The shootings in Newtown, Conn. on Friday did not have a direct connection to sports. However, the tragedy generated a lot of reaction among athletes and coaches, some thoughtful, some touching. Only A Game’s Doug Tribou looks at a few of the tributes to the victims at Sandy Hook Elementary.
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.
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.
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.
In Kansas City and elsewhere, the business of the NFL continues despite the murder and suicide committed by Jovan Belcher of the Chiefs. The events of last Saturday left Bill Littlefield with a question.
Charlie Pierce joins Bill this week to discuss this week’s sports news including MLB Hall of Fame options, NCAA conference changes, and broken streaks.
Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah grew up playing soccer in Ghana, dreamed of playing NBA basketball, ran track at Brigham Young, and now plays football. He’s also a likely first-round NFL draft pick. Jeff Benedict profiled Ansah for Sports Illustrated. Both Ansah and Benedict join Bill to discuss a highly unusual path to sports success.
Bill Littlefield responds to comments from listeners about last week’s show.
Analyst Charlie Pierce joins us to discuss baseball’s Cy Young Award winners and the salary-dump trade that’s becoming commonplace for the Miami Marlins. He also comments on the L.A. Lakers’ choice for head coach and Tim Tebow’s role with the New York Jets.
Darryl Henley made a name for himself as an NFL cornerback before he was sent to federal prison. Michael McKnight’s book ‘Intercepted’ details Henley’s path from football to a botched drug run to a 41-year prison sentence. McKnight spoke with Bill about the former NFL player’s life.
