Columns

History Joins The 49ers In Opposing Ray Lewis

9:09am January 31, 2013

by Frank Deford

It's rare in sport for someone to declare that this will be the finale and then go out a winner, says commentator Frank Deford. But, on Sunday, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis hopes to do just that.

Queue Listen Now

'Ebony' Editor Began Life Black In Nazi Germany

5:36pm January 26, 2013

by Scott Simon

Long before becoming managing editor of Ebony magazine, Hans Massaquoi yearned to be a Hitler Youth. His rare story came to an end when Massaquoi died this week at the age of 87.

Queue Listen Now

Sports

Sports Calendar's Black Hole Gives Us Time To Reflect On Sportswriters

8:13am January 23, 2013

by Frank Deford

Aside from basketball, it's a pretty quiet sports week, which means, it's a pretty quiet week for sportswriters. Commentator Frank Deford says it's a perfect opportunity to recognize their work, and cut them some slack.

Queue Listen Now

Love Of Football May Kick America Down The Path Of Ruination

5:37am January 16, 2013

by Frank Deford

Enthusiasm for sport can be a convenient cover to excuse the worst in us, says Frank Deford, because concussions for young men are the price of our love for football.

Queue Listen Now

Cheating Might Buy Home Runs, But No Hall Of Fame

1:23pm January 14, 2013

by Scott Simon

NPR's Scott Simon muses on momentous news this week — the Baseball Writers Association elected no one to the Hall of Fame. The shutout might be a classic reminder that cheating sometimes brings quick riches, but it can't buy respect.

Queue Listen Now

Roll of dollars on a blackboard with football strategy planning.

Sports

New Jersey Tries To Horn In On Nevada's Gambling Turf

11:16am January 02, 2013

by Frank Deford

Sports betting happens every day. But betting on the outcome of a professional game is legal only in Nevada because of a 1992 federal law. Morning Edition's commentator says that's not just unconstitutional — it also defies the reality of illegal betting on sports.

Queue Listen Now

Visitors at the Chichen Itza archaeological park in Yucatan state, Mexico, celebrate the end of the Mayan calendar cycle. Even a failed apocalypse has value, in reminding us that life is fragile and unpredictable.

The Mayan Apocalypse: Worthwhile, In Hindsight

11:40am December 26, 2012

by Scott Simon

Yesterday came and went, but I never finished Ulysses. I never took up skydiving. Come to think of it, I didn't even really finish cleaning up my closet before the "Mayan Apocalypse." Yet even a failed apocalypse still has value, in reminding us that life is fleeting, fragile and unpredictable.

Queue Listen Now

Frank Deford says those who have the potential to reduce the gun violence are people who own guns and who are good sports.

Sports

Time For Gun Owners To Be Good Sports About Gun Restrictions

5:44am December 20, 2012

by Frank Deford

Americans possess too many firearms and nothing will change unless gun owners support the changes the president swears to promote, says commentator Frank Deford.

Queue Listen Now

NHL Lockout Leaves Fans Out In The Cold

7:44am December 12, 2012

by Frank Deford

Hockey fans are living their lives, going about their business, but their days are a little paler. Commentator Frank Deford says fans deserve a little sympathy when their sport is taken from them.

Queue Listen Now

Carl Pettersson of Sweden putts for birdie on the eighth hole during the final round of the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, S.C., in April. The long putter he uses is in danger of being banned.

Sports

Navel-Gazing: Why Golf Should Embrace Belly Putters

2:20pm December 05, 2012

by Frank Deford

In pro golf, oversized clubs and space-age balls have changed the game and altered venerable golf courses. But the honchos who run the sport are more concerned about the trend of golfers' resting a long putter against their belly.

Queue Listen Now