Role Models for the Id

Mark Heisler / Truthdig Apr 26, 2010 If the conduct of sports stars represents “values,” there never were any. In any case, it’s better to raise your kids yourself. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

An Icon Without a Clue

Mark Heisler / Truthdig Apr 8, 2010 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 toTiger’s life can never be what it was when he was the most admired, richest, greatest athlete of all time. Dig deeper ( 9 Min. Read )

March Mildness: How the NCAA Tournament Lost Its Swagger

Mark Heisler / Truthdig Apr 1, 2010 The NCAA Tournament is the highest-level single-elimination event in basketball, making it special. Nevertheless, in the Big Dance’s present incarnation, other words come to mind, like bloated, over-commercialized and bland. In the Big Dance’s present incarnation, words like bloated, over-commercialized and bland come to mind. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

The Winner and Still Champion, the Olympic (Ka-Ching!) Movement

Mark Heisler / Truthdig Mar 11, 2010 In the wake of the just-concluded Winter Games -- aka They Can Even Sell This Stuff? -- it’s amazing to think how little was left of the Olympic movement in 1984, when it crawled into Los Angeles on its last legs.It’s amazing to think how little was left of the Olympic movement in 1984, when it crawled into Los Angeles on its last legs. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

All-Stars, Steroids and the Super Bowl

Staff / Truthdig Feb 12, 2010 L.A. Times columnist and Truthdig contributor Mark Heisler explains why the NBA All-Star game is no fun anymore and why overreacting sportswriters can't forgive Mark McGwire for breaking their hearts.Mark Heisler explains why the NBA All-Star game is no fun anymore and why overreacting sportswriters can't forgive Mark McGwire for breaking their hearts. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Shock and Aw: Getting Over the Sins of ’98

Mark Heisler / Truthdig Feb 11, 2010 This just in: With all forgiven, Mark McGwire makes Hall of Fame. Who knows, it may even happen in his lifetime. Dig deeper ( 12 Min. Read )

Bullets, Wizards and Too Much Love

Mark Heisler / Truthdig Jan 7, 2010 It wasn’t the Gunfight at the NBA Corral that turned Gilbert Arenas’ life into a bittersweet story. That happened a long time ago -- at birth -- but that’s how it works in a subculture ruled by stars, in which everyone prefers the sweet to the bitter.Is a culture that serves up too much unconditional love to blame for the troubles of beloved NBA screw-up Gilbert Arenas? Dig deeper ( 7 Min. Read )

It’s Not About Tiger Woods, It’s About Us

Mark Heisler / Truthdig Dec 15, 2009 The world is living from development to development, suggesting something much more important is going on. What will it take, exactly, before we butt out?The world is living from development to development, suggesting something much more important is going on. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )