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Handoff

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Posted on Nov 13, 2011 READ MORE



AP / Matt Rourke

Joe Paterno Gets Due Process of Us

These days you don’t get due process of the law until long after you have gotten due process of us ... and the “us” isn’t our rational side, but our bloodthirsty one, as presented by media.

Posted on Nov 10, 2011 READ MORE  |  118 COMMENTS



AP / Carolyn Kaster

The Shame in Happy Valley

Legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno said, “I did what I was supposed to.” In fact, nobody at Penn State did what basic human decency requires—and as a result, according to prosecutors, an alleged sexual predator who could have been stopped years ago was allowed to continue molesting young boys.

Posted on Nov 7, 2011 READ MORE  |  25 COMMENTS


Lockout

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Posted on Nov 3, 2011 READ MORE



Matt McGee (CC-BY-ND)

How Baseball Explains Modern Racism

New analysis of statistics gleaned from baseball provides a larger lesson about conditioned behavior in our institutionally racist society.

Posted on Sep 29, 2011 READ MORE  |  34 COMMENTS



Sony Pictures

‘Moneyball’ Isn’t a Home Run

“Moneyball” is a good story and people who have little interest in baseball don’t need to fear it. On the other hand, it has its largely overlooked problems.

Posted on Sep 26, 2011 READ MORE  |  6 COMMENTS



Illustration by Peter Z. Scheer

Confessions of a Dead Tribune

For the last 32 years, I had been “Mark Heisler of the Los Angeles Times.” Before that, “Mark Heisler of the Philadelphia Bulletin” or “Mark Heisler of Somewhere” since June 1, 1967, when Gannett hired me at $125 a week. Suddenly, I was just “Mark Heisler.” Who in the hell was Mark Heisler?

Posted on Aug 19, 2011 READ MORE  |  18 COMMENTS



AP / Mary Altaffer

We Can Live Without Leagues

If bad times bring out the best in ordinary people, sports labor brings out the worst in the privileged lives of owners and players.

Posted on Jul 17, 2011 READ MORE  |  8 COMMENTS


Wimbledon Women’s Final

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Posted on Jul 3, 2011 READ MORE



An Oral History of ESPN

The book lacks a narrative voice to set the scene, pull the reader along. Authors are not just tape recorders with expense accounts. They need to analyze, criticize, validate their characters. Here, they’re often missing in action.

Posted on Jun 9, 2011 READ MORE  |  1 COMMENT



UltraRob (CC-BY-ND)

Lance Armstrong Inquisition Is a Waste

If prosecutors are sitting around with nothing to do, why don’t they go after the remorseless profiteers who nearly wrecked the global financial system? Why not shut down a human trafficking ring or two?

Posted on May 27, 2011 READ MORE  |  47 COMMENTS


Cheater

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Posted on May 24, 2011 READ MORE  |  1 COMMENT



cheapnfljerseysauthentic.com

Anti-Gay Slur Costs Bulls’ Noah $50,000

The NBA fined Chicago Bulls big man Joakim Noah $50,000 for calling a fan “faggot” during Sunday’s Eastern Conference Finals game against the Miami Heat. Noah apologized immediately after the game. Kobe Bryant of the Lakers was fined twice as much in April for directing the same word at a referee. (more)

Posted on May 23, 2011 READ MORE  |  8 COMMENTS



AP / Chris Carlson

Being Kobe Bryant Means Never Having to Say You’re Sorry

I was just about to get over this whole Kobe Bryant thing when I hit the sports page and was reminded of his insulting non-apology.

Posted on Apr 14, 2011 READ MORE  |  54 COMMENTS



shibuya246 (CC-BY-ND)

Tokyo Wants 2020 Olympics

Tokyo has been through a lot, but the mega-city is aiming high in the reconstruction department by vying for the 2020 Olympic Games. Tokyo blew about $176 million on its failed attempt at winning the 2016 Games, but might have an edge this time around owing to ...

Posted on Apr 10, 2011 READ MORE  |  4 COMMENTS


The Real Madness of March

Lowell Bergman is the rare skunk who regularly finds his way into the power elite’s garden parties. In his damning special now available on PBS’s “Frontline” website, viewers are shown the side of “amateur” athletics that’s almost never discussed inside the beery bubble of sports media.

Posted on Apr 8, 2011 READ MORE  |  6 COMMENTS



Photo illustration from an image by Colin Grey

Don’t Miss Our National Broadcast: Truthdig Radio on Labor

Truthdig Radio is broadcasting nationally today, Wednesday, April 6. We put together a very special show on the labor movement, covering the gamut from farmworkers to teachers and even millionaire athletes. Hop past the jump to find listings and a rundown of our guests.

Posted on Apr 6, 2011 READ MORE  |  1 COMMENT



AP / David J. Phillip

A Country the NFL Can Be Proud Of

Let’s put it this way: If the NFL was in danger of flying too close to the sun, like Icarus whose wax wings melted, Commissioner Roger Goodell would have the orb repositioned beforehand.

