As one of the world’s most popular musicians right now, everything Drake touches turns to gold. Musically, that is. In the world of sports, an endorsement from the “Started From the Bottom” rapper-singer can seemingly doom an athlete.
Anthony Joshua Cursed!
On June 1, 2019, boxer Anthony Joshua fought Andy Ruiz, Jr. in a defense of his heavyweight championship. Joshua was favored to win by odds as lopsided as 25 to 1…but lost to Ruiz in a technical knockout. Sports commentators are calling it the biggest boxing upset in decades. What went wrong? The Drake Curse, of course. Back in March 2019, he posted a photo on social media alongside the rapper in a training gym with the caption, “Bout to break the curse. #June1st.”
Kentucky basketball
The Kentucky Wildcats are a men’s college basketball powerhouse, having won 10 NCAA titles. But not since Drake became a fan half a decade ago. Since he started attending games, the Wildcats haven’t won “the big dance.”
Looking for more trivia? Strange Hollywood is filled with amazing and intriguing stories from tinseltown and beyond.
Alabama football
On January 2, 2019, Drake shared a video of himself in a University of Alabama sweatshirt, hanging out with Alabama football players, delivering a pep talk prior to their national championship game against the Clemson Tigers. A few days later, Clemson delivered a shocking upset, winning 44 to 16.
Conor McGregor
Prior to a big fight, champion MMA fighter Conor McGregor posed for a picture with Drake after the musician showed up to the pre-fight weigh-in draped in a flag of McGregor’s home nation of Ireland. McGregor subsequently lost to challenger Khabib Nurmagomedov in the fourth round.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967 — the longest championship drought in the league. In 2019, the team had its biggest shot in years, finishing third in the Eastern Conference and a playoff spot. But then Toronto native Drake showed up to Scotiabank Arena to witness game four of the team’s series against the Boston Bruins. The Maple Leafs were up 2-0…but then lost 6-4, allowing the Bruins to even up the series at two games each, ultimately winning the whole series in seven games.
The Toronto Raptors?
rake is also a hometown fan of the Toronto Raptors. He’s always on the sidelines of home games, vigorously cheering on the squad. (He’s also part of the staff, as the Raptors’ “global ambassador.”) If they lose the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors…is the Drake Curse to blame?