Tag: sports

Wisdom that Caught My Eye and Brain

900,000 vs 9.

It takes about 900,000 minutes to become a board-certified dermatologist. At that point, you might be very skilled and well-informed.

It takes less than nine minutes to make your patient feel seen, understood and reassured.

If you skip the 9 minutes, you wasted the 900,000.

Seth Godin

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Late Night is Dying Because of the Format Not The Hosts

With the death of vaudeville and variety shows, you can observe how new technologies change the economic landscape of media and narrow viewers’ tastes. With vaudeville, it was motion pictures, and with variety shows, it was cable TV. With late-night, it’s playing out over the internet and social media.

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Gambling Is Killing Sports and Consuming America

Gambling doesn’t just sponsor sports games. It shapes them, deciding which matchups are worth watching and how players are covered. Gambling doesn’t just buy ads. It owns sports networks, producing shows that prod fans to bet ever more.

Today, the gambling companies wield far more power over sports than the leagues or team owners ever did. News media outlets have criticized commissioners, players and executives for decades. But I can’t recall a single major sports broadcast program or publication willing to take gambling companies on directly. My friends in sports journalism tell me this is the one topic they can’t speak up about — not without risking their careers.

Joon Lee

Fickle Finger of Hate

I find it totally fascinating how sports fans demand perfection in games that don’t matter and patience in affairs that do. A coach can fall quickly out a favor with fickle fans and lose their jobs instantly when their teams underperform often unrealistic expectations, while the chief executive of this country, despite a calamity of losses and fumbles with far greater consequences to the public than games over a much longer period of time, keeps his.

EAB 10/12/25

To Lob or Not to Lob

There are five dreaded labels in the pickleball world that no one wants to wear: sandbagger, hooker (that’s a cheater on line calls, for the uninitiated), poacher, banger, and—my personal cross to bear—lobber.

Now, I can’t speak for the first four, but I’ve earned a reputation for being that last one. Yes, I lob. Sometimes more than once. Occasionally more than “socially acceptable.”

One of my partners recently suggested that I might want to cut back. Apparently, I’ve been annoying some of my fellow players. The eye rolls and glares haven’t escaped me, and I’ll admit I’ve even apologized a few times for exceeding the unofficial “lob quota.”

But here’s the thing: the lob is not the weak, outdated, sneaky shot it was once considered. Years ago, pros and commentators sneered at it. You almost never saw it on the big stage. Today? Pros lob often, and they lob well. It’s a legitimate strategy—a way to reset a point or outwit opponents who camp at the kitchen line like they’ve paid rent there.

At 73, I don’t have the hand speed or footwork of a 30-year-old tournament player. Just as a pitcher with a fading fastball learns to mix in more curveballs and off-speed junk, I mix in more lobs. For me, it’s both a survival tool and an offensive weapon.

If I lob you, take it as a compliment: it means I think you’re good enough to deserve it.

That said, I try to be mindful. I don’t lob against beginners, players with mobility challenges, or anyone who tells me they just don’t want to chase them down. I do not use the sun as my secret doubles partner, I do my best not to lob into it deliberately. (Though, if I see a wide-open chance for a clean winner? Sorry, I’m taking it. I’m not that saintly.)

At this point in my pickleball journey, I want opponents to bring their best game against me—lobs, drop shots, body-bag drives, all of it. It’s part of what makes pickleball fun and unpredictable. And when the day comes that I can no longer compete, I’ll gladly hang up my paddle and write about pickleball instead of playing it. Or maybe I’ll take up chess—where, mercifully, no one will complain about a well-timed lob

Review: On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports by Christine Brennan

On Her Game is a compelling homage to Caitlin Clark, the dazzling college basketball star whose impact on women’s sports has transcended the court. In just four years at the University of Iowa, Clark became a national phenomenon: a 3.64 GPA marketing major, multiple-time All-American, record-setting scorer, and the face of a sport in transformation. She led her team to the Final Four, sold out arenas, and inspired young fans—both girls and boys—to wear her jersey.

Clark’s influence extended beyond basketball. With millions in endorsement deals, a sharp media presence, and a spotless off-court reputation, she quickly became a symbol of excellence and marketability in women’s sports. Articulate, humble, and team-oriented, she embraced her role as an ambassador of the game with poise.

So why has Clark—and this book—stirred controversy?

