Last week, nine colleges annouced they would use special helmets designed to detect concussions and prevent multiple concussion injuries. Last spring, a ringside CT scanner was credited with saving the life of a boxer. Bill Littlefield muses on the sports technology that always seems to be out of reach.

NASCAR fans are known for being loyal. But, as Mark Yost descibes in “The 200-MPH Billboard: The Inside Story of How Big Money Changed NASCAR,” loyalty goes beyond a love of #8. Bill Littlefield reviews Yost’s new book.

Vick’s Agreement; Rick Ankiel 2.0; May the Horse Be With You; The Slush Cup; Letters; The Rangers’ Big Night and More with Charlie Pierce; Divorcee Derby

Harvey Pack likes to joke that his new book, May the Horse Be With You (Pack at the Track) is short. But, Bill Littlefield says, that doesn’t mean its not filled with gems.

Bill Littlefield doesn’t think Michael Vick’s biggest mistake was surrounding himself with negative influences from his youth, or lying to authorities, or even forcing animals to fight one another. No, Bill believes Vick made one mistake bigger than all of those…

Beckham in America; MLS with Grant Wahl; Tim Kurkjian Strikes Back; The Power of the Humidor; Adult Swim; Chatting with Charlie Pierce; Half Marathon = Whole Race

The mid-week in sports included tales of a crooked N.B.A. referee surrendering to authorities, a Rutgers basketball player filing a lawsuit against a radio host who insulted the members of her team, and a ballplayer who attacked an opposing player with a bat. Among those dismayed by all this was commentator Bill Littlefield.

A New King; The Gym at the Corner of Third and Ross; Commentary; “Paddy on the Hardwood: A Journey In Irish Hoops”; The Best of the Infobreaks; Goodbye, Dale; Leotards and Loop Circles; Shakespeare as Sport?

Final Tour; Catch the Fever; Junior Golf; Hurricane Season; Hurricane Season; Chatting with Charlie Pierce; Higher Education

In case you live under a rock, this past week the Boston Celtics gave up half of their roster to acquire Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves. What was that other thing David Stern was worried about?