It’s Time for Some Football!
Fred and Art are ready for an exciting weekend of football, just in time for Art’s birthday. From HBO’s Hard Knocks, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the Detroit Lions training camp, to the possibilities ahead for the UCLA Bruins, to all the college football, it’s a good time to grab your favorite tailgate grub and settle in for some thrilling gridiron action. And how about Notre Dame starting their season as the 17 ½-point favorites?
When is a Record Really a Record?
Fred and Art debate on what constitutes a record in baseball. The game has changed so much from the early days, with powerhouses like Honus Wagner whose stats may not have been fully recorded. Would today’s milestones measure up to those of yesteryear? College football is starting, Alabama coach Nick Saban has a big payday, and Arte Moreno is selling the LA Angels. Will Steve Ballmer snap them up and help them reach their full potential?
The NFL’s Decision for Deshaun
Fred and Art weigh in on Deshaun Watson’s suspension and subsequent fines. Does the NFL have separate rules for superstar players when disciplinary action is needed? With the Dodgers doing well at the moment, why is Cody Bellinger on the bench? Will Mike Trout of the Angels be off the IL and back on the field this week? Did Larry Scott change the Pac-12 forever? And how much are the Lakers paying LeBron James to stay in LA?
Can On-Air Personalities Opt Out?
Fred and Art discuss the request by Keith Hernandez to be excused from providing commentary for any Phillies games, citing his disapproval of their defense. Can commentators do that? Should Deshaun Watson be able to play in the Cleveland Browns’ next game in Florida while his suspension is still pending? Will Colin Kaepernick be the Browns’ secret weapon if Watson is out for the season? And what inspired Whit Merrifield to get vaccinated?
A Final Goodbye to Beloved Broadcasting Giants
Fred and Art mourn the loss of Vin Scully and Bill Russell and share personal stories of their interactions with these two heroes of the sports world. The NFL is enjoying a time of great prosperity but is also dealing with lawsuits and multiple cases of misconduct within the ranks, such as those involving Deshaun Watson and Steven Ross, to name a few. Is money the root cause of all of their troubles?
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Fred and Art wonder about the thinking processes behind some of the choices under consideration in the sports world. Should the US exchange a Russian gun runner for Brittney Griner? Will Andrew Benintendi get vaccinated so he can join the Yankees on the road? Is Kevin Durant packing his bags? And what new venture is in store for Brent Musburger?
From the ESPYs to the All-Stars
Fred and Art think Steph Curry scored a slam dunk at the ESPYS as host of the annual sports award show. Will this role springboard him into other parts of the entertainment arena? Money matters are on the minds of Charles Barkley and James Harden, but how has the lure of a better deal put UCLA at odds with Governor Gavin Newsom? And what can MLB do to bring viewers back to the All-Star Game?
Stuck in a Moment (and Place) You Can’t Get Out of
Fred and Art ponder WNBA star Brittany Griner’s predicament in Russia. How is it possible that she was not informed of their laws regarding drug possession before traveling? Damien Lillard has signed a huge contract extension, the Lakers are still in Kyrie Irving limbo, and Dave Roberts is playing musical chairs with the Dodger lineup. And what will All-Star game attendees’ reactions be to the high prices at Dodger Stadium?
Losses, Changes, and Trades
Fred and Art mourn the passing of legendary actor James Caan and remember his heartbreaking portrayal of Brian Piccolo in Brian’s Song, the true story of the Chicago Bear and cancer victim’s friendship with fellow teammate Gayle Sayers. How will the NFL view the recent moves made by Mark Davis and Dan Snyder after they and their teams face allegations? And what does the future hold for Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers?
The Big Shakeup in the Pac-12
Fred and Art are concerned about the future of the Pac-12 now that UCLA and USC are heading to the Big 10. What will happen to the traditional matchups and rivalry games that fans have looked forward to for decades? What did Larry Scott have to do with it? Will free agency bring Kevin Durant westward, what new rules does Rob Manfred have in store, and how does Trevor Bauer affect the overall image of the Dodgers?