Christine Brennan, a veteran journalist with a well-earned reputation for fairness, explores the complex cultural tensions that have surrounded Clark’s rise. She notes that Clark’s identity as a white, attractive, straight woman in a league where many stars are Black and openly gay has led to resentment in some quarters. A handful of critics—players, coaches, and analysts—dismissed her collegiate dominance and questioned whether her game would translate to the pros. Early in her WNBA career, she faced not only physically intense defenses but also moments that bordered on bullying.

Some veteran players treated her with noticeable coldness. I draw parallels to the experience of Pete Maravich, another flamboyant scorer whose transition from college to the pros in 1970 was also met with skepticism and envy—particularly from Black teammates and established NBA stars who resented the media attention he received.

Interestingly, Brennan herself came under fire from some WNBA figures who accused her of pushing an agenda. Yet her reporting includes attempts to speak with those critical of Clark, many of whom declined to go on record. Brennan does not shy away from addressing racial dynamics, including examples of racism aimed at Clark. She also argues that leaving Clark off the 2024 U.S. Olympic team was a mistake—one that speaks more to league politics than performance.

Brennan’s book is sharp, fair, and timely. It raises important questions about race, gender, power, and the uneasy growing pains of a league adjusting to sudden mainstream attention.

As a fan of Caitlin Clark, I found On Her Game to be both informative and affirming. I hope Clark continues to thrive in the WNBA and that the league’s leadership recognizes the opportunity she represents. Stars like Clark don’t come along often—and when they do, they have the power to elevate not just a team or a league, but an entire sport.

Under the Influence…

Shown below is a short list of journalists, writers and media types, whose opinions I value. I may not agree with all their conclusions or analysis, but I will take the time to consider them.

Late additions to my Political Influencers list: Jon Meacham, Chrystia Freeland, George Will, Jessica Tarlov, Kaitlyn Collins, Garry Trudeau and Jennifer Griffin (sole Fox News journalist).

President Trump is systematically severing America from the globe. This is not simply a shift in foreign policy. It is a divorce so comprehensive that it makes Britain’s exit from the European Union look modest by comparison.

Consider the breadth of this effort. Allies have been treated like adversaries. The United States has withdrawn from international agreements on fundamental issues like health and climate change. A “nation of immigrants” now deports people without due process, bans refugees and is trying to end birthright citizenship. Mr. Trump’s tariffs have upended the system of international trade, throwing up new barriers to doing business with every country on Earth. Foreign assistance has largely been terminated. So has support for democracy abroad. Research cuts have rolled back global scientific research and cooperation. The State Department is downsizing. Exchange programs are on the chopping block. Global research institutions like the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Wilson Center have been effectively shut down. And, of course, the United States is building a wall along its southern border.

100 Days. That’s All It Took to Sever America From the World. Ben Rhodes NYT 4/27/25

In a poll from Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos, Trump’s standing was the lowest of any president in the first 100 days of his term since 1945, with 39% saying they approve of his job performance while 55% disapprove. As much as I am upset about Trump’s poor performance, as president, I am even more angry that 39% of Americans could possibly approve of his job performance. What kind of grading curve are these people on!? However, I am reminded that even in the ruins of Germany in April 1945 that many Germans still supported Adolf Hitler.

Remote Rants

Daryl Morey was supposed to be the General Manager genius who would push the 76ers to a NBA world championship. Instead, the team is locked into an inescapable contract salary straitjacket that not even Houdini can breakthrough. Suggest Sixers walk across Pattison Ave and talk to the GM who knows how to build championship teams.

Joel Embiid and Paul George are toast. Current biggest concern: Tyrese Maxey does not burn out from carrying team on his back.

Fire Nick Nurse? Nah! Red Auerbach could not improve win-loss record given lack of talent.

If Nick Nurse is fired or quits, I’d try to hire the current Detroit Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff.

Only Cooper Flagg from Duke looks like a player worth going into the tank for in the draft.

Last 10 #1 NBA Drafts and My Performance Grades on their Careers

Karl-Anthony Towns (A)

Ben Simmons (D-)

Markelle Fultz (D)

Deandre Ayton (C)

Zion Williamson (C+)

Anthony Edwards (A+)

Cade Cunningham (B-)

Paolo Banchero (A)

Victor Wembanyama (A)

Zaccharie Risacher N/A)

Note: the two lowest draft grades belong to 76ers first round picks…

Not overwhelmed yet with either Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey from Rutgers, who are projected as #2 and 3 NBA draft picks. Overrated? Maybe. They certainly show potential but I’d rather see them play another year of college ball to sharpen their games even if it was not at Rutgers.

