Why should authoritarian regimes in China and the Middle East have all the fun? (Also: Larson vs. Verstappen, Penske vs. Palou.)
Off the Lake: Héctor Neris Didn’t Work Out
That happens with relievers. Also: Soldier Field’s grass, Garrett Crochet’s upside, and Angel Reese is back to setting records.
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.
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.
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.
Off the Lake: Mallory Swanson’s Husband Is Heating Up
Plus a White Sox managerial candidate and whether Haason Reddick makes sense for the Bears.
Off the Lake: A Cubs/White Sox All-Star Team Wouldn’t Win 90 Games
It would also feature very few White Sox. Thoughts on the weekend series, Caleb Williams’s preseason debut, and Lonzo Ball playing 5-on-5.
Stu’s Notes: What if Team USA Had Caitlin Clark?
What could have been.
Stu’s Notes: The Latest Football Helmet Innovation Is a Game-Changer
Concussions? Oh, we’ve got concussions alright. Also: Austin Riley respects NASCAR, Steve Kerr respects Serbia, and we’re worried about Dan Campbell.
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.
Joe’s Notes: Sherrone Moore’s Penalty and Jim Harbaugh’s Legacy
What a Sherrone Moore suspension would mean for Michigan, what Jim Harbaugh did to Jim Harbaugh’s legacy, and a lot of Olympics and baseball from the last few days.
Off the Lake: Will the White Sox’ Losing Streak Set the MLB Record?
We look at the numbers. Then: Why the streak’s happening, the Cubs’ dramatic weekend, Keenan Allen extension talk, the nonexistent Vučević market, and a Blackhawks comparison from AL Central.
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.
Off the Lake: DJ Moore Extended, Jameson Taillon Stays Put
The Bears did something smart. The Cubs probably did too. The White Sox? Maybe. The Bulls? Never. Garrett Crochet’s agents? Absolutely not.
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.
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.