Is J.J. Redick the Answer to the Lakers’ Woes?
Fred, Art, and Mark are adopting a wait-and-see attitude with the new Laker head coach, J.J. Redick. Will his career as a player give the Lakers the boost they need? How much time will “Hard Knocks” devote to series regulars the Bears and Caleb Williams while also spotlighting the AFC North Division? Did Willie Mays return to Rickwood Field before he passed? And does Caitlin Clark have to wait for the 2028 Olympics in LA?
More Legends Lost
Fred, Art, and Fred’s cousin Andy Baran reflect on the passing of Jerry West and Bill Walton, recounting the impact these legends have had on the world of basketball. Is Mookie Betts better suited for the outfield or should the Dodgers keep him at shortstop? Where are Charles Barkley and Inside the NBA off to next? Who is conspicuously missing from the US Olympic basketball team? And which surprising rivals might join forces in a move few thought would ever happen?
Is Gambling in Sports Too Easy?
Fred (fighting a cold), Art, and Mark question the culture of gambling among athletes as the MLB has suspended four players for betting. Pete Rose’s punishment does not seem to be a deterrent as more gambling sites partner with professional teams. Can leagues enforce their no-wagering rules? Will D. Wayne Lukas have another win with Seize the Grey at the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga? Is Caitlin Clark getting fair treatment in the press? And who will emerge victorious in the Dodger-Yankee Bronx brawl?
Will the Transfer Portal Now Offer Frequent Flyer Miles?
Fred, Art, Mark, and sports historian Matthew DiBiase ponder how a judge’s ruling that allows unlimited trips through the transfer portal will change the face of college sports. What effect will this have on the $22 million UCLA has to distribute among the various revenue- and non-revenue-generating athletic programs? Did MLB umpire Angel Henandez retire or was he fired? How will Caleb Williams handle spending his rookie season with the Chicago Bears in the spotlight on HBO’s Hard Knocks? And does Mark Cuban see eye-to-eye with Kyrie Irving?
Rookie Caitlin Clark Sparks WNBA Fever
Fred, Art, and Mark are eager to watch the Caitlin Clark phenomenon unfold as she and the Indiana Fever take on the Sparks in her first Los Angeles game. How much are fans willing to pay for courtside tickets at Crypto.com Arena? Can she measure up to superstars of the game like Sue Bird? Is the US government firing a warning shot at all mega-companies in its suit against Ticketmaster for monopolizing ticket distribution and pricing? And what lies ahead for Scottie Scheffler after his arrest?
Tragedy and Controversy Unfold at the PGA Tournament
Fred, Art, and guest Laura Snoke try to navigate the chain of events that led to golfer Scottie Scheffler’s arrest and subsequent release, allowing him to make his tee time for the PGA Championship in Louisville. Was it a stunt to boost ratings or a terrible misunderstanding? Has CBS Sports found a new host for NFL Today and shown Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms the door to save money? And the Dodgers are second only to which historic team in OPS numbers?
Netflix – Your New Sports Network?
Fred, Art, and Mark dissect the Tom Brady roast on Netflix. Is it a sign that the streaming giant has plans to set aside a chunk of its huge budget to include more sports? With Steph Curry and LeBron James looking to shift teams, will Nikola Jokic be the new face of the NBA? Will Rick Carlisle be fined for alleging NBA refs are showing preferences for more popular teams? And the sports world says goodbye to football legend Jimmy Johnson.
Playoffs Rage on Towards Championship Glory
Fred, Art, and Mark handicap the exciting races that will be competing for the attention of sports fans this weekend. As teams battle it out in the NBA playoffs, will the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson be the player to watch? Can Mike Trout reach the standard set by legendary players like Bryce Harper after his latest injury? Is WNBA stardom a sure thing for Caitlin Clark? And to mark the milestone of the 150th Running of the Roses, will the Kentucky Derby produce a memorable winner?
Everybody Loves a Great Sports Movie
Fred, Art, Mark, and guest Matthew DiBiase reflect on some of their favorite sports movies that you don’t even have to be a sports fan to enjoy. Who can forget Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon in Bull Durham? Or the great underdog story of Hoosiers with Gene Hackman? As for live sports, it’s a jam-packed weekend ahead featuring the NFL draft, Kentucky Derby, and pivotal NBA playoff games. Will Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets keep up their winning streak? And just who is trying to build a super team?
A New Network for ChiTown Teams?
Fred, Art, and Mark wonder about the future of televised sports as several of Jerry Reinsdorf’s Chicago teams leave NBC behind for the Stadium app, also partly owned by – guess who? Will more organizations follow his example? How is former Dodger Michael Busch settling in with the Cubs? Is Jon Scheyer losing players through the transfer portal? And which legendary baseball players have recently departed with Carl Erskine to play on the Field of Dreams?
