Friday was the three-year anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that paved the way for each state to decide whether to legalize sports betting.
DraftKings, one of the half-dozen online operators in Tennessee, gave all of its registered players in the state a free $5.14 bet to honor the May 14 anniversary.
For Tennessee, where sports wagering went online last November, the windfall may surprise you.
The Tennessee Lottery, which manages its online partners, announced earlier this week that $172 million was bet on sports in Tennessee in April.
Through the first six months, the state has collected more than $18.5 million in taxes from sports wagering, including right at $2.8 million last month. Five percent of the state's take - or more than $900,000 to date - funds treatment programs for those with gambling addictions.
Back in action
Count me among the folks giddy that restrictions are being eased and places like restaurants and Lookouts games are expanding capacity.
Yay us.
But we could be full-blown, pre-COVID back to normal, and this still would be too much to handle. Or maybe toe much to handle.
The World Toe Wrestling Federation - yes, seriously, the WTWF - is going ahead with the 2021 championships in August in England, according to The Northern Echo late last month. (Side note: I know Tim Morgan and the good folks at the Chattanooga Sports committee are always looking for events. Even if the WTWF comes calling, let's, uh, kick this one to the curb, OK?)
If you are angling to dip your toe into the toe wrestling realm, well, know this: You better be prepared to toe the line.
The world's No. 2 contender is some guy named Ben "Total Destruction" Woodroffe, who has reportedly had his toenails removed to be more competitive. And it's apparently not helping that much, since Alan Nash, the 16-time WTWF champ, snapped Woodroffe's ankle during practice.
Not to be calloused or corny, but want to guess Nash's nickname? It's "Nasty," which is toe-tally applicable.
Walk in the park
Earlier this week, TFP business reporter Mike Pare wrote about the growing tug-o-war over Montague Park between the Chattanooga FC Foundation, which wants to convert 13 acres into soccer fields with a multimillion-dollar makeover, and the Sculpture Fields, which occupy 33 acres of the park already and is eager for that tract to expand.
Interesting stuff.
First off, I am all for as many parks as possible, especially parks and facilities that can host youth sporting tournaments, because friends, if you are involved in those activities, you know those events are a cash cow for the facility and the surrounding area.
Having been to multiple events at Camp Jordan recently, the renovations and improvements there are a big part of the East Ridge revitalization.
That said, I'm not sure how good a look it is for our new mayor that the first public hubbub involves some quick-twitch dealings with the Chattanooga FC - which Tim Kelly was a co-founder of before stepping down when he was elected mayor - and our city parks.
And that's true no matter how much CFC Foundation organizers emphasize there is a "firewall" between the CFC and the foundation.
Obit observation
I am remiss that I forgot to include this Obit Observation last weekend, because it would have been perfect for Mother's Day.
First, as someone who has written my mother's obituary, always remember to tell Mom in person the grand things you would share when she's gone. Not to be morbid, but make the most of the time that you have rather than regret when that time is past.
Earlier this month, there was a golden obit of the extraordinary life of Elizabeth Fuller-Gerald, who overcame loss - including being widowed at the age of 28 with four small children - to become a leader in community, industry and worship here in Chattanooga.
She was, simply put, a true example and the perfect blend of faith, grace and determination.
She died on May 4, a day before her 90th birthday and less than a week before another Mother's Day. You think her phone would have been busy?
In addition to her accomplishments in the world, at home Elizabeth was the matriarch of a family of 10 children, 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Even a week late, that's a happy Mother's Day, indeed.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com.
View other columns by Jay Greeson
Staff Photo by Dan Henry / The Chattanooga Times Free Press- 4/15/14. Staff Mugs