Morning Sports Update
“They’re not even allowing him to have a beverage.”
A fan sits in the bleachers during a Red Sox-Royals game with signs referencing his fantasy football shortcomings. Screenshot via NESN
May 20, 2026 | 11:54 AM
2 minutes to read
Fantasy football loser makes good at Red Sox game: No one ever wants to lose, but it’s a principle that’s especially true in fantasy football. As has become famous over the years — be it with unfortunate tattoos, 15-hour trips to Waffle House, or any number of other creative displays — those who finish last in fantasy football are annually subjected to light-hearted punishments.
The latest in the category of cheeky shenanigans emerged during Tuesday’s Red Sox game in Kansas City. One fan, seated in the upper deck of Kauffman Stadium, was shown displaying a combined series of letters that spelled out: “I stink at fantasy football.”
If you think you’re having a bad day, just remember you could be this guy 😬
Don’t finish last in your fantasy leagues, folks 🤣 pic.twitter.com/2i1befslY6
— NESN (@NESN) May 20, 2026
“Fantastic,” quipped NESN color commentator Lou Merloni as the broadcast cut to the unfortunate (but admirable) fan, seated all by himself.
“They told him, ‘You’ve got to wear something bright,’ and that’s the sign,” joked Dave O’Brien.
The unexpected discovery by TV cameras drew an appropriate amount of laughter from the Boston commentators.
“They’re not even allowing him to have a beverage,” Merloni noted.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox defeated the Royals 7-1 on Tuesday. The two teams play again today in Kansas City at 7:40 p.m.
On Friday, Legacy FC host the Seattle Reign at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket at 8 p.m.
And on Saturday, the Revolution travel to play Charlotte FC at 7:30 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
Fox’s World Cup team: The network also revealed its full slate of former international players who will be joining the coverage. The list includes: Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Clarence Seedorf, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Juan Pablo Ángel, John Obi Mikel, Thiago Alcântara and Peter Schmeichel.
An all-star studio team coming to you this summer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on FOX. pic.twitter.com/j7zTKDODKg
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) May 20, 2026
On this day: In 1941, the Red Sox defeated the Tigers 4-2 with Lefty Grove pitching a complete game victory. It was Grove’s 20th straight win at Fenway Park.
Daily highlight: It might not be the clip Celtics fans will want to watch, but credit where it’s due. The Knicks pulled off an incredible comeback to win Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday against the Cavaliers.
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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