Look guys, we're relatively certain that the mandatory hydration breaks during the 2017 Gold Cup match between the USA and Panama have nothing to do with CONCACAF's newly announced "hydration partnership" with sports drink maker BODYARMOR. We know it's tempting to think that there is some connection here, but settle down. You don't want to end up like the guy in "A Beautiful Mind." It's a great movie. You should watch it. But it's got nothing to do with what's happening here.
We can assure you, it just looks like there might be a connection because both CONCACAF and BODYARMOR like to spell their names in all CAPS, like they are screaming at you. But we assure you, there is PROBABLY NO CONNECTION HERE.
Besides, FIFA ordered mandatory hydration breaks for players during the 2014 World Cup because of heat. And if FIFA couldn't figure out how to monetize said hydration breaks, no one can.
Let's review the facts:
1. On June 30th, CONCACAF announced the partnership with BODYARMOR
#CONCACAF and @DrinkBODYARMOR Announce Hydration Partnership for 2017 @GoldCup https://t.co/KKIyzwnxH6 @kobebryant #GoldCup2017 pic.twitter.com/QCDtQ8qEnf
— CONCACAF (@CONCACAF) July 1, 2017
2. In the days before the USA vs Panama match, BODYARMOR tweeted innocuously about how excited the company was to hydrate Gold Cup matches
BODYARMOR's ready to hydrate the @CONCACAF #GoldCup2017 tonight. #GUF vs. #CAN followed by #HON vs. #CRC pic.twitter.com/RPdySmyQt3
— BODYARMOR (@DrinkBODYARMOR) July 7, 2017
3. Three hours before the match, CONCACAF reminded us about the partnership in case we forgot
#USA vs. #PAN @CONCACAF @GoldCup 4:30PM EST on @FOXSoccer. Hydrated by BODYARMOR. TUNE IN! pic.twitter.com/D6hjnRc3Pz
— BODYARMOR (@DrinkBODYARMOR) July 8, 2017
4. During the pre-game show, FOX reporters couldn't stop talking about the temperature and how sophisticated CONCACAF is in measuring the heat with a "wet bulb"
@FOXSoccer nice little info on the Wet-Bulb Globe temperature! Currently doing my thesis on it! #USMNT!!
— Caleb Saylor WFFT (@CSaylorWx) July 8, 2017
5. During first half hydration break, CONCACAF retweeted a BODYARMOR photo chosen at random
Mandatory hydration break like...#USAvPAN #GoldCup2017 pic.twitter.com/PhyGPzZY3H
— BODYARMOR (@DrinkBODYARMOR) July 8, 2017
Case closed. You can clearly see there is no connection here.