Posted on Apr 5, 2011 READ MORE  |  7 COMMENTS


The Super Bowl of Socialism

The Super Bowl was a bewildering assault on the senses, to say the least—and nothing was more singularly mind-blowing than the NFL using a Ronald Reagan eulogy to kick off a sports-themed tribute to socialism.

Posted on Feb 11, 2011 READ MORE  |  15 COMMENTS



AP / Mike Roemer

A Fan’s Confession

There’s probably no better time to confess it: I’ve built a good part of my life around the Green Bay Packers. I like to think it doesn’t get out of control.

Posted on Feb 4, 2011 READ MORE  |  21 COMMENTS



AP / Mike Roemer

Who, Us Bloodthirsty?

In an age challenged by separating real life from reality programming or the absurdly heightened reality that comes from merely being on TV, no one seems to want to err on the side of compassion.

Posted on Jan 31, 2011 READ MORE  |  7 COMMENTS



AP / Koji Sasahara

Celebrity Endorsements: Money for Nothing?

In the world of advertising, celebrity always equals money, and anything that these luminaries—whether from entertainment, sports or even politics—touch (even by accident) is tantamount to tangible, profitable product placement, right?

Posted on Jan 13, 2011 READ MORE  |  4 COMMENTS



Lakers / Jason of Beverly Hills

‘Crazy’ Ron Artest Is a Mental Health Star

The Lakers forward is known for his antics—such as showing up to a talk show in his underwear—but he’s becoming famous for talking about an issue that is often concealed: mental health. Artest is funding therapy and mental health awareness through the sale of his championship ring and possibly the donation of his entire $6.79 million 2011-2012 salary. ... (more)

Posted on Dec 9, 2010 READ MORE  |  3 COMMENTS



AP / Seth Wenig

Sex, Lies and Twitter

If 24 percent of respondents ages 14-17 tell an Associated Press-MTV poll they’ve done naked sexting, you can imagine the implications for professional athletes.

Posted on Oct 27, 2010 READ MORE  |  2 COMMENTS


Retiresome

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Posted on Oct 11, 2010 READ MORE  |  1 COMMENT



AP / Reed Saxon

The War of the McCourts

The story of Frank and Jamie McCourt, who turned the Dodgers into their own piggy bank, lived a life of mortgaged royalty and then decided to destroy one another, is like something out of Tom Wolfe.

Posted on Sep 27, 2010 READ MORE  |  12 COMMENTS



AP / David Vincent

FIFA Drops Probe Into N. Korea’s Alleged Abuse of Team

FIFA announced Wednesday it has closed its inquiry into widespread reports that North Korea punished its soccer team and coach after their poor showing at the World Cup. (continued)

Posted on Aug 25, 2010 READ MORE  |  6 COMMENTS



AP / Disney / Matt Stroshane

ESPN Is the Diva, Favre Is Just an Old Pro With a Bum Ankle

In the 10 months from September to July, at least two of the four major leagues are playing. In July and August, we’re on our own and the Big Paparazzo does what it does when it has nothing ... guess at something, blow it up, project from it and comment on it.

Posted on Aug 22, 2010 READ MORE  |  4 COMMENTS



Flickr / Keith Allison (CC-BY-SA)

Feds Call Baseball Great Clemens Foul

The Rocket is headed for the docket. Roger Clemens has been indicted for allegedly lying to Congress about his steroid use. How foolish of Clemens to testify without first procuring an insurance company or a bank, or offering his services as a military contractor. Doesn’t he know how Washington works?

Posted on Aug 19, 2010 READ MORE  |  8 COMMENTS



AP / David Vincent

N. Korea Deserves a Hard Kick for Abusing Its Soccer Team (Update)

The sport’s international governing body is looking into reports that the defeated players were exhibited in Pyongyang as targets of condemnation. Kim Jong Il must be confronted in this case.

Posted on Aug 15, 2010 READ MORE  |  33 COMMENTS



AP / Frank Franklin II

George Steinbrenner’s Evil Empire

The Boss didn’t leave his heirs a baseball team but a financial empire that can never be rivaled, villains you can depend on and a legacy like Sherman’s to Georgia.

Posted on Aug 4, 2010 READ MORE  |  12 COMMENTS



iroquoisnationals.org

Bureaucrats Rub Salt in Iroquois Wounds

The Iroquois nation may have invented lacrosse, but the national team wasn’t allowed into the U.K. to take part in an international tournament because British authorities insisted the Iroquois players use American or Canadian passports. Problem is the Iroquois don’t recognize the U.S. or Canada.

Posted on Jul 14, 2010 READ MORE  |  9 COMMENTS


The Decision

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Posted on Jul 11, 2010 READ MORE


Millions Watch Rich Guy Get New Job

Based on the record ratings for its special featuring LeBron James’ announcement of his new team, ESPN announced that instead of airing NBA games, it would schedule two-hour specials showing the rich guy cashing his ginormous paychecks.

Posted on Jul 11, 2010 READ MORE  |  2 COMMENTS



AP / Bernat Armangue

Spain Wins the World Cup

For the first time in the country’s history, Spain has won soccer’s coveted World Cup, defeating the Netherlands’ national team on Sunday in a tense match that ended after a late goal in extra time.

