The US government has offered to set a Russian prisoner called The Merchant of Death free in exchange for Brittney Griner and another American prisoner being held in Russia. Griner is non-violent and has served the time for her crime, but the criminal that Russia is asking for in return is a gun runner. Is the decision to consider this trade one aimed at gaining political points, as opposed to one based on logic and what is right?

Andrew Benintendi is now a NY Yankee, but he is unvaccinated. He is ineligible to play in Canada because of his status, alongside other MLB players who have had to sit out games with Canadian teams for the same reason. The Yankees are on a winning path, but his participation in the playoffs is at risk should they make it to that point. Is that being fair to his teammates? Will Benintendi decide to get vaccinated for the chance at a World Series title?

In a move to help the Philadelphia 76ers, basketball player James Harden has taken a pay cut as an opportunity to prove himself and free up more money for the 76ers to afford to bring on more talent. Are other NBA players taking the opposite tack and only agreeing to the maximum salary they can get, or they won’t play? Has Kevin Durant’s request to leave the Brooklyn Nets in a trade to the Boston Celtics come any closer to happening? Will he be satisfied with what the Celtics offer, or will he have to be content to finish out his contract with the Nets?

Brent Musburger has stepped down as commentator for the Raiders but will keep his hand in broadcasting by joining a local radio network in Las Vegas. He has brought a lot of dramatic storytelling to otherwise ordinary games in a career spanning five decades and across all sports. Will his replacement be able to fill such legendary shoes?

Email Fred and Art with questions and comments at sportsfred@aol.com.