Littlefield: Covering Sports When They Seem Trivial
In the aftermath of the Connecticut school shootings, Bill reflects on covering sports in difficult times.
Sports Welfare: Your Tax Dollars At Play
Public financing of sports stadiums raises questions of the impact on communities surrounding the venues. Patrick Hruby wrote an article for the website Sports on Earth about his ideas of the negative side effects of such monumental spending. He joins Bill to discuss his rationale behind this argument.
Charlie Pierce: Sports News Of The Week
OAG analyst Charlie Pierce joins Bill to talk about developments in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, the suspension of Rutgers basketball coach Mike Rice, the future of the Big East Conference, and a giant lizard hanging around a golf tournament.
Psychological Impact Of A 107-2 Blowout
A high school basketball game this week ended in a score of 107-2, inspiring debate over mercy rules, coaching, and the psychological toll of blowouts on the athletes. Dr. Daniel Gould of Michigan State University joins Bill to discuss how athletes deal with such losses.
Hong Kong Horse Racing Fans Bet 10.6B A Year
An urban horse race track in Hong Kong has a deep history dating back to British rule. OAG’s Charlie Schroeder brings us the story of Happy Valley.
Knicks Restore NBA Hype In New York
The New York Knicks won a close game against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, solidifying their seat atop the Eastern Conference and their status as one of the hottest teams in basketball. Howard Beck, who covers the NBA for the ‘New York Times’, chats with Bill about what’s been working for the Knicks this season.
Cowboys & Steelers Lose Luster, Fans Stay Loyal
The Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers are formerly successful teams not finding success this season, but both teams still have plenty of fans. As the teams prepare to face off this weekend in Dallas, Bill talks with former and extended members of the OAG family about how they’re feeling.
Bounty Ruling Conspiracy Theories Called “Hilarious”
On Tuesday, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue ruled on the appeals of New Orleans Saints players implicated in the NFL bounty scandal. He disagreed with current commissioner Roger Goodell, saying the players should be reinstated and have their fines vacated. Bill talks with Slate Magazine’s Executive Editor Josh Levin about the politics of the decision.
