The Lineup: Monday, September 30

Author:
Mike Bebernes
Publish date:
Sep 30, 2013

Rick Yeatts/Getty Images

"You reach. I teach." Doesn't work in football. Send any suggestions to SI.TheLineup@gmail.com. (Bold indicates a national broadcast. All times Eastern.)

Pregame Reads

Professional video gamers train just like any other competitive athlete, so says Alan Feuer of the New York Times.
William Giraldi of Grantland goes behind the scenes at the Mr. Olympia championship.

Starter

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers, 8:00p.m. (TBS)

Because 162 games is just not enough, Texas and Tampa play in an extra game for the right to face Cleveland in the a Wild Card game. This is the closest we'll get in MLB to a sequence of win-or-go-home games, a la March Madness. Not even college baseball does single elimination.

Reserves

NFL

Miami Dolphins vs. New Orleans Saints, 8:25p.m.

The Dolphins famously had their opportunity to sign Drew Brees seven years ago, but passed on him for fear that his injured shoulder wouldn't hold up. Tough choice, but they'll only regret that if Joey Harrington, Daunte Culpepper, Cleo Lemon, Trent Green, John Beck, Chad Pennington, Chad Henne, Tyler Thigpen, and Matt Moore don't work out. (Also check out this cool visual by the Times-Picayune.)

English Premier League

Everton vs. Newcastle United, 2:30p.m. (NBC Sports & Live Extra)

Boxing

Sadam Ali vs. Jay Krupp, 9:00p.m. (Fox Sports 1)

Local guy Sadam "World Kid" Ali brings his terrible nickname to the Barclay's Center. Ali's been a big thing in Brooklyn for some time. If he's anything like the people I know from Brooklyn, he'll be fighting in an ironic mustache and thrift store Bon Jovi t-shirt, while slow brewing iced coffee in his corner.

Dancing with the Stars, 8:00p.m. (ABC)

Fox Sports 1 on 1: Don Mattingly

WWE Monday Night Raw, 8:00p.m. (USA)

Chicago Blackhawks: 2013 Stanley Cup Champions, 8:00p.m. (NBC Sports)

Basketball Wives, 8:00p.m. (VH1)

Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Guest Magic Johnson, 11:35p.m. (NBC)