Is Morality an Endangered Species in the Sports World?
Fred, Art, and Mark address the issue of morality in sports as the PGA Tour has decided to join the LIV in a $10B deal. What do Commissioner Jay Monahan and Rory McIlroy, formerly against it, have to say about it now? How about the morality of athletes gambling, a la Pete Rose? And with the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s wins and the last of his descendants reaching grand old ages, should owners risk horses’ lives at Belmont in the unhealthy air from the Canadian fires?
Changes Ahead in Horse Racing and College Sports
Fred, Art, and Fred’s cousin Andy Baran question the high number of casualties in horse racing lately. Is the industry taking enough precautions to ensure the horses’ safety? Why is Coach Kirby Smart concerned about the sea change in college sports since the advent of the transfer portal and NIL? And what made UCLA’s Tyger Campbell opt for basketball’s G League instead of staying for his final year with Mick Cronin?
The NBA Playoffs Heat Up
Fred, Art, Mark, and guest Laura Snoke lay out their predictions for the NBA Playoff series between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. Can Jayson Tatum help Boston stay in it until Game 7? Is it a slam dunk for Jimmy Butler and Miami to continue on their winning streak? Does LeBron James plan to make some changes and stay with the Lakers, or is he considering new beginnings away from LA? And will Noah Syndergaard find his footing with the Dodgers?
Baffert’s Back for The Preakness
Fred, Art, and Mark explore the controversies running throughout the sport of kings as horse trainer Bob Baffert returns from suspension for the 148th Preakness Stakes. What is causing the alarming number of horses across racing needing to be put down in the last few years? Will Anthony Davis and LeBron James be healthy enough to play against the Denver Nuggets? And the sports world mourns the loss of legendary NFL great, Jim Brown.
Are There Different Standards of Accountability for Inappropriate Remarks?
Fred, Art, and Mark wonder if WVU basketball coach Bob Huggins’ suspension for homophobic slurs against rival school Xavier is merely a token sanction and not a significant discouragement. A’s broadcaster Glen Kuiper has not been back in the booth since his use of a racially inappropriate word on air. Are there some disparities here? Will Noah Syndergaard recover to pitch for the Dodgers this season? And will the Lakers bench bring in a playoff win with Anthony Davis injured?
Dodgers on a Winning Streak and Bellinger Swings Big for the Cubs
Fred and Art welcome guest Laura Snoke to debate the state of the Dodgers and share their predictions for the NBA Playoffs. Will the Dodgers continue their winning streak? With Cody Bellinger healthier and batting over 300 for the Cubs, should Dave Roberts have given him more healing time so that the Dodgers would benefit from Bellinger’s skills? Which team will triumph in the Lakers/Warriors series? And is there an unofficial rivalry between LeBron James and Steph Curry?
Deion Sanders and the Buffalo Migration
Fred, Art, and Mark are surprised at the sheer number of football players that have left Colorado through the Transfer portal since Deion Sanders signed on as coach. He said he’d clean house when he took over, but did he set the bar too high for the players to reach? Aaron Rodgers faces some challenges in New York, the Atlanta Falcons drafted award-winning Bijan Robinson, and did Lamar Jackson ink a historic NFL deal without an agent?
Sports Betting and Olympic Sanctions
Fred, Art, and Mark weigh in on the consequences faced by NFL players who have violated the league’s gambling policy and are currently suspended. Will they be reinstated or banned for life like Pete Rose? What circumstances are acceptable for sports gambling? Has Mick Cronin’s coaching style led to all of his starters declaring for the draft? Are the Dodgers regretting letting Cody Bellinger go? And will Russia be excluded from the 2024 Paris Olympics because of Vladimir Putin’s actions?
Tiger Bows Out of The Masters
Fred, Art, and Mark applaud Tiger Woods for his gallant effort to try and finish the Masters, but with rain, plantar fasciitis, and the lingering effects of his accident and injuries, he withdrew after playing only seven holes. Will he be healthy enough for future tournaments? What reception can Cody Bellinger expect as a Chicago Cub at Dodger Stadium? How does Kevin Cash coach a winning team on a shoestring budget? And is Mick Cronin’s stubbornness working against the Bruins?
NCAA Finals and MLB Beginnings
Fred, Art, and Mark discuss the Women’s and Men’s NCAA Tournament Finals, noting the record viewership achieved by the Women’s Championship game. How will the retirement of Jim Nance affect the Men’s tournament next year? Are Dodger leaders Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts paying too much attention to analytics in adjusting to new MLB rules after the departure of some key players? And will that put star athletes like Mookie Betts in harm’s way?