Posted on Jul 11, 2010 READ MORE  |  2 COMMENTS



ESPN

What ESPN’s Bill Simmons Superdeluxe Media Empire Means for Facts, Fans and Sports

Going bonkers, lionizing winners and dumping on losers is fun, even if the cycle is accelerating to absurdity and beyond with modern 24/7 reportage. That’s today’s price of fame. Privileged as they are, today’s starry-eyed young athletes pursue their dream through a driving shitstorm.

Posted on Jul 7, 2010 READ MORE  |  16 COMMENTS


Germans Threaten to Eat Their Psychic Octopus

Have you heard of Paul, the German octopus of British extraction who has a perfect 6-0 record in predicting World Cup matches? Well, he chose Spain to win and, for his betrayal of the fatherland, some Germans are demanding he be turned into paella—or worse.

Posted on Jul 7, 2010 READ MORE  |  3 COMMENTS



Flickr / audrey_sel (CC-BY-SA)

Everything Wrong With America on Display at Hot Dog Contest

Competitive eating (aka food contests) is enough of a cultural phenomenon that the annual Nathan’s hot dog chokedown is broadcast on ESPN. This weekend Joey Chestnut took the honors, but his greatest threat (and some would argue the “sport’s” true champion), Japanese phenom Takeru Kobayashi, was barred from participating. (continued)

Posted on Jul 5, 2010 READ MORE  |  29 COMMENTS



Flickr / babasteve (CC-BY)

Rooting Against Team USA

Harper’s Ken Silverstein explains “why I hate Landon Donovan” in this feel-good post. “Tragically,” Silverstein concludes, “it appears the U.S. soccer team will likely continue to plague the Cup with its God-awful soccer.” Guess not everyone’s on the bandwagon.

Posted on Jun 20, 2010 READ MORE  |  9 COMMENTS


soccer is gay

Soccer Is Sooo Gay

It’s about time that soccer came out of the closet, and the Onion’s shrewd satirical sports reporters are on that case like a horde of sweaty, brawny footie players on a polka-dotted ball. You doubt this timely news bulletin? Well then, two words for you: World Cup.

Posted on Jun 17, 2010 READ MORE  |  9 COMMENTS


Soccer: The Year of Africa

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Posted on Jun 11, 2010 READ MORE



Flickr / themikelee (CC-BY-ND)

NBA Leads Sports in Diversity

Professional sports have long had a disconnect between the players and management where diversity is concerned, so hats off to the NBA for setting an example for baseball, football and that weird boring ice game. The basketball league scores an A in both racial and gender diversity, with women sitting at 44 percent of the desks in league offices.

Posted on Jun 9, 2010 READ MORE  |  7 COMMENTS



Flickr / hyku (CC-BY)

Supreme Court Rules Against NFL

In a ruling that has implications for other professional sports leagues, the Supreme Court decided Monday that NFL teams are individual businesses that are subject to antitrust laws when they act collectively (via the league) to limit competition. (continued)

Posted on May 24, 2010 READ MORE



AP / Julie Jacobson

How Baseball Became America vs. the Damn Yankees

Baseball has always proceeded according to the law of the jungle with the Yankees as King Kong, but in the past even they never dominated financially as they do now.

Posted on May 19, 2010 READ MORE  |  19 COMMENTS


Did Privilege Play a Role in Lacrosse Killing?

The question has to be asked: Is it something about athletes? Something about entitled college athletes? Something about lacrosse?

Posted on May 6, 2010 READ MORE  |  21 COMMENTS


‘Los Suns’ Protest Immigration Law

The Phoenix Suns pro basketball team will celebrate Cinco de Mayo by wearing “Los Suns” jerseys—in part to protest their home state’s anti-immigrant law. Steve Nash, the team’s star (and an immigrant himself), explains rather eloquently why he opposes the law.

Posted on May 4, 2010 READ MORE  |  2 COMMENTS



Flickr / Pacdog (CC-BY)

Dolphins GM Apologizes for Prostitute Question

Miami Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland has apologized to NFL draftee Dez Bryant for asking the footballer if his mother was a prostitute. Bryant said he was “really mad,” but didn’t say anything at the time to his prospective employer. (continued)

Posted on Apr 28, 2010 READ MORE  |  4 COMMENTS


Onion Takes to Horse Racing With a Whip

Sports shows, with their screaming hosts, red-light-district sets and gimmicky segments, simply demand parody. The Onion delivers just in time for the Derby with this spin on horse abuse and/or racing.

Posted on Apr 26, 2010 READ MORE


Just Don’t Do It

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Posted on Apr 18, 2010 READ MORE



AP / David J. Phillip

An Icon Without a Clue

Tiger Woods is finally getting on with his life, not that Tiger’s life can ever be what it was when he was the unquestioned, untainted, most famous, most admired, richest, greatest athlete of all time. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what he was raised to aspire to.

Posted on Apr 8, 2010 READ MORE  |  29 COMMENTS


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A Progressive Journal of News and Opinion. Editor, Robert Scheer. Publisher, Zuade Kaufman.
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