It’s more than the assault allegations. Also: The Bears try to get softer, Nick Saban inches towards professional wrestling, and a study on Target Field’s target.
Joe’s Notes: Trade Deadlines and Inefficient Markets
The odd economics of trades in professional sports. Also: Ranking the Boras Four, the Bulls’ empty deadline, and looking towards Opening Day.
Joe’s Notes: Dartmouth Basketball, a Union, and Employment in College Sports
What to make of yesterday’s ruling. Also: Is Tony Bennett a good coach? Are the Packers winning the offseason? And why the Cubs’ projections are, unfortunately, not wrong.
Stu’s Notes: The Risky Thing About Nepotism
Florida State has made an interesting accusation. Also: What’s up with the Kelces, Doc Rivers is 0–1, and we have thoughts on wheelchair pickleball.
Joe’s Notes: Why Is the NCAA Trying to Enforce NIL Rules?
Tennessee’s under investigation. Also: Ben Johnson chooses happiness, Kelvin Sampson might be the offense problem, and the Big 12 football schedule has arrived.
Stu’s Notes: Tom Brady Is Bailing Out Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen is getting moved to the best position in sports. Also: We address the UNC issue, we explore Villanova history, and we ask whether we should care about the 24-hour race at Daytona.
Joe’s Notes: Understanding Brock Purdy
The quarterback is the same as he was as a freshman in college. He’s also, paradoxically, still getting better. Also: The fourth down calls, LMU cuts six sports, and Washington State should focus on basketball.
Stu’s Notes: Is Ed Cooley Even a Good Coach?
Being good with people is only part of the job. Also: Joe Kelly’s Nobel Prize candidacy, Yasiel Puig’s innocence, and when do the Jared Goff chants get old?
Joe’s Notes: What Luka’s 73-Point Night Says About Our Children
The three-point shot is generational. Also: The NFL’s next great QB debate, Iowa State hosts Kansas, and the Big Ten’s new tournament format.
Stu’s Notes: Yet Another Massive College Football Transition
They’re replacing the hedges in Athens. Also: Luka vs. Zion vs. food, a coed idea for Team USA, Nick Dunlap Bust Watch, and a potential Game of the NITe of the Year.
Stu’s Notes: The Hall of Fame Is Doing Just Fine
Cooperstown will eventually admit steroid users. For now, enjoy what we have. Also: Hockey Canada clarity, more court storming, Chicago vs. Hiroshima, and—as always—the Game of the NITe.
Joe’s Notes: Mike McCarthy Is Not a Bad Coach
Firing McCarthy would be like hiring Rodney Terry. Also: What each remaining team needs to do to make this year a success, and Alabama’s talent flow.
Stu’s Notes: Michigan Needs to Make Jim Harbaugh Know He’s Loved
Michigan’s effort to retain a champion, plus: Ohio State is losing too fast, Texas can’t read, Bulls fans got the wrong Jerry, and we can’t not love Dan Campbell.
Joe’s Notes: Wild Card Weekend Desperation Rankings
Who needs this Super Bowl the most, and…Washington’s DeBoer replacement, what FSU did, load management and baseball, and the Australian Open.
Stu’s Notes: An NIT Renaissance in Spokane?
Also: Arch Manning Bust Watch, Matthew Stafford vs. the moon, home-field by latitude, and Oregon likes cheese.
Joe’s Notes: Who’s Next for Alabama?
A congratulation to Nick Saban, then: speculation on his replacement, speculation on the new college football power structure, bracketology thoughts, and the Cubs’ big day.
NIT Stu’s 32 Predictions for 2024
An NIT champion, Joe Kelly’s ceiling, and the largest earthquake produced by that fault line situation in Missouri.
Stu’s Notes: What the NIT Can Learn From the Pop-Tarts Bowl
We can’t stop thinking about it. Also: the Game of the NITe of the Weekend; how I would rig a bowl game, and what if free agents hate Craig Counsell?