At the start of the college basketball season, I was hoping that Rutgers would mimic the success of the 1976 team that made it to the Final Four. Very disappointed that they are struggling just to make the play in playoff game in the Big Ten tournament.

Fran Dunphy is retiring after stints at Penn, Temple and LaSalle. In the “Big Five Mount Rushmore” of coaches, he would be along Jay Wright of Villanova, Jack Ramsey of Saint Joseph and John Cheney of Temple. Jay Wright is easily the GOAT of Big Five coaches.

I watch many pro and college basketball games with the volume muted as the analysts are so poor and boring.

Best play by play and announce team for college basketball ever:
Dick Enberg and Al McGuire (1970-80s)

Line Calls

When I don’t play pickleball, I write about it…

I Saw the Light
Still playing “lights out”—literally—at St. Matt’s pickleball. No word yet on when the new lights will be installed. Despite the dim conditions, meetups remain popular, with players showing up under less-than-ideal circumstances.

It’s Not You, It’s Me
Like speed dating, partner switching in professional pickleball has become the norm. Even Ben and Colin Johns, dominant champions for years, are splitting up in 2025 to pursue new partnerships. Many pros are following suit, aiming for gold medals and bigger paydays. Pair splitting also happens at the recreational level, but with much less drama.

Offers I Could Refuse
PickleballTV, the online media service, now offers subscriptions: $5.99/month or $59.99/year. While I enjoy watching pickleball online, PickleballTV doesn’t yet match the production quality of Tennis Channel. From a business perspective, it feels premature to charge for a service that’s still refining its offerings.

Meanwhile, MeetUp has introduced MeetUp+ with subscription features that were previously free. Since being acquired by Bending Spoons last year, the platform feels outdated and in need of a refresh—not exactly a premium experience worth the added cost.

What Goes Up, Must Come Down
Pickleball’s growth is impressive, but industry players should tread carefully. If I were a paddle manufacturer, coach, or facility owner, I’d focus on competitive pricing, branding and quality. Just like the stock market, a “correction” could be on the horizon, forcing adjustments in strategy.

Crystal Ball Outlook
An analysis of DUPR scores shows the median player rating at 3.29, meaning half of players score higher and half lower. I predict the median will rise to around 3.50 in the next five years as younger players pick up the sport in schools and colleges.

To Lob or Not to Lob—No Longer the Question
Lobbing in pickleball can be as polarizing as playing with the sun in your eyes or battling high winds. Offensive lobs are often seen as unfair and even risky in social games, where players can injure themselves chasing down balls. I’ve decided to reserve lobs for defensive purposes in casual matches, but in a competitive game, all bets are off!

Takin’ Care of Business
The business side of pickleball risks overshadowing the sport itself. Pro pickleball is a mess, with issues like financial instability, disputes over illegal paddles, ever-changing rules, and player misconduct. Thankfully, the recreational game has largely been insulated from these woes—for now.

Three Best Pickleball Podcasts

  • King of the Court with Tyler Loong and Jimmy Miller
  • PicklePod with Zane Navratil and Thomas Shields
  • Tennis Sucks with Travis Rettenmaier and Graham D’Amico

12 Fearless 2025 Predictions

I looked back on my 2024 predictions and though I did nail that Joe Biden would withdraw from running for President. I did not guess correctly that Donald Trump would also withdraw and with a pardon. Despite my predictions, Twitter did not go dark and the Russia-Ukraine war did not end. I did not fare well in my sports predictions.

However, I am back with my 2025 predictions. My crystal ball looks a bit gloomy and stormy…

Image by AI
  1. With a cabinet with incompetent and mediocre appointees by President Trump, brace for turmoil during any emergency or major national issue. Expect significant mismanagement in response to natural disasters (hurricanes) or medical crises (epidemics), resulting in widespread public frustration and delays in assistance.
  2. I expect an unsatisfactory resolution in 2025 to the Ukraine-Russia war now that Trump is President. I anticipate a huge FU to our European allies who have made significant economic and financial sacrifices who have assisted Ukraine. My sense is that Europe and NATO will have little influence or say how the war is resolved.
  3. The mainstream press will continue to erode. Layoffs among journalists will rise, and investigative reporting will wane due to mounting fears of libel lawsuits. The result? A media landscape increasingly dominated by shallow reporting and sensationalism with declining viewership and subscription.
  4. With America’s collective attention span shrinking, network TV shows, many sports events (including the NBA), and news programs will see further declines in audience engagement. Streaming platforms and niche content will solidify their dominance as traditional formats struggle.
  5. Iran is poised for more liberal reforms. Humiliated by its ongoing struggles with Israel and diminishing influence in the Middle East, internal pressures will drive gradual social and political changes, signaling a shift away from strict authoritarianism.
  6. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will become engaged this year. Hedging my bets if this means they will get married.
  7. The 76ers will inch into the play-in round of the NBA Championship playoffs where they will lose in the first round. Joel Embiid will not play due to injury. Process #2 begins with the firing of Nick Nurse and the trade of Embiid after the season.
  8. Christianity in America will increasingly shift focus from spiritual worship to political and cultural conservatism. Expect legislation at both state and federal levels aiming to roll back rights on abortion, birth control, and civil rights for LGBTQ individuals, women, and racial minorities, with the Supreme Court playing a pivotal role.
  9. 2025 will bring further credible evidence of extraterrestrial activity. Governments worldwide will grapple with the implications, leading to heightened discussions about national security and military preparedness in the face of potential unknown threats.
  10. Neither current NFL favorites, Kansas City or Detroit will win the 2025 Super Bowl.
  11. There will be similar concerns about Donald Trump’s physical and mental decline similar to the experiences about Joe Biden. Joe’s issues were obfuscated by the First Lady, Jill. Trump will have not have similar cover from Melania.
  12. With increasing dissatisfaction among Democrats and moderates, a new third-party movement will gain momentum, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the two-party system, but it will face significant hurdles in gaining electoral traction.









Pigskin Punditry

From my couch seat, I must admit that I find college football to be more entertaining and interesting than watching professional football.

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I read and enjoyed Why We Love Football: A History in 100 Moments by Joe Posnanski. Here is my quick review of the book:

Brief capsules (1-4 pages) of 100 pro, college and high school football moments that makes the sport special. Five of the 100 moments were about the Philadelphia Eagles: 1. Chuck Bednarik’s hit on NY Giants Frank Gifford; 2. Fans throwing snowballs at Santa; 3. Miracle at the Meadowlands (Herman Edwards returning late game fumble vs Giants); 4. DeSean Jackson returning late game punt vs. Giants; and 5. Philly Special from the Super Bowl game vs. the Patriots.

There are a lot of great stories, some deserving of additional length and elaboration. For this football fan of many decades, it was a quick nostalgic trip through my memories of memorable football experiences.

I would be interested in reading his similar themed book on baseball based on how I enjoyed this work.

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If Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns tried out as QB for the University of Texas, he might make fourth string.
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Cleveland could be a three point underdog if they played Texas.

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Nick Sirianni has not made many friends among the local and national media or the football fans of the Philadelphia Eagles. There are calls to fire Sirianni now and not let him finish the season. But who would replace him? Is there a “coach in waiting” on the Eagles staff? Some experts are touting Bill Bellichek but I think he is an awful fit for the football culture in Philadelphia. I expect with the talent and relatively easy schedule the Eagles have, they should make the playoffs. If they don’t, then let’s revisit Siranni’s tenure in Philly.

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I read an article by a Temple alumnus who feels that the university should terminate its college football program because of the very poor on-field results and the lack of support and attendance from students, alumni and football fans. I concur. I also think that Rutgers University football should take a step or two back. I am not at the point where they should stop playing football, but they should consider competing at a lower level. I am not sure what football conference is appropriate for the school, but the Big 10 was and still remains a gigantic leap of faith. Possibly the greatest challenge for Rutgers football is finding a quarterback that you can build an offense around. In the 30–40 years that I have been watching Rutgers football, I can only recall maybe two, maybe three quarterbacks, who were good. The rest have been largely mediocre or awful. I recall many years ago being at a high school football game where a Rutgers coach was scouting for a quarterback. I did not think that any of the quarterbacks playing on the two teams were good enough to be recruited for a major college football program and expressed that to him. I made a suggestion to the coach about another local player who did wind up playing at a Division I school at quarterback. I hope that the Rutgers scouting program has improved greatly since that time.

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