged the U.S. Supreme Court to protect abortion rights in a case involving Mississippi's Republican-backed bid to ban the procedure after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Billie Eilish reveals her collab with Jordan Brand
Billie Eilish has officially joined Jumpman with two new sneakers.
Drouin ready to rejoin Canadiens after time off to deal with anxiety, insomnia
Jonathan Drouin says he’s ready to rejoin his teammates this season after taking some extended time off last spring to deal with his mental health. “I’ve had anxiety problems for many years; insomnia problems that relate to my anxiety,” he told RDS in an exclusive interview on Monday.
The NFL and Emmys paid tribute to the late Michael K. Williams
Over the weekend there were many tributes to the late Michael K. Williams. Between the NFL and the Emmy's on Sunday, both programs had a tribute to one of Hollywood's greatest actors.
Drake, John Wall and more sign open letter calling for non-violent cannabis pardons
Drake, John Wall, Julio Jones, Meek Mill and Al Harrington headline a list of over 150 signees urging U.S. President Joe Biden to issue mass pardons to non-violent cannabis offenders.
Nike and Drake reveal NOCTA golf collection
Drake put it simply when he rapped “Think I’m Tiger Woods, the way I’m teed off the 17” on his track “In The Bible” from his new hit album Certified Lover Boy and now it appears The Boy is putting his money where his mouth is.
J. Cole and PUMA release the RS-Dreamer “E-Line”
PUMA has officially unveiled J. Cole’s newest basketball sneaker, the RS-Dreamer “E-Line.”
Damian Lillard pays homage to various iconic figures in new music video
Portland Trail Blazers guard and hip-hop artist Damian Lillard, who performs as Dame D.O.L.L.A., released the new music video for his song "Him Duncan'' on Friday.
Bucks make Lisa Byington first female full-time TV play-by-play announcer in major men's pro sports
The Milwaukee Bucks have named Lisa Byington as the team's new television play-by-play announcer on Bally Sports Wisconsin, making her the first woman to handle full-time TV play-by-play duties for a major men's professional sports team.
Canadian men rise to No. 51 in FIFA rankings
Canada continues its climb up the world soccer ladder, moving eight places to No. 51 in the latest FIFA rankings. It's the highest position for the Canadian men since they were 53rd in October 2009. The country's best ranking was No. 40 in December 1996.
Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka among TIME's 100 Top Most Influential People
Every year TIME Magazine releases a list of the 100 top most influential people from around the world who are shaping and influencing the next generation of leadership.
YouTube shares trailer for LeBron James’ ‘I Promise’ elementary school documentary
LeBron James' 'I Promise' documentary, following the first year of his Akron elementary school of the same name, has released a new trailer through YouTube Originals.
Canadiens launch program on awareness of consequences of sexual cyberviolence
The Montreal Canadiens announced Wednesday that its Groupe CH organization is launching a Respect and Consent Action Plan, aimed at raising awareness with its employees and the public of the serious consequences of sexual cyberviolence.
Features
144
After the COVID-19 pandemic shut down sports, the WNBA created a single site at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida where 144 players across 12 teams played 147 games from July to October 2020. Directed by Lauren Stowell & Jenna Contreras, the documentary explores the season dedicated to social justice and all that the players overcame to get through it: the COVID-19 pandemic, the demands of activism, and the rigors of an unrelenting schedule.
ESPN SC: Kobe Bryant - The Legend, The Legacy
Looking back at the all-time great, his career, and impact after his retirement from the NBA. Featuring interviews with Pau Gasol, Sue Bird, Sabrina Ionescu, Jerry West, Snoop Dogg and Stephen A Smith.
TSN Original: Prince of the North
At 16, Elijah Fisher has all the makings of a high-level D1 talent. Could Elijah be Canada's next great NBA player? Rick Westhead has more in the TSN Original: Prince of the North.
Identity
Biles tells Congress 'enough is enough' after gymnast abuse
Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles told Congress on Wednesday that “enough is enough” in emotional testimony along with other young gymnasts about her sexual abuse at the hands of USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.
Recapping a fantastic summer for Canadian women in sports
We here at The Shift are looking back at what has been a phenomenal and entertaining summer of women’s sports in general, and specifically for our Canadian women.
