Nov. 16:
1988 – Mike Tyson sued for libel
In 1988, model and actress, Robin Givens sued her husband, heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. Givens claimed that Tyson owed her $125 million for libel when he told the New York Post that Givens tried to steal his money. Givens would go on to file for divorce the next year, citing spousal abuse.
2003 – Lionel Messi debuts for FC Barcelona
Lionel Messi joined the FC Barcelona team as a player substitute in 2003, at the age of 16. Messi would go on to become an official player the following year and is now considered by some to be one of the best soccer players in the world.
Nov. 17
1884 – John L. Sullivan arrested for committing cruelty during boxing match
John L. Sullivan is considered to be the first modern heavyweight boxing champion and the last bare0knuckle heavyweight champion. Sullivan spent the majority of his $1 million earnings from boxing matches before retiring. During his retirement, Sullivan became a temperance lecturer.
Nov. 18
1949 – Jackie Robinson named National League MVP
Jackie Robinson was named the National League’s MVP and batting leader with a score of .342. Robinson was the first African American player to join the National League. Robinson joined the NL Hall of Fame in 1962 and died ten years later.
Nov. 19
2017 – Jana Novotna dies of cancer
Czechoslovakian tennis player and Wimbledon Champion, Jana Novotna, died on Nov. 19, 2017, of cancer at 49. Novotna kept her diagnosis private, keeping media silence for her last years living in the Czech Republic. Novotna was known for her rather unique serve and volley play style.
Nov. 20
1866 – Pierre Lallement invents pedal bicycle
Pierre Lallement invented the rotary crank bicycle pedal. This invention improved the first-generation bicycles and eventually went into production across Europe. Lallement’s invention is the basis for modern bicycle design.
Nov. 22
1959 – Molla Bjurstedt Mallory dies
Molla Bjurstedt Mallory Norwegian-American tennis player and eight-time U.S. Open champion died on Nov. 22,1959, at age 75 in Stockholm, Sweden. Mallory was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. She was the first women to represent Norway at the Olympic games.
1986 – Record set for youngest heavyweight champ
At 20 years old, Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight boxing champion after defeating Trevor Berbick at the Las Vegas Hilton.
1996 – O.J. Simpson takes the stand
O.J. Simpson took the stand and was considered a hostile witness in a wrongful death lawsuit against him following the death of Nicole Brown, his ex-wife. Simpson was found to be not guilty in the criminal trial for Brown’s death.
