What changed to make UConn a Big 12 option, and other happenings since the last notes.
Stu’s Notes: Did Christian Yelich Quit on His Team?
We aren’t talking about his back. Also: The Clippers opened their new arena and the European NIT rages on.
Joe’s Notes: What Just Happened at Rutgers?
An unexpected resignation brings big questions around New York’s Big Ten team.
Off the Lake: The Cubs’ Schedule Is Easy, But Not Easy Enough
How much the easiest remaining MLB schedule is worth. Also: Kenneth Lofton Jr. is a bull.
College Football Already Has an NIT
Responding to comments made by the Mountain West commissioner.
Good Things Shrewing: Notre Dame Swimmers Were Gambling
Also: The Peacock docuseries, basketball’s Spanish tour, the start of soccer season, and Deuce Knight’s recruitment.
Stu’s Notes: The Little League World Series Got Worse. Here’s Why That Matters.
It’s been a bad twenty years for youth baseball.
Joe’s Notes: The Bright Side for J.J. McCarthy
The nice thing about knee surgery. Also: Betts and Rodríguez return, belated Steph Curry praise, and the latest NCAA lawsuits.
Joe’s Notes: Revenue Sharing and Reverse Realignment
College football players are going to get paid. Could that lead to a return of regionality? Also: Baseball, more baseball, Jim Harbaugh, and women’s basketball.
BFN: Texas’s SEC Friends, Enemies, and Frenemies
Finding the Longhorns their allies in this brave new world.
Joe’s Notes: Why Jerry Reinsdorf and Politicians Don’t Behave Strategically
Winning doesn’t have to matter if losers still get to play the game. Also: Howard basketball, the Aiyuk trade rumors, and some Yankees weather.
Stu’s Notes: Sports Are the Point of Sports
Why people are weirdos for getting mad at Leigh Diffey, and plenty more from your local NIT blogger.
Stu’s Notes: The Coolest American Athlete in Every Sport
From Simone Biles to George Kittle.
Joe’s Notes: Why We Don’t Watch Olympic Sports Outside of the Olympics
Three theories, and the role of college sports.
The Song From the Big Ten Commercial
Everything we know about “Silver Lining” by Guards.
Stu’s Notes: An MLB Vibe Check as August Dawns
The best vibes and the White Sox, plus some Olympic thoughts, some Las Vegas college basketball criticism, and someone else’s tribute to Tim Wakefield.
Joe’s Notes: The MLB Playoff Picture After the Trade Deadline
Where every team’s chances stand, thoughts on the noteworthy trades, and how the Rays got their stadium in St. Petersburg.
Stu’s Notes: Who Had a Worse Week – Jayson Tatum or Reese McGuire?
Poor dudes. Also: Tom Crean’s legacy, Chase Budinger’s social life, and whether second base is a position to be proud of.