Can a Simple Date Change Save Lives?
Fred, Art, and Mark wonder if pushing the Preakness date out an additional one to two weeks after the Kentucky Derby could make a difference in the alarming number of equine casualties during Triple Crown season. Would Belmont organizers agree to it? Is it the right time for Damar Hamlin to be back on the field? How is Dick Vitale? And will the Washington Commanders face yet another name change as the season begins under their new ownership?
Was He Just Doing His Job?
Fred, Art, and Fred’s cousin Andy Baran examine the possibility that Orioles announcer Kevin Brown was suspended for sharing an opinion on the team’s record that the organization did not want bandied about. Was he a scapegoat? Mike Lorenzen pitched an entire nine-inning no-hitter in his first home game with the Phillies. Would he be given the same chance by Dave Roberts if he played for the Dodgers? And does Rob Manfred have a lot to answer for in the new iteration of baseball?
Remembering a One-of-a-Kind Broadcaster and Gentleman
Fred, Art, Mark, and guest Matt Ward of Golf Today reflect upon the life of Vin Scully on the first anniversary of his passing, noting that even amid all of the curve balls thrown at him, he approached those hardships with grace and humility. With the golfing world awash in controversy, what lies ahead for Jay Monahan and Greg Norman and their respective leagues? And now that Tiger Woods is on the PGA policy board, does he have his eye on becoming commissioner?
New Leagues, New Owners, New Teammates
Fred, Art, and Mark are concerned that Saudi Arabia may be looking to expand its reach into other sports by creating a basketball league to compete with the NBA. Are additional rival leagues to follow, prompting the question of when money talks, do ethics walk? Will Josh Harris and Magic Johnson be the prime example of providing positive organizational cultures in their recent acquisition of the Washington Nationals, and can Joe Kelly and Lance Lynn give a boost to the Dodger’s pitching staff?
Will NIL Laws Go National?
Fred, Art, and guest Laura Snoke weigh in on the legislation being introduced by Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal and others in a bipartisan effort to codify laws nationally for the NIL. Some states have more advantageous laws than others, so would this bill create a better framework or be seen as federal overreach? Are running backs like Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs underappreciated by the NFL? And, as Shohei Ohtani’s contract deadline draws near, where will call home come August?
Suspensions Aplenty, Legal Battles Galore
Fred, Art, and Mark are surprised at the number of sports figures who have recently been suspended and are now facing a lot of unintended quality time in the company of lawyers. Will the NFL Network bring Michael Irvin back? What chance does Bob Huggins have of being reinstated at West Virginia after his drunk driving arrest? Did Pat Fitzgerald know about the hazing culture on his Northwestern football team? And has AI created a modern-day Wilt Chamberlain?
Has Sports Become All About the Benjamins?
Fred, Art, and Mark worry that there has been a paradigm shift in the focus of sports, where everything revolves around the pursuit of the almighty dollar instead of the players, fans, and games themselves. Are Billie Jean King and the WTA looking into partnering with Saudi Arabia? Did Mark Emmert foresee the problems that have resulted from the NIA and transfer portal? And will Bob Baffert ever be allowed to race at Churchill Downs again?
Public Perception and Big Money in Sports
Fred, Art, and Fred’s cousin Andy Baran break down the recent expanding relationship between the NFL and gambling. Is it a case of managing public perception of a crackdown on athletes while still bringing in the betting bucks? Will Jay Monahan be able to keep the PGA afloat if the LIV deal falls through? Why is Austin Barnes catching for the Dodgers more often than Will Smith, who has a better batting average? And is Rob Manfred’s constant rule-changing making baseball unrecognizable?
The US Government Delves Into PGA-LIV Merger
Fred, Art, Mark, and Matt Ward, an editor of Golf Today, wonder what the true details of the alliance between the PGA and LIV might be and if they will come to light. Will upcoming government investigations answer these questions or create more? How much of a part did LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman have in making this merger happen? And was Jay Monahan referring to ill health when he said changing circumstances influenced his opinion reversal?
It Ain’t Easy Trying to Please Everyone
Fred, Mark, and guest sports historian Matthew DiBiase weigh in on the difficulties franchises are experiencing in navigating through controversies over inclusivity within their fanbases. Can athletes like Clayton Kershaw comment without fear of fan reprisals? How does the future look for Jamal Murray after his stellar NBA Finals performance? Did Rob Manfred do all he could to keep the Oakland A’s from relocating? And what made Jay Monahan say OK to the LIV deal?