The Ups and Downs of 2023
Fred, Art, and Fred’s cousin Andy Baran discuss the ups and downs of sports in 2023. Has the transfer portal and NIL rendered most bowl games unimportant except for the big ones? Will the NIL increase gambling? Is Oregon’s Bo Nix playing in the Liberty Bowl? Should USC’s Miller Moss get more credit for his achievements? Will the Rose Bowl victory go to Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines or Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide? And are print newspapers and magazines on the road to extinction?
Are More Big Names Coming to Los Angeles?
Fred, Art, and Mark are still reeling over the shelving of multi-Emmy Award-winning Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Will another network snap up the show, or could other journalists who also feel strongly about reporting important issues pick up Gumble’s mantle? Is Sean McVay rallying the Rams to a possible playoff berth? Has Andrew Friedman’s willingness to spend the big bucks inspired another LA team to do the same? And are Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs overdue for a win?
How the Transfer Portal Has Turned College Football on its Head
Fred, Art, And Mark wonder why athletes are allowed to leave through the transfer portal before bowl games even start. Why aren’t there any stipulations about completing the season before moving on? Will Dante Moore’s four years of eligibility give him an advantage over Cameron Ward’s one with Ohio State? Will Rob Manfred’s deferral of Shohei Ohtani’s enormous salary benefit the Dodgers? And what is behind Al Michaels’ replacement in calling the playoffs?
Will the College Football Playoff Format Change to Include More Teams?
Fed and Art debate the wisdom of the current number of college football teams that are considered eligible to be in the playoffs. Is a change in the format on the horizon? How will the UCLA Bruins cope against Boise State in the LA Bowl with the loss of Dante Moore and their defensive coordinator? What tempted John Rahm to leave the PGA for the LIV? Will Shohei Ohtani end up in Toronto? And is Taylor Swift’s banner year giving the NFL an unexpected touch of glam?
What’s Happening to Sports Journalism?
Fred and Art question Sports Illustrated‘s choice of Deion Sanders as Sports Person of the Year. Has his controversial first-year coaching style, as well as Colorado’s losing record, warranted the accolade? Is sports journalism becoming a shadow of its former self, with periodicals like SI and USA Today Sports Weekly reducing their output? What does Mark Cuban have in mind for the Mavericks? And will Brandon Staley continue to call LA home after this season?
Mourning the Loss of Real Sports
Fred, Art, and Mark lament the cancellation of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel after 29 years on the air. Is it the money or a move away from hard-hitting reporting that factored into HBO’s decision? Will Jim Harbaugh’s continued suspension affect Michigan in their 118th rivalry game with Ohio State and will Marvin Harrison Jr. lead the Buckeyes to a win? And how big is Lance Lynn’s one-year paycheck for re-signing with the Cardinals?
Lack of Disclosure in the NFL Gambling Process
Fred and Art consider the gambling problem in the NFL and a decided lack of transparency in reporting injuries that affect how sports betting is conducted. What is Roger Goodell’s position on the matter? When did Joe Burrow really hurt his arm? Is Deshaun Watson dealing with karma? Will Sean McVay surprise the Seahawks with another Rams win? And can Travis Kelce’s love story translate into winning energy in the afterglow of his vacay in South America?
The Sexiest Man in the NFL?
Fred and Art contemplate whether or not Travis Kelce is considered the sexiest man in football at the moment, and if so, is it on his own merit or because of his girlfriend? Will Deebo Samuel be just what the 49ers need after three straight losses? Was Michigan “scouting” and not signal-stealing? What will happen to Jim Harbaugh? And should Bronny James sit out this season to fully heal after his cardiac arrest and subsequent heart surgery?
Do Big Sports Price Tags Leave Fans Out in the Cold?
Fred, Art, and Mark wonder what lies ahead for the LA Clippers with James Harden joining the team. Will his big personality stir up some controversy? Could Cody Bellinger move a little closer to LA next season? Can fans afford to watch sports? Are Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football facing heavy sanctions for their alleged sign stealing? And is Damar Hamlin going to be on the field with the Bills in Cincinnati?
How About Those Quarterbacks?
Fred, Art, and Mark focus on the guys in charge of the offense on the gridiron, the quarterbacks, speculating how well-matched they are against their opponents this week. With his strong completion record, is Bo Nix up to the challenge as Oregon meets Washington? Can Tua Tagovailoa resist the pressure from the Patriots at home in Miami? Is Kirk Cousins the Vikings’ secret weapon? And will Tyrod Taylor be the winning QB in the battle of the NY teams